Air conditioner

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner capable of suppressing an increase in power consumption while maintaining a certain degree of comfort.SOLUTION: The air conditioner includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a refrigerant pipe, a compressor, an expansion valve, and a control part. The control unit is capable of executing a normal operation mode in which normal operation control is executed in which conditioned air is blown out from the indoor unit by controlling an operating frequency of the compressor in accordance with a set temperature set in the indoor unit and a room temperature of a room in which the indoor unit is installed, and a weak operation mode in which constant speed operation control is executed in which conditioned air is blown out from the indoor unit by controlling the compressor at a constant speed operating frequency that is lower than a maximum operating frequency that is possible in the normal operation control regardless of the room temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Air conditioners, such as air conditioners, regulate indoor temperatures by absorbing and releasing heat through the condensation and evaporation of a refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle. For example, during cooling operation, the refrigerant condenses in an outdoor heat exchanger (condenser) and evaporates in an indoor heat exchanger (evaporator). During heating operation, the refrigerant evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger (evaporator) and condenses in the indoor heat exchanger (condenser). The conditioned air, whose temperature has been adjusted by heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger, is then blown into the room from the indoor unit, thereby regulating the indoor temperature. In this case, the compressor, which heats and pressurizes the refrigerant and sends it to the heat exchanger, is controlled according to the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature for the indoor unit. For example, when the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature, the compressor is temporarily stopped (turned off), and then resumed (turned on) when the indoor temperature deviates from the set temperature by more than a predetermined temperature. As a result, the indoor temperature is controlled to be maintained near the set temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-318134 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, control that repeatedly turns the compressor (air conditioner) on and off causes an increase in power consumption (electricity charges), which is undesirable from the perspective of operating the air conditioner.

[0005] One example of a problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can suppress an increase in power consumption while maintaining a certain level of comfort. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An air conditioning apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, refrigerant piping, a compressor, an expansion valve, and a control unit. The indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor blower fan. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger and an outdoor blower fan. The refrigerant piping connects the indoor heat exchangers and allows refrigerant to flow through. The compressor is provided in the outdoor unit and compresses the refrigerant with a variably controllable operating frequency. The expansion valve is provided in the outdoor unit. The control unit executes air conditioning operation based on the refrigerant flow pattern. This control unit is capable of executing a normal operation mode in which normal operation control is performed to blow conditioned air from the indoor unit by controlling the operating frequency of the compressor in accordance with the set temperature set in the indoor unit and the room temperature of the room in which the indoor unit is installed, and a weak operation mode in which constant speed operation control is performed to blow conditioned air from the indoor unit by controlling the compressor at a constant constant speed operation frequency that is lower than the highest operating frequency possible with the normal operation control regardless of the room temperature, and when the weak operation mode is selected by the user, the constant speed operation control is maintained for a predetermined period after the constant speed operation control is executed.

[0007] Furthermore, when performing the constant speed operation control, the control unit of the air conditioning apparatus may set the constant speed operation frequency to a frequency lower than the intermediate frequency between the maximum operation frequency and the minimum operation frequency of the compressor, for example.

[0008] Furthermore, the control unit of the air conditioning device may be configured to, for example, switch the control state to the normal operation control when the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than a first threshold temperature when the weak operation mode is selected, the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and the constant speed operation control is being executed.

[0009] Furthermore, the control unit of the air conditioning device may, for example, when the weak operation mode is selected and the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and the normal operation control is executed, switch the control state to the constant speed operation control if the room temperature becomes equal to or lower than a second threshold temperature due to the normal operation control.

[0010] Furthermore, the control unit of the air conditioning device may stop operation of the compressor when the room temperature falls below a third threshold temperature, for example, when the weak operation mode is selected, the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and the constant speed operation control is being executed.

[0011] In addition, the control unit of the air conditioning device may, for example, when the weak operation mode is selected and the compressor is stopped, switch the control state to the constant speed operation control if the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than a fourth threshold temperature after the compressor is stopped.

[0012] Furthermore, the control unit of the air conditioning device may, for example, switch the control state to the normal operation control when the room temperature falls below a fifth threshold temperature when the weak operation mode is selected, the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the constant speed operation control is being executed.

[0013] Furthermore, the control unit of the air conditioning device may, for example, when the weak operation mode is selected, the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the normal operation control is executed, switch the control state to the constant speed operation control if the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than a sixth threshold temperature due to the normal operation control.

[0014] Furthermore, the control unit of the air conditioning device may stop operation of the compressor when the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than a seventh threshold temperature, for example, when the weak operation mode is selected, the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the constant speed operation control is being executed.

[0015] In addition, the control unit of the air conditioning device may, for example, when the weak operation mode is selected and the compressor is stopped, switch the control state to the constant speed operation control if the room temperature becomes equal to or lower than an eighth threshold temperature after the compressor is stopped.

[0016] Furthermore, the control unit of the air conditioning apparatus may be capable of variably controlling the air volume of the indoor blower fan while the constant speed operation control is being executed, for example.

[0017] Furthermore, the control unit of the air conditioner may be configured to cancel the setting of the low operation mode, for example, when operation of the air conditioner is stopped after the low operation mode is set.

[0018] Furthermore, when the control unit of the air conditioning device acquires a signal indicating weak cooling in the weak operation mode, for example, it may execute the constant speed operation control and start an operation in which the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser.

[0019] Furthermore, when the control unit of the air conditioning device acquires a signal indicating weak heating in the weak operation mode, for example, it may execute the constant speed operation control and start an operation in which the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator.

[0020] According to the air conditioner described above, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption while maintaining a certain level of comfort. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic block diagram showing the general configuration of an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the indoor unit in the embodiment, and showing a state in which the airflow direction plate is switched to the closed position. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the indoor unit in the embodiment, and showing a state in which the airflow direction plate is switched to the open position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exemplary schematic perspective view showing the outline configuration of the exterior of the indoor unit in the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exemplary schematic perspective view showing the appearance of an operation terminal in an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an illustrative diagram illustrating the difference in changes in room temperature between normal operation control and constant speed operation control during cooling operation in the air conditioner according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an illustrative diagram illustrating the difference in operating capacity between normal operation control and constant speed operation control during cooling operation in the air conditioner according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an illustrative diagram showing changes in room temperature when switching between constant speed operation control and normal operation control during cooling operation when the low operation mode is selected in the air conditioner according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an illustrative diagram showing changes in room temperature when switching between constant speed operation control and control stop during cooling operation when the low operation mode is selected in the air conditioner according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an illustrative diagram showing changes in room temperature when switching between constant speed operation control and normal operation control during heating operation when the low operation mode is selected in the air conditioner according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an illustrative diagram showing changes in room temperature when switching between constant speed operation control and control stop during heating operation when the low operation mode is selected in the air conditioner according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic block diagram showing the general configuration of an air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment, which is composed of an indoor unit 10 and an outdoor unit 120. As shown in FIG.

[0023] The air conditioning apparatus 1 has an operation terminal 94a, an indoor unit 10, and an outdoor unit 120. The indoor unit 10 is placed indoors, and the outdoor unit 120 is placed outdoors. The operation terminal 94a receives operation instructions from a living body CR (e.g., a user) present in the room and transmits commands to the indoor unit 10 in accordance with the received operation instructions. The operation terminal 94a is, for example, a remote controller. The operation terminal 94a may also be an external terminal device 94b such as a smartphone or tablet terminal device, or may be a personal computer. The operation terminal 94a may transmit commands to the indoor unit 10 via a network or a server connected to the network. The operation terminal 94a may have a button for commanding a set temperature. The button for commanding a set temperature may be a physical button or a button of a display object displayed on the screen.

[0024] In this specification, the set temperature refers to the temperature commanded to the air conditioner 1 via the operation terminal 94a, etc. The target temperature refers to the target temperature for controlling the air drawn in by the air conditioner 1 from the room.

[0025] The indoor unit 10 has a radar 2 (for example, a biological sensor), an indoor unit control unit 80, up / down airflow direction vanes 25, left / right airflow direction vanes 29, a room temperature sensor 3, etc. The outdoor unit 120 has an outdoor unit control unit 180. The indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180 cooperate with each other to perform air conditioning processing in response to commands received by the indoor unit 10 from the operation terminal 94a. That is, the indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180 can perform air conditioning operation at a set temperature set by the user via the operation terminal 94a, etc. At the same time, the indoor unit control unit 80 performs control using the radar 2. The biological CR is, for example, a person. In this case, the radar 2 may be a biological sensor or a human presence sensor.

[0026] The indoor unit control unit 80 has a tracking air conditioning control mode and a normal air conditioning control mode as air conditioning control modes for the indoor unit 10. The tracking air conditioning control mode is an air conditioning control mode in which conditioned air is supplied to the person being tracked while tracking and controlling the living body CR using radar 2. The normal air conditioning control mode is an air conditioning control mode in which conditioned air is supplied more or less uniformly throughout the room without tracking people.

[0027] Meanwhile, the outdoor unit control unit 180 can execute a normal operation mode and a low operation mode as operation control modes for the outdoor unit 120. The normal operation mode is an operation mode in which normal operation control is executed to control the operation frequency of the compressor 125 according to the set temperature set in the indoor unit 10 and the room temperature in the room where the indoor unit 10 is installed, thereby blowing conditioned air from the indoor unit 10. In the normal operation mode, the operation frequency of the compressor 125 may be controlled according to the difference between the set temperature and the room temperature, for example. The low operation mode is an operation mode in which constant-speed operation control is executed to control the compressor at a constant constant-speed operation frequency lower than the highest operation frequency possible under normal operation control, regardless of the room temperature, thereby blowing conditioned air from the indoor unit 10. When the living body CR (user) selects the low operation mode, the outdoor unit control unit 180 controls the indoor unit 120 to maintain the constant-speed operation control for a predetermined period after the execution of the constant-speed operation control. Details of the low operation mode will be described later.

