air conditioner

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner capable of providing air in a desired mode with respect to a living body which has come back to a detection range of a sensor.SOLUTION: An air conditioner includes an indoor unit, a wind direction plate, a sensor, and a control part. The wind direction plate is provided in the indoor unit, guides the wind blown out by the indoor unit, and can change the direction. The sensor is provided in the indoor unit and can detect a living body in a room. The control part can control the wind direction plate with a tracking control mode for controlling the direction of the wind direction plate in such a manner that the wind blown out of the indoor unit avoids the living body detected by the sensor, or the indoor unit blows out the wind toward the living body detected by the sensor. In the tracking control mode, the control part maintains the direction of the wind direction plate at the time when the sensor has stopped detecting the living body, in the case where the sensor has stopped detecting the living body which the sensor was detecting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] An indoor unit of an air conditioner blows air into a room to perform air conditioning. Conventionally, there is known an air conditioner that detects a living body in a room using a sensor and performs an operation according to a detection result by the sensor. For example, the direction in which the indoor unit blows air is controlled according to the detected position of the living body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] After the living body goes out of the detection range of the sensor, it may return to within the detection range of the sensor. The radar does not detect the living body until immediately before the living body returns to within the detection range. Therefore, when the living body returns to within the detection range of the sensor, the indoor unit may provide air in an undesirable manner.

[0005] An example of the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of providing air in a manner desired in the mode in which the direction in which the indoor unit blows air is controlled according to the detected position of the living body, for a living body that has returned to within the detection range of the sensor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an indoor unit, a wind deflector, a sensor, and a control unit. The indoor unit blows air into a room. The wind deflector is provided on the indoor unit and guides the air blown out by the indoor unit, and its direction can be changed. The sensor is provided on the indoor unit and can detect living organisms in the room. The control unit can control the wind deflector in a tracking control mode, which controls the direction of the wind deflector so that the air blown out by the indoor unit avoids the living organism detected by the sensor, or so that the indoor unit blows air towards the living organism detected by the sensor. In the tracking control mode, if the sensor no longer detects the living organism that it was detecting, the control unit maintains the direction of the wind deflector that it was in when the sensor stopped detecting the living organism.

[0007] In the above-mentioned air conditioner, for example, when the tracking control mode is turned off, the control unit maintains the orientation of the air deflector that was in place when the tracking control mode was turned off.

[0008] In the above-mentioned air conditioner, for example, when the tracking control mode is turned off, the control unit positions the air deflector in a predetermined direction or swings the air deflector.

[0009] In the above-described air conditioner, for example, in the tracking control mode, the control unit positions the air deflector in a predetermined direction or swings the air deflector when a predetermined time has elapsed since the sensor stopped detecting the living organism it had been detecting.

[0010] In the above-mentioned air conditioner, for example, the control unit turns off the tracking control mode when a predetermined time has elapsed since the sensor stopped detecting the living organism it had been detecting.

[0011] According to the above air conditioner, for example, in tracking control mode, it is possible to provide airflow in the manner desired in that mode to a living organism that has returned within the detection range of the sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an indoor unit in the first embodiment where the air deflector is in the closed position. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an indoor unit in the first embodiment with the air deflector in the open position. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the indoor unit in the first embodiment with the air deflector in the open position. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an indoor unit in the first embodiment where the ventilation member is in the closed position. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a ventilation member of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the airflow from the indoor unit in the windless mode of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram functionally showing the indoor unit control unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of indoor unit control in radar control mode according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic plan view showing the indoor unit and the living organism returning to the room in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic plan view showing the indoor unit and a living organism emerging from behind an obstacle in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic plan view showing the indoor unit and a living organism returning to the detection range from outside the radar detection range in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic plan view showing the indoor unit and a living organism returning from the radar's blind spot to the detection range in the first embodiment. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the control of the indoor unit in the radar control mode according to the second embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. In this specification, basically, the vertically upward direction is defined as the upward direction, and the vertically downward direction is defined as the downward direction. Also, in this specification, the components according to the embodiment and the description of the elements may be described in a plurality of expressions. The components and their descriptions are examples and are not limited by the expressions in this specification. The components can also be specified by different names from those in this specification. Also, the components can be described by expressions different from those in this specification.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 has an indoor unit 10 and an outdoor unit 100. The indoor unit 10 is, for example, arranged indoors. The outdoor unit 100 is, for example, arranged outdoors.

[0015] The indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 of this embodiment has a radar 2, a plurality of wind direction plates 25, 29, a ventilation member 26, and an indoor unit control unit 80. In other words, the radar 2, the wind direction plates 25, 29, the ventilation member 26, and the indoor unit control unit 80 are provided in the indoor unit 10. The radar 2 is an example of a sensor. The wind direction plates 25, 29 and the ventilation member 26 can also be referred to as louvers. The indoor unit control unit 80 is an example of a control unit.

[0016] The indoor unit 10 uses the radar 2 to detect detection targets existing in the room where the indoor unit 10 is installed. In this embodiment, the detection targets include living bodies CR, objects such as furniture, and walls. Therefore, the air conditioner 1 can also detect the volume and shape of the room (indoors) where the indoor unit 10 is installed by the radar 2. Living bodies CR include adults, children, infants, and animals.

[0017] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 acquires information regarding the presence or absence of biological CRs, the number of biological CRs, and shape information (e.g., size) of the biological CRs from the detected objects detected by the radar 2. Based on this information, the air conditioner 1 can determine a control mode to provide air (conditioned air) suitable for the biological CRs present in the room.

[0018] For example, the air conditioner 1 can recognize (determine) a moving object in the room as a biological CR based on the detection results of the radar 2. When the detected object enters the room, the air conditioner 1 can recognize the detected object as a biological CR by detecting its entry and reflect this in the control of the indoor unit 10.

[0019] Even if the detected object is not moving, the air conditioner 1 can recognize the detected object as a living CR when it moves and reflect this in the control of the indoor unit 10. On the other hand, the air conditioner 1 considers objects that remain continuously stationary, such as furniture and walls, as non-living and excludes them from the objects reflected in the control of the indoor unit 10. Note that the determination of whether or not something is a living CR is not limited to this example. For example, the air conditioner 1 may consider the detected object as a living CR based on its shape or pulsation. Furthermore, the air conditioner 1 may determine whether or not something is a living CR by combining the detection results of other sensors, such as an infrared sensor, with those of other sensors.

