Air conditioner

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner which can reduce power consumption.SOLUTION: An air conditioner of one embodiment of the present invention has an indoor unit and a control part. The control part executes an air-conditioning operation at a set temperature which is set by a user. The indoor unit has a wind direction plate and an organism sensor. The wind direction plate adjusts a wind direction of air-conditioned air which is blown out indoors. The organism sensor detects a position of the organism which exists indoors. The control part turns the wind direction plate so that a wind progresses toward the position of the organism which is detected by the organism sensor in a first mode, and performs control for performing a cooling operation or a dehumidification operation at a target temperature which is higher than the set temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, the indoor unit performs air conditioning processes such as heat exchange on the air sucked from the room through the suction port, and blows out the conditioned air toward the room.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An air conditioner may be required to reduce its power consumption.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an air conditioner capable of reducing power consumption.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an indoor unit and a control unit. The control unit causes the air conditioner to operate at a set temperature set by the user. The indoor unit includes a wind direction plate and a biological sensor. The wind direction plate adjusts the wind direction of the conditioned air blown into the room. The biological sensor detects the position of a living body in the room. In a first mode, the control unit controls the wind direction plate to direct the wind toward the position of the living body detected by the biological sensor, and controls the air conditioner to perform a cooling operation or a dehumidifying operation at a target temperature higher than the set temperature.

[0007] The biological sensor includes a radar.

[0008] When a plurality of living bodies are detected by the biological sensor, the control unit identifies the living body that satisfies a predetermined condition among the plurality of living bodies, and in the first mode, controls the wind vane so that the wind blows toward the position of the identified living body.

[0009] When the number of living bodies detected by the biological sensor exceeds a predetermined number, the control unit makes a transition from the first mode to the second mode, and in the second mode, controls to perform a cooling operation or a dehumidifying operation at a set temperature.

[0010] When a plurality of living bodies are detected by the biological sensor, instead of the first mode, the control unit identifies the direction range in which the plurality of living bodies exist, makes a transition to the third mode in which the wind vane swings within the direction range, and in the third mode, controls to perform a cooling operation or a dehumidifying operation at a target temperature higher than the set temperature.

[0011] The air conditioner includes an operation terminal that transmits a command to the control unit. The operation terminal has a display unit capable of displaying the set temperature.

[0012] The air conditioner displays information regarding the first mode on the display unit.

[0013] The indoor unit or the operation terminal has a room temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the room, and in the first mode, the control unit changes the target temperature according to the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature.

[0014] The indoor unit or the operation terminal further has a body surface temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the surface of the living body, and in the first mode, the control unit changes the target temperature according to the temperature of the surface of the living body.

[0015] The operation terminal further has an operation unit that commands the set air volume, and in the first mode, the control unit controls to perform a cooling operation or a dehumidifying operation at a target air volume stronger than the set air volume.

[0016] The operation terminal can receive the amount of clothing worn, and the control unit determines the air volume according to the information on the amount of clothing worn transmitted from the operation terminal, and in the first mode, controls to perform cooling operation or dehumidifying operation with the determined air volume.

[0017] The control unit determines the air volume according to the distance from the indoor unit detected by the biological sensor to the living body, and in the first mode, controls to perform cooling operation or dehumidifying operation with the determined air volume.

[0018] In the fourth mode, the control unit controls to direct the air deflector so that the wind blows toward the position of the living body detected by the biological sensor, and perform heating operation at a target temperature lower than the set temperature.

[0019] In the fourth mode, the control unit controls to direct the air deflector so that the wind blows toward the feet of the living body, and perform heating operation at the target temperature.

[0020] The air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention includes an indoor unit, a control unit, and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor fan, an air deflector, a biological sensor, and a room temperature sensor. The indoor heat exchanger performs heat exchange between indoor air and a refrigerant. The indoor fan blows out the conditioned air heat-exchanged by the indoor heat exchanger into the room. The air deflector adjusts the wind direction of the conditioned air blown into the room. The biological sensor detects the position of the living body in the room. The room temperature sensor detects the temperature in the room. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor fan, and a compressor. The outdoor heat exchanger performs heat exchange between outdoor air and the refrigerant. The outdoor fan blows out the conditioned air heat-exchanged by the outdoor heat exchanger to the outside. The compressor can compress the refrigerant circulating between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. In the first mode, the control unit controls to direct the air deflector so that the wind blows toward the position of the living body detected by the biological sensor during cooling operation or dehumidifying operation, and operates the compressor at a second driving frequency lower than the first driving frequency based on the difference between the set temperature and the indoor temperature.

[0021] According to the above air conditioner, for example, a biological sensor detects the position of a living body in a room, and the air conditioner, in the first mode, while tracking the detected position of the living body, turns the wind direction plate toward the direction of the position of the living body and performs a cooling operation at a target temperature higher than the set temperature. As a result, when the living body moves in the room, the conditioned air can hit the living body, effectively lowering the perceived temperature of the living body, and the cooling operation can be performed with a load lower than the load corresponding to the set temperature. As a result, the comfort of the living body present in the room can be dynamically improved, and the power consumption of the air conditioner can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] (Embodiment) The air conditioner according to the embodiment can be configured as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the air conditioner.

[0025] The air conditioner 1 includes an operation terminal 94a, an indoor unit 10, and an outdoor unit 100. The indoor unit 10 is disposed in the indoor RM, and the outdoor unit 100 is disposed outdoors. The operation terminal 94a receives an operation instruction from a living body CR present in the indoor RM and transmits a command to the indoor unit 10 according to the received operation instruction. The operation terminal 94a is, for example, a remote controller. Also, the operation terminal 94a may be a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal device, or may be a personal computer or the like. The operation terminal 94a may transmit a command 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 the set temperature may be a physical button or a button of a display object displayed on the screen.

[0026] In this specification, the set temperature means the temperature commanded to the air conditioner 1 via the operation terminal 94a. The target temperature means the temperature as the control target for the air sucked into the indoor RM by the air conditioner 1.

[0027] The indoor unit 10 includes a biological sensor 2, a control unit 3, a wind direction plate 4, a wind direction plate 5, a room temperature sensor 7, and a body surface temperature sensor 8. The outdoor unit 100 includes a control unit 103. The control unit 3 and the control unit 103 cooperate with each other to perform air conditioning processing according to the command received by the indoor unit 10 from the operation terminal 94a. That is, the control unit 3 and the control unit 103 can execute air conditioning operation at the set temperature set by the user via the operation terminal 94a. At the same time, the control unit 3 performs control using the biological sensor 2. The living body CR is, for example, a person, and in that case, the biological sensor 2 may be a human sensor. The biological sensor 2 is, for example, a radar. The control unit 3 has a tracking control mode, a power-saving cooling mode (first mode), a power-saving heating mode (second mode), and a normal control mode as control modes.

[0028] Note that the control unit 3 may mainly perform the air conditioning process. In that case, the outdoor unit 100 may have a configuration in which the control unit 103 is omitted. Alternatively, the control unit 103 may mainly perform the air conditioning process. In that case, the outdoor unit 100 may have a configuration in which the control unit 3 is omitted.

[0029] The tracking control mode is a mode for performing the tracking control of the biological CR using the biological sensor 2. The tracking control of the living body includes control performed while tracking the position of the biological CR. The power-saving cooling mode is a mode for performing a cooling operation including the tracking control of the living body using the biological sensor 2 and the power-saving control. The power-saving heating mode is a mode for performing a heating operation including the tracking control of the living body using the biological sensor 2 and the power-saving control. The normal control mode is a mode for performing normal control without using the biological sensor 2.

[0030] In the power-saving cooling mode, the biological sensor 2 detects the position of the biological CR in the indoor RM under the control of the control unit 3. The control unit 3 controls the wind direction plates 4 and 5 so as to perform an operation of turning in the direction toward the detected position of the biological CR while tracking the detected position of the biological CR. That is, the wind direction plate is turned so that the wind blows toward the position of the biological CR. At this time, the room temperature sensor 7 detects the temperature of the air in the indoor RM under the control of the control unit 3. The air conditioner 1 corrects the target temperature to a temperature higher than the set temperature commanded by the operation terminal 94a. The air conditioner 1 performs a cooling operation so that the temperature of the air in the indoor RM detected by the room temperature sensor 7 approaches the target temperature.

[0031] As a result, when the living body CR existing in the indoor RM moves within the indoor RM, the conditioned air from the indoor unit 10 hits the living body CR, effectively reducing the perceived temperature of the living body. The air conditioner 1 can perform a cooling operation with a lower operating load than the operating load corresponding to the set temperature. For example, if the biological sensor 2 is a radar, the followability of the control can be easily improved. That is, the conditioned air can hit the living body CR in real time, and the comfort is less likely to be impaired. As a result, the comfort of the living body CR existing in the indoor RM can be dynamically improved, and the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 can be reduced.

[0032] In addition, in the power-saving cooling mode, the control of turning the wind direction plate so that the wind blows toward the position of the living body CR may include the control of turning the wind direction plate exactly toward the direction of the living body CR, and also the control of turning the wind direction plate so that the wind blows toward the living body CR even if the wind direction plate is not exactly toward the direction of the living body CR. The control of turning the wind direction plate so that the wind blows toward the position of the living body CR may include, for example, dividing the interior of the room into about 3 to 4 areas, identifying which area the living body CR is in, and controlling to send the wind toward that area (a relatively wide range). The control of turning the wind direction plate so that the wind blows toward the position of the living body CR may include the control of swinging the wind direction plate left and right within a range where the wind does not deviate with the position of the living body CR as the center.

[0033] In the power-saving heating mode, the biological sensor 2 detects the position of the living body CR in the indoor RM under the control of the control unit 3. While tracking the detected position of the living body CR, the control unit 3 controls the wind direction plates 4 and 5 to perform an operation of turning in the direction toward the position of the feet of the detected living body CR. That is, the wind direction plate is turned so that the wind blows toward the position of the living body CR. At this time, the room temperature sensor 7 detects the temperature of the air in the indoor RM under the control of the control unit 3. The air conditioner 1 corrects the target temperature to a temperature lower than the set temperature commanded by the operation terminal 94a. The air conditioner 1 performs a heating operation so that the temperature of the air in the indoor RM detected by the room temperature sensor 7 approaches the target temperature.

[0034] As a result, when the living body CR existing in the indoor RM moves in the indoor RM, the conditioned air from the indoor unit 10 reaches the feet of the living body CR, warms the living body CR from the feet, and can effectively raise the perceived temperature of the living body. The air conditioner 1 can perform a heating operation with a lower operating load than the operating load corresponding to the set temperature. For example, if the biological sensor 2 is a radar, the followability of the control can be easily improved. That is, the conditioned air can reach the feet of the living body CR in real time, and the comfort is less likely to be impaired. As a result, the comfort of the living body CR existing in the indoor RM can be dynamically improved, and the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 can be reduced.

[0035] Note that in the power-saving heating mode, the control of turning the wind direction plate so that the wind blows toward the position of the feet of the living body CR may include the control of turning the wind direction plate exactly toward the direction of the feet of the living body CR, and also include the control of turning the wind direction plate toward the direction where the wind hits the feet of the living body CR even if the wind direction plate is not exactly facing the direction of the feet of the living body CR. The control of turning the wind direction plate so that the wind blows toward the position of the feet of the living body CR may include, for example, dividing the interior of the room into about 3 to 4 areas, identifying which area the living body CR is in, and controlling to send the wind toward that area (a relatively wide range). The control of turning the wind direction plate so that the wind blows toward the position of the feet of the living body CR may include the control of swinging the wind direction plate left and right within a range where the wind does not deviate with the position of the feet of the living body CR as the center.

[0036] In the power-saving cooling mode or the power-saving heating mode, the body surface temperature sensor 8 may detect the temperature (body surface temperature) of the surface of the living body CR. The body surface temperature sensor 8 can scan an area near the position of the living body CR in the indoor RM and acquire temperature scan data under the control of the control unit 3. The body surface temperature sensor 8 is, for example, an infrared sensor. The control unit 3 can cut out the part of the position of the living body CR in the temperature scan data and obtain the body surface temperature according to the temperature data of the cut-out part. Thereby, the control unit 3 can perform control according to the body surface temperature.

[0037] In addition, in control modes other than the power-saving cooling mode and the power-saving heating mode (for example, the tracking control mode and the normal control mode), the air conditioner 1 performs cooling operation or heating operation at the set temperature commanded by the operation terminal 94a.

[0038] Specifically, the indoor unit 10 performs air conditioning treatment on the air sucked from the indoor RM through the suction port, and blows out the conditioned air subjected to the air conditioning treatment toward the indoor RM. The air conditioning treatment includes, for example, heat absorption treatment, heating treatment, dehumidification treatment, humidification treatment, air blowing treatment, and air purification treatment. The heat absorption treatment, heating treatment, dehumidification treatment, humidification treatment, air blowing treatment, and air purification treatment respectively correspond to the cooling operation mode, heating operation mode, dehumidification operation mode, humidification operation mode, air blowing operation mode, and air purification operation mode as the operation mode (main operation mode) of the air conditioner 1.

[0039] Note that the main operation mode can be arbitrarily combined with the control mode (for example, the tracking control mode, the normal control mode, the power-saving cooling mode, the power-saving heating mode). In the tracking control mode, the air conditioner 1 can take any of the cooling operation mode, heating operation mode, dehumidification operation mode, humidification operation mode, air blowing operation mode, and air purification operation mode. The same applies to the normal control mode. In the power-saving cooling mode, the air conditioner 1 can take the cooling operation mode. In the power-saving heating mode, the air conditioner 1 can take the heating operation mode.

