air conditioner

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner that can apply ultraviolet rays over a wide range inside an indoor unit.SOLUTION: An air conditioner comprises: a casing comprising a suction port and a discharge port; a heat exchanger provided in the casing; a fan provided in the casing, and for causing air to flow through the suction port, the heat exchanger, and the discharge port in this order; and an application part provided in the casing. The application part comprises a light source for projecting ultraviolet rays having directivity, and a driving part for driving the light source so that its posture changes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner that sterilizes and disinfects the surface of an air filter provided in the indoor unit of the air conditioner by irradiating the surface with ultraviolet light. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-197224 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, the parts of the indoor unit that require sterilization are not limited to the air filter, but also include the air intake, air outlet, heat exchanger, etc., and it is difficult to irradiate all of these within the irradiation range with ultraviolet light.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an air conditioner that can irradiate ultraviolet rays over a wide range inside the indoor unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, an air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes a casing having an inlet and an outlet, a heat exchanger provided within the casing, a fan provided within the casing for circulating air through the inlet, the heat exchanger, and the outlet in that order, and an irradiation unit provided within the casing, wherein the irradiation unit has a light source that projects directional ultraviolet light, and a drive unit that drives the light source to change its attitude, and the drive unit includes a first frame body that is frame-shaped and surrounds the first frame body and supports the light source so that it can be rotated about a first drive axis, and a second frame body that is frame-shaped and surrounds the first frame body and drives the light source to change its attitude. 1 and a second frame that supports the frame so that the frame can be rotatably driven about a second drive axis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that can irradiate ultraviolet rays over a wide range inside the indoor unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an irradiation unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the operation of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Air conditioner) The air conditioner 1 comprises an indoor unit 10 installed indoors and an outdoor unit (not shown) installed outdoors via piping connected to the indoor unit 10. The indoor unit 10 draws in indoor air, adjusts the temperature and humidity of the air inside, and then blows out the air, thereby conditioning the room. An indoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0010] (indoor unit) The indoor unit 10 includes a casing 20, a main body 30, an irradiation unit 60, a sensor 70, and a control device 80.

[0011] (Casing) The casing 20 has, as panels surrounding the main body 30 of the indoor unit 10, an inlet panel 23, a top panel 24, a bottom panel 22, a back panel 21, and a pair of side panels (not shown).

[0012] The inlet panel 23 has an intake port 25 at the top for drawing air from outside the casing 20 into the inside of the casing 20 , and is a panel disposed to cover the front surface of the main body 30 . The rear panel 21 is fixed to the wall of the room where the indoor unit 10 is installed, and is disposed so as to cover the rear surface of the main body 30 at a position opposite the inlet panel 23. The top panel 24 is a panel arranged so that its ends engage with the upper ends of the inlet panel 23 and the rear panel 21, respectively, and covers the top surface of the main body 30.

[0013] The bottom panel 22 has an air outlet 26 for blowing air inside the casing 20 to the outside of the casing 20, and is a panel positioned opposite the top panel 24 to cover the bottom surface of the main body 30. The side panels are arranged so that their ends engage with the ends of all the above panels in the width direction H3, covering the left and right sides of the main body 30 in the width direction H3. Therefore, the casing 20 formed by the above panels has an inlet 25 and an outlet 26.

[0014] Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the installation direction H1 refers to the left-right direction in Fig. 1. One side of the installation direction H1 refers to the direction from the rear panel 21 to the inlet panel 23, and the other side of the installation direction H1 refers to the opposite direction. Furthermore, the up-down direction H2 refers to the up-down direction in Fig. 1, and the width direction H3 refers to the depth direction of the paper in Fig. 1.

[0015] (Main body) The main body 30 has a fan 31, a heat exchanger 32, a drain pan 33, a first storage section 34a, a second storage section 34b, an air filter 34, a conveying roller 36, a removal section 40, and a flap 35. All of these are provided inside the casing 20.

[0016] (fan) The fan 31 is a so-called cross-flow fan that extends in the width direction H3 of the casing 20. The fan 31 rotates inside the casing 20, thereby circulating air through the air inlet 25, the heat exchanger 32, and the air outlet 26 in this order.

[0017] (heat exchanger) The heat exchanger 32 is provided so as to surround the outer periphery of the upper half of the fan 31. The heat exchanger 32 has a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger is provided on one side of the fan 31 in the installation direction H1, and when viewed from the width direction H3, is bent near the middle, forming a V shape facing the rear panel 21 in the installation direction H1. The first heat exchanger is divided into an upper part and a lower part centered on the bent part. The second heat exchanger is provided on the other side of the fan 31 in the installation direction H1.