[0028] The air conditioning process may be mainly performed by the indoor unit control unit 80. In that case, the outdoor unit 120 may be configured so that the outdoor unit control unit 180 is omitted. Alternatively, the air conditioning process may be mainly performed by the outdoor unit control unit 180. In that case, the indoor unit 10 may be configured so that the indoor unit control unit 80 is omitted.

[0029] When performing cooling operation in the tracking air-conditioning control mode, the radar 2 detects the position of the living organism CR in the room under the control of the indoor unit control unit 80. The indoor unit control unit 80 controls the up / down airflow direction flap 25 and the left / right airflow direction flap 29 so that they move in a direction toward the detected position of the living organism CR while tracking the position of the detected living organism CR. In other words, the up / down airflow direction flap 25 and the left / right airflow direction flap 29 are oriented so that the air flows toward the position of the living organism CR (mainly the body of the living organism CR). At this time, the room temperature sensor 3 detects the temperature of the air in the room under the control of the indoor unit control unit 80. The air conditioning device 1 performs cooling operation so that the target temperature approaches the set temperature commanded via the operation terminal 94a or the like.

[0030] As a result, even when a living CR in the room moves around the room, the conditioned air from the indoor unit 10 hits the living CR, effectively lowering the temperature the living CR feels. By using the detection results of the radar 2, the tracking ability of the living CR can be easily improved. In other words, the conditioned air can hit the living CR in real time, making it less likely that comfort will be impaired. As a result, the comfort of the living CR in the room can be dynamically improved.

[0031] In the tracking air conditioning control mode, the control of the up / down airflow direction flap 25 and the left / right airflow direction flap 29 so that the airflow is directed toward the position of the living body CR may be control to direct the airflow precisely in the direction of the living body CR, or control to direct the airflow generally in the direction of the living body CR. For example, the control of the up / down airflow direction flap 25 and the left / right airflow direction flap 29 so that the airflow is directed toward the position of the living body CR may include control to divide the room into about three or four areas, identify which area the living body CR is in, and direct the airflow toward that area (a wider range). The control of the up / down airflow direction flap 25 and the left / right airflow direction flap 29 so that the airflow is directed toward the position of the living body CR may include control to swing the up / down airflow direction flap 25 and the left / right airflow direction flap 29 left and right within a range in which the airflow does not deviate from the position of the living body CR as the center.

[0032] In the tracking air conditioning control mode, when heating operation is performed, as in cooling operation, the radar 2 detects the position of the living organism CR in the room under the control of the indoor unit control unit 80. Note that in the case of heating operation, the indoor unit control unit 80 tracks the position of the detected living organism CR and controls the up / down air deflectors 25 and the left / right air deflectors 29 so that they move in a direction toward the position of the feet of the detected living organism CR. In other words, the air deflectors are oriented so that the wind is directed toward the position of the feet of the living organism CR.

[0033] As a result, when a living CR in the room moves around the room, conditioned air from the indoor unit 10 reaches the feet of the living CR, warming the living CR from the feet up, effectively raising the living CR's perceived temperature. By using the detection results of the radar 2, the tracking ability of the living CR can be easily improved. In other words, conditioned air can be made to reach the feet of the living CR in real time, making it less likely that comfort will be compromised. As a result, the comfort of the living CR in the room can be dynamically improved. Note that, during heating operation, the upper and lower airflow direction vanes 25 and the left and right airflow direction vanes 29 can be controlled to point to the exact position or approximately the position where the living CR is located, as in cooling operation, to achieve the same effect.

[0034] In the normal air conditioning control mode, the air conditioner 1 performs cooling or heating operation at the set temperature commanded via the operation terminal 94a, etc. At this time, the vertical airflow direction flap 25 and the horizontal airflow direction flap 29 may be fixed in the direction specified via the operation terminal 94a, etc., or may swing within a predetermined angle range.

[0035] The indoor unit 10 performs air conditioning processing on air drawn in from the room in which the indoor unit 10 is installed through an air intake port, and blows the conditioned air that has undergone air conditioning processing into the room. Air conditioning processing includes, for example, heat absorption processing, heating processing, dehumidification processing, humidification processing, air blowing processing, and air cleaning processing. The heat absorption processing, heating processing, dehumidification processing, humidification processing, air blowing processing, and air cleaning processing correspond to the cooling operation mode, heating operation mode, dehumidification operation mode, humidification operation mode, air blowing operation mode, and air cleaning operation mode, which are operation modes (main operation modes) of the air conditioner 1, respectively.

[0036] The main operation mode can be arbitrarily combined with the tracking air-conditioning control mode and normal air-conditioning control mode described above. In the tracking air-conditioning control mode, the air conditioner 1 can be in any of the cooling operation mode, heating operation mode, dehumidification operation mode, humidification operation mode, ventilation operation mode, and air purification operation mode. The same applies to the normal air-conditioning control mode.

[0037] In the air conditioning process, the humidification process may be omitted. In this case, the humidification operation mode may be omitted as an operation mode of the air conditioner 1.

[0038] In air conditioning, dehumidification cools air taken in from indoors, condenses the moisture in the air on the surface of the heat exchanger 22 of the indoor unit 10, and releases it outdoors, thereby performing, for example, cooling operation to approach the set humidity. Dehumidification can be performed in two modes: weak cooling dehumidification and reheat dehumidification. Weak cooling dehumidification returns cooled air to the room as is to reduce humidity. Reheat dehumidification cools air once to reduce humidity, then dehumidifies it and reheats the air before returning it to the room. As a result, it is possible to reduce humidity without lowering the indoor temperature.

[0039] In the air conditioning process, the ventilation process circulates the air in the room without changing the temperature or humidity. In other words, once the air is taken in, it is sent out into the room as is, circulating the air in the room and providing comfort to the living body CR.

[0040] Various methods can be applied to the air purification process, and an electrostatic precipitator method or a fan method may be applied. In the electrostatic precipitator method, dust is removed from the air by passing electrically charged air through a filter and adsorbing the dust onto a filter charged with the opposite polarity. In the fan method, dust is removed from the air by passing the air through a fine filter such as a HEPA filter and filtering the dust through the filter. Alternatively, the air purification process may be a method of emitting ions into the air, or a method of sterilizing the inside of the housing of the air conditioner 1 by irradiating ultraviolet (UV) light.

[0041] The air conditioner 1 has auxiliary air conditioning operation modes: windless mode on and windless mode off. The auxiliary air conditioning operation mode can be arbitrarily combined with the tracking air conditioning control mode and normal air conditioning control mode described above, and can also be arbitrarily combined with the main operation mode. When windless mode is on, when conditioned air is blown out from the indoor unit 10, winds of two different flow speeds are mixed to generate turbulence that diffuses over a wide area, generating a natural breeze (so-called wind that feels like windless).

[0042] The air conditioner 1 may have an automatic operation mode as an operation mode. The air conditioner 1 detects the room temperature using a room temperature sensor 3. The room temperature sensor 3 is provided in a location where it can detect the air inside the room. The room temperature sensor 3 may be provided near the air intake and detect the temperature of the air drawn into the air intake from the room. In the automatic operation mode, the air conditioner 1 operates in cooling operation mode if the temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 3 is higher than the set temperature (automatic cooling threshold), and operates in heating operation mode if the temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 3 is lower than the set temperature (automatic heating threshold).

[0043] As shown in Fig. 1, in the air conditioner 1, the indoor unit 10 includes a radar 2, an indoor unit control unit 80, a room temperature sensor 3, a heat exchanger 22 (indoor heat exchanger), a fan 23 (indoor blower fan), a filter 24 (described later), upper and lower airflow direction vanes 25, left and right airflow direction vanes 29, ventilation members 26, a transceiver 94, etc. The indoor unit 10 also includes a first drive circuit 81, a second control circuit 82, a third control circuit 83, a fan motor 84, an upper and lower airflow direction vane motor 85, a left and right airflow direction vane motor 86, a switching motor 87, etc., which are controlled by the indoor unit control unit 80. Note that in the configuration shown in Fig. 1, an example is shown in which an air purification unit 4 that performs an electrostatic precipitator method as an air purification process is controlled by the indoor unit control unit 80.

[0044] The outdoor unit 120 also includes a heat exchanger 122 (outdoor heat exchanger), a fan 123 (outdoor blower fan), a four-way valve 124, a compressor 125, an outdoor unit control unit 180, a fourth drive circuit 181, a fifth drive circuit 182, a sixth drive circuit 183, a fan motor 184, a valve switching motor 185, a compressor motor 186, etc.

[0045] In the indoor unit 10, the fan 23 is disposed near the heat exchanger 22. The fan 23 guides air drawn in from the room through the air inlet of the indoor unit 10 to the heat exchanger 22, and also guides the conditioned air that has undergone heat exchange in the heat exchanger 22 to the air outlet of the indoor unit 10. The indoor unit control unit 80 drives the fan motor 84 using a first drive circuit 81, causing the fan 23 to rotate around its axis of rotation. The indoor unit control unit 80 is able to change the rotation speed of the fan 23.

[0046] The heat exchanger 22 can have various configurations. For example, the heat exchanger 22 includes a plurality of fins and a refrigerant circuit (refrigerant piping RL) connected to the fins. The refrigerant circuit passes near the fins and is in thermal contact with the refrigerant circuit. The heat exchanger 22 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and air drawn in from the room.

