Air conditioner and air conditioning system

Abstract

This air conditioner (1) comprises: an indoor unit (2) disposed in a room, which is an air conditioning target space; an outdoor unit (3) disposed outside the room; an air conditioning control unit for controlling the operation of the indoor unit (2) and the operation of the outdoor unit (3); and a human detection sensor (22) for detecting a person present in the room. The air conditioning control unit: performs control to carry out an internal drying operation for drying the inside of the indoor unit (2) after stopping a cooling operation or a dehumidifying operation of the air conditioner (1); performs control to dry the inside of the indoor unit (2) by carrying out a heating operation as the internal drying operation when it is determined that a person is not in the room on the basis of the detection result of the human detection sensor (22); and causes an air blowing operation to be carried out as the internal drying operation after stopping the heating operation for a predetermined stop time when it is determined that a person is present in the room on the basis of the detection result of the human detection sensor (22) during the carrying out of the heating operation as the internal drying operation.

Description

Air conditioners and air conditioning systems

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner and an air conditioning system that have an internal drying operation function for an indoor unit.

[0002] It is known that condensation water formed inside the indoor unit of an air conditioner when the unit is in cooling or dehumidifying operation increases the humidity inside the indoor unit, making it easier for mold and other fungi to grow inside the indoor unit.When mold and other fungi grow inside the indoor unit, a bad odor is emitted from the indoor unit when the air conditioner is operating, causing discomfort to users of the air conditioner who are in the room.

[0003] To solve these problems, air conditioners have been proposed that have a function for performing an internal drying operation after performing a cooling operation or a dehumidifying operation, in which condensation water is evaporated to dry the inside of the indoor unit. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an air conditioner with an internal drying operation function that performs a fan operation when people are present in the room and a heating operation when people are not present in the room.

[0004] In the internal drying operation of the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1, if the presence of a person in the room is detected by the human detection means when the internal drying operation is started after cooling operation or dehumidification operation, a first internal drying operation is performed as an air blowing operation, making it possible to dry the inside of the indoor unit without causing discomfort to the user. Also, in the internal drying operation of the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1, if the presence of a person in the room is detected by the human detection means when the internal drying operation is started after cooling operation or dehumidification operation, a second internal drying operation is performed as a heating operation, which has a high drying effect, making it possible to shorten the drying time for the inside of the indoor unit.

[0005] JP 2017-044424 A

[0006] However, in the internal drying operation of the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1, if the detection result of the human detection means changes while the first internal drying operation or the second internal drying operation is being performed, the currently performed internal drying operation is switched to the other internal drying operation. That is, in the internal drying operation of the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1, if a person enters the room while no one is in the room and heating operation is being performed as the second internal drying operation, the operating mode of the internal drying operation is switched from heating operation to fan operation.

[0007] When the operation mode of the interior drying operation is switched from heating operation to fan operation, the indoor unit blows warm air into the room and agitates the air in the room during the period until the air blown into the room is switched from warm air to air at a temperature similar to the room temperature. This causes a problem in that the interior drying operation causes discomfort to users in the room.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an air conditioner that can perform internal drying of an indoor unit without causing discomfort to the user due to the internal drying operation.

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, an air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes an indoor unit disposed in a room which is a space to be air-conditioned, an outdoor unit disposed outside the room, an air conditioning control unit that controls the operation of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and a human detection sensor that detects the presence of a person in the room. The air conditioning control unit controls the air conditioner to perform an internal drying operation to dry the inside of the indoor unit after stopping the cooling operation or dehumidifying operation, and if it determines that no one is present in the room based on the detection result of the human detection sensor, it controls the air conditioner to perform a heating operation as the internal drying operation to dry the inside of the indoor unit, and if it determines that a person is present in the room based on the detection result of the human detection sensor while performing the heating operation as the internal drying operation, it stops the heating operation for a predetermined stop time and then performs a blowing operation as the internal drying operation.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to achieve the effect of performing internal drying of an indoor unit without causing discomfort to a user due to the internal drying operation.

