Air conditioner and air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner and an air conditioning system that suppress damage of a drive part of a louver caused by closing of a blowout port.SOLUTION: An air conditioner 2 has an air blowing function. The air conditioner 2 includes a louver 206, a drive part 207, a drive control part 211, and a drive instruction part 210. The drive part 207 drives the louver 206 in a direction of closing a blowout port 204. The drive control part 211 controls the drive part 207. The drive instruction part 210 outputs an additional drive instruction for additionally driving the louver 206 in the direction of closing the blowout port 204 to the drive control part 211. The drive control part 211 performs stop time drive for driving the louver 206 in the direction of closing the blowout port 204 when the air blowing function is stopped, and the drive control part 211 additionally drives the louver 206 in the direction of closing the blowout port 204 when the additional drive instruction is input while the air blowing function is stopped.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner and an air conditioning system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner in which a panel is closed by an opening / closing device when the air conditioner is instructed to stop.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose countermeasures when the panel cannot be completely closed.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner and an air conditioning system that preferably close an air outlet by driving a louver at the time of stopping the operation of the air conditioner and further additionally driving the louver in a direction to close the air outlet, and suppress damage to a driving part of the louver associated with the closing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The air conditioner according to the present invention is an air conditioner having a blowing function, and includes a louver, a driving unit, a drive control unit, and a drive instruction unit. The driving unit drives the louver in a direction to close the air outlet. The drive control unit controls the driving unit. The drive instruction unit outputs an additional drive instruction to cause the drive control unit to additionally drive the louver in a direction to close the air outlet. When the blowing function is stopped, the drive control unit performs a stop-time drive to drive the louver in a direction to close the air outlet. Further, when the additional drive instruction is input while the blowing function is stopped, the drive control unit additionally drives the louver in a direction to close the air outlet.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the air conditioner and the air conditioning system of the present invention, the air outlet of the air conditioner can be suitably closed by the louver, and damage to the driving unit of the louver can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will not be repeated.

[0010] Referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 1 including an air conditioner 2 and a remote controller 3 according to the present embodiment. The present embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1 can be applied to all embodiments and specific examples of the present invention.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioner 2 and a remote controller 3 (remote control 3).

[0012] The air conditioning system 1 is a system in which the air conditioner 2 receives radio waves transmitted from the remote controller 3 and the air conditioner 2 operates. Further, the air conditioning system 1 may be a system that operates by receiving a direct instruction from a user at an interface disposed on the main body of the air conditioner 2.

[0013] The air conditioner 2 has a blowing function. An example of the air conditioner 2 is an air conditioner, a cooler, a heater, a blower, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, or an air cleaner.

[0014] As an example, in addition to the blowing function described above, the air conditioner may have a heating function, a cooling function, a humidifying function, or a dehumidifying function. The air conditioner may be connected to an outdoor unit (not shown).

[0015] The air conditioner, cooler, heater, blower, humidifier, dehumidifier, or air cleaner does not necessarily have to be connected to an outdoor unit.

[0016] The remote controller 3 outputs instruction information to the air conditioner 2. The remote controller 3 will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

[0017] Next, in addition to FIG. 1, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the air conditioner 2 will be described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the air conditioner 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control device 21 of the air conditioner 2 according to the present embodiment.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 2 includes a main body mechanism unit 20, a control device 21, a notification unit 22, and a receiving unit 23.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main body mechanism unit 20 includes a housing 200, an intake port 201, a fan 202, a heat exchanger 203, an air outlet 204, fins 205 (left and right air direction adjustment unit 205), louvers 206 (up and down air direction adjustment unit 206), and a drive unit 207.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 21 includes a drive instruction unit 210 and a drive control unit 211.

[0021] In the main body mechanism unit 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 200 is formed of resin or the like as an example, and forms the outer frame of the air conditioner 2.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the intake port 201 is formed in the upper part of the housing 200 as an example, and is a hole for sucking indoor air.

[0023] The fan 202 is disposed inside the housing 200. As an example, a plurality of blades are disposed around the rotation axis of the fan 202. When the rotation axis of the fan 202 rotates, the fan 202 sucks indoor air from the intake port 201 and blows the air to the air outlet 204 described later.

[0024] The heat exchanger 203 has a refrigerant pipe through which refrigerant is conducted inside, and exchanges heat between the air sucked by the fan 202 from the intake port 201 and the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe.