[0020] The control terminal 94a of the air conditioner 1 receives operation instructions from the biological CR present in the room and transmits commands to the indoor unit 10 in accordance with the received operation instructions. The control terminal 94a is, for example, a remote controller. Alternatively, the control terminal 94a may be, for example, a smartphone running an application for controlling the air conditioner 1.

[0021] The indoor unit control unit 80 can perform air conditioning processing in response to commands received from the operation terminal 94a, and can also perform control according to the biological CR detected using the radar 2. The air conditioner 1 has a "radar control mode" in which the indoor unit 10 is substantially automatically controlled based on the detection results of the radar 2, and a "normal control mode" in which the user controls (sets) the indoor unit 10 by operating the operation terminal 94a without using the radar 2. The radar control mode is an example of a tracking control mode.

[0022] In radar control mode, radar 2 continuously or intermittently detects the position of the detection target (biological CR) in the room under the control of indoor unit control unit 80. While tracking the position of the detected biological CR, indoor unit control unit 80 controls the air deflectors 25, 29 and ventilation members 26 to send air toward the biological CR or, conversely, air away from the biological CR.

[0023] The indoor unit control unit 80 controls the direction in which the indoor unit 10 blows out air (conditioned air) by controlling the movement of the air deflector plates 25 and 29. As a result, the air conditioner 1 can dynamically change the direction in which the indoor unit 10 blows out air in accordance with the movement of the living CRs present in the room, thereby dynamically improving the comfort level of the living CRs present in the room.

[0024] Specifically, the indoor unit 10 performs air conditioning treatment on the air drawn in from the room and blows the conditioned air (wind) back into the room. Air conditioning treatment includes, for example, heat absorption treatment (cooling), heating treatment (heating), dehumidification treatment, humidification treatment, fan treatment, and air purification treatment. Each of the heat absorption treatment, heating treatment, dehumidification treatment, humidification treatment, fan treatment, and air purification treatment corresponds to the operating modes (main operating modes) of the air conditioner 1: cooling operation mode, heating operation mode, dehumidification operation mode, humidification operation mode, fan operation mode, and air purification operation mode.

[0025] The main operating mode can be combined with a control mode (radar control mode, normal control mode). In radar control mode, the air conditioner 1 can select any of the following modes: cooling mode, heating mode, dehumidification mode, humidification mode, fan mode, and air purification mode. The same applies to normal control mode.

[0026] The air conditioner 1 has a windless mode as an auxiliary operation mode. In windless mode, the air conditioner 1 generates turbulent air that diffuses over a wide area by mixing two types of airflow velocities when the indoor unit 10 blows out air, making the released air a gentle breeze overall (a so-called windless (registered trademark) breeze). The auxiliary operation mode can be combined with the control mode and the main operation mode.

[0027] The air conditioner 1 may have an automatic operation mode as its main operating mode. The air conditioner 1 detects the room temperature with a room temperature sensor. In automatic operation mode, the air conditioner 1 may operate in heating operation mode if the detected temperature is higher than the set temperature, and in heating operation mode if the detected temperature is lower than the set temperature.

[0028] The indoor unit 10 further includes a heat exchanger 22, a fan 23, and a receiving device 94. The indoor unit 10 also further includes a plurality of drive circuits 81-83 and a plurality of motors 84-87 controlled by the indoor unit control unit 80.

[0029] The outdoor unit 100 includes a heat exchanger 122, a fan 123, a four-way valve 124, a compressor 125, and an outdoor unit control unit 180. The outdoor unit 100 further includes a plurality of drive circuits 181 to 183 and a plurality of motors 184 to 186 controlled by the outdoor unit control unit 180.

[0030] In the indoor unit 10, the fan 23 is located near the heat exchanger 22. The fan 23 guides air drawn in from the room through the intake port of the indoor unit 10 to the heat exchanger 22, and also guides the conditioned air, which has undergone heat exchange in the heat exchanger 22, to the outlet port of the indoor unit 10. The indoor unit control unit 80 drives the motor 84 that rotates the fan 23 by controlling the drive circuit 81. The indoor unit control unit 80 can change the rotation speed of the fan 23.

[0031] The heat exchanger 22 has, for example, refrigerant piping and a plurality of fins. The heat exchanger 22 is thermally connected to the refrigerant piping that passes near the heat exchanger 22. The heat exchanger 22 performs heat exchange between the air drawn in from the room and the refrigerant.

[0032] In the outdoor unit 100, the fan 123 is located near the heat exchanger 122. The fan 123 draws in outside air and guides it to the heat exchanger 122, and also discharges the outside air that has undergone heat exchange in the heat exchanger 122 to the outside of the outdoor unit 100. The outdoor unit control unit 180 drives the motor 184 that rotates the fan 123 by controlling the drive circuit 181. The indoor unit control unit 80 can change the rotation speed of the fan 123.

[0033] The heat exchanger 122 has, for example, refrigerant piping and a plurality of fins. The heat exchanger 122 is thermally connected to the refrigerant piping that passes near the heat exchanger 122. The heat exchanger 122 performs heat exchange between the outside air and the refrigerant.

[0034] The four-way valve 124 is installed in the refrigerant piping. The four-way valve 124 can switch the flow path of the refrigerant in the refrigerant piping between the cooling side and the heating side in response to control by the outdoor unit control unit 180. The outdoor unit control unit 180 drives the motor 185 that switches the four-way valve 124 by controlling the drive circuit 182. The indoor unit control unit 80 can switch the four-way valve 124 between the cooling side and the heating side.

[0035] The compressor 125 is installed in the refrigerant piping and compresses the refrigerant and sends it to the refrigerant piping. The outdoor unit control unit 180 controls the drive circuit 183 to drive the motor 186 that causes the compressor 125 to perform a refrigerant compression cycle. The indoor unit control unit 80 can change the number of cycles of the compressor 125 (the number of compression cycles performed per unit time) via the outdoor unit control unit 180.

[0036] In the air conditioner 1 in cooling operation mode, the indoor unit control unit 80 switches the four-way valve 124 to the cooling side via the outdoor unit control unit 180. The air conditioner 1 performs heat absorption processing in the heat exchanger 22, causing the refrigerant to absorb heat from the indoor air, and blows the heated conditioned air into the room. Furthermore, the air conditioner 1 performs heat dissipation processing in the heat exchanger 122, releasing the heat absorbed by the refrigerant to the outside air.