[0018] The upper ends of the first and second heat exchangers are connected by a bracket 32a. The first and second heat exchangers are each made up of three panel-shaped heat exchangers 32, and the panels are arranged overlapping each other in the direction toward the fan 31. After exchanging heat with the heat exchanger 32, the air is blown out of the casing 20 through the air outlet 26.

[0019] (Drain pan) The drain pan 33 is provided below the heat exchanger 32 and extends in the width direction H3. The drain pan 33 functions as a receptacle that collects drain water and slime generated from the heat exchanger 32 and prevents the drain water and slime from leaking outside the casing 20. The drain water and slime collected in the drain pan 33 are discharged outside the room by a drain pipe connected to the drain pan 33 (not shown).

[0020] (First storage section) The first housing section 34a is a housing section that houses the air filter 34, which is provided at the upper part inside the casing 20. A portion of the first housing section 34a is located between the inlet panel 23 and the top panel 24 and the first heat exchanger, and the remaining portion is located between the top panel 24 and the second heat exchanger. Therefore, the first housing section 34a exists extending in the installation direction H1, and this portion of the first housing section 34a extends while curving downward in the up-down direction H2 as it moves from the other side to one side in the installation direction H1. Furthermore, one end of the first housing section 34a that extends downward is close to the conveyor roller 36 and opens toward above the conveyor roller 36.

[0021] When the first accommodating section 34a accommodates the air filter 34, it allows air to flow smoothly from one side to the other side in the installation direction H1 via the air filter 34, and guides the air to the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0022] (Second storage section) The second housing portion 34b is a housing portion for the air filter 34 provided inside the casing 20. The second housing portion 34b is located between the first housing portion 34a and the first and second heat exchangers. Therefore, the second housing portion 34b extends in the installation direction H1, and as it moves from the other side to one side in the installation direction H1, the second housing portion 34b curves downward in the up-down direction H2. One end of the second housing portion 34b that extends downward is close to the conveying roller 36 and opens downward from the conveying roller 36.

[0023] The volume of the space inside the second housing portion 34b that houses the air filter 34 is substantially the same as the volume of the space inside the first housing portion 34a that houses the air filter 34. When the second accommodating section 34b accommodates the air filter 34, it allows air to flow smoothly from one side to the other side in the installation direction H1 via the air filter 34, and guides the air to the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0024] (Air filter) The air filter 34 is a sheet-like filter housed in the first housing portion 34a and the second housing portion 34b. The size of the air filter 34 is such that it fits perfectly in the space for housing the air filter 34 in the first housing portion 34a or the space for housing the air filter 34 in the second housing portion 34b. The air filter 34 is housed in the first housing portion 34a as its initial position when the indoor unit 10 starts operating.

[0025] When the air filter 34 is accommodated in the first accommodating portion 34a, the air filter 34 has a plurality of filter gears at each end in the width direction H3 of the surface facing the first heat exchanger of the air filter 34. More specifically, when the air filter 34 is viewed from one side in the installation direction H1, a plurality of filter gears are provided at equal intervals along the installation direction H1 at the end in the width direction H3 of the air filter 34.

[0026] (Transport roller) The conveying roller 36 includes a cylindrical shaft that extends in the width direction H3 of the casing 20 and rotates about an axis A that also extends in the width direction H3, and a roller gear. A plurality of roller gears are provided at equal intervals around the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the end of the shaft in the width direction H3. The roller gear is formed to mesh exactly with the filter gear of the air filter 34. When the shaft rotates counterclockwise around the axis A at a predetermined timing with the roller gear and filter gear meshed, the air filter 34 is guided from the first storage section 34a along the outer peripheral surface of the conveying roller 36 and conveyed into the second storage section 34b.

[0027] Furthermore, after being accommodated inside the second accommodating section 34b, when the shaft section rotates clockwise around the axis A at a predetermined timing, the air filter 34 is guided from the second accommodating section 34b along the outer surface of the conveying roller 36, conveyed into the inside of the first accommodating section 34a, and returned to its original initial position.

[0028] (Removal part) The remover 40 extends in the width direction H3 of the casing 20 and has a cylindrical shaft portion that rotates around a remover axis B that extends in the width direction H3, and a brush. The brush is provided circumferentially to cover the outer surface of the shaft. The brush is made of a soft material and has the function of removing fine dust and dirt. A portion of the outer surface of the brush abuts against the outer surface of the conveying roller 36 in the width direction H3. When the conveying roller 36 rotates, the air filter 34 is conveyed and sandwiched between the conveying roller 36 and the brush, and the brush abuts against the surface of the air filter 34 on one side where the roller gear is not provided.