[0047] In the outdoor unit 120, the fan 123 is disposed near the heat exchanger 122. The fan 123 rotates in accordance with the control of the outdoor unit control unit 180. As a result, the fan 123 draws in outside air and guides it to the heat exchanger 122, and also discharges the outside air that has undergone heat exchange in the heat exchanger 122 to the outside of the outdoor unit 120. The outdoor unit control unit 180 drives the fan motor 184 using a fourth drive circuit 181, causing the fan 123 to rotate around its rotation axis. The outdoor unit control unit 180 is able to change the rotation speed of the fan 123.

[0048] The heat exchanger 122 can have various configurations. For example, the heat exchanger 122 includes a plurality of fins and a refrigerant circuit connected to the fins. The refrigerant circuit passes near the fins and is in thermal contact with the refrigerant circuit. The heat exchanger 122 exchanges heat with the refrigerant and the outside air. In other words, the heat exchanger 22 and the heat exchanger 122 are connected by a refrigerant circuit (refrigerant piping RL), and the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant piping.

[0049] The four-way valve 124 is disposed in the refrigerant circuit. The four-way valve 124 can switch the refrigerant flow path in the refrigerant circuit between the cooling side and the heating side in accordance with control by the outdoor unit control unit 180. The outdoor unit control unit 180 drives a valve switching motor 185 using a fifth drive circuit 182, and can switch the four-way valve 124 between the cooling side and the heating side.

[0050] The compressor 125 is disposed in the refrigerant circuit. The compressor 125 compresses the refrigerant and sends it into the refrigerant circuit in accordance with the control of the outdoor unit control unit 180. The outdoor unit control unit 180 drives the compressor motor 186 via a sixth drive circuit 183, causing the compressor 125 to perform a cycle of compressing the refrigerant. The outdoor unit control unit 180 can change the rotation speed of the compressor 125 (the number of compression cycles performed per unit time). In other words, the operating frequency of the compressor 125 can be variably controlled.

[0051] In cooling operation and heating operation, the higher the rotation speed of the compressor 125 (or the higher the operating frequency), the higher the operating load of the air conditioner 1 and the greater the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 tends to be.

[0052] The air conditioner 1 switches the four-way valve 124 to the cooling side in a cooling operation mode, a dehumidification operation mode, or the like, using the indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180. The air conditioner 1 determines the operating frequency of the compressor 125 using the indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180 to a drive frequency based on the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and a set temperature commanded, for example, via the operation terminal 94a, etc. The air conditioner 1 controls the compressor 125 to operate at the determined drive frequency, while performing a heat absorption process in the heat exchanger 22, causing the refrigerant to absorb heat from the indoor air, and blowing the conditioned air with the absorbed heat into the room. Alternatively, the air conditioner 1 determines the rotation speed of the compressor 125 to a speed corresponding to the set temperature commanded via the operation terminal 94a, etc. The air conditioner 1 controls the compressor 125 to operate at a determined rotation speed, performs heat absorption processing in the heat exchanger 22, causes the refrigerant to absorb heat from the indoor air, and blows the conditioned air that has absorbed the heat into the room.

[0053] In the heating operation mode, the air conditioner 1 switches the four-way valve 124 to the heating side using the indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180. The air conditioner 1 determines the drive frequency of the compressor 125 using the indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180 to a drive frequency based on the temperature difference between the room temperature and a set temperature instructed via, for example, the operation terminal 94a. The air conditioner 1 performs heat dissipation processing in the heat exchanger 22 while controlling the compressor 125 to operate at the determined drive frequency, and blows out heated conditioned air into the room. Alternatively, the air conditioner 1 determines the rotation speed of the compressor 125 to a rotation speed corresponding to the set temperature instructed via the operation terminal 94a. The air conditioner 1 performs heat dissipation processing in the heat exchanger 22 while controlling the compressor 125 to operate at the determined rotation speed, and blows out heated conditioned air into the room.

[0054] The vertical airflow direction vanes 25 and the horizontal airflow direction vanes 29 each adjust the direction of the conditioned air blown into the room. In this specification, the indoor unit control unit 80 directly controls the direction in which the vertical airflow direction vanes 25 and the horizontal airflow direction vanes 29 face, but the direction in which the vertical airflow direction vanes 25 and the horizontal airflow direction vanes 29 face is treated as roughly matching the direction of the air immediately after it is blown out of the air outlet of the indoor unit 10. In other words, the vertical airflow direction vanes 25 and the horizontal airflow direction vanes 29 can adjust the air direction by their orientation, and the indoor unit control unit 80 can control the air direction by controlling the orientation of the vertical airflow direction vanes 25 and the horizontal airflow direction vanes 29. Note that the orientation of multiple vertical airflow direction vanes 25 and horizontal airflow direction vanes 29 can each be controlled individually. This allows air to be blown out in one direction from the entire air outlet of the indoor unit 10, and also allows two or more air streams with different directions to be blown out from two or more areas of the air outlet of the indoor unit 10 partitioned by a plurality of upper and lower air direction vanes 25, left and right air direction vanes 29, etc.

[0055] The vertical air deflectors 25 can be switched between a closed position and an open position. When switched to the closed position, the vertical air deflectors 25 close the air outlet. When switched to the open position, the vertical air deflectors 25 open the air outlet. When the air outlet is open, the vertical air deflectors 25 and the left and right air deflectors 29 adjust the direction of the conditioned air blown into the room. The vertical air deflectors 25 adjust the direction of the conditioned air in the vertical direction. The left and right air deflectors 29 adjust the direction of the conditioned air in the left and right direction.

[0056] For example, the vertical airflow direction vanes 25 and the horizontal airflow direction vanes 29 can be configured as shown in Figures 2 to 4. Figure 2 shows a general configuration of the indoor unit 10, and is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the vertical airflow direction vanes 25 and the horizontal airflow direction vanes 29 have been switched to the closed position. Figure 3 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the vertical airflow direction vanes 25 and the horizontal airflow direction vanes 29 have been switched to the open position. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the external configuration and operation of the indoor unit 10, showing a state in which the vertical airflow direction vanes 25 are in the open position. Below, the longitudinal direction of the indoor unit 10 is defined as the X direction, the height direction of the indoor unit 10 is defined as the Z direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X and Z directions is defined as the Y direction.

[0057] As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the indoor unit 10 accommodates a heat exchanger 22, a fan 23, a filter 24, etc. inside a housing 21 that forms an outer shell.

[0058] The housing 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the X direction. However, the housing 21 may be formed in other shapes. The housing 21 is hung, for example, on a wall inside a room. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing 21 has an upper surface 21a and a lower surface 21b. The upper surface 21a is provided at or near the upper end of the housing 21 and faces substantially upward. The lower surface 21b is provided at or near the lower end of the housing 21 and faces substantially downward.

[0059] The housing 21 is provided with an air passage 31, an intake port 32, and an outlet port 33. The air passage 31 is provided inside the housing 21. The intake port 32 opens, for example, to the top surface 21a of the housing 21. The outlet port 33 opens, for example, to the bottom surface 21b of the housing 21. The intake port 32 and the outlet port 33 may also open to other parts of the housing 21.

[0060] The indoor unit 10 can pass air through the ventilation duct 31. Air is a flow of gas such as air. The intake port 32 is provided at one end of the ventilation duct 31, and connects the ventilation duct 31 to the outside of the indoor unit 10. The outlet port 33 is provided at the other end of the ventilation duct 31, and connects the ventilation duct 31 to the outside of the indoor unit 10. In other words, the ventilation duct 31 is provided inside the housing 21, between the intake port 32 and the outlet port 33.

[0061] Heat exchanger 22 is provided in ventilation duct 31. Heat exchanger 22 exchanges heat with the surrounding gas in ventilation duct 31. As a result, heat exchanger 22 cools the air flowing through ventilation duct 31 during cooling operation, and heats the air flowing through ventilation duct 31 during heating operation.

[0062] The fan 23 is provided in the ventilation passage 31. The fan 23 rotates around a rotation axis Axf extending in the X direction, thereby sending air from the intake port 32 to the outlet port 33 in the ventilation passage 31. As a result, the indoor unit 10 draws indoor air into the ventilation passage 31 through the intake port 32 and blows out air (wind) in the ventilation passage 31 from the outlet port 33. For this reason, in this specification, the side of the ventilation passage 31 closer to the intake port 32 is referred to as the upstream side, and the side closer to the outlet port 33 is referred to as the downstream side.

[0063] The fan 23 is located downstream of the heat exchanger 22. Therefore, when the fan 23 generates airflow, the air drawn in through the air inlet 32 ​​passes through the fins of the heat exchanger 22. As a result, the air flowing through the ventilation passage 31 exchanges heat with the heat exchanger 22.

[0064] The filter 24 is provided at the air inlet 32 ​​or near the air inlet 32 ​​in the ventilation duct 31. The filter 24 is located upstream of the heat exchanger 22. The filter 24 covers the air inlet 32 ​​from inside the housing 21. The filter 24, for example, filters the air drawn in through the air inlet 32 ​​and captures dust particles in the air. As described above, by configuring the filter 24 with a HEPA filter or the like, higher quality air purification processing can be achieved.

[0065] The vertical air direction vane 25 may include a plurality of vertical air direction vanes 25A, 25B. The plurality of vertical air direction vanes 25A, 25B are components that adjust the wind direction of the conditioned air in the vertical direction, and are also called vertical louvers. The vertical air direction vane 25A forms a first flow path C1 for the conditioned air, and the vertical air direction vane 25B forms a second flow path C2 for the conditioned air. Each of the plurality of vertical air direction vanes 25A, 25B has a shaft portion 41 and a plate portion 42.