[0025] The air outlet 204 is disposed in the lower part or the front side surface of the housing 200 as an example, and is a hole for blowing out the air (cool air or warm air as an example) that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant.

[0026] The fins 205 (left and right air direction adjustment unit 205) are disposed near the air outlet 204 as an example, and a plurality of flat plates are arranged side by side in the left and right directions of the air conditioner 2.

[0027] The air blown out from the air outlet 204 passes between the adjacent flat plates of the fins 205, and the wind direction is adjusted in the left - right direction depending on the orientation of the flat plates. The fins 205 are formed of, for example, resin or the like.

[0028] The louver 206 (vertical wind direction adjustment part 206) is composed of, for example, a single flat plate arranged in the vicinity of the air outlet 204. The louver 206 is pivotally supported by a pivot shaft on both sides of the housing 200, and a rotation gear is arranged on the pivot shaft. The louver 206 rotates around the pivot shaft to open or close the air outlet 204. The louver 206 adjusts the vertical wind direction of the air blown out from the air outlet 204.

[0029] The drive unit 207 drives the louver 206 in the direction to open the air outlet 204. The drive unit 207 drives the louver 206 in the direction to close the air outlet 204.

[0030] The drive unit 207 is composed of, for example, a motor (not shown), a drive gear arranged on the rotation shaft of the motor, a transmission gear engaged with the drive gear of the motor, and a rotation gear arranged on the louver 206 and engaged with the transmission gear.

[0031] Next, in addition to FIG. 3, referring to FIGS. 4A - 13, the control of the louver 206 by the control device 21 will be described.

[0032] FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the operation of the louver 206 of the air conditioner 2 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the stop drive and additional drive (remote additional drive) of the louver 206. FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing the operation of the air conditioner 2. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the remote controller 3. FIGS. 8 - 13 are timing charts showing the additional drive of the louver 206.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4A, when the blower function of the air conditioner 2 is driving, the louver 206 (louver 206A) is in the position to open the air outlet 204.

[0034] When the air conditioner 2 is driving the blowing function, the user instructs the stop button or other interfaces arranged on the air conditioner 2. The driving instruction unit 210 of the control device 21 outputs a stop instruction to stop the blowing function.

[0035] When the air conditioner 2 is driving the blowing function, the user instructs the stop button or other interfaces arranged on the remote controller 3. At that time, the driving instruction unit 210 of the control device 21 may output a stop instruction to stop the blowing function.

[0036] The drive control unit 211 of the control device 21 stops the blowing function based on the stop instruction.

[0037] Specifically, the control device 21 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). And the processor of the control device 21 controls the operations of each part of the air conditioner 2 by executing a computer program stored in a storage device (not shown).

[0038] The drive instruction unit 210 and the drive control unit 211 can be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0039] Next, the drive control unit 211 of the control device 21 controls the drive unit 207. Specifically, when the blowing function stops, the drive unit 207 drives a motor (not shown), rotates the rotation shaft of the motor, and transmits the rotational force to a drive gear arranged on the rotation shaft of the motor, a transmission gear engaged with the drive gear of the motor, and a rotation gear arranged on the louver 206 and engaged with the transmission gear, to drive the louver 206.

[0040] When the drive control unit 211 stops the blowing function of the air conditioner 2, it may perform a stop-time drive to drive the louver 206 in the direction of closing the air outlet 204.

[0041] When the drive control unit 211 stops the blower function of the air conditioner 2, the drive control unit 211 controls the drive unit 207. As shown in FIG. 4A, the drive unit 207 performs the drive at the time of stopping of the louver 206 and closes the air outlet 204 with the louver 206.

[0042] However, for example, when the drive unit 207 of the air conditioner 2 deteriorates over time, or when the user manually moves the louver 206, etc., there may be a case where the louver 206 cannot properly close the air outlet 204.

[0043] That is, as shown in FIG. 4B, after the louver 206A performs the drive at the time of stopping in the direction of closing the air outlet 204, the louver 206C may stop in a state where a gap B (shift B) is generated between the louver 206 and the housing 200.

[0044] The drive instruction unit 210 of the control device 21 outputs an additional drive instruction to cause the drive control unit 211 to additionally drive the louver 206 in the direction of closing the air outlet 204.

