air conditioner

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner that can effectively remove deposits on an indoor heat exchanger in an indoor unit.SOLUTION: An air conditioner 1 comprises an indoor unit 5 comprising an indoor heat exchanger 7, and a control part 3 for controlling air conditioning operation for an air conditioning space in which the indoor unit 5 is installed. When a predetermined water generation condition is satisfied, the control part 3 causes the indoor heat exchanger 7 to function as an evaporator, and performs water generation operation for attaching dew condensation water to the indoor heat exchanger 7. The air conditioner 1 comprises weather data acquisition means 39 for acquiring weather data of a region in which the air conditioner 1 is installed. The control part 3 determines whether the predetermined water generation condition is satisfied or not, on the basis of the weather data acquired by the weather data acquisition means 39.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner that removes deposits from an indoor heat exchanger in an indoor unit. [Background technology]

[0002] In indoor units of air conditioners, dust particles and fungi such as mold, which are finer than the mesh of the filter, can reach the indoor heat exchanger and adhere to the fin surface of the indoor heat exchanger. In such cases, the adhesions can impair heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger, reducing air conditioning performance and potentially reducing user comfort due to the generation of unpleasant odors caused by bacterial growth. To remove such adhesions, Patent Document 1 proposes an invention that condenses water onto the fin surface of the indoor heat exchanger during cooling operation and then heats the condensed water to sterilize it. However, the invention of Patent Document 1 assumes that the indoor air contains sufficient moisture when the cooling operation is performed as a moisture adhesion means. Therefore, when the room is dry, sufficient moisture cannot adhere to the fin surface, resulting in insufficient sterilization.

[0003] Here, Patent Document 2 proposes an air conditioning system equipped with an air conditioner and a humidifier, and proposes that by increasing the humidity in the room through humidification, sufficient condensation water will adhere to the fin surface of the indoor heat exchanger, allowing a cleaning operation to be performed.

[0004] However, in a room that does not have a humidifier, the humidity in the room cannot be increased by humidification, which poses a problem in that sufficient condensation water cannot adhere to the fin surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-109043 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-38911 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can effectively remove deposits from an indoor heat exchanger in the indoor unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an air conditioner comprising an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger and a control unit that controls the air conditioning operation of the air-conditioned space in which the indoor unit is installed, wherein the control unit performs a water generation operation in which, when predetermined water generation conditions are met, the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator and causes condensation water to adhere to the indoor heat exchanger, and the air conditioner has a weather data acquisition means that acquires weather data for the area in which the air conditioner is installed, and the control unit determines whether the predetermined water generation conditions are met based on the weather data acquired by the weather data acquisition means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that can effectively remove deposits from the indoor heat exchanger in the indoor unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a first control flow diagram of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a second control flow diagram of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3 is a third control flow diagram of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 10 is a first control flow diagram of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 is a second control flow diagram of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4C] FIG. 10 is a third control flow diagram of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4 is a fourth control flow diagram of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An air conditioner according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings, although the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioner of the first embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner of the first embodiment. [Example]

[0012] An air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows a refrigerant circuit diagram of the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment. The air conditioner 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 2 and a control unit 3, and is capable of both cooling and heating air conditioning operations. Refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit 2. The air conditioner 1 is capable of both heating and cooling operations, and includes the refrigerant circuit 2, in which an indoor unit 5 located in an indoor air-conditioned space and an outdoor unit 11 located outdoors are connected via refrigerant piping. The outdoor unit 11 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 13, an outdoor blower 16 for blowing outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger 13, an accumulator 17, a compressor 12, a four-way valve 15, and an expansion valve 14. In the refrigerant circuit 2, the four-way valve 15 is located on the discharge side of the compressor 12, and the accumulator 17 is located on the suction side of the compressor 12. The outdoor blower 16 is driven by a fan motor. The indoor unit 5 has a housing 6, and inside the housing 6 are arranged an indoor heat exchanger 7 and an indoor blower 9 for blowing indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 7. The indoor unit 5 also has a human presence sensor 42 that detects the presence of a person in the room that serves as the air-conditioned space in which the indoor unit 5 is installed. The human presence sensor 42 is, for example, an infrared sensor that detects the presence of a person by sensing human movement with infrared rays.