[0029] The rotation of the brush and the friction between the brush and the air filter 34, which occur when the brush abuts against one side of the air filter 34, removes fine dust and dirt adhering to the entire area of ​​the air filter 34. The removed fine dust and dirt falls into a dust box 50 located below the removal unit 40. The dust box 50 functions as a tray for receiving the dust and dirt removed from the surface of the air filter 34 main body by the removal unit 40 .

[0030] (flap) The flap 35 has a panel portion 35a and an adjustment portion 35b. In this embodiment, the main body portion 30 has two flaps 35. The panel portions 35a of each flap 35 are provided adjacent to each other in the width direction H3 within the air outlet 26 of the bottom panel 22. The adjustment portion 35b of each flap 35 adjusts the inclination angle of the panel portion 35a relative to the underside of the bottom panel 22, thereby adjusting the air blowing direction. When the indoor unit 10 stops operating, the adjustment portion 35b is driven to position the panel portion 35a approximately parallel to the bottom panel 22. As a result, the air outlet 26 is closed by the two panel portions 35a.

[0031] The irradiation unit 60 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0032] (Configuration of the irradiation unit) The irradiation units 60 are provided in the spaces S inside the casing 20. In this embodiment, four irradiation units 60 are provided in the four spaces S, respectively. The irradiation unit 60 includes a light source 61 and a driving unit 62 .

[0033] (light source) The light source 61 is composed of a light source body 61a and a light source support portion 61b. The light source support portion 61b is a plate-shaped member for supporting the light source body 61a. The light source body 61a is provided at the center of the light source support part 61b. The light source body 61a is an LED bulb that can emit directional light L when power is supplied. The light L is ultraviolet light that has the effect of sterilizing bacteria and viruses when irradiated thereon. The light L emitted from the light source body 61a is, for example, UV-C light. The reason why the light L that the light source body 61a can emit is said to be directional is to ensure the amount of energy required for sterilization per unit area of ​​the irradiation range of the light L.

[0034] (Drive unit) The driving section 62 is made up of a first frame 63 , a first frame rotating section 64 , a second frame 65 , a second frame rotating section 66 , and a support section 67 . The first frame 63 is a frame-like member that is substantially square in front view with rounded corners and has a predetermined plate thickness. The light source support portions 61b are provided across the centers of portions corresponding to a pair of opposing sides of the first frame 63. The first frame rotation portions 64 are cylindrical members that are provided so as to protrude outward at the centers of portions of the first frame rotation portions 64 that correspond to the remaining pair of opposing sides where the light source support portions 61b are not provided.

[0035] The second frame 65 is a frame-shaped member that is approximately square in front view with rounded corners and has a predetermined plate thickness. The second frame 65 has a shape similar to the first frame 63 and is sized so that the first frame 63 can fit inside the frame of the second frame 65. The second frame 65 has holes formed in the centers of portions corresponding to a pair of opposing sides, each having a diameter that allows the first frame rotation portion 64 to pass through. The first frame rotation portion 64 protruding outside the first frame 63 passes through the holes and is rotatably held by the second frame 65 while protruding outside the second frame 65.

[0036] Second frame rotation parts 66, which are cylindrical members, are provided so as to protrude outward from the centers of the remaining pair of opposing sides of the second frame 65 where no holes are formed. Furthermore, a bracket 90 is provided in the space S within the casing 20 as a support member for the second frame rotation part 66, and the second frame rotation part 66 is rotatably supported by the bracket 90.

[0037] The pair of first frame rotation parts 64 can rotate around the lateral drive axis O1 as a common central axis. This allows the first frame 63, the light source support part 61b, and the light source main body 61a, which are integrated with the first frame rotation parts 64, to rotate around the lateral drive axis O1 inside the second frame 65.

[0038] The pair of second frame rotation parts 66 can rotate around the vertical drive axis O2, which serves as a common center line. This allows the first frame rotation part 64, the first frame 63, the light source support part 61b, and the light source main body 61a, which are integrated with the second frame rotation parts 66, to rotate around the vertical drive axis O2 inside the second frame 65. Therefore, the drive unit 62 holds the light source 61 rotatably about two drive axes, a horizontal drive axis O1 and a vertical drive axis O2.