[0045] That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the drive instruction unit 210 outputs a stop drive instruction to cause the drive control unit 211 to drive the louver 206 in the direction of closing the air outlet 204. The drive control unit 211 performs the stop drive of the louver 206 so as to close the air outlet 204 in accordance with the stop drive instruction.

[0046] After the louver 206 completes the stop drive and stops, if the user further instructs a button other than the stop button or other interfaces arranged on the air conditioner 2, the drive instruction unit 210 of the control device 21 outputs an additional drive instruction to additionally drive the louver 206C.

[0047] The drive control unit 211 may determine whether an additional drive instruction has been output.

[0048] When the user instructs a button other than the stop button or other interfaces arranged on the remote controller 3, the drive instruction unit 210 of the control device 21 may output a remote additional drive instruction to additionally drive the louver 206.

[0049] Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the drive control unit 211 additionally drives the louver 206C to close the air outlet 204 in accordance with the additional drive instruction. Hereinafter, when referring to FIGS. 5 to 13, unless it is necessary to describe the remote additional drive instruction, the additional drive instruction may be described including the remote additional drive instruction.

[0050] Also, when referring to FIGS. 5 to 13, unless it is necessary to describe the remote additional drive, the additional drive may be described by replacing it with the remote additional drive. Therefore, the descriptions of the remote additional drive instruction and the remote additional drive are omitted in FIGS. 5 to 13.

[0051] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, when the drive instruction unit 210 outputs a stop instruction C, the drive control unit 211 stops a motor (not shown) and stops a blowing function such as a fan 202 (FIG. 2) connected to the motor.

[0052] The drive control unit 211 continues to perform the drive E at the time of stop and drives the louver 206 to close the air outlet 204.

[0053] When an additional drive instruction D is input while the blowing function of the air conditioner 2 is stopped, the drive control unit 211 may cause an additional drive F for the louver 206 in the direction of closing the air outlet 204.

[0054] That is, as shown in FIG. 6, when the blowing function of the air conditioner 2 is stopped, the drive instruction unit 210 may output an additional drive instruction D for performing an additional drive F for the louver 206. The drive control unit 211 drives the drive unit 207 in accordance with the additional drive instruction D. The drive unit 207 performs an additional drive F for the louver 206C to close the air outlet 204.

[0055] When the additional drive F for the louver 206C is completed, as shown in FIG. 5, the louver 206B preferably closes the air outlet 204.

[0056] According to the present embodiment, the air outlet 204 of the air conditioner 2 can be preferably closed by the louver 206, and damage to the drive unit 207 of the louver 206 can be suppressed.

[0057] Next, referring to FIG. 7, the remote controller 3 will be described.

[0058] The remote controller 3 is provided with buttons to which functions are assigned. As shown in FIG. 1, a signal corresponding to the button indicated by the user is transmitted to the air conditioner 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 2 exhibits the indicated function based on the signal received from the remote controller 3.

[0059] Further, the remote controller 3 may be provided with a display on which functions are displayed. As shown in FIG. 1, a signal corresponding to the function indicated by the user on the display may be transmitted to the air conditioner 2.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, the remote controller 3 includes a first instruction unit 30, a second instruction unit 31, and a transmission unit 32.

[0061] A preferred example of the first instruction unit 30 is a stop button on which the character "stop" is printed. Another example of the first instruction unit 30 is an image on which "stop" is displayed on the display.

[0062] A preferred example of the second instruction unit 31 is a button other than the stop button on which the character "stop" is printed, which is arranged in the area surrounded by the dotted line. Another example of the second instruction unit 31 is an image other than the image on which "stop" is displayed on the display.

[0063] However, the first instruction unit 30 may be a button other than the stop button. The first instruction unit 30 may also be an image other than the image with "stop" displayed on the display.

[0064] Also, the second instruction unit 31 may be the stop button. The second instruction unit 31 may also be the image with "stop" displayed on the display.

[0065] The first instruction unit 30 outputs instruction information indicating a remote stop instruction to stop the blower function of the air conditioner 2 and drive the louver 206 in a direction to close the air outlet 204.

[0066] The transmission unit 32 transmits the instruction information. That is, the transmission unit 32 transmits the instruction information output by the user operating the first instruction unit 30 or the second instruction unit 31 to the reception unit 23 of the air conditioner 2.

[0067] The transmission unit 32 can be realized by a CODEC (Coder / Decoder).

[0068] As shown in FIG. 1, the reception unit 23 of the air conditioner 2 receives the instruction information.