[0011] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. Diagram showing the functional configuration of an air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. Diagram showing the functional configuration of a remote controller provided in the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. Flowchart showing the procedure for operation of an internal drying operation in the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. Schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system according to a second embodiment. Diagram showing the functional configuration of an air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system according to the second embodiment. Flowchart showing the procedure for operation of an internal drying operation in the air conditioning system according to the second embodiment. Diagram showing a configuration in which each function of a control unit according to the first and second embodiments is realized by hardware. Diagram showing a configuration in which each function of a control unit according to the first and second embodiments is realized by software.

[0012] An air conditioner and an air conditioning system according to an embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0013] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 100 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an air conditioner 1 provided in the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning system 100 includes the air conditioner 1 and a remote controller 5. Note that, hereinafter, the remote controller may be simply referred to as a remote control.

[0014] The air conditioner 1 comprises an air conditioner main body having an indoor unit 2 arranged inside a room 7 of a building 6, which is the space to be air-conditioned, and an outdoor unit 3 arranged outdoors, which is the outdoor space, and refrigerant piping 4 connecting the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3. The indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3 constitute the air conditioner 1, which forms a complete refrigeration cycle with the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3. The air conditioner 1 uses refrigerant circulating between the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3 through the refrigerant piping 4 to transfer heat between the air inside the room 7, which is the space to be air-conditioned, and the air outside, thereby realizing air conditioning for the room 7. In other words, the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3 are connected by the refrigerant piping 4, and the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant piping 4 is changed by a compressor provided in the outdoor unit 3, thereby performing air conditioning by absorbing and releasing heat from the refrigerant.

[0015] The air conditioning system 100 has a function of performing an internal drying operation to dry the inside of the indoor unit 2 after the air conditioner 1 has performed a cooling operation or a dehumidifying operation.

[0016] The internal drying operation is an operation in which, after the air conditioner 1 has performed cooling or dehumidifying operation, the condensation water that has formed inside the indoor unit 2 during the cooling or dehumidifying operation is evaporated, thereby drying the inside of the indoor unit 2.

[0017] The indoor unit 2 includes an indoor unit air conditioning unit 21, a human detection sensor 22, an indoor unit communication unit 23, an indoor unit storage unit 24, and an indoor unit control unit 25. Information can be exchanged between the above-described components of the indoor unit 2.

[0018] The indoor unit air conditioning section 21 is an air conditioning section in the air conditioner 1 that conditions the air in the room 7, and has the air conditioning function of a typical indoor unit of an air conditioner. The indoor unit air conditioning section 21 includes components such as an indoor heat exchanger 211 that exchanges heat between the air in the room 7 where the indoor unit 2 is located and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit, a blower fan 212 that sends the conditioned air that has undergone heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 211 from the indoor unit 2 to the room 7, and an air direction adjustment section (not shown) that adjusts the direction in which the conditioned air is sent from the indoor unit 2 to the room 7. Note that the components included in the indoor unit 2 are not limited to these.

[0019] The human detection sensor 22 detects a person present in the room 7, which is the space to be air-conditioned. The human detection sensor 22 transmits a human detection result signal, which is the detection result, to the indoor unit control unit 25. When the human detection sensor 22 detects a person in the room 7, it transmits a human detection result signal to the indoor unit control unit 25 indicating that a person has been detected in the room. When the human detection sensor 22 does not detect a person in the room 7, it transmits a human detection result signal to the indoor unit control unit 25 indicating that a person has not been detected in the room.

[0020] The indoor unit communication unit 23 communicates with the outdoor unit 3 and the remote control 5. The indoor unit communication unit 23 is capable of bidirectional communication of information with the outdoor unit 3 via a communication line (not shown). The indoor unit communication unit 23 is also capable of bidirectional communication of information with the remote control 5. The indoor unit communication unit 23 receives information related to the operation of the air conditioner 1 from the remote control 5, and transmits this information related to the operation of the air conditioner 1 to the indoor unit control unit 25. The indoor unit communication unit 23 also transmits internal information of the indoor unit 2 to the remote control 5 under the control of the indoor unit control unit 25.