[0037] In the air conditioner 1 in heating operation mode, the indoor unit control unit 80 switches the four-way valve 124 to the heating side via the outdoor unit control unit 180. The air conditioner 1 performs heat absorption processing in the heat exchanger 122, allowing the refrigerant to absorb heat from the outside air. Furthermore, the air conditioner 1 performs heating processing in the heat exchanger 22, heating the indoor air with the heat absorbed by the refrigerant, and blowing the heated conditioned air into the room.

[0038] Each of the wind deflectors 25 and 29 guides the air blown out by the indoor unit 10. Each of the wind deflectors 25 and 29 can change direction, for example, by rotating. Changing the direction of the wind deflectors 25 and 29 changes the direction in which the indoor unit 10 blows out air (hereinafter referred to as the airflow direction).

[0039] In this specification, the indoor unit control unit 80 directly controls the direction in which the air deflectors 25 and 29 face, but it is assumed that the direction in which the air deflectors 25 and 29 face and the wind direction are roughly the same. That is, the indoor unit control unit 80 can adjust the wind direction by adjusting the orientation of the air deflectors 25 and 29. The air deflectors 25 and 29 can be rotated individually. As a result, the indoor unit 10 can blow air in one direction, or it can blow air in different directions from two or more areas demarcated by the air deflectors 25 and 29.

[0040] The wind deflector 25 adjusts the wind direction vertically. The wind deflector 29 adjusts the wind direction horizontally. The wind deflector 25 is rotatable between a closed position and an open position. When the wind deflector 25 is in the closed position, it closes the air outlet of the indoor unit 10. When the wind deflector 25 is in the open position, it opens the air outlet. The wind deflectors 25 and 29 adjust the wind direction when the wind deflector 25 is in the open position.

[0041] The structure of the indoor unit 10 will be described in more detail below using Figures 2 to 7. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the indoor unit 10 in the first embodiment with the air deflector 25 in the closed position Pc1. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the indoor unit 10 in the first embodiment with the air deflector 25 in the open position Po1. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the indoor unit 10 in the first embodiment with the air deflector 25 in the open position Po1.

[0042] As shown in each drawing, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are defined herein for convenience. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis is provided along the width of the indoor unit 10. The Y-axis is provided along the depth of the indoor unit 10. The Z-axis is provided along the height of the indoor unit 10.

[0043] Furthermore, the X, Y, and Z directions are defined herein. The X direction is a direction along the X axis and includes the +X direction indicated by the X-axis arrow and the -X direction which is the opposite direction of the X-axis arrow. The Y direction is a direction along the Y axis and includes the +Y direction indicated by the Y-axis arrow and the -Y direction which is the opposite direction of the Y-axis arrow. The Z direction is a direction along the Z axis and includes the +Z direction indicated by the Z-axis arrow and the -Z direction which is the opposite direction of the Z-axis arrow. In this embodiment, the +Z direction is upward and the -Z direction is downward.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, the indoor unit 10 has a housing 21. The housing 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the X direction. Note that the housing 21 may be formed in other shapes. The housing 21 is mounted, for example, on the wall of the room. The housing 21 has an upper surface 21a and a lower surface 21b. The upper surface 21a is provided at or near the upper end of the housing 21 and faces substantially upward. The lower surface 21b is provided at or near the lower end of the housing 21 and faces substantially downward.

[0045] The housing 21 is provided with a ventilation passage 31, an intake port 32, and an outlet port 33. The ventilation passage 31 is located inside the housing 21. The intake port 32 opens, for example, to the upper surface 21a of the housing 21. The outlet port 33 opens, for example, to the lower surface 21b of the housing 21. The intake port 32 and the outlet port 33 may also open to other parts of the housing 21.

[0046] The indoor unit 10 can pass air through the air passage 31. The intake port 32 is provided at one end of the air passage 31 and connects the air passage 31 to the outside of the indoor unit 10. The outlet port 33 is provided at the other end of the air passage 31 and connects the air passage 31 to the outside of the indoor unit 10. In other words, the air passage 31 is provided inside the housing 21 between the intake port 32 and the outlet port 33.

[0047] The heat exchanger 22 is installed in the air passage 31. The heat exchanger 22 exchanges heat with the surrounding gas in the air passage 31. As a result, the heat exchanger 22 cools the air flowing through the air passage 31 during cooling operation and heats the air flowing through the air passage 31 during heating operation.

[0048] The fan 23 is installed in the air passage 31. The fan 23 rotates around a rotation axis Axf extending in the X direction, thereby sending air from the intake port 32 to the outlet port 33 in the air passage 31. As a result, the indoor unit 10 draws indoor air into the air passage 31 from the intake port 32 and blows out the air (wind) from the air passage 31 from the outlet port 33. For this reason, in this specification, the side of the air passage 31 closer to the intake port 32 is referred to as the upstream side, and the side closer to the outlet port 33 is referred to as the downstream side.

[0049] The fan 23 is located downstream of the heat exchanger 22. Therefore, when the fan 23 generates airflow, the air drawn in from the intake port 32 passes through the fins of the heat exchanger 22. As a result, the air flowing through the air passage 31 exchanges heat with the heat exchanger 22.

[0050] The indoor unit 10 further includes a filter 24. The filter 24 is located at the intake port 32 or near the intake port 32 in the air passage 31. The filter 24 is located upstream of the heat exchanger 22.

[0051] The filter 24 covers the intake port 32 from inside the housing 21. The filter 24 filters the air drawn in from the intake port 32, for example, and captures dust particles in the air. The filter 24 may have a HEPA filter.

[0052] The indoor unit 10 of this embodiment has two air deflectors 25 (25A, 25B). Note that the number of air deflectors 25 is not limited to this example. Each of the air deflectors 25A and 25B is a component that adjusts the direction of the airflow in the vertical direction, and may also be called an upper or lower louver.

[0053] Each of the wind deflectors 25A and 25B has a shaft portion 41 and a plate portion 42. The shaft portion 41 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the X direction. The shaft portion 41 is supported by the housing 21 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis Axl extending in the X direction. Note that each of the wind deflectors 25A and 25B has its own separate rotation axis Axl. The plate portion 42 protrudes from the shaft portion 41 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis Axl. The plate portion 42 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape extending in the X direction.

