Air-conditioning device

Abstract

An indoor unit (302) comprises a space temperature acquisition unit (326) and an air-conditioning control unit (330). The air-conditioning control unit (330) has an acquisition determination unit (340), a thermo-off condition identification unit (342), and a thermo-off condition execution unit (344). The acquisition determination unit (340) determines whether the space temperature is successfully acquired by the space temperature acquisition unit (326). The thermo-off condition identification unit (342) identifies any one of a plurality of thermo-off conditions on the basis of the determination result from the acquisition determination unit (340). The thermo-off condition execution unit (344) executes air-conditioning according to the thermo-off condition identified by the thermo-off condition identification unit (342).

Description

air conditioner

[0001] The present disclosure relates to air conditioning technology, and more particularly to an air conditioning device that controls air conditioning in a room.

[0002] A central air conditioning system has been proposed that uses a single air conditioner to condition multiple rooms. However, it can be difficult to control the temperatures of multiple rooms in accordance with the set temperatures of the multiple rooms. Therefore, a second set temperature is determined based on the intake temperature and the air conditioning intensity, which is determined based on the difference between the room temperatures of the multiple rooms and the first set temperature. The air conditioner is then controlled based on the second set temperature (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] JP 2022-115500 A

[0004] The indoor unit of an air conditioner installed in a room performs a thermo-off operation, which shuts down the outdoor unit, when the intake temperature of the intake air reaches a certain temperature. When such an air conditioner is installed in an air-conditioned room and used in a central air-conditioning system, the intake temperature in the air-conditioned room differs from the space temperature in the room, which can lead to a situation where the intake temperature reaches a certain temperature but the space temperature does not. In such a situation, the thermo-off operation is performed even though it should not be performed. Because this operation is undesirable, central air-conditioning systems require dedicated air-conditioning equipment designed separately from the general-purpose air-conditioning equipment normally used. However, considering manufacturing costs, it is preferable to use general-purpose air-conditioning equipment rather than dedicated equipment in central air-conditioning systems.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in light of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that expands the ways in which air conditioners can be used.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, an air conditioning apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure has an indoor unit and an outdoor unit and conditions a space to be air-conditioned, wherein the indoor unit includes a target temperature setting unit that sets a first target temperature for the air conditioning, an intake temperature sensor that detects the intake temperature of air drawn into the indoor unit, a space temperature acquisition unit that acquires the space temperature of the space to be air-conditioned, and an air conditioning control unit that is connected to the target temperature setting unit, the intake temperature sensor, and the space temperature acquisition unit and controls the air conditioning. The air conditioning control unit includes an acquisition determination unit that determines whether the space temperature acquisition unit has successfully acquired the space temperature, a thermo-off condition determination unit that determines one of multiple thermo-off conditions based on the determination result by the acquisition determination unit, and a thermo-off condition execution unit that executes the air conditioning according to the thermo-off condition determined by the thermo-off condition determination unit.

[0007] Any combination of the above components, and conversion of the present disclosure into a method, device, system, recording medium, computer program, etc., are also valid aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the usage patterns of air conditioners can be expanded.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a house according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of another house according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the indoor units of Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the data configuration of a table held in a thermo-off condition specifying unit of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure for specifying a thermo-off condition by the indoor unit of Fig. 3.

[0010] Before describing specific embodiments of the present disclosure, an overview of the embodiments will be provided. This embodiment relates to an air conditioning device that can be installed in a room to be air-conditioned, and can also be installed in an air-conditioned room different from the room to be air-conditioned. The former corresponds to normal use of the air conditioning device (hereinafter referred to as "normal state"), and the latter corresponds to use of the air conditioning device in a central air-conditioning system (hereinafter referred to as "central air-conditioning state"). The air conditioning device includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, and the indoor unit performs air conditioning so that the intake temperature of the air drawn in approaches a constant temperature. Furthermore, when the constant temperature is reached, the indoor unit performs a thermo-off operation, which stops the outdoor unit. Here, the objective is to properly perform the thermo-off operation even when the same air conditioning device is used for both the normal state and the central air-conditioning state.

[0011] In normal operation, the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to this embodiment uses a thermo-off condition (hereinafter referred to as the "normal thermo-off condition") that turns off the thermostat of the outdoor unit when the intake temperature reaches a certain temperature, as in the past. Meanwhile, in central air-conditioning mode, the indoor unit modifies the certain temperature based on the difference between the space temperature of the room to be air-conditioned and the intake temperature (hereinafter referred to as the "modified certain temperature"), and uses a thermo-off condition (hereinafter referred to as the "energy-saving thermo-off condition") that turns off the thermostat of the outdoor unit when the intake temperature reaches the modified certain temperature. The energy-saving thermo-off condition turns off the thermostat less frequently than the normal thermo-off condition, making it less likely that the thermostat will be turned off when the space temperature has not yet reached a certain temperature.