[0021] The indoor unit memory unit 24 is a memory unit that stores information such as various control setting values ​​and programs for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1. The indoor unit memory unit 24 stores various information such as various data collected by the indoor unit 2, control information generated by the indoor unit control unit 25, and information on the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 controlled by the indoor unit control unit 25. The indoor unit memory unit 24 is a non-volatile memory unit, and is configured from a semiconductor storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0022] The indoor unit control unit 25 controls the operation of the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3, including the operation of the air conditioning unit, and controls the operation of the entire air conditioning system 100. In other words, the indoor unit control unit 25 functions as an air conditioning control unit that controls the operation of the air conditioning unit. The indoor unit control unit 25 is a control unit that controls the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3 in response to control commands from the user received by the remote control 5, thereby controlling the air conditioning system 100. The indoor unit control unit 25 includes an operation control unit 251, a human detection determination unit 252, an internal drying operation timer 253, and a heat dissipation timer 254.

[0023] The operation control unit 251 controls the operation of the air conditioner 1, including the operation of the air conditioning unit. The operation control unit 251 controls each of the operation modes of the air conditioner 1, for example, cooling operation, dehumidifying operation, fan operation, heating operation, and internal drying operation.

[0024] The operation control unit 251 controls the air conditioner 1 to perform a fan operation or a heating operation as an internal drying operation to dry the inside of the indoor unit 2 after stopping the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation. In this case, when the human detection determination unit 252 determines that a person is present in the room 7 based on the detection result of the human detection sensor 22, the operation control unit 251 controls the air blowing operation as the internal drying operation to dry the inside of the indoor unit 2. When the human detection determination unit 252 determines that no person is present in the room 7 based on the detection result of the human detection sensor 22, the operation control unit 251 controls the air heating operation as the internal drying operation to dry the inside of the indoor unit 2. When the human detection determination unit 252 determines that a person is present in the room 7 based on the detection result of the human detection sensor 22 while the operation control unit 251 is performing the heating operation as the internal drying operation, the operation control unit 251 stops the heating operation for a predetermined stop time and then controls the air blowing operation as the internal drying operation.

[0025] The heating capacity of the heating operation as the internal drying operation is set separately for the internal drying operation and stored in the operation control unit 251. The air blowing capacity of the air blowing operation as the internal drying operation may be the same as that of the normal air blowing operation, or may be set separately for the internal drying operation and stored in the operation control unit 251.

[0026] When the operation control unit 251 receives an operation stop signal from the remote control 5, which is a signal instructing the air conditioner 1 to stop operation while the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling operation or dehumidifying operation, the operation control unit 251 performs control to stop the cooling operation or dehumidifying operation and then perform internal drying operation. The operation control unit 251 also performs control to change the air volume of air blown from the indoor unit 2 into the room 7, adjust the blowing temperature of air blown from the indoor unit 2 into the room 7, and the like.

[0027] When blowing operation is performed as the internal drying operation, the air in the room 7 that is drawn into the indoor unit 2 is blown out directly into the room 7, so air that is warmer than the temperature of the room 7 is not blown out into the room 7, and the user does not feel uncomfortable. On the other hand, when blowing operation is performed as the internal drying operation, it takes longer to dry the inside of the indoor unit 2 than when heating operation is performed as the internal drying operation.

[0028] When heating operation is performed as internal drying operation, the air in the room 7 drawn into the indoor unit 2 is heated inside the indoor unit 2 and then blown out into the room 7, thereby drying the inside of the indoor unit 2 in a short time. On the other hand, when heating operation is performed as internal drying operation, the temperature in the room 7 rises compared to when blowing air is performed as internal drying operation, which can cause discomfort to the user.

[0029] When a user is present in the room 7, the operation control unit 251 performs control to dry the inside of the indoor unit 2 without causing discomfort to the occupants of the room 7 by performing air blowing operation as the internal drying operation. Furthermore, when no user is present in the room 7, the operation control unit 251 performs control to dry the inside of the indoor unit 2 in a shorter time than when air blowing operation is performed as the internal drying operation by performing heating operation, which has a greater drying effect than air blowing operation, as the internal drying operation.