[0069] The reception unit 23 can be realized by a CODEC.

[0070] That is, as shown in FIG. 7, when the air conditioner 2 is driving the blower function, if the user instructs a stop button or the like arranged on the remote controller 3, the drive instruction unit 210 of the control device 21 outputs a drive instruction for remote stop to stop the blower function. The drive control unit 211 stops the blower function based on the drive instruction for remote stop.

[0071] The drive instruction unit 210 outputs instruction information indicating a drive instruction for remote stop to drive the louver 206 in a direction to close the air outlet 204 to the drive control unit 211. The drive control unit 211 performs a drive for remote stop on the louver 206 to close the air outlet 204 according to the drive instruction for remote stop.

[0072] The second instruction unit 31 is a button other than the first instruction unit 30, and outputs instruction information indicating a remote additional drive instruction for additionally driving the louver 206.

[0073] The drive instruction unit 210 of the control device 21 of the air conditioner 2 outputs a remote additional drive instruction according to the instruction information. That is, the drive instruction unit 210 outputs a remote additional drive instruction based on the content indicated by the instruction information received by the reception unit 23.

[0074] The drive control unit 211 of the air conditioner 2 controls the drive unit 207 to remotely additionally drive the opening and closing of the louver 206 based on the remote additional drive instruction.

[0075] When the user instructs an interface other than the stop button arranged on the remote controller 3, the drive instruction unit 210 of the control device 21 outputs a remote additional drive instruction for remotely additionally driving the louver 206.

[0076] The drive control unit 211 may determine whether a remote additional drive instruction has been output.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 3, the drive control unit 211 remotely additionally drives the louver 206C to close the air outlet 204 according to the remote additional drive instruction.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 5, when the remote additional drive for the louver 206C is completed, the louver 206B preferably closes the air outlet 204.

[0079] According to the present embodiment, the air outlet 204 of the air conditioner 2 can be preferably closed by the louver 206 using the remote controller 3, and damage to the drive unit 207 of the louver 206 can be suppressed.

[0080] Next, the drive control unit 211 shown in FIG. 3 may be controlled not to receive an additional drive instruction until the drive at the time of stop is completed.

[0081] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, when the drive instruction unit 210 outputs a stop instruction C, the drive control unit 211 stops the blower function and further performs a stop-time drive E on the louver 206 to close the air outlet 204.

[0082] While the louver 206 is performing the stop-time drive E, even if the drive instruction unit 210 outputs an additional drive instruction G, the drive control unit 211 does not perform an additional drive F on the louver 206.

[0083] The drive control unit 211 may determine whether the stop-time drive E has been completed.

[0084] The drive instruction unit 210 may output an additional drive instruction D for performing an additional drive F on the louver 206 when the blower function of the air conditioner 2 is stopped. The drive control unit 211 drives the drive unit 207 according to the additional drive instruction D. The drive unit 207 performs an additional drive F on the louver 206C to close the air outlet 204.

[0085] According to the present embodiment, malfunction of the drive unit 207 can be suppressed.

[0086] Furthermore, when the stop-time drive E is completed, the notification unit 22 of the air conditioner 2 notifies that the stop-time drive has been completed.

[0087] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, when the stop-time drive E of the louver 206 ends or is completed, the notification unit 22 sounds an alarm or the like to notify that the stop-time drive E has been completed.

[0088] Furthermore, when the additional drive F of the louver 206 ends or is completed, the notification unit 22 may sound an alarm or the like to notify that the additional drive F has ended or been completed.

[0089] The notification unit 22 is, for example, a speaker.

[0090] According to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, it is possible to alert the user whether there is a gap B between the housing 200 and the louver 206 when the stop-time driving is completed.

[0091] Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the drive control unit 211 may drive the louver 206 by a predetermined amount according to the additional drive instruction D.

[0092] That is, the user may instruct the stop button or other interfaces arranged on the air conditioner 2 for a short time, or may long-press it for a long time. Also, the user may instruct the stop button or other interfaces arranged on the remote controller 3 for a short time, or may long-press it for a long time.

[0093] Regardless of whether the additional drive instruction D is issued for a short time or for a long time, the drive control unit 211 may drive the louver 206 by a predetermined amount.

[0094] The control device 21 may determine whether the drive control unit 211 has driven the louver 206 by a predetermined amount.