[0012] In the normal state, the space temperature sensor for detecting the space temperature is not used, but in the whole-building air-conditioning state, the space temperature sensor is used. Therefore, the indoor unit determines the normal thermo-off condition when it does not acquire the space temperature from the space temperature sensor, and determines the energy-saving thermo-off condition when it acquires the space temperature from the space temperature sensor.

[0013] The examples described below each illustrate a preferred specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps (processes), and step order shown in the following examples are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, among the components in the following examples, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of the present disclosure are described as optional components. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0014] 1 shows the configuration of a house 500 in the normal state described above. The house 500 includes a living room 10, which is a space to be air-conditioned. The living room 10 is air-conditioned by an air conditioner 310. The air conditioner 310 has an indoor unit 302 and an outdoor unit 308, which are connected by a pipe (not shown). The indoor unit 302 is installed on a side wall 50 of the living room 10, and the outdoor unit 308 is installed outside the house 500. The indoor unit 302 is capable of wireless communication and is connected to the operating device 400 via wireless communication.

[0015] The user uses the operating device 400 to input the air conditioning type, which is the type of air conditioning, and the set temperature of the air conditioning (hereinafter referred to as the "first target temperature") into the operating device 400. The air conditioning type is, for example, heating operation or cooling operation. The operating device 400 transmits the input air conditioning type and first target temperature to the indoor unit 302 via wireless communication. Upon receiving the air conditioning type and first target temperature from the operating device 400, the indoor unit 302 performs air conditioning, for example heating or cooling, in accordance with the air conditioning type and first target temperature. The indoor unit 302 can turn off the thermostat of the outdoor unit 308, which will be described later.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows the configuration of a house 600 and the central air conditioning state described above. The house 600 includes living rooms 10, which are spaces to be air-conditioned, shared spaces 16 such as hallways, and an air-conditioned room 18. The central air conditioning system installed in the house 600 includes an outside air inlet 100, an outside air inlet duct 102, a heat exchanger device 104, an exhaust duct 106, an exhaust vent 108, an air supply duct 110, a ventilation opening 114, a conveying duct 122, an air outlet 128, an air supply opening 140, and an outdoor unit 308. The outside air inlet duct 102, the exhaust duct 106, the air supply duct 110, and the conveying duct 122 are pipes that transport air, i.e., air paths. The central air conditioning system also includes a central air conditioning unit 300, an operating device 400, and a space temperature sensor 402. The central air conditioning unit 300 includes an indoor unit 302, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter 304, and a blower 306. The indoor unit 302, HEPA filter 304, and blower 306 are arranged in this order from the top of the central air conditioning unit 300. The indoor unit 302 and an outdoor unit 308 are included in an air conditioning system 310, and the indoor unit 302 and the outdoor unit 308 are connected by a pipe (not shown).

[0017] An outside air inlet 100 and an exhaust outlet 108 are installed on a wall surface of the house 600, and an outdoor unit 308 is also installed thereon. An outside air inlet duct 102 extending from the outside air inlet 100 toward the interior of the house 600 is connected to a heat exchanger device 104. An exhaust duct 106 is also connected to the heat exchanger device 104, and the exhaust duct 106 extends toward the wall surface of the house 600 and is connected to the exhaust outlet 108. An intake air duct 110 is also connected to the heat exchanger device 104. The outside air inlet duct 102, the exhaust duct 106, the heat exchanger device 104, and the intake air duct 110 are arranged in the attic 40.

[0018] The heat exchanger device 104 is also called a heat exchange type ventilation fan. The heat exchanger device 104 takes in outside air 200 from the outside air inlet 100 through the outside air inlet duct 102. The outside air 200 drawn in through the outside air inlet 100 corresponds to supply air. The heat exchanger device 104 also takes in ventilation return air (RA) 202 through the ventilation opening 114. The ventilation RA 202 is air flowing in from the interior of the house 600. The heat exchanger device 104 exchanges heat between these air sources. As a result of the heat exchange, the heat exchanger device 104 discharges exhaust air 204 from the exhaust opening 108 through the exhaust duct 106. The heat exchanger device 104 also supplies the heat-exchanged supply air 208 to the central air conditioning unit 300 via the supply air duct 110.