[0040] In the air conditioning treatment, the humidification treatment may be omitted. At this time, as the operation mode of the air conditioner 1, the humidification operation mode may be omitted.

[0041] The air conditioner 1 has, as auxiliary operation modes, a draft-free mode on and a draft-free mode off. The auxiliary operation modes can be arbitrarily combined with control modes (for example, a tracking control mode, a normal control mode, an energy-saving cooling mode, an energy-saving heating mode), and can be arbitrarily combined with the main operation mode. In the draft-free mode on, when blowing out conditioned air from the indoor unit 10, turbulent flow that diffuses over a wide range is generated by mixing two types of airflows with different velocities, thereby generating natural wind (so-called draft-free wind).

[0042] The air conditioner 1 may have an automatic operation mode as an operation mode. The air conditioner 1 detects the temperature of the indoor RM with the room temperature sensor 7. The room temperature sensor 7 is provided at a location where it can detect the air in the indoor RM. The room temperature sensor 7 may be provided near the suction port and detect the temperature of the air sucked from the indoor RM into the suction port. In the automatic operation mode, if the detected temperature of the room temperature sensor 7 is higher than the set temperature, the air conditioner 1 operates in the heating operation mode; if the detected temperature of the room temperature sensor 7 is lower than the set temperature, the air conditioner 1 operates in the heating operation mode.

[0043] Various methods can be applied for air purification treatment. An electrostatic precipitation method may be applied, or a fan method may be applied. In the electrostatic precipitation method, dust-charged air is passed through a filter, and the dust is adsorbed onto the filter charged with the opposite polarity, thereby removing dust from the air. In the fan method, air is passed through a fine-mesh filter such as a HEPA filter, and the dust is filtered by the filter, thereby removing dust from the air. Alternatively, for air purification treatment, a method of emitting ions into the air may be applied, or a method of irradiating ultraviolet rays (UV) inside the housing of the air conditioner 1 for sterilization may be applied.

[0044] In the air conditioner 1, the indoor unit 10 includes a fan 23, a heat exchanger 22, a ventilation member 6, and a receiving device 94 in addition to a biological sensor 2, a control unit 3, a wind direction plate 4, a wind direction plate 5, a room temperature sensor 7, and a body surface temperature sensor 8. The control unit 3 includes a control device 80, a drive circuit 81, a drive circuit 82, a drive circuit 83, a fan motor 84, a wind direction plate motor 85, a wind direction plate motor 86, and a switching motor 87. The outdoor unit 100 includes a fan 123, a heat exchanger 122, a four-way valve 124, a compressor 125, and a control unit 103. The control unit 103 includes a control device 180, a drive circuit 181, a drive circuit 182, a drive circuit 183, a fan motor 184, a switching motor 185, and a motor 186.

[0045] In the indoor unit 10, the fan 23 is disposed near the heat exchanger 22. The fan 23 guides the air sucked from the indoor RM through the suction port of the indoor unit 10 to the heat exchanger 22, and guides the conditioned air heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger 22 to the blowout port of the indoor unit 10. The control unit 3 drives the fan motor 84 with the drive circuit 81 to rotate the fan 23 around the rotation axis. The control unit 3 can change the rotation speed of the fan 23.

[0046] The heat exchanger 22 can take various configurations. For example, the heat exchanger 22 includes a plurality of fins and a refrigerant circuit (not shown) connected thereto. The refrigerant circuit passes near the plurality of fins and is in thermal contact with the refrigerant circuit. The heat exchanger 22 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the air sucked from the indoor RM.

[0047] In the outdoor unit 100, the fan 123 is disposed near the heat exchanger 122. The fan 123 rotates in response to the control by the control unit 103. Thereby, the fan 123 sucks in the outside air and guides it to the heat exchanger 122, and discharges the outside air heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger 122 to the outside of the outdoor unit 100. The control unit 103 drives the fan motor 184 with the drive circuit 181 to rotate the fan 123 around the rotation axis. The control unit 3 can change the rotation speed of the fan 123 via the control unit 103.

[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 thereto. The refrigerant circuit passes near the plurality of fins and is in thermal contact with the refrigerant circuit. The heat exchanger 122 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outside air.

[0049] The four-way valve 124 is disposed in the refrigerant circuit. The four-way valve 124 can switch the flow path of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit between the cooling side and the heating side according to the control by the control unit 103. The control unit 103 drives the switching motor 185 with the drive circuit 182 to switch the four-way valve 124 between the cooling side and the heating side. The control unit 3 can switch the four-way valve 124 between the cooling side and the heating side via the control unit 103.

[0050] The compressor 125 is disposed in the refrigerant circuit. The compressor 125 compresses the refrigerant and sends it out into the refrigerant circuit according to the control by the control unit 3. The control unit 103 drives the motor 186 with the drive circuit 183 to cause the compressor 125 to perform a cyclic operation of compressing the refrigerant. The control unit 3 can change the rotation speed of the compressor 125 (the number of times the compression cycle is executed per unit time) via the control unit 103.

[0051] In the cooling operation and the heating operation, the higher the rotation speed of the compressor 125 (or the higher the drive 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] For example, in the air conditioner 1, the control unit 3 and the control unit 103 switch the four-way valve 124 to the cooling side in the case where (control mode, operation mode) = (normal control mode, cooling operation mode). The air conditioner 1 determines, by the control unit 3 and the control unit 103, the driving frequency of the compressor 125 to be a first driving frequency based on the temperature difference between the set temperature commanded by the operation terminal 94a and the room temperature. While controlling the compressor 125 to operate at the first driving frequency, the air conditioner 1 performs an endothermic process in the heat exchanger 22, absorbs heat from the air in the indoor RM into the refrigerant, and blows out the air-conditioned air that has absorbed heat into the indoor RM. Alternatively, the air conditioner 1 determines the rotational speed of the compressor 125 to be a first rotational speed corresponding to the set temperature commanded by the operation terminal 94a. While controlling the compressor 125 to operate at the first rotational speed, the air conditioner 1 performs an endothermic process in the heat exchanger 22, absorbs heat from the air in the indoor RM into the refrigerant, and blows out the air-conditioned air that has absorbed heat into the indoor RM. The heat exchanger 122 performs a heat dissipation process to release the heat absorbed by the refrigerant to the outside air.

[0053] Alternatively, in the air conditioner 1, the control unit 3 and the control unit 103 switch the four-way valve 124 to the cooling side in the case where (control mode, operation mode) = (power-saving cooling mode, cooling operation mode). The air conditioner 1 determines, by the control unit 3 and the control unit 103, the driving frequency of the compressor 125 to be a second driving frequency based on a temperature difference smaller than the temperature difference between the set temperature commanded by the operation terminal 94a and the room temperature. The second driving frequency is lower than the first driving frequency. While controlling the compressor 125 to operate at the second driving frequency, the air conditioner 1 performs an endothermic process in the heat exchanger 22, absorbs heat from the air in the indoor RM into the refrigerant, and blows out the air-conditioned air that has absorbed heat into the indoor RM. Alternatively, the air conditioner 1 determines the rotational speed of the compressor 125 to be a second rotational speed corresponding to a temperature higher than the set temperature commanded by the operation terminal 94a. The second rotational speed is less than the first rotational speed. While controlling the compressor 125 to operate at the second rotational speed, the air conditioner 1 performs an endothermic process in the heat exchanger 22, absorbs heat from the air in the indoor RM into the refrigerant, and blows out the air-conditioned air that has absorbed heat into the indoor RM. The heat exchanger 122 performs a heat dissipation process to release the heat absorbed by the refrigerant to the outside air.

[0054] When (control mode, operation mode) = (power-saving cooling mode, cooling operation mode), the compressor 125 is controlled to operate at a lower drive frequency compared to when (control mode, operation mode) = (normal control mode, cooling operation mode), so that the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 can be further reduced. Alternatively, since the compressor 125 is controlled to operate at a lower rotational speed, the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 can be further reduced.

[0055] Alternatively, the air conditioner 1 switches the four-way valve 124 to the heating side by the control unit 3 and the control unit 103 in the case where (control mode, operation mode) = (normal control mode, heating operation mode). The air conditioner 1 determines the drive frequency of the compressor 125 to be a third drive frequency based on the temperature difference between the set temperature commanded by the operation terminal 94a and the indoor temperature by the control unit 3 and the control unit 103. While controlling the compressor 125 to operate at the third drive frequency, the air conditioner 1 performs heat absorption processing in the heat exchanger 122 to absorb heat from the outside air into the refrigerant. Alternatively, the air conditioner 1 determines the rotational speed of the compressor 125 to be a third rotational speed corresponding to the set temperature commanded by the operation terminal 94a. While controlling the compressor 125 to operate at the third rotational speed, the air conditioner 1 performs heat absorption processing in the heat exchanger 122 to absorb heat from the outside air into the refrigerant. Heat treatment is performed in the heat exchanger 22, the air in the indoor RM is heated by the heat absorbed by the refrigerant, and the heated conditioned air is blown into the indoor RM.

[0056] Alternatively, the air conditioner 1 switches the four-way valve 124 to the heating side in the (control mode, operation mode) = (power-saving heating mode, heating operation mode) by the control unit 3 and the control unit 103. The air conditioner 1 determines, by the control unit 3 and the control unit 103, the fourth driving frequency based on a temperature difference smaller than the temperature difference between the set temperature commanded by the operation terminal 94a and the room temperature for the driving frequency of the compressor 125. The fourth driving frequency is lower than the third driving frequency. The air conditioner 1 performs an endothermic process with the heat exchanger 122 while controlling the compressor 125 to operate at the fourth driving frequency, and absorbs heat from the outside air into the refrigerant. Alternatively, the air conditioner 1 determines the fourth rotation speed corresponding to a temperature lower than the set temperature commanded by the operation terminal 94a for the rotation speed of the compressor 125. The fourth rotation speed is less than the third rotation speed. The air conditioner 1 performs an endothermic process with the heat exchanger 122 while controlling the compressor 125 to operate at the fourth rotation speed, and absorbs heat from the outside air into the refrigerant. The air conditioner performs a heating process with the heat exchanger 22, heats the air in the indoor RM with the heat absorbed by the refrigerant, and blows out the heated conditioned air into the indoor RM.

[0057] (In the (control mode, operation mode) = (power-saving heating mode, heating operation mode), compared with the (control mode, operation mode) = (normal control mode, heating operation mode), the operation of the compressor 125 is controlled at a lower driving frequency, so the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 can be further reduced. Alternatively, since the operation of the compressor 125 is controlled at a lower rotation speed, the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 can be further reduced.

[0058] The wind direction plates 4 and 5 respectively adjust the wind direction of the air - conditioned air blown into the indoor room RM. The wind direction means the direction of the wind. In this specification, although the control unit 3 directly controls the direction that the wind direction plates 4 and 5 face, the direction that the wind direction plates 4 and 5 face is generally regarded as being approximately the same as the wind direction (wind direction) of the air immediately after it is blown out from the air outlet of the indoor unit 10. That is, the wind direction plates 4 and 5 can adjust the wind direction in their respective directions, and the control unit 3 can control the wind direction by controlling the direction of the wind direction plates 4 and 5. Note that the plurality of wind direction plates 4 and 5 can each be individually controlled in their directions. Thereby, it is possible to blow out air with the wind direction aligned in one direction from the entire air outlet of the indoor unit 10, or it is also possible to blow out two or more winds with different wind directions from two or more regions partitioned by a plurality of wind direction plates 4 and 5, etc. among the air outlets of the indoor unit 10.

[0059] The wind direction plate 4 is switchable between a closed position and an open position. The wind direction plate 4 closes the air outlet in the state where it is switched to the closed position. The wind direction plate 4 opens the air outlet in the state where it is switched to the open position. In the state where the air outlet is open, the wind direction plates 4 and 5 adjust the wind direction of the air - conditioned air blown into the indoor room RM. The wind direction plate 4 adjusts the wind direction of the air - conditioned air in the vertical direction. The wind direction plate 5 adjusts the wind direction of the air - conditioned air in the horizontal direction.

[0060] For example, the wind direction plates 4 and 5 can be configured as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 2 is a cross - sectional view showing the configuration of the indoor unit 10, showing the state where the wind direction plate 4 is in the closed position. FIG. 3 is a cross - sectional view showing the configuration and operation of the indoor unit 10, showing the state where the wind direction plate 4 is in the open position. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration and operation of the indoor unit 10, showing the state where the wind direction plate 4 is in the open position. Hereinafter, 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 - direction and the Z - direction is defined as the Y - direction.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the indoor unit 10 further has a housing 21 and a filter 24.

[0062] The housing 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the X direction. Note that the housing 21 may be formed in other shapes. The housing 21 is, for example, mounted on a wall of an indoor RM or the like. The housing 21 has an upper surface 21a and a lower surface 21b. The upper surface 21a is provided at the upper end or in the vicinity thereof of the housing 21 and faces substantially upward. The lower surface 21b is provided at the lower end or in the vicinity thereof of the housing 21 and faces substantially downward.

[0063] A ventilation passage 31, a suction port 32, and a blowout port 33 are provided in the housing 21. The ventilation passage 31 is provided inside the housing 21. The suction port 32 opens, for example, on the upper surface 21a of the housing 21. The blowout port 33 opens, for example, on the lower surface 21b of the housing 21. The suction port 32 and the blowout port 33 may open at other portions of the housing 21.

[0064] The indoor unit 10 can pass air through the ventilation passage 31. The air is a flow of a gas such as air. The suction port 32 is provided at one end of the ventilation passage 31 and communicates the ventilation passage 31 to the outside of the indoor unit 10. The blowout port 33 is provided at the other end of the ventilation passage 31 and communicates the ventilation passage 31 to the outside of the indoor unit 10. In other words, the ventilation passage 31 is provided between the suction port 32 and the blowout port 33 inside the housing 21.