[0095] According to this embodiment, the louver 206 is driven by a predetermined amount according to the additional drive instruction D by the user. Therefore, even if the user does not visually observe or pay attention to the air conditioner 2, the louver 206 is driven by a predetermined amount according to the additional drive instruction D, and the air outlet 204 of the air conditioner 2 can be suitably closed by the louver 206. Also, damage to the drive unit 207 of the louver 206 can be suppressed.

[0096] Next, the predetermined amount J(n + 1) according to the (n + 1)-th (n is a natural number, the same applies hereinafter) additional drive instruction H(n + 1) by the drive control unit 211 may be smaller than the predetermined amount J(n) according to the n-th additional drive instruction H(n).

[0097] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the drive instruction unit 210 outputs the n-th additional drive instruction H(n). The drive control unit 211 receives the additional drive instruction H(n) and additionally drives the louver 206 by a predetermined amount J(n) to the drive unit 207.

[0098] After the drive unit 207 drives the louver 206 by a predetermined amount J(n), the drive control unit 211 may stop the additional drive of the drive unit 207.

[0099] Furthermore, the drive instruction unit 210 outputs the (n + 1)-th additional drive instruction H(n + 1). The drive control unit 211 receives the additional drive instruction H(n + 1) and additionally drives the louver 206 by a predetermined amount J(n + 1) to the drive unit 207.

[0100] At this time, the predetermined amount J(n + 1) may be smaller than the predetermined amount J(n). That is, the predetermined amount J(n)> the predetermined amount J(n + 1) may be satisfied.

[0101] After the drive unit 207 additionally drives the louver 206 by a predetermined amount J(n + 1), the drive control unit 211 may stop the additional drive of the drive unit 207.

[0102] According to the present embodiment, the user can issue the additional drive instruction H a plurality of times. Further, each time the additional drive instruction H is issued, the predetermined amount by which the louver 206 is driven gradually decreases. Therefore, the user can finely adjust the drive of the louver 206 until the gap B shown in FIG. 4B disappears, and can suppress damage to the drive unit 207 of the louver 206.

[0103] Furthermore, the drive unit 207 may continue to drive the louver 206 while receiving the additional drive instruction H.

[0104] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, after the user drives the louver 206 at the stop time, the user instructs a button other than the stop button or other interfaces arranged in the air conditioner 2. The drive instruction unit 210 of the control device 21 outputs an additional drive instruction K for additionally driving the louver 206C by an additional drive M.

[0105] When the user instructs the second instruction unit 31 disposed on the remote controller 3, the drive instruction unit 210 of the control device 21 may output a remote additional drive instruction K to drive the louver 206 only by the remote additional drive M.

[0106] The additional drive instruction K may be output only while instructing a button other than the stop button or other interfaces. The additional drive instruction K may be output only while instructing the second instruction unit 31.

[0107] The rising point of the additional drive instruction K shown in FIG. 11 may be the point in time (the point in time when pressed) when a button other than the stop button or other interfaces is instructed. The rising point of the additional drive instruction K may be the point in time (the point in time when pressed) when the second instruction unit 31 is instructed.

[0108] The drive control unit 211 performs an additional drive M on the louver 206C so as to close the air outlet 204 in accordance with the additional drive instruction K.

[0109] The drive control unit 211 may determine whether the additional drive instruction K is being output.

[0110] Next, when the user stops instructing a button other than the stop button or other interfaces disposed on the air conditioner 2, the drive instruction unit 210 stops outputting the additional drive instruction K. The drive control unit 211 may stop the additional drive M in accordance with the stop of the output of the additional drive instruction K.

[0111] The drive control unit 211 may determine whether the output of the additional drive instruction K has been stopped.

[0112] The period during which the additional drive instruction L shown in FIG. 11 is output is different from the period during which the additional drive instruction K is output. The drive control unit 211 may perform the additional drive N only during the period when the additional drive instruction L is output.

[0113] The drive control unit 211 may determine whether or not an additional drive instruction L is being output.

[0114] The falling edge of the additional drive instruction K shown in FIG. 11 may be the time when the instructions of buttons other than the stop button and other interfaces are released (the time when a finger or the like is removed from buttons other than the stop button and other interfaces). The falling edge of the additional drive instruction K may be the time when the instruction of the second instruction unit 31 is released (the time when a finger or the like is removed from the second instruction unit 31).

[0115] According to the present embodiment, the user can visually adjust the additional drive amount of the louver 206. Therefore, excessive additional driving of the louver 206 can be suppressed, and damage to the drive unit 207 of the louver 206 can be suppressed.