[0019] An air intake port 140 is installed in the ceiling of the air-conditioned room 18, and an air intake duct 110 is connected to the air intake port 140. The air intake port 140 blows out supply air 208 from the heat exchanger device 104 into the air-conditioned room 18 via the air intake duct 110. A central air-conditioning unit 300 is installed in the air-conditioned room 18. The supply air 208 flows into the central air-conditioning unit 300 from the air intake duct 110, and circulated air 206 also flows into the central air-conditioning unit 300 from inside the house 600. The circulated air 206 is air that flows in from inside the house 600, similar to the ventilation RA 202.

[0020] 1, and performs air conditioning on the air that is a mixture of supply air and circulating RA 206. For example, the indoor unit 302 controls the temperature, humidity, etc. The indoor unit 302 heats or cools the air that has flowed into the air-conditioned room 18, i.e., the air that is a mixture of circulating RA 206 and supply air 208, so that the temperature of the air inside the central air-conditioning unit 300 (air-conditioned room 18) becomes a first target temperature.

[0021] The HEPA filter 304 is an air filter that removes dirt, dust, and the like from the air conditioned by the indoor unit 302 and outputs purified air. The blower 306 transports the air conditioned by the indoor unit 302 and purified by the HEPA filter 304 to the air outlet 128 via the transport duct 122. The blower 306 can be controlled independently of the indoor unit 302.

[0022] The transfer duct 122 connected to the central air-conditioning unit 300 runs from the air-conditioning room 18 through the attic space 40 and is connected to the air outlet 128. The air outlet 128 is installed on the surface of the ceiling 34 of the room 10. The air outlet 128 may also be installed on the surface of the sidewall 50 of the room 10. The air outlet 128 discharges air blown from the central air-conditioning unit 300 toward the floor surface 36 of the room 10. As air is blown out from the air outlet 128, the air originally present in the room 10 circulates within the room 10. A portion of the circulated air flows into the air-conditioning room 18 via the louver 32 as circulated air RA 206. Within the air-conditioning room 18, a mixture of the circulated air 206 and the supply air 208 is taken into the central air-conditioning unit 300. Another portion of the circulated air is taken into the heat exchanger device 104 through the ventilation opening 114 as ventilation air RA 202.

[0023] The space temperature sensor 402 is installed in the living room 10. The space temperature sensor 402 detects the space temperature in the living room 10. The space temperature sensor 402 has a wireless or wired communication function and transmits the detected space temperature to the indoor unit 302.

[0024] As in Fig. 1 , a user uses the operating device 400 to input an air conditioning type and a first target temperature into the operating device 400. The operating device 400 transmits the input air conditioning type and first target temperature to the indoor unit 302 via wireless communication. Upon receiving the air conditioning type and first target temperature from the operating device 400, the indoor unit 302 performs air conditioning, for example, heating or cooling, in accordance with the air conditioning type and first target temperature. In doing so, the indoor unit 302 may use the space temperature received from the space temperature sensor 402. The indoor unit 302 can turn off the thermostat of the outdoor unit 308, which will be described later.

[0025] 3 shows the configuration of the indoor unit 302. The indoor unit 302 includes a space type determination unit 320, a target temperature setting unit 322, an intake temperature sensor 324, a space temperature acquisition unit 326, and an air conditioning control unit 330. The air conditioning control unit 330 includes an acquisition determination unit 340, a thermo-off condition specification unit 342, and a thermo-off condition execution unit 344.

[0026] The space type determination unit 320 receives the air conditioning type from the operation device 400. The space type determination unit 320 determines whether the air conditioning type is heating operation or cooling operation. The space type determination unit 320 sets the determined air conditioning type in the air conditioning control unit 330. The target temperature setting unit 322 receives a first target temperature from the operation device 400. The target temperature setting unit 322 sets the first target temperature in the air conditioning control unit 330. The suction temperature sensor 324 is disposed near an air inlet (not shown) provided in the upper part of the indoor unit 302, and detects the suction temperature of air drawn into the indoor unit 302. The suction temperature sensor 324 outputs the detected suction temperature to the air conditioning control unit 330.