[0039] The support portion 67 is a member for supporting and driving and controlling the light source 61, the first frame 63, the first frame rotation portion 64, the second frame 65, and the second frame rotation portion 66, and is provided in an appropriate location within the four spaces S. The support portion 67 has a built-in servo motor (not shown) and is provided to be rotatable using the power of the servo motor. The support portion 67 is approximately cylindrical, and the tip of the support portion 67 on the light source 61 side is formed as if it were cut off by an imaginary plane inclined with respect to the rotation axis O3 of the servo motor. In other words, the tip of the support portion 67 is formed along an imaginary plane inclined with respect to the rotation axis O3 of the servo motor. The support portion 67 has wiring (not shown) inside the support portion 67 for supplying operating power to the light source 61 and the servo motor, and a control portion for driving and controlling the servo motor.

[0040] One surface of the light source support portion 61b on the support portion 67 side is in contact with the tip of the support portion 67 on the light source 61 side. More specifically, the light source support portion 61b is provided so that the one surface is aligned with an imaginary plane of the tip, and thereby the light source support portion 61b is provided so as to be inclined with respect to the rotation axis of the servo motor built into the support portion 67. The optical axis of the light source body 61a is inclined with respect to the rotation axis O3 of the servo motor built into the support portion 67. The optical axis direction of the light source body 61a coincides with the normal direction of the above-mentioned imaginary plane. When the servo motor is driven, the support part 67 rotates around the rotation axis O3. As a result, the virtual plane tilts three-dimensionally, and the light source support part 61b also tilts three-dimensionally in response to the rotation of the support part 67. Here, because the second frame 65 is rotatably held to the indoor unit 10 via the second frame rotation part 66, the rotation of the light source support part 61b is restricted while the three-dimensional tilting is permitted by further interposing the first frame 63.

[0041] The drive of the servo motor is controlled by a control unit provided inside the support part 67. More specifically, in order to keep the servo motor built into the support part 67 at any position around the rotation axis O3 of the servo motor, the control unit rotates the servo motor a predetermined amount at a predetermined timing and then stops it. In addition, a cable that supplies power to drive and control the servo motor is electrically connected via the control unit inside the support part 67.

[0042] That is, the drive unit 62 can be installed anywhere within the space S, and the rotation of the servo motor built into the support unit 67 rotates the light source body 61a, whose optical axis is tilted with respect to the rotation axis O3 of the servo motor. Therefore, the light S can be irradiated over a wide area within the indoor unit 10 using a simple mechanism. In addition, as the servo motor rotates, the light source 61 held by the drive unit 62 rotates around two drive axes, the horizontal drive axis O1 and the vertical drive axis O2, thereby expanding the irradiation range of the light L emitted by the light source body 61a provided on the light source support unit 61b. Furthermore, when mounting the irradiation unit 60 inside the indoor unit 10, because the irradiation unit 60 and the support unit 67 have the above-described configuration, it is possible to minimize the constraints that arise when installing the irradiation unit 60 and the support unit 67. In other words, because the irradiation unit can be tilted three-dimensionally around two drive axes with one servo motor, it is possible to easily route wiring such as cables, and it is possible to reduce the proportion of the volume that the irradiation unit 60 occupies in the space S. This makes it possible to ensure the mountability of the irradiation unit 60 in the indoor unit 10 particularly effectively when it becomes necessary to mount multiple irradiation units according to the locations inside the indoor unit 10 that require sterilization.

[0043] (Position of irradiation area) In this embodiment, the first irradiation unit 60 is provided in the space S defined by the second heat exchanger, the rear panel 21, and the top panel 24. More specifically, the support unit 67 is fixed to the surface of the rear panel 21 facing the inside of the casing 20, and the light source 61 is disposed so as to face the entire second heat exchanger and the drain pan 33 below the second heat exchanger. This causes the drive unit 62 to rotate, so that light L can be irradiated onto the entire second heat exchanger and the drain pan 33 below the second heat exchanger.

[0044] Furthermore, by rotating the drive unit 62, the light source 61 can be directed toward the air outlet 26 and the flap 35. This allows light L to be irradiated from inside the casing 20 via the second heat exchanger, the drain pan 33, and the fan 31 to the air outlet 26 and the flap 35.

[0045] In this embodiment, the second irradiation unit 60 is located within the space S defined by the first housing unit 34a, the top panel 24, and the inlet panel 23. More specifically, the support unit 67 is fixed to the surface of the top panel 24 facing the inside of the casing 20, and the light source 61 is disposed so as to face the first housing unit 34a and the air filter 34. This causes the drive unit 62 to rotate, allowing light L to be irradiated onto the air filter 34. Furthermore, by rotating the drive unit 62, the light source 61 can be directed toward the air inlet 25. This allows the light L to be irradiated from inside the casing 20 to the air inlet 25.

