Air conditioner

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner that can suppress an increase in power consumption while maintaining a certain level of comfort. 【Solution means】 The air conditioner includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a refrigerant pipe, a compressor, an expansion valve, and a control unit. The control unit executes a normal operation mode in which the operating frequency of the compressor is controlled according to the set temperature set in the indoor unit and the room temperature in the room where the indoor unit is installed, and the air-conditioning air is blown out from the indoor unit, and regardless of the room temperature, a constant fixed-speed operation frequency lower than the maximum operation frequency possible in the normal operation control is used to control the compressor to execute a fixed-speed operation control in which the air-conditioning air is blown out from the indoor unit. It is possible to execute a weak operation mode, and when the weak operation mode is selected by the user, the fixed-speed operation control is maintained for a predetermined period from the execution of the fixed-speed operation control.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] An air conditioner such as an air conditioner adjusts the indoor temperature by heat dissipation and heat absorption due to condensation and evaporation of a refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle. For example, in a cooling operation, the refrigerant condenses in an outdoor heat exchanger (condenser) and evaporates in an indoor heat exchanger (evaporator). Further, in a heating operation, the refrigerant evaporates in an outdoor heat exchanger (evaporator) and condenses in an indoor heat exchanger (condenser). Then, the conditioned air whose temperature is adjusted by heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger is blown out from the indoor unit into the room, thereby adjusting the indoor temperature. In this case, the compressor that sends the refrigerant to the heat exchanger at high temperature and high pressure is controlled according to the difference between the set temperature for the indoor unit and the indoor temperature. And, for example, when the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature, the operation of the compressor is temporarily stopped (OFF), and then, when the indoor temperature deviates from the set temperature by a predetermined temperature or more, the operation of the compressor is restarted (ON). As a result, the indoor temperature is controlled to be maintained near the set temperature.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the control that repeatedly performs the ON / OFF operation of the compressor (air conditioner) causes an increase in power consumption (electricity bill), which is not preferable for the operation of the air conditioner.

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

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a refrigerant pipe, a compressor, an expansion valve, and a control unit. The indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor blower fan. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger and an outdoor blower fan. The refrigerant pipe connects the indoor heat exchanger and the Outdoor heat exchanger and allows refrigerant to flow. The compressor is provided in the outdoor unit, can variably control the operating frequency, and compresses the refrigerant. The expansion valve is provided in the outdoor unit. The control unit executes an air-conditioning operation based on the flow pattern of the refrigerant. This control unit has a normal operation mode that controls the operating frequency of the compressor according to the set temperature set in the indoor unit and the room temperature in the room where the indoor unit is installed, and blows out air-conditioned air from the indoor unit by executing normal operation control, and a weak operation mode that controls the compressor at a constant fixed operation frequency lower than the maximum operation frequency possible in the normal operation control regardless of the room temperature, and blows out air-conditioned air from the indoor unit by executing constant speed operation control, and is capable of executing both. When the weak operation mode is selected by the user, the constant speed operation control is maintained for a predetermined period from the execution of the constant speed operation control When the weak operation mode is selected and the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and the constant-speed operation control is being executed, if the room temperature becomes equal to or lower than the threshold temperature set for this case, the operation of the compressor is stopped. When the weak operation mode is selected and the compressor is stopped, if the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than the threshold temperature set for this case after the stop of the compressor, the control state is switched to the constant-speed operation control.

[0007] Further, when the control unit of the air conditioner executes the constant speed operation control, for example, the constant speed operation frequency may be set to a frequency lower than the intermediate value frequency between the maximum operation frequency and the minimum operation frequency of the compressor.

[0008] Further, when the weak operation mode is selected and the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator and the constant speed operation control is being executed, for example, when the control unit of the air conditioner Set for this case reaches or exceeds the threshold temperature, the control state may be switched to the normal operation control.

[0009] Further, for example, when the weak operation mode is selected and the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and the normal operation control is executed, the control unit of the air conditioner, by the normal operation control, when the room temperature Set for this case becomes equal to or lower than the threshold temperature, the control state may be switched to the constant speed operation control.

[0012] Further, for example, when the weak operation mode is selected and the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the constant speed operation control is being executed, the control unit of the air conditioner, when the room temperature Set for this case becomes equal to or lower than the threshold temperature, the control state may be switched to the normal operation control.

[0013] Further, for example, when the weak operation mode is selected and the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the normal operation control is executed, the control unit of the air conditioner, by the normal operation control, when the room temperature Set for this case becomes equal to or higher than the threshold temperature, the control state may be switched to the constant speed operation control.

[0014] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a refrigerant pipe, a compressor, an expansion valve, and a control unit. The indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor blower fan. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger and an outdoor blower fan. The refrigerant pipe connects the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, and refrigerant flows through it. The compressor is provided in the outdoor unit, can variably control the operating frequency, and compresses the refrigerant. The expansion valve is provided in the outdoor unit. The control unit executes an air-conditioning operation based on the flow pattern of the refrigerant. This control unit has a normal operation mode that executes a normal operation control to control the operating frequency of the compressor according to the set temperature set in the indoor unit and the room temperature in the room where the indoor unit is installed, and blows out air-conditioned air from the indoor unit, and a weak operation mode that executes a constant-speed operation control to control the compressor at a constant speed lower than the maximum operating frequency possible in the normal operation control regardless of the room temperature, and blows out air-conditioned air from the indoor unit. When the weak operation mode is selected by the user, the constant-speed operation control is maintained for a predetermined period from the execution of the constant-speed operation control. When the weak operation mode is selected and the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the constant speed operation control is being executed, when the room temperature Set for this case becomes equal to or higher than the threshold temperature, the operation of the compressor may be stopped When the weak operation mode is selected and the compressor is stopped, if the room temperature becomes equal to or lower than the threshold temperature set for this case after the stop of the compressor, switch the control state to the constant-speed operation control as well.

[0016] Further, for example, during the execution of the constant speed operation control, the control unit of the air conditioner may be able to variably control the air volume by the indoor blower fan.

[0017] Further, for example, after the setting of the weak operation mode, when the operation of the air conditioner is stopped, the control unit of the air conditioner may cancel the setting of the weak operation mode.

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

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

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

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] FIG. 1 is an exemplary and schematic block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment including an indoor unit 10 and an outdoor unit 120.

[0023] The air conditioner 1 includes an operation terminal 94a, an indoor unit 10, and an outdoor unit 120. The indoor unit 10 is disposed indoors, and the outdoor unit 120 is disposed outdoors. The operation terminal 94a receives an operation instruction from a living body CR (for example, a user) existing indoors, 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 an external terminal device 94b 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.

[0024] In this specification, the set temperature means the temperature commanded to the air conditioner 1 via the operation terminal 94a or the like. The target temperature means the temperature as the target of control for the air sucked into the room by the air conditioner 1.

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

[0026] The indoor unit control unit 80 has a tracking air-conditioning control mode and a normal air-conditioning control mode as the air-conditioning control modes of the indoor unit 10. The tracking air-conditioning control mode is an air-conditioning control mode that supplies air-conditioned air to the person being tracked while performing tracking control of the living body CR using the radar 2. The normal air-conditioning control mode is an air-conditioning control mode that supplies air-conditioned air generally uniformly throughout the room without tracking people.

[0027] On the other hand, the outdoor unit control unit 180 can execute a normal operation mode and a weak operation mode as the operation control modes of the outdoor unit 120. The normal operation mode is an operation mode that executes normal operation control to control the operating frequency of the compressor 125 according to the set temperature set in the indoor unit 10 and the room temperature in the room where the indoor unit 10 is installed, and blows out air-conditioned air from the indoor unit 10. The normal operation mode may control the operating frequency of the compressor 125 according to, for example, the difference between the set temperature and the room temperature. The weak operation mode is an operation mode that executes constant-speed operation control to control the compressor at a constant speed operating frequency lower than the maximum operating frequency possible in normal operation control regardless of the room temperature in the room, and blows out air-conditioned air from the indoor unit 10. When the weak operation mode is selected by the living body CR (user), the outdoor unit control unit 180 controls to maintain the constant-speed operation control for a predetermined period from the execution of the constant-speed operation control. Details of the weak operation mode will be described later.