[0027] The space temperature acquisition unit 326 includes a connector that can be connected to the space temperature sensor 402 by wire, or a communication unit that can be connected wirelessly to the space temperature sensor 402. When the indoor unit 302 is in the normal state of FIG. 1 , the space temperature sensor 402 is not disposed in the living room 10, and therefore the space temperature acquisition unit 326 is not connected to the space temperature sensor 402. Therefore, the space temperature acquisition unit 326 does not acquire the detected space temperature from the space temperature sensor 402. When the indoor unit 302 is in the central air-conditioning state of FIG. 2 , the space temperature acquisition unit 326 is connected to the space temperature sensor 402. Therefore, the space temperature acquisition unit 326 acquires the detected space temperature from the space temperature sensor 402. The space temperature acquisition unit 326 outputs information indicating that the space temperature was not acquired (hereinafter referred to as "acquisition failure information") or the acquired space temperature to the air conditioning control unit 330.

[0028] The air conditioning control unit 330 is connected to the space type determination unit 320, the target temperature setting unit 322, the intake temperature sensor 324, and the space temperature acquisition unit 326. The air conditioning control unit 330 controls the air conditioning based on the air conditioning type set in the space type determination unit 320 and the first target temperature set in the target temperature setting unit 322. For example, the air conditioning control unit 330 performs heating or cooling operation so that the intake temperature approaches the first target temperature. Known techniques may be used to control the temperature or humidity in such air conditioning control.

[0029] The following describes thermo-off control of the outdoor unit 308 by the indoor unit 302. The acquisition determination unit 340 of the air conditioning control unit 330 determines whether the space temperature acquisition unit 326 has successfully acquired the space temperature. Specifically, when the space temperature is received from the space temperature acquisition unit 326, the acquisition determination unit 340 determines that the space temperature acquisition by the space temperature acquisition unit 326 has been "successful." This corresponds to determining that the space temperature acquisition by the space temperature acquisition unit 326 has been "successful" when the space temperature sensor 402 and the space temperature acquisition unit 326 are communicatively connected. When acquisition failure information is received from the space temperature acquisition unit 326, the acquisition determination unit 340 determines that the space temperature acquisition by the space temperature acquisition unit 326 has been "failed." This corresponds to determining that the space temperature acquisition by the space temperature acquisition unit 326 has been "failed" when the space temperature sensor 402 and the space temperature acquisition unit 326 are not communicatively connected.

[0030] The thermo-off condition specifying unit 342 specifies one of a plurality of thermo-off conditions based on the determination result by the acquisition determination unit 340. Specifically, when the space temperature acquisition unit 326 determines that the space temperature is not acquired, i.e., when the normal state is in effect, the thermo-off condition specifying unit 342 specifies a normal thermo-off condition that uses the first target temperature and the intake temperature. On the other hand, when the space temperature acquisition unit 326 determines that the space temperature is acquired, i.e., when the central air-conditioning state is in effect, the thermo-off condition specifying unit 342 specifies an energy-saving thermo-off condition that uses the first target temperature, the intake temperature, and the space temperature. As described above, the energy-saving thermo-off condition has a lower frequency of thermo-off than the normal thermo-off condition.

[0031] 4 shows the data configuration of the table held in the thermostat-off condition specifying unit 342. If the space temperature acquisition is determined to be "no" and the air conditioning type is determined to be "heating operation," the thermostat-off condition specifying unit 342 specifies the normal thermostat-off condition (during heating operation). Under the normal thermostat-off condition (during heating operation), the thermostat is turned off when the intake temperature is higher than the first target temperature by a predetermined temperature or more. Furthermore, if the space temperature acquisition is determined to be "no" and the air conditioning type is determined to be "cooling operation," the thermostat-off condition specifying unit 342 specifies the normal thermostat-off condition (during cooling operation). Under the normal thermostat-off condition (during cooling operation), the thermostat is turned off when the intake temperature is lower than the first target temperature by a predetermined temperature or more.

[0032] If the space temperature acquisition is determined to be "successful" and the air conditioning type is determined to be "heating operation," the thermo-off condition identification unit 342 identifies the energy-saving thermo-off condition (during heating operation). The insufficient conditioning temperature is calculated by subtracting the space temperature from the first target temperature. The insufficient conditioning temperature is the temperature that is insufficient in the space to be air-conditioned. Furthermore, the second target temperature is calculated by adding the insufficient conditioning temperature to the first target temperature. Under the energy-saving thermo-off condition (during heating operation), the thermo is turned off when the suction temperature becomes higher than the second target temperature by a predetermined temperature or more.

[0033] If the space temperature acquisition is determined to be "successful" and the air conditioning type is determined to be "cooling operation," the thermo-off condition determination unit 342 determines the energy-saving thermo-off condition (during cooling operation). The insufficient conditioning temperature is calculated by subtracting the first target temperature from the space temperature. Furthermore, the second target temperature is calculated by subtracting the insufficient conditioning temperature from the first target temperature. Under the energy-saving thermo-off condition (during heating operation), the thermo is turned off when the suction temperature is lower than the second target temperature by a predetermined temperature or more. Return to Figure 3.