[0013] The indoor heat exchanger 7 includes a heat transfer tube 20 and a plurality of heat dissipation fins 21, which are connected to the heat transfer tube 20. The heat transfer tube 20 and the heat dissipation fins 21 may be made of a metal material such as copper or aluminum. Heat is exchanged between the indoor air and the refrigerant through the heat transfer tube 20 and the heat dissipation fins 21.

[0014] An indoor temperature sensor 29 is provided inside the indoor unit 5 to detect the temperature of the indoor air drawn into the indoor unit 5 before passing through the indoor heat exchanger 7. The accumulator 17 separates the refrigerant flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 7 into gas phase refrigerant and liquid phase refrigerant, and causes only the gas phase refrigerant to be drawn into the compressor 12, so that the liquid refrigerant that has not evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 7, which functions as an evaporator during cooling operation, is not drawn into the compressor 12 and compressed as a liquid.

[0015] In FIG. 1, solid arrows indicate the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation, and dashed arrows indicate the flow of refrigerant during heating operation. During cooling operation, the refrigerant compressed by compressor 12 to a high temperature and high pressure flows through outdoor heat exchanger 13. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flowing through outdoor heat exchanger 13 releases heat by exchanging heat with outdoor air blown by outdoor fan 16. The refrigerant that has released heat after passing through outdoor heat exchanger 13 is decompressed by expansion valve 14, and the decompressed refrigerant flows through indoor heat exchanger 7. Indoor heat exchanger 7 functions as an evaporator, and the refrigerant flowing through indoor heat exchanger 7 exchanges heat with indoor air blown by indoor fan 9, absorbing heat. The indoor air that has absorbed heat by the refrigerant flowing through indoor heat exchanger 7 is cooled. The refrigerant that has absorbed heat returns to compressor 12 via accumulator 17 and is compressed again to a high temperature and high pressure. That is, during cooling operation, the refrigerant circuit 2 is connected so that the refrigerant flows in the order of the compressor 12, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 functioning as a condenser, the expansion valve 14, and the indoor heat exchanger 7 functioning as an evaporator.

[0016] During cooling operation, the indoor air that has absorbed heat from the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 7 may be cooled to a temperature below the dew point. As a result, the water vapor contained in the indoor air becomes condensed water as it passes through the indoor heat exchanger 7 and adheres to the heat dissipation fins 21 and the heat transfer tubes 20.

[0017] In heating operation, the refrigerant flows in the opposite direction to that in cooling operation via four-way valve 15. During heating operation, the refrigerant compressed by compressor 12 to a high temperature and high pressure flows through indoor heat exchanger 7. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flowing through indoor heat exchanger 7 releases heat by exchanging heat with indoor air blown by indoor blower 9, and the indoor air that has exchanged heat with the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is warmed. The refrigerant that has released heat after passing through indoor heat exchanger 7 is decompressed by expansion valve 14, and the decompressed refrigerant flows through outdoor heat exchanger 13. The refrigerant flowing through outdoor heat exchanger 13 exchanges heat with outdoor air blown by outdoor blower 16 and absorbs heat. The refrigerant that has absorbed heat returns to compressor 12 via accumulator 17 and is compressed again to a high temperature and high pressure.

[0018] Next, a control block diagram of the air conditioner according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the control unit 3 is described as being separate from the indoor unit 5 and the outdoor unit 11. However, the indoor unit 5 or the outdoor unit 11 may also be configured to include the control unit 3. The control unit 3 includes a cooling operation unit 35 that manages cooling operation, a heating operation unit 36 ​​that manages heating operation, and a memory unit 41 that stores data. Because cooling and heating operations are similar to conventional operating methods, detailed descriptions are omitted. In cooling operation, the cooling operation unit 35 of the control unit 3 controls the cooling operation. The cooling operation unit 35 controls the four-way valve 15 so that the refrigerant flows in the refrigerant circuit 2 in the direction described above. The cooling operation unit 35 also controls the rotation speed of the compressor 12 so that the indoor air temperature becomes the target temperature set by the user, and controls the rotation speed of the indoor blower 9 so that the air volume becomes the set air volume set by the user. The outdoor blower 16 and the expansion valve 14 are appropriately controlled so that the air conditioner 1 can perform its cooling capacity. In the heating operation, the heating operation unit 36 ​​of the control unit 3 controls the heating operation. The heating operation unit 36 ​​controls the four-way valve 15 so that the refrigerant flows in the refrigerant circuit 2 in the direction described above. The heating operation unit 36 ​​also controls the rotation speed of the compressor 12 so that the indoor air temperature becomes the target set temperature set by the user, and controls the rotation speed of the indoor blower 9 so that the air volume becomes the set air volume set by the user. The outdoor blower 16 and the expansion valve 14 are appropriately controlled so that the air conditioner 1 can demonstrate its heating capacity.