[0028] Note that the indoor unit control unit 80 may mainly perform the air-conditioning process. In that case, the outdoor unit 120 may have a configuration in which the outdoor unit control unit 180 is omitted. Alternatively, the outdoor unit control unit 180 may mainly perform the air-conditioning process. In that case, the indoor unit 10 may have a configuration in which the indoor unit control unit 80 is omitted.

[0029] In the tracking air-conditioning control mode, when performing cooling operation, the radar 2 detects the position of the living body CR in the room under the control of the indoor unit control unit 80. While tracking the detected position of the living body CR, the indoor unit control unit 80 controls the up-down air direction plate 25 and the left-right air direction plate 29 to perform an operation of turning in the direction toward the detected position of the living body CR. That is, the up-down air direction plate 25 and the left-right air direction plate 29 are directed so that the air blows toward the position of the living body CR (mainly the body of the living body CR). At this time, the room temperature sensor 3 detects the temperature of the air in the room under the control of the indoor unit control unit 80. The air conditioner 1 performs a cooling operation so that the target temperature approaches the set temperature commanded by the operation terminal 94a or the like.

[0030] Thereby, even when the living body CR existing in the room moves in the room, the air-conditioning air from the indoor unit 10 can hit the living body CR, and the sensible temperature of the living body CR can be effectively lowered. By using the detection result of the radar 2, the followability of the living body CR can be easily improved. That is, the air-conditioning air can hit the living body CR in real time, and the comfort can be hardly impaired. As a result, the comfort of the living body CR existing in the room can be dynamically improved.

[0031] Note that, in the tracking air-conditioning control mode, the control of directing the up-down air direction plate 25 and the left-right air direction plate 29 so that the air blows toward the position of the living body CR may be control that accurately turns in the direction of the living body CR or may be control that generally turns in the direction of the living body CR. For example, the control of directing the up-down air direction plate 25 and the left-right air direction plate 29 so that the air blows toward the position of the living body CR may include, for example, dividing the room into about 3 to 4 areas, specifying which area the living body CR is in, and performing control of sending air toward that area (a wide range). The control of directing the up-down air direction plate 25 and the left-right air direction plate 29 so that the air blows toward the position of the living body CR may include control of swinging the up-down air direction plate 25 and the left-right air direction plate 29 left and right within a range where the air does not deviate with the position of the living body CR as the center.

[0032] In the tracking air-conditioning control mode, when heating operation is performed, the radar 2 detects the position of the living body CR in the room under the control of the indoor unit control unit 80 in the same manner as during cooling operation. In the case of heating operation, the indoor unit control unit 80 controls the vertical air deflector 25 and the horizontal air deflector 29 so as to perform an operation of turning in the direction toward the position of the feet of the detected living body CR while tracking the position of the detected living body CR. That is, the air deflectors are turned so that the air blows toward the position of the feet of the living body CR.

[0033] Thereby, when the living body CR existing in the room moves within the room, the conditioned air from the indoor unit 10 reaches the feet of the living body CR, and the body's perceived temperature can be effectively increased by warming the living body from the feet. By using the detection result of the radar 2, the followability of the living body CR can be easily improved. That is, the conditioned air can reach the feet of the living body CR in real time, and the comfort can be hardly impaired. As a result, the comfort of the living body CR existing in the room can be dynamically improved. Note that even during heating operation, the control of the vertical air deflector 25 and the horizontal air deflector 29 can obtain the same effect by controlling them to face the exact position or generally the position where the living body CR exists, in the same manner as during cooling operation.

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

[0035] The indoor unit 10 performs air-conditioning treatment on the air sucked from the room in which the indoor unit 10 is installed through the suction port, and blows out the conditioned air subjected to the air-conditioning treatment into the room. The air-conditioning treatment includes, for example, heat absorption treatment, heating treatment, dehumidification treatment, humidification treatment, air supply treatment, and air purification treatment. The heat absorption treatment, heating treatment, dehumidification treatment, humidification treatment, air supply treatment, and air purification treatment respectively correspond to the cooling operation mode, heating operation mode, dehumidification operation mode, humidification operation mode, air supply operation mode, and air purification operation mode as the operation mode (main operation mode) of the air conditioner 1.

[0036] Note that the main operation mode can be arbitrarily combined with the above-described tracking air-conditioning control mode and normal air-conditioning control mode. In the tracking air-conditioning control mode, the air conditioner 1 can take any of the cooling operation mode, heating operation mode, dehumidifying operation mode, humidifying operation mode, air supply operation mode, and air purification operation mode. The same applies to the normal air-conditioning control mode.

[0037] In the air-conditioning process, the humidifying process may be omitted. At this time, as the operation mode of the air conditioner 1, the humidifying operation mode may be omitted.

[0038] In the air-conditioning process, for the dehumidifying process, the air taken in from the room is cooled, and the moisture in the air is condensed on the surface of the heat exchanger 22 of the indoor unit 10 and discharged outdoors, so as to approach the set humidity. For example, a cooling operation is performed. Note that there are weak cooling dehumidification and reheating dehumidification for the dehumidifying process. In weak cooling dehumidification, the air cooled to lower the humidity is directly returned to the room. In reheating dehumidification, the air is cooled once to lower the humidity, and after dehumidification, the air is reheated and then returned to the room. As a result, only the humidity can be lowered without lowering the indoor temperature.

[0039] In the air-conditioning process, for the air supply process, the indoor air is circulated without changing the temperature and humidity. That is, after taking in the indoor air, the air is directly sent back into the room, and by circulating the air in the room, comfort is provided for the biological CR.

[0040] Air purification treatment can be applied in various ways. The electrostatic precipitation method or the fan method may be applied. In the electrostatic precipitation method, dust-laden air is passed through a filter, and the dust is adsorbed onto a filter charged with the opposite polarity, thereby removing dust from the air. In the fan method, air is passed through a fine filter such as a HEPA filter, and the dust is filtered by the filter, thereby removing dust from the air. Alternatively, an air purification treatment may be applied by a method of releasing ions into the air or by a method of irradiating ultraviolet rays (UV) inside the housing of the air conditioner 1 to sterilize.

[0041] As an auxiliary air-conditioning operation mode, the air conditioner 1 has a draft-free mode on and a draft-free mode off. The auxiliary air-conditioning operation mode can be arbitrarily combined with the above-described tracking air-conditioning control mode or the normal air-conditioning control mode, and can also be arbitrarily combined with the main operation mode. In the draft-free mode on, when blowing out conditioned air from the indoor unit 10, a turbulent flow that diffuses widely 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 indoor temperature with the room temperature sensor 3. The room temperature sensor 3 is provided at a location where the indoor air can be detected. The room temperature sensor 3 may be provided near the suction port and detect the temperature of the air sucked from the indoor to the suction port. In the automatic operation mode, if the detected temperature of the room temperature sensor 3 is higher than the set temperature (automatic cooling threshold), the air conditioner 1 operates in the cooling operation mode, and if the detected temperature of the room temperature sensor 3 is lower than the set temperature (automatic heating threshold), it can operate in the heating operation mode.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, in the air conditioner 1, the indoor unit 10 includes a radar 2, an indoor unit control unit 80, a room temperature sensor 3, a heat exchanger 22 (indoor heat exchanger), a fan 23 (indoor blower fan), a filter 24 (described later), an up / down air direction plate 25, a left / right air direction plate 29, a ventilation member 26, a transmission / reception device 94, etc. Further, the indoor unit 10 includes a first drive circuit 81, a second control circuit 82, a third control circuit 83, and a fan motor 84, an up / down air direction plate motor 85, a left / right air direction plate motor 86, a switching motor 87, etc., which are controlled by the indoor unit control unit 80. In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 1, an example is shown in which an air cleaning unit 4 that executes an electrostatic precipitation method as an air cleaning process is controlled by the indoor unit control unit 80.