[0065] The heat exchanger 22 is provided in the ventilation passage 31. The heat exchanger 22 performs heat exchange with the surrounding gas in the ventilation passage 31. Thereby, the heat exchanger 22 cools the air flowing through the ventilation passage 31 during the cooling operation and heats the air flowing through the ventilation passage 31 during the heating operation.

[0066] The fan 23 is provided in the ventilation passage 31. The fan 23 rotates around a rotation axis Axf extending in the X direction to send air from the suction port 32 to the blowout port 33 in the ventilation passage 31. Thereby, the indoor unit 10 sucks indoor air from the suction port 32 into the ventilation passage 31 and blows out the air (wind) in the ventilation passage 31 from the blowout port 33. For this reason, in this specification, the side closer to the suction port 32 in the ventilation passage 31 is referred to as the upstream, and the side closer to the blowout port 33 is referred to as the downstream.

[0067] The fan 23 is located downstream of the heat exchanger 22. Therefore, when the fan 23 generates wind, the air sucked in from the suction port 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.

[0068] The filter 24 is provided at the suction port 32 or in the vicinity of the suction port 32 in the ventilation passage 31. The filter 24 is located upstream of the heat exchanger 22. The filter 24 covers the suction port 32 from the inside of the housing 21. The filter 24 filters, for example, the air sucked in from the suction port 32 and captures dust in the air.

[0069] The air deflector 4 may include a plurality of air deflectors 25A and 25B. The plurality of air deflectors 25A and 25B are members that respectively adjust the direction of the air-conditioning air in the vertical direction and are also called vertical louvers. The air deflector 25A forms the flow path C1 of the air-conditioning air, and the air deflector 25B forms the flow path C2 of the air-conditioning air. The plurality of air deflectors 25A and 25B each have a shaft portion 41 and a plate portion 42.

[0070] The shaft portion 41 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the X direction. The shaft portion 41 is rotatably supported by the housing 21 about a rotation axis Axl extending in the X direction. Note that the plurality of air deflectors 25A and 25B each have an individual rotation axis Axl. The plate portion 42 projects from the shaft portion 41 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis Axl. The plate portion 42 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape extending in the X direction.

[0071] The air deflector 25A is supported by the rotation axis Axl, and the air deflector motor 85 is controlled by the drive circuit 82 and is movable between a closed position Pc1 and an open position Po1. The air deflector 25B is supported by the rotation axis Axl, and the air deflector motor 85 is controlled by the drive circuit 82 and is movable between a closed position Pc2 and an open position Po2.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 2, in the state where the wind direction plates 25A are switched to the closed position Pc1, the ventilation openings C1 that are the outlets of the flow paths C1 are blocked. The wind direction plates 25B, in the state where they are switched to the closed position Pc1, block the ventilation openings C2 that are the outlets of the second flow paths. The ventilation openings C1 and the ventilation openings C2 form the air outlet 33 of the indoor unit 10.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the state where the wind direction plates 25A are switched to the open position Po1, the ventilation openings C1 are opened. The wind direction plates 25B, in the state where they are switched to the open position Po1, open the ventilation openings C2.

[0074] The open position Po1 includes various positions where the wind direction plates 25A, 25B open a part of the air outlet 33. For example, the open position Po1 includes the position where the wind direction plates 25A, 25B face substantially horizontally as shown in FIG. 3, the position where the wind direction plates 25A, 25B face downward, and a plurality of positions between these two positions. That is, the wind direction plates 25A, 25B are rotatable between the position where they face substantially horizontally and the position where they face downward.

[0075] The wind direction plates 25A, 25B located at the open position Po1 adjust the direction of the wind discharged from the air outlet 33 in the vertical direction (+Z direction · -Z direction) according to the orientation of the wind direction plates 25A, 25B. That is, when the wind direction plates 25A, 25B face substantially horizontally as shown in FIG. 3, the indoor unit 10 discharges wind in a substantially horizontal direction. On the other hand, when the wind direction plates 25A, 25B face downward, the indoor unit 10 discharges wind downward.

[0076] The wind direction plate 5 is supported by a rotation axis Ax2 (not shown), and the wind direction plate motor 86 is controlled by the drive circuit 82, and is movable between the open position at the -X side end and the open position at the +X side end.

[0077] The wind direction plate 5 may include a plurality of wind direction plates 29-1 to 29-k, 29-(k + 1) to 29-2k. The plurality of wind direction plates 29-1 to 29-k, 29-(k + 1) to 29-2k are each a member for adjusting the wind direction of the air-conditioning air in the left-right direction (-X direction · +X direction), and are also called left-right louvers. Note that the wind direction plates 29-1 to 29-k on the -X side and the wind direction plates 29-(k + 1) to 29-2k on the +X side may be independently controllable by the control unit 3 in terms of their directions.

[0078] The wind direction plates 29-1 to 29-k on the -X side are connected to a common rotation axis Ax2, and the wind direction plate motor 86 is controlled by the drive circuit 82, and may be movable collectively between the opening position at the -X side end and the opening position at the +X side end. The wind direction plates 29-(k + 1) to 29-2k on the +X side are connected to a common rotation axis Ax2, and the wind direction plate motor 86 is controlled by the drive circuit 82, and may be movable collectively between the opening position at the -X side end and the opening position at the +X side end.

[0079] The biological sensor 2 shown in FIG. 1 can detect the position and speed of the living body CR in the indoor RM. The living body CR is, for example, a person, and in that case, the biological sensor 2 may be a human sensor. The biological sensor 2 is, for example, a radar, and may be a Doppler radar such as a millimeter-wave radar or a microwave radar.

[0080] The biological sensor 2 has a transmission unit 2a, a reception unit 2b, and a signal processing unit 2c. The biological sensor 2 generates radio waves such as millimeter waves and microwaves in the signal processing unit 2c and transmits them from the transmission unit 2a to the living body CR, and receives the reflected wave by the reception unit 2b and passes it to the signal processing unit 2c. The signal processing function of the signal processing unit 2c may be realized as a signal processing circuit in hardware.

[0081] The biological sensor 2 is provided at an arbitrary position in the indoor unit 10, but it is preferably provided at a position where it is easy to detect the position and speed of the living body CR in the indoor RM. As shown by the broken line in FIGS. 2 to 4, the biological sensor 2 may be embedded at a position near the center in the X direction in the +Y side portion of the housing 21.

[0082] The biological sensor 2 can detect the position of the biological CR as shown in FIG. 5 from the phase difference and azimuth of the transmitted wave and the received wave by the signal processing unit 2c. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the operation of the biological sensor 2 (for example, a radar). In FIG. 5, the position of the detected biological CR is indicated by dots.

[0083] The biological sensor 2 detects the target space and the position of the biological CR in the target space according to the control by the control unit 3. The biological sensor 2 transmits and receives radio waves to and from the biological CR periodically or continuously, detects the position of the biological CR, and supplies the detection result to the control unit 3 periodically or continuously.

[0084] At this time, if the function of signal processing in the signal processing unit 2c is realized as a signal processing circuit in hardware, the signal processing can be performed at a higher speed than when the function of signal processing is realized by software. By performing signal processing at a high speed in the signal processing circuit, the process of detecting the position of the biological CR from the phase difference of the transmitted wave and the received wave, etc., can be performed at a high speed. Thereby, the current position of the biological CR can be detected almost in real time, and it becomes easy to perform control following the current position of the biological CR.

[0085] For example, the biological sensor 2 detects an indoor RM having a length L1, a width W1, and an area L1×W1. The control unit 3 specifies an indoor RM having a length L1, a width W1, and an area L1×W1 as the target space as shown in FIG. 6(a) according to the detection result of the biological sensor 2, and assigns a space identifier SP1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the information detected by the biological sensor 2, FIG. 6(a) shows the information regarding the space detected by the biological sensor 2, and FIG. 6(b) shows the information regarding the biological CR detected by the biological sensor 2.

[0086] The control unit 3 sets coordinates within the target space SP1. The biological sensor 2 may detect the target space in a form that further includes the height of the space. In this case, the volume of the target space can also be detected. In FIG. 5, the identified target space is shown as a rectangle, and the horizontal and vertical coordinates are shown. The biological sensor 2 detects the position of the biological CR within the target space SP1 according to the control by the control unit 3. The biological sensor 2 detects the distance, horizontal angle, and vertical angle for each of the two biological CRs.

[0087] According to the detection results of the biological sensor 2, the control unit 3 assigns the biological identifiers ID1 and ID2 to the two biological CRs respectively, as shown in FIG. 6(b). The control unit 3 specifies the distance D1, horizontal angle θ1, and vertical angle α1 of the biological CR with ID1 according to the detection results of the biological sensor 2, and specifies the distance D2, horizontal angle θ2, and vertical angle α2 of the biological CR with ID2.

[0088] The control unit 3 converts the distance, horizontal angle, and vertical angle of the two biological CRs into coordinates (horizontal and vertical coordinates) within the target space. The control unit 3 grasps that the two biological CRs exist at those coordinates, as shown by dots in FIG. 5. For each of the two biological CRs, the control unit 3 determines that spatially close coordinates correspond to the same identifier for temporally continuous detection results even when they move.

[0089] When one biological CR is detected by the biological sensor 2, the control unit 3 locks on to the detected biological CR. When multiple biological CRs are detected by the biological sensor 2, the control unit 3 selects one biological CR from the multiple biological CRs according to a predetermined condition and locks on to the selected biological CR. The control unit 3 can continuously recognize the position of the locked-on biological CR according to the continuous detection results of the biological sensor 2. Thereby, the control unit 3 can track the locked-on biological CR.

[0090] In addition, the biological sensor 2 can detect the positions of a plurality of locations on the biological CR respectively. The control unit 3 may assign a biological identifier to each collection of a plurality of spatially adjacent detection positions according to the detection result of the biological sensor 2. In the case of Fig. 5, the control unit 3 specifies the positional relationship between a plurality of detection positions in the collection of a plurality of detection positions for each of the two biological CRs. Thereby, the control unit 3 can grasp the posture of each of the two biological CRs (for example, sitting posture on the floor, sitting posture on the chair, standing posture, lying posture, curled-up posture, etc.).

[0091] In addition, as shown in Fig. 5, the biological sensor 2 can detect the speed of the biological CR by the Doppler effect from the frequency difference (or wavelength difference) between the transmitted wave and the received wave in the signal processing unit 2c.

[0092] In the case of Fig. 5, the biological sensor 2 further detects the speed for each of the two biological CRs. The control unit 3 specifies the speed v1 of the biological CR with ID1 and the speed v2 of the biological CR with ID2 as shown in Fig. 6(b) according to the detection result of the biological sensor 2. In Fig. 5, the speed of each biological CR specified by the control unit 3 is indicated by the length of the line.

[0093] The receiving device 94 shown in Fig. 1 receives a command from the operation terminal 94a. The receiving device 94 supplies the received command to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 may transfer the command to the control unit 103. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the operation terminal 94a may have a button for commanding the use of the power-saving cooling mode or the power-saving heating mode. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the operation terminal 94a, and illustrates the configuration when the operation terminal 94a is a remote controller.

[0094] The operation terminal 94a has a shape and dimensions suitable for operation by biometric 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 biometric sensor button 941, a cooling button 942, a heating button 943, an air purification button 944, a temperature setting button 945, a dehumidification button 946, a no-wind feeling button 947, a stop button 948, an energy-saving cooling button 9410, an energy-saving heating button 9411, an energy-saving setting button 9412, and a set air volume button 9413. When the biometric sensor 2 is a radar, the biometric sensor button 941 may be a radar button. The display unit 949 may be a display or a display device. The display includes a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display device includes a 7-segment LED display device.

[0095] When the biometric sensor button 941, the cooling button 942, the heating button 943, the air purification button 944, the dehumidification button 946, the no-wind feeling button 947, the stop button 948, the energy-saving cooling button 9410, or the energy-saving heating button 9411 of the operation terminal 94a is pressed, the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing. For the temperature setting button 945, the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the △ button or the ▽ button. For the air volume setting button 9413, the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the △ button or the ▽ button. For the energy-saving setting button 9412, the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the △ button or the ▽ button. When the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing, it displays information on a command 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.

[0096] The operation terminal 94a may be able to receive a command for turning on / off the energy-saving cooling mode via the energy-saving cooling button 9410.

[0097] When the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of a button for instructing to turn on the power-saving cooling mode (for example, pressing the power-saving cooling button 9410), it transmits a command to turn on the power-saving cooling mode to the indoor unit 10. When the receiving device 94 receives a command to turn on the power-saving cooling mode, it supplies the command to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 transfers the command to turn on the power-saving cooling mode to the control unit 103.

[0098] In addition, when the operation terminal 94a receives a command to turn on the power-saving cooling mode, it may display information regarding the power-saving cooling mode (information regarding the first mode) on the display unit 949. The information regarding the power-saving cooling mode may be, for example, character information indicating the power-saving cooling mode such as "Power-saving cooling", or a display object such as a figure or symbol representing "Power-saving cooling".

[0099] Also, the reason why the control unit 3 transfers the command to turn on the power-saving cooling mode to the control unit 103 is that the control unit 3 and the control unit 103 cooperate to control the operation of the power-saving cooling mode, but the control unit 3 may mainly perform the air conditioning process. In that case, the process in which the control unit 3 transfers the command to turn on the power-saving cooling mode to the control unit 103 may be omitted. The outdoor unit 100 may have a configuration in which the control unit 103 is omitted. Alternatively, the control unit 103 may mainly perform the air conditioning process. In that case, the outdoor unit 100 may have a configuration in which the control unit 3 is omitted. The receiving device 94 may directly transfer the command to turn on the power-saving cooling mode to the control unit 103.