[0116] Furthermore, when the drive unit 207 receives the additional drive instruction L for a predetermined time, it may stop driving the louver 206.

[0117] As described above with reference to FIG. 11, the additional drive instruction K may be output only while instructing a button other than the stop button or other interfaces. The additional drive instruction K may be output only while instructing the second instruction unit 31 (FIGS. 4A and 4B).

[0118] Therefore, for example, as described with reference to FIG. 5, even though the louver 206B already suitably closes the air outlet 204, it is conceivable that the user continues to issue the additional drive instruction K (FIG. 11), and it is conceivable that the gears of the louver 206B and the drive unit 207 are damaged.

[0119] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, when the additional drive instruction P is input, the louver 206 performs the additional drive S. When the additional drive instruction P is input, the additional drive instruction P continues for the instruction time Q. However, the drive control unit 211 may drive the drive unit 207 for a predetermined time R regardless of the instruction time Q.

[0120] That is, the drive instruction unit 210 outputs an additional drive instruction P. The drive control unit 211 causes the drive unit 207 to perform an additional drive S according to the additional drive instruction P.

[0121] The drive unit 207 starts the additional drive S according to the instruction of the drive instruction unit 210. The drive unit 207 may start driving the louver 206 according to the additional drive instruction P. The drive unit 207 continues to drive the louver 206 for a predetermined time R.

[0122] The control device 21 may determine whether the additional drive instruction P continues.

[0123] When the control device 21 determines that the additional drive instruction P does not continue, the drive control unit 211 stops the additional drive S of the drive unit 207.

[0124] When the drive control unit 211 continuously receives the additional drive instruction P, the drive control unit 211 stops the additional drive S of the drive unit 207 when the predetermined time R elapses.

[0125] When the control device 21 determines that the drive control unit 211 continuously receives the additional drive instruction P, the control device 21 may determine whether the predetermined time R has elapsed.

[0126] When the predetermined time R elapses, since the additional drive S by the drive unit 207 stops, the drive unit 207 stops driving the louver 206.

[0127] The predetermined time R may be shorter than the instruction time Q.

[0128] According to the present embodiment, even if the user outputs the additional drive instruction P so as to perform the additional drive S during the instruction time Q, the drive control unit 211 can stop the additional drive S by the drive unit 207 when the predetermined time R elapses. Therefore, excessive additional driving of the louver 206 can be suppressed, and damage to the drive unit 207 of the louver 206 can be suppressed.

[0129] Next, the drive unit 207 may move the louver 206 by the maximum drive amount allowed for the louver 206 according to an additional drive instruction, and may further drive the louver 206 by receiving an additional drive instruction.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 4A, the louver 206A may be driven by the maximum drive amount to open the air outlet 204 by the maximum amount.

[0131] However, even though the air outlet 204 is opened by the maximum amount, it is conceivable that the user manually moves the louver 206A to further open it. In that case, as shown in FIG. 4B, a gap B may occur even though the louver 206A has been driven by the maximum drive amount in the direction of closing the air outlet 204.

[0132] Therefore, the drive unit 207 may move the louver 206 by the maximum drive amount allowed for the louver 206 according to an additional drive instruction P. The drive unit 207 may further drive the louver 206 by receiving an additional drive instruction.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 13, when the air conditioner 2 is driving the blowing function, if the user instructs a stop button or other interface arranged on the air conditioner 2, the drive instruction unit 210 of the control device 21 outputs a stop instruction C to stop the blowing function.

[0134] The drive control unit 211 of the control device 21 stops the blowing function based on the stop instruction C.

[0135] That is, when the drive instruction unit 210 outputs the stop instruction C, the drive control unit 211 performs a drive at the time of stop E and drives the louver 206 to close the air outlet 204. At this time, the drive unit 207 may move the louver 206 by the maximum drive amount allowed for the louver 06 according to the stop instruction C.

[0136] The drive control unit 211 stops the drive of the drive unit 207. When the drive unit 207 moves by the maximum drive amount allowed for the louver 206, the drive of the louver 206 is stopped.

[0137] Furthermore, when the user instructs a button other than the stop button or other interfaces arranged on the air conditioner 2, the drive instruction unit 210 of the control device 21 outputs an additional drive instruction D to additionally drive the louver 206C.