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

[0045] In the indoor unit 10, the fan 23 is arranged near the heat exchanger 22. The fan 23 guides the air sucked from the room through the suction port of the indoor unit 10 to the heat exchanger 22, and also guides the conditioned air heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger 22 to the blowout port of the indoor unit 10. The indoor unit control unit 80 drives the fan motor 84 with the first drive circuit 81 to rotate the fan 23 around the rotation axis. The indoor unit control unit 80 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 (refrigerant pipe RL) connected to them. The refrigerant circuit passes near the plurality of fins and is in thermal contact with the refrigerant circuit. The heat exchanger 22 exchanges heat with the refrigerant for the air sucked from the room.

[0047] In the outdoor unit 120, the fan 123 is arranged near the heat exchanger 122. The fan 123 rotates according to the control by the outdoor unit control unit 180. Thereby, the fan 123 sucks in 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 120. The outdoor unit control unit 180 drives the fan motor 184 with the fourth drive circuit 181 to rotate the fan 123 around the rotation axis. The outdoor unit control unit 180 can change the rotation speed of the fan 123.

[0048] The heat exchanger 122 can have various configurations. For example, the heat exchanger 122 includes a plurality of fins and a refrigerant circuit connected to them. 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. That is, the heat exchanger 22 and the heat exchanger 122 are connected by a refrigerant circuit (refrigerant pipe RL), and the refrigerant circulates through it.

[0049] The four-way valve 124 is arranged 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 outdoor unit control unit 180. The outdoor unit control unit 180 drives the valve switching motor 185 with the fifth drive circuit 182 to switch the four-way valve 124 between the cooling side and the heating side.

[0050] The compressor 125 is arranged in the refrigerant circuit. The compressor 125 compresses the refrigerant and sends it out into the refrigerant circuit according to the control by the outdoor unit control unit 180. The outdoor unit control unit 180 drives the compressor motor 186 with the sixth drive circuit 183 to cause the compressor 125 to perform a cycle operation of compressing the refrigerant. The outdoor unit control unit 180 can change the rotation speed of the compressor 125 (the number of compression cycles executed per unit time). That is, the compressor 125 can variably control the operating frequency.

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

[0052] The air conditioner 1 switches the four-way valve 124 to the cooling side in the cooling operation mode, dehumidifying operation mode, etc. by the indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180. The air conditioner 1 determines the operating frequency of the compressor 125 to the driving frequency based on, for example, the temperature difference between the set temperature commanded by the operation terminal 94a or the like and the indoor temperature by the indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180. While controlling the compressor 125 to operate at the determined driving frequency, the air conditioner 1 performs a heat absorption process in the heat exchanger 22, absorbs heat from the indoor air into the refrigerant, and blows out the heat-absorbed conditioned air into the room. Alternatively, the air conditioner 1 determines the rotation speed of the compressor 125 to the rotation speed corresponding to the set temperature commanded by the operation terminal 94a or the like. While controlling the compressor 125 to operate at the determined rotation speed, the air conditioner 1 performs a heat absorption process in the heat exchanger 22, absorbs heat from the indoor air into the refrigerant, and blows out the heat-absorbed conditioned air into the room.

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

[0054] The upper and lower air direction plates 25 and the left and right air direction plates 29 respectively adjust the air direction of the air-conditioned air blown into the room. In this specification, the indoor unit control section 80 directly controls the direction in which the upper and lower air direction plates 25 and the left and right air direction plates 29 face. However, the direction in which the upper and lower air direction plates 25 and the left and right air direction plates 29 face is generally treated as being substantially the same as the direction of the air (air direction) immediately after it is blown out from the air outlet of the indoor unit 10. That is, the upper and lower air direction plates 25 and the left and right air direction plates 29 can adjust the air direction in their respective directions, and the indoor unit control section 80 can control the air direction by controlling the directions of the upper and lower air direction plates 25 and the left and right air direction plates 29. Note that the plurality of upper and lower air direction plates 25 and the left and right air direction plates 29 can each be individually controlled in their directions. Thereby, it is possible to blow out air with the air 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 airs with different air directions from two or more regions partitioned by the plurality of upper and lower air direction plates 25, the left and right air direction plates 29, etc. of the air outlet of the indoor unit 10.

[0055] The upper and lower air direction plate 25 can be switched between a closed position and an open position. The upper and lower air direction plate 25 closes the air outlet in a state where it is switched to the closed position. The upper and lower air direction plate 25 opens the air outlet in a state where it is switched to the open position. In a state where the air outlet is opened, the upper and lower air direction plates 25 and the left and right air direction plates 29 adjust the air direction of the air-conditioned air blown into the room. The upper and lower air direction plate 25 adjusts the air direction of the air-conditioned air in the vertical direction. The left and right air direction plate 29 adjusts the air direction of the air-conditioned air in the horizontal direction.

[0056] For example, the upper and lower air direction plates 25 and the left and right air direction plates 29 can be configured as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 2 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the indoor unit 10 and a state where the upper and lower air direction plates 25 and the left and right air direction plates 29 are switched to the closed position. Further, FIG. 3 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the upper and lower air direction plates 25 and the left and right air direction plates 29 are switched to the open position. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the external configuration and operation of the indoor unit 10, showing a state where the upper and lower air direction plate 25 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.

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

[0058] 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 an indoor wall or the like. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing 21 has an upper surface 21a and a lower surface 21b. The upper surface 21a is provided at or near the upper end of the housing 21 and faces substantially upward. The lower surface 21b is provided at or near the lower end of the housing 21 and faces substantially downward.

[0059] 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 parts of the housing 21.

[0060] The indoor unit 10 can pass wind through the ventilation passage 31. The wind is a flow of 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.

[0061] The heat exchanger 22 is provided in the ventilation passage 31. The heat exchanger 22 exchanges heat with the surrounding gas in the ventilation passage 31. Thereby, the heat exchanger 22 cools the wind flowing through the ventilation passage 31 during the cooling operation and heats the wind flowing through the ventilation passage 31 during the heating operation.

[0062] The fan 23 is provided in the ventilation passage 31. The fan 23 rotates around a rotation axis Axf extending in the X direction, thereby sending air from the 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 side, and the side closer to the blowout port 33 is referred to as the downstream side.

[0063] The fan 23 is located downstream of the heat exchanger 22. Therefore, when the fan 23 generates wind, the air sucked from the suction port 32 passes through the fins of the heat exchanger 22. Thereby, the air flowing through the ventilation passage 31 exchanges heat with the heat exchanger 22.

[0064] 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 from the suction port 32 and captures dust in the air. As described above, by configuring the filter 24 with a HEPA filter or the like, higher-quality air cleaning treatment can be realized.

[0065] The vertical air direction plate 25 may include a plurality of vertical air direction plates 25A and 25B. The plurality of vertical air direction plates 25A and 25B are members that respectively adjust the air direction of the air-conditioned air in the vertical direction and are also called vertical louvers. The vertical air direction plate 25A forms a first flow path C1 of the air-conditioned air, and the vertical air direction plate 25B forms a second flow path C2 of the air-conditioned air. The plurality of vertical air direction plates 25A and 25B each have a shaft portion 41 and a plate portion 42.

[0066] The shaft portion 41 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the X direction. The shaft portion 41 is rotatably supported by the housing 21 about the rotation axis Axl extending in the X direction. Note that the plurality of upper and lower air direction plates 25A and 25B each have an individual rotation axis Axl. The plate portion 42 protrudes 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.

[0067] The upper and lower air direction plate 25A is supported by the rotation axis Axl, and the upper and lower air direction plate motor 85 is controlled by the second control circuit 82, and is movable between the closed position Pc1 shown in FIG. 2 and the open position Po1 shown in FIG. 3. The upper and lower air direction plate 25B is supported by the rotation axis Axl, and the upper and lower air direction plate motor 85 is controlled by the second control circuit 82, and is movable between the closed position Pc1 shown in FIG. 2 and the open position Po1 shown in FIG. 3.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 2, when the upper and lower air direction plate 25A is switched to the closed position Pc1, it closes the air outlet 33 that is the outlet of the first flow path C1. When the upper and lower air direction plate 25B is switched to the closed position Pc1, it closes the air outlet 33 that is the outlet of the second flow path C2. The first flow path C1 and the second flow path C2 form the air outlet 33 of the indoor unit 10.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the upper and lower air direction plate 25A is switched to the open position Po1, it opens the first flow path C1. When the upper and lower air direction plate 25B is switched to the open position Po1, it opens the second flow path C2.