[0030] If a user enters the room 7 when the user is not present in the room 7 and the air conditioner 1 is performing heating operation as internal drying operation, the operation control unit 251 controls the air conditioner 1 to stop heating operation for a predetermined stop time and then perform air blowing operation as internal drying operation.

[0031] If the operation mode is switched to fan operation while heating operation is being performed as internal drying operation, during the period until the air blown out from the indoor unit 2 into the room 7 is switched from warm air to air at a temperature similar to that of the room 7, warm air is blown out into the room 7, causing the temperature of the room 7 to rise, and the warm air stirs the air in the room 7, causing discomfort to the user.

[0032] On the other hand, if a user enters the room 7 while the air conditioner 1 is performing a heating operation as an internal drying operation and the user is not present in the room 7, the air conditioning system 100 stops the heating operation for a predetermined stop time and then performs an air blowing operation as an internal drying operation. As a result, the air conditioning system 100 can prevent the user who has entered the room 7 from feeling uncomfortable. That is, the air conditioning system 100 does not blow hot air that is higher than the temperature of the room 7 into the room 7 after the user has entered the room 7, so the user does not feel uncomfortable due to the rise in the temperature of the room 7. Furthermore, the air conditioning system 100 does not agitate the air in the room 7 with hot air that is higher than the temperature of the room 7 after the user has entered the room 7, so the user does not feel uncomfortable due to the agitation of the air in the room 7 by the hot air.

[0033] The human detection determination unit 252 determines whether or not a person is present in the room 7, which is the air-conditioned space, based on the detection result of the human detection sensor 22. The human detection determination unit 252 communicates with the human detection sensor 22, analyzes the human detection result signal transmitted from the human detection sensor 22 and received by the human detection determination unit 252, and determines whether or not a person is present in the room 7 based on the analysis result of the human detection result signal.

[0034] The internal drying operation timer 253 counts the duration of the internal drying operation. The internal drying operation timer 253 counts the duration of the internal drying operation, which is the duration during which the interior of the indoor unit 2 is actually dried by fan operation or heating operation. The internal drying operation timer 253 transmits information about the counted duration of the internal drying operation to the operation control unit 251. The internal drying operation timer 253 may be provided as one of the functions of the operation control unit 251.

[0035] The heat radiation timer 254 counts the time that the air conditioner 1 is not operating during the internal drying operation from the end of the heating operation of the second internal drying operation after the start of the internal drying operation.

[0036] The outdoor unit 3 includes an outdoor unit air conditioning unit 31, an outdoor unit communication unit 32, an outdoor unit storage unit 33, and an outdoor unit control unit 34. Information can be exchanged between the above-described components of the outdoor unit 3.

[0037] The outdoor unit air conditioning section 31 is an air conditioning section that conditions the air in the room 7 in the air conditioner 1, and has the functions of a general outdoor unit of an air conditioner. The indoor unit air conditioning section 21 of the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit air conditioning section 31 of the outdoor unit 3 constitute the air conditioning section of the air conditioner 1, which is a component that conditions the air in the room 7 in the air conditioner 1.

[0038] The outdoor unit air conditioning unit 31 is equipped with a compressor 311 that compresses the refrigerant, a four-way valve 312 that switches the refrigerant flow path, an outdoor heat exchanger 313 that exchanges heat between outdoor air and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit, and an expansion valve 314 that adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant. A refrigeration cycle is formed by connecting the devices of the outdoor unit air conditioning unit 31 and the devices of the indoor unit air conditioning unit 21 in a ring shape with refrigerant piping 4. In addition, the outdoor heat exchanger 313 is equipped with an outdoor blower fan (not shown) that supplies air to the outdoor heat exchanger 313. However, the configuration of the outdoor unit air conditioning unit 31 is not limited to this.