[0019] The control unit 3 also includes a water generation operation unit 37 that manages the operation of the water generation operation, a heating sterilization operation unit 38 that manages the operation of the heating sterilization operation, and an absence period prediction means 43 that predicts an absence period, which is a period during which no one is present in the room in which the indoor unit 5 is installed.

[0020] The water generating operation managed by the water generating operation unit 37 is an operation in which water vapor contained in the indoor air is converted into condensed water on the radiator fins 21 and the heat transfer tubes 20. Therefore, the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 2 is the same as that in the cooling operation. However, in the cooling operation, the rotation speed of the compressor 12 is controlled so that the indoor air temperature becomes a target temperature set by the user, and the rotation speed of the indoor blower 9 is controlled so that the air volume becomes the set air volume set by the user. In the water generating operation, the target temperature is set to a predetermined temperature, and a predetermined fan rotation speed corresponding to the room temperature is set so that the radiator fins 21 and the heat transfer tubes 20 efficiently generate condensed water. Then, the rotation speed of the compressor 12 is controlled so that the predetermined temperature is reached, and the rotation speed of the indoor blower 9 is controlled so that the predetermined fan rotation speed is reached.

[0021] Furthermore, the water generating operation unit 37 is equipped with weather data acquisition means 39 and a water generating operation determination unit 40. The weather data acquisition means 39 communicates with the outside via communication means (e.g., the Internet) not shown, and acquires weather data for the area where the air conditioner 1 is installed. The acquired weather data is stored in a memory unit 41 together with time information when the weather data was acquired. The water generating operation determination unit 40 determines whether predetermined water generating conditions are met based on the weather data acquired by the weather data acquisition means 39.

[0022] The heating sterilization operation, the operation of which is managed by the heating sterilization operation unit 38, is an operation for heating condensation water generated on the heat radiation fins 21 and the heat transfer tubes 20 by the water generation operation, and for sterilizing bacteria and mold adhering to the heat radiation fins 21 and the heat transfer tubes 20 by heating the condensation water. Therefore, the heating sterilization operation is performed immediately after the water generation operation. Because the heating sterilization operation is an operation for heating condensation water generated on the heat radiation fins 21 and the heat transfer tubes 20, the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 2 is the same as in the heating operation. However, in the heating operation, the rotation speed of the compressor 12 is controlled so that the indoor air temperature becomes the target temperature set by the user, and the rotation speed of the indoor blower 9 is controlled so that the air volume becomes the set air volume set by the user. In this respect, the heating sterilization operation differs from the heating operation. In the case of thermal sterilization operation, a predetermined compressor rotation speed is set so as to heat the condensation water formed on the heat radiation fins 21 and heat transfer tubes 20 to an appropriate temperature, and a target heat exchange temperature, which is a target value for the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 7 detected by a sensor (not shown), is set. Then, the rotation speed of the compressor 12 is controlled so as to achieve the predetermined compressor rotation speed, and the rotation speed of the indoor blower 9 is controlled so that the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 7 reaches the target heat exchange temperature.

[0023] The absence period prediction means 43 predicts an absence period, which is a period when no one is present in the room where the indoor unit 5 is installed. When the presence of a person is not detected in the room where the indoor unit 5 is installed as a detection result of the human presence sensor 42, that timing is stored in the memory unit 41 as belonging to a time period when no one is detected (absence period information). The absence period prediction means 43 predicts an absence period, which is a period when no one is present in the room where the indoor unit 5 is installed, based on the absence period information stored in the memory unit 41. Furthermore, when the predicted absence period is longer than a predetermined absence period (for example, 3 hours), the absence period prediction means 43 predicts that the user will be absent for a long period of time.