[0070] The open position Po1 includes various positions where the upper and lower air direction plates 25A and 25B open a part of the air outlet 33. For example, the open position Po1 includes a position where the upper and lower air direction plates 25A and 25B face substantially horizontally as shown in FIG. 3, a position where the upper and lower air direction plates 25A and 25B face downward, and a plurality of positions between these two positions. That is, the upper and lower air direction plates 25A and 25B are rotatable between a position facing substantially horizontally and a position facing downward.

[0071] The upper and lower air direction plates 25A and 25B located at the open position Po1 adjust the direction of the air discharged from the air outlet 33 in the vertical direction (+Z direction, -Z direction) according to the orientation of the upper and lower air direction plates 25A and 25B. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, when the upper and lower air direction plates 25A and 25B face in the substantially horizontal direction, the indoor unit 10 discharges air in the substantially horizontal direction. On the other hand, when the upper and lower air direction plates 25A and 25B face downward, the indoor unit 10 discharges air downward.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 4, the left and right air direction plate 29 is supported by a rotation axis Ax2 extending in the X direction, the left and right air direction plate motor 86 is controlled by the second control circuit 82, and is movable between a rotation position toward the -X side end and a rotation position toward the +X side end.

[0073] The left and right air direction plate 29 may include a plurality of left and right air direction plates 29-1 to 29-k, 29-(k + 1) to 29-2k. The plurality of left and right air direction plates 29-1 to 29-k, 29-(k + 1) to 29-2k are members that respectively adjust the air direction of the conditioned air in the left and right directions (-X direction, +X direction), and are also called left and right louvers. Note that the left and right air direction plates 29-1 to 29-k on the -X side and the left and right air direction plates 29-(k + 1) to 29-2k on the +X side may be independently controllable in their orientation by the indoor unit control unit 80.

[0074] The left and right air direction plates 29-1 to 29-k on the -X side are connected to a common rotation axis Ax2, the left and right air direction plate motor 86 is controlled by the second control circuit 82, and may be movable collectively between an open position at the -X side end and an open position at the +X side end. The left and right air direction plates 29-(k + 1) to 29-2k on the +X side are connected to a common rotation axis Ax2, the left and right air direction plate motor 86 is controlled by the second control circuit 82, and may be movable collectively between an open position at the -X side end and an open position at the +X side end.

[0075] The ventilation member 26 is a member in which a plurality of ventilation openings 56 are arranged in a plate-shaped plate portion 52. The ventilation member 26 is switchable between an open position Po2 shown in FIG. 2 and a closed position Pc2 shown in FIG. 3. The ventilation member 26 can be arranged in a closed position Pc2 that covers at least a part of the blowout port 33 (the first flow path C1) opened by the upper and lower air direction plates 25A located in the open position Po1. The ventilation member 26 has an inner surface facing the ventilation path 31 and an outer surface facing the outside in the closed position Pc2, and at least one ventilation opening 56 opening to the inner surface and the outer surface is provided. In the closed position Pc2, the ventilation member 26 forms a first blowout flow path (the first flow path C1) through which the air sent by the fan 23 is discharged to the outside through the ventilation opening 56, and a second blowout flow path (the second flow path C2) that is discharged to the outside adjacent to the first blowout flow path (the first flow path C1) without passing through the ventilation opening 56. That is, the ventilation member 26 is inserted into a part of the flow path of the air-conditioned air blown into the room in a state where it is switched to the closed position Pc2, and changes the opening ratio of a part of the flow path.

[0076] In a state where the ventilation member 26 is switched to the open position Po2, the insertion into a part of the flow path is released (for example, it is retracted from a part of the flow path), and the opening ratio of a part of the flow path is restored.

[0077] In the air conditioner 1, when the draft-free mode as the auxiliary operation mode is turned on, the indoor control unit 80 switches the ventilation member 26 to the closed position Pc2. In a state where the ventilation member 26 is switched to the closed position Pc2, it is selectively inserted into the first flow path C1 and changes the opening ratio of the first flow path C1. On the other hand, the opening ratio of the second flow path C2 opened and closed by the upper and lower air direction plates 25B without the ventilation member 26 is maintained as it is. When the draft-free mode as the auxiliary operation mode is released (draft-free mode off), the indoor control unit 80 switches the ventilation member 26 to the open position Po2. In a state where the ventilation member 26 is switched to the open position Po2, it is retracted from the first flow path C1, and the opening ratio of the first flow path C1 is restored.

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

[0079] In the breeze-free mode ON, as shown in FIG. 3, the ventilation member 26 is inserted into the first flow path C1 in a state where it is switched to the closed position Pc2, and changes the opening ratio of the first flow path C1. The opening ratio of the first flow path C1 becomes smaller than before the ventilation member 26 is inserted. The ventilation member 26 is a member in which a plurality of ventilation holes 56 are arranged in a plate-shaped plate portion 52. The ventilation member 26 is rotatably supported about a rotation axis Axc by a shaft portion 51. The switching motor 87 is controlled by a third control circuit 83, and the ventilation member 26 is movable between the closed position Pc2 and the open position Po2. Then, when moving to the closed position Pc2, the air moving in the ventilation passage 31 by the fan 23 passes through the ventilation holes 56.

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

[0081] In this case, in response to the decrease in the opening ratio of the first flow path C1, the flow velocity of the air passing through the ventilation member 26 increases and transitions to turbulent flow. Then, the air with an increased flow velocity draws in the air with a slow flow velocity (laminar flow) that does not pass through the ventilation member 26. In addition, the air that has transitioned to turbulent flow diffuses and hits the laminar flow flowing adjacent to the turbulent flow. In this way, the air with different flow velocities and states (laminar flow or turbulent flow) collide with each other as they flow adjacent to each other. That is, the air that does not pass through the ventilation member 26 (ventilation opening 56) and the air that has passed through the ventilation member 26 (ventilation opening 56) interfere with each other. As a result, the masses of continuous flow and laminar flow are broken up, and the turbulent air is carried to the laminar flow. The air with different flow velocities and states causes various interactions to generate a mixed air (turbulent flow) that diffuses over a wide range. As a result, the turbulent flow discharged from the indoor unit 10 becomes closer to natural air (so-called draft-free air) than the air immediately after being discharged from the air outlet 33. In this case, the ventilation member 26 may be formed in either the first flow path C1 or the second flow path C2, which can contribute to suppressing an increase in the number of parts, complication of the configuration of the indoor unit 10, and cost increase. In addition, the ventilation member 26 has a simple structure including only the ventilation opening 56, which can contribute to suppressing cost increase and a decrease in the strength of the ventilation member 26, etc.

[0082] Returning to FIG. 1, the radar 2 can detect the position, moving speed, angle, and shape (such as height from the floor surface) of a detection target (for example, user CR) indoors. The radar 2 is a Doppler radar such as an ultrasonic radar, a millimeter-wave radar, a microwave radar, or a lidar. The radar 2 includes a transmission unit 2a, a reception unit 2b, and a signal processing unit 2c. The radar 2 generates signals such as radio waves (such as millimeter waves and microwaves), sound waves, and light in the signal processing unit 2c and transmits them from the transmission unit 2a to the indoor area. The reflected waves reflected by a detection target (user CR, etc.) that may exist in the indoor area are received by the reception unit 2b and passed to the signal processing unit 2c. The radar 2 is provided at any position on the front surface of the housing 21 of the indoor unit 10, but it is preferably provided at a position where it is easy to detect the position, etc. of the detection target (user CR) in the indoor area. The radar 2 may be embedded at a position near the center in the X direction in the +Y side portion of the housing 21, as shown by the dotted line in FIGS. 2 to 4. Note that as shown in FIG. 4, it is desirable that the transmission unit 2a and the reception unit 2b are exposed from the surface of the housing 21.