[0100] When the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of a button for instructing to turn off the power-saving cooling mode (for example, pressing the stop button 948 or pressing the power-saving cooling button 9410 again), it transmits a command to turn off the power-saving cooling mode to the indoor unit 10. When the receiving device 94 receives a command to turn off the power-saving cooling mode, it supplies the command to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 transfers the command to turn off the power-saving cooling mode to the control unit 103.

[0101] The operation terminal 94a may be able to receive commands to turn on and off the power-saving heating mode via the power-saving heating button 9411.

[0102] When the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of a button for instructing to turn on the power-saving heating mode (for example, pressing the power-saving heating button 9411), it transmits a command to turn on the power-saving heating mode to the indoor unit 10. When the receiving device 94 receives a command to turn on the power-saving heating mode, it supplies the command to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 transfers the command to turn on the power-saving heating mode to the control unit 103.

[0103] In addition, when the operation terminal 94a receives a command to turn on the power-saving heating mode, it may display information regarding the power-saving heating mode (information regarding the second mode) on the display unit 949. The information regarding the power-saving heating mode may be, for example, character information indicating the power-saving heating mode such as "Power-saving heating", or a display object such as a figure or symbol representing "Power-saving heating".

[0104] Also, the reason why the control unit 3 transfers the command to turn on the power-saving heating mode to the control unit 103 is that the control unit 3 and the control unit 103 cooperate to control the operation of the power-saving heating mode, but the control unit 3 may mainly perform the air-conditioning process. In that case, the process in which the control unit 3 transfers the command to turn on the power-saving heating mode to the control unit 103 may be omitted. The outdoor unit 100 may have a configuration in which the control unit 103 is omitted. Alternatively, the control unit 103 may mainly perform the air-conditioning process. In that case, the outdoor unit 100 may have a configuration in which the control unit 3 is omitted. The receiving device 94 may directly transfer the command to turn on the power-saving heating mode to the control unit 103.

[0105] When the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of a button for instructing to turn off the power-saving heating mode (for example, pressing the stop button 948 or pressing the power-saving heating button 9411 again), it transmits a command to turn off the power-saving heating mode to the indoor unit 10. When the receiving device 94 receives a command to turn off the power-saving heating mode, it supplies the command to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 transfers the command to turn off the power-saving heating mode to the control unit 103.

[0106] The operation terminal 94a may be capable of receiving a command for the set temperature via the temperature setting button 945.

[0107] When the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the △ button of the temperature setting button 945, it increases the value of the set temperature from the current value, displays the increased set temperature value on the display unit 949, and transmits a command for the increased set temperature to the indoor unit 10. When the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the ▽ button of the temperature setting button 945, it decreases the value of the set temperature from the current value, displays the decreased set temperature value on the display unit 949, and transmits a command for the decreased set temperature to the indoor unit 10. When the receiving device 94 receives a command for the set temperature after the increase or decrease, it supplies the command to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 may transfer the command for the set temperature to the control unit 103.

[0108] The operation terminal 94a may be capable of receiving a command for the set air volume via the air volume setting button 9413.

[0109] When the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the △ button of the air volume setting button 9413, it increases the magnitude of the set air volume from the current magnitude, 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 the pressing of the ▽ button of the air volume setting button 9413, it decreases the magnitude of the set air volume from the current magnitude, 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 receiving device 94 receives a command for the set air volume, it supplies the command to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 transfers the command for the set air volume to the control unit 103.

[0110] The control unit 3 comprehensively controls the indoor unit 10. As control modes, as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 3 has a tracking control mode, an energy-saving cooling mode, an energy-saving heating mode, and a normal control mode. FIG. 8 is a state transition diagram showing the control modes of the air conditioner 1.

[0111] When the air conditioner 1 is stopped and the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of a button for instructing the power-saving cooling mode to be turned on (for example, pressing the power-saving cooling button 9410), a command for turning on the power-saving cooling mode is transmitted from the operation terminal 94a to the indoor unit 10. When the control unit 3 receives the command for turning on the power-saving cooling mode, it changes the control mode from "stopped" to the power-saving cooling mode according to the command for turning on the power-saving cooling mode.

[0112] When the air conditioner 1 is stopped and the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of a button for normal operation (for example, the cooling button 942, the heating button 943, the air purification button 944, the dehumidification button 946), a command for normal operation is transmitted from the operation terminal 94a to the indoor unit 10. When the control unit 3 receives the command for normal operation, it changes the control mode from "stopped" to the normal control mode according to the command for normal operation.

[0113] In the normal control mode, when the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of a button for instructing the power-saving cooling mode to be turned on (for example, pressing the power-saving cooling button 9410), a command for turning on the power-saving cooling mode is transmitted from the operation terminal 94a to the indoor unit 10. When the control unit 3 receives the command for turning on the power-saving cooling mode, it changes the control mode from the normal control mode to the power-saving cooling mode according to the command for turning on the power-saving cooling mode.

[0114] In the power-saving cooling mode, when the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of a button for instructing the power-saving cooling mode to be turned off and normal operation to be turned on (for example, pressing the power-saving cooling button 9410 again), a command for turning off the power-saving cooling mode and turning on normal operation is transmitted from the operation terminal 94a to the indoor unit 10. When the control unit 3 receives the command for turning off the power-saving cooling mode and turning on normal operation, it changes the control mode from the power-saving cooling mode to the normal control mode according to the command for turning off the power-saving cooling mode and turning on normal operation.

[0115] Note that the transition from the power-saving cooling mode to the normal control mode may be triggered by the elapse of a predetermined time (for example, 2 hours). For example, the control unit 3 may have a timer (not shown) set with a predetermined time. The predetermined time may be arbitrarily set to the timer via the operation terminal 94a. When the control mode is the power-saving cooling mode, the control unit 3 starts timing by the timer. When the time of the timer reaches the predetermined time, the control unit 3 automatically ends the power-saving cooling mode and changes the control mode from the power-saving cooling mode to the normal control mode.

[0116] In the power-saving cooling mode, when the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of a button for turning off the power-saving cooling mode and stopping the operation (for example, pressing the stop button 948), a command for turning off the power-saving cooling mode and stopping the operation is transmitted from the operation terminal 94a to the indoor unit 10. The control unit 3 changes the control mode from the power-saving cooling mode to "stop" in response to the command for turning off the power-saving cooling mode and stopping the operation.

[0117] In the normal control mode, when the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of a button for commanding the activation of the power-saving heating mode (for example, pressing the power-saving heating button 9411), a command for activating the power-saving heating mode is transmitted from the operation terminal 94a to the indoor unit 10. When receiving the command for activating the power-saving heating mode, the control unit 3 changes the control mode from the normal control mode to the power-saving heating mode in response to the command for activating the power-saving heating mode.

[0118] In the power-saving heating mode, when the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of a button for commanding the deactivation of the power-saving heating mode and the activation of normal operation (for example, pressing the power-saving heating button 9411 again), a command for deactivating the power-saving heating mode and activating normal operation is transmitted from the operation terminal 94a to the indoor unit 10. When receiving the command for deactivating the power-saving heating mode and activating normal operation, the control unit 3 changes the control mode from the power-saving heating mode to the normal control mode in response to the command for deactivating the power-saving heating mode and activating normal operation.

[0119] Note that the transition from the power-saving heating mode to the normal control mode may be triggered by the elapse of a predetermined time (e.g., 2 hours). For example, the control unit 3 may have a timer (not shown) set with a predetermined time. The predetermined time may be arbitrarily set to the timer via the operation terminal 94a. When the control mode is the power-saving heating mode, the control unit 3 starts timing by the timer. When the time of the timer reaches the predetermined time, the control unit 3 automatically ends the power-saving heating mode and changes the control mode from the power-saving heating mode to the normal control mode.

[0120] In the power-saving heating mode, when the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the buttons for turning off the power-saving cooling mode and stopping the operation (e.g., pressing of the stop button 948), a command for turning off the power-saving cooling mode and stopping the operation is transmitted from the operation terminal 94a to the indoor unit 10. The control unit 3 changes the control mode from the power-saving heating mode to "stop" in response to the command for turning off the power-saving cooling mode and stopping the operation.

[0121] In the normal control mode, when the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the button for stopping the operation (e.g., pressing of the stop button 948), a command for stopping the operation is transmitted from the operation terminal 94a to the indoor unit 10. The control unit 3 changes the control mode from the normal control mode to "stop" in response to the command for stopping the operation.

[0122] The control unit 3 periodically or continuously receives detection results from the biological sensor 2 in the power-saving cooling mode. In the power-saving cooling mode, while tracking the position of the biological CR in the indoor RM, the control unit 3 controls the wind direction plates 4 and 5 to perform a predetermined operation. At the same time, the control unit 3 and the control unit 103 control the refrigerant circuit so as to perform a cooling operation at a target temperature higher than the set temperature. The control unit 103 controls the compressor 125 to operate at a second rotation speed less than the first rotation speed corresponding to the set temperature.

[0123] The specified operation is an operation in which the wind direction plates 4 and 5 face in the direction toward the position of the living body CR. The control by the control unit 3 for causing the wind direction plates 4 and 5 to perform the specified operation is also called wind shielding control. The control in which the control unit 3 performs the specified operation on the wind direction plates 4 and 5 in the power-saving cooling mode or the tracking control mode may be set in advance in the control unit 3 through the operation terminal 94a.

[0124] The wind shielding control in the power-saving cooling mode or the wind shielding control in the tracking control mode may be performed, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a top view showing the wind shielding control of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, and FIG. 10 is a side view showing the wind shielding control of the indoor unit of the air conditioner. FIGS. 9(a) to 9(d) illustrate the temporal transition of the wind shielding control in the XY top view. FIGS. 10(a) to 10(d) illustrate the temporal transition of the wind shielding control in the YZ side view.

[0125] For example, as shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 10(a), the operation terminal 94a is operated by the living body CR, and the power-saving cooling button 9410 is pressed. In response to this, a command to turn on the power-saving cooling mode and a command for the set temperature are transmitted from the operation terminal 94a to the indoor unit 10 and received by the receiving device 94 of the indoor unit 10. The control unit 3 of the indoor unit 10 sets the control mode to the power-saving cooling mode and the operation mode to the cooling operation mode. The control unit 3 obtains a target temperature lower than the set temperature. The air conditioner 1 switches the four-way valve 124 to the cooling side, starts rotating the fans 23 and 123, and starts controlling the compressor 125 at the rotation speed corresponding to the target temperature. Thereby, the air conditioner 1 starts the cooling operation so that the temperature of the indoor RM detected by the room temperature sensor 7 approaches the target temperature. The air conditioner 1 may perform the cooling operation at the set air volume.

[0126] As shown in FIGS. 9(b) and 10(b), the control unit 3 of the indoor unit 10 detects the position of the living body CR of the indoor RM with the living body sensor 2 in response to the control mode being changed to the power-saving cooling mode. The control unit 3 recognizes that one living body CR in the indoor RM has been detected by the living body sensor 2 and locks on to the living body CR as the tracking target.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 9(b), the biological sensor 2 detects that the living body CR is at the plane position P12b near the center in the Y direction on the -X side in the indoor RM. Also, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the biological sensor 2 detects that the living body CR is in a posture of sitting on the floor. The biological sensor 2 supplies the detection result to the control unit 3. As shown in FIG. 9(b), the control unit 3 controls the wind direction plate 5 to face the direction toward the plane position P12b in the XY top view according to the detection result of the biological sensor 2, and blows out the air - conditioned air as indicated by the dashed - dotted arrow.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 10(b), the control unit 3 controls the wind direction plate 4 to face the direction toward the height position (for example, the position of the face of the living body CR) P13b corresponding to the living body CR in the YZ side view according to the detection result of the biological sensor 2, and blows out the air - conditioned air as indicated by the dashed - dotted arrow. Note that the height position at which the air - conditioned air is blown out can be set corresponding to an arbitrary position on the living body CR, such as the torso. The dashed - dotted arrow indicates the flow of the main air - conditioned air.

[0129] Thereby, the wind direction can be controlled so that the wind blown out from the indoor unit 10 hits the living body CR. By making the wind hit the living body CR, the perceived temperature of the living body CR can be effectively lowered. As a result, in the wind - directing control in the power - saving cooling mode, while performing the cooling operation at the target temperature, the perceived temperature of the living body CR can be made closer to the set temperature.

[0130] As shown in FIGS. 9(c) and 10(c), the control unit 3 of the indoor unit 10 continues to detect the position of the living body CR in the indoor RM with the biological sensor 2 following FIGS. 9(b) and 10(b).

[0131] As shown in FIG. 9(c), the biosensor 2 detects that the living body CR is at the planar position P12c near the center in the X direction and the center in the Y direction in the indoor RM. Further, as shown in FIG. 10(c), the biosensor 2 detects that the living body CR is in the posture of sitting on the chair. The biosensor 2 supplies the detection result to the control unit 3. As shown in FIG. 9(c), the control unit 3 controls the wind direction plate 5 to face the direction toward the planar position P12c in the XY top view according to the detection result of the biosensor 2, and blows out the air-conditioning air as indicated by the dashed arrow.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 10(c), the control unit 3 controls the wind direction plate 4 to face the direction toward the height position (for example, the position of the face of the living body CR) P13c of the living body CR according to the posture of the living body CR in the YZ side view according to the detection result of the biosensor 2, and blows out the air-conditioning air as indicated by the dashed arrow.