[0054] The indoor unit control unit 80 drives the motor 85 that rotates the air deflectors 25A and 25B by controlling the drive circuit 82 shown in Figure 1. The indoor unit control unit 80 rotates the air deflectors 25A and 25B individually between the closed position Pc1 shown in Figure 2 and the open position Po1 shown in Figure 3.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, the wind vane 25A, located in the open position Po1, opens the first airflow channel C1. The wind vane 25B, also located in the open position Po1, opens the second airflow channel C2. Each of the first airflow channel C1 and the second airflow channel C2 is part of the outlet 33. That is, the wind vanes 25A and 25B, both located in the open position Po1, open at least a portion of the outlet 33.

[0056] The open position Po1 includes various positions in which the wind vanes 25A and 25B open a portion of the outlet 33. For example, the open position Po1 includes a position in which the wind vanes 25A and 25B are facing approximately horizontally, a position in which the wind vanes 25A and 25B are facing downward, and a number of positions in between these two positions, as shown in Figure 3. In other words, the wind vanes 25A and 25B are rotatable between a position facing approximately horizontally and a position facing downward.

[0057] The air deflectors 25A and 25B, located in the open position Po1, adjust the direction of the airflow in the vertical direction depending on their orientation. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, when the air deflectors 25A and 25B are oriented approximately horizontally, the indoor unit 10 blows air approximately horizontally. On the other hand, when the air deflectors 25A and 25B are oriented downwards, the indoor unit 10 blows air downwards.

[0058] As shown in Figure 2, the air deflector 25A, located in the closed position Pc1, covers the first airflow channel C1. The air deflector 25B, also located in the closed position Pc1, covers the second airflow channel C2. In other words, the air deflectors 25A and 25B, both located in the closed position Pc1, cover at least a portion of the outlet 33.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4, the indoor unit 10 has a plurality of air deflectors 29. Each of the air deflectors 29 is supported, for example, by a rotating shaft extending in the approximate Z direction. The indoor unit control unit 80 drives a motor 86 that rotates the plurality of air deflectors 29 by controlling the drive circuit 82 shown in Figure 1.

[0060] As shown in Figure 4, the multiple air deflectors 29 include, for example, multiple air deflectors 29-1 to 29-k, 29-(k+1) to 29-2k. Each of the multiple air deflectors 29-1 to 29-k, 29-(k+1) to 29-2k is a component that adjusts the airflow direction in the left-right direction (-X direction, +X direction), and can also be called left-right louvers. The air deflectors 29-1 to 29-k on the -X side and the air deflectors 29-(k+1) to 29-2k on the +X side may be rotated individually by the indoor unit control unit 80.

[0061] The wind deflectors 29-1 to 29-k on the X side are connected to a common rotation axis. The indoor unit control unit 80 rotates the wind deflectors 29-1 to 29-k collectively by driving the motor 86 via the drive circuit 82.

[0062] The +X-side air deflectors 29-(k+1) to 29-2k are connected to a common rotation axis. The indoor unit control unit 80 drives the motor 86 via the drive circuit 82 to rotate the air deflectors 29-(k+1) to 29-2k collectively.

[0063] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the indoor unit 10 in the first embodiment with the ventilation member 26 in the closed position Pc2. When the air deflector 25A is in the open position Po1, the ventilation member 26 is movable between the closed position Pc2 shown in Figure 5 and the open position Po2 shown in Figure 2.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5, the ventilation member 26 located in the closed position Pc2 covers at least a portion (the first flow path C1) of the outlet 33 opened by the air deflector 25A located in the open position Po1. The ventilation member 26 may also cover the second flow path C2.

[0065] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a ventilation member 26 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the ventilation member 26 has a shaft portion 51 and a plate portion 52. The shaft portion 51 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the X direction. The shaft portion 51 is supported by the housing 21 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis Axc extending in the X direction. The plate portion 52 protrudes from the shaft portion 51 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis Axc. The plate portion 52 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape extending in the X direction.

[0066] The indoor unit control unit 80 drives a motor 87 that rotates the ventilation member 26 by controlling the drive circuit 83 shown in Figure 1. The indoor unit control unit 80 moves (rotates) the ventilation member 26 between a closed position Pc2 and an open position Po2. The ventilation member 26 may also move in parallel between the closed position Pc2 and the open position Po2.

[0067] As shown in Figure 5, the plate portion 52 has an inner surface 52a facing the ventilation passage 31 in the closed position Pc2, and an outer surface 52b facing the outside in the closed position Pc2. The plate portion 52 is provided with at least one ventilation opening 56 opening to the inner surface 52a and the outer surface 52b. In this embodiment, the plate portion 52 is provided with multiple ventilation openings 56.

[0068] When the ventilation member 26 is in the closed position Pc2, the air flowing through the first flow path C1 passes through the ventilation opening 56 and is blown out from the outlet 33. In other words, the ventilation member 26 in the closed position Pc2 is inserted into the first flow path C1 and changes the opening ratio of the first flow path C1.

[0069] As shown in Figure 3, the ventilation member 26 located in the open position Po2 opens the first flow path C1. That is, when the ventilation member 26 moves to the open position Po2, its insertion into the first flow path C1 is released (for example, it is retracted from the first flow path C1), and the opening ratio of the first flow path C1 is restored to its original state.

[0070] The ventilation member 26, located in the open position Po2, is housed in a recess 21c of the housing 21, which is provided near the outlet 33. The recess 21c is recessed from the inner surface 21d of the housing 21, which forms part of the ventilation passage 31. By being housed in the recess 21c, the ventilation member 26, located in the open position Po2, is prevented from obstructing the airflow through the first flow path C1.

[0071] In the windless mode, which is an auxiliary operation mode, the indoor unit control unit 80 positions the ventilation member 26 in the closed position Pc2 and changes the opening ratio of the first flow path C1. On the other hand, the opening ratio of the second flow path C2, where the ventilation member 26 is absent, is maintained at its original value.

[0072] When the no-wind mode, which is an auxiliary operation mode, is deactivated, the indoor unit control unit 80 opens the ventilation member 26 and moves it to position Po2. As a result, the ventilation member 26 retracts from the first flow path C1, and the opening ratio of the first flow path C1 returns to its original state.

[0073] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the air blown out by the indoor unit 10 in the windless mode of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, when the ventilation member 26 is in the closed position Pc2, the opening ratio of the first flow path C1 becomes smaller than when the ventilation member 26 is in the open position Po2. When the ventilation member 26 is in the closed position Pc2, the air moving through the ventilation passage 31 by the fan 23 passes through the ventilation opening 56 and changes into wind W1a.