[0066] The shaft portion 41 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the X direction. The shaft portion 41 is supported by the housing 21 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis Axl extending in the X direction. Each of the multiple vertical airflow direction vanes 25A, 25B has its own individual rotation axis Axl. The plate portion 42 protrudes from the shaft portion 41 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis Axl. The plate portion 42 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape extending in the X direction.

[0067] The vertical air direction flap 25A is supported by a rotary shaft Axl, and the vertical air direction flap motor 85 is controlled by the second control circuit 82, so that the vertical air direction flap 25A can move between a closed position Pc1 shown in Fig. 2 and an open position Po1 shown in Fig. 3. The vertical air direction flap 25B is supported by a rotary shaft Axl, and the vertical air direction flap motor 85 is controlled by the second control circuit 82, so that the vertical air direction flap 25B can move between the closed position Pc1 shown in Fig. 2 and an open position Po1 shown in Fig. 3.

[0068] 2, when the vertical airflow direction flare 25A is switched to the closed position Pc1, it closes the air outlet 33, which is the outlet of the first flow path C1. When the vertical airflow direction flare 25B is switched to the closed position Pc1, it closes the air outlet 33, which is the outlet of the second flow path C2. The first flow path C1 and the second flow path C2 form the air outlet 33 of the indoor unit 10.

[0069] 3 and 4, the vertical airflow direction flare 25A opens the first flow path C1 when switched to the open position Po1, and the vertical airflow direction flare 25B opens the second flow path C2 when switched to the open position Po1.

[0070] The open position Po1 includes various positions where the vertical airflow direction flap 25A, 25B open a portion of the air outlet 33. For example, the open position Po1 includes a position where the vertical airflow direction flap 25A, 25B faces substantially horizontally, a position where the vertical airflow direction flap 25A, 25B faces downward, and a plurality of positions between these two positions, as shown in Fig. 3. In other words, the vertical airflow direction flap 25A, 25B can rotate between a position where it faces substantially horizontally and a position where it faces downward.

[0071] The vertical airflow direction flap 25A, 25B positioned in the open position Po1 adjusts the vertical direction (+Z direction, -Z direction) of the airflow emitted from the air outlet 33 depending on the orientation of the vertical airflow direction flap 25A, 25B. That is, when the vertical airflow direction flap 25A, 25B are oriented substantially horizontally as shown in Fig. 3, the indoor unit 10 emits airflow in a substantially horizontal direction. On the other hand, when the vertical airflow direction flap 25A, 25B are oriented downward, the indoor unit 10 emits airflow downward.

[0072] As shown in Figure 4, the left and right air deflectors 29 are supported by a rotation axis Ax2 extending in the X direction, and the left and right air deflector motor 86 is controlled by the second control circuit 82, so that the left and right air deflectors 29 can move between a rotation position toward the -X side end and a rotation position toward the +X side end.

[0073] The left and right airflow direction vane 29 may include multiple left and right airflow direction vanes 29-1 to 29-k, 29-(k+1) to 29-2k. The multiple left and right airflow direction vanes 29-1 to 29-k, 29-(k+1) to 29-2k are components that adjust the direction of conditioned air in the left and right directions (-X direction, +X direction), respectively, and are also called left and right louvers. Note that the directions of the -X side left and right airflow direction vanes 29-1 to 29-k and the +X side left and right airflow direction vanes 29-(k+1) to 29-2k may be independently controllable by the indoor unit control unit 80.

[0074] The left and right airflow direction vanes 29-1 to 29-k on the -X side may be connected to a common rotation axis Ax2, and the left and right airflow direction vane motor 86 may be controlled by the second control circuit 82, so that they can move together between an open position at the -X side end and an open position at the +X side end. The left and right airflow direction vanes 29-(k+1) to 29-2k on the +X side may be connected to a common rotation axis Ax2, and the left and right airflow direction vane motor 86 may be controlled by the second control circuit 82, so that they can move together between an open position at the -X side end and an open position at the +X side end.

[0075] The ventilation member 26 is a member in which a plurality of ventilation holes 56 are arranged on a plate-shaped plate portion 52. The ventilation member 26 can be switched between an open position Po2 shown in FIG. 2 and a closed position Pc2 shown in FIG. 3. The ventilation member 26 can be arranged in a closed position Pc2, which covers at least a portion of the outlet 33 (first flow path C1) opened by the vertical air direction flap 25A positioned in the open position Po1. The ventilation member 26 has an inner surface facing the ventilation passage 31 in the closed position Pc2 and an outer surface facing the outside in the closed position Pc2, and is provided with at least one ventilation hole 56 that opens on the inner surface and the outer surface. In the closed position Pc2, the ventilation member 26 can form a first outlet flow path (first flow path C1) through which the air sent by the fan 23 is discharged to the outside through the ventilation opening 56, and a second outlet flow path (second flow path C2) through which the air is discharged to the outside adjacent to the first outlet flow path (first flow path C1) without passing through the ventilation opening 56. In other words, when the ventilation member 26 is switched to the closed position Pc2, it is inserted into part of the flow path of the conditioned air blown into the room, and changes the opening ratio of part of the flow path.

[0076] When the ventilation member 26 is switched to the open position Po2, it is released from a portion of the flow path (for example, retracted from a portion of the flow path), and the opening ratio of the portion of the flow path is returned to the original value.

[0077] In the air conditioner 1, when the windless mode as an auxiliary operation mode is turned on, the indoor unit control unit 80 switches the ventilation member 26 to the closed position Pc2. With the ventilation member 26 switched to the closed position Pc2, it is selectively inserted into the first flow path C1 to change the opening ratio of the first flow path C1. Meanwhile, the opening ratio of the second flow path C2, which is opened and closed by the vertical airflow direction flap 25B where the ventilation member 26 is not present, remains the same. When the windless mode as an auxiliary operation mode is canceled (windless mode off), the indoor unit control unit 80 switches the ventilation member 26 to the open position Po2. With the ventilation member 26 switched to the open position Po2, it is retracted from the first flow path C1, and the opening ratio of the first flow path C1 is returned to its original value.

[0078] 2, when the ventilation member 26 is switched to the open position Po2, it is housed in a recess 21c of the housing 21 provided near the air outlet 33. The recess 21c is recessed from the inner surface 21d of the housing 21 that forms part of the ventilation passage 31. When the ventilation member 26 is located at the open position Po2, being housed in the recess 21c prevents the ventilation member 26 from obstructing the air flowing through the first flow path C1.

[0079] When the windless mode is on, as shown in FIG. 3, the ventilation member 26 is inserted into the first flow path C1 while switched to the closed position Pc2, changing the aperture ratio of the first flow path C1. The aperture ratio of the first flow path C1 becomes smaller than before the ventilation member 26 was inserted. The ventilation member 26 is a member having a plate-shaped plate portion 52 and a plurality of ventilation openings 56 arranged on the plate portion 52. The ventilation member 26 is supported by a shaft portion 51 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis Axc. The switching motor 87 is controlled by the third control circuit 83, and the ventilation member 26 is movable between the closed position Pc2 and the open position Po2. When the ventilation member 26 is moved to the closed position Pc2, the air moved through the ventilation passage 31 by the fan 23 passes through the ventilation openings 56.

[0080] On the other hand, the ventilation member 26 is not provided in the outlet 33 that forms the second flow path C2. The aperture ratio of the second flow path C2 is maintained as it is. In other words, the wind discharged from the second flow path C2 becomes a wind (laminar flow) that does not pass through the ventilation member 26. As a result, the wind that passes through the ventilation member 26 provided in the first flow path C1 and the wind that passes through the second flow path C2 where the ventilation member 26 is not provided are formed adjacent to each other.

[0081] In this case, as the opening ratio of the first flow path C1 decreases, the flow velocity of the wind passing through the ventilation member 26 increases and transitions to turbulent flow. The increased flow velocity then draws in slower wind (laminar flow) that does not pass through the ventilation member 26. Furthermore, the wind that transitions to turbulent flow diffuses and collides with the laminar flow flowing adjacent to the turbulent flow. Thus, winds with different flow velocities and conditions (laminar flow or turbulent flow) flow side by side and collide with each other. That is, the wind that does not pass through the ventilation member 26 (ventilation opening 56) and the wind that has passed through the ventilation member 26 (ventilation opening 56) interfere with each other. As a result, the masses of continuous flow and laminar flow are broken up, and the turbulent wind is carried into the laminar flow. Winds with different flow velocities and conditions interact with each other in various ways, generating a mixed wind (turbulent flow) that diffuses over a wide area. As a result, the turbulent air released from the indoor unit 10 becomes closer to natural air (so-called calm air) than the air immediately after being released from the air outlet 33. In this case, the ventilation member 26 only needs to be formed in either the first flow path C1 or the second flow path C2, which contributes to suppressing an increase in the number of parts, a complicated configuration of the indoor unit 10, and rising costs. Furthermore, the ventilation member 26 has a simple structure equipped only with the ventilation port 56, which contributes to suppressing an increase in costs and a decrease in the strength of the ventilation member 26.