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

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

[0085] At this time, if the function of signal processing in the signal processing unit 2c is realized as a signal processing circuit in hardware, 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 living body CR from the phase difference of the transmitted wave and the received wave, etc. can be performed at a high speed. As a result, the current position of the living body CR can be detected almost in real time, and it becomes easy to perform control following the current position of the living body CR.

[0086] The transmitting and receiving device 94 shown in FIG. 1 receives commands from an operation terminal 94a or the like. The transmitting and receiving device 94 supplies the received commands to the indoor unit control unit 80. The indoor unit control unit 80 may transfer the commands to the outdoor unit control unit 180. FIG. 5 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.

[0087] 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 (radar button), a cooling button 942, a heating button 943, an air cleaning button 944, a temperature setting button 945, a dehumidifying button 946, a no-wind feeling button 947, a stop button 948, a weak cooling button 9410, a weak heating button 9411, and an air volume setting button 9412. 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.

[0088] When the biometric sensor button 941, the cooling button 942, the heating button 943, the air cleaning button 944, the dehumidifying button 946, the no-wind feeling button 947, the stop button 948, the weak cooling button 9410 (weak operation mode button), or the weak heating button 9411 (weak operation mode button) 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 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 the 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.

[0089] The operation terminal 94a may be able to receive commands for turning on and off the weak cooling mode (weak operation mode) via the weak cooling button 9410.

[0090] When the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of a button for instructing the activation of the weak cooling mode (for example, pressing the weak cooling button 9410), it transmits an instruction to turn on the weak cooling mode to the indoor unit 10. When the transmission / reception device 94 receives an instruction to turn on the weak cooling mode, it supplies the instruction to the indoor unit control section 80. The indoor unit control section 80 transfers the instruction to turn on the weak cooling mode to the outdoor unit control section 180. Then, it executes constant speed operation control of the compressor 125 and starts an operation to cause the heat exchanger 22 to function as an evaporator and the heat exchanger 122 to function as a condenser. That is, by a simple operation (for example, the operation of a single button), weak cooling operation in the weak operation mode can be realized.

[0091] In addition, when the operation terminal 94a receives an instruction to turn on the weak cooling mode, it may display information regarding the weak cooling mode on the display section 949. The information regarding the weak cooling mode may be, for example, character information indicating the weak cooling mode such as "weak cooling", or a display object such as a figure or symbol representing "weak cooling".

[0092] Also, the reason why the indoor unit control section 80 transfers an instruction to turn on the weak cooling mode to the outdoor unit control section 180 is that the indoor unit control section 80 and the outdoor unit control section 180 cooperate to control the operation in the weak cooling mode, but the indoor unit control section 80 may mainly perform the air conditioning process. In that case, the process in which the indoor unit control section 80 transfers an instruction to turn on the weak cooling mode to the outdoor unit control section 180 may be omitted. The outdoor unit 120 may have a configuration in which the outdoor unit control section 180 is omitted. Alternatively, the outdoor unit control section 180 may mainly perform the air conditioning process. In that case, the outdoor unit 120 may have a configuration in which the indoor unit control section 80 is omitted. The transmission / reception device 94 may transfer an instruction to turn on the weak cooling mode directly to the outdoor unit control section 180.

[0093] When the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of a button for instructing the turn-off of the weak cooling mode (for example, pressing the weak cooling button 9410 again), it transmits an instruction to turn off the weak cooling mode to the indoor unit 10. When the transmission / reception device 94 receives an instruction to turn off the weak cooling mode, it supplies the instruction to the indoor unit control unit 80. The indoor unit control unit 80 transfers the instruction to turn off the weak cooling mode to the outdoor unit control unit 180. As a result, the weak cooling mode (weak operation mode) is turned off, and the operation shifts to normal cooling operation (normal operation mode).

[0094] The operation terminal 94a may be able to receive on / off instructions for the weak heating mode via the weak heating button 9411.

[0095] When the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of a button for instructing the turn-on of the weak heating mode (for example, pressing the weak heating button 9411), it transmits an instruction to turn on the weak heating mode to the indoor unit 10. When the transmission / reception device 94 receives an instruction to turn on the weak heating mode, it supplies the instruction to the indoor unit control unit 80. The indoor unit control unit 80 transfers the instruction to turn on the weak heating mode to the outdoor unit control unit 180. Then, it executes constant-speed operation control of the compressor 125 and starts an operation that causes the heat exchanger 22 to function as a condenser and the heat exchanger 122 to function as an evaporator. That is, weak heating operation in the weak operation mode can be realized by a simple operation (for example, the operation of a single button).

[0096] In addition, when the operation terminal 94a receives an instruction to turn on the weak heating mode, it may display information regarding the weak heating mode on the display unit 949. The information regarding the weak heating mode may be, for example, character information indicating the weak heating mode such as "weak heating", or a display object such as a figure or symbol representing "weak heating".

[0097] In addition, the indoor unit control unit 80 transfers a command to turn on the low heating mode to the outdoor unit control unit 180 because the indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180 cooperate to control the operation of the low heating mode. However, the indoor unit control unit 80 may mainly perform the air conditioning process. In that case, the process of the indoor unit control unit 80 transferring a command to turn on the low heating mode to the outdoor unit control unit 180 may be omitted. The outdoor unit 120 may have a configuration in which the outdoor unit control unit 180 is omitted. Alternatively, the outdoor unit control unit 180 may mainly perform the air conditioning process. In that case, the outdoor unit 120 may have a configuration in which the indoor unit control unit 80 is omitted. The transmission / reception device 94 may directly transfer a command to turn on the low heating mode to the outdoor unit control unit 180.

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

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

[0100] The operation terminal 94a may be able to receive a command for the set temperature via the temperature setting button 945.

[0101] 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 transmission and reception device 94 receives a command for the set temperature after the increase or decrease, it supplies the command to the indoor unit control unit 80. The indoor unit control unit 80 may transfer the command for the set temperature to the outdoor unit control unit 180.

[0102] The operation terminal 94a may be able to receive a command for the set air volume via the air volume setting button 9412.

[0103] When the operation terminal 94a detects the pressing of the △ button of the air volume setting button 9412, 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 9412, 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 transmission and reception device 94 receives a command for the set air volume, it supplies the command to the indoor unit control unit 80. The indoor unit control unit 80 transfers the command for the set air volume to the outdoor unit control unit 180.

[0104] One of the characteristic controls in the air conditioner 1 configured as described above, the "weak operation mode", will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11.

[0105] As described above, when performing cooling operation and heating operation, the higher the rotational speed of the compressor 125 (or the higher the operating frequency), the higher the operating load of the air conditioner 1, and the consumption power of the air conditioner 1 tends to increase. Also, in the case of a general air conditioner, when performing cooling operation or heating operation, for example, the compressor 125 is driven at a high load (e.g., the maximum operating frequency) so as to rapidly approach the set temperature set by the operation terminal 94a at the time of control execution, and then, when the room temperature reaches the set temperature, ON / OFF control of the compressor 125 is performed to maintain the room temperature with respect to the set temperature. Even when the ON / OFF of the compressor 125 is repeated for temperature adjustment in this way, the consumption power tends to increase.

[0106] For example, FIG. 6 is an exemplary explanatory diagram for explaining the difference in the change of the room temperature during normal operation control (normal operation mode) and constant speed operation control (constant speed operation mode) during cooling operation in the air conditioner 1. Here, the normal operation control is an operation control in which the operating frequency of the compressor 125 is controlled according to the set temperature set in the indoor unit 10 and the room temperature in the room where the indoor unit 10 is installed (e.g., according to the difference between the set temperature and the room temperature), and air-conditioned air is blown out from the indoor unit. Also, the constant speed operation control is an operation control in which the compressor 125 is controlled at a constant constant speed operation frequency lower than the maximum operation frequency possible in the normal operation control regardless of the room temperature, and air-conditioned air is blown out from the indoor unit 10. Note that the maximum operation frequency of the compressor 125 and the minimum operation frequency described later differ depending on the air-conditioning capacity required for the air conditioner 1 (indoor unit 10). The air-conditioning capacity differs depending on the size of the room where the indoor unit 10 is installed (e.g., the number of tatami mats, etc.). In the case of the household air conditioner 1, the maximum operation frequency of the compressor 125 is, for example, 60 to 90 Hz, and the minimum operation frequency is, for example, 10 to 15 Hz, etc.