[0074] On the other hand, the second flow path C2 is not provided with a ventilation member 26. The opening ratio of the second flow path C2 is maintained as it was originally. In other words, the wind released from the second flow path C2 becomes wind W2a that does not pass through the ventilation member 26. Wind W2a is, for example, laminar flow. The wind W1a that passes through the ventilation member 26 provided in the first flow path C1 and the wind W2a that passes through the second flow path C2, which is not provided with a ventilation member 26, are formed adjacent to each other.

[0075] As the opening ratio of the first flow path C1 decreases, the velocity of wind W1a increases. As a result, wind W1a draws in wind W2a. This causes wind W2a to strike wind W1a. Furthermore, wind W1a, which has transitioned to turbulence, diffuses and strikes wind W2a flowing adjacent to it. In this way, winds W1a and W2a, which have different velocities and states (laminar or turbulent), collide with each other as they flow side by side. That is, wind W2a that does not pass through the ventilation member 26 (ventilation opening 56) and wind W1a that has passed through the ventilation member 26 (ventilation opening 56) interfere with each other.

[0076] When winds W1a and W2a collide with each other, for example, the masses of winds W1a and W2a are broken up, and the turbulent wind W1a is carried into wind W2a. Winds W1a and W2a undergo various interactions like these to generate a mixed wind Ws that diffuses over a wide area.

[0077] In other words, when the ventilation member 26 is in the closed position Pc2, the indoor unit 10 blows mixed air Ws into the room, which is a mixture of air W1a blown out from the outlet 33 through the ventilation opening 56 and air W2a blown out from the outlet 33 through a second flow path C2 different from the ventilation opening 56. Note that as long as the air blown out by the indoor unit 10 is mixed air Ws, the air blown out immediately after the indoor unit 10 is not mixed air Ws.

[0078] The mixed airflow Ws is turbulent. The mixed airflow Ws blown out from the indoor unit 10 is closer to natural wind (so-called windless wind) than the wind immediately after it is released from the outlet 33. Since the ventilation member 26 only needs to be provided in either the first flow path C1 or the second flow path C2, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts, an increase in the complexity of the indoor unit 10's configuration, and an increase in cost. In addition, the ventilation member 26 has a simple structure, which helps to suppress an increase in cost and a decrease in the strength of the ventilation member 26.

[0079] In the above example, the indoor unit 10 has two air deflectors 25, one ventilation member 26, and multiple air deflectors 29, but the air deflectors 25, 29 and ventilation member 26 are not limited to this example. For example, the indoor unit 10 may have multiple air deflectors 25 arranged in the X direction, multiple ventilation members 26 arranged in the X direction, and multiple air deflectors 29 arranged in the X direction. In this case, the indoor unit control unit 80 can individually control the orientation of the multiple air deflectors 25, 29 to blow air in different directions from two or more areas partitioned by the air deflectors 25, 29. In addition, the indoor unit control unit 80 can individually set the positions of the multiple ventilation members 26 to a closed position Pc2 or an open position Po2 to blow air of different properties (laminar flow or windless air) from two or more areas that are covered or open by the ventilation members 26.

[0080] The radar 2 shown in Figure 1 can detect the position, movement speed, angle, and shape of a detection target (e.g., a biological CR) within a room. Note that the radar 2 does not need to be able to detect the detection target throughout the entire room. For example, the radar 2 does not need to be able to detect targets that are further away from the radar 2 than its maximum detection range, targets hidden behind objects, or targets located in the radar 2's blind spot.

[0081] Radar 2 is an ultrasonic radar, millimeter-wave radar, microwave radar, or Doppler radar such as Doppler LiDAR. Note that Radar 2 is not limited to these examples. Furthermore, the sensors provided by the air conditioner 1 are not limited to Radar 2, but may be other sensors capable of detecting biological CR, such as optical sensors or infrared sensors.

[0082] Radar 2 comprises a transmitting unit 2a, a receiving unit 2b, and a signal processing unit 2c. Radar 2 generates electromagnetic waves such as millimeter waves or microwaves, sound waves, or light such as visible light, infrared rays, or ultraviolet rays in the signal processing unit 2c and transmits them into the room from the transmitting unit 2a. Radar 2 receives reflected waves reflected by the detection target (biological CR) present in the room with the receiving unit 2b and outputs a signal corresponding to the reflected wave from the signal processing unit 2c.

[0083] The radar 2 is installed, for example, at one of the positions on the front of the housing 21 of the indoor unit 10, or at another position in the room that makes it easy to detect the location of the object to be detected (biological CR). The radar 2 may also be embedded in the front part of the housing 21 near the center in the X direction, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 4. The transmitting unit 2a and the receiving unit 2b are exposed from the surface of the housing 21.

[0084] Figure 8 is a block diagram functionally showing the indoor unit control unit 80 of the first embodiment. The indoor unit control unit 80 is a computer having a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or microcontroller, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and a storage device such as flash memory. Note that the indoor unit control unit 80 is not limited to this example.

[0085] For example, the CPU of the indoor unit control unit 80 reads a control program installed and stored in ROM or a storage device, and implements a module that performs various control and calculation processes according to the program. The indoor unit control unit 80 includes modules such as an operating mode control unit 80a, a drive circuit control unit 80b, a radar control unit 80c, and a bio-detection unit 80d. These modules may be implemented by hardware. Furthermore, each module may be integrated or separated according to its function.

[0086] The operation mode control unit 80a switches between the control modes (radar control mode and normal control mode), main operation modes (cooling operation mode, heating operation mode, dehumidification operation mode, humidification operation mode, fan operation mode, and air purification operation mode), and auxiliary operation modes (windless operation mode) as the operating modes of the indoor unit 10. These switching operations are performed based on command signals from the user-operated terminal 94a or automatically based on the detection results of the radar 2.

[0087] The drive circuit control unit 80b controls the operation of the fan 23, air deflectors 25, 29, and ventilation member 26 via the drive circuits 81 to 83 based on the main operation mode, control mode, and auxiliary operation mode set in the operation mode control unit 80a. In normal control mode, the drive circuit control unit 80b controls the operation of the fan 23, air deflectors 25, 29, and ventilation member 26 based on user operation.

[0088] The drive circuit control unit 80b controls the motor 85 via the drive circuit 82 to control the left-right position of the wind vane 25. The drive circuit control unit 80b also controls the motor 86 via the drive circuit 82 to control the up-down position of the wind vane 29. By combining the direction control of the wind vane 25 and the direction control of the wind vane 29, the drive circuit control unit 80b can appropriately change the direction (destination) of the wind blown out from the outlet 33.