[0082] Returning to FIG. 1, the radar 2 can detect the position, movement speed, angle, and shape (height from the floor, etc.) of a detection target (e.g., a user CR) in the room. The radar 2 is a Doppler radar such as an ultrasonic radar, a millimeter-wave radar, a microwave radar, or a lidar. The radar 2 has a transmitter 2a, a receiver 2b, and a signal processor 2c. The radar 2 generates radio waves such as millimeter waves and microwaves, sound waves, and light in the signal processor 2c and transmits them from the transmitter 2a to the indoor area. The receiver 2b receives reflected waves reflected by a detection target (user CR) or the like that may be present in the indoor area and passes them to the signal processor 2c. The radar 2 is provided anywhere on the front surface of the housing 21 of the indoor unit 10, but it is preferable to provide the radar 2 in a position that makes it easy to detect the position of the detection target (user CR) in the indoor area. The radar 2 may be embedded in a position near the center in the X direction on the +Y side of the housing 21, as shown by the dotted lines in FIGS. 2 to 4. It is desirable that the transmitting unit 2a and the receiving unit 2b are exposed from the surface of the housing 21 as shown in FIG.

[0083] The radar 2 can detect the position of the living body CR from the phase difference and direction of the transmitted wave and the received wave in the signal processing unit 2c.

[0084] The radar 2 detects the target space and the position of the living body CR within the target space in accordance with control by the indoor unit control unit 80. The radar 2 periodically or continuously transmits and receives radio waves to the living body CR to detect the position of the living body CR, and periodically or continuously supplies the detection results to the indoor unit control unit 80.

[0085] In this case, if the signal processing function in the signal processing unit 2c is realized as a hardware signal processing circuit, signal processing can be performed faster than when the signal processing function is realized as software. By performing signal processing at high speed in the signal processing circuit, the process of detecting the position of the living body CR from the phase difference between the transmitted wave and the received wave can be performed at high speed. This makes it possible to detect the current position of the living body CR almost in real time, making it easy to control the living body CR according to its current position.

[0086] The transmitting / receiving device 94 shown in Fig. 1 receives commands from an operation terminal 94a or the like. The transmitting / receiving device 94 supplies the received commands to the indoor unit control unit 80. The indoor unit control unit 80 may forward the commands to the outdoor unit control unit 180. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the operation terminal 94a, illustrating the configuration when the operation terminal 94a is a remote controller.

[0087] The operation terminal 94a has a shape and dimensions suitable for operation by a living body CR, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped appearance. The operation terminal 94a has a plurality of buttons and a display unit 949 on its operation surface. The plurality of buttons include, for example, a living body sensor button 941 (radar button), a cooling button 942, a heating button 943, an air purification button 944, a temperature setting button 945, a dehumidification button 946, a windless button 947, a stop button 948, a weak cooling button 9410, a weak heating button 9411, and an airflow setting button 9412. The display unit 949 may be a display or an indicator. The display includes a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The indicator includes a 7-segment LED indicator.

[0088] When the biosensor button 941, the cooling button 942, the heating button 943, the air purification button 944, the dehumidification button 946, the windless button 947, the stop button 948, the weak cooling button 9410 (weak operation mode button), or the weak heating button 9411 (weak operation mode button) is pressed, the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the button. The operation terminal 94a detects that the △ button or the ▽ button is pressed for the temperature setting button 945. The operation terminal 94a detects that the △ button or the ▽ button is pressed for the air volume setting button 9412. When the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the button, it displays command information corresponding to the pressed button on the display unit 949 and transmits a signal (for example, an infrared signal or a wireless signal) indicating the command corresponding to the pressed button from its end.

[0089] The operation terminal 94a may be capable of receiving, via the weak cooling button 9410, a command to turn on / off the weak cooling mode (weak operation mode).

[0090] When the operation terminal 94a detects pressing of a button commanding to turn on the weak cooling mode (for example, pressing of the weak cooling button 9410), it transmits a command to turn on the weak cooling mode to the indoor unit 10. When the transceiver 94 receives the command to turn on the weak cooling mode, it supplies the command to the indoor unit control unit 80. The indoor unit control unit 80 transfers the command to turn on the weak cooling mode to the outdoor unit control unit 180. Then, it executes constant speed operation control of the compressor 125, and starts operation in which the heat exchanger 22 functions as an evaporator and the heat exchanger 122 functions as a condenser. In other words, weak cooling operation in the weak operation mode can be achieved with a simple operation (for example, operating a single button).

[0091] When the operation terminal 94a receives a command to turn on the weak cooling mode, it may display information about the weak cooling mode on the display unit 949. The information about the weak cooling mode may be, for example, text information indicating the weak cooling mode, such as "weak cooling," or a display object such as a figure or symbol representing "weak cooling."

[0092] Furthermore, the indoor unit control unit 80 transfers the command to turn on the weak cooling mode to the outdoor unit control unit 180 so that the indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180 can cooperate to control operation in the weak cooling mode, but the indoor unit control unit 80 may be the one that primarily performs the air conditioning process. In that case, the process by which the indoor unit control unit 80 transfers the command to turn on the weak cooling mode to the outdoor unit control unit 180 may be omitted. The outdoor unit 120 may be configured so that the outdoor unit control unit 180 is omitted. Alternatively, the outdoor unit control unit 180 may be the one that primarily performs the air conditioning process. In that case, the outdoor unit 120 may be configured so that the indoor unit control unit 80 is omitted. The transceiver device 94 may transfer the command to turn on the weak cooling mode directly to the outdoor unit control unit 180.

[0093] When the operation terminal 94a detects that a button for commanding to turn off the weak cooling mode has been pressed (for example, pressing the weak cooling button 9410 again), it transmits a command to turn off the weak cooling mode to the indoor unit 10. When the transmission / reception device 94 receives the command to turn off the weak cooling mode, it supplies the command to the indoor unit control unit 80. The indoor unit control unit 80 transfers the command to turn off the weak cooling mode to the outdoor unit control unit 180. As a result, the weak cooling mode (weak operation mode) is turned off, and the operation switches to normal cooling operation (normal operation mode).

[0094] The operation terminal 94a may be capable of receiving a command to turn on / off the low heating mode via the low heating button 9411.

[0095] When the operation terminal 94a detects that a button has been pressed to command the weak heating mode to be on (for example, pressing the weak heating button 9411), it transmits a command to turn on the weak heating mode to the indoor unit 10. When the transceiver device 94 receives the command to turn on the weak heating mode, it supplies the command to the indoor unit control unit 80. The indoor unit control unit 80 transfers the command to turn on the weak heating mode to the outdoor unit control unit 180. Then, it executes constant speed operation control of the compressor 125 and starts operation in which the heat exchanger 22 functions as a condenser and the heat exchanger 122 functions as an evaporator. In other words, weak heating operation in the weak operation mode can be achieved with a simple operation (for example, operating a single button).

[0096] When the operation terminal 94a receives a command to turn on the low heating mode, it may display information about the low heating mode on the display unit 949. The information about the low heating mode may be, for example, text information indicating the low heating mode, such as "low heating," or a display object such as a graphic or symbol representing "low heating."

[0097] Furthermore, the indoor unit control unit 80 transfers the command to turn on the low heating mode to the outdoor unit control unit 180 so that the indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180 can cooperate to control operation in the low heating mode, but the indoor unit control unit 80 may be the one that primarily performs the air conditioning process. In that case, the process by which the indoor unit control unit 80 transfers the command to turn on the low heating mode to the outdoor unit control unit 180 may be omitted. The outdoor unit 120 may be configured so that the outdoor unit control unit 180 is omitted. Alternatively, the outdoor unit control unit 180 may be the one that primarily performs the air conditioning process. In that case, the outdoor unit 120 may be configured so that the indoor unit control unit 80 is omitted. The transceiver device 94 may transfer the command to turn on the low heating mode directly to the outdoor unit control unit 180.

[0098] When the operation terminal 94a detects that a button for commanding to turn off the low heating mode has been pressed (for example, pressing the low heating button 9411 again), it transmits a command to turn off the low heating mode to the indoor unit 10. When the transmission / reception device 94 receives the command to turn off the low heating mode, it supplies the command to the indoor unit control unit 80. The indoor unit control unit 80 transfers the command to turn off the low heating mode to the outdoor unit control unit 180. As a result, the low heating mode (low operation mode) is turned off, and the operation mode switches to the normal heating operation mode (normal operation mode).

[0099] Note that the control units of the air conditioner 1 (indoor unit control unit 80, outdoor unit control unit 180) may be configured to automatically cancel the weak operation mode setting, for example, if the operation of the air conditioner 1 is stopped by pressing the stop button 948 after setting the weak operation mode (executing the weak operation mode by operating the weak cooling button 9410, or executing the weak operation mode by operating the weak heating button 9411). In other words, by automatically canceling the weak operation mode, it is possible to prevent the weak operation mode from being unintentionally executed the next time the air conditioner 1 is used.

[0100] The operation terminal 94a may be capable of receiving a command for the set temperature via the temperature setting button 945.

[0101] When the operation terminal 94a detects that the △ button of the temperature setting buttons 945 has been pressed, it increases the set temperature value from the current value, displays the increased set temperature value on the display unit 949, and sends a command for the increased set temperature to the indoor unit 10. When the operation terminal 94a detects that the ▽ button of the temperature setting buttons 945 has been pressed, it decreases the set temperature value from the current value, displays the decreased set temperature value on the display unit 949, and sends a command for the decreased set temperature to the indoor unit 10. When the transmission / reception device 94 receives a command for an increased or decreased set temperature, it supplies the command to the indoor unit control unit 80. The indoor unit control unit 80 may transfer the set temperature command to the outdoor unit control unit 180.

[0102] The operation terminal 94a may be capable of receiving a command for setting the air volume via the air volume setting button 9412.

[0103] When the operation terminal 94a detects that the △ button of the air volume setting buttons 9412 has been pressed, it increases the set air volume from the current volume, displays the changed set air volume value on the display unit 949, and transmits a command for the changed set air volume to the indoor unit 10. When the operation terminal 94a detects that the ▽ button of the air volume setting buttons 9412 has been pressed, it decreases the set air volume from the current volume, displays the changed set air volume value on the display unit 949, and transmits a command for the changed set air volume to the indoor unit 10. When the transmission / reception device 94 receives the command for the set air volume, it supplies the command to the indoor unit control unit 80. The indoor unit control unit 80 transfers the command for the set air volume to the outdoor unit control unit 180.