[0133] Thereby, the wind direction can be controlled so that the wind blown out from the indoor unit 10 hits the living body CR while the locked-on living body CR is being tracked. By making the wind hit the living body CR, the perceived temperature of the living body CR can be effectively lowered. As a result, in the wind directing control in the power-saving cooling mode, the perceived temperature of the living body CR can be made closer to the set temperature while performing the cooling operation at the target temperature.

[0134] As shown in FIGS. 9(d) and 10(d), the control unit 3 of the indoor unit 10 continues to detect the position of the living body CR in the indoor RM with the biosensor 2 following FIGS. 9(c) and 10(c).

[0135] As shown in FIG. 9(d), the biosensor 2 detects that the living body CR is at the planar position P12d on the +X side and the +Y side in the indoor RM. Further, as shown in FIG. 10(d), the biosensor 2 detects that the living body CR is in the standing posture. The biosensor 2 supplies the detection result to the control unit 3. As shown in FIG. 9(d), the control unit 3 controls the wind direction plate 5 to face the direction toward the planar position P12d in the XY top view according to the detection result of the biosensor 2, and blows out the air-conditioning air as indicated by the dashed arrow.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 10(d), the control unit 3 controls the wind direction plate 4 to face the direction toward the height position P13d of the living body CR (for example, the position of the face of the living body CR) corresponding to the posture of the living body CR in the YZ side view according to the detection result of the biological sensor 2, and blows out the air-conditioning air as indicated by the dashed arrow.

[0137] Thereby, while tracking the locked-on living body CR, the wind direction can be controlled so that the wind blown out from the indoor unit 10 hits the living body CR. By making the wind hit the living body CR, the perceived temperature of the living body CR can be effectively lowered. As a result, in the wind blowing control in the power-saving cooling mode, while performing the cooling operation at the target temperature, the perceived temperature of the living body CR can be made closer to the set temperature.

[0138] In addition, in the power-saving cooling mode, the correction value for how many degrees higher the target temperature is than the set temperature may be fixedly set in the control unit 3 and the control unit 103. For example, the correction value may be fixed at +1°C.

[0139] Alternatively, in the power-saving cooling mode, the correction value may be arbitrarily set via the operation terminal 94a. For example, the correction value may be set in the range of +1°C to +3°C.

[0140] The operation terminal 94a may be able to receive the setting of the correction value in the power-saving cooling mode via the power-saving setting button 9412.

[0141] When the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the △ button of the power saving setting button 9412, it increases the correction value from the current value, displays the increased correction value on the display unit 949, and transmits a command of the increased correction value to the indoor unit 10. When the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the ▽ button of the temperature setting button 945, it decreases the correction value from the current value, displays the decreased correction value on the display unit 949, and transmits a command of the decreased correction value to the indoor unit 10. When the receiving device 94 receives a command of the increased or decreased correction value, it supplies the command to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 corrects the set temperature with the correction value to obtain a target temperature and transfers it to the control unit 103. The control unit 3 and the control unit 103 control the cooling operation at the target temperature.

[0142] Thereby, according to the setting of the correction value, the power saving level in the power saving cooling mode can be adjusted. The larger the correction value is set, the larger the power saving level in the power saving cooling mode can be adjusted.

[0143] The control unit 3 periodically or continuously receives the detection result from the biological sensor 2 in the power saving heating mode. In the power saving heating mode, the control unit 3 controls the wind direction plates 4 and 5 to perform a predetermined operation while tracking the position of the biological CR in the indoor RM. At the same time, the control unit 3 and the control unit 103 control the refrigerant circuit so as to perform a heating operation at a target temperature lower than the set temperature. The control unit 103 controls the compressor 125 to operate at a fourth rotational speed less than the third rotational speed corresponding to the set temperature.

[0144] The predetermined operation is an operation in which the wind direction plates 4 and 5 face in the direction toward the position of the biological CR. The control by the control unit 3 to make the wind direction plates 4 and 5 perform the predetermined operation is also called wind shielding control. The control in which the control unit 3 performs a predetermined operation on the wind direction plates 4 and 5 in the power saving heating mode or the tracking control mode may be set in the control unit 3 in advance through the operation terminal 94a.

[0145] The air blowing control in the power-saving heating mode or the air blowing control in the tracking control mode may be performed, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11. FIG. 11 is a side view showing the air blowing control of the indoor unit of the air conditioner. FIGS. 11(a) to 11(d) illustrate the temporal transition of the air blowing control in the YZ side view.

[0146] For example, as shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 11(a), the operation terminal 94a is operated by the living body CR, and the power-saving heating button 9411 is pressed. In response to this, a command to turn on the power-saving heating mode and a command for the set temperature are transmitted from the operation terminal 94a to the indoor unit 10 and received by the receiving device 94 of the indoor unit 10. The control unit 3 of the indoor unit 10 sets the control mode to the power-saving heating mode and the operation mode to the heating operation mode. The control unit 3 obtains a target temperature higher than the set temperature. The air conditioner 1 switches the four-way valve 124 to the heating side, starts rotating the fans 23 and 123, and starts controlling the compressor 125 at the rotation speed corresponding to the target temperature. Thereby, the air conditioner 1 starts the heating operation so that the temperature of the indoor RM detected by the room temperature sensor 7 approaches the target temperature. The air conditioner 1 may perform the heating operation at the set air volume.

[0147] As shown in FIGS. 9(b) and 11(b), the control unit 3 of the indoor unit 10 detects the position of the living body CR of the indoor RM with the biological sensor 2 in response to the control mode being set to the power-saving heating mode. The control unit 3 recognizes that one living body CR in the indoor RM has been detected by the biological sensor 2 and locks on to the living body CR as the tracking target.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 9(b), the biological sensor 2 detects that the living body CR is at the planar position P12b near the center in the Y direction on the -X side in the indoor RM. Also, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the biological sensor 2 detects that the living body CR is in a posture of sitting on the floor. The biological sensor 2 supplies the detection result to the control unit 3. As shown in FIG. 9(b), the control unit 3 controls the air deflector 5 to face the direction toward the planar position P12b in the XY top view according to the detection result of the biological sensor 2, and blows out the conditioned air as indicated by the dashed-dotted arrow.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 11(b), the control unit 3 controls the wind direction plate 4 to face the direction toward the height position P14b of the feet of the living body CR corresponding to the posture of the living body CR in the YZ side view according to the detection result of the biological sensor 2, and blows out the conditioned air as indicated by the dashed-dotted arrow. The dashed-dotted arrow indicates the flow of the conditioned air that becomes the mainstream.

[0150] Thereby, the wind direction can be controlled so that the wind blown out from the indoor unit 10 reaches the feet of the living body CR. By making the wind reach the feet of the living body CR, the living body CR can be warmed from the feet, and the perceived temperature of the living body CR can be effectively increased. As a result, in the wind blowing control in the power-saving heating mode, while performing the heating operation at the target temperature, the perceived temperature of the living body CR can be made closer to the set temperature.

[0151] As shown in FIGS. 9(c) and 11(c), the control unit 3 of the indoor unit 10 continues to detect the position of the living body CR in the indoor RM with the biological sensor 2 as shown in FIGS. 9(b) and 11(b).

[0152] As shown in FIG. 9(c), the biological sensor 2 detects that the living body CR is at the plane position P12c near the center in the X direction and the center in the Y direction in the indoor RM. Further, as shown in FIG. 11(c), the biological sensor 2 detects that the living body CR is in the posture of sitting on the chair. The biological sensor 2 supplies the detection result to the control unit 3. As shown in FIG. 9(c), the control unit 3 controls the wind direction plate 5 to face the direction toward the plane position P12c according to the detection result of the biological sensor 2 in the XY top view, and blows out the conditioned air as indicated by the dashed-dotted arrow.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 11(c), the control unit 3 controls the wind direction plate 4 to face the direction toward the height position P14c of the feet of the living body CR corresponding to the posture of the living body CR in the YZ side view according to the detection result of the biological sensor 2, and blows out the conditioned air as indicated by the dashed-dotted arrow.

[0154] As a result, while tracking the locked-on living body CR, the wind direction can be controlled so that the wind blown from the indoor unit 10 reaches the feet of the living body CR. By making the wind reach the feet of the living body CR, the living body CR can be warmed from the feet, and the perceived temperature of the living body CR can be effectively increased. As a result, in the wind blowing control in the power-saving heating mode, while performing heating operation at the target temperature, the perceived temperature of the living body CR can be brought closer to the set temperature.

[0155] As shown in FIGS. 9(d) and 11(d), the control unit 3 of the indoor unit 10 continues to detect the position of the living body CR in the indoor RM with the living body sensor 2 as shown in FIGS. 9(c) and 11(c).

[0156] As shown in FIG. 9(d), the living body sensor 2 detects that the living body CR is at the planar position P12d on the +X side and +Y side in the indoor RM. Further, as shown in FIG. 11(d), the living body sensor 2 detects that the living body CR is in a standing posture. The living body sensor 2 supplies the detection result to the control unit 3. As shown in FIG. 9(d), the control unit 3 controls the wind direction plate 5 to face the direction toward the planar position P12d in the XY top view according to the detection result of the living body sensor 2, and blows out the conditioned air as indicated by the dashed line arrow.

[0157] As shown in FIG. 11(d), the control unit 3 controls the wind direction plate 4 to face the direction toward the height position P14d at the feet of the living body CR according to the posture of the living body CR in the YZ side view according to the detection result of the living body sensor 2, and blows out the conditioned air as indicated by the dashed line arrow.

[0158] As a result, while tracking the locked-on living body CR, the wind direction can be controlled so that the wind blown from the indoor unit 10 reaches the feet of the living body CR. By making the wind reach the feet of the living body CR, the living body CR can be warmed from the feet, and the perceived temperature of the living body CR can be effectively increased. As a result, in the wind blowing control in the power-saving heating mode, while performing heating operation at the target temperature, the perceived temperature of the living body CR can be brought closer to the set temperature.

[0159] In addition, in the power-saving heating mode, the correction value indicating how many degrees lower the target temperature is than the set temperature may be fixedly set in the control unit 3 and the control unit 103. For example, the correction value may be fixed at -1°C.

[0160] Alternatively, in the power-saving heating mode, the correction value may be arbitrarily set via the operation terminal 94a. For example, the correction value may be set in the range of -1°C to -3°C.

[0161] The operation terminal 94a may be able to receive the setting of the correction value in the power-saving heating mode via the power-saving setting button 9412.

[0162] When the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the △ button of the power-saving setting button 9412, it increases the correction value from the current value, displays the increased correction value on the display unit 949, and transmits a command of the increased correction value to the indoor unit 10. When the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the ▽ button of the temperature setting button 945, it decreases the correction value from the current value, displays the decreased correction value on the display unit 949, and transmits a command of the decreased correction value to the indoor unit 10. When the receiving device 94 receives a command of the increased or decreased correction value, it supplies the command to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 transfers a command of the set temperature to the control unit 103.

[0163] Thereby, according to the setting of the correction value, the power-saving level in the power-saving heating mode can be adjusted. The smaller the correction value is set (the larger the absolute value is), the greater the power-saving level in the power-saving heating mode can be adjusted.

[0164] As described above, in the embodiment, for example, the biological sensor 2 detects the position of the biological CR in the indoor RM. While in the power-saving cooling mode, the air conditioner 1 directs the wind vanes 4 and 5 in the direction toward the position of the detected biological CR and performs cooling operation at a target temperature higher than the set temperature while tracking the position of the biological CR. Thereby, when the biological CR moves in the indoor RM, the conditioned air can hit the biological CR, effectively lowering the perceived temperature of the biological CR, and the cooling operation can be performed with a load lower than the load corresponding to the set temperature. As a result, the comfort of the biological CR existing in the indoor RM can be dynamically improved, and the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 can be reduced.

[0165] Note that in the embodiment, the case where the indoor unit 10 has one biological sensor 2 is illustrated, but the indoor unit 10 may have a plurality of biological sensors. In this case, since the indoor unit 10 detects the position of the biological CR with a plurality of biological sensors, the accuracy of position detection can be easily improved. Also, in the embodiment, the power-saving cooling mode is illustrated, but an energy-saving dehumidifying mode (first mode) that performs the same control as the power-saving cooling mode may be provided. That is, a mode may be provided in which the wind vane is directed so that the wind blows toward the position of the biological CR, and dehumidifying operation is performed at a target temperature higher than the set temperature.

[0166] When the temperature of the indoor RM detected by the room temperature sensor 7 falls within a predetermined temperature range including the target temperature, the air conditioner 1 may perform thermo-off control and set the operation mode to the blowing operation mode while maintaining the control mode in the power-saving cooling mode. The predetermined temperature range is a temperature range that can be regarded as being close to the target temperature, and for example, it may be a temperature range of target temperature - 0.5°C or higher and target temperature + 0.5°C or lower. In the thermo-off control, the compressor 125 is stopped, and the circulation of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit is stopped.

[0167] For example, when the temperature of the indoor RM is within a predetermined temperature range, the wind direction can be controlled so that the wind blown from the indoor unit 10 hits the living body CR while the locked-on living body CR is being tracked. By making the wind hit the living body CR, the perceived temperature of the living body CR can be effectively lowered. As a result, while performing the blowing operation within a predetermined temperature range, the perceived temperature of the living body CR can be brought closer to the set temperature. That is, the operating load of the air conditioner 1 can be further reduced, and the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 can be further reduced.

[0168] When the temperature of the indoor RM deviates from the predetermined temperature range, the air conditioner 1 may cancel the thermo-off control and return the operation mode to the cooling operation mode while maintaining the control mode in the power-saving cooling mode.