[0039] The outdoor unit communication section 32 communicates with the indoor unit 2. The outdoor unit communication section 32 is capable of two-way communication of information with the indoor unit 2.

[0040] The outdoor unit storage unit 33 is a storage unit that stores information such as various control setting values ​​and programs for controlling the operation of the outdoor unit 3. The outdoor unit storage unit 33 is a non-volatile storage unit, and is configured with a semiconductor storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0041] The outdoor unit control unit 34 controls the operation of the outdoor unit 3 under the control of the indoor unit control unit 25 .

[0042] 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the remote controller 5 provided in the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment. The functional configuration of the remote controller 5 is the same in an air conditioning system 200 according to a second embodiment, which will be described later. The remote controller 5 communicates with the indoor unit 2 and transmits control information for remotely operating the operation of the air conditioner 1 to the indoor unit 2. The remote controller 5 also communicates with the indoor unit 2 and receives and displays information related to the operation of the air conditioner 1.

[0043] The remote control 5 includes a remote controller operation unit 51, a remote controller display unit 52, a remote controller storage unit 53, a remote controller communication unit 54, and a remote controller control unit 55. Information can be exchanged between the above-described components of the remote control 5.

[0044] The remote control operation unit 51 accepts operations from the user. When the remote control operation unit 51 accepts an operation from the user, it transmits information corresponding to the user operation as an operation signal to the remote control control unit 55. The remote control operation unit 51 accepts operations to instruct an operation, such as an operation from the user to instruct cooling operation, an operation from the user to instruct dehumidification operation, an operation from the user to instruct fan operation, and an operation from the user to instruct heating operation. The remote control operation unit 51 also accepts an operation from the user to instruct to stop operation when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling operation, dehumidification operation, fan operation, or heating operation.

[0045] The remote control display unit 52 is a display unit that displays various information. The remote control display unit 52 displays information and status required for air conditioning by the air conditioner 1, such as the set temperature and operation mode of the air conditioner 1, and switches and displays screens corresponding to operations on the remote control operation unit 51.

[0046] The remote control storage unit 53 stores various types of information necessary for air conditioning in the air conditioner 1. The remote control storage unit 53 temporarily or long-term stores the settings to be displayed on the remote control display unit 52 and image data related to the settings. The remote control storage unit 53 is a non-volatile storage unit, and is configured using a semiconductor storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0047] The remote control communication unit 54 is capable of bidirectional communication of information with the indoor unit communication unit 23 of the indoor unit 2. The connection between the indoor unit communication unit 23 of the indoor unit 2 and the remote control communication unit 54 may be either a wireless connection or a wired connection. In other words, the communication between the indoor unit communication unit 23 of the indoor unit 2 and the remote control communication unit 54 may be wireless communication, infrared communication, or wired communication.

[0048] The remote control control unit 55 controls the operation of the remote control 5. The remote control control unit 55 controls the remote control 5 based on operation signals transmitted from the remote control operation unit 51. The remote control control unit 55 remotely controls the operation of the air conditioner main body. Based on operation signals transmitted from the remote control operation unit 51, the remote control control unit 55 transmits control information for remotely controlling the operation of the air conditioner main body to the indoor unit 2.

[0049] Next, the operation of the air conditioner 1 in each operating mode will be described. First, the operation of the air conditioning unit when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling operation or dehumidification operation will be described. When the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling operation or dehumidification operation, the high-temperature, high-pressure vapor refrigerant discharged from the compressor 311 of the outdoor unit air conditioning unit 31 in the outdoor unit 3 passes through the four-way valve 312 and flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 313. The refrigerant that flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 313 condenses by releasing heat to the outdoor air and flows to the expansion valve 314. The refrigerant that flows into the expansion valve 314 is decompressed to become a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid and flows to the indoor heat exchanger 211 of the indoor unit air conditioning unit 21 of the indoor unit 2.