[0138] The drive control unit 211 performs an additional drive F on the louver 206C based on the additional drive instruction D.

[0139] When the drive control unit 211 performs the additional drive F on the louver 206C for a predetermined time, the drive control unit 211 stops the additional drive F. The drive unit 207 stops the additional drive F.

[0140] When the additional drive F for the louver 206C is completed, as shown in FIG. 5, the louver 206B preferably closes the air outlet 204.

[0141] According to the present embodiment, the user can finely adjust the drive of the louver 206 until the gap B shown in FIG. 4B disappears, and damage to the drive unit 207 of the louver 206 can be suppressed.

[0142] Next, referring to FIG. 14, the basic control of the air conditioning system 1 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the basic control of the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 14, the flowchart includes steps S10 to S18. Specifically, it is as follows.

[0144] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 14, a part of steps S10 to S18 may be processed. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 14, all of steps S10 to S18 may be processed.

[0145] In step S10 shown in FIG. 14, when the air conditioner 2 is driving the blowing function, according to the user's instruction, the drive instruction unit 210 outputs a stop instruction or a remote stop instruction to stop the blowing function. The process proceeds to step S11.

[0146] In step S11, the drive control unit 211 stops the blowing function based on the stop instruction. The process proceeds to step S12.

[0147] In step S12, the drive unit 207 performs drive during stop, drives the louver 206, and closes the air outlet 204. The process proceeds to step S13.

[0148] In step S13, the control device 21 determines whether the drive during stop has been completed. If it is determined that the drive during stop has been completed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S14. If it is determined that the drive during stop has not been completed (No), the process repeats step S13.

[0149] In the case of Yes in step S13, in step S14, the notification unit 22 notifies that the drive during stop has been completed. The process proceeds to step S15.

[0150] In step S15, the control device 21 determines whether an additional drive instruction has been output. If it is determined that an additional drive instruction has been output (Yes), the process proceeds to step S16. If it is determined that an additional drive instruction has not been output (No), the process ends.

[0151] In the case of Yes in step S15, in step S16, the drive instruction unit 210 outputs an additional drive instruction. The drive control unit 211 additionally drives the louver 206C to close the air outlet 204 according to the additional drive instruction. The process proceeds to step S17.

[0152] In step S17, the drive control unit 211 stops the additional drive. The process proceeds to step S18.

[0153] In step S18, the notification unit 22 notifies that the additional driving has been completed. Then the process ends.

[0154] Next, referring to FIG. 15, other controls of the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing other controls of the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 15, steps S10 to S18 refer to FIG. 14. FIG. 15 is a flowchart in which step S20 is incorporated between step S16 and step S17 shown in FIG. 14. Therefore, duplicate explanations for the steps described in FIG. 14 are omitted.

[0155] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 15, part of steps S10 to S16 and steps S20 to S18 may be processed. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 15, all of steps S10 to S16 and steps S20 to S18 may be processed.

[0156] In step S20 shown in FIG. 15, the control device 21 determines whether the drive control unit 211 has driven the louver 206 by a predetermined amount. If the louver 206 has been driven by a predetermined amount (Yes), the process proceeds to step S17. If the louver 206 has not been driven by a predetermined amount (No), the process repeats step S20.

[0157] Next, referring to FIG. 16, other controls of the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing other controls of the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 16, steps S10 to S14, step S17, and step S18 refer to FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a flowchart in which steps S30 to S34 are incorporated between step S14 and step S17 shown in FIG. 14. Therefore, duplicate explanations for the steps described in FIG. 14 are omitted.

[0158] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, part of steps S10 to S14, steps S30 to S34, and steps S17 to S18 may be processed. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, all of steps S10 to S14, steps S30 to S34, and steps S17 to S18 may be processed.

[0159] As shown in FIG. 16, in step S30, the drive instruction unit 210 outputs the n-th additional drive instruction H(n). The drive control unit 211 receives the additional drive instruction H(n). The process proceeds to step S31.

[0160] In step S31, the drive control unit 211 causes the drive unit 207 to additionally drive the louver 206 by a predetermined amount J(n). The process proceeds to step S32.

[0161] In step S32, the drive control unit 211 stops the additional drive of the drive unit 207. The process proceeds to step S33.

[0162] In step S33, the drive control unit 211 receives the additional drive instruction H(n + 1). The process proceeds to step S34.

[0163] In step S34, the drive control unit 211 causes the drive unit 207 to additionally drive the louver 206 by a predetermined amount J(n + 1).