[0169] (First Modification Example of the Embodiment) The target temperature in the power-saving cooling mode may be changed according to the difference (temperature difference) between the temperature of the indoor RM detected by the room temperature sensor 7 and the set temperature commanded by the operation terminal 94a.

[0170] In the power-saving cooling mode, the control unit 3 receives the detection result indicating the indoor temperature from the room temperature sensor 7 and receives the command for the set temperature from the operation terminal 94a. The control unit 3 takes the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature to obtain the temperature difference. The control unit 3 obtains a correction value according to the temperature difference.

[0171] At this time, correction information for the power-saving cooling mode as shown in FIG. 12 may be set in the control unit 3. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the correction information for the power-saving cooling mode in the first modification example of the embodiment.

[0172] The correction information for the power-saving cooling mode has the temperature difference classification and the correction value associated with a plurality of temperature difference classifications. In the case of FIG. 12, it is determined that the correction value gradually decreases as the temperature difference decreases.

[0173] By referring to the correction information, the control unit 3 can obtain a correction value corresponding to the difference (temperature difference) between the indoor temperature and the set temperature in the power-saving cooling mode. When the control unit 3 receives the set temperature commanded by the operation terminal 94a, it can correct the set temperature with the correction value to obtain the target temperature.

[0174] In the case of FIG. 12, if the temperature difference is D1 or more, the correction value is obtained as +3°C from the correction information. If the temperature difference is D2 (<D1) or more and less than D1, the correction value is obtained as +2°C from the correction information. If the temperature difference is D3 (<D2) or more and less than D2, the correction value is obtained as +1°C from the correction information. If the temperature difference is 0 or more and less than D3, the correction value is obtained as +0.5°C from the correction information.

[0175] For example, assume that D1 = 9°C, D2 = 5°C, and D3 = 3°C. In this case, if the indoor temperature = 36°C and the set temperature = 26°C, the temperature difference = 10°C. Since the temperature difference is D1 or more and less than D1, the correction value is obtained as +3°C from the correction information shown in FIG. 12. The control unit 3 corrects the set temperature = 26°C with the correction value = +3°C to obtain the target temperature = 26°C + 3°C = 29°C.

[0176] Alternatively, if the indoor temperature = 32°C and the set temperature = 26°C, the temperature difference = 6°C. Since the temperature difference is D2 or more and less than D1, the correction value is obtained as +2°C from the correction information shown in FIG. 12. The control unit 3 corrects the set temperature = 26°C with the correction value = +2°C to obtain the target temperature = 26°C + 2°C = 28°C.

[0177] Alternatively, if the indoor temperature = 30°C and the set temperature = 26°C, the temperature difference = 4°C. Since the temperature difference is D3 or more and less than D2, the correction value is obtained as +1°C from the correction information shown in FIG. 12. The control unit 3 corrects the set temperature = 26°C with the correction value = +1°C to obtain the target temperature = 26°C + 1°C = 27°C.

[0178] Alternatively, if the indoor temperature = 28°C and the set temperature = 26°C, the temperature difference = 2°C. Since the temperature difference is 0 or more and less than D3, from the correction information shown in FIG. 12, the correction value is obtained as +0.5°C. The control unit 3 corrects the set temperature = 26°C with the correction value = +0.5°C to obtain the target temperature = 26°C + 0.5°C = 26.5°C.

[0179] As described above, in the first modification of the embodiment, the air conditioner 1 changes the target temperature according to the difference (temperature difference) between the temperature of the indoor RM and the set temperature in the power-saving cooling mode. For example, in the power-saving cooling mode, the air conditioner 1 gradually reduces the correction value as the temperature difference decreases, and corrects the set temperature with the correction value to obtain the target temperature. As a result, as the air-conditioning load decreases, the target temperature can be gradually closer to the set temperature. As a result, while reducing the power consumption of the air conditioner 1, the comfort of the living body CR can be gradually improved.

[0180] (Second modification of the embodiment) The target temperature in the power-saving heating mode may be changed according to the difference (temperature difference) between the temperature of the indoor RM (indoor temperature) detected by the room temperature sensor 7 and the set temperature commanded by the operation terminal 94a.

[0181] In the power-saving heating mode, the control unit 3 receives the detection result indicating the indoor temperature from the room temperature sensor 7 and receives the command of the set temperature from the operation terminal 94a. The control unit 3 takes the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature to obtain the temperature difference. The control unit 3 obtains a correction value according to the temperature difference.

[0182] At this time, correction information for the power-saving heating mode as shown in FIG. 13 may be set in the control unit 3. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing correction information for the power-saving heating mode in the second modification of the embodiment.

[0183] The correction information for the power-saving heating mode has the temperature difference classification and the correction value associated with a plurality of temperature difference classifications. In the case of FIG. 13, it is determined that the correction value gradually increases (the absolute value becomes smaller) as the temperature difference decreases.

[0184] By referring to the correction information, the control unit 3 can obtain a correction value corresponding to the difference (temperature difference) between the indoor temperature and the set temperature in the power-saving heating mode. When receiving the set temperature commanded by the operation terminal 94a, the control unit 3 can correct the set temperature with the correction value to obtain the target temperature.

[0185] In the case of FIG. 13, if the temperature difference is D11 or more, the correction value is obtained as -3°C from the correction information. If the temperature difference is D12 (<D11) or more and less than D11, the correction value is obtained as -2°C from the correction information. If the temperature difference is D13 (<D12) or more and less than D12, the correction value is obtained as -1°C from the correction information. If the temperature difference is 0 or more and less than D13, the correction value is obtained as -0.5°C from the correction information.

[0186] For example, assume D11 = 9°C, D12 = 5°C, and D13 = 3°C. In this case, if the indoor temperature = 36°C and the set temperature = 26°C, the temperature difference = 10°C. Since the temperature difference is D11 or more and less than D11, the correction value is obtained as -3°C from the correction information shown in FIG. 13. The control unit 3 corrects the set temperature = 26°C with the correction value = -3°C to obtain the target temperature = 26°C - 3°C = 23°C.

[0187] Alternatively, if the indoor temperature = 32°C and the set temperature = 26°C, the temperature difference = 6°C. Since the temperature difference is D12 or more and less than D11, the correction value is obtained as -2°C from the correction information shown in FIG. 13. The control unit 3 corrects the set temperature = 26°C with the correction value = -2°C to obtain the target temperature = 26°C - 2°C = 24°C.

[0188] Alternatively, if the indoor temperature = 30°C and the set temperature = 26°C, the temperature difference = 4°C. Since the temperature difference is D13 or more and less than D12, the correction value is obtained as -1°C from the correction information shown in FIG. 13. The control unit 3 corrects the set temperature = 26°C with the correction value = -1°C to obtain the target temperature = 26°C - 1°C = 25°C.

[0189] Alternatively, if the indoor temperature = 28°C and the set temperature = 26°C, then the temperature difference = 2°C. Since the temperature difference is 0 or more and less than D13, from the correction information shown in FIG. 13, the correction value is obtained as -0.5°C. The control unit 3 corrects the set temperature = 26°C with the correction value = -0.5°C to obtain the target temperature = 26°C - 0.5°C = 25.5°C.

[0190] As described above, in the second modification of the embodiment, the air conditioner 1 changes the target temperature according to the difference (temperature difference) between the temperature of the indoor RM and the set temperature in the power-saving heating mode. For example, in the power-saving heating mode, the air conditioner 1 gradually reduces the correction value as the temperature difference decreases, and corrects the set temperature with the correction value to obtain the target temperature. As a result, as the air-conditioning load decreases, the target temperature can be gradually closer to the set temperature. As a result, while reducing the power consumption of the air conditioner 1, the comfort of the living body CR can be gradually improved.

[0191] (Third Modification of the Embodiment) The target temperature in the power-saving cooling mode may be changed according to the temperature (body surface temperature) of the surface of the living body CR.

[0192] In the power-saving cooling mode, the control unit 3 receives the detection result indicating the position of the living body CR from the living body sensor 2. The control unit 3 receives the temperature scan data of the area near the position of the living body CR in the indoor RM from the body surface temperature sensor 8. The control unit 3 cuts out the portion of the position of the living body CR in the temperature scan data, and obtains the body surface temperature according to the temperature data of the cut-out portion. The control unit 3 obtains a correction value according to the body surface temperature.

[0193] At this time, correction information for the power-saving cooling mode as shown in FIG. 14 may be set in the control unit 3. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the correction information for the power-saving cooling mode in the third modification of the embodiment.

[0194] For the correction information in the power-saving cooling mode, a plurality of body surface temperature classifications are associated with correction values. In the case of FIG. 14, the correction value is determined to increase stepwise as the body surface temperature decreases.

[0195] By referring to the correction information, the control unit 3 can obtain the correction value corresponding to the body surface temperature in the power-saving cooling mode. When the control unit 3 receives the set temperature commanded by the operation terminal 94a, it can correct the set temperature with the correction value to obtain the target temperature.

[0196] In the case of FIG. 14, if the body surface temperature is T1 or higher, the correction value is obtained as +1°C from the correction information. If the body surface temperature is T2 (<T1) or higher and less than T1, the correction value is obtained as +2°C from the correction information. If the body surface temperature is less than T2, the correction value is obtained as +3°C from the correction information.

[0197] Thus, in the third modification of the embodiment, the air conditioner 1 changes the target temperature according to the body surface temperature in the power-saving cooling mode. For example, in the power-saving cooling mode, the air conditioner 1 increases the correction value stepwise as the body surface temperature decreases, and corrects the set temperature with the correction value to obtain the target temperature. As a result, the target temperature can be made to gradually move away from the set temperature as the body surface temperature decreases. As a result, the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 can be gradually reduced while maintaining the comfort of the living body CR.

[0198] (Fourth Modification of the Embodiment) The target temperature in the power-saving heating mode may be changed according to the temperature of the surface of the living body CR (body surface temperature).

[0199] In the power-saving heating mode, the control unit 3 receives the detection result indicating the position of the living body CR from the biological sensor 2. The control unit 3 receives the temperature scan data of the area near the position of the living body CR in the indoor RM from the body surface temperature sensor 8. The control unit 3 cuts out the portion of the position of the living body CR in the temperature scan data, and obtains the body surface temperature according to the temperature data of the cut-out portion. The control unit 3 obtains a correction value according to the body surface temperature.

[0200] At this time, correction information for the power-saving heating mode as shown in FIG. 15 may be set in the control unit 3. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing correction information for the power-saving heating mode in the fourth modification of the embodiment.

[0201] The correction information for the power-saving heating mode has the body surface temperature classification and the correction value associated with a plurality of body surface temperature classifications. In the case of FIG. 15, it is determined such that the correction value gradually decreases (the absolute value increases) as the body surface temperature increases.

[0202] By referring to the correction information, the control unit 3 can obtain the correction value corresponding to the body surface temperature in the power-saving heating mode. When the control unit 3 receives the set temperature commanded by the operation terminal 94a, it can correct the set temperature with the correction value to obtain the target temperature.

[0203] In the case of FIG. 15, if the body surface temperature is T11 or higher, the correction value is obtained as -3°C from the correction information. If the body surface temperature is T12 (<T11) or higher and less than T11, the correction value is obtained as -2°C from the correction information. If the body surface temperature is less than T12, the correction value is obtained as -1°C from the correction information.

[0204] As described above, in the fourth modification of the embodiment, the air conditioner 1 changes the target temperature according to the body surface temperature in the power-saving heating mode. For example, in the power-saving heating mode, as the body surface temperature increases, the air conditioner 1 gradually decreases the correction value (increases the absolute value), and corrects the set temperature with the correction value to obtain the target temperature. Thereby, as the body surface temperature increases, the target temperature can be gradually increased from the set temperature. As a result, while maintaining the comfort of the biological CR, the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 can be gradually reduced.

[0205] (Fifth Modification of the Embodiment) The air volume in the power-saving cooling mode may be different from the set air volume commanded by the operation terminal 94a.

[0206] For example, in the power-saving cooling mode, the air conditioner 1 may perform a cooling operation with a target air volume stronger than the set air volume.

[0207] In the power-saving cooling mode, the control unit 3 receives a command for the set air volume from the operation terminal 94a. The control unit 3 obtains a target air volume stronger than the set air volume. If the air volume can be set in multiple steps, the control unit 3 may change the number of steps commanded by the set air volume command to the stronger side, and use the changed number of steps as the target air volume. This changed number of steps may be determined fixedly (for example, +1 step). The control unit 3 rotates the fan 23 at a rotation speed corresponding to the target air volume. Thereby, the air conditioner 1 can perform a cooling operation with a target air volume stronger than the set air volume in the power-saving cooling mode.

[0208] Alternatively, in the power-saving cooling mode, the air conditioner 1 may perform a cooling operation with a target air volume determined according to the temperature difference.

[0209] In the power-saving cooling mode, the control unit 3 receives the detection result indicating the indoor temperature from the room temperature sensor 7 and receives the set temperature command from the operation terminal 94a. The control unit 3 calculates the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature to obtain the temperature difference. The control unit 3 determines the number of steps for changing the reference air volume according to the temperature difference. The reference air volume is the air volume serving as the reference for change. When receiving the set air volume commanded by the operation terminal 94a, the reference air volume may be the set air volume commanded by the operation terminal 94a. When receiving the automatic air volume commanded by the operation terminal 94a, the reference air volume may be the air volume at the center of multiple steps.

[0210] Assume that the air volume can be set in multiple steps, and the larger the number of steps, the stronger the corresponding air volume. The control unit 3 may determine that the number of change steps gradually decreases as the temperature difference decreases. If the temperature difference is D1 or more, the number of change steps may be determined as +3 steps. If the temperature difference is D2 (<D1) or more and less than D1, the number of change steps may be determined as +2 steps. If the temperature difference is less than D2, the number of change steps may be determined as +1 step.