[0107] In FIG. 6, the temperature change during normal operation control is the temperature line TL1, and the temperature change during constant speed operation control is the temperature line TL. In the case of normal operation control, the temperature line TL1 rapidly reaches the set temperature T after the start of cooling. However, when it reaches the thermo-off temperature T0 (the temperature at which the compressor 125 is temporarily stopped) with respect to the set temperature T, OFF control of the compressor 125 is performed. That is, the cooling capacity temporarily decreases and the room temperature begins to rise. Then, when the room temperature becomes higher than the set temperature T by a predetermined value or more, the compressor 125 is turned on again, the cooling capacity increases, and the room temperature can be lowered. By repeating this operation, the room temperature is maintained near the set temperature T.

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

[0109] FIG. 7 is an exemplary explanatory diagram for explaining the difference between the operation capacity line WL1 during normal operation control (normal operation mode) and the operation capacity line WL during constant speed operation control (constant speed operation mode) during the cooling operation in the air conditioner 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the operation capacity line WL1 during normal operation control has large fluctuations in power consumption accompanying the ON / OFF control of the compressor 125. As a result, as shown by the temperature line TL1 in FIG. 6, the room temperature rapidly reaches near the set temperature T and quickly maintains that temperature. On the other hand, it may lead to a high electricity cost and prevent energy saving.

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

[0111] That is, in the case of constant-speed operation control, the air conditioner 1 (compressor 125) operates with its capacity suppressed to, for example, the minimum value, so that it is possible to operate while saving electricity cost (energy saving). Also, when the constant-speed operation control is executed, since the operation is continued with substantially constant power, it is easy to imagine the electricity cost at that time. For example, it becomes easy to predict the electricity cost when the constant-speed operation control is continued, which can contribute to the facilitation of electricity cost management. Furthermore, since the power is suppressed compared to the cooling during normal operation control, thermo-off is less likely to occur. That is, the ON / OFF operation of the compressor 125 is less likely to occur, and in this respect, it can also contribute to the suppression of the increase in power consumption. Also, in the case of constant-speed operation control, it is easy to respond to the desire to have a gentle coolness with weak cold air or the desire to avoid rapid temperature changes, and it is possible to propose (provide) a new power-saving operation according to the usage scene. Note that when the constant-speed operation control (weak operation mode) is applied to the heating operation, the same effect can be obtained.

[0112] As described above, the air conditioner 1 of this embodiment can execute the normal operation control and the constant speed operation control as described above by the cooperation of the indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180. When the weak operation mode is selected by the user, it is possible to control to maintain the constant speed operation control for a predetermined period from the execution of the constant speed operation control. That is, as described above, when it is desired to gently cool (warm) with weak cold air (weak warm air), when it is desired to avoid rapid temperature changes, when it is desired to save power accordingly, or when it is desired to prioritize power saving, the weak operation mode can be used. To use the weak operation mode, on the operation terminal 94a shown in FIG. 5, the weak cooling button 9410 or the weak heating button 9411 is to be operated. Note that although the weak cooling button 9410 and the weak heating button 9411 are provided separately on the operation terminal 94a, they may be combined as a weak operation button. In this case, the same operation can be realized by the combined operation of the weak operation button and the cooling button 942 or the heating button 943.

[0113] By the way, since the above-described constant speed operation control operates with the capacity of the compressor 125 suppressed, the room temperature may change depending on the situation in the room where the indoor unit 10 is installed, for example, changes in the outside air temperature, the degree of sunlight penetration through the window, the increase or decrease of people (users) in the room, and changes in the activity situation. For example, when the constant speed operation control is applied during the cooling operation, the room temperature may rise contrary to the cooling capacity by the constant speed operation control due to an increase in the outside air temperature, sunlight penetration, an increase in people, etc. In such a case, when the weak operation mode is selected and the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator and the constant speed operation control is being executed, as shown in FIG. 8, when the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than the first threshold temperature TS1, the outdoor unit control unit 180 (indoor unit control unit 80) may switch the control state to the normal operation control. That is, when the room temperature rises too much (when it becomes equal to or higher than the first threshold temperature TS1), for example, in order to avoid the discomfort of the user, the control is switched to the normal operation control to lower the room temperature.

[0114] After that, when the room temperature becomes equal to or lower than the second threshold temperature TS2 under normal operation control, that is, when the weak operation mode is selected and the heat exchanger 22 (indoor heat exchanger) functions as an evaporator, and when normal operation control is executed, the room temperature becomes equal to or lower than the second threshold temperature TS2 under this normal operation control. For example, when a comfortable room temperature is reached, the control shifts to the control desired by the user. That is, it automatically shifts to control corresponding to demands such as wanting to be gently cooled with weak cold air, avoiding rapid temperature changes, and at the same time, wanting to save electricity or prioritize power saving. As shown by the temperature line TC in FIG. 8, even if it can cool down to the second threshold temperature TS2 after switching from constant-speed operation control (weak operation mode) to normal operation control, the compressor 125 does not stop and shifts back to constant-speed operation control again, so an increase in power consumption due to ON / OFF operation can be avoided. That is, it can contribute to energy saving.

[0115] Note that the first threshold temperature TS1 may be a fixed value such as 32°C, and the second threshold temperature TS2 may be a fixed value such as 28°C, or it may be set appropriately by the user using, for example, the operation terminal 94a. Also, in the case of FIG. 8, the set temperature T (for example, 26°C) during cooling is shown for comparison with the second threshold temperature TS2. However, in the weak operation mode (weak cooling mode), it is assumed that the set temperature T is not set, and the compressor 125 is operated in a low-load state to achieve gentle weak cooling and energy saving.

[0116] Even when gently cooling in the weak operation mode (weak cooling mode), depending on the indoor conditions, the room temperature may drop too much. For example, when the outside air temperature drops at night or when the sunlight penetration weakens, or when the number of people (users) in the room decreases or their activities decline, the factors contributing to the rise in room temperature decrease. In such cases, when the weak operation mode is selected and the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and the constant-speed operation control of the compressor 125 is being executed, as shown in FIG. 9, when the room temperature drops below the third threshold temperature TS3, the operation of the compressor 125 may be stopped. That is, when the room temperature drops too much, for example, to suppress the discomfort caused by excessive cooling, the compressor 125 is stopped. In this case, in situations where the cooling operation is utilized, it is presumed that the outside air temperature is relatively high. Therefore, the excessive drop in room temperature is suppressed by the natural rise in room temperature.

[0117] For example, after the compressor 125 stops in a situation where the weak operation mode is selected, when the room temperature rises above the fourth threshold temperature TS4 due to the natural rise in temperature, the outdoor control unit 180 (indoor control unit 80) may switch the control state to the constant-speed operation control. That is, it automatically shifts to control that responds to demands such as wanting to gently cool with weak cold air, avoid rapid temperature changes, perform power saving in conjunction with this, and prioritize power saving. As shown by the temperature line TC in FIG. 9, in the weak operation mode (weak cooling mode), the ON / OFF of the constant-speed operation control is performed. However, since the constant-speed operation control itself is operated at, for example, the minimum capacity, an increase in power consumption due to the ON / OFF operation can be suppressed.

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

[0119] When the room temperature drops below the third threshold temperature TS3 and the operation of the compressor 125 stops during the execution of the weak operation mode (weak cooling mode), the fan 23 of the indoor unit 10 may be stopped, or the driving of the fan 23 may be continued to perform only air blowing. By continuing the air blowing by the fan 23, the circulation of the indoor air can be performed, contributing to the maintenance of the indoor environment.