[0089] The drive circuit control unit 80b can change the rotational speed of the fan 23 by controlling the motor 84 via the drive circuit 81, thereby changing the airflow velocity of the air blown out by the indoor unit 10. In the windless mode, which is an auxiliary operation mode, the drive circuit control unit 80b controls the motor 87 via the drive circuit 83 to move the ventilation member 26 to the closed position Pc2. As a result, in windless mode, the indoor unit 10 can blow out turbulent air (so-called windless air) from the outlet 33. In this way, the drive circuit control unit 80b can change the quality of the air blown out by the indoor unit 10.

[0090] The radar control unit 80c controls the transmission and reception of the radar 2 (transmitter 2a, receiver 2b) and acquires the analysis results (detection results) of the transmitted and received waves from the signal processing unit 2c. The radar 2 may enable detection processing after the indoor unit 10 is activated by operation of the operation terminal 94a, or it may remain in standby mode at all times regardless of the activation of the indoor unit 10 and be activated normally to acquire information such as the presence or absence of an object (detection target), the number of detection targets, and the shape information of the detection targets when, for example, movement of an object (detection target) is detected indoors.

[0091] The biodetection unit 80d identifies a biological CR from among the detected targets based on the detection results of the radar 2 acquired by the radar control unit 80c, assigns an ID (identifier) ​​to each identified biological entity, and stores it in RAM or a memory device, for example. The biodetection unit 80d considers a detected target as a biological CR when the amount of change due to movement exceeds a predetermined threshold, and assigns an ID to the biological CR when it detects the movement or when the amount of change exceeds the predetermined threshold. Also, for example, it considers a detected target that has newly entered the room as a biological CR and assigns an ID to the biological CR when it enters the room or immediately thereafter. Thereafter, the biodetection unit 80d maintains the ID and monitors the biological CR until a predetermined period has elapsed, for example, when the biological CR leaves the room or enters a blind spot in the room and is lost sight of.

[0092] The biodetection unit 80d tracks a valid ID present in the room. If the biodetection unit 80d loses sight of a detected object (biological CR, ID) that it is tracking, it may maintain the ID for a predetermined period (e.g., 30 minutes) and reactivate the same ID when the object reappears from the same blind spot. In this case, the indoor unit control unit 80 may continue the airflow control mode that was in place immediately before the valid ID was lost. The biodetection unit 80d may also assign a new ID to a detected object (biological CR) that reappears from the blind spot after the predetermined period has elapsed. Furthermore, if a detected object (biological CR) with an assigned ID leaves the room through an entrance or exit, the biodetection unit 80d may invalidate the ID.

[0093] In radar control mode, the drive circuit control unit 80b controls the fan 23, air deflectors 25, 29, and ventilation member 26 according to the position of the detected object (biological CR) in the room that can be detected by the radar 2, thereby controlling the direction and quality of the air blown out from the outlet 33. In addition, in radar control mode, the drive circuit control unit 80b may also control the fan 23, air deflectors 25, 29, and ventilation member 26 according to other conditions as well as the position of the biological CR.

[0094] The air conditioner 1 of this embodiment is equipped with multiple radar control modes. The operation mode control unit 80a can switch between the multiple radar control modes. The drive circuit control unit 80b controls the air deflectors 25 and 29 relative to the biological CR detected by the radar 2 in the selected radar control mode from among the multiple radar control modes.

[0095] Multiple radar control modes include, for example, a wind-facing mode and a wind-blocking mode. Note that the radar control modes are not limited to these examples. Both the wind-facing mode and the wind-blocking mode are examples of tracking control modes. Note that the radar control modes may include other modes as well.

[0096] In the airflow mode, the drive circuit control unit 80b controls the direction of the air deflectors 25 and 29 so that the indoor unit 10 blows air toward the living body CR, which is detected by the radar 2 and tracked by the biodetection unit 80d. In other words, the drive circuit control unit 80b controls the air deflectors 25 and 29 so that air always blows toward the living body CR. In the airflow mode, the air conditioner 1 can, for example, improve the feeling of coolness during cooling control.

[0097] In wind-blocking mode, the drive circuit control unit 80b controls the direction of the air deflectors 25 and 29 so as to avoid the living CR, which is detected by the radar 2 and tracked by the biological detection unit 80d as the wind blown out by the indoor unit 10. In other words, the drive circuit control unit 80b controls the air deflectors 25 and 29 so that the indoor unit 10 blows wind towards a location where the living CR is not present (absent area). Therefore, in wind-blocking mode, the air conditioner 1 can suppress direct exposure of the living CR to wind and reduce discomfort in the living CR.

[0098] The control of the operation of the wind vanes 25 and 29 in the wind exposure mode and the wind avoidance mode is not limited to the examples described above. For example, in the wind exposure mode or the wind avoidance mode, the drive circuit control unit 80b may periodically change the wind direction to alternately create states where the biological CR is exposed to wind and states where it is not.

[0099] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of control of the indoor unit 10 in the radar control mode (wind-direction mode or wind-blocking mode) of the first embodiment. An example of control of the indoor unit 10 in radar control mode will be described below with reference to Figure 9. Note that the control of the indoor unit 10 in radar control mode is not limited to the example described below.

[0100] First, for example, when the operating mode control unit 80a sets the control mode to radar control mode by user operation, the biodetection unit 80d determines whether or not a biological CR has been detected (S101). As described above, if there is a moving object to be detected in the room, the biodetection unit 80d considers that object to be a biological CR, assigns an ID to the biological CR, and tracks it. On the other hand, the biodetection unit 80d does not consider objects that do not move continuously to be biological CRs.

[0101] When the biodetection unit 80d detects a biological CR using the radar 2 (S101: Yes), the drive circuit control unit 80b drives the motors 85 and 86 via the drive circuit 82 to change the direction of the wind vanes 25 and 29 (S102).

[0102] In the wind-facing mode, the drive circuit control unit 80b drives the motors 85 and 86 via the drive circuit 82 to direct the wind vanes 25 and 29 toward the biological CR. In the wind-blocking mode, the drive circuit control unit 80b drives the motors 85 and 86 via the drive circuit 82 to direct the wind vanes 25 and 29 toward a location where there is no biological CR (absent area).