[0211] The control unit 3 can change the reference air volume by the number of change steps to obtain the target air volume. The control unit 3 rotates the fan 23 at the rotation speed corresponding to the target air volume. Thereby, the air conditioner 1 can perform the cooling operation at the target air volume determined according to the temperature difference in the power-saving cooling mode.

[0212] Alternatively, in the power-saving cooling mode, the air conditioner 1 may perform the cooling operation at the target air volume determined according to the distance to the living body CR.

[0213] In the power-saving cooling mode, the control unit 3 receives the detection result of the biological sensor 2 and obtains the distance to the living body CR according to the detection result. In the cases shown in FIGS. 9(b) and 10(b), the control unit 3 obtains the distance to the living body CR according to the XY distance from the biological sensor 2 to the horizontal position P12b and the difference between the Z height of the biological sensor 2 and the Z height of the position P13b according to the detection result of the biological sensor 2.

[0214] Suppose that the air volume can be set in multiple stages, and the larger the number of stages, the stronger the air volume. The control unit 3 may be determined such that the number of change stages gradually increases as the distance to the living body CR increases. Considering that the perceived temperature drops by 1 degree per 1 meter of wind speed, the control unit 3 may control so that the wind speed at the position where the living body CR is located is equal to or higher than a predetermined wind speed (for example, 1 m / s or higher).

[0215] The control unit 3 can obtain the target air volume by changing the reference air volume according to the number of change stages. The control unit 3 rotates the fan 23 at the rotation speed corresponding to the target air volume. Thereby, the air conditioner 1 can perform the cooling operation at the target air volume determined according to the distance to the living body CR in the power-saving cooling mode.

[0216] Alternatively, the air conditioner 1 may be able to accept the dressing setting regarding the clothing of the living body CR, and perform the cooling operation at the wind direction and air volume determined according to the dressing setting in the power-saving cooling mode. That is, the air conditioner 1 may perform the cooling operation at the wind direction and air volume determined according to the information regarding the set dressing amount (including not only the dressing amount but also numbers, characters, and figures corresponding to the dressing amount).

[0217] When the operation terminal 94a shown in FIG. 7 detects the pressing of a button for instructing the calling of the power-saving mode setting screen (for example, a long press of the power-saving setting button 9412), the display unit 949 may display the power-saving mode setting screen 9491 shown in FIG. 16(a). FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the operation of the display unit 949 of the operation terminal in the fifth modification of the embodiment. FIGS. 16(a) to 16(d) show the transition of the power-saving mode setting screen 9491. The power-saving mode setting screen 9491 is a screen for setting information used in the power-saving cooling mode or the power-saving heating mode.

[0218] The power-saving mode setting screen 9491 shown in Fig. 16(a) is the initial screen. The power-saving mode setting screen 9491 has a clothing setting column 9492 and a power-saving amount column 9495. The clothing setting column 9492 includes an upper clothing setting column 9496 and a lower clothing setting column 9497. The upper clothing setting column 9496 includes a button 9496. The current setting of the upper clothing (e.g., "thick clothing") is displayed on the button 9496. The lower clothing setting column 9497 includes a button 9497. The current setting of the lower clothing (e.g., "ordinary") is displayed on the button 9497. The power-saving amount column 9495 includes a button 9498. The current setting of the power-saving amount (e.g., "large") is displayed on the button 9498.

[0219] When the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the ▽ button of the power-saving setting button 9412 in the state where the power-saving mode setting screen 9491 shown in Fig. 16(a) is displayed on the display unit 949, the operation terminal 94a causes the display unit 949 to display the power-saving mode setting screen 9491 shown in Fig. 16(b). In the power-saving mode setting screen 9491 shown in Fig. 16(b), a drop-down menu 9496a is displayed under the button 9496. The drop-down menu 9496a includes "thick clothing", "ordinary", "thin clothing", and "half sleeves" as candidates for the upper clothing setting. In Fig. 16(b), the button 9496 is shown in a highlighted and selected state. However, each time the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the ▽ button of the power-saving setting button 9412, the operation terminal 94a sequentially highlights each candidate in the drop-down menu 9496a, and when the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the △ button of the power-saving setting button 9412, the highlighted candidate can be selected. When "thin clothing" is selected in the drop-down menu 9496a, the operation terminal 94a changes the display of the button 9496 from "thick clothing" to "thin clothing".

[0220] Furthermore, when the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the ▽ button of the power saving setting button 9412, it causes the power saving mode setting screen 9491 shown in FIG. 16(c) to be displayed on the display unit 949. In the power saving mode setting screen 9491 shown in FIG. 16(c), a drop-down menu 9497a is displayed below the button 9497. The drop-down menu 9497a includes "thick clothing", "ordinary", "thin clothing", and "half-length pants" as candidates for the lower clothing setting. In FIG. 16(c), the button 9497 is shown in a highlighted and selected state. However, each time the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the ▽ button of the power saving setting button 9412, it sequentially highlights each candidate in the drop-down menu 9497a, and when it detects the pressing of the △ button of the power saving setting button 9412, the highlighted candidate can be selected. When "thin clothing" is selected in the drop-down menu 9497a, the operation terminal 94a changes the display of the button 9497 from "ordinary" to "thin clothing".

[0221] Furthermore, when the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the ▽ button of the power saving setting button 9412, it causes the power saving mode setting screen 9491 shown in FIG. 16(d) to be displayed on the display unit 949. In the power saving mode setting screen 9491 shown in FIG. 16(d), a drop-down menu 9498a is displayed below the button 9498. The drop-down menu 9498a includes "large", "medium", and "small" as candidates for the power saving amount. In FIG. 16(d), the button 9498 is shown in a highlighted and selected state. However, each time the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the ▽ button of the power saving setting button 9412, it sequentially highlights each candidate in the drop-down menu 9497a, and when it detects the pressing of the △ button of the power saving setting button 9412, the highlighted candidate can be selected. When "medium" is selected in the drop-down menu 9498a, the operation terminal 94a changes the display of the button 9498 from "large" to "medium".

[0222] After that, the operation terminal 94a closes the power-saving mode setting screen 9491 and causes the normal screen to be displayed on the display unit 949. At the same time, the clothing setting information and the power-saving amount setting information set in the clothing setting column 9492 and the power-saving amount column 9495 are transmitted from the operation terminal 94a to the control unit 3 via the receiving device 94, respectively.

[0223] In the power-saving cooling mode, when receiving the clothing setting information, the control unit 3 determines the wind direction and the target air volume according to the clothing setting information. In the power-saving cooling mode, the control unit 3 performs the cooling operation with the wind direction and the target air volume while tracking the position of the living body CR.

[0224] For example, according to the upper clothing setting = "thick clothing" and the lower clothing setting = "thick clothing", the control unit 3 sets the wind direction to the wind direction towards the face of the living body CR, changes the reference air volume to the stronger side, and sets it as the target air volume. The reference air volume is the air volume serving as the reference for the change. When receiving the set air volume commanded by the operation terminal 94a, the reference air volume may be the set air volume commanded by the operation terminal 94a. When receiving the automatic air volume commanded by the operation terminal 94a, the reference air volume may be the air volume at the center of multiple levels.

[0225] According to the upper clothing setting = "light clothing" and the lower clothing setting = "light clothing", the control unit 3 sets the wind direction to the wind direction towards the face of the living body CR, changes the reference air volume to the weaker side, and sets it as the target air volume.

[0226] According to the upper clothing setting = "thick clothing", "ordinary" or "light clothing" and the lower clothing setting = "mid-length pants", the control unit 3 sets the wind direction to the wind direction towards the upper body of the living body CR, changes the reference air volume to the weaker side, and sets it as the target air volume.

[0227] According to the upper clothing setting = "half sleeves" and the lower clothing setting = "thick clothing", "ordinary" or "light clothing", the control unit 3 sets the wind direction to the wind direction towards the lower body of the living body CR, changes the reference air volume to the weaker side, and sets it as the target air volume.

[0228] In this way, the air conditioner 1 can perform the cooling operation with the wind direction and the target air volume determined according to the clothing setting in the power-saving cooling mode.

[0229] Note that the clothing setting information may be automatically generated. For example, when the indoor unit 10 has a camera (not shown), the control unit 3 receives a detection result indicating the position of the living body CR from the biological sensor 2. The control unit 3 images an area near the position of the living body CR in the indoor RM with the camera and acquires an image of the living body CR from the camera. The control unit 3 may automatically discriminate the clothing of the living body CR and generate clothing setting information according to the discrimination result.

[0230] In the power-saving cooling mode, further, when the control unit 3 receives the power-saving amount setting information, the control unit 3 may determine a target temperature according to the power-saving amount setting information. In the power-saving cooling mode, the control unit 3 performs a cooling operation at the target temperature while tracking the position of the living body CR.

[0231] The control unit 3 sets the correction value to +3°C according to the power-saving amount = "large", and (set temperature) + 3°C = (target temperature).

[0232] The control unit 3 sets the correction value to +2°C according to the power-saving amount = "medium", and (set temperature) + 2°C = (target temperature).

[0233] The control unit 3 sets the correction value to +1°C according to the power-saving amount = "small", and (set temperature) + 1°C = (target temperature).

[0234] Also, in the power-saving heating mode, further, when the control unit 3 receives the power-saving amount setting information, the control unit 3 may determine a target temperature according to the power-saving amount setting information. In the power-saving heating mode, the control unit 3 performs a heating operation at the target temperature while tracking the position of the living body CR.

[0235] The control unit 3 sets the correction value to -3°C according to the power-saving amount = "large", and (set temperature) - 3°C = (target temperature).

[0236] The control unit 3 sets the correction value to -2°C according to the power-saving amount = "medium", and (set temperature) - 2°C = (target temperature).

[0237] When the power saving amount = "small", the control unit 3 sets the correction value to -1 °C, and (set temperature) - 1 °C = (target temperature).

[0238] (Sixth Modification of the Embodiment) In the power-saving cooling mode, when the control unit 3 detects a plurality of living body CRs with the biological sensor 2, the control unit 3 identifies a living body CR that satisfies a predetermined condition among the plurality of living body CRs, locks on to the identified living body CR, and may perform air blowing control and power-saving control. The air blowing control includes control to cause the wind direction plates 4 and 5 to move in a direction toward the position of the living body CR. The power-saving control includes control to perform cooling operation at a target temperature lower than the set temperature. At this time, the predetermined condition may be the condition as shown in FIG. 17 or FIG. 18. FIGS. 17 and 18 are top views showing the air blowing control of the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to the sixth modification of the embodiment, respectively.

[0239] In the case of FIG. 17(a), when the indoor unit 10 receives a command for turning on the power-saving cooling mode from the operation terminal 94a via the receiving device 94, the biological sensor 2 detects the positions of a plurality of living body CRs 1 to 3 in the indoor RM and the position of the operation terminal 94a. The control unit 3 identifies that the living body that is spatially closest to the operation terminal 94a among the plurality of living body CRs 1 to 3 is the living body CR1 according to the detection result of the biological sensor 2, and locks on to the living body CR1. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 17(b), the control unit 3 performs control such as air blowing control while tracking the living body CR1.

[0240] In addition, when the living body that is spatially closest to the operation terminal 94a among the plurality of living body CRs 1 to 3 is replaced, the control unit 3 may replace the object to be locked on accordingly. For example, when the control unit 3 is locked on to the living body CR1 and tracking the living body CR1, and identifies that the living body that is spatially closest to the operation terminal 94a among the plurality of living body CRs 1 to 3 is the living body CR2, the control unit 3 locks on to the living body CR2 instead of the living body CR1. Thereafter, the control unit 3 performs control such as air blowing control while tracking the living body CR2 until the living body that is spatially closest to the operation terminal 94a is replaced again.

[0241] In the case of FIG. 17(c), when the indoor unit 10 receives, via the receiving device 94, a command to turn on the power-saving cooling mode from the operation terminal 94a, the biological sensor 2 detects the positions of a plurality of biological objects CR1 to CR3 in the indoor RM and the distances to the plurality of biological objects CR1 to CR3. The control unit 3 identifies, based on the detection result of the biological sensor 2, that the biological object that is spatially closest to the biological sensor 2 (or the indoor unit 10) among the plurality of biological objects CR1 to CR3 is the biological object CR2, and locks on to the biological object CR2. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 17(d), the control unit 3 performs control such as air-blowing control while tracking the biological object CR2.

[0242] Note that when the biological object that is spatially closest to the biological sensor 2 (or the indoor unit 10) among the plurality of biological objects CR1 to CR3 changes, the control unit 3 may accordingly change the object to be locked on. For example, when the control unit 3 is locked on to the biological object CR2 and tracking the biological object CR2, and identifies that the biological object that is spatially closest to the biological sensor 2 (or the indoor unit 10) among the plurality of biological objects CR1 to CR3 is the biological object CR1, the control unit 3 locks on to the biological object CR1 instead of the biological object CR2. Thereafter, the control unit 3 performs control such as air-blowing control while tracking the biological object CR1 until the biological object that is spatially closest to the biological sensor 2 (or the indoor unit 10) changes again.

[0243] Alternatively, a predetermined detection pattern of the biological sensor 2 corresponding to a command to turn on the power-saving cooling mode is registered in advance in the control unit 3. The indoor unit 10 detects the gesture of the biological object in the room using the biological sensor 2. The control unit 3 determines whether the detected gesture pattern matches the predetermined detection pattern, and if it matches, can identify that the power-saving cooling mode has been commanded. Accordingly, the control unit 3 can transition the control mode to the power-saving cooling mode. Thereby, even when the biological object CR is not accustomed to operating the operation terminal 94a, it is possible to command the power-saving cooling mode to be turned on.

