air conditioner

Abstract

To remove foreign objects in an air conditioner.SOLUTION: An air conditioner (10) of one aspect of the disclosure includes: an indoor unit (20); and an outdoor unit (30) and further includes: an absorber (52) which is provided at the outdoor unit and absorbs moisture of outdoor air; a first passage (P1) which passes through the absorber and in which the outdoor air flows; a first fan (62) which sends the outdoor air to the first passage; a damper device (64) which allots the outdoor air flowing in the first passage to an outdoor space and the indoor unit; and a control unit (90) which controls the first fan and the damper device. The control unit (90) controls the damper device to allot the outdoor air to the outdoor space and rotationally drives the first fan to discharge the outdoor air from the first passage to the outdoor space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an air conditioner that is configured with an indoor unit that is placed inside a room to be air-conditioned and an outdoor unit that is placed outside the room, as described in Patent Document 1. This air conditioner is configured so that humidified outdoor air can be supplied from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-91000 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, there is a need to remove foreign matter from inside the air conditioner.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner that is capable of removing foreign matter inside the air conditioner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, An air conditioner comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, an absorbent material provided in the outdoor unit that absorbs moisture in the outdoor air; a first flow path through which outdoor air flows, the first flow path passing through the absorbent material; a first fan that sends the outdoor air to the first flow path; a damper device that distributes the outdoor air flowing through the first flow path between the outdoor air and the indoor unit; a control unit that controls the first fan and the damper device; Equipped with The control unit Controlling the damper device to distribute the outdoor air to the outside of the room; The air conditioner is provided in which the first fan is rotationally driven to discharge the outdoor air from the first flow path to the outside of the room. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, an air conditioner capable of removing foreign matter inside the air conditioner is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of ventilation system [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during ventilation operation [Figure 4] Schematic diagram of ventilation system during humidification operation [Figure 5] Schematic diagram of ventilation system during dehumidification operation [Figure 6] Block diagram showing a configuration for controlling an air conditioner [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the overall operation from humidification operation ON to OFF [Figure 8] Clean control flowchart [Figure 9] Clean control timing chart [Figure 10] Flowchart of clean control according to a modified example [Figure 11] Timing chart of clean control according to a modified example [Figure 12] Block diagram showing the damper device peripheral configuration [Figure 13] Schematic diagram showing the damper device in a normally closed state [Figure 14] Schematic diagram showing the damper device in a normally open state [Figure 15] Schematic diagram showing a state in which the damper device is not operating normally [Figure 16] Flowchart of damper control when the damper device is opened [Figure 17] Timing chart of damper control when opening the damper device [Figure 18] Flowchart of damper control when closing the damper device [Figure 19] Flowchart of damper control according to a modified example [Figure 20] Timing chart of damper control according to a modified example [Figure 21] Flowchart of another modified damper control [Figure 22] Timing chart of another modified damper control [Figure 23] Hose Drying Control Flowchart [Figure 24] Hose drying control timing chart [Figure 25] Flowchart of modified hose drying control [Figure 26] Timing chart of modified hose drying control [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to another modified example. [Figure 28] 10 is a flowchart of another modified example of hose drying control. [Figure 29] Flowchart showing the operation from humidification operation ON to OFF in a modified example [Figure 30] Flowchart of heater residual heat removal control [Figure 31] Heater residual heat removal control timing chart [Figure 32] 10 is a table showing the number of rotations indicated in accordance with the length of the hose. [Figure 33] Block diagram showing the configuration for controlling the fan rotation speed [Figure 34] Flowchart for setting and controlling the fan speed [Figure 35] Timing chart for setting and controlling fan speed [Figure 36] Modified example of indicated rotation speed table [Figure 37]Flowchart of setting control of fan rotation speed according to a modified example [Figure 38] A block diagram showing a configuration for controlling the fan rotation speed based on the outdoor temperature. [Figure 39] Flowchart of fan speed control based on outdoor temperature [Figure 40] Flowchart of fan rotation speed control based on opening and closing of damper device DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present invention is an air conditioner comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, and comprising: an absorbent material provided in the outdoor unit that absorbs moisture in the outdoor air; a first flow path through which the outdoor air flows, passing through the absorbent material; a first fan that sends the outdoor air to the first flow path; a damper device that distributes the outdoor air flowing through the first flow path between the outside of the room and the indoor unit; and a control unit that controls the first fan and the damper device, wherein the control unit controls the damper device to distribute the outdoor air to the outside of the room and rotates the first fan to exhaust the outdoor air from the first flow path to the outside of the room.

[0010] According to this aspect, foreign matter inside the air conditioner can be removed.

[0011] For example, the air conditioner may further include a motor that drives the absorbent material to rotate, and the control unit may drive the motor to rotate the absorbent material.

[0012] For example, the air conditioner may further include a second flow path that passes through the absorbent material and through which outdoor air flows from the outside to the outside of the room, and a second fan that generates a flow of outdoor air in the second flow path, and the control unit may drive the second fan to rotate and discharge the outdoor air from the second flow path to the outside of the room.

[0013] For example, the fan speed of the first fan may be greater than the fan speed of the second fan.

[0014] For example, in the absorbent material, the direction of the outdoor air blown by the first fan and the direction of the outdoor air blown by the second fan may be different.

[0015] For example, the air conditioner may further include a heater that heats the outdoor air upstream of the absorbent material in the first flow path, and the control unit may turn on the heater to heat the outdoor air flowing through the first flow path.

[0016] For example, before starting the humidification operation, the control unit may control the damper device to distribute the outdoor air to the outside of the room, drive the first fan to rotate, and exhaust the outdoor air from the first flow path to the outside of the room.

[0017] For example, the fan speed of the first fan may be greater than the fan speed of the first fan in the humidifying operation.

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, an air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment has an indoor unit 20 arranged in a room Rin to be air-conditioned, and an outdoor unit 30 arranged in an outdoor room Rout.

[0021] The indoor unit 20 is provided with an indoor heat exchanger 22 that exchanges heat with the indoor air A1, and a fan 24 that draws the indoor air A1 into the indoor unit 20 and blows the indoor air A1 into the room Rin after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 22.

[0022] The outdoor unit 30 is provided with an outdoor heat exchanger 32 that exchanges heat with outdoor air A2, and a fan 34 that draws the outdoor air A2 into the outdoor unit 30 and blows the outdoor air A2 out to the outdoor Rout after exchanging heat with the outdoor heat exchanger 32. The outdoor unit 30 is also provided with a compressor 36, an expansion valve 38, and a four-way valve 40 that execute a refrigeration cycle with the indoor heat exchanger 22 and the outdoor heat exchanger 32.

[0023] The indoor heat exchanger 22, the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the compressor 36, the expansion valve 38, and the four-way valve 40 are each connected by a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant flows. In cooling operation and dehumidification operation (weak cooling operation), the air conditioner 10 executes a refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant flows from the compressor 36 through the four-way valve 40, the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the expansion valve 38, and the indoor heat exchanger 22 in that order, before returning to the compressor 36. In heating operation, the air conditioner 10 executes a refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant flows from the compressor 36 through the four-way valve 40, the indoor heat exchanger 22, the expansion valve 38, and the outdoor heat exchanger 32 in that order, before returning to the compressor 36.

[0024] In addition to air conditioning operation using a refrigeration cycle, the air conditioner 10 also performs air conditioning operation in which outdoor air A3 is introduced into the room Rin. To this end, the air conditioner 10 has a ventilation device 50. The ventilation device 50 is provided in the outdoor unit 30.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a ventilation system.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the ventilation device 50 includes an absorbent material 52 therein through which the outdoor air A3 and A4 passes.

[0027] The absorbent material 52 is a member through which air can pass and which collects moisture from the air passing through it or adds moisture to the air passing through it. In this embodiment, the absorbent material 52 is disk-shaped and rotates around a rotation center line C1 that passes through the center of the absorbent material 52. The absorbent material 52 is rotationally driven by a motor 54.

[0028] The absorbent 52 is preferably a polymeric adsorbent that adsorbs moisture in the air. The polymeric adsorbent is, for example, composed of cross-linked sodium polyacrylate. Compared to adsorbents such as silica gel and zeolite, the polymeric adsorbent absorbs a larger amount of moisture per volume, can desorb the moisture it holds at a low heating temperature, and can hold the moisture for a long period of time.

[0029] Inside the ventilation device 50, a first flow path P1 and a second flow path P2 are provided, through which the outdoor air A3 and A4 flow, respectively, passing through the absorbent material 52. The first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2 pass through the absorbent material 52 at different positions.

[0030] The first flow path P1 is a flow path through which the outdoor air A3 flows toward the indoor unit 20. The outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 is supplied into the indoor unit 20 via a ventilation duct 56.

[0031] In this embodiment, the first flow path P1 includes a plurality of branch flow paths P1a, P1b on the upstream side of the absorbent material 52. In this specification, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used with respect to the flow of air.

[0032] The plurality of tributary channels P1a, P2a join together upstream of the absorbent material 52. The plurality of tributary channels P1a, P1b are provided with first and second heaters 58, 60, respectively, that heat the outside air A3.

[0033] The first and second heaters 58, 60 may have the same heating capacity or different heating capacities. Furthermore, the first and second heaters 58, 60 are preferably PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heaters, which increase electrical resistance as current flows and the temperature rises, thereby preventing excessive increases in heating temperature. In the case of heaters using nichrome wire or carbon fiber, the heating temperature (surface temperature) continues to rise as current continues to flow, so the temperature must be monitored. In the case of PTC heaters, the heaters themselves adjust the heating temperature within a certain temperature range, eliminating the need to monitor the heating temperature.

[0034] The first flow path P1 is provided with a first fan 62 that generates a flow of outdoor air A3 toward the indoor unit 20. In the present embodiment, the first fan 62 is disposed downstream of the absorbent material 52. When the first fan 62 is operated, the outdoor air A3 flows from the outdoor Rout into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent material 52.