[0024] Next, a control flow for the water generating operation of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C. In FIGS. 3A to 3C, one control flow is explained separately for each of FIGS. 3A to 3C. First, a description will be given with reference to FIG. 3A. When control for the water generating operation is started, first, it is determined whether the indoor unit 5 has stopped operating (ST1). If the indoor unit 5 is operating (No in ST1), the processing of ST1 is repeated. If the indoor unit 5 has stopped operating (Yes in ST1), it is determined whether the absence period prediction means 43 predicts that the user will be absent for a long period of time at the current time (ST2). Here, the water generating operation is an operation that causes the indoor heat exchanger 7 to function as an evaporator. Therefore, by performing the water generating operation, cool air is blown into the room where the indoor unit 5 is installed, causing a temperature change in the room that the user does not intend. Therefore, the water generating operation is performed when no one is in the room. Therefore, if the absence period prediction means 43 does not predict that the user will be absent for a long period of time (No in ST2), the processing returns to ST1. On the other hand, if the absence period prediction means 43 predicts that the user will be absent for a long period of time (Yes in ST2), it determines whether the water generating operation has not been performed for a predetermined period of time (ST3). In this embodiment, for example, the predetermined period is one week, and preferably, this is a period determined through experiments or the like within which deposits on the heat dissipation fins 21 and the heat transfer tubes 20 should be removed by the water generating operation and the thermal sterilization operation. If the water generating operation has been performed within the predetermined period of one week (No in ST3), it determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous acquisition of the weather data stored in the memory unit 41 (ST4). In this embodiment, for example, the predetermined time is 10 minutes, which corresponds to the interval at which the weather data is updated by the weather data provider. If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the previous acquisition of the weather data (No in ST4), the process returns to ST1. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed since the previous acquisition of the weather data (Yes in ST4), the weather data acquisition means 39 acquires weather data, including weather forecast data for the area in which the air conditioner 1 is installed, via the Internet (ST5).The weather data includes, for example, the current weather (rainy, sunny, cloudy, etc.) and humidity (hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, this refers to relative humidity), hourly weather, humidity, precipitation probability, and other forecasts. The acquired weather data is stored in the memory unit 41. Next, in ST5, it is determined whether or not weather data has been acquired (ST6). If weather data has been acquired in ST5 (Yes in ST6), the most recently acquired weather data is referenced to determine whether the current weather is rainy or the current humidity is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, as a predetermined water production condition (ST7). That is, the most recent weather data is referenced to determine whether the current weather is rainy or the current humidity is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value. In this embodiment, for example, the first predetermined value is 60%, which is a humidity that has been shown in advance through experiments to be capable of producing a sufficient amount of condensed water to remove deposits from the heat dissipation fins 21 and the heat transfer tubes 20 during water production operation. If the weather data acquired immediately before indicates that the weather is not rainy and the humidity is less than the first predetermined value, i.e., the predetermined water production condition is not met (No in ST7), the process returns to ST1. On the other hand, if the weather data acquired immediately before indicates that the weather is rainy or the humidity is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value, i.e., the predetermined water production condition is met (Yes in ST7), the process proceeds to ST8 in FIG. 3B. If weather data could not be acquired in ST5 (No in ST6), the weather forecast data for the current time is referenced from the previously acquired weather data to determine whether the predetermined water production condition is that the weather is rainy at the current time or that the humidity at the current time is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value (ST13). In other words, it is determined whether the predetermined water production condition is met from the latest weather data including the weather forecast data stored in the memory unit 41. If the weather data acquired previously indicates that the weather is not rainy and the humidity is less than the first predetermined value, i.e., the predetermined water production condition is not met (No in ST13), the process returns to ST1. On the other hand, if the previously acquired weather data indicates rain or a first predetermined value or more, that is, if the predetermined water production condition is met (Yes in ST13), the process proceeds to ST8 in FIG. 3B.

[0025] Next, a description will be given with reference to FIG. 3B. In ST8, the water generating operation is started. Next, it is determined whether the end time of the water generating operation has been reached (ST9). If the end time of the water generating operation has been reached (Yes in ST9), then the thermal sterilization operation is started (ST10). If the end time of the water generating operation has not been reached (No in ST9), the water generating operation continues, and the processing of ST9 is repeated. After the thermal sterilization operation is started in ST10, it is next determined whether the end time of the thermal sterilization operation has been reached (S11). If the end time of the thermal sterilization operation has been reached (Yes in ST11), the thermal sterilization operation ends, operation of the indoor unit 5 is stopped (ST12), and control related to the water generating operation ends. If the end time of the thermal sterilization operation has not been reached (No in ST11), the thermal sterilization operation continues, and the processing of ST11 is repeated.

[0026] In this way, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not predetermined water generation conditions are met based on weather data for the region in which the air conditioner 1 is installed. As a result, even in dry seasons such as winter, the water generating operation can be performed at a timing that allows for the generation of a sufficient amount of condensed water to remove deposits from the heat dissipation fins 21 and heat transfer tubes 20. Therefore, deposits on the indoor heat exchanger 7 in the indoor unit 5 can be effectively removed.