[0046] The third irradiation unit 60 in this embodiment is provided in the space S defined by the first housing unit 34a and the second housing unit 34b. More specifically, the support unit 67 is fixed to the surface of the first housing unit 34a facing the first heat exchanger, and the light source 61 is disposed so as to face the second housing unit 34b and the entire upper part of the first heat exchanger. This allows the drive unit 62 to rotate, so that the light L can be irradiated onto the entire upper part of the first heat exchanger. Furthermore, when the air filter 34 is housed in the second housing portion 34b, the light L can be irradiated onto the surface of the air filter 34 on which the filter gear portion is provided.

[0047] The fourth irradiation unit 60 in this embodiment is provided in the space S defined by the dust box 50, the second storage unit 34b, the first heat exchanger, and the bottom panel 22. More specifically, the support unit 67 is fixed to a portion of the dust box 50 facing the first heat exchanger, and the light source 61 is disposed so as to face the entire lower part of the first heat exchanger and the drain pan 33 below the first heat exchanger. This allows the drive unit 62 to rotate, so that the light L can be irradiated onto the entire lower part of the first heat exchanger and the drain pan 33 below the first heat exchanger. Furthermore, by rotating the drive unit 62, the light source 61 can be directed toward the air outlet 26. This allows light L to be irradiated from inside the casing 20 to the air outlet 26 via the first heat exchanger and the drain pan 33 below the first heat exchanger.

[0048] Therefore, the irradiation unit 60 is provided inside the casing 20 so that the light L emitted from the light source 61 is irradiated onto at least one of the air inlet 25, the heat exchanger 32, and the air outlet .

[0049] (sensor) The sensor 70 is provided near the flap 35 on the bottom surface of the indoor unit 10. The sensor 70 is, for example, a pyroelectric sensor that can detect the presence of a person around the indoor unit 10, or a solar radiation sensor that detects the brightness of the room in which the indoor unit 10 is installed. If the sensor 70 is a current collecting sensor, the current collecting sensor transmits a human detection signal to the control device 80 when it detects that a person is present in the room. If the sensor 70 is a solar radiation sensor, it transmits an illuminance detection signal to the control device 80 when it detects that the illuminance in the room is lower (dark) than a predetermined illuminance threshold value.

[0050] (Control device) The control device 80 is provided near the wall surface at the bottom of the main body of the indoor unit 10. The control device 80 receives a detection signal transmitted from the sensor 70, identifies the irradiation range of the light L emitted by the irradiation unit 60, and transmits a drive control signal to a control unit inside the support part 67 to control the drive of the drive unit 62. The control device 80 includes a signal receiving unit 81, an irradiation range specifying unit 82, and a drive control unit 83. The control device 80 is connected to the sensor 70 by wire or wirelessly.

[0051] The signal receiving unit 81 receives a detection signal transmitted from the sensor 70. The signal receiving unit 81 transmits the received detection signal to the irradiation range specifying unit 82. The irradiation area specifying unit 82 specifies the irradiation area of ​​the light L from the irradiation unit 60 based on the detection data included in the received detection signal.

[0052] The irradiation range identified by the irradiation range identifying unit 82 includes a first irradiation range and a second irradiation range. The first irradiation range is a range within the casing 20 where the irradiation unit 60 widely irradiates the light L. The second irradiation range is a range where the light L is irradiated that is narrower than the first irradiation range, and is a range where the light L projected by the irradiation unit 60 does not leak outside the indoor unit 10.

[0053] When the detection data received by the illumination range specifying unit 82 is human detection data transmitted from a human sensor, the illumination range specifying unit 82 specifies the illumination range as the second illumination range. When the detection data received by the illumination range specifying unit 82 is illuminance data transmitted from an illuminance sensor, the illumination range specifying unit 82 compares the value of the illuminance data with a predetermined threshold, and if the value of the illuminance data is lower than the threshold, determines that the room is dark and specifies the illumination range as the second illumination range. Also, the illumination range specifying unit 82 compares the value of the illuminance data with a predetermined threshold, and if the value of the illuminance data is higher than the threshold, determines that the room is bright and specifies the illumination range as the first illumination range.

[0054] Once the irradiation area specifying unit 82 specifies the irradiation area, the drive control unit 83 transmits a control signal based on the specified irradiation area to the control unit inside the support unit 67. When the irradiation range specifying unit 82 specifies the first irradiation range, the drive control unit 83 transmits a signal to the control units inside all of the support units 67 provided inside the casing 20 to cause them to perform normal operation. When the irradiation range specifying unit 82 specifies the second irradiation range, the drive control unit 83 transmits a signal to the control units inside all of the support units 67 provided inside the casing 20 to cause the irradiation units 60 to face the top panel 24.