[0035] The first flow path P1 is provided with a damper device 64 that distributes the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 to the room Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20) or the outdoor Rout. In the present embodiment, the damper device 64 is disposed downstream of the first fan 62. The outdoor air A3 distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64 enters the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56 and is blown out into the room Rin by the fan 24.

[0036] The second flow path P2 is a flow path through which the outdoor air A4 flows. Unlike the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1, the outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 does not head toward the indoor unit 20. The outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 passes through the absorbent material 52 and then flows out to the outdoor Rout.

[0037] A second fan 66 that generates a flow of outdoor air A4 is provided in the first flow path P1. In the present embodiment, the second fan 66 is disposed downstream of the absorbent material 52. When the second fan 66 is operated, the outdoor air A4 flows from the outdoor Rout into the second flow path P2, passes through the absorbent material 52, and then flows out to the outdoor Rout.

[0038] The ventilation device 50 selectively performs ventilation operation, humidification operation, and dehumidification operation by selectively using an absorbent material 52, a motor 54, a first heater 58, a second heater 60, a first fan 62, a damper device 64, and a second fan 66.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation device during ventilation operation.

[0040] Ventilation operation is an air conditioning operation in which the outdoor air A3 is supplied directly to the room Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20) via the ventilation duct 56. As shown in FIG. 3, during ventilation operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the OFF state and do not heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. The second fan 66 is in the OFF state, thereby causing no flow of outdoor air A4 to occur through the second flow path P2.

[0041] According to this ventilation operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent material 52 without being heated by the first and second heaters 58, 60. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56 is blown out into the room Rin by the fan 24. According to this ventilation operation, the outdoor air A3 is supplied as is to the room Rin, and the room Rin is ventilated.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation device during humidification operation.

[0043] The humidification operation is an air conditioning operation in which the outdoor air A3 is humidified and the humidified outdoor air A3 is supplied to the room Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20). As shown in FIG. 4, during the humidification operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the ON state and heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. The second fan 66 is in the ON state, thereby causing the outdoor air A4 to flow through the second flow path P2.

[0044] In this humidification operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by the first and second heaters 58, 60, and passes through the absorbent 52. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 can remove a larger amount of moisture from the absorbent 52 than when the outdoor air A3 is not heated. As a result, the outdoor air A3 carries a larger amount of moisture. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent 52 and carried a larger amount of moisture is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56 is blown into the room Rin by the fan 24. In this humidification operation, the outdoor air A3 carrying a larger amount of moisture is supplied to the room Rin, and the room Rin is humidified.

[0045] In addition, by turning off either the first heater 58 or the second heater 60, the amount of moisture that the outdoor air A3 removes from the absorbent material 52 can be reduced, i.e., a weak humidification operation can be performed in which the amount of humidification of the indoor air Rin is reduced.

[0046] As moisture is removed by the heated outdoor air A3, the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 decreases, i.e., the absorbent 52 dries. When the absorbent 52 dries, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 cannot remove moisture from the absorbent 52. To address this, the absorbent 52 removes moisture from the outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2. This keeps the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 approximately constant, allowing the humidification operation to continue.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation device during dehumidification operation.

[0048] The dehumidifying operation is an air conditioning operation in which the outdoor air A3 is dehumidified and the dehumidified outdoor air A3 is supplied to the room Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20). As shown in Fig. 5, in the dehumidifying operation, the adsorption operation and the regeneration operation are performed alternately.

[0049] The adsorption operation is an operation in which moisture contained in the outdoor air A3 is adsorbed onto the absorbent material 52, thereby dehumidifying the outdoor air A3. As shown in FIG. 5, during the adsorption operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the OFF state and do not heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. The second fan 66 is in the OFF state, thereby causing no flow of outdoor air A4 to occur through the second flow path P2.

[0050] During this adsorption operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent 52 without being heated by the first and second heaters 58, 60. At this time, the moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 is adsorbed by the absorbent 52. This reduces the amount of moisture carried by the outdoor air A3, i.e., the outdoor air A3 is dried. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent 52 and is then distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56 is then blown into the room Rin by the fan 24. During this adsorption operation, the dried outdoor air A3 is supplied to the room Rin, and the room Rin is dehumidified.

[0051] As the adsorption operation continues, the amount of water held by the absorbent 52 continues to increase, resulting in a decrease in the absorbent 52's ability to adsorb the moisture contained in the outdoor air A3. In order to recover the adsorption ability, a regeneration operation is performed to regenerate the absorbent 52.

[0052] During regeneration operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are ON and heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is ON and causes the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the outdoor Rout rather than to the indoor unit 20. The second fan 66 is OFF and causes no flow of outdoor air A4 to occur in the second flow path P2.

[0053] According to this regeneration operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by the first and second heaters 58, 60, and passes through the absorbent 52. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 removes a large amount of moisture from the absorbent 52. As a result, the outdoor air A3 carries a large amount of moisture. At the same time, the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 decreases, that is, the absorbent 52 dries and its adsorption capacity is regenerated. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent 52 and carries a large amount of moisture is diverted by the damper device 64 to the outdoor Rout and discharged to the outdoor Rout. As a result, during the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation, the outdoor air A3 carrying a large amount of moisture due to the regeneration of the absorbent 52 is not supplied to the indoor Rin.

[0054] By alternately performing the adsorption operation and the regeneration operation in this manner, the adsorption capacity of the absorbent material 52 is maintained, and the dehumidification operation can be carried out continuously.

[0055] The above-mentioned air conditioning operations using the refrigeration cycle (cooling operation, dehumidifying operation (weak cooling operation), heating operation) and the air conditioning operations using the ventilation device 50 (ventilation operation, humidifying operation, dehumidifying operation) can be performed separately or simultaneously. For example, if the dehumidifying operation using the refrigeration cycle and the dehumidifying operation using the ventilation device 50 are performed simultaneously, it is possible to dehumidify the room Rin while maintaining the room temperature constant.

[0056] The user selects the air conditioning operation to be performed by the air conditioner 10. For example, when the user performs a selection operation on the remote controller 70 shown in Figure 1, the air conditioner 10 performs the air conditioning operation corresponding to that operation.

[0057] Up to this point, we have given an overview of the configuration and operation of the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment. From here on, we will explain further features of the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment.

[0058] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration for controlling an air conditioner.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6, the components of the air conditioner 10 are controlled by a control unit 90. The control unit 90 includes, for example, a memory that stores programs and a processing circuit corresponding to a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The functions of the control unit 90 may be configured solely by hardware, or may be realized by combining hardware and software. The control unit 90 realizes predetermined functions by reading data and programs stored in the memory and performing various arithmetic processing. In this embodiment, the control unit 90 controls the motor 54, the first heater 58, the second heater 60, the first fan 62, the damper device 64, and the second fan 66.

[0060] <Overall flow of humidification operation> Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the overall operation from humidification operation ON to OFF. The process shown in Fig. 7 is performed by the control unit 90 controlling the components of the air conditioner 10. The process shown in Fig. 7 is an example, and the present embodiment is not limited to the process shown in Fig. 7. For example, each process shown in Fig. 7 can also be applied to dehumidification operation, etc.

[0061] The process shown in FIG. 7 starts when the humidifying operation is turned on by a user's selection operation on the remote controller 70 shown in FIG.

[0062] 7, in step S10, the control unit 90 determines whether or not the start condition is met. If the control unit 90 determines that the start condition is met, the process proceeds to step S20. If the control unit 90 determines that the start condition is not met, the process repeats step S10.

[0063] The start conditions are conditions for starting the humidification operation, and may include, for example, at least one of the operation mode, humidity, humidity control, operation frequency, inverter current, temperature, and the presence or absence of an abnormality.

[0064] If the control unit 90 determines that the start condition is not satisfied, the control unit 90 may perform control to satisfy the start condition. For example, if condensation occurs in the ventilation conduit 56, the control unit 90 may perform a hose drying control (step S60) described below.

[0065] In step S20, the control unit 90 performs cleaning control. Cleaning control is control to remove foreign matter from inside the air conditioner 10. For example, if the ventilation device 50 is placed outdoors, foreign matter may accumulate inside the ventilation device 50. By performing cleaning control, foreign matter from inside the ventilation device 50 can be removed and the inflow of foreign matter into the room can be suppressed. Examples of foreign matter include dust, pollen, allergens, mold, bacteria, viruses, PM2.5, NOx, SOx, harmful substances, and pests.

[0066] In step S30, the control unit 90 performs damper "open" control. The damper "open" control opens the damper device 64 and distributes the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. As a result, the outdoor air A3 flows into the indoor unit 20 through the ventilation duct 56.

[0067] In step S40, the control unit 90 performs humidification operation control.

[0068] In step S50, the control unit 90 determines whether or not to end the humidification operation control. If the control unit 90 determines to end the humidification operation control, the process proceeds to step S60. If the control unit 90 determines not to end the humidification operation control, the process repeats step S40.

[0069] For example, the humidification operation control ends when the humidification operation is turned off by a user's selection operation on the remote controller 70 shown in Fig. 1. Alternatively, the end of the humidification operation control may be determined based on the same conditions as the start conditions.

[0070] In step S60, the control unit 90 performs hose drying control. The hose drying control is control for drying the inside of the ventilation conduit 56, which is a hose. In this specification, the ventilation conduit 56 may also be referred to as the "hose."

[0071] In step S70, the control unit 90 performs damper "close" control, which means closing the damper device 64 and distributing the outside air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 to the outside air Rout.

[0072] As described above, the control unit 90 performs steps S10 to S70 from when the humidifying operation is turned on until when it is turned off.