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the predetermined water generation condition is determined by determining whether the weather at the current time is rainy or whether the humidity at the current time is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, but this is not limiting. For example, the condition of rainy weather at the current time may not be included, and the determination may be made only by determining whether the humidity at the current time is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value. Here, even if the area classification in the weather data is the same, there may be cases where humidity varies due to the influence of topography. On the other hand, if the area classification is the same, the weather is often the same compared to humidity. Therefore, if the weather is rainy as well as humidity, it is better to use rain as a condition, as this allows the water generation operation to be performed effectively at a time when the actual humidity is thought to be high due to rain, even if the humidity in the weather data is low.

[0028] Furthermore, considering the accuracy of weather data, it is desirable to use the most recent weather data possible, but there may be cases where communication with the outside world via the Internet becomes unavailable for some reason, making it impossible to obtain weather data. Even in such a case, the inclusion of step ST6 makes it possible to use the current weather forecast data from the most recent weather data obtained previously. This allows the water generating operation to be performed at a time when a sufficient amount of condensed water can be generated to remove deposits from the heat dissipation fins 21 and heat transfer tubes 20.

[0029] Next, a description will be given with reference to FIG. 3C. FIG. 3C shows the control flow when, in ST3, water generating operation has not been performed within the predetermined period of one week (Yes in ST3). If water generating operation has not been performed within the predetermined period of one week (Yes in ST3), it is determined whether a predetermined time has passed since the previous weather data was acquired (ST14). The predetermined time is the same as the predetermined time in ST4. If the predetermined time has not passed since the previous weather data was acquired (No in ST14), the process returns to ST1. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has passed since the previous weather data was acquired (Yes in ST14), the weather data acquisition means 39 acquires weather data, including weather forecast data for the area in which the air conditioner 1 is installed, via the Internet (ST15). The acquired weather data is stored in the memory unit 41. Next, in ST15, it is determined whether weather data has been acquired (ST16). If weather data can be acquired in ST15 (Yes in ST16), the most recently acquired weather data is referenced to determine whether the weather at the current time is rainy or the humidity at the current time is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value, as a predetermined water production condition (ST17). Here, the second predetermined value is a value smaller than the first predetermined value in ST7, and is a humidity that has been shown in advance through experiments or the like to be capable of producing condensation water for removing deposits from the heat dissipation fins 21 and the heat transfer tubes 20 during water production operation. In this embodiment, for example, the second predetermined value is 50%. If the most recently acquired weather data shows that the weather is not rainy and the humidity is less than the first predetermined value, i.e., if the predetermined water production condition is not met (No in ST17), the process returns to ST1. On the other hand, if the most recently acquired weather data shows that the weather is rainy or the humidity is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value, i.e., if the predetermined water production condition is met (Yes in ST17), the process proceeds to ST8 in FIG. 3B described above. If weather data could not be acquired in ST15 (No in ST16), the weather forecast data for the current time is referenced from the previously acquired weather data, and it is determined whether the predetermined water production conditions, that is, the weather at the current time is rainy or the humidity at the current time is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value, are met (ST18). In other words, it is determined whether the predetermined water production conditions are met from the latest weather data among the weather data stored in the memory unit 41.If the previously acquired weather data shows that the weather is not rainy and the humidity is less than the second predetermined value, i.e., if the predetermined water production condition is not met (No in ST18), the process returns to ST1. On the other hand, if the previously acquired weather data shows that the weather is rainy or is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value, i.e., if the predetermined water production condition is met (Yes in ST13), the process proceeds to ST8 in FIG. 3B described above.

[0030] Thus, in this embodiment, if the water generating operation has not been performed for a predetermined period of time, it is determined whether the predetermined water generating condition is met: the weather at the current time is rainy, or the humidity at the current time is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value. In other words, the predetermined water generating condition is relaxed by setting the second predetermined value, which is lower than the first predetermined value, as the predetermined water generating condition. For example, in dry seasons such as winter, if the first predetermined value is used as the predetermined water generating condition, there is a possibility that the water generating operation will not be performed for a long period of time. However, by including step ST3, even if the water generating operation has not been performed for a long period of time, it is possible to prevent the water generating operation from not being performed for a long period of time by setting the humidity standard for performing the water generating operation to a second predetermined value, which is lower than the first predetermined value. Note that in this embodiment, it is determined whether the predetermined water generating condition is met: the weather at the current time is rainy, or the humidity at the current time is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value. However, it is also possible to determine only whether the humidity at the current time is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value, without including the condition that the weather at the current time is rainy.