[0034] The thermo-off condition execution unit 344 executes thermo-off for the outdoor unit 308 when the normal thermo-off condition or the energy-saving thermo-off condition specified by the thermo-off condition specification unit 342 is satisfied.

[0035] The normal thermostat-off condition and the energy-saving thermostat-off condition during heating operation will be explained below using specific temperatures. Assume that the first target temperature set for the indoor unit 302 is 25°C, the intake temperature in the indoor unit 302 is 26°C, and the predetermined temperature is 1°C.

[0036] Under normal thermo-off conditions, the first target temperature plus the predetermined temperature is 26°C. Therefore, when the intake temperature is equal to or higher than the first target temperature plus the predetermined temperature, that is, equal to or higher than 26°C, the outdoor unit 308 is thermo-off. When the indoor unit 302 is installed in the living room 10 as shown in FIG. 1, the space temperature of the living room 10 is close to the intake temperature. Therefore, when the space temperature reaches 26°C, the outdoor unit 308 is thermo-off.

[0037] If the indoor unit 302 is not installed in the room 10 as shown in FIG. 2, the space temperature in the room 10 will be lower than the suction temperature. Therefore, it is assumed that the space temperature is 24°C. In this situation, the insufficient conditioning temperature is 1°C (the first target temperature minus the space temperature), and the second target temperature is 26°C (the first target temperature plus the insufficient conditioning temperature). As a result, under the energy-saving thermo-off condition, the second target temperature plus the predetermined temperature is 27°C. Therefore, the outdoor unit 308 is thermo-off when the suction temperature is equal to or higher than the second target temperature plus the predetermined temperature, that is, equal to or higher than 27°C. Therefore, the thermo-off is not performed even if the temperature in the air-conditioned room 18 is 26°C.

[0038] The subject of the device, system, or method disclosed herein includes a computer. The computer executes a program to realize the functions of the subject of the device, system, or method disclosed herein. The computer includes, as its main hardware configuration, a processor that operates according to the program. The type of processor is not important as long as it can realize the functions by executing the program. The processor is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or an LSI (Large Scale Integration). The multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or may be provided on multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or may be provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium, such as a computer-readable ROM, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium or may be supplied to the recording medium via a wide area communication network, including the Internet.

[0039] The operation of the air conditioning device 310 configured as described above will now be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure for identifying the thermo-off condition by the indoor unit 302. If the acquisition determination unit 340 determines that acquisition of the space temperature was unsuccessful (N in S10), the thermo-off condition identification unit 342 identifies the normal thermo-off condition (S12). If the acquisition determination unit 340 determines that acquisition of the space temperature was successful (Y in S10), the thermo-off condition identification unit 342 identifies the energy-saving thermo-off condition (S14).

[0040] According to this embodiment, one of a plurality of thermo-off conditions is identified based on the determination result of whether or not the space temperature was acquired, and air conditioning is performed under the identified thermo-off condition, so that the thermo-off condition can be changed depending on the usage pattern of the air conditioner 310. Furthermore, because the thermo-off condition is changed depending on the usage pattern of the air conditioner 310, the usage patterns of the air conditioner 310 can be expanded. Furthermore, because the normal thermo-off condition is identified when the space temperature is not acquired, and the energy-saving thermo-off condition, which turns the thermo-off less frequently than the normal thermo-off condition, is identified when the space temperature is acquired, it is possible to make the thermo-off less likely when the indoor unit 302 is installed in the air-conditioned room 18. Furthermore, because the normal thermo-off condition is identified when the space temperature is not acquired, and the energy-saving thermo-off condition, which turns the thermo-off less frequently than the normal thermo-off condition, is identified when the space temperature is acquired, it is possible to use the same indoor unit 302 when it is installed in both the living room 10 and the air-conditioned room 18.

[0041] Furthermore, since it is determined that the space temperature has been acquired when the space temperature sensor 402 and the space temperature acquisition unit 326 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other, the determination can be simplified. Furthermore, since the space temperature sensor 402 is provided with a connector that can be connected by wire, the space temperature can be acquired from the space temperature sensor 402 once it is connected. Furthermore, since the communication unit that can be connected wirelessly with the space temperature sensor 402 is provided, the space temperature can be acquired from the space temperature sensor 402 once it is connected.