[0104] The "low operation mode," which is one of the characteristic controls in the air conditioner 1 configured as above, will be described using Figs. 6 to 11.

[0105] As mentioned above, when performing cooling operation or heating operation, the higher the rotation speed of the compressor 125 (or the higher the operating frequency), the higher the operating load of the air conditioner 1, and the greater the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 tends to be. Furthermore, in the case of a typical air conditioner, when performing cooling operation or heating operation, for example, the compressor 125 is driven at a high load (for example, at the highest operating frequency) so as to quickly approach the set temperature set on the operation terminal 94a during control execution, and then, when the room temperature reaches the set temperature, the compressor 125 is controlled to turn on and off so as to maintain the room temperature relative to the set temperature. In this way, when the compressor 125 is repeatedly turned on and off to adjust the temperature, power consumption also tends to increase.

[0106] For example, FIG. 6 is an illustrative diagram illustrating the difference in room temperature change during normal operation control (normal operation mode) and constant speed operation control (constant speed operation mode) in cooling operation of the air conditioner 1. Here, normal operation control refers to operation control in which the operating frequency of the compressor 125 is controlled in accordance with the set temperature set in the indoor unit 10 and the room temperature of the room in which the indoor unit 10 is installed (for example, in accordance with the difference between the set temperature and the room temperature), thereby blowing out conditioned air from the indoor unit. Constant speed operation control refers to operation control in which the compressor 125 is controlled at a constant constant speed operating frequency that is lower than the maximum operating frequency possible under normal operation control, regardless of the room temperature, thereby blowing out conditioned air from the indoor unit 10. The maximum operating frequency and minimum operating frequency of the compressor 125, which will be described later, differ depending on the air conditioning capacity required of the air conditioner 1 (indoor unit 10). The air conditioning capacity differs depending on the size of the room in which the indoor unit 10 is installed (for example, the number of tatami mats, etc.). In the case of a home air conditioner 1, the maximum operating frequency of the compressor 125 is, for example, 60 to 90 Hz, and the minimum operating frequency is, for example, 10 to 15 Hz.

[0107] In Figure 6, the temperature change during normal operation control is represented by temperature line TL1, and the temperature change during constant speed operation control is represented by temperature line TL. During normal operation control, temperature line TL1 quickly reaches set temperature T after cooling starts, but when it reaches thermo-off temperature T0 (the temperature at which compressor 125 is temporarily stopped) for set temperature T, compressor 125 is controlled to turn OFF. In other words, the cooling capacity temporarily decreases and the room temperature begins to rise. Then, when the room temperature becomes higher than the set temperature T by a predetermined value or more, compressor 125 turns ON again, increasing the cooling capacity and making it possible to lower the room temperature. By repeating this operation, the room temperature is maintained near set temperature T.

[0108] On the other hand, in the case of constant speed operation control, the temperature line TL controls the compressor 125 at a constant constant speed operation frequency that is lower than the maximum operation frequency possible in normal operation control, so although the room temperature drops below that before the start of cooling operation, the rate of decrease is slower than in normal operation control. However, since the room temperature can be lowered below that when cooling is attempted, a certain degree of satisfaction can be given to the user.

[0109] Fig. 7 is an exemplary explanatory diagram illustrating the difference between the operation capacity line WL1 during normal operation control (normal operation mode) and the operation capacity line WL during constant speed operation control (constant speed operation mode) in cooling operation of the air conditioner 1. As shown in Fig. 7, the operation capacity line WL1 during normal operation control exhibits large fluctuations in power consumption due to the ON / OFF control of the compressor 125. As a result, as shown by the temperature line TL1 in Fig. 6, the room temperature quickly reaches near the set temperature T and is quickly maintained at that temperature, but this can result in higher electricity bills and hinder energy conservation.

[0110] On the other hand, in the case of constant speed operation control, the constant speed operation frequency is set to a frequency lower than the intermediate frequency between the maximum operation frequency of the compressor 125 and the minimum operation frequency of the compressor 125. If the maximum operation frequency of the compressor 125 is, for example, 60 Hz and the minimum operation frequency is, for example, 10 Hz, the intermediate frequency is 35 Hz. The operation capacity line WL in FIG. 7 represents the case where the compressor 125 is operated, for example, at the minimum capacity W0 (the lowest frequency drive capable of cooling operation = 10 Hz), which is lower than the intermediate frequency. In this case, as shown by the temperature line TL in FIG. 6, the room temperature decreases slowly, but increases in electricity costs can be suppressed.

[0111] In other words, when constant-speed operation control is used, the air conditioner 1 (compressor 125) operates at, for example, its lowest possible capacity, enabling energy-saving operation while saving on electricity costs. Furthermore, when constant-speed operation control is implemented, operation continues at a nearly constant power, making it easier to estimate the electricity cost at that time. For example, it also becomes easier to predict the electricity cost when constant-speed operation control is continued, contributing to easier management of electricity costs. Furthermore, because power is reduced compared to cooling under normal operation control, thermostat off is less likely to occur. In other words, ON / OFF operation of the compressor 125 is less likely to occur, which also contributes to suppressing increases in power consumption. Furthermore, constant-speed operation control can easily accommodate requests for gentle cooling with weak cool air or for avoiding rapid temperature changes, making it possible to propose (provide) new energy-saving operation methods tailored to the usage scenario. Similar effects can be achieved when constant-speed operation control (weak operation mode) is applied to heating operation.

[0112] As described above, the air conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment can execute normal operation control and constant-speed operation control as described above through cooperation between the indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180. Furthermore, when the user selects the low operation mode, the constant-speed operation control can be maintained for a predetermined period after the execution of the constant-speed operation control. In other words, as described above, the low operation mode can be used when gently cooling (warming) with weakly cool air (weakly warm air), when avoiding rapid temperature changes, and when simultaneously saving power, or when prioritizing power saving. To use the low operation mode, the user operates the low cooling button 9410 or the low heating button 9411 on the operation terminal 94a shown in FIG. 5. Although the low cooling button 9410 and the low heating button 9411 are provided separately on the operation terminal 94a, they may be combined into a low operation button. In this case, the same operation can be achieved by operating the low operation button in combination with the cooling button 942 or the heating button 943.

[0113] However, since the above-described constant speed operation control operates with the capacity of the compressor 125 reduced, the room temperature may change depending on the conditions in the room where the indoor unit 10 is installed, such as changes in the outdoor temperature, the amount of sunlight entering through the windows, and changes in the number of people (users) in the room or their activity levels. For example, when constant speed operation control is applied during cooling operation, the room temperature may rise despite the cooling capacity achieved by the constant speed operation control due to an increase in the outdoor temperature, sunlight entering through the windows, an increase in the number of people, etc. In such a case, when the low operation mode is selected, the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and constant speed operation control is being executed, the outdoor unit control unit 180 (indoor unit control unit 80) may switch the control state to normal operation control when the room temperature reaches or exceeds a first threshold temperature TS1, as shown in FIG. 8. In other words, if the room temperature rises too much (becomes or exceeds the first threshold temperature TS1), for example, to avoid user discomfort, the control state may be switched to normal operation control to lower the room temperature.

[0114] Thereafter, when the room temperature falls below the second threshold temperature TS2 through normal operation control, i.e., when the low operation mode is selected and the heat exchanger 22 (indoor heat exchanger) functions as an evaporator, and normal operation control is executed, the outdoor unit control unit 180 (indoor unit control unit 80) performs the normal operation control. For example, when the room temperature reaches a comfortable level, the outdoor unit control unit 180 (indoor unit control unit 80) automatically switches to the control mode desired by the user. This automatically switches to a control mode that meets the user's needs, such as gently cooling with weak cool air, avoiding rapid temperature changes, and simultaneously saving power or prioritizing power saving. As shown by the temperature line TC in FIG. 8, even if the constant-speed operation control (low operation mode) is switched to normal operation control and the room is cooled to the second threshold temperature TS2, the compressor 125 does not stop and the control mode switches back to constant-speed operation control, thereby avoiding increased power consumption due to ON / OFF operation. This contributes to energy conservation.

[0115] The first threshold temperature TS1 may be a fixed value, such as 32°C, and the second threshold temperature TS2 may be a fixed value, such as 28°C, or the user may set them appropriately using, for example, the operation terminal 94a. In addition, in the case of Fig. 8, the set temperature T during cooling (for example, 26°C) is shown for comparison with the second threshold temperature TS2, but in the weak operation mode (weak cooling mode), the set temperature T is not set and the compressor 125 is operated under low load conditions to achieve gentle weak cooling and energy conservation.

[0116] Even when cooling is performed gently in the weak operation mode (weak cooling mode), the room temperature may drop too low depending on the indoor conditions. For example, this may occur when the outdoor temperature drops at night, when sunlight becomes weaker, or when factors that increase the room temperature are reduced due to a decrease in the number of people (users) indoors or reduced activity. In such cases, when the weak operation mode is selected, the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and constant-speed operation control of the compressor 125 is being executed, the outdoor unit control unit 180 (indoor unit control unit 80) may stop operation of the compressor 125 when the room temperature drops below the third threshold temperature TS3, as shown in FIG. 9. In other words, if the room temperature drops too low, for example, to prevent discomfort caused by excessive cooling, the compressor 125 is stopped. In this case, when cooling operation is being used, it is estimated that the outdoor temperature is somewhat high. Therefore, the room temperature is prevented from dropping too low by allowing the room temperature to rise naturally.