[0031] Next, the control flow for the water generating operation of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4A to 4D. In Figures 4A to 4D, one control flow is explained separately in Figures 4A to 4D. First, the explanation will be given with reference to Figure 4A. Unless otherwise specified, parts with the same names as those in the first embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0032] When control related to the water generating operation is started, first, it is determined whether the indoor unit 5 has stopped operating (ST51). If the indoor unit 5 is operating (No in ST1), the process of ST1 is repeated. If the indoor unit 5 has stopped operating (Yes in ST1), it is determined whether the absence period prediction means 43 predicts that the user will be absent for a long period of time at the current time (ST52). Here, the water generating operation is an operation that causes the indoor heat exchanger 7 to function as an evaporator. Therefore, when the water generating operation is performed, cool air flows into the room where the indoor unit 5 is installed, causing a temperature change in the room unintended by the user. Therefore, the water generating operation is performed when no one is present in the room. Therefore, if the absence period prediction means 43 does not predict that the user will be absent for a long period of time (No in ST52), the process returns to ST1. On the other hand, if the absence period prediction means 43 predicts that the user will be absent for a long period of time (Yes in ST52), it is determined whether the water generating operation has not been performed for a predetermined period of time (ST53). In this embodiment, the predetermined period is the same as in the first embodiment, for example, one week. If the water generating operation has been performed within the predetermined period of one week (No in ST53), it is determined whether a predetermined time has passed since the previous weather data acquisition (ST54). In this embodiment, the predetermined time is the same as in the first embodiment, e.g., 10 minutes. If the predetermined time has not passed since the previous weather data acquisition (No in ST54), the process returns to ST51. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has passed since the previous weather data acquisition (Yes in ST54), the weather data acquisition means 39 acquires weather data, including weather forecast data for the area where the air conditioner 1 is installed, via the Internet (ST55). The weather data includes, for example, forecasts such as the current weather (rain, sunny, cloudy, etc.) and humidity, hourly weather and humidity, and probability of precipitation. The acquired weather data is stored in the memory unit 41. Next, in ST55, it is determined whether the weather data has been acquired (ST56). If weather data can be acquired in ST55 (Yes in ST56), the weather data acquired immediately before is referenced to determine whether the specified water generation conditions are met, that is, whether the weather at the current time is rainy or the humidity at the current time is equal to or greater than a first specified value (ST57).That is, the latest weather data is referenced to determine whether the weather at the current time is rainy or the humidity at the current time is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value. In this embodiment, the first predetermined value is the same as in the first embodiment, e.g., 60%. If the weather data acquired immediately before indicates that the weather is not rainy and the humidity is less than the first predetermined value, i.e., the predetermined water production condition is not met (No in ST57), the process returns to ST51. On the other hand, if the weather data acquired immediately before indicates that the weather is rainy or equal to or greater than the first predetermined value, i.e., the predetermined water production condition is met (Yes in ST57), the process proceeds to ST58 in FIG. 4B. If weather data could not be acquired in ST55 (No in ST56), the weather forecast data for the current time is referenced from the previously acquired weather data to determine whether the weather at the current time is rainy or the humidity at the current time is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, as the predetermined water production condition (ST63). That is, it is determined whether the predetermined water production condition is met based on the latest weather data among the weather data stored in the memory unit 41. If the previously acquired weather data shows that the weather is not rainy and the humidity is less than the first predetermined value, i.e., if the predetermined water production condition is not met (No in ST63), the process returns to ST51. On the other hand, if the previously acquired weather data shows that the weather is rainy or is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value, i.e., if the predetermined water production condition is met (Yes in ST63), the process proceeds to ST58 in FIG. 4B.