[0073] Note that the process shown in Fig. 7 is an example, and the overall operation from turning the humidifying operation on to off is not limited to this. For example, the process shown in Fig. 7 may further include additional steps, or steps may be deleted, combined, and / or divided.

[0074] <Clean control> The clean control will now be described in detail.

[0075] Fig. 8 is a flowchart of the clean control, and Fig. 9 is a timing chart of the clean control. Fig. 9(a) shows the open / close control of the damper device, Fig. 9(b) shows the on / off control of the first fan, Fig. 9(c) shows the on / off control of the second fan, and Fig. 9(d) shows the on / off control of the motor that rotates the absorber.

[0076] 8 and 9, in step S21, the control unit 90 performs damper "close" control. The control unit 90 closes the damper device 64 to distribute the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 to the outdoor air Rout.

[0077] If the damper device 64 has been closed before step S21, the damper device 64 remains closed in step S21.

[0078] In step S22, the control unit 90 rotates the first fan 62. The control unit 90 turns on the first fan 62 to blow outdoor air A3 into the first flow path P1. That is, the control unit 90 drives the first fan 62 to rotate and discharges outdoor air A3 from the first flow path P1 to the outdoor Rout. As a result, foreign matter such as dust and insects that have accumulated in the first flow path P1 and the absorbent material 52 is discharged to the outdoor Rout by the outdoor air A3 blown from the first fan 62. The first fan 62 is driven to rotate by a fan motor. The control unit 90 drives the fan motor to rotate the first fan 62.

[0079] In step S23, the control unit 90 rotates the second fan 66. The control unit 90 turns on the second fan 66 to blow outdoor air A4 into the second flow path P2. That is, the control unit 90 drives the second fan 66 to rotate and discharges outdoor air A4 from the second flow path P2 to the outdoor Rout. As a result, foreign matter such as dust and insects that have accumulated in the second flow path P2 and the absorbent material 52 is discharged to the outdoor Rout by the outdoor air A4 blown from the second fan 66. The second fan 66 is driven to rotate by a fan motor. The control unit 90 drives the fan motor to rotate the second fan 66.

[0080] In step S24, the control unit 90 rotates the absorbent material 52. The control unit 90 drives the motor 54, which rotates the absorbent material 52, to rotate the absorbent material 52. As a result, the first fan 62 and the second fan 66 blow outside air A3 and A4 while the absorbent material 52 is rotating, making it possible to easily remove foreign matter adhering to the absorbent material 52. Furthermore, the direction of the outside air A3 blown by the first fan 62 and the direction of the outside air A4 blown by the second fan 66 are different in the absorbent material 52. Specifically, the flow of the outside air A3 and the flow of the outside air A4 are countercurrent in the absorbent material 52. This allows the outside air A3 and A4 to pass through the absorbent material 52 from two directions, making it possible to remove foreign matter such as dust adhering to the absorbent material 52.

[0081] In step S25, the control unit 90 determines whether or not a predetermined time t21 has elapsed. If the control unit 90 determines that the predetermined time t21 has elapsed, the clean control ends. If the control unit 90 determines that the predetermined time t21 has not elapsed, the process repeats steps S22 to S24. The predetermined time t21 is, for example, 30 seconds or more and 90 seconds or less. Preferably, the predetermined time t21 is 60 seconds.

[0082] As described above, in the cleaning control, the control unit 90 carries out steps S21 to S24. In this way, by carrying out the cleaning control, it is possible to remove foreign matter such as dust and insects that has accumulated inside the ventilation device 50. Specifically, it is possible to remove foreign matter that has accumulated in the first flow path P1, the second flow path P2, and the absorbent material 52. This makes it possible to prevent foreign matter from flowing into the indoor unit 20.

[0083] In the clean control, the fan speed of the first fan 62 may be higher than the fan speed of the second fan 66. That is, the rotation speed of the first fan 62 may be higher than the rotation speed of the second fan 66. This makes it possible to make the air volume of the outdoor air A3 blown from the first fan 62 larger than the air volume of the outdoor air A4 blown from the second fan 66. As a result, foreign matter accumulated in the first flow path P1 can be preferentially removed, thereby further preventing foreign matter from flowing into the indoor unit 20.

[0084] In the clean control, the fan speed of the first fan 62 may be higher than the fan speed of the first fan 62 in the humidification operation. That is, the rotation speed of the first fan 62 may be higher than the rotation speed of the first fan 62 in the humidification operation. This makes it possible to increase the air volume of the outdoor air A3 blown from the first fan 62 in the clean control compared to the humidification operation. As a result, it becomes easier to remove foreign matter accumulated in the first flow path P1 and the absorbent material 52.

[0085] Next, a modified example of clean control will be described. In the modified example of clean control, NOx and / or SOx adhering to the absorbent 52 is removed.

[0086] Fig. 10 is a flowchart of the clean control of the modified example, and Fig. 11 is a timing chart of the clean control of the modified example. Fig. 11(a) shows the open / close control of the damper device, Fig. 11(b) shows the on / off control of the first fan, Fig. 11(c) shows the on / off control of the second fan, Fig. 11(d) shows the on / off control of the motor that rotates the absorber, and Fig. 11(e) shows the on / off control of the heater.

[0087] 10 and 11, the clean control of the modified example differs from the above-described clean control in that it includes step S24A, which turns on heaters 58 and 60. The other processes in the modified example are the same as those in the above-described clean control. Therefore, step S24A will be described.

[0088] In step S24A, the control unit 90 turns on the heaters 58 and 60. The control unit 90 turns on the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, which heat the outside air A3 upstream of the absorbent 52 in the first flow path P1, to heat the outside air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1. As a result, when the heated outside air A3 passes through the absorbent 52, it is possible to remove NOx and SOx adhering to the absorbent 52.

[0089] As described above, in the cleaning control of the modified example, the control unit 90 further performs step S24A. In this manner, by turning on the heaters 58, 60 and heating the outside air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1, it is possible to remove NOx and SOx adhering to the absorbent 52.

[0090] In the present embodiment, an example in which the cleaning control is performed before the humidification operation has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cleaning control may be performed after the humidification operation. Furthermore, the ventilation device 50 may be provided with a sensor that detects foreign matter, and the cleaning control may be performed when the sensor detects foreign matter. Alternatively, the cleaning control may be performed at predetermined time intervals.

[0091] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 90 performs the cleaning control by driving the first fan 62, the second fan 66, and the absorbent material 52 to rotate, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control unit 90 may perform the cleaning control by driving at least the first fan 62 or the second fan 66 to rotate. For example, the control unit 90 may close the damper device 64 and drive the first fan 62 to rotate, but not drive the second fan 66 to rotate. The control unit 90 may close the damper device 64 and drive the second fan 66 to rotate, but not drive the first fan 62 to rotate. Furthermore, the control unit 90 may not rotate the absorbent material 52.

[0092] In this embodiment, in Figures 9 and 11, after a predetermined time t21 has elapsed, the first fan 62, the second fan 66, and the motor 54 of the absorber 52 are turned off, but they may remain on.

[0093] The air conditioner 10 may have an ion generator disposed at the outlet (nozzle outlet) of the ventilation duct 56 located in the indoor unit 20. Even if pollen, viruses, etc. flow into the indoor unit 20 from the ventilation duct 56, the pollen and viruses can be removed by the ion generator.

[0094] <Damper control> The damper control will now be described in detail.

[0095] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the damper device and its surroundings.

[0096] 12, the damper device 64 includes a valve body 80 and a damper motor 82 that rotates the valve body 80. The air conditioner 10 also includes a detection unit 84 that detects whether the damper device 64 is open or closed.

[0097] The valve element 80 has a plate shape. The valve element 80 is connected to a damper motor 82 and rotates around the damper motor 82. The valve element 80 is opened and closed by being rotated by the damper motor 82.

[0098] The damper motor 82 supports an end of the valve element 80 and rotates the valve element 80. The damper motor 82 is, for example, a stepping motor. The damper motor 82 receives a control command from the control unit 90 and rotates the valve element 80 based on the control command.

[0099] The control commands include commands to open and close the valve element 80. For example, the control commands include a damper "open" command and a damper "close" command. The damper "open" command is a command to open the valve element 80. When the valve element 80 opens, the outdoor air A3 is diverted from the first flow path P1 to the ventilation conduit 56. The damper "close" command is a command to close the valve element 80. When the valve element 80 closes, the outdoor air A3 is diverted from the first flow path P1 to the outdoor Rout.

[0100] The control command also includes a command to control the torque of the damper motor 82. The command to control the torque is, for example, a pulse rate (PPS: Pulses Per Second). The control unit 90 can adjust the torque of the damper motor 82 by adjusting the pulse rate. For example, the control unit 90 can increase the torque of the damper motor 82 by decreasing the pulse rate.

[0101] The detection unit 84 is a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the valve element 80. The detection unit 84 is, for example, a limit sensor. The limit sensor detects the opening and closing of the valve element 80 by contact with the valve element 80. The detection unit 84 transmits the detection result of the valve element 80 to the control unit 90.

[0102] The control unit 90 receives the detection result of the detection unit 84 and determines whether the valve 80 is opening and closing normally based on the detection result. Specifically, the control unit 90 determines whether the valve 80 is opening and closing normally based on the detection result of the detection unit 84 and the control command.

[0103] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the damper device is normally closed, and FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the damper device is normally open.

[0104] 13, when the damper device 64 is normally closed, the valve body 80 blocks the inlet 56a of the ventilation conduit 56. The inlet 56a of the ventilation conduit 56 is an opening through which the ventilation conduit 56 and the first flow path P1 communicate with each other. Specifically, when the damper device 64 is normally closed, the valve body 80 is disposed along the extension direction of the first flow path P1 and blocks the inlet 56a of the ventilation conduit 56. Therefore, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 is discharged to the outdoor air Rout.