[0050] The refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor heat exchanger 211 evaporates into a low-temperature, low-pressure vapor state by absorbing heat from the air in the room 7 that has been drawn into the indoor unit 2, and passes through the four-way valve 312 before returning to the compressor 311. The blower fan 212 of the indoor unit air conditioning section 21 of the indoor unit 2 then blows the air inside the indoor unit 2 that has had its heat removed by the refrigerant into the room 7, thereby cooling or dehumidifying the room 7. Note that moisture removed from the air in the room 7 adheres to the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 211 as condensation, making it an easy place for fungi such as mold to grow.

[0051] Next, we will explain the operation of the air conditioning unit when the air conditioner 1 performs heating operation. When the air conditioner 1 performs heating operation, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant in a vapor state is discharged from the compressor 311 of the outdoor unit air conditioning unit 31 in the outdoor unit 3, passes through the four-way valve 312, and flows to the indoor heat exchanger 211 of the indoor unit air conditioning unit 21 of the indoor unit 2.

[0052] The refrigerant that flows into the indoor heat exchanger 211 condenses by releasing heat to the air in the room 7 that has been drawn into the indoor unit 2, and flows to the expansion valve 314. The refrigerant that flows into the expansion valve 314 is reduced in pressure to become a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid, and flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 313. The refrigerant that flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 313 evaporates to become a low-temperature, low-pressure vapor by absorbing heat from the outdoor air, and passes through the four-way valve 312 and returns to the compressor 311. The blower fan 212 of the indoor unit air conditioning section 21 of the indoor unit 2 then blows the air inside the indoor unit 2, which has been heated by the refrigerant, into the room 7, thereby heating the room 7.

[0053] Next, we will explain the operation of the air conditioning unit when the air conditioner 1 performs fan operation. When the air conditioner 1 performs fan operation, the compressor 311 of the outdoor unit air conditioning unit 31 of the outdoor unit 3 is stopped, and only the blower fan 212 of the indoor unit air conditioning unit 21 of the indoor unit 2 operates to send air into the room 7. In this case, because refrigerant does not circulate through the refrigerant piping 4, the air from the room 7 that is sucked into the indoor unit 2 is sent into the room 7 without undergoing heat exchange.

[0054] Next, the operation of the internal drying operation in the air conditioning system 100 according to embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the operation of the internal drying operation in the air conditioning system 100 according to embodiment 1. Below, the operation of the air conditioning system 100 when the internal drying operation is performed after the cooling operation in the air conditioning system 100 will be described.

[0055] In step S110, when air conditioner 1 of air conditioning system 100 is performing cooling operation, the indoor unit control unit 25 of indoor unit 2 of said air conditioner 1 receives an operation stop signal, which is a signal instructing the air conditioner to stop operation. Specifically, when air conditioner 1 of air conditioning system 100 is performing cooling operation, the remote control 5 transmits an operation stop signal to the indoor unit control unit 25 of indoor unit 2 instructing the air conditioner to stop cooling operation. The indoor unit control unit 25 receives the operation stop signal transmitted from the remote control 5. Then, the process proceeds to step S120.

[0056] In step S120, the air conditioner 1 starts fan operation. Specifically, the operation control unit 251 of the indoor unit control unit 25 controls the air conditioner 1 to switch its operation mode from cooling operation to fan operation, which is the first internal drying operation, thereby starting fan operation. When the operation control unit 251 receives an operation stop signal while controlling cooling operation, it controls the air conditioner 1 to stop cooling operation, and then controls the air conditioner 1 to start fan operation, which is the first internal drying operation. Then, the process proceeds to step S130.

[0057] In step S130, the human detection determination unit 252 of the indoor unit control unit 25 starts communication with the human detection sensor 22 of the indoor unit 2. Specifically, when the operation mode of the air conditioning system 100 switches to fan operation, the human detection determination unit 252 starts communication with the human detection sensor 22, and communicates with the human detection sensor 22 at a predetermined cycle. The predetermined cycle is, for example, one minute.

[0058] When the air conditioner 1 is started, the human detection sensor 22 detects at predetermined intervals whether or not a person is present in the room 7. The human detection sensor 22 periodically transmits the detection result to the human detection determination unit 252 in communication with the human detection determination unit 252. Then, the process proceeds to step S140.