[0033] Next, a description will be given with reference to FIG. 4B. In ST58, the water generating operation is started. Next, it is determined whether the end time of the water generating operation has been reached (ST59). If the end time of the water generating operation has been reached (Yes in ST59), the heating sterilization operation is started (ST60). If the end time of the water generating operation has not been reached (No in ST59), the water generating operation continues, and the processing of ST59 is repeated. After the heating sterilization operation is started in ST60, it is next determined whether the end time of the heating sterilization operation has been reached (S61). If the end time of the heating sterilization operation has been reached (Yes in ST61), the heating sterilization operation is ended, the operation of the indoor unit 5 is stopped (ST62), and control related to the water generating operation ends. If the end time of the heating sterilization operation has not been reached (No in ST61), the heating sterilization operation continues, and the processing of ST61 is repeated. Considering the accuracy of the weather data, it is desirable to use as recent weather data as possible. However, there may be cases where communication with the outside world via the Internet becomes impossible for some reason, making it impossible to obtain weather data. Even in such a case, the inclusion of step ST56 makes it possible to use the current weather forecast data rather than the most recent weather data among the previously acquired weather data. This allows the water generating operation to be performed at a timing when a sufficient amount of condensed water can be generated to remove deposits from the heat dissipation fins 21 and the heat transfer tubes 20.

[0034] Next, a description will be given with reference to FIG. 4C. FIG. 4C shows the control flow when, in ST53 of FIG. 4A, water generating operation has not been performed within the predetermined period of one week (Yes in ST53). If water generating operation has not been performed within the predetermined period of one week (Yes in ST53), it is determined whether a predetermined time has passed since the previous weather data was acquired (ST64). The predetermined time is the same as the predetermined time in ST54. If the predetermined time has not passed since the previous weather data was acquired (No in ST64), the process returns to ST51. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has passed since the previous weather data was acquired (Yes in ST64), the weather data acquisition means 39 acquires weather data, including weather forecast data for the area in which the air conditioner 1 is installed, via the Internet (ST65). The acquired weather data is stored in the memory unit 41. Next, in ST65, it is determined whether weather data has been acquired (ST66). If weather data can be acquired in ST65 (Yes in ST66), the most recently acquired weather data is referenced to determine whether the predetermined water production conditions are met, that is, whether the weather at the current time is rainy or the humidity at the current time is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value (ST67). The first predetermined value is the same as the first predetermined value in ST57. If the most recently acquired weather data indicates that the weather is rainy or the humidity is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value, that is, if the predetermined water production conditions are met (Yes in ST67), the process proceeds to ST58 shown in FIG. 4B described above.

[0035] On the other hand, if the most recently acquired weather data indicates that the weather is not rainy and the humidity is less than the first predetermined value, i.e., the predetermined water production condition is not met (No in ST67), the weather forecast data is referenced from the most recently acquired weather data to determine whether there is a time during the absence period predicted by the absence period prediction means 43 at which the humidity is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value, as the predetermined water production condition (ST72). If the most recently acquired weather data indicates that there is no time during the absence period predicted by the absence period prediction means 43 at which the humidity is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value, i.e., there is no time at which the predetermined water production condition is met (No in ST72), the process returns to ST51. On the other hand, if the most recently acquired weather data indicates that there is a time during the absence period predicted by the absence period prediction means 43 at which the humidity is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value, i.e., there is a time at which the predetermined water production condition is met (Yes in ST72), the time at which the humidity is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value and is the highest is set as the time at which water production operation is possible (ST73). Next, it is determined whether the current time matches the time when water production operation is possible, which was set in ST73 (ST74). If the current time does not match the set time when water production operation is possible (No in ST74), the process returns to ST51. On the other hand, if the current time matches the set time when water production operation is possible (Yes in ST74), the process proceeds to ST58 shown in FIG. 4B described above.

[0036] Next, a description will be given with reference to FIG. 4D. FIG. 4D shows the control flow when weather data could not be acquired in ST65 of FIG. 4C (No in ST66). When weather data could not be acquired in ST65 (No in ST66), weather forecast data is referenced from the previously acquired weather data to determine whether the predetermined water production conditions are met, that is, whether the weather at the current time is rainy or the humidity at the current time is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value (ST68). That is, it is determined whether the predetermined water production conditions are met from the latest weather data among the weather data stored in memory unit 41. If the previously acquired weather data indicates that the weather is rainy or the humidity is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, that is, if the predetermined water production conditions are met (Yes in ST68), the process proceeds to ST58 shown in FIG. 4B described above. On the other hand, if the previously acquired weather data indicates that the weather is not rainy and the humidity is less than the first predetermined value, i.e., the predetermined water production condition is not met (No in ST68), the weather forecast data is referenced from the previously acquired weather data to determine whether there is a time during the absence period predicted by the absence period prediction means 43 at which the humidity is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value, as the predetermined water production condition (ST69). If the previously acquired weather data indicates that there is no time during the absence period predicted by the absence period prediction means 43 at which the humidity is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value, i.e., there is no time at which the predetermined water production condition is met (No in ST69), the process returns to ST51. On the other hand, if the previously acquired weather data indicates that there is a time during the absence period predicted by the absence period prediction means 43 at which the humidity is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value, i.e., there is a time at which the predetermined water production condition is met (Yes in ST69), the time at which the humidity is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value and is the highest is set as the time at which water production operation is possible (ST70). Next, it is determined whether the current time matches the time when water production operation is possible, which was set in ST70 (ST71). If the current time does not match the set time when water production operation is possible (No in ST71), the process returns to ST51. On the other hand, if the current time matches the set time when water production operation is possible (Yes in ST71), the process proceeds to ST58 shown in FIG. 4B described above.