[0055] (Control device operation) The operation of the control device 80 will be described below. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 80.

[0056] The signal receiving unit 81 receives the detection data transmitted from the sensor 70 (step S1). The irradiation range specifying unit 82 specifies the irradiation range of the light L from the irradiation unit 60 based on the detection data received by the signal receiving unit 81 (step S2). Based on the irradiation range identified by the irradiation range identifying unit 82, the drive control unit 83 transmits a signal instructing the control unit inside the support unit 67 to drive, and controls the driving of the drive unit 62 (step S3).

[0057] (Action and effect) According to the above configuration, the drive unit 62 can change the attitude of the light source 61. This allows the drive unit 62 to change the attitude of the light source 61 that emits light L having a sterilizing effect. Therefore, the light L can be irradiated over a wide range within the casing 20, and bacteria and viruses can be sterilized.

[0058] Furthermore, the irradiation unit 60 rotates around a horizontal drive axis O1 and a vertical drive axis O2. As a result, the drive unit 62 rotates around two axes, and the attitude of the light source 61 can be changed around two axes. Therefore, the direction in which the light L from the light source 61 is projected can be changed arbitrarily in three dimensions, and the light L can be irradiated over a wide range.

[0059] Furthermore, the servo motor built into the support part 67 can be made to stay in a predetermined position at any timing. In other words, the control part controls the posture of the plurality of irradiation parts 60 so that the light L emitted by the plurality of irradiation parts 60 is irradiated intensively at the same location, thereby enhancing the sterilization ability in a particular area. This allows for effective sterilization even when bacteria or viruses are locally generated inside the indoor unit 10.

[0060] Furthermore, the irradiation unit 60 is provided so that light L emitted from the light source 61 is irradiated onto the air inlet 25, the heat exchanger 32, and the air outlet 26. This makes it possible to sterilize bacteria and viruses contained in the air introduced into the casing 20, the heat exchanger 32, and the air blown out of the casing 20. Therefore, clean air can be provided indoors.

[0061] Furthermore, the irradiation unit 60 is provided so that light L emitted from the light source 61 can be irradiated onto the drain pan 33. This makes it possible to sterilize the drain pan 33, which is prone to bacteria and viruses, and to keep the inside of the casing 20 in a cleaner state with fewer bacteria and viruses. Therefore, cleaner air can be provided indoors.

[0062] Furthermore, the irradiation unit 60 is provided so that light L emitted from the light source 61 can be irradiated onto the air filter 34. This makes it possible to keep the inside of the casing 20 in a cleaner state with fewer bacteria and viruses. Therefore, it is possible to provide cleaner air to the room. Furthermore, by sterilizing bacteria and viruses adhering to the air filter 34, adverse effects on the human body when a user of the indoor unit 10 accidentally inhales fine dust or dirt during maintenance such as cleaning the air filter 34 are reduced.

[0063] Furthermore, the rotation of the transport rollers 36 transports the air filter 34 from the first storage section to the second storage section, or from the second storage section to the first storage section. This allows the light L to be irradiated onto areas of the air filter 34 that were not irradiated with the light L before the air filter 34 was transported, for example, by stopping the transport midway. This allows the light L to be irradiated evenly onto the air filter 34.

[0064] Furthermore, the control device 80 controls the driving of the driving unit 62 based on the detection signal of the sensor 70. This prevents the light L of the irradiating unit 60 from leaking outside the casing 20 when the room is dark, such as when there is someone near the indoor unit 10 or when the user of the indoor unit 10 is sleeping. Therefore, the indoor unit 10 can be used safely.

[0065] Furthermore, the light L that can be emitted by the light source body 61a has directionality, and the control unit can rotate the light source 61. This makes it possible to continuously expand the irradiation range of the light L while ensuring the amount of energy required for sterilization per unit area of ​​the irradiation range of the light L. Therefore, it is possible to achieve effective sterilization of the inside of the indoor unit 10.

[0066] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to those of the embodiments, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configurations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, but is limited only by the claims.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram showing the configuration of the computer 1100 according to the embodiment. The computer 1100 includes a processor 1110, a main memory 1120, storage 1130, and an interface 1140.

[0068] The above-mentioned control device 80 is implemented in a computer 1100. The operations of the above-mentioned processing units are stored in the form of a program in storage 1130. The processor 1110 reads the program from storage 1130, loads it into main memory 1120, and executes the above-mentioned processing in accordance with the program. The processor 1110 also allocates storage areas in main memory 1120 corresponding to the above-mentioned storage units in accordance with the program.