[0042] Furthermore, when the air conditioning type is determined to be heating operation and the space temperature is determined to have been acquired successfully, an energy-saving thermo-off condition using the first target temperature, space temperature, and suction temperature is identified, so that thermo-off can be appropriately executed when performing heating operation in whole-building air-conditioning mode. Furthermore, when the air conditioning type is determined to be cooling operation and the space temperature is determined to have been acquired successfully, an energy-saving thermo-off condition using the first target temperature, space temperature, and suction temperature is identified, so that thermo-off can be appropriately executed when performing cooling operation in whole-building air-conditioning mode.

[0043] Furthermore, if the air conditioning type is determined to be heating operation and it is determined that the space temperature has not been acquired, a normal thermo-off condition using the suction temperature and the first target temperature is identified, so that thermo-off can be appropriately executed when heating operation is performed in a normal state. Furthermore, if the air conditioning type is determined to be cooling operation and it is determined that the space temperature has not been acquired, a normal thermo-off condition using the suction temperature and the first target temperature is identified, so that thermo-off can be appropriately executed when cooling operation is performed in a normal state.

[0044] An outline of one aspect of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0045] (Item 1) An air conditioning device (310) having an indoor unit (302) and an outdoor unit (308) for conditioning a space to be air-conditioned, wherein the indoor unit (302) comprises: a target temperature setting unit (322) that sets a first target temperature for the air conditioning; an intake temperature sensor (324) that detects the intake temperature of air drawn into the indoor unit (302); a space temperature acquisition unit (326) that acquires the space temperature of the space to be air-conditioned; and an air conditioning control unit (330) that is connected to the target temperature setting unit (322), the intake temperature sensor (324), and the space temperature acquisition unit (326) and controls the air conditioning, wherein the air conditioning control unit (330) comprises: an acquisition determination unit (340) that determines whether acquisition of the space temperature by the space temperature acquisition unit (326) has been successful; The air conditioning device (310) includes: a thermo-off condition specifying unit (342) that specifies one of a plurality of thermo-off conditions based on the determination result by the acquisition determination unit (340); and a thermo-off condition execution unit (344) that executes air conditioning according to the thermo-off condition specified by the thermo-off condition specifying unit (342).

[0046] (Item 2) The air conditioning device (310) according to Item 1, wherein the thermo-off condition determination unit (342) determines a normal thermo-off condition that uses the first target temperature and the suction temperature when the space temperature acquisition unit (326) fails to acquire the space temperature, and determines an energy-saving thermo-off condition that uses the first target temperature, the suction temperature, and the space temperature and that has a lower frequency of thermo-off than the normal thermo-off condition when the space temperature acquisition unit (326) acquires the space temperature.

[0047] (Item 3) The air conditioning device (310) according to Item 2, wherein the acquisition determination unit (340) determines that the acquisition of the space temperature by the space temperature acquisition unit (326) is successful when a space temperature sensor that detects the space temperature and the space temperature acquisition unit (326) are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0048] (Item 4) The air conditioner (310) according to Item 3, wherein the space temperature acquisition unit (326) includes a connector that can be connected to the space temperature sensor by wire.

[0049] (Item 5) The air conditioner (310) according to Item 3, wherein the space temperature acquisition unit (326) includes a communication unit capable of wirelessly connecting to the space temperature sensor.

[0050] (Item 6) The air conditioner (310) according to any one of Items 2 to 5, further comprising an air conditioning type determination unit (320) that determines an air conditioning type that is a type of the air conditioning, wherein when the air conditioning type determination unit (320) determines that the air conditioning type is heating operation and the acquisition determination unit (340) determines that the acquisition of the space temperature is successful, the thermo-off condition determination unit (342) calculates a deficiency conditioning temperature that is a temperature that is insufficient in the air-conditioned space based on the first target temperature and the space temperature, and determines the energy-saving thermo-off condition that turns off the thermo when the suction temperature is higher by a predetermined temperature or more than a second target temperature obtained by adding the deficiency conditioning temperature to the first target temperature, and the thermo-off condition execution unit (344) executes the air conditioning under the energy-saving thermo-off condition set by the thermo-off condition determination unit (342).

[0051] (Item 7) The air conditioner (310) according to any one of Items 2 to 5, further comprising an air conditioning type determination unit (320) that determines an air conditioning type that is a type of the air conditioning, wherein when the air conditioning type determination unit (320) determines that the air conditioning type is cooling operation and the acquisition determination unit (340) determines that the acquisition of the space temperature is successful, the thermo-off condition determination unit (342) calculates a deficiency conditioning temperature that is a temperature that is insufficient in the air-conditioned space based on the first target temperature and the space temperature, and determines the energy-saving thermo-off condition that turns off the thermo when the suction temperature is lower by a predetermined temperature or more than a second target temperature obtained by subtracting the deficiency conditioning temperature from the first target temperature, and the thermo-off condition execution unit (344) executes the air conditioning under the energy-saving thermo-off condition set by the thermo-off condition determination unit (342).