[0105] 14, when the damper device 64 is in a normally open state, the valve element 80 opens the inlet 56a of the ventilation conduit 56 and closes the first flow path P1. Specifically, when the damper device 64 is in a normally open state, the valve element 80 is disposed in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the first flow path P1, opens the inlet 56a of the ventilation conduit 56, and closes the first flow path P1. Therefore, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 passes through the ventilation conduit 56 and flows into the room Rin.

[0106] Furthermore, when the valve element 80 is in a normally open state, the valve element 80 comes into contact with the detection unit 84. When the valve element 80 is in contact, the detection unit 84 transmits a signal indicating that the valve element 80 is normally open to the control unit 90. For example, when the valve element 80 is in contact, the detection unit 84 transmits a signal with an output value of "1" to the control unit 90. When the valve element 80 is not in contact, the detection unit 84 transmits a signal with an output value of "0" to the control unit 90.

[0107] For example, when the control unit 90 transmits a damper "open" command as a control command and receives an output value of "1" from the detection unit 84, the control unit 90 determines that the valve element 80 is normally open. When the output value from the detection unit 84 is still "0" even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the control unit 90 transmitted the damper "open" command as a control command, the control unit 90 determines that the valve element 80 is not normally open.

[0108] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the damper device is not operating normally.

[0109] 15, for example, if a foreign object G1 is attached to the valve element 80, the valve element 80 cannot be opened normally. The foreign object G1 includes, for example, dust, insects, water, and / or ice. In this case, the valve element 80 does not come into contact with the detection unit 84, and the detection unit 84 detects that the valve element 80 is not opening normally.

[0110] In this way, if foreign matter G1 is attached to the damper device 64, the damper device 64 cannot open or close normally. In the damper control according to this embodiment, it is detected that the valve body 80 of the damper device 64 is not opening or closing normally, and if the valve body 80 is not opening or closing normally, air is blown by the first fan 62. In this way, the foreign matter G1 attached to the damper device 64 is removed.

[0111] Fig. 16 is a flowchart of damper control when the damper device is opened, and Fig. 17 is a timing chart of damper control when the damper device is opened. Fig. 17(a) shows the control command, Fig. 17(b) shows the opening and closing control of the damper device (valve body), Fig. 17(c) shows the detection state of the detection unit, Fig. 17(d) shows the on / off control of the first fan, and Fig. 17(e) shows the on / off control of the damper motor.

[0112] 16 and 17, in step S31, the control unit 90 performs control to open the damper device 64. The control unit 90 transmits a damper "open" command to the damper motor 82 of the damper device 64.

[0113] The damper motor 82 starts to rotate when it receives the damper "open" command from the control unit 90. As a result, the valve element 80 starts to open.

[0114] In step S32, the detection unit 84 detects whether the damper device 64 is open or closed. The detection unit 84 detects whether the valve element 80 is normally open. In the present embodiment, the detection unit 84 is a limit sensor. Therefore, the detection unit 84 detects whether the valve element 80 is normally open based on whether the valve element 80 is in contact. For example, the detection unit 84 detects that the valve element 80 is normally open when the valve element 80 is in contact.

[0115] For example, when the valve element 80 is in contact, the detection unit 84 transmits a signal with an output value of "1" to the control unit 90. When the valve element 80 is not in contact, the detection unit 84 transmits a signal with an output value of "0" to the control unit 90.

[0116] In step S33, the control unit 90 determines whether the damper device 64 is open. If the control unit 90 determines that the damper device 64 is open, the process ends. If the control unit 90 determines that the damper device 64 is not open, the process proceeds to step S34.

[0117] The control unit 90 determines whether the valve element 80 is normally open or not based on the detection result of the detection unit 84. Specifically, the control unit 90 determines whether the valve element 80 is normally open or not based on the detection result of the detection unit 84 and the control command.

[0118] For example, the control unit 90 determines that the valve element 80 is normally open when the control command is a damper "open" command and the control unit 90 receives a signal with an output value of "1" from the detection unit 84. Alternatively, the control unit 90 determines that the valve element 80 is normally open when the control command is a damper "open" command and the control unit 90 receives a signal with an output value of "1" from the detection unit 84 for a predetermined period of time.

[0119] In step S34, the control unit 90 rotates the first fan 62. When the control unit 90 determines that the valve body 80 is not open, the control unit 90 drives the first fan 62 to rotate. Specifically, the control unit 90 turns on the first fan 62 to blow outside air A3 into the first flow path P1. As a result, the outside air A3 blown from the first fan 62 removes foreign matter G1 adhering to the damper device 64.

[0120] After driving the first fan 62 to rotate for a predetermined time, the control unit 90 stops the first fan 62. After driving the first fan 62 to rotate, the process returns to step S33.

[0121] As described above, in the damper control for opening the damper device 64, the control unit 90 performs steps S31 to S34. In this way, by performing damper control, when foreign matter G1 has adhered to the damper device 64 and the damper device 64 cannot open normally, the first fan 62 is driven to blow outside air A3, thereby removing the foreign matter G1.

[0122] In the above-described control, the damper control for opening the damper device 64 has been described, but the same applies to the damper control for closing the damper device 64 (for example, step S70 shown in FIG. 7).

[0123] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the damper control when the damper device is closed.

[0124] 18, in step S31A, the control unit 90 performs control to close the damper device 64. The control unit 90 transmits a damper "close" command to the damper motor 82 of the damper device 64.

[0125] The damper motor 82 starts to rotate when it receives a damper "close" command from the control unit 90. As a result, the valve element 80 starts to close.

[0126] In step S32A, the detector 84 detects whether the damper device 64 is open or closed. If the detector 84 is a limit sensor, the detector 84 may be disposed at the inlet 64a of the ventilation conduit 56. The detector 84 detects whether the valve disc 80 is normally closed based on whether the valve disc 80 is in contact with the inlet 56a of the ventilation conduit 56. For example, the detector 84 detects that the valve disc 80 is normally closed when the valve disc 80 is in contact with the inlet 56a of the ventilation conduit 56.

[0127] For example, when the valve element 80 is in contact, the detection unit 84 transmits a signal with an output value of "1" to the control unit 90. When the valve element 80 is not in contact, the detection unit 84 transmits a signal with an output value of "0" to the control unit 90.

[0128] In step S33A, the control unit 90 determines whether the damper device 64 is closed. If the control unit 90 determines that the damper device 64 is closed, the process ends. If the control unit 90 determines that the damper device 64 is not closed, the process proceeds to step S34.

[0129] The control unit 90 determines whether the valve element 80 is normally closed based on the detection result of the detection unit 84. Specifically, the control unit 90 determines whether the valve element 80 is normally closed based on the detection result of the detection unit 84 and the control command.

[0130] For example, the control unit 90 determines that the valve element 80 is normally closed when the control command is a damper "close" command and the control unit 90 receives a signal with an output value of "1" from the detection unit 84. Alternatively, the control unit 90 determines that the valve element 80 is normally closed when the control command is a damper "close" command and the control unit 90 receives a signal with an output value of "1" from the detection unit 84 for a predetermined period of time.

[0131] In step S34, the control unit 90 rotates the first fan 62. As a result, the outside air A3 blown from the first fan 62 removes the foreign matter G1 adhering to the damper device 64.

[0132] After driving the first fan 62 to rotate for a predetermined time, the control unit 90 stops the first fan 62. After driving the first fan 62 to rotate, the process returns to step S33A.

[0133] As described above, the control unit 90 performs steps S31A to S34 in the damper control for closing the damper device 64. By performing the damper control in this manner, when a foreign object G1 adheres to the damper device 64 and the damper device 64 cannot open or close normally, the first fan 62 can be driven to remove the foreign object G1.

[0134] Although the above-described damper control is performed when the damper device 64 is opened or closed, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the above-described damper control may be performed when it is detected that the damper device 64 is not being opened or closed normally during normal operation, including humidification operation and dehumidification operation.

[0135] In the present embodiment, the damper motor 82 is a stepping motor, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the damper motor 82 may be any actuator that can open and close the valve element 80.

[0136] In the present embodiment, an example in which the detection unit 84 is a limit sensor has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The detection unit 84 may be any sensor that can detect the opening and closing of the valve element 80. For example, the detection unit 84 may be a distance measurement sensor such as an infrared sensor. The control unit 90 may determine whether the valve element 80 is opening and closing normally based on information about the distance measured by the distance measurement sensor.

[0137] Next, a modified damper control will be described. In the modified damper control, the torque of the damper motor 82 is increased.

[0138] Fig. 19 is a flowchart of the damper control of the modified example, and Fig. 20 is a timing chart of the damper control of the modified example. Fig. 20(a) shows the control command, Fig. 20(b) shows the open / close control of the damper device (valve body), Fig. 20(c) shows the detection state of the detection unit, Fig. 20(d) shows the on / off control of the first fan, and Fig. 20(e) shows the on / off control and torque of the damper motor.

[0139] 19 and 20, the damper control of the modified example differs from the damper control described above in that it includes step S35, which increases the torque of the damper motor. The other processes in the modified example are the same as those in the damper control described above. Therefore, step S35 will be described.

[0140] In step S35, the control unit 90 increases the torque of the damper motor 82. The control unit 90 reduces the pulse rate (PPS) of the damper motor 82. Because the damper motor 82 is a stepping motor, the torque can be increased by reducing the pulse rate.

[0141] The control unit 90 transmits a control command to the damper motor 82 to reduce the pulse rate. Upon receiving the control command from the control unit 90, the damper motor 82 reduces the pulse rate. This allows the torque of the damper motor 82 to be increased.

[0142] Increasing the torque of the damper motor 82 increases the force with which the damper motor 82 rotates the valve body 80. Therefore, by increasing the torque of the damper motor 82, it is possible to increase the force with which the valve body 80 is opened and closed. This allows the valve body 80 to be opened normally even if a foreign object G1 is attached to the damper device 64.