[0117] For example, when the compressor 125 is stopped in the weak operation mode and the room temperature rises above the fourth threshold temperature TS4 due to a natural temperature rise, the outdoor unit control unit 180 (indoor unit control unit 80) may switch the control state to constant speed operation control. In other words, the control automatically shifts to a control that meets the user's needs, such as gently cooling with weak cool air, cooling without rapid temperature changes, saving power while doing so, or prioritizing power saving. As shown by the temperature line TC in Figure 9, in the weak operation mode (weak cooling mode), the constant speed operation control is turned on and off. However, because the constant speed operation control itself is operated at, for example, minimum capacity, it is possible to suppress increases in power consumption due to ON / OFF operation.

[0118] The third threshold temperature TS3 may be a fixed value, such as 25° C., and the fourth threshold temperature TS4 may be a fixed value, such as 28° C., or may be set by the user as appropriate using, for example, the operation terminal 94a.

[0119] When the weak operation mode (weak cooling mode) is being executed, if the room temperature falls below the third threshold temperature TS3 and the operation of the compressor 125 is stopped, the fan 23 of the indoor unit 10 may be stopped, or the fan 23 may continue to be driven to only blow air. By continuing to blow air by the fan 23, indoor air is circulated, which contributes to maintaining the indoor environment.

[0120] Next, the low operation mode during heating operation will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0121] When the low operation mode is applied during heating operation, as in cooling operation, the constant speed operation control operates with the compressor 125 at a reduced capacity. This means that the room temperature may change depending on the conditions in the room where the indoor unit 10 is installed, such as changes in the outdoor temperature, the amount of sunlight entering through the windows, and changes in the number and activity of people (users) in the room. For example, a drop in the outdoor temperature, a decrease in sunlight, or a decrease in the number of people in the room may cause the room temperature to drop despite the heating capacity achieved by the constant speed operation control. In such a case, when the low operation mode is selected, the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and constant speed operation control is being executed, the outdoor unit control unit 180 (indoor unit control unit 80) may switch the control state to normal operation control if the room temperature falls below a fifth threshold temperature TS5, as shown in FIG. 10 . In other words, if the room temperature drops too much (below the fifth threshold temperature TS5), for example, to avoid user discomfort, the control state may switch to normal operation control to raise the room temperature.

[0122] Thereafter, when the room temperature reaches or exceeds the sixth threshold temperature TS6 through normal operation control, i.e., when the low operation mode is selected and the heat exchanger 22 (indoor heat exchanger) functions as a condenser, and normal operation control is executed, the outdoor unit control unit 180 (indoor unit control unit 80) switches to the control mode desired by the user. For example, when the room temperature reaches a level that does not feel extremely cold, the outdoor unit control unit 180 (indoor unit control unit 80) automatically switches to the control mode that satisfies the user's needs, such as gently warming with low-temperature warm air, avoiding rapid temperature changes, and simultaneously saving power or prioritizing power saving. As shown by the temperature line TC in FIG. 10 , even if the room temperature is warmed up to the sixth threshold temperature TS6 through switching from constant-speed operation control (low operation mode) to normal operation control, the compressor 125 does not stop and the control mode switches back to constant-speed operation control, thereby avoiding increased power consumption due to ON / OFF operation. This contributes to energy conservation.

[0123] The fifth threshold temperature TS5 may be a fixed value, such as 20°C, and the sixth threshold temperature TS6 may be a fixed value, such as 25°C, or the user may set them appropriately using, for example, the operation terminal 94a. Also, in Fig. 10, the set temperature T during heating (for example, 27°C) is shown for comparison with the sixth threshold temperature TS6, but in the weak operation mode (weak heating mode), the set temperature T is not set, and the compressor 125 is operated at a load lower than the maximum operating frequency to achieve gentle weak heating and energy conservation.

[0124] Even when heating gently in the weak operation mode (weak heating mode), the room temperature may rise too much depending on the indoor conditions. For example, this may occur when factors that increase the room temperature increase, such as when the outdoor temperature rises during the day, when sunlight becomes stronger, or when the number of people (users) in the room increases or when activity increases. In such cases, when the weak operation mode is selected, the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and constant-speed operation control of the compressor 125 is being executed, the outdoor unit control unit 180 (indoor unit control unit 80) may stop operation of the compressor 125 when the room temperature reaches or exceeds the seventh threshold temperature TS7, as shown in FIG. 11 . In other words, if the room temperature rises too much, for example, to prevent discomfort caused by overheating, the compressor 125 is stopped. In this case, when heating operation is being used, it is estimated that the outdoor temperature is relatively low. Therefore, the room temperature is prevented from rising too much by allowing the room temperature to naturally drop.

[0125] For example, when the compressor 125 is stopped in the low operation mode, the outdoor unit control unit 180 (indoor unit control unit 80) may switch the control state to constant speed operation control if the room temperature drops below the eighth threshold temperature TS8 due to a natural drop in temperature. In other words, the control automatically shifts to a mode that meets the user's needs, such as gently warming with low heating, heating that avoids rapid temperature changes, saving power while doing so, or prioritizing power saving. As shown by the temperature line TC in Figure 11, in the low operation mode (low heating mode), the constant speed operation control is turned on and off. However, because the constant speed operation control itself is operated at, for example, minimum capacity, it is possible to suppress increases in power consumption due to ON / OFF operation.

[0126] The seventh threshold temperature TS7 may be a fixed value, such as 27° C., and the eighth threshold temperature TS8 may be a fixed value, such as 20° C., or may be set by the user as appropriate using, for example, the operation terminal 94a.

[0127] When the weak operation mode (weak heating mode) is being executed, if the room temperature reaches or exceeds the seventh threshold temperature TS7 and the operation of the compressor 125 is stopped, the fan 23 of the indoor unit 10 may be stopped, or the fan 23 may continue to be driven to only blow air. By continuing to blow air by the fan 23, indoor air is circulated, which contributes to maintaining the indoor environment.

[0128] In this way, by operating the air conditioning device 1 in weak operation mode, it is possible to easily control the operation in cooling and heating operations to avoid rapid temperature changes while obtaining a moderate heating and cooling effect, while also saving power, or prioritizing power saving.

[0129] Furthermore, the low operation mode maintains constant speed operation control for a predetermined period of time, for example, 30 minutes, after the low operation mode (constant speed operation control) is executed. As a result, even if the threshold for transitioning to normal operation control (the first threshold temperature TS1 or the fifth threshold temperature TS5) is exceeded, if there is a temperature change due to constant speed operation control (a drop in temperature during cooling or a rise in temperature during heating), it is possible to prevent the operation from immediately switching to normal operation control. In other words, the low operation mode can be used at the user's discretion. The predetermined period (for example, 30 minutes) may be set to a fixed value or may be set appropriately by the user.

[0130] When the low operation mode is selected and the operation returns from normal operation control to constant speed operation control, or when the operation returns from a stopped state to constant speed operation control, the operation frequency of the compressor 125 in constant speed operation control may be reviewed to operate the compressor 125 in a manner appropriate for the room temperature. As a result, energy savings through low-load constant speed operation control and heating / cooling operation that provides a moderate level of satisfaction can be achieved.

[0131] During the execution of the above-described constant speed operation control, the air volume of the fan 23 (indoor air blower fan) may be variably controlled. For example, during cooling operation (weak cooling), increasing the air volume of the fan 23 makes it possible to lower the perceived temperature, thereby further improving comfort even during constant speed operation control. Similarly, during heating operation (weak heating), decreasing the air volume of the fan 23 makes it possible to prevent the perceived temperature from decreasing, thereby further improving comfort even during constant speed operation control. Note that when constant speed operation control is started, the air volume of the fan 23 may be set to a minimum air volume as a default value. Thereafter, the user may be able to freely change the air volume by operating the operation terminal 94a or the like.

[0132] Furthermore, the outdoor unit control unit 180 (indoor unit control unit 80) may be configured to cancel the weak operation mode setting if the operation of the air conditioner 1 is stopped by operating the stop button 948 or the like after the weak operation mode has been set by operating the weak cooling button 9410 or weak heating button 9411 on the operation terminal 94a or the like. This automatic cancellation can prevent the weak operation mode from being unintentionally activated the next time the air conditioner 1 is used, for example. In other words, it can prevent the air conditioner 1 from operating with reduced cooling or heating capacity, causing discomfort to the user. In other words, the weak operation mode with reduced air conditioning capacity can be a function that operates only when intended by the user.

[0133] <Summary> The air conditioner 1 according to the embodiment described above includes an indoor unit 10 including an indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 22) and an indoor blower fan (fan 23), an outdoor unit 120 including an outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 122) and an outdoor blower fan (fan 123), refrigerant piping RL connecting the indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 22) and the indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 122) and through which a refrigerant flows, a compressor 125 provided in the outdoor unit 120 and capable of variably controlling the operating frequency and compressing the refrigerant, an expansion valve provided in the outdoor unit 120, and control units (indoor unit control unit 80, outdoor unit control unit 180) that perform air conditioning operation based on the refrigerant flow pattern, and the control unit ( The indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180 are capable of executing a normal operation mode in which normal operation control is performed to control the operating frequency of the compressor 125 in accordance with the set temperature set in the indoor unit 10 and the room temperature of the room in which the indoor unit 10 is installed, thereby blowing conditioned air from the indoor unit 10, and a weak operation mode in which constant speed operation control is performed to control the compressor 125 at a constant constant speed operation frequency that is lower than the highest operating frequency possible under normal operation control, regardless of the room temperature, thereby blowing conditioned air from the indoor unit 10, and when the weak operation mode is selected by the user, the constant speed operation control is maintained for a predetermined period after the constant speed operation control is executed.