[0052] (Item 8) The air conditioning device (310) according to any one of items 2 to 5, further comprising an air conditioning type determination unit (320) that determines an air conditioning type that is a type of the air conditioning, wherein when the air conditioning type determination unit (320) determines that the air conditioning type is heating operation and the acquisition determination unit (340) determines that the space temperature has not been acquired, the thermo-off condition specification unit (342) specifies the normal thermo-off condition for turning off the thermostat when the suction temperature becomes higher than the first target temperature by a predetermined temperature or more, and the thermo-off condition execution unit (344) executes the air conditioning under the normal thermo-off condition specified by the thermo-off condition specification unit (342).

[0053] (Item 9) The air conditioning device (310) according to any one of Items 2 to 5, further comprising an air conditioning type determination unit (320) that determines an air conditioning type that is a type of the air conditioning, wherein when the air conditioning type determination unit (320) determines that the air conditioning type is cooling operation and the acquisition determination unit (340) determines that the space temperature has not been acquired, the thermo-off condition specification unit (342) specifies the normal thermo-off condition for turning off the thermostat when the intake temperature becomes lower than the first target temperature by a predetermined temperature or more, and the thermo-off condition execution unit (344) executes the air conditioning under the normal thermo-off condition specified by the thermo-off condition specification unit (342).

[0054] (Item 10) The air conditioning device (310) according to Item 2, wherein the indoor unit (302) comprises a thermo-off control setting unit that accepts the setting of either the normal thermo-off condition or the energy-saving thermo-off condition regardless of the determination result of the acquisition determination unit (340), and the air conditioning control unit (330) further comprises an abnormality notification unit that notifies of an abnormality when the energy-saving thermo-off condition is set by the thermo-off control setting unit and the acquisition determination unit (340) determines that the acquisition of the space temperature is not possible.

[0055] The present disclosure has been described above based on examples. These examples are merely illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0056] In this embodiment, the thermo-off condition specification unit 342 automatically specifies the normal thermo-off condition and the energy-saving thermo-off condition. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the normal thermo-off condition and the energy-saving thermo-off condition may be set by the installer using the operating device 400. The indoor unit 302 includes a thermo-off control setting unit, which accepts the setting of either the normal thermo-off condition or the energy-saving thermo-off condition regardless of the determination result of the acquisition determination unit 340. In this case, the air conditioning control unit 330 may include an abnormality notification unit, which notifies an abnormality when the energy-saving thermo-off condition is set by the thermo-off control setting unit and the acquisition determination unit 340 determines that the space temperature has not been acquired. According to this modification, since the setting of either the normal thermo-off condition or the energy-saving thermo-off condition is accepted, the thermo-off condition can be set manually. Furthermore, when the energy-saving thermo-off condition is set and it is determined that the space temperature has not been acquired, an abnormality notification is issued, thereby notifying an error in the setting.

[0057] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Living room 16 Shared space 18 Air-conditioned room 32 Louver 34 Ceiling 36 Floor 40 Attic 50 Side wall 100 Outdoor air intake 102 Outdoor air intake duct 104 Heat exchanger device 106 Exhaust duct 108 Exhaust outlet 110 Air supply duct 114 Ventilation opening 122 Transport duct 128 Air outlet 140 Air supply vent 200 Outdoor air 202 Ventilation RA 204 Exhaust 206 Circulation RA 208 Intake air 300 Whole building air conditioning unit 302 Indoor unit 304 HEPA filter 306 Blower 308 Outdoor unit 310 Air conditioner 320 Space type determination unit 322 Target temperature setting unit 324 Intake temperature sensor 326 Space temperature acquisition unit 330 Air conditioning control unit 340 Acquisition determination unit 342 Thermo-off condition specification unit 344 Thermo-off condition execution unit 400 Operation device 402 Space temperature sensor 500, 600 House

Claims

1. An air conditioning device having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit for conditioning a space to be air-conditioned, wherein the indoor unit comprises: a target temperature setting unit that sets a first target temperature for the air conditioning, an intake temperature sensor that detects the intake temperature of air drawn into the indoor unit, a space temperature acquisition unit for acquiring the space temperature of the space to be air-conditioned, and an air conditioning control unit that is connected to the target temperature setting unit, the intake temperature sensor, and the space temperature acquisition unit and controls the air conditioning, wherein the air conditioning control unit comprises: an acquisition determination unit that determines whether the space temperature acquisition unit has succeeded in acquiring the space temperature, a thermo-off condition identification unit that identifies one of a plurality of thermo-off conditions based on the determination result by the acquisition determination unit, and a thermo-off condition execution unit that executes the air conditioning based on the thermo-off condition identified by the thermo-off condition identification unit.