[0143] As described above, in the damper control of the modified example, the control unit 90 performs steps S31 to S35. In this way, the opening force of the valve body 80 can be increased by increasing the torque of the damper motor 82. This allows the valve body 80 to open normally even if foreign matter G1 is attached to the damper device 64.

[0144] In the damper control of the modified example, step S34 of rotating the first fan 62 is not an essential process. In the damper control of the modified example, step S34 does not have to be performed.

[0145] Furthermore, the example of controlling the torque of the damper motor 82 has been described as controlling the pulse rate of the damper motor 82, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0146] Next, another modified damper control will be described. In the damper control of the other modified damper control, the heaters 58 and 60 are turned on and the absorber 52 is rotated.

[0147] Fig. 21 is a flowchart of damper control according to another modified example, and Fig. 22 is a timing chart of damper control according to another modified example. Fig. 22(a) shows a control command, Fig. 22(b) shows open / close control of the damper device (valve body), Fig. 22(c) shows the detection state of the detection unit, Fig. 22(d) shows on / off control of the first fan, Fig. 22(e) shows on / off control of the heater, and Fig. 22(f) shows on / off control of the motor that rotates the absorber.

[0148] 21 and 22, the damper control of this modified example differs from the damper control described above in that it includes step S36, which turns on the heaters 58 and 60, and step S37, which rotates the absorber 52. The other processes in this modified example are the same as those in the damper control described above. Therefore, steps S36 and S37 will be described.

[0149] In step S36, the control unit 90 turns on the heaters 58 and 60. The control unit 90 turns on the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, which heat the outside air A3 upstream of the absorbent 52 in the first flow path P1, to heat the outside air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1. As a result, when the heated outside air A3 passes through the damper device 64, foreign matter G1, such as ice adhering to the damper device 64 and melting due to heat, can be removed.

[0150] In step S37, the control unit 90 rotates the absorbent material 52. The control unit 90 drives the motor 54 that rotates the absorbent material 52, thereby rotating the absorbent material 52. This makes it possible to prevent the heat from the heaters 58, 60 from concentrating on a part of the absorbent material 52. In other words, it is possible to prevent the absorbent material 52 from being locally heated by the heaters 58, 60.

[0151] As described above, in another modified damper control, the control unit 90 performs steps S31 to S34 and S36 to S37. In this manner, when foreign matter G1 such as ice is attached, the heaters 58, 60 are turned on to blow air heated by the heaters 58, 60 into the damper device 64. This melts the foreign matter G1, thereby removing the foreign matter G1 attached to the damper device 64.

[0152] In the damper control of the other modified example, step S37 of rotating the absorber 52 is not an essential process. In the damper control of the other modified example, step S37 does not have to be performed.

[0153] In another modified example of damper control, the control unit 90 may acquire outdoor temperature information and determine whether to turn on the heaters 58, 60 based on the outdoor temperature information. For example, the outdoor unit 30 may be equipped with a temperature sensor that acquires outdoor temperature information. The control unit 90 may determine whether to turn on the heaters 58, 60 based on the outdoor temperature information acquired by the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the air conditioner 10 may be equipped with a communication device that communicates with an external device such as a server. The control unit 90 may acquire outdoor temperature information from the external device via the communication device and determine whether to turn on the heaters 58, 60 based on the outdoor temperature information acquired from the external device.

[0154] Furthermore, another modified damper control may include step S35 of increasing the torque of the damper motor 82 in the modified damper control.

[0155] <Hose Drying Control> The hose dry control will now be described in detail.

[0156] Fig. 23 is a flowchart of the hose drying control, and Fig. 24 is a timing chart of the hose drying control. Fig. 24(a) shows the opening and closing control of the damper device, Fig. 24(b) shows the on / off control of the first fan, and Fig. 24(c) shows the on / off control of the second fan.

[0157] 23 and 24, in step S61, the control unit 90 performs damper “open” control. The control unit 90 opens the damper device 64 to distribute the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 to the ventilation duct 56.

[0158] The ventilation duct 56 connects the first flow path P1 and the indoor unit 20 via a damper device 64. Therefore, the control unit 90 can control the damper device 64 to distribute the outdoor air A3 to the ventilation duct 56.

[0159] If the damper device 64 has been open before step S61, the control unit 90 maintains the damper device 64 in the open state in step S61.

[0160] In step S62, the control unit 90 rotates the first fan 62. The control unit 90 turns on the first fan 62 to send the outdoor air A3 through the first flow path P1. That is, the control unit 90 drives the first fan 62 to rotate and sends the dry outdoor air A3 from the first flow path P1 to the ventilation duct 56. As a result, the inside of the ventilation duct 56 is dried by the dry outdoor air A3 sent from the first fan 62. Here, dry outdoor air A3 refers to, for example, outdoor air A3 that is not saturated. "Outdoor air that is not saturated" refers to a state in which outdoor air does not contain the maximum amount of moisture. For example, the humidity of the outdoor air A3 may be 70% or less, preferably 50% or less, and more preferably 30% or less.

[0161] If the first fan 62 has been rotating before step S62, the control unit 90 maintains the state in which the first fan 62 is rotating in step S62.

[0162] In step S63, the control unit 90 stops the second fan 66. The control unit 90 turns off the second fan 66 and stops blowing the outdoor air A4 through the second flow path P2. That is, the control unit 90 stops the rotation of the second fan 66 and stops blowing the outdoor air A4 through the second flow path P2. This causes the absorbent material 52 to stop absorbing moisture, and the outdoor air A3 blown from the first fan 62 can be dried.

[0163] In step S64, the control unit 90 determines whether a predetermined time t61 has elapsed. If the control unit 90 determines that the predetermined time t61 has elapsed, the process ends. If the control unit 90 determines that the predetermined time t61 has not elapsed, the process returns to step S62.

[0164] For example, the predetermined time t61 is not less than 3 minutes and not more than 30 minutes. Preferably, the predetermined time t61 is 10 minutes.

[0165] As described above, in the hose drying control, the control unit 90 carries out steps S61 to S64. In this way, by performing the hose drying control, it is possible to dry the inside of the hose, i.e., the inside of the ventilation conduit 56. For example, by performing the hose drying control after the end of the humidification operation, it is possible to dry the inside of the ventilation conduit 56 and suppress the occurrence of condensation.

[0166] The hose drying control does not necessarily have to be performed after the humidification operation has ended. For example, the hose drying control may be performed based on the humidity or amount of condensation in the ventilation conduit 56, or may be performed at predetermined time intervals.

[0167] In step S64, the hose drying control is ended after the predetermined time t61 has elapsed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the hose drying control may be ended based on the humidity or the amount of condensation in the ventilation conduit 56.

[0168] Next, a modified hose dry control will be described. In the modified hose dry control, the absorbent material 52 is rotated and the heaters 58 and 60 are turned on.

[0169] Fig. 25 is a flowchart of the hose drying control of the modified example, and Fig. 26 is a timing chart of the hose drying control of the modified example. Note that Fig. 26(a) shows the opening and closing control of the damper device, Fig. 26(b) shows the on / off control of the first fan, Fig. 26(c) shows the on / off control of the second fan, Fig. 26(d) shows the on / off control of the motor that rotates the absorbent material, and Fig. 26(e) shows the on / off control of the heater.

[0170] 25 and 26, the hose drying control of the modified example differs from the hose drying control described above in that it includes step S63A for rotating absorbent material 52 and step S63B for turning on heaters 58 and 60. The other processes in the modified example are the same as those in the hose drying control described above. Therefore, steps S63A and S63B will be described.

[0171] In step S63A, the control unit 90 rotates the absorbent material 52. The control unit 90 drives the motor 54 that rotates the absorbent material 52, thereby rotating the absorbent material 52. This makes it possible to prevent the absorbent material 52 from being locally heated when the heaters 58, 60 are turned on to heat the absorbent material 52 in step S63B.

[0172] In step S63B, the control unit 90 turns on the heaters 58 and 60. The control unit 90 turns on the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, which heat the outdoor air A3 upstream of the absorbent 52 in the first flow path P1, to heat the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1. This dries the outdoor air A3, and the dried outdoor air A3 can be sent into the ventilation duct 56.

[0173] As described above, in the hose drying control of the modified example, the control unit 90 further performs steps S63A and S63B. In the hose drying control of the modified example, the heaters 58, 60 are turned on to dry the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1. This makes it easier to dry the inside of the ventilation conduit 56. For example, when the humidity of the outdoor air A3 is high, the humidity of the outdoor air A3 can be reduced by heating it with the heaters 58, 60. Furthermore, by rotating the absorbent material 52, damage to the absorbent material 52 due to heating by the heaters 58, 60 can be prevented.

[0174] Next, another modified example of hose dry control will be described. In this modified example of hose dry control, the control unit 90 determines whether to turn the heaters 58, 60 on or off based on humidity information within the ventilation conduit 56.

[0175] FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to another modified example.

[0176] 27, in another modification, the air conditioner 10 is provided with a humidity sensor 86 that acquires humidity information inside the ventilation duct 56. The humidity sensor 86 is disposed, for example, in a nozzle on the outlet side of the ventilation duct 56 that is connected to the indoor unit 20.

[0177] The control unit 90 controls the damper device 64 and the first fan 62 based on humidity information acquired by the humidity sensor 86. For example, when the humidity in the ventilation duct 56 acquired by the humidity sensor 86 reaches or exceeds a threshold, the control unit 90 distributes dry outdoor air A3 to the ventilation duct 56 and drives the first fan to rotate. This sends dry outdoor air A3 into the ventilation duct 56.

[0178] FIG. 28 is a flowchart of another modified example of hose drying control.

[0179] 28, the hose dry control of this modified example differs from the hose dry control of the modified example described above in that it includes step S63C of acquiring humidity information in the ventilation conduit 56 and step S63D of determining whether the humidity in the ventilation conduit 56 is equal to or greater than a threshold. The other processes in this modified example are the same as those in the hose dry control of the modified example described above. Therefore, steps S63C and S63D will be described.