[0103] Next, the driving mode control unit 80a determines whether or not a command has been received to turn off the radar control mode (S103). Specifically, the driving mode control unit 80a determines whether or not it has received a command signal from, for example, the user's operating terminal 94a to switch the control mode from the radar control mode to another mode. If the radar control mode continues without ending (S103: No), the process returns to S101.

[0104] In S101, if the biodetection unit 80d does not detect a biological CR with the radar 2 (S101: No), the drive circuit control unit 80b maintains the orientation of the wind vanes 25 and 29 (S104). That is, in radar control mode, if the radar 2 stops detecting a biological CR that it had previously detected, the drive circuit control unit 80b maintains the orientation of the wind vanes 25 and 29 that was in the state when the radar 2 stopped detecting the biological CR.

[0105] Next, the biological detection unit 80d determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the last time a biological CR was detected (S105). If a predetermined time has elapsed since the last time a biological CR was detected (S105: Yes), the drive circuit control unit 80b drives the motors 85 and 86 via the drive circuit 82 and controls the wind vanes 25 and 29 with predetermined settings (S106).

[0106] For example, the drive circuit control unit 80b drives the motors 85 and 86 via the drive circuit 82 to orient the air deflectors 25 and 29 in a predetermined direction. This predetermined direction is set during the manufacture of the air conditioner 1, or set by the user operating the operation terminal 94a, and is stored, for example, in the storage device of the indoor unit control unit 80. The drive circuit control unit 80b may also swing the air deflectors 25 and 29. That is, in radar control mode, the drive circuit control unit 80b positions the air deflectors 25 and 29 in a predetermined direction or swings them when a predetermined time has elapsed since the radar 2 stopped detecting the biological CR that it had been detecting.

[0107] If a predetermined time has elapsed since the radar 2 stopped detecting the biological CR, the indoor unit control unit 80 may perform further control. For example, the operation mode control unit 80a may turn off the windless mode. As a result, the drive circuit control unit 80b drives the motor 87 via the drive circuit 83 to move the ventilation member 26 from the closed position Pc2 to the open position Po2.

[0108] After S106, the operation mode control unit 80a makes the determination in S103. On the other hand, in S105, if a predetermined time has not elapsed since the last time a biological CR was detected (S105: No), the operation mode control unit 80a also makes the determination in S103.

[0109] If a command to terminate the radar control mode is issued in S103 (S103: Yes), the radar control mode is turned off, and the drive circuit control unit 80b maintains the orientation of the wind vanes 25 and 29 (S107). In other words, when the radar control mode is turned off, the drive circuit control unit 80b maintains the orientation of the wind vanes 25 and 29 as they were when the radar control mode was turned off.

[0110] Figure 10 is a schematic plan view showing the indoor unit 10 and the biological CR returning to the room in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, if there is an entrance / exit D, the biological CR will, in most cases, return to the room through the same entrance / exit D after leaving the room through the entrance / exit D.

[0111] For example, in the airflow mode, the wind vanes 25 and 29 are directed towards the biological CR. When the biological CR goes outside through the entrance / exit D, the wind vanes 25 and 29 are almost directed towards the entrance / exit D. When the biological CR goes outside through the entrance / exit D, the biological detection unit 80d stops detecting the biological CR with the radar 2. In this case, as described above, the orientation of the wind vanes 25 and 29 is maintained, and the wind vanes 25 and 29 are directed towards the entrance / exit D.

[0112] Even when the biological CR returns to the room from the entrance / exit D, the wind deflectors 25 and 29 are still facing the entrance / exit D. Therefore, even though the biological CR is not detected by the radar 2 until just before returning to the room, it can immediately receive wind when it returns to the room from the entrance / exit D. On the other hand, in wind-shielding mode, the indoor unit 10 does not blow wind towards the entrance / exit D, so the biological CR that returns to the room from the entrance / exit D does not receive direct wind.

[0113] Figure 11 is a schematic plan view showing the indoor unit 10 and the biological CR emerging from behind an obstacle OB in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, if an obstacle OB such as furniture or a pillar is present between the biological CR and the radar 2, the biological detection unit 80d may not be able to detect the biological CR with the radar 2.

[0114] For example, in the wind-direction mode, the wind vanes 25 and 29 are directed towards the biological CR. When the biological CR enters the shadow of the obstacle OB, the wind vanes 25 and 29 are almost directed towards the obstacle OB. When the biological CR enters the shadow of the obstacle OB, the biological detection unit 80d stops detecting the biological CR with the radar 2. In this case, as described above, the orientation of the wind vanes 25 and 29 is maintained, and the wind vanes 25 and 29 are directed towards the obstacle OB.

[0115] Even when the biological CR emerges from behind the obstacle OB, the wind deflectors 25 and 29 are still facing the obstacle OB. Therefore, even though the biological CR is not detected by radar 2 until just before it emerges from behind the obstacle OB, it can immediately receive wind when it emerges from behind the obstacle OB.

[0116] Figure 12 is a schematic plan view showing the indoor unit 10 and the biological CR returning from outside the detection range AR of the radar 2 to the detection range AR in the first embodiment. Figure 13 is a schematic plan view showing the indoor unit 10 and the biological CR returning from the blind spot of the radar 2 to the detection range AR in the first embodiment.

[0117] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, there may be areas in the room that are outside the detection range AR of radar 2 due to positions located further away from radar 2 than the maximum detection distance of radar 2 or due to blind spots of radar 2. For this reason, the biodetection unit 80d may not be able to detect biodetectors located further away from radar 2 than the maximum detection distance of radar 2 or biodetectors located in the blind spots of radar 2. The air conditioner 1 may have multiple radars 2 to reduce the blind spots of radar 2.

[0118] Generally, the detection range (AR) of radar 2 covers all or most of the room. Therefore, the area outside the detection range (AR) of radar 2 is a small area within the room. Consequently, biological CRs that are further than a predetermined distance from radar 2, or that enter the blind spot of radar 2, will return to the detection range (AR) by passing through approximately the same position they passed through when they left the detection range (AR).

[0119] When the biological CR returns to the detection range AR, the wind vanes 25 and 29 are pointed towards the position where the biological CR left the detection range AR. Therefore, even though the biological CR is not detected by radar 2 until just before it returns to the detection range AR, it can immediately receive wind when it returns to the detection range AR. Even if the biological CR returns to the detection range AR via a different position than when it left the detection range AR, the time it takes for the wind vanes 25 and 29 to point towards the biological CR is shortened.