[0120] Subsequently, the weak operation mode during the heating operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0121] Even when the weak operation mode is applied during the heating operation, similar to the cooling operation, for the constant speed operation control, since the operation is performed with the capacity of the compressor 125 suppressed, the situation in the room where the indoor unit 10 is installed, for example, changes in the outside air temperature, the degree of sunlight penetration through the window, changes in the number of people (users) in the room and their activity status, etc., may cause the room temperature to change. For example, due to a decrease in the outside air temperature, a decrease in sunlight penetration, a decrease in the number of people, etc., the room temperature may drop contrary to the heating capacity by the constant speed operation control. In such a case, when the weak operation mode is selected and the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser and the constant speed operation control is being executed, as shown in FIG. 10, when the room temperature drops below the fifth threshold temperature TS5, the control state may be switched to the normal operation control. That is, when the room temperature drops too much (when it becomes below the fifth threshold temperature TS5), for example, in order to avoid the discomfort of the user, the control is switched to the normal operation control to increase the room temperature.

[0122] After that, when the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than the sixth threshold temperature TS6 under normal operation control by the outdoor unit control unit 180 (indoor unit control unit 80), that is, when the weak operation mode is selected and the heat exchanger 22 (indoor heat exchanger) functions as a condenser, and under normal operation control, when the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than the sixth threshold temperature TS6 due to this normal operation control. For example, when the room temperature reaches a level where extreme cold is not felt, the control shifts to the control desired by the user. That is, it automatically shifts to control corresponding to demands such as wanting to warm gently with weak warm air, avoiding rapid temperature changes, and saving electricity in addition, or giving priority to power saving. As shown by the temperature line TC in FIG. 10, even if it can warm up to the sixth threshold temperature TS6 after switching from constant speed operation control (weak operation mode) to normal operation control, the compressor 125 does not stop and shifts back to constant speed operation control again, so an increase in power consumption due to ON / OFF operation can be avoided. That is, it can contribute to energy saving.

[0123] Note that the fifth threshold temperature TS5 may be a fixed value such as 20°C, and the sixth threshold temperature TS6 may be a fixed value such as 25°C, etc., or may be set appropriately by the user using, for example, the operation terminal 94a. Also, in the case of FIG. 10, for comparison of the sixth threshold temperature TS6, the set temperature T (for example, 27°C) during heating is shown, but in the weak operation mode (weak heating mode), it is assumed that the set temperature T is not set, and the compressor 125 is operated in a load state lower than the maximum operating frequency to achieve gentle weak heating and energy saving.

[0124] Even when gently heating in the weak operation mode (weak heating mode), depending on the indoor situation, the room temperature may rise too much. For example, when the outside air temperature rises during the day or when the sunlight becomes stronger, or when the number of people (users) in the room increases or their activities increase, etc., the factors causing the room temperature to rise increase. In such a case, when the weak operation mode is selected and the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the constant-speed operation control of the compressor 125 is being executed, as shown in FIG. 11, when the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than the seventh threshold temperature TS7, the operation of the compressor 125 may be stopped. That is, when the room temperature rises too much, for example, to suppress the discomfort caused by overheating, the compressor 125 is stopped. In this case, in a situation where heating operation is utilized, it is presumed that the outside air temperature is relatively low to some extent. Therefore, the excessive rise in the room temperature is suppressed by the natural drop in the room temperature.

[0125] For example, after the compressor 125 stops in a situation where the weak operation mode is selected, when the room temperature becomes equal to or lower than the eighth threshold temperature TS8 due to the natural drop in temperature, the outdoor control unit 180 (indoor control unit 80) may switch the control state to the constant-speed operation control. That is, it automatically shifts to control corresponding to the demands such as wanting to be gently warmed by weak heating, wanting to perform heating while avoiding rapid temperature changes, wanting to save electricity in combination with that, and giving priority to power saving. As shown by the temperature line TC in FIG. 11, in the weak operation mode (weak heating mode), the ON / OFF of the constant-speed operation control is performed. However, since the constant-speed operation control itself is operated at, for example, the minimum capacity, an increase in power consumption caused by the ON / OFF operation can be suppressed.

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

[0127] When the operation of the compressor 125 is stopped because the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than the seventh threshold temperature TS7 during the execution of the weak operation mode (weak heating mode), the fan 23 of the indoor unit 10 may be stopped, or the driving of the fan 23 may be continued to perform only the air blowing. By continuing the air blowing by the fan 23, the circulation of the indoor air can be performed, which can contribute to the maintenance of the indoor environment.

[0128] In this way, by operating the air conditioner 1 in the weak operation mode, in the cooling operation and the heating operation, it is possible to easily perform operation controls such as obtaining an appropriate cooling and heating effect while avoiding a rapid temperature change, saving electricity in addition, and giving priority to power saving.

[0129] Also, the weak operation mode is set to maintain the constant speed operation control for a predetermined period, for example, 30 minutes, from the execution of the weak operation mode (constant speed operation control). As a result, even when exceeding the thresholds (the first threshold temperature TS1 and the fifth threshold temperature TS5) for shifting to the normal operation control, if there is a temperature change due to the constant speed operation control (if there is a temperature drop during cooling or a temperature rise during heating), it is possible to suppress an immediate switch to the normal operation control. That is, it is possible to execute the use of the weak operation mode according to the user's intention. Note that the setting of the predetermined period (for example, 30 minutes) may be a fixed value or may be set appropriately by the user.

[0130] When selecting the weak operation mode, when returning from the normal operation control to the constant speed operation control, or when returning from the stopped state to the constant speed operation control, the operation frequency of the compressor 125 in the constant speed operation control may be reviewed, and the operation of the compressor 125 suitable for the room temperature may be performed. As a result, it is possible to realize an energy-saving effect by the constant speed operation control with a low load and a cooling and heating operation that provides an appropriate level of satisfaction.

[0131] During the execution of the above-described constant-speed operation control, the air volume by the fan 23 (indoor blower fan) may be variably controlled. For example, during cooling operation (weak cooling), by increasing the air volume by the fan 23, it becomes possible to lower the perceived temperature, and even during constant-speed operation control, the comfort can be further improved. Similarly, during heating operation (weak heating), by decreasing the air volume by the fan 23, it becomes possible to suppress the decrease in the perceived temperature, and even during constant-speed operation control, the comfort can be further improved. Note that at the start of the constant-speed operation control, the air volume of the fan 23 may be set to the minimum air volume as the default value. Thereafter, the user may be able to freely change the air volume by operating the operation terminal 94a or the like.

[0132] Further, when the outdoor unit control unit 180 (indoor unit control unit 80) stops the operation of the air conditioner 1 by operating the stop button 948 or the like after the weak operation mode is set by operating the weak cooling button 9410, weak heating button 9411, etc. of the operation terminal 94a or the like, the setting of the weak operation mode may be canceled. By this automatic cancellation, for example, it is possible to prevent the weak operation mode from being executed unintentionally when the air conditioner 1 is used next time. That is, it is possible to prevent the air conditioner 1 from operating in a state where the cooling capacity and heating capacity are suppressed, which may give the user a sense of discomfort. In other words, the weak operation mode with suppressed air conditioning capacity can be made a function that operates only when the user intends it.

[0133] <Summary> The air conditioner 1 according to the embodiment described above includes an indoor unit 10 including an indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 22) and an indoor blower fan (fan 23), an outdoor unit 120 including an outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 122) and an outdoor blower fan (fan 123), a refrigerant pipe RL connecting the indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 22) and the indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 122) through which refrigerant flows, a compressor 125 provided in the outdoor unit 120 capable of variably controlling the operating frequency and compressing the refrigerant, an expansion valve provided in the outdoor unit 120, and a control unit (indoor unit control unit 80, outdoor unit control unit 180) for executing an air conditioning operation based on the flow pattern of the refrigerant. The control unit (indoor unit control unit 80, outdoor unit control unit 180) controls the operating frequency of the compressor 125 according to the set temperature set in the indoor unit 10 and the room temperature in the room where the indoor unit 10 is installed, and executes normal operation control to blow out conditioned air from the indoor unit 10. There is a normal operation mode, and a weak operation mode in which the compressor 125 is controlled at a constant fixed operation frequency lower than the maximum operation frequency achievable by normal operation control regardless of the room temperature, and conditioned air is blown out from the indoor unit 10 by executing fixed speed operation control. When the weak operation mode is selected by the user, the fixed speed operation control is maintained for a predetermined period from the execution of the fixed speed operation control. An air conditioner.