[0180] In step S63C, the humidity sensor 86 acquires humidity information within the ventilation duct 56. The humidity information is the humidity within the ventilation duct 56. The humidity sensor 86 acquires the humidity information and transmits it to the control unit 90.

[0181] In step S63D, the control unit 90 determines whether to turn on the heater based on the humidity information. If the control unit 90 determines that the humidity is equal to or greater than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S63A. If the control unit 90 determines that the humidity is less than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S64.

[0182] The control unit 90 determines whether the humidity acquired by the humidity sensor 86 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. For example, the threshold value is set to 90%. Note that the threshold value is not limited to 90% and may be set to any value.

[0183] As described above, the hose drying control of another modified example further performs steps S63C and S63D, which allows a determination to be made as to whether or not to turn on the heaters 58, 60 in accordance with humidity information within the ventilation conduit 56. As a result, the hose drying control can be performed efficiently.

[0184] Note that, in step S63C, an example has been described in which the humidity sensor 86 acquires the humidity inside the ventilation duct 56, but this is not limiting. For example, the control unit 90 may acquire information related to the humidity inside the ventilation duct 56. Information related to humidity includes, for example, the amount of condensation and the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the ventilation duct 56. For example, the control unit 90 may acquire the amount of condensation inside the ventilation duct 56 and determine to turn on the heaters 58, 60 based on the amount of condensation. Alternatively, the air conditioner 10 may include multiple temperature sensors arranged at the inlet and outlet of the ventilation duct 56, and the control unit 90 may determine to turn on the heaters 58, 60 based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the ventilation duct 56.

[0185] Alternatively, steps S63C and S63D may be performed before step S61. In this case, the control unit 90 may determine whether to perform steps S61 to S64 based on humidity information acquired by the humidity sensor 86. That is, the control unit 90 may control the damper device 64 and the first fan 62 based on the humidity information acquired by the humidity sensor 86 to send dry outdoor air A3 to the ventilation duct 56. For example, when the humidity acquired by the humidity sensor 86 is 70% or higher, the control unit 90 may control the damper device 64 and the first fan 62 to send dry outdoor air A3 to the ventilation duct 56.

[0186] The control unit 90 may also obtain information related to the humidity in the ventilation duct 56 and control the damper device 64 and the first fan 62 based on the information. For example, when the amount of condensation in the ventilation duct 56 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 90 may control the damper device 64 and the first fan 62 to send dry outdoor air A3 to the ventilation duct 56. Alternatively, when the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the ventilation duct 56 is 10°C or greater, the control unit 90 may control the damper device 64 and the first fan 62 to send dry outdoor air A3 to the ventilation duct 56.

[0187] <Heater residual heat removal control> Next, the operation from turning on to turning off the humidifying operation in the modified example will be described. In this modified example, control is further performed to eliminate preheating of the heater.

[0188] FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the operation from ON to OFF of the humidifying operation in the modified example.

[0189] 29, the process includes heater residual heat removal control as step S80. Heater residual heat removal control is control for removing residual heat from heaters 58, 60. In step S80, control unit 90 performs control for cooling heaters 58, 60.

[0190] In this embodiment, step S80 is performed after steps S10 to S70 have been performed.

[0191] Fig. 30 is a flowchart of heater residual heat removal control, and Fig. 31 is a timing chart of heater residual heat removal control. Fig. 31(a) shows opening / closing control of the damper device, Fig. 31(b) shows on / off control of the first fan, Fig. 31(c) shows on / off control of the second fan, Fig. 31(d) shows on / off control of the motor that rotates the absorbent material, and Fig. 31(e) shows on / off control of the heater. Note that Fig. 31 shows an example in which heater residual heat removal control is performed after hose drying control.

[0192] 30 and 31, in step S81, the control unit 90 performs control to close the damper device 64. Specifically, the control unit 90 sends a damper "close" command to the damper motor 82 of the damper device 64. This closes the damper device 64, and the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 is discharged to the outdoor air Rout.

[0193] If the damper device 64 has been closed before step S81, the control unit 90 maintains the damper device 64 in the closed state.

[0194] In step S82, the control unit 90 turns off the heaters 58 and 60. As a result, heating by the heaters 58 and 60 is stopped.

[0195] In step S83, the control unit 90 rotates the first fan 62. The control unit 90 turns on the first fan 62 to send the outside air A3 to the first flow path P1. That is, the control unit 90 drives the first fan 62 to rotate and exhausts the outside air A3 from the first flow path P1 to the outside Rout. As a result, the heaters 58, 60 are cooled by the outside air A3 sent from the first fan 62.

[0196] In step S84, the control unit 90 rotates the second fan 66. The control unit 90 turns on the second fan 66 to send the outside air A4 to the second flow path P2. That is, the control unit 90 drives the second fan 66 to rotate and discharges the outside air A4 from the second flow path P2 to the outside Rout. This prevents the absorbent material 52 from drying out due to the outside air A3 sent from the second fan 66.

[0197] In step S85, the control unit 90 rotates the absorbent material 52. The control unit 90 drives the motor 54 that rotates the absorbent material 52, thereby rotating the absorbent material 52. This makes it possible to prevent the absorbent material 52 from being locally heated by residual heat from the heaters 58 and 60.

[0198] In step S86, the control unit 90 determines whether a predetermined time t81 has elapsed. If the control unit 90 determines that the predetermined time t81 has elapsed, it ends the heater residual heat removal control. If the control unit 90 determines that the predetermined time t81 has not elapsed, it repeats steps S82 to S85. The predetermined time t81 is, for example, not less than 30 seconds and not more than 2 minutes. Preferably, the predetermined time t81 is 1 minute.

[0199] As described above, in the heater residual heat removal control, steps S81 to S86 are carried out by the control unit 90. In this manner, by performing the heater residual heat removal control, residual heat from the heaters 58 and 60 can be removed.

[0200] Note that steps S84 and S85 are not essential processes. For example, in heater residual heat removal control, step S84 and / or step S85 do not have to be performed. That is, the control unit 90 only needs to rotate the first fan 62, and does not have to rotate the second fan 66 and the absorbent material 52.

[0201] In the present embodiment, the heater residual heat removal control is performed after the hose drying control, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the heater residual heat removal control may be performed when the temperature of the heaters 58 and 60 exceeds a threshold temperature.

[0202] <Fan rotation speed setting control> Next, the setting control of the fan rotation speed will be described.

[0203] In the air conditioner 10, the fan rotation speed of the first fan 62 is controlled in accordance with the hose length. In this specification, the "hose length" refers to the length of the ventilation conduit 56.

[0204] FIG. 32 is an instruction rotation speed table in which an instruction rotation speed is assigned according to the hose length. In FIG. 32, the hose length L becomes longer from L1 to L6, and the instruction rotation speed R1 of the first fan 62 becomes larger from R11 to R16. The "instruction rotation speed R1" means the maximum rotation speed of the first fan 62 set according to the hose length L.

[0205] As shown in FIG. 32, the instruction rotation speed R1 of the first fan 62 is assigned according to the hose length L. For example, the instruction rotation speed R1 of the first fan 62 is set at the initial setting when the air conditioner 10 is installed.

[0206] In the air conditioner 10, the control unit 90 refers to the instruction rotation speed table and sets the instruction rotation speed R1 of the first fan 62 according to the hose length L. For example, at the initial setting of the air conditioner 10, an operator inputs a hose length L < L1 via the input interface. The control unit 90 refers to the instruction rotation speed table and sets the instruction rotation speed R11 corresponding to the hose length L < L1. Or, the operator inputs a hose length L3 ≦ L < L4 via the input interface. The control unit 90 refers to the instruction rotation speed table and sets the instruction rotation speed R14 corresponding to the hose length L3 ≦ L < L4.

[0207] In this way, the control unit 90 adjusts to the optimal fan rotation speed by setting the instruction rotation speed R1 of the first fan 62 according to the hose length L. The longer the hose length L is, the greater the blowing resistance becomes. Therefore, in the air conditioner 10, as the hose length L becomes longer, the fan rotation speed of the first fan 62 is increased to blow a sufficient amount of outdoor air A3 to the indoor unit 20. Thereby, performance degradation such as humidifying ability can be suppressed.

[0208] Furthermore, when the hose length L is relatively short, it is possible to suppress noise caused by the fan and perform control taking into consideration the durability of the first fan 62 by rotating the first fan 62 at a fan rotation speed lower than the rotation speed limit value of the first fan 62. The rotation speed limit value refers to the limit value of the rotation speed that does not significantly reduce the durability of the first fan 62, and is determined by the fan specifications, etc.

[0209] FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing a configuration for controlling the fan rotation speed.

[0210] 33 , the first fan 62 is driven to rotate by a fan motor 62A. The fan motor 62A is controlled by the control unit 90. Specifically, the fan motor 62A receives a control command from the control unit 90 and drives the first fan 62 to rotate based on the control command. The control unit 90 rotates the first fan 62 with the damper device 64 open, thereby blowing outdoor air A3 into the ventilation duct 56.

[0211] The control command includes an instructed rotation speed R1. The instructed rotation speed R1 is stored in the storage unit 92. The control unit 90 reads out the instructed rotation speed R1 from the storage unit 92 and transmits the control command to the fan motor 62A.

[0212] In the present embodiment, the storage unit 92 stores an instruction rotation speed table 94 shown in FIG.

[0213] As described above, for example, during initial configuration of the air conditioner 10, the instructed rotation speed R1 of the first fan 62 is set by the operator inputting the hose length L via the input interface. The set instructed rotation speed R1 is stored in the memory unit 92. The control unit 90 reads out the instructed rotation speed R1 from the memory unit 92 when driving the first fan 62 to rotate.