[0120] In the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the indoor unit control unit 80 can control the air deflectors 25 and 29 in radar control mode. In radar control mode, the indoor unit control unit 80 controls the direction of the air deflectors 25 and 29 so that the air blown out by the indoor unit 10 avoids the biological CR detected by the radar 2, or so that the indoor unit 10 blows air toward the biological CR detected by the radar 2. In radar control mode, if the indoor unit control unit 80 stops detecting the biological CR that the radar 2 was detecting, it maintains the direction of the air deflectors 25 and 29 as they were when the radar 2 stopped detecting the biological CR. For example, a biological CR that has left the detection range AR of the radar 2 by going outside through an entrance / exit D or entering the shadow of an obstacle OB often returns to the detection range AR of the radar 2 from approximately the same position as when it left the detection range AR of the radar 2, such as the entrance / exit D. In this case, since the orientation of the wind vanes 25 and 29 is maintained, the indoor unit 10 can provide airflow to the biological CR that has returned within the detection range AR of the radar 2 in the manner desired in radar control mode. That is, if the airflow avoids the biological CR in radar control mode, it is possible to suppress the biological CR that has returned within the detection range AR of the radar 2 from directly receiving the airflow. On the other hand, if the indoor unit 10 blows air towards the biological CR in radar control mode, the biological CR that has returned within the detection range AR of the radar 2 can immediately receive the airflow.

[0121] When the radar control mode is turned off, the indoor unit control unit 80 maintains the orientation of the air deflectors 25 and 29 as they were when the radar control mode was turned off. This allows the indoor unit to provide airflow in the manner it was in when the radar control mode was turned off. Furthermore, when the indoor unit 10 blows air towards the biological CR in radar control mode, the user can easily set the orientation of the air deflectors 25 and 29 to the desired direction by moving them so that they are facing the desired direction, and then turning off the radar control mode.

[0122] In radar control mode, the indoor unit control unit 80 positions the air deflectors 25 and 29 in a predetermined direction or swings them when a predetermined time has elapsed since the radar 2 stopped detecting the biological CR that it had been detecting. This allows the air conditioner 1 to suppress temperature imbalances in the room.

[0123] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 14. In the following description of the embodiments, components having the same function as those already described will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those previously described, and their description may be omitted. Furthermore, multiple components denoted by the same reference numerals do not necessarily share all functions and properties, and may have different functions and properties depending on the embodiment.

[0124] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the control of the indoor unit 10 in the radar control mode (wind-facing mode or wind-blocking mode) according to the second embodiment. The control of the indoor unit 10 in the second embodiment has S206 instead of S106 and S207 instead of S107.

[0125] In S105, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the last detection of a biological CR (S105: Yes), the driving mode control unit 80a turns off the radar control mode (S206). In other words, in the radar control mode, the driving mode control unit 80a turns off the radar control mode when a predetermined time has elapsed since the radar 2 stopped detecting a biological CR that it had previously detected.

[0126] Furthermore, if a command to terminate the radar control mode is issued in S103 or if the radar control mode is turned off in S206 (S103: Yes), the drive circuit control unit 80b drives the motors 85 and 86 via the drive circuit 82 and controls the wind deflectors 25 and 29 with predetermined settings (S207).

[0127] For example, the drive circuit control unit 80b drives the motors 85 and 86 via the drive circuit 82 to orient the wind vanes 25 and 29 in a predetermined direction. The drive circuit control unit 80b may also swing the wind vanes 25 and 29. That is, when the radar control mode is turned off, the drive circuit control unit 80b positions the wind vanes 25 and 29 in a predetermined direction or swings the wind vanes 25 and 29.

[0128] In the air conditioner 1 of the second embodiment described above, the indoor unit control unit 80 positions the air deflectors 25 and 29 in a predetermined direction or swings the air deflectors 25 and 29 when the radar control mode is turned off. Therefore, when the wind avoids the biological CR in radar control mode, the user can receive the wind directly by turning off the radar control mode. On the other hand, when the indoor unit 10 blows wind toward the biological CR in radar control mode, the user can avoid receiving the wind directly by turning off the radar control mode.

[0129] In radar control mode, the indoor unit control unit 80 turns off the radar control mode when a predetermined time has elapsed since the radar 2 stopped detecting the biological CR that it had been detecting. This allows the air conditioner 1 to suppress temperature imbalances in the room.

[0130] In the first and second embodiments, S105, S106, and S206 may be omitted. In this case, even if time has elapsed since the last time a biological CR was detected, the orientation of the wind vanes 25 and 29 will be maintained at the orientation that the radar 2 was in when it stopped detecting biological CRs.

[0131] In the above embodiment, an indoor unit control unit 80, as an example of a control unit, is included in the indoor unit 10, while an outdoor unit control unit 180 is included in the outdoor unit 100. However, the indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180 may be integrated. Alternatively, both the indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180 may be provided in either the indoor unit 10 or the outdoor unit 100.

[0132] In the above explanation, suppression is defined, for example, as preventing the occurrence of an event, effect, or influence, or reducing the degree of an event, effect, or influence.

[0133] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0134] 1...Air conditioner, 2...Radar, 10...Indoor unit, 25, 25A, 25B, 29...Air deflector, 80...Indoor unit control unit, CR...Biological system.

Claims

1. An indoor unit that blows air into the room, The indoor unit is provided with a wind deflector that guides the air blown out by the indoor unit and whose direction can be changed, The indoor unit is provided with a sensor capable of detecting living organisms in the room, A control unit capable of controlling the direction of the air deflector in a tracking control mode, which controls the direction of the air deflector so that the air blown out by the indoor unit avoids the living organism detected by the sensor, or so that the indoor unit blows air toward the living organism detected by the sensor. It is equipped with, In the tracking control mode, when the sensor stops detecting the living organism it was detecting, the control unit maintains the orientation of the wind vane at the time the sensor stopped detecting the living organism. Air conditioner.

2. The control unit maintains the orientation of the wind vane when the tracking control mode is turned off. An air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. When the tracking control mode is turned off, the control unit positions the wind vane in a predetermined direction or swings the wind vane. An air conditioner according to claim 1.

4. In the tracking control mode, the control unit, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the sensor stopped detecting the living organism it had been detecting, positions the wind vane in a predetermined direction or swings the wind vane. An air conditioner that is any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control unit turns off the tracking control mode when a predetermined time has elapsed since the sensor stopped detecting the living organism it had been detecting. An air conditioner according to claim 1 or claim 3.

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