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

[0135] Further, the control unit (indoor unit control unit 80, outdoor unit control unit 180) of the air conditioner 1 may be configured to set the fixed speed operation frequency to a frequency lower than the intermediate value between the maximum operation frequency and the minimum operation frequency of the compressor 125 when executing fixed speed operation control, for example.

[0136] According to this configuration, for example, it is possible to contribute to energy saving by continuing a low-power operation with suppressed output power.

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

[0138] According to this configuration, for example, it is possible to suppress the room temperature from rising too much during the cooling operation in the weak operation mode, contributing to an improvement in comfort.

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

[0140] According to this configuration, for example, it is possible to suppress excessive execution of normal operation control during the cooling operation in the weak operation mode, contributing to energy savings.

[0141] Further, the control units (the indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180) of the air conditioner 1 may, for example, stop the operation of the compressor 125 when the room temperature becomes equal to or lower than the third threshold temperature TS3 when the weak operation mode is selected and the indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 22) functions as an evaporator and constant speed operation control is being executed.

[0142] According to this configuration, for example, unnecessary cooling is eliminated, contributing to energy savings.

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

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

[0145] Further, the control unit (indoor unit control unit 80, outdoor unit control unit 180) of the air conditioner 1, for example, when the weak operation mode is selected and the indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 22) functions as a condenser and the constant speed operation control is being executed, if the room temperature becomes equal to or lower than the fifth threshold temperature TS5, the control state may be switched to the normal operation control.

[0146] According to this configuration, for example, during the heating operation in the weak operation mode, it is possible to suppress the room temperature from dropping too much, which can contribute to an improvement in comfort.

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

[0148] According to this configuration, for example, during the heating operation in the weak operation mode, it is possible to suppress the excessive execution of the normal operation control, which can contribute to energy savings.

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

[0150] According to this configuration, for example, unnecessary heating will not be performed, which can contribute to energy savings.

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

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

[0153] Further, for example, during the execution of the constant speed operation control, the control unit (the indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180) of the air conditioner 1 may be able to variably control the air volume by the indoor blower fan (fan 23).

[0154] According to this configuration, for example, during the cooling operation (weak cooling), by increasing the air volume by the fan 23, it becomes possible to lower the perceived temperature, which can contribute to an improvement in comfort. Similarly, during the heating operation (weak heating), by decreasing the air volume by the fan 23, it is possible to suppress the perceived temperature from dropping, which can contribute to an improvement in comfort.

[0155] Further, for example, when the operation of the air conditioner 1 is stopped after the setting of the weak operation mode, the control unit (the indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180) of the air conditioner 1 may cancel the setting of the weak operation mode.

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

[0157] Further, for example, when a signal indicating weak cooling in the weak operation mode is acquired, the control unit (the indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180) of the air conditioner 1 may start an operation of executing the constant speed operation control and causing the indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 22) to function as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 122) to function as a condenser.

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

[0159] In addition, the control units (the indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180) of the air conditioner 1 may, for example, when acquiring a signal indicating weak heating in the weak operation mode, execute constant speed operation control and start an operation in which the indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 22) functions as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger 122) functions as an evaporator.

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

[0161] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be 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

[0162] 1... Air conditioner, 10... Indoor unit, 22... Heat exchanger (indoor heat exchanger), 23... Fan (indoor blower fan), 80... Indoor unit control unit, 120... Outdoor unit, 122... Heat exchanger (outdoor heat exchanger), 123... Fan (outdoor blower fan), 124... Four-way valve, 125... Compressor, 180... Outdoor unit control unit.

Claims

1. An indoor unit including an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor blower fan; An outdoor unit including an outdoor heat exchanger and an outdoor blower fan; A refrigerant pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger through which refrigerant flows; A compressor provided in the outdoor unit, capable of variably controlling the operating frequency and compressing the refrigerant; An expansion valve provided in the outdoor unit; A control unit for executing an air-conditioning operation based on the flow pattern of the refrigerant; Comprising: The control unit: A normal operation mode for controlling the operating frequency of the compressor according to the set temperature set in the indoor unit and the room temperature in the room where the indoor unit is installed, and blowing out air-conditioned air from the indoor unit by executing normal operation control; A weak operation mode for controlling the compressor at a constant fixed operation frequency lower than the maximum operation frequency possible in the normal operation control regardless of the room temperature, and blowing out air-conditioned air from the indoor unit by executing fixed speed operation control, and is capable of executing; When the weak operation mode is selected by the user, the fixed speed operation control is maintained for a predetermined period from the execution of the fixed speed operation control; When the weak operation mode is selected and the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and the fixed speed operation control is being executed, when the room temperature becomes equal to or lower than the threshold temperature set for this case, the operation of the compressor is stopped; When the weak operation mode is selected and the compressor is stopped, when the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than the threshold temperature set for this case after the compressor is stopped, the control state is switched to the fixed speed operation control; An air conditioner.

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

3. When the weak operation mode is selected and the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and the fixed speed operation control is being executed, when the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than the threshold temperature set for this case, the control unit switches the control state to the normal operation control. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

4. When the weak operation mode is selected and the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and the normal operation control is executed, when the room temperature becomes equal to or lower than the threshold temperature set for this case by the normal operation control, the control unit switches the control state to the fixed speed operation control. The air conditioner according to claim 3.

5. When the weak operation mode is selected and the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the constant-speed operation control is being executed, if the room temperature becomes equal to or lower than the threshold temperature set for this case, the control state is switched to the normal operation control. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

6. When the weak operation mode is selected and the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the normal operation control is executed, if the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than the threshold temperature set for this case under the normal operation control, the control state is switched to the constant-speed operation control. The air conditioner according to claim 5.

7. An indoor unit including an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor blower fan, An outdoor unit including an outdoor heat exchanger and an outdoor blower fan, A refrigerant pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger through which refrigerant flows, A compressor provided in the outdoor unit, capable of variably controlling the operating frequency and compressing the refrigerant, An expansion valve provided in the outdoor unit, A control unit for executing an air-conditioning operation based on the flow pattern of the refrigerant, Comprising: The control unit, A normal operation mode for executing normal operation control of controlling the operating frequency of the compressor according to the set temperature set in the indoor unit and the room temperature in the room where the indoor unit is installed, and blowing out air-conditioned air from the indoor unit; A weak operation mode for executing constant-speed operation control of controlling the compressor at a constant constant-speed operation frequency lower than the maximum operation frequency possible in the normal operation control regardless of the room temperature, and blowing out air-conditioned air from the indoor unit, and is capable of executing; When the weak operation mode is selected by the user, the constant-speed operation control is maintained for a predetermined period from the execution of the constant-speed operation control. When the weak operation mode is selected and the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the constant-speed operation control is being executed, if the room temperature becomes equal to or higher than the threshold temperature set for this case, the operation of the compressor is stopped. When the weak operation mode is selected and the compressor is stopped, if the room temperature becomes equal to or lower than the threshold temperature set for this case after the stop of the compressor, the control state is switched to the constant-speed operation control. Air conditioner.

8. During the execution of the constant-speed operation control, the control unit can variably control the air volume by the indoor blower fan. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or claim 7.

9. When the control unit stops the operation of the air conditioner after setting the weak operation mode, the control unit cancels the setting of the weak operation mode. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or claim 7.

10. When the control unit acquires a signal indicating weak cooling in the weak operation mode, the control unit executes the constant speed operation control and starts an operation in which the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or claim 7.

11. When the control unit acquires a signal indicating weak heating in the weak operation mode, the control unit executes the constant speed operation control and starts an operation in which the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or claim 7.

Images