[0037] Thus, in this embodiment, if the water generating operation has not been performed for a predetermined period and there is a time during the absence period predicted by the absence period prediction means 43 when the humidity is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value, the water generating operation is performed at the time when the humidity is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value and is the highest. In other words, by using a second predetermined value lower than the first predetermined value as the predetermined water generating condition, the predetermined water generating condition is relaxed. For example, in dry seasons such as winter, if the first predetermined value is used as the predetermined water generating condition, there is a possibility that the water generating operation will not be performed for a long period of time. However, in this embodiment, even if the water generating operation has not been performed for a long period of time, the humidity standard for performing the water generating operation is set to a second predetermined value lower than the first predetermined value, and the water generating operation is performed at the time when the humidity is the highest, thereby preventing the water generating operation from not being performed for a long period of time.

[0038] In the above embodiment, the heat sterilization operation is performed after the water generation operation, but it is also possible to perform only the water generation operation without the heat sterilization operation. Even if only the water generation operation is performed, it is possible to wash away bacteria and mold adhering to the heat dissipation fins 21 and the refrigerant heat transfer tubes 20 with condensed water, but it is more effective to perform the heat sterilization operation after the water generation operation because bacteria and mold can be sterilized by moist heat.

[0039] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to a limited number of embodiments, the scope of the invention is not limited thereto, and modifications of the embodiments based on the above disclosure will be obvious to those skilled in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 1...air conditioner, 2...refrigerant circuit, 3...control unit, 5...indoor unit, 6...casing, 7...indoor heat exchanger, 9...blower, 11...outdoor unit, 12...compressor, 13...outdoor heat exchanger, 14...expansion valve, 15...four-way valve, 16...outdoor blower, 17...accumulator, 20...heat transfer tube, 21...heat dissipation fin, 25...inlet temperature sensor, 26...outlet pressure sensor, 27...outlet temperature sensor, 28...humidity sensor, 29...indoor temperature sensor, 35...cooling operation unit, 36...heating operation unit, 37...water generation operation unit, 38...heating sterilization operation unit, 39...weather data acquisition means, 40...water generation operation determination unit, 41...memory unit, 42...human presence sensor, 43...overseas period prediction means

Claims

1. an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger; a control unit that controls the air conditioning operation of the air-conditioned space in which the indoor unit is installed, In an air conditioner, when a predetermined water generation condition is satisfied, the control unit causes the indoor heat exchanger to function as an evaporator and performs a water generation operation in which condensation water adheres to the indoor heat exchanger, weather data acquisition means for acquiring weather data for the area where the air conditioner is installed; The air conditioner, wherein the control unit determines whether the predetermined water production condition is met based on the weather data acquired by the weather data acquisition means.

2. 2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined water generating condition is that the weather data indicates rain or that humidity is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value.

3. If the water generating operation has not been performed for a predetermined period of time, 3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined water production condition is that the weather data is rain or the humidity is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value lower than the first predetermined value.

4. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit determines whether the specified water production condition is met based on the latest weather data acquired by the weather data acquisition means.

5. the weather data acquisition means acquires the weather data by communication with an external device at predetermined time intervals; a storage unit for storing the acquired weather data; An air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that when communication with the outside is not possible, the control unit determines whether the specified water generation conditions are met based on the latest weather data among the weather data stored in the memory unit.

6. the indoor unit has a human presence sensor that detects the presence of a person in the air-conditioned space in which the indoor unit is installed; an absence period prediction means for predicting an absence period of a person in the air-conditioned space using a detection result of the human presence sensor, The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit performs the water generating operation during the absence period predicted by the absence period prediction means.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein the control unit performs the water generating operation at a timing when the humidity is predicted to be highest based on the weather data during the unoccupied period.

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