[0214] Here, when the DC voltage applied to the fan motor 62A falls below a predetermined threshold value, or when the operator has incorrectly entered the hose length L, the first fan 62 may not be rotationally driven at an optimal rotational speed, and a deviation may occur between the indicated rotational speed R1 of the first fan 62 and the actual rotational speed.

[0215] For example, when the DC voltage required to rotate the first fan 62 is DC240V and is applied to the fan motor 62A, the predetermined threshold value is set to DC240V. In this case, when the DC voltage applied to the fan motor 62A is less than DC240V, the actual rotational speed of the first fan 62 is less than the indicated rotational speed R1. Thus, when the DC voltage applied to the fan motor 62A falls below the predetermined threshold value, a deviation occurs between the indicated rotational speed R1 of the first fan 62 and the actual rotational speed.

[0216] For example, when the hose length L set in the initial setting is "L4 ≦ L < L5", the indicated rotational speed R1 of the first fan 62 is set to R15. When the actual hose length is "L < L1", if the first fan 62 is rotated with the indicated rotational speed R1 = R15, since the resistance of the hose is small, the air volume tends to be relatively large. When the air volume increases, the torque of the fan motor 62A tends to increase. However, since the fan motor 62A does not produce torque exceeding the motor specifications, the actual rotational speed of the first fan motor 62 is less than the indicated rotational speed R15. Thus, when the setting of the hose length L at the time of initial setting is incorrect, a deviation occurs between the indicated rotational speed R1 of the first fan 62 and the actual rotational speed.

[0217] Also, when the fan motor 62A continues to rotationally drive the first fan 62 near the rotational speed limit value, problems such as noise or abnormal noise occurring from the first fan 62 and the durability of the fan motor 62A decreasing also occur.

[0218] Therefore, the control unit 90 acquires the actual rotation speed of the first fan 62 and corrects the commanded rotation speed R1 based on the commanded rotation speed R1 and the actual rotation speed. For example, when the control unit 90 determines that there is a deviation between the commanded rotation speed R1 and the actual rotation speed, it determines whether the voltage applied to the fan motor 62A is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value. When the voltage applied to the fan motor 62A is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold value, the control unit 90 corrects the commanded rotation speed R1 based on the commanded rotation speed R1 and the actual rotation speed.

[0219] FIG. 34 is a flowchart of the setting control of the fan rotation speed, and FIG. 35 is a timing chart of the setting control of the fan rotation speed. FIG. 35(a) shows the commanded rotation speed of the first fan, and FIG. 35(b) shows the actual rotation speed of the first fan. In FIG. 35, although the actual hose length is L < L1, an example of correcting the commanded rotation speed R1 based on the actual rotation speed Rs when the initial setting is mistakenly set to the hose length L3 ≦ L < L4 and the commanded rotation speed R1 = R14 is shown.

[0220] As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, in step S91, the control unit 90 acquires the commanded rotation speed R1 of the first fan 62. The control unit 90 reads out the commanded rotation speed R1 of the first fan 62 from the storage unit 92. The commanded rotation speed R1 is set to the commanded rotation speed R14 corresponding to the hose length L3 ≦ L < L4 input at the initial setting.

[0221] In step S92, the control unit 90 rotates the first fan 62 based on the commanded rotation speed R1 = R14 of the first fan 62. The control unit 90 transmits the commanded rotation speed R14 to the fan motor 62A that rotationally drives the first fan 62. The fan motor 62A rotationally drives the first fan 62 based on the commanded rotation speed R1 = R14.

[0222] In step S93, the control unit 90 acquires the actual rotation speed Rs of the first fan 62. The actual rotation speed Rs is the actual rotation speed of the first fan 62. The control unit 90 acquires the actual rotation speed Rs of the first fan 62 from the fan motor 62A.

[0223] In step S94, the control unit 90 determines whether a predetermined time t91 has elapsed. If the control unit 90 determines that the predetermined time t91 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S95. If the control unit 90 determines that the predetermined time t91 has not elapsed, steps S92 to S93 are repeated. The predetermined time t91 is, for example, 5 minutes or more and 30 minutes or less.

[0224] In step S95, the control unit 90 determines whether there is a discrepancy between the actual rotation speed Rs and the instructed rotation speed R1. If the control unit 90 determines that there is a discrepancy, the process proceeds to step S96. If the control unit 90 determines that there is no discrepancy, the process ends. In this embodiment, if the control unit 90 determines that there is a discrepancy between the instructed rotation speed R1 and the actual rotation speed, the control unit 90 determines whether the voltage applied to the fan motor 62A is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. If the voltage applied to the fan motor 62A is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to step S96.

[0225] For example, the control unit 90 calculates the difference between the command rotation speed R1 and the actual rotation speed Rs. If the calculated difference exceeds a threshold value for a predetermined time t91, the control unit 90 determines that there is a discrepancy between the actual rotation speed Rs and the command rotation speed R1. For example, the threshold value is set to 400 rpm. Note that the threshold value is not limited to 400 rpm and may be set to any value.

[0226] In step S96, the control unit 90 corrects the instructed rotation speed R1 of the first fan 62. For example, the control unit 90 corrects the instructed rotation speed R1 to be close to the actual rotation speed Rs. In other words, the control unit 90 corrects the instructed rotation speed R1 to be within a predetermined range from the actual rotation speed Rs. "Within a predetermined range from the actual rotation speed Es" means within ±5% of the actual rotation speed Rs. Alternatively, "within a predetermined range from the actual rotation speed Rs" means within ±200 rpm of the actual rotation speed Rs. Preferably, the control unit 90 corrects the instructed rotation speed R1 to be equal to or less than the actual rotation speed Rs.

[0227] In this embodiment, the control unit 90 reads out the instruction rotation speed table 94 from the storage unit 92, and corrects the instruction rotation speed R1 based on the instruction rotation speed table 94 and the actual rotation speed Rs. Specifically, the control unit 90 selects an instruction rotation speed close to the actual rotation speed Rs from the instruction rotation speeds R11 to R16 in the instruction rotation speed table 94. For example, the control unit 90 calculates the difference between the actual rotation speed Rs and the instruction rotation speeds R11 to R16, and corrects the instruction rotation speed R1 to be the instruction rotation speed among the instruction rotation speeds R11 to R16 that has the smallest difference.

[0228] In this embodiment, the control unit 90 reduces the command rotation speed R1 to a command rotation speed R11 that is substantially equal to the actual rotation speed Rs.

[0229] The control unit 90 stores the corrected instructed rotation speed R1 in the storage unit 92. This allows the set value of the instructed rotation speed R1 of the first fan 62 to be stored.

[0230] As described above, in the setting control of the fan rotation speed, steps S91 to S96 are carried out by the control unit 90. In this way, even if the setting of the fan rotation speed of the first fan 62 is incorrect, it is possible to correct it to an optimal fan rotation speed by performing the setting control of the fan rotation speed.

[0231] In the present embodiment, the control unit 90 sets or corrects the instructed number of rotations R1 using the instructed number of rotations table 94, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control unit 90 may set or correct the instructed number of rotations R1 without using the instructed number of rotations table 94.

[0232] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 90 corrects the instructed rotation speed R1 based on the actual rotation speed Rs and the instructed rotation speed R1, but this is not limiting. For example, the control unit 90 may correct the instructed rotation speed R1 based on the maximum airflow rate of the first fan 62. As the hose length L increases, the airflow resistance increases, and therefore the airflow rate from the first fan 62 decreases. For this reason, the control unit 90 may correct the instructed rotation speed R1 based on the deviation from the maximum airflow rate of the first fan 62.

[0233] Furthermore, the control unit 90 may correct the instructed rotation speed R2 of the second fan 66 together with correcting the instructed rotation speed R1 of the first fan 62.

[0234] Figure 36 is a modified example of a recommended rotation speed table. In Figure 36, the maximum air volume M1 of the first fan 62 decreases from M11 to M16, and the recommended rotation speed R2 of the second fan 66 decreases from R21 to R26. The "recommended rotation speed R2" refers to the maximum rotation speed of the second fan 66 set according to the hose length L.

[0235] As shown in FIG. 36 , in the modified command rotation speed table, the maximum airflow rate M1 of the first fan 62 and the command rotation speed R2 of the second fan 66 are assigned according to the hose length L. When the hose length L is input during initial setup, the control unit 90 may use the command rotation speed table shown in FIG. 36 to set the command rotation speed R2 of the second fan in addition to the command rotation speed R1 of the first fan 62. Furthermore, when correcting the command rotation speed R1 of the first fan 62, the control unit 90 may also use the command rotation speed table shown in FIG. 36 to correct the command rotation speed R2 of the second fan 66. For example, when correcting the command rotation speed R1 of the first fan 62 from R15 to R12, the control unit 90 may also correct the command rotation speed R2 of the second fan 66 from R25 to R22. In this manner, the control unit 90 may correct the command rotation speeds of the first fan 62 and the second fan 66 to the same set value for the hose length L.

[0236] Correcting the instructed rotation speed R2 of the second fan 66 can prevent a decrease in humidification performance. For example, if the instructed rotation speed R2 of the second fan 66 is not set with the correct hose length, the pressure balance between the outdoor air A3 blown by the first fan 62 and the outdoor air A4 blown by the second fan 66 may be disrupted in the absorbent material 52. As a result, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 after passing through the heaters 58 and 60 may be pulled by the outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2, and heat may not be transferred to the absorbent material 52 and may be released to the outside. This may result in a decrease in humidification efficiency. Therefore, the control unit 90 corrects the instructed rotation speed R2 of the second fan 66 in addition to correcting the instructed rotation speed R1 of the first fan 62. This makes it possible to maintain a pressure balance in the absorbent material 52 between the outdoor air A3 blown by the first fan 62 and the outdoor air A4 blown by the second fan 66. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in humidification efficiency.