[0244] In the case of Fig. 18(a), when a command by a gesture in the power-saving cooling mode is detected by the biological sensor 2 in the indoor unit 10, the biological sensor 2 detects the position of the biological CR1 that made the gesture. The control unit 3 locks onto the biological CR1 that made the gesture according to the detection result of the biological sensor 2. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 18(b), the control unit 3 performs control such as air blowing control while tracking the biological CR1.

[0245] In the case of Fig. 18(c), when a command to turn on the power-saving cooling mode is received by the receiving device 94 from the operation terminal 94a in the indoor unit 10, the biological sensor 2 detects the positions of a plurality of biological CR1 to CR3 in the indoor RM and the momentum of the plurality of biological CR1 to CR3. The momentum may be the amount of movement per unit time or the moving speed at the moment of detection. In Fig. 18(c), the momentum of each of the biological CR1 to CR3 is indicated by the distance from the position indicated by the broken line to the position indicated by the solid line (the moving distance in a predetermined time as indicated by the arrow of the broken line). The control unit 3 identifies that the biological with the most momentum among the plurality of biological CR1 to CR3 is the biological CR3 according to the detection result of the biological sensor 2, and locks onto the biological CR3. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 18(d), the control unit 3 performs control such as air blowing control while tracking the biological CR3. Note that, in addition to the control illustrated in Fig. 18(c), the control unit 3 may control to lock onto the biological with the most momentum among the biological approaching the biological sensor 2 according to the detection result of the biological sensor 2.

[0246] In this way, when a plurality of biological CRs (for example, biological CR1 to CR3) are detected by the biological sensor 2 in the air conditioner 1, the air conditioner 1 can identify a biological that satisfies a predetermined condition among the plurality of biological. In the power-saving cooling mode, the air conditioner 1 can perform power-saving control to perform cooling operation at a target temperature lower than the set temperature while performing air blowing control to direct the wind direction plates 4 and 5 in the direction toward the position of the identified biological CR.

[0247] In addition, also in the power-saving heating mode, similarly, when a plurality of biological CRs are detected by the biological sensor 2, the control unit 3 may specify a biological CR that satisfies a predetermined condition among the plurality of biological CRs, lock on to the specified biological CR, and perform air-blowing control and power-saving control.

[0248] (Seventh modification of the embodiment) In the power-saving cooling mode, when the number of biological CRs detected by the biological sensor 2 exceeds a predetermined number, the control unit 3 may cancel the power-saving cooling mode. For example, in the power-saving cooling mode, when receiving the detection result of the biological sensor 2, the control unit 3 can specify the number of biological CRs according to the detection result of the biological sensor 2. The control unit 3 compares the specified number of biological CRs with a predetermined number (for example, four persons), and if the number of biological CRs exceeds the predetermined number, as shown in parentheses in FIG. 8, the control mode is changed from the power-saving cooling mode to the normal control mode.

[0249] Thereby, when the number of biological CRs detected by the biological sensor 2 exceeds a predetermined number in the power-saving cooling mode, the air conditioner 1 changes the power-saving cooling mode to the normal control mode, and in the normal control mode, can perform cooling operation at the set temperature.

[0250] Similarly, in the power-saving heating mode, when the number of biological CRs detected by the biological sensor 2 exceeds a predetermined number, the control unit 3 may cancel the power-saving heating mode. For example, in the power-saving heating mode, when receiving the detection result of the biological sensor 2, the control unit 3 can specify the number of biological CRs according to the detection result of the biological sensor 2. The control unit 3 compares the specified number of biological CRs with a predetermined number (for example, four persons), and if the number of biological CRs exceeds the predetermined number, as shown in parentheses in FIG. 8, the control mode is changed from the power-saving heating mode to the normal control mode.

[0251] Thereby, when the number of biological CRs detected by the biological sensor 2 exceeds a predetermined number in the power-saving heating mode, the air conditioner 1 changes the power-saving heating mode to the normal control mode, and in the normal control mode, can perform heating operation at the set temperature.

[0252] (Eighth Modification of the Embodiment) In the power-saving cooling mode, when the control unit 3 detects a plurality of living body CRs with the biological sensor 2, the control unit 3 may specify the direction range of the plurality of living body CRs and swing the wind direction plates 4 and 5 within that direction range.

[0253] In the power-saving cooling mode, when the control unit 3 detects a plurality of living body CRs with the biological sensor 2, the control unit 3 may respectively specify the positions of the plurality of living body CRs, sequentially select the positions of the plurality of living body CRs, and perform air blowing control and power-saving control. The air blowing control includes control to cause the wind direction plates 4 and 5 to move in a direction toward the position of the living body CR. The air blowing control for sequentially selecting the positions of the plurality of living body CRs includes control to swing the wind direction plates 4 and 5 within the direction range of the plurality of living body CRs. The power-saving control includes control to perform the cooling operation at a target temperature higher than the set temperature. At this time, the air blowing control may be the control as shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a top view showing the air blowing control of the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to the eighth modification of the embodiment.

[0254] In the case of FIG. 19(a), when the control unit 3 receives a command to turn on the power-saving cooling mode from the operation terminal 94a via the receiving device 94, the control unit 3 detects the positions of the plurality of living body CRs 1 to 3 in the indoor RM and the position of the operation terminal 94a with the biological sensor 2. The control unit 3 specifies, as the order of selection of the positions of the plurality of living body CRs 1 to 3 according to the detection result of the biological sensor 2, living body CR1 → living body CR3 → living body CR2 → living body CR3 → living body CR1.

[0255] According to the specified order, as shown in FIG. 19(b), the control unit 3 selects the living body CR1 and performs the air blowing control and the power-saving control to direct the wind direction plates 4 and 5 in the direction toward the position of the living body CR1.

[0256] Next, as shown in FIG. 19(c), the control unit 3 selects the living body CR3 and performs the air blowing control and the power-saving control to direct the wind direction plates 4 and 5 in the direction toward the position of the living body CR3.

[0257] Next, as shown in Fig. 19(d), the control unit 3 selects the living body CR2 and performs wind shielding control and power saving control to direct the wind vanes 4 and 5 in the direction toward the position of the living body CR2.

[0258] Next, as shown in Fig. 19(c), the control unit 3 selects the living body CR3 and performs wind shielding control and power saving control to direct the wind vanes 4 and 5 in the direction toward the position of the living body CR3.

[0259] Next, as shown in Fig. 19(b), the control unit 3 selects the living body CR1 and performs wind shielding control and power saving control to direct the wind vanes 4 and 5 in the direction toward the position of the living body CR3.

[0260] Thereafter, the control unit 3 sequentially selects the positions of the plurality of living bodies CR1 to CR3 in a specified order and repeatedly performs wind shielding control and power saving control.

[0261] Note that when a plurality of living bodies CR are detected by the living body sensor 2, the control unit 3 specifies the positions of the living bodies CR at both ends within the movable range of the wind vane 5 among the plurality of living bodies CR, and uses the range between the living bodies CR at both ends as a direction range to perform wind shielding control to swing the wind vane 5 within the direction range.

[0262] When a plurality of living bodies CR are detected by the living body sensor 2 and the positions of some of the plurality of living bodies CR are outside the movable range of the wind vane 5, the control unit 3 may perform wind shielding control to swing the wind vane 5 within the movable range of the wind vane 5 as a direction range.

[0263] In this way, when a plurality of living bodies CR (for example, living bodies CR1 to CR3) are detected by the living body sensor 2, the air conditioner 1 can specify the direction range of the plurality of living bodies CR and swing the wind vanes 4 and 5 within that direction range.

[0264] Note that the air conditioner 1 may combine the power-saving heating mode and the draft-free mode on. For example, the ventilation member 26 is switchable between an open position (the position shown in FIG. 3) and a closed position (a position where the ventilation member 26 is rotated around the X axis to block the air outlet 33 (the first flow path C1) with the ventilation member 26).

[0265] When the draft-free mode is on, as shown in FIG. 3, the ventilation member 26 is switched to the closed position. In the closed position, the ventilation member 26 forms a first blowing flow path (the first flow path C1) through which the air sent by the fan 23 is discharged to the outside through the ventilation port 56, and a second blowing flow path (the second flow path C2) that is discharged to the outside adjacent to the first blowing flow path (the first flow path C1) without passing through the ventilation port 56. That is, in the state where the ventilation member 26 is switched to the closed position, it is inserted into a part of the flow path of the conditioned air blown into the room, and the opening ratio of a part of the flow path is changed.

[0266] In this case, in response to the decrease in the opening ratio of the first flow path C1, the flow velocity of the wind W2a increases. Therefore, the wind W2a draws in the wind W1a. As a result, the wind W1a hits the wind W2a. In addition, the wind W2a that has transitioned to turbulent flow diffuses and hits the wind W1a flowing adjacent to the wind W2a. In this way, the winds W1a and W2a with different flow velocities and states (laminar flow or turbulent flow) flow adjacent to each other and hit each other. That is, the wind W1a that does not pass through the ventilation member 26 (ventilation port 56) and the wind W2a that has passed through the ventilation member 26 (ventilation port 56) interfere with each other.

[0267] When the wind W1a and the wind W2a hit each other, for example, the masses of the wind W1a and the wind W2a are broken up, and the turbulent wind W2a is carried to the wind W1a. The wind W1a and the wind W2a generate various such interactions to generate a turbulent flow Ws (mixed wind) that diffuses over a wide range. As a result, the turbulent flow Ws discharged from the indoor unit 10 becomes closer to natural wind (so-called draft-free wind) than the wind immediately after being discharged from the air outlet 33.

[0268] In the case where (control mode, operation mode, auxiliary operation mode) = (power-saving heating mode, heating mode, draft-free mode on), the control unit 3 detects the position of the living body CR, locks on to the living body CR, and switches the ventilation member 26 to the closed position. While tracking the position of the living body CR, the control unit 3 controls the wind direction plates 4 and 5 to face the direction toward the feet of the living body CR and perform heating operation at the target temperature.

[0269] Thereby, while the locked-on living body CR is being tracked, the wind direction can be controlled so that the wind blown out from the indoor unit 10 reaches the feet of the living body CR in a state close to natural wind (so-called draft-free wind). By allowing the draft-free wind to reach the feet of the living body CR, the living body CR can be wrapped in warm draft-free wind (diffused soft wind) from the feet, and the perceived temperature of the living body CR can be effectively increased. As a result, in the combination of the power-saving heating mode and the draft-free mode on, while performing heating operation at the target temperature, the perceived temperature of the living body CR can be brought close to the set temperature.

[0270] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0271] 1 Air conditioner, 2 Biological sensor, 3 Control unit, 4, 5 Wind direction plates, 7 Room temperature sensor, 8 Body surface temperature sensor, 10 Indoor unit, 22 Heat exchanger, 23 Fan, 94a, 194a Operation terminal, 122 Heat exchanger, 125 Compressor

Claims

1. An indoor unit; A control unit capable of performing air conditioning operation at a set temperature set by a user; Equipped with The indoor unit includes: A wind deflector that adjusts the direction of the conditioned air blown into the room; a biological sensor that detects a position of a biological body in the room; having The control unit is the first correction value and the second correction value are set in advance as fixed values, In a first mode, the airflow direction plate is oriented so that air is blown toward a position of a living body detected by the living body sensor, and a cooling operation or a dehumidification operation is performed at a target temperature that is higher than the set temperature according to the first correction value, and a command for the set temperature is received. In a second mode, the airflow direction plate is oriented so that air flows toward a position of a living body detected by the living body sensor, and a heating operation is performed at a target temperature that is lower than the set temperature according to the second correction value, and a command for the set temperature is received. Air conditioning units.

2. The first correction value and the second correction value have equal absolute values. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control unit controls the wind direction plate in the second mode so that wind is directed toward the feet of the living body. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The control unit can perform air conditioning operation at a set temperature and a set air volume set by a user, The control unit, in the first mode, controls the airflow direction of the air deflector so that the air is directed toward a position of the living body detected by the living body sensor, and controls the air conditioner to perform a cooling operation or a dehumidifying operation at a target temperature higher than the set temperature in accordance with the first correction value and at the set air volume, and in the second mode, controls the airflow direction of the air deflector so that the air is directed toward a position of the living body detected by the living body sensor, and controls the air conditioner to perform a heating operation at a target temperature lower than the set temperature in accordance with the second correction value and at the set air volume. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

5. When a plurality of living bodies are detected by the biosensor in the first mode and the second mode, the control unit controls the wind direction plate so that wind is directed to a position of a living body that is closest to the biosensor among the plurality of living bodies. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

6. When the number of living organisms detected by the biological sensor exceeds a predetermined number, the control unit transitions from the first mode to a third mode, and controls the third mode to perform a cooling operation or a dehumidification operation at the set temperature. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

7. When the control unit is performing cooling or dehumidifying operation in the third mode and a command is received from the operation terminal, the control unit transitions from the third mode to the first mode, and in the first mode, orients the air deflector so that the air is blown toward the position of the living body detected by the biological sensor, and controls to perform cooling or dehumidifying operation at a target temperature that is higher than the set temperature in accordance with the first correction value; when the control unit is performing heating operation in the third mode and a command is received from the operation terminal, the control unit transitions from the third mode to the second mode, and in the second mode, orients the air deflector so that the air is blown toward the position of the living body detected by the biological sensor, and controls to perform heating operation at a target temperature that is lower than the set temperature in accordance with the second correction value. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

8. An operation terminal having a display unit, The display unit displays, in either the first mode or the second mode, information related to the first mode or the second mode together with the set temperature. An air-conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images