[0059] In step S140, it is determined whether or not a person is present in the room 7. Specifically, the human detection determination unit 252 analyzes the human detection result signal that is transmitted from the human detection sensor 22 and successfully received by the human detection determination unit 252, and determines whether or not a person is present in the room 7 based on the analysis result of the human detection result signal.

[0060] The human detection determination unit 252 determines that a person is present in the room 7 when the analysis result of the human detection result signal received from the human detection sensor 22 indicates that a person has been detected in the room 7. The human detection determination unit 252 determines that no person is present in the room 7 when the analysis result of the human detection result signal received from the human detection sensor 22 indicates that a person has not been detected in the room 7.

[0061] If it is determined that there is a person in the room 7, the answer is Yes in step S140, and the process proceeds to step S150. If it is determined that there is no person in the room 7, the answer is No in step S140, and the process proceeds to step S190.

[0062] In step S150, the operation control unit 251 determines whether the current operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is the first internal drying operation, which is the fan operation. The operation control unit 251 determines whether the current operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is the fan operation, based on the control information for the current operation of the air conditioner 1 in the operation control unit 251.

[0063] If it is determined that the current operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is fan operation, the answer is Yes in step S150, and the process proceeds to step S160. If it is determined that the current operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is not fan operation, the answer is No in step S150, and the process proceeds to step S210.

[0064] In step S160, the operation control unit 251 updates the internal drying operation timer 253, which counts the execution time of the internal drying operation, and continues counting the execution time of the internal drying operation. Then, the process proceeds to step S170.

[0065] In step S170, the operation control unit 251 determines whether or not the internal drying of the indoor unit 2 has been completed. The operation control unit 251 determines whether or not the internal drying operation has been completed, that is, by determining whether or not a predetermined estimated time for completion of the internal drying has elapsed, to determine whether or not the internal drying of the indoor unit 2 has been completed.

[0066] The estimated time for completion of internal drying is the estimated time from the start of internal drying operation until the drying of the interior of the indoor unit 2 is completed. In other words, the estimated time for completion of internal drying is the estimated time from the start of internal drying operation until the drying of the interior of the indoor unit 2 is completed by performing air blowing operation or heating operation. The estimated time for completion of internal drying varies depending on whether only air blowing operation is performed as the internal drying operation, only heating operation is performed as the internal drying operation, or both air blowing operation and heating operation are performed as the internal drying operation. The estimated time for completion of internal drying is determined in advance based on the specifications of the air conditioner 1 and experimental results and is stored in the operation control unit 251. The estimated time for completion of internal drying when only air blowing operation is performed as the internal drying operation is, for example, 40 minutes.

[0067] The estimated time to complete internal drying when both the air blowing operation and the heating operation are performed as the internal drying operation is determined in advance for each combination of the duration of the air blowing operation and the duration of the heating operation. In this case, the estimated time to complete internal drying when both the air blowing operation and the heating operation are performed as the internal drying operation is relatively short if the duration of the heating operation as the internal drying operation is relatively long. The estimated time to complete internal drying when both the air blowing operation and the heating operation are performed as the internal drying operation is relatively long if the duration of the heating operation as the internal drying operation is relatively short.

[0068] The operation control unit 251 acquires the count value of the internal drying operation timer 253 from the internal drying operation timer 253 at a predetermined cycle, and determines whether or not the internal drying operation has been completed based on the acquired count value of the internal drying operation timer 253. That is, the operation control unit 251 determines whether or not the internal drying operation has been completed by determining whether or not the execution time of the internal drying operation counted by the internal drying operation timer 253 has reached a predetermined estimated time for completion of the internal drying. The operation control unit 251 manages the acquired count value of the internal drying operation timer 253 for each operation mode being executed as the internal drying operation, i.e., distinguishing between the execution time of the air blowing operation and the execution time of the heating operation.