[0237] Furthermore, the control unit 90 may correct the instructed rotation speed R1 of the first fan 62 based on the maximum airflow M1 of the first fan 62 using the instructed rotation speed table shown in FIG. 36. For example, the control unit 90 may determine whether there is a discrepancy between the maximum airflow M1 of the first fan 62 and the actual airflow. For example, the actual airflow may be detected by a sensor or calculated based on input from the fan motor 62A. If there is a discrepancy between the maximum airflow M1 and the actual airflow, the control unit 90 may correct the instructed rotation speed R1 of the first fan 62 to an instructed rotation speed corresponding to the actual airflow using the instructed rotation speed table shown in FIG.

[0238] FIG. 37 is a flowchart of a modified example of fan rotation speed setting control.

[0239] As shown in FIG. 37, in the setting control of the fan rotation speed in the modified example, the command rotation speed R1 of the first fan 62 is automatically set based on the actual rotation speed Rs of the first fan 62 and the input of the fan motor 62A.

[0240] In step S101, the control unit 90 rotates the first fan 62. The control unit 90 turns on the first fan 62 to send the outside air A3 to the first flow path P1.

[0241] In step S102, the control unit 90 acquires the actual rotation speed Rs of the first fan 62.

[0242] In step S103, the control unit 90 acquires the input of the fan motor 62A.

[0243] In step S104, the control unit 90 sets the command rotation speed R1 of the first fan 62 based on the actual rotation speed Rs of the first fan 62 and the input of the fan motor 62A.

[0244] For example, the control unit 90 may estimate the hose length L based on the actual rotation speed Rs of the first fan 62 and the input of the fan motor 62A, and determine the instructed rotation speed R1 based on the estimated hose length L and the instructed rotation speed table 94.

[0245] Alternatively, the control unit 90 may automatically set the command rotation speed R1 based on the actual rotation speed Rs of the first fan 62 and the input of the fan motor 62A, without using the command rotation speed table 94. In this case, it is not necessary to estimate the hose length L.

[0246] As described above, in the fan rotation speed setting control of the modified example, steps S101 to S104 are carried out. In this manner, in the fan rotation speed setting control of the modified example, the command rotation speed R1 of the first fan 62 can be automatically set based on the actual rotation speed Rs of the first fan 62 and the input of the fan motor 62A.

[0247] <Controlling fan speed based on outdoor temperature> Next, the control of the fan rotation speed based on the outdoor temperature will be described.

[0248] FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing a configuration for controlling the fan rotation speed based on the outdoor temperature.

[0249] 38, the air conditioner 10 is provided with a temperature sensor 96 that acquires the outdoor temperature. The control unit 90 controls the rotation speed of the first fan 62 based on the outdoor temperature acquired by the temperature sensor 96.

[0250] FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the control of the fan rotation speed based on the outdoor temperature.

[0251] As shown in FIG. 39, in step S111, the temperature sensor 96 acquires the outdoor temperature.

[0252] In step S112, the control unit 90 determines whether the outdoor temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold value. If the control unit 90 determines that the outdoor temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S113. If the control unit 90 determines that the outdoor temperature is higher than the threshold value, the process returns to step S111. For example, the threshold value is the dew point. Note that the threshold value is not limited to the dew point and may be set to any value.

[0253] In step S113, the control unit 90 increases the rotation speed of the first fan 62.

[0254] As described above, steps S111 to S113 are carried out to control the fan rotation speed based on the outdoor temperature. In this way, when the outdoor temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the rotation speed of the first fan 62 is increased, thereby increasing the flow velocity of the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 and / or the ventilation duct 56. This makes it possible to prevent the temperature in the first flow path P1 and / or the ventilation duct 56 from falling below the dew point, for example, even when the outdoor temperature is equal to or lower than the dew point. As a result, it is possible to prevent condensation from occurring in the first flow path P1 and / or the ventilation duct 56.

[0255] The temperature sensor 96 is not an essential component. The air conditioner 10 does not have to be equipped with the temperature sensor 96. The control unit 90 may acquire outdoor temperature information by means other than the temperature sensor 96. For example, the air conditioner 10 may be equipped with a communication device. The control unit 90 may acquire outdoor temperature information from a server via the communication device.

[0256] <Controlling fan speed based on opening and closing of damper device> Next, the control of the fan rotation speed based on the opening and closing of the damper device will be described.

[0257] FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the control of the fan rotation speed based on the opening and closing of the damper device.

[0258] 40, in step S121, the control unit 90 reduces the rotation speed of the first fan 62. As a result, the blowing amount of the outdoor air A3 sent from the first fan 62 is reduced.

[0259] In step S122, the control unit 90 performs damper control. The control unit 90 performs control to open or close the damper device 64. The damper control may be the opening and closing control of the damper device 64 described above (see FIGS. 16 to 21).

[0260] As described above, steps S121 to S122 are carried out in controlling the fan rotation speed based on the opening and closing of the damper device. In this way, by reducing the rotation speed of the first fan 62 before opening or closing the damper device 64, the damper device 64 can be opened and closed safely.

[0261] It should be noted that, in this specification, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as expressing or implying the relative importance or ranking of technical features. Features qualified as "first" and "second" expressly or imply the inclusion of one or more of such features.

[0262] Furthermore, the above-described cleaning control, damper control, hose drying control, and / or heater residual heat removal control are not limited to being performed before and after the humidifying operation. These controls may be performed during the humidifying operation. Furthermore, these controls are not limited to the humidifying operation, and may be performed before and after other operations such as a dehumidifying operation, or may be performed during other operations.

[0263] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is, in a broad sense, an air conditioner comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, and comprising: an absorbent material provided in the outdoor unit that absorbs moisture in the outdoor air; a first flow path through which the outdoor air flows, passing through the absorbent material; a first fan that sends the outdoor air to the first flow path; a damper device that distributes the outdoor air flowing through the first flow path between the outdoors and the indoor unit; and a control unit that controls the first fan and the damper device, wherein the control unit controls the damper device to distribute the outdoor air to the outdoors and rotates the first fan to exhaust the outdoor air from the first flow path to the outdoors. [Industrial Applicability]

[0264] The present disclosure is applicable to any air conditioner that includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0265] 10 Air conditioner 20 Indoor unit 30 Outdoor unit 40 Four-way valve 50 Ventilation Equipment 52 Absorbent material 54 Motor 56 Ventilation duct 58 First heater 60 Second heater 62 Fan (First Fan) 64 Damper device 66 Fan (Second Fan) 70 Remote Controller 80 Valve body 82 Damper motor 84 Detector 86 Humidity Sensor 90 Control Unit 92 Memory section 94 Indicated Rotation Speed ​​Table 96 Temperature Sensor P1 flow path (first flow path) P2 flow path (second flow path)

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, an absorbent material provided in the outdoor unit that absorbs moisture in the outdoor air; a first flow path through which outdoor air flows, the first flow path passing through the absorbent material; a first fan disposed downstream of the absorbent material and configured to send the outdoor air to the first flow path; a damper device that is disposed downstream of the first fan and that distributes the outdoor air flowing through the first flow path between the outdoor air and the indoor unit; a control unit that controls the first fan and the damper device; Equipped with The control unit Controlling the damper device to distribute the outdoor air to the outside of the room; The first fan is rotationally driven to discharge the outdoor air from the first flow path to the outside of the room. Air conditioner.

2. An air conditioner comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, an absorbent material provided in the outdoor unit that absorbs moisture in the outdoor air; a first flow path through which outdoor air flows, the first flow path passing through the absorbent material; a first fan that sends the outdoor air to the first flow path; a damper device that distributes the outdoor air flowing through the first flow path between the outdoor air and the indoor unit; a second flow path through which outdoor air flows from the outside to the outside of the room, the second flow path passing through the absorbent material; a second fan that generates a flow of outdoor air in the second flow path; a control unit that controls the first fan, the second fan, and the damper device; Equipped with The control unit Controlling the damper device to distribute the outdoor air to the outside of the room; The first fan is rotationally driven to discharge the outdoor air from the first flow path to the outside of the room. The second fan is rotationally driven to discharge the outdoor air from the second flow path to the outside of the room. Air conditioner.

3. An air conditioner comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, an absorbent material provided in the outdoor unit that absorbs moisture in the outdoor air; a first flow path through which outdoor air flows, the first flow path passing through the absorbent material; a first fan that sends the outdoor air to the first flow path; a damper device that distributes the outdoor air flowing through the first flow path between the outdoor air and the indoor unit; a control unit that controls the first fan and the damper device; Equipped with The control unit Before starting a humidifying operation, the damper device is controlled to distribute the outdoor air to the outside of the room, The first fan is rotationally driven to discharge the outdoor air from the first flow path to the outside of the room. Air conditioner.

4. Further provided is a motor that rotates the absorber, The control unit drives the motor to rotate the absorber. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a second flow path through which outdoor air flows from the outside to the outside of the room, the second flow path passing through the absorbent material; a second fan that generates a flow of outdoor air in the second flow path; Further provided with the control unit drives the second fan to rotate and discharges the outdoor air from the second flow path to the outside of the room. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 3.

6. The fan speed of the first fan is greater than the fan speed of the second fan. The air conditioner according to claim 2 or 5.

7. In the absorbent material, the direction of the outdoor air blown by the first fan is different from the direction of the outdoor air blown by the second fan.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The air conditioner further includes a heater that heats the outdoor air upstream of the absorbent material in the first flow path, the control unit turns on the heater to heat the outdoor air flowing through the first flow path. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the control unit controls the damper device to distribute the outdoor air to the outside of the room before starting the humidifying operation, and drives the first fan to rotate to discharge the outdoor air from the first flow path to the outside of the room.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The fan speed of the first fan is higher than the fan speed of the first fan in a humidifying operation. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images