2. The air conditioning device of claim 1, wherein the thermo-off condition determination unit determines a normal thermo-off condition that uses the first target temperature and the suction temperature when the space temperature acquisition unit has not acquired the space temperature, and determines an energy-saving thermo-off condition that uses the first target temperature, the suction temperature, and the space temperature and has a lower frequency of thermo-off than the normal thermo-off condition when the space temperature acquisition unit has acquired the space temperature.

3. The air conditioning device according to claim 2, wherein the acquisition determination unit determines that the acquisition of the space temperature by the space temperature acquisition unit is successful when a space temperature sensor that detects the space temperature and the space temperature acquisition unit are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other.

4. The air conditioning device according to claim 3, wherein the space temperature acquisition unit is provided with a connector that can be connected to the space temperature sensor by wire.

5. The air conditioning device according to claim 3, wherein the space temperature acquisition unit is provided with a communication unit capable of wirelessly connecting to the space temperature sensor.

6. An air conditioning device as described in claim 2, further comprising an air conditioning type determination unit which determines an air conditioning type that is a type of the air conditioning, wherein when the air conditioning type determination unit determines that the air conditioning type is heating operation and the acquisition determination unit determines that the acquisition of the space temperature is successful, the thermo-off condition determination unit calculates a deficiency conditioning temperature that is a temperature that is insufficient in the target air-conditioned space based on the first target temperature and the space temperature, and specifies the energy-saving thermo-off condition for turning off the thermo when the suction temperature becomes higher by a predetermined temperature or more than a second target temperature obtained by adding the deficiency conditioning temperature to the first target temperature, and the thermo-off condition execution unit executes the air conditioning under the energy-saving thermo-off condition set by the thermo-off condition determination unit.

7. An air conditioning device as described in claim 2, further comprising an air conditioning type determination unit which determines an air conditioning type that is a type of the air conditioning, wherein when the air conditioning type determination unit determines that the air conditioning type is cooling operation and the acquisition determination unit determines that the acquisition of the space temperature is successful, the thermo-off condition determination unit calculates a deficiency conditioning temperature that is a temperature that is insufficient in the target air-conditioned space based on the first target temperature and the space temperature, and specifies the energy-saving thermo-off condition for turning off the thermo when the suction temperature is lower by a predetermined temperature or more than a second target temperature obtained by subtracting the insufficient conditioning temperature from the first target temperature, and the thermo-off condition execution unit executes the air conditioning under the energy-saving thermo-off condition set by the thermo-off condition determination unit.

8. An air conditioning device as described in claim 2, further comprising an air conditioning type determination unit that determines an air conditioning type that is a type of the air conditioning, wherein when the air conditioning type determination unit determines that the air conditioning type is heating operation and the acquisition determination unit determines that the space temperature has not been acquired, the thermo-off condition identification unit identifies the normal thermo-off condition for turning off the thermo when the suction temperature becomes higher than the first target temperature by a predetermined temperature or more, and the thermo-off condition execution unit executes the air conditioning under the normal thermo-off condition identified by the thermo-off condition identification unit.

9. An air conditioning device as described in claim 2, further comprising an air conditioning type determination unit that determines an air conditioning type that is a type of the air conditioning, wherein when the air conditioning type determination unit determines that the air conditioning type is cooling operation and the acquisition determination unit determines that the space temperature has not been acquired, the thermo-off condition identification unit identifies the normal thermo-off condition for turning off the thermo when the suction temperature becomes lower than the first target temperature by a predetermined temperature or more, and the thermo-off condition execution unit executes the air conditioning under the normal thermo-off condition identified by the thermo-off condition identification unit.

10. The air conditioning device of claim 2, wherein the indoor unit is provided with a thermo-off control setting unit that accepts the setting of either the normal thermo-off condition or the energy-saving thermo-off condition regardless of the judgment result of the acquisition judgment unit, and the air conditioning control unit further is provided with an abnormality notification unit that notifies of an abnormality when the energy-saving thermo-off condition is set by the thermo-off control setting unit and the acquisition judgment unit judges that the acquisition of the space temperature is not possible.

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