[0164] Next, referring to FIG. 17, other controls of the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing other controls of the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 17, steps S10 to S18 are incorporated by reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 17 is a flowchart in which steps S40 and S41 are incorporated between steps S16 and S17 shown in FIG. 14. Therefore, duplicate descriptions of the steps described in FIG. 14 are omitted.

[0165] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 17, part of steps S10 to S16, step S40, step S41, step S17, and step S18 may be processed. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 17, all of steps S10 to S16, step S40, step S41, step S17, and step S18 may be processed.

[0166] In step S40 shown in FIG. 17, the control device 21 determines whether the additional drive instruction P continues. If it is determined that it continues (Yes), the process proceeds to step S41. If it is determined that it does not continue (No), the process proceeds to step S17.

[0167] In the case of Yes in step S40, in step S41, the control device 21 may determine whether a predetermined time R has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time R has elapsed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S17. If it is determined that the predetermined time R has not elapsed (No), the process returns to step S16.

[0168] Next, referring to FIG. 18, other controls of the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing other controls of the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 18, steps S10 to S18 are incorporated by reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 18 is a flowchart in which step S50 is incorporated between step S12 and step S13 shown in FIG. 14. Therefore, redundant descriptions of the steps described in FIG. 14 are omitted.

[0169] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 18, part of steps S10 to S12, step S50, and steps S13 to S18 may be processed. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 18, all of steps S10 to S12, step S50, and steps S13 to S18 may be processed.

[0170] In step S50 shown in FIG. 18, the drive unit 207 moves the louver 206 by the maximum drive amount allowed for the louver 206 in response to an additional drive instruction. The process proceeds to step S13.

[0171] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist thereof. The drawings may schematically show each component mainly for easy understanding. The number of each illustrated component etc. may differ from the actual one for convenience in drawing creation. Also, each component shown in the above embodiments is an example and is not particularly limited, and various changes can be made without substantially departing from the effects of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

[0172] The present invention can be used in the fields of air conditioners and air conditioning systems.

Explanation of Signs

[0173] 1 Air conditioning system 2 Air conditioner 20 Main body mechanism section 200 Housing 201 Intake port 202 Fan 203 Heat exchanger 204 Outlet 205 Fin (left - right direction adjustment section) 206 Louver (up - down air direction adjustment section) 207 Drive unit 21 Control device 210 Drive instruction section 211 Drive control section 22 Notification section 23 Receiver 3 Remote controller 30 First instruction section 31 Second instruction section 32 Transmitter

Claims

1. An air conditioner having a blower function, comprising: a louver; a drive unit that drives the louver in a direction to close the air outlet; a drive control unit that controls the drive unit; a drive instruction unit that outputs an additional drive instruction to additionally drive the louver in a direction to close the air outlet to the drive control unit; The air conditioner is provided with: When the blower function is stopped, the drive control unit performs a stop-time drive to drive the louver in a direction to close the air outlet. Furthermore, when the additional drive instruction is input while the blower function is stopped, the drive control unit additionally drives the louver in a direction to close the air outlet.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the drive control unit does not accept the additional drive instruction until the stop-time drive is completed.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a notification unit that notifies that the stop-time drive has been completed when the stop-time drive is completed.

4. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drive control unit drives the louver by a predetermined amount according to the additional drive instruction.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined amount according to the (n + 1)-th additional drive instruction is smaller than the predetermined amount according to the n-th additional drive instruction.

6. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drive unit continuously drives the louver while receiving the additional drive instruction.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein the drive unit stops driving the louver when receiving the additional drive instruction for a predetermined time.

8. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drive unit moves the louver by the maximum drive amount allowed for the louver according to the additional drive instruction, and additionally drives the louver when further receiving the additional drive instruction.

9. An air conditioning system comprising the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and a remote controller that outputs instruction information to the air conditioner, The remote controller includes: a first instruction unit that outputs the instruction information indicating a remote stop instruction to stop the blower function and drive the louver in a direction to close the air outlet. ​ A second instruction unit that is an instruction unit other than the first instruction unit and outputs the instruction information indicating a remote additional drive instruction for additionally driving the louver a transmission unit that transmits the instruction information and has the air conditioner has a reception unit that receives the instruction information The drive instruction unit outputs the remote additional drive instruction based on the instruction information, and is an air conditioning system

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