[0134] According to this configuration, for example, it is possible to provide an air conditioner 1 that can suppress increases in power consumption while maintaining a certain level of comfort.

[0135] Furthermore, when performing constant speed operation control, the control unit of the air conditioning apparatus 1 (indoor unit control unit 80, outdoor unit control unit 180) may set the constant speed operation frequency to a frequency lower than the intermediate frequency between the maximum operation frequency and the minimum operation frequency of the compressor 125, for example.

[0136] This configuration can contribute to energy conservation by, for example, continuing low-power operation with reduced output power.

[0137] In addition, the control unit (indoor unit control unit 80, outdoor unit control unit 180) of the air conditioning device 1 may be configured to switch the control state to normal operation control when the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than the first threshold temperature TS1, for example, when the weak operation mode is selected, the indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 22) functions as an evaporator, and constant speed operation control is being executed.

[0138] According to this configuration, for example, excessive rise in room temperature during cooling operation in the weak operation mode can be suppressed, which can contribute to improved comfort.

[0139] In addition, the control unit (indoor unit control unit 80, outdoor unit control unit 180) of the air conditioning device 1 may be configured to, for example, switch the control state to constant speed operation control when the room temperature becomes equal to or lower than the second threshold temperature TS2 due to the normal operation control, when the weak operation mode is selected and the indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 22) functions as an evaporator and normal operation control is executed.

[0140] According to this configuration, for example, excessive execution of normal operation control during cooling operation in the low operation mode can be suppressed, which can contribute to energy conservation.

[0141] In addition, the control unit (indoor unit control unit 80, outdoor unit control unit 180) of the air conditioning apparatus 1 may be configured to stop operation of the compressor 125 when the room temperature falls below the third threshold temperature TS3, for example, when the weak operation mode is selected, the indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 22) functions as an evaporator, and constant speed operation control is being executed.

[0142] This configuration, for example, prevents excessive cooling, which can contribute to energy conservation.

[0143] In addition, the control unit (indoor unit control unit 80, outdoor unit control unit 180) of the air conditioning apparatus 1 may be configured to switch the control state to constant speed operation control, for example, when the weak operation mode is selected and the compressor 125 is stopped, and if the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than the fourth threshold temperature TS4 after the compressor 125 is stopped.

[0144] According to this configuration, for example, during cooling operation in the weak operation mode, it is possible to prevent the room temperature from rising too much, which can contribute to improving comfort.

[0145] In addition, the control unit (indoor unit control unit 80, outdoor unit control unit 180) of the air conditioning device 1 may be configured to switch the control state to normal operation control when the room temperature falls below the fifth threshold temperature TS5, for example, when the weak operation mode is selected, the indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 22) functions as a condenser, and constant speed operation control is being executed.

[0146] According to this configuration, for example, excessive drop in room temperature during heating operation in the weak operation mode can be prevented, which can contribute to improved comfort.

[0147] Furthermore, the control unit (indoor unit control unit 80, outdoor unit control unit 180) of the air conditioning apparatus 1 may be configured to switch the control state to constant speed operation control, for example, when the weak operation mode is selected, the indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 22) functions as a condenser, and normal operation control is executed, and if the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than the sixth threshold temperature TS6 due to normal operation control.

[0148] According to this configuration, for example, excessive execution of normal operation control during heating operation in the low operation mode can be suppressed, which can contribute to energy conservation.

[0149] In addition, the control units (indoor unit control unit 80, outdoor unit control unit 180) of the air conditioning apparatus 1 may be configured to stop operation of the compressor 125 when the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than the seventh threshold temperature TS7, for example, when the weak operation mode is selected, the indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 22) functions as a condenser, and constant speed operation control is being executed.

[0150] This configuration, for example, prevents heating more than necessary, which can contribute to energy conservation.

[0151] Furthermore, the control unit (indoor unit control unit 80, outdoor unit control unit 180) of the air conditioning apparatus 1 may be configured to switch the control state to constant speed operation control, for example, when the weak operation mode is selected and the compressor 125 is stopped, and if the room temperature becomes equal to or lower than the eighth threshold temperature TS8 after the compressor 125 is stopped.

[0152] According to this configuration, for example, during heating operation in the weak operation mode, it is possible to prevent the room temperature from dropping too much, which can contribute to improving comfort.

[0153] Furthermore, the control units (indoor unit control unit 80, outdoor unit control unit 180) of the air conditioner 1 may be configured to be able to variably control the air volume of the indoor blower fan (fan 23) while constant speed operation control is being executed, for example.

[0154] According to this configuration, for example, during cooling operation (weak cooling), increasing the airflow rate of the fan 23 makes it possible to lower the sensible temperature, which can contribute to improving comfort. Similarly, during heating operation (weak heating), decreasing the airflow rate of the fan 23 makes it possible to prevent the sensible temperature from dropping, which can contribute to improving comfort.

[0155] Furthermore, the control units of the air conditioner 1 (indoor unit control unit 80, outdoor unit control unit 180) may be configured to cancel the weak operation mode setting, for example, if the operation of the air conditioner is stopped after the weak operation mode is set.

[0156] According to this configuration, for example, by automatically canceling the low operation mode, it is possible to prevent the low operation mode from being unintentionally executed the next time the air conditioner 1 is used.

[0157] Furthermore, when the control unit of the air conditioning device 1 (indoor unit control unit 80, outdoor unit control unit 180) acquires a signal indicating weak cooling in the weak operation mode, it may execute constant speed operation control and start an operation in which the indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 22) functions as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 122) functions as a condenser.

[0158] According to this configuration, for example, weak cooling operation in the weak operation mode can be achieved with a simple operation.

[0159] Furthermore, when the control unit of the air conditioning device 1 (indoor unit control unit 80, outdoor unit control unit 180) acquires a signal indicating weak heating in the weak operation mode, it may execute constant speed operation control and start an operation in which the indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 22) functions as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 122) functions as an evaporator.

[0160] According to this configuration, for example, weak heating operation in the weak operation mode can be achieved with a simple operation.

[0161] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0162] 1...air conditioning device, 10...indoor unit, 22...heat exchanger (indoor heat exchanger), 23...fan (indoor blower fan), 80...indoor unit control unit, 120...outdoor unit, 122...heat exchanger (outdoor heat exchanger), 123...fan (outdoor blower fan), 124...four-way valve, 125...compressor, 180...outdoor unit control unit.

Claims

1. an indoor unit including an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor blower fan; an outdoor unit including an outdoor heat exchanger and an outdoor blower fan; a refrigerant pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger, through which a refrigerant flows; a compressor provided in the outdoor unit, the operating frequency of which can be variably controlled, and which compresses the refrigerant; an expansion valve provided in the outdoor unit; a control unit that executes an air conditioning operation based on the refrigerant flow pattern; Equipped with The control unit a normal operation mode in which normal operation control is performed to control the operating frequency of the compressor in accordance with the set temperature set in the indoor unit and the room temperature in the room in which the indoor unit is installed, and to blow out conditioned air from the indoor unit; a weak operation mode in which constant speed operation control is performed to control the compressor at a constant constant speed operation frequency that is lower than the highest operation frequency possible in the normal operation control regardless of the room temperature, and to blow out conditioned air from the indoor unit; When the low operation mode is selected by the user, the constant speed operation control is maintained for a predetermined period from the execution of the constant speed operation control. Air conditioning equipment.

2. When the control unit executes the constant speed operation control, the control unit sets the constant speed operation frequency to a frequency lower than an intermediate frequency between the maximum operation frequency and a minimum operation frequency of the compressor. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

3. the control unit, when the weak operation mode is selected, the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and the constant speed operation control is being executed, switches the control state to the normal operation control when the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than a first threshold temperature. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

4. When the weak operation mode is selected, the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and the normal operation control is executed, the control unit switches the control state to the constant speed operation control when the room temperature becomes equal to or lower than a second threshold temperature due to the normal operation control. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 3.

5. When the weak operation mode is selected, the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and the constant speed operation control is executed, the control unit stops operation of the compressor when the room temperature becomes equal to or lower than a third threshold temperature. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

6. the control unit, when the low operation mode is selected and the compressor is stopped, switches the control state to the constant speed operation control if the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than a fourth threshold temperature after the compressor is stopped. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 5.

7. When the weak operation mode is selected, the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the constant speed operation control is being executed, the control unit switches the control state to the normal operation control when the room temperature becomes equal to or lower than a fifth threshold temperature. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

8. When the weak operation mode is selected, the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the normal operation control is executed, the control unit switches the control state to the constant speed operation control when the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than a sixth threshold temperature due to the normal operation control. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 7.

9. When the weak operation mode is selected, the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the constant speed operation control is executed, the control unit stops operation of the compressor when the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than a seventh threshold temperature. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

10. when the low operation mode is selected and the compressor is stopped, if the room temperature becomes equal to or lower than an eighth threshold temperature after the compressor is stopped, the control unit switches the control state to the constant speed operation control. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The control unit is capable of variably controlling the air volume of the indoor blower fan while the constant speed operation control is being executed. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

12. When the operation of the air conditioning apparatus is stopped after the low operation mode is set, the control unit cancels the setting of the low operation mode. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

13. When the control unit acquires a signal indicating weak cooling in the weak operation mode, the control unit executes the constant speed operation control and starts an operation in which the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

14. When the control unit acquires a signal indicating weak heating in the weak operation mode, the control unit executes the constant speed operation control and starts an operation in which the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

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