[0069] The program may be for realizing some of the functions to be performed by the computer 1100. For example, the program may be combined with other programs already stored in the storage 1130 or other programs implemented in other devices to perform the functions. Furthermore, the computer 1100 may include a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) in addition to or instead of the above configuration. Examples of PLDs include a PAL (Programmable Array Logic), a GAL (Generic Array Logic), a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this case, some or all of the functions to be performed by the processor 1110 may be realized by the integrated circuit.

[0070] Examples of storage 1130 include a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a semiconductor memory. Storage 1130 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of computer 1100, or an external medium connected to computer 1100 via interface 1140 or a communication line. Furthermore, when this program is distributed to computer 1100 via a communication line, computer 1100 that receives the program may load the program into main memory 1120 and execute the above-mentioned processing. In the above embodiment, storage 1130 is a non-transitory tangible storage medium.

[0071] The program may also be for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that realizes the above-mentioned functions in combination with another program already stored in the storage 1130.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which one irradiation unit 60 is provided in each of the four spaces S inside the casing 20, but the number of irradiation units 60 is not limited, and multiple irradiation units 60 may be provided in the space S. In this way, the postures of the multiple irradiation units 60 can be controlled separately, making it possible to sterilize the inside of the indoor unit 10 more efficiently.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the irradiation unit 60 is configured to be able to rotate on two axes by rotation of the first frame rotation unit and the second frame rotation unit, but the rotation axes of the irradiation unit 60 are not limited to two axes, and it may be configured to rotate on three or more axes.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the irradiating unit 60 is configured to directly irradiate each component, but it may be configured to reflect the light L using a light guide plate or the like and indirectly irradiate the components. This allows the light L to be irradiated to blind spots and narrow parts of the components, and the light L can be irradiated over a wider range.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the sensor 70 is provided near the flap 35 on the bottom surface of the indoor unit 10, and the control device 80 is provided near the bottom of the rear panel 21, but the locations at which the sensor 70 and the control device 80 are provided are not limited, and they may be provided at any appropriate location inside or outside the casing.

[0076] The sensor 70 may also be an infrared sensor. When the presence of a person in the vicinity is detected using temperature information around the indoor unit 10 obtained from the infrared sensor, a human detection signal may be transmitted to the control device 80.

[0077] Furthermore, a member such as a rail extending in the width direction H3 within the space S may be provided, and a support unit 67 supporting the irradiation unit 60 may be provided on the rail, thereby enabling the irradiation unit 60 to move in the width direction H3. This allows the light L to be irradiated over a wider range and more effectively.

[0078] The signal receiving unit 81 may also receive input of information relating to the specification of the irradiation range via a remote control (not shown) of the indoor unit 10. Alternatively, an operation to set a timer may be performed on the control device 80 using a remote control of the indoor unit 10, and the irradiation range specifying unit 82 may specify the irradiation range at the time of the set timer.

[0079] <Additional Notes> The air conditioner 1 described in the above embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0080] (1) The air conditioner 1 according to the first aspect comprises a casing 20 having an intake port 25 and an exhaust port 26, a heat exchanger 32 provided within the casing 20, a fan 31 provided within the casing 20 for circulating air through the intake port 25, the heat exchanger 32 and the exhaust port 26 in that order, and an irradiation unit 60 provided within the casing 20, wherein the irradiation unit 60 has a light source 61 that emits directional ultraviolet light and a drive unit 62 that drives the light source 61 to change its posture.

[0081] This allows the position of the light source 61 that projects the light L having a sterilizing effect to be changed by the drive unit 62, so that the light L can be irradiated over a wide range inside the casing 20.

[0082] (2) The air conditioner 1 according to a second aspect is the air conditioner 1 of (1), wherein the drive unit 62 may drive the irradiation unit 60 to rotate around at least two drive axes.

[0083] This allows the direction in which the light L from the light source 61 is projected to be changed three-dimensionally, so that the light L can be irradiated over a wide range.

[0084] (3) The air conditioner 1 according to the third aspect is the air conditioner 1 of (1) or (2), and the irradiation unit 60 may be configured so that the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 61 is irradiated onto at least one of the air inlet 25, the heat exchanger 32, and the air outlet 26.

[0085] This makes it possible to sterilize bacteria and viruses contained in the air introduced into the casing 20, the heat exchanger 32, and the air blown out of the casing 20.

[0086] (4) The air conditioner 1 according to the fourth aspect is any one of the air conditioners 1 (1) to (3), and further includes a drain pan 33 arranged below the heat exchanger 32 within the casing 20, and the irradiation unit 60 may be arranged so that the ultraviolet light projected from the light source 61 is irradiated onto the drain pan 33.

[0087] This makes it possible to sterilize the drain pan 33, which is prone to bacteria and viruses, and to keep the inside of the casing 20 in a cleaner state with fewer bacteria and viruses.

[0088] (5) The air conditioner 1 according to the fifth aspect is an air conditioner 1 according to any one of (1) to (4), further comprising an air filter 34 arranged between the intake port 25 and the heat exchanger 32 within the casing 20, and the irradiation unit 60 may be arranged so that the ultraviolet light projected from the light source 61 is irradiated onto the air filter 34.

[0089] This makes it possible to maintain a cleaner state with fewer bacteria and viruses inside the casing 20. Furthermore, during maintenance such as cleaning the air filter 34, the adverse effects on the human body if a person accidentally inhales fine dust or dirt are reduced.

[0090] (6) The air conditioner 1 according to the sixth aspect may be the air conditioner 1 of (5), further comprising a conveying roller 36 that conveys the air filter 34 by rotating around an axis extending in the width direction H3 of the casing 20, and a removal unit 40 that removes any adhering matter from the air filter 34 by contacting the air filter 34 conveyed by the conveying roller 36.

[0091] This allows the light L to be irradiated evenly onto the air filter .

[0092] (7) The air conditioner 1 according to the seventh aspect is an air conditioner 1 according to any one of (1) to (6), further comprising a control device 80 that adjusts the irradiation range of the light source 61 by controlling the drive unit 62, and the control device 80 may control the drive unit 62 in response to an external signal so that the irradiation range becomes either a first irradiation range or a second irradiation range narrower than the first irradiation range.

[0093] This prevents light L from leaking outside the casing 20 when there is someone near the indoor unit 10 or when the room is dark, such as when the user of the indoor unit 10 is sleeping, and allows the user of the indoor unit 10 to use the indoor unit 10 safely. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1...Air conditioner 10...Indoor unit 20...Casing 21...Rear panel 22...Bottom panel 23...Inlet panel 24...Top panel 25...Intake port 26...Outlet port 30...Main body 31...Fan 32...Heat exchanger 32a...Bracket 33...Drain pan 34...Air filter 34a...First storage section 34b...Second storage section 35...Flap 35a...Panel section 35b...Adjustment section 36...Conveyor roller 40...Removal section 50...Dust box 60...Irradiation section 61...Light source 61a...Light source body 61b...Light source support section 62...Drive section 63...First frame 64...First frame rotation section 65...Second frame 66...Second frame rotation section 67...Support section 70...Sensor 80...Control device 81...Signal reception section 82...Irradiation range specifying unit 83...Drive control unit 90...Bracket 1100...Computer 1110...Processor 1120...Main memory 1130...Storage 1140...Interface A...Axis B...Removal unit axis H1...Installation direction H2...Up-down direction H3...Width direction L...Light O1...Horizontal drive axis O2...Vertical drive axis O3...Rotation axis S...Space

Claims

1. a casing having an inlet and an outlet; a heat exchanger provided within the casing; a fan provided in the casing for circulating air through the air inlet, the heat exchanger, and the air outlet in this order; an irradiation unit provided in the casing; Equipped with The irradiation unit is a light source that projects directional ultraviolet light; a driving unit that drives the light source so as to change its attitude; and The drive unit is a first frame body that has a frame shape surrounding the light source and supports the light source so as to be rotatable about a first drive axis; a second frame body that has a frame shape surrounding the first frame body and supports the first frame body so that the first frame body can be rotatably driven about a second drive axis; An air conditioner having the above structure.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation unit is provided so that the ultraviolet light projected from the light source is irradiated onto at least one of the air inlet, the heat exchanger, and the air outlet.

3. The heat exchanger further includes a drain pan provided below the heat exchanger in the casing. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the irradiating unit is provided so that the ultraviolet light projected from the light source is irradiated onto the drain pan.

4. an air filter provided in the casing between the intake port and the heat exchanger; The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the irradiating unit is provided so that the ultraviolet light projected from the light source is irradiated onto the air filter.

5. a conveying roller that conveys the air filter by rotating about an axis extending in the width direction of the casing; a removal unit that removes deposits from the air filter by contacting the air filter being transported by the transport roller; The air conditioner according to claim 4, further comprising:

6. a control device that controls the driving unit to adjust the illumination range of the light source; The control device 6. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the drive unit is controlled in response to an external signal so that the illumination range becomes either a first illumination range or a second illumination range narrower than the first illumination range.

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