[0069] If it is determined that the drying of the inside of the indoor unit 2 is complete, the answer is Yes in step S170, and the process proceeds to step S180. If it is determined that the drying of the inside of the indoor unit 2 is not complete, the answer is No in step S170, and the process returns to step S140.

[0070] In step S180, the operation control unit 251 stops the operation of the air conditioner 1. Specifically, the operation control unit 251 switches the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 from the internal drying operation mode to the stop mode, performs control to stop the air blowing operation, and switches the operation state of the air conditioner 1 to an operation stop state. By performing the processing of step S180, the internal drying operation control in the indoor unit control unit 25 ends, and the series of processes for the internal drying operation ends.

[0071] Returning to the explanation of step S140, if it is determined that no one is present in the room 7, the answer to step S140 is No, and the process proceeds to step S190.

[0072] In step S190, the air conditioner 1 starts heating operation. Specifically, the operation control unit 251 starts heating operation by performing control to switch the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 from fan operation to heating operation, which is the second internal drying operation. Note that if the air conditioner 1 is already performing heating operation, the operation control unit 251 performs control to continue heating operation. Then, the process proceeds to step S200.

[0073] In step S200, the operation control unit 251 updates the internal drying operation timer 253 and continues counting the execution time of the internal drying operation. Then, the process proceeds to step S170.

[0074] Returning to the explanation of step S150, if it is determined that the current operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is not the fan operation, the answer is No in step S150, and the process proceeds to step S210.

[0075] If step S150 returns No, this corresponds to a case where a person enters the room 7 after the heating operation has been started as the internal drying operation. If step S150 returns No, this corresponds to a case where the flow has progressed, for example, in the order of step S120 → step S130 → step S140 → step S190 → step S200 → step S170 → step S140 → step S150. If step S150 returns No, this corresponds to a case where the flow has progressed, for example, in the order of step S140 → step S150 → step S160 → step S170 → step S140 → step S190 → step S200 → step S170 → step S140 → step S150.

[0076] In step S210, the operation control unit 251 determines whether the air conditioner 1 is currently stopped, i.e., whether the current operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is stopped. Based on the control information for the current operation of the air conditioner 1 in the operation control unit 251, the operation control unit 251 determines whether the air conditioner 1 is currently stopped, i.e., whether the current operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is stopped.

[0077] If it is determined that the air conditioner 1 is stopped, i.e., the current operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is stopped, the answer in step S210 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S220. If it is determined that the air conditioner 1 is not stopped, i.e., the current operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is not stopped, the answer in step S210 is No, and the process proceeds to step S250.

[0078] In step S220, the operation control unit 251 updates the heat radiation timer 254, which counts the operation stop time of the air conditioner 1 after the start of the internal drying operation, and continues counting the operation stop time. The heat radiation timer 254 was started in step 250, which will be described later. Then, the process proceeds to step S230.

[0079] In step S230, the operation control unit 251 determines whether or not heat dissipation has been completed in the indoor heat exchanger 211. Specifically, the operation control unit 251 determines whether or not the count value of the heat dissipation timer 254, which counts the operation stop time, has reached a predetermined estimated heat dissipation time for the indoor heat exchanger 211, thereby determining whether or not heat dissipation in the indoor heat exchanger 211 has been completed.

[0080] The estimated heat dissipation time of the indoor heat exchanger 211 is the estimated time from the end of the heating operation of the second internal drying operation until the completion of heat dissipation of the indoor heat exchanger 211, and is a predetermined stop time for stopping operation of the air conditioner 1 after the end of the heating operation of the second internal drying operation. The estimated heat dissipation time is determined in advance based on the specifications of the air conditioner 1 and experimental results, and is stored in the operation control unit 251. The estimated heat dissipation time is, for example, 10 minutes.

[0081] The operation control unit 251 acquires the count value of the heat release timer 254 from the heat release timer 254 at a predetermined cycle, and determines whether or not heat release from the indoor heat exchanger 211 is complete based on the acquired count value of the heat release timer 254. In other words, the operation control unit 251 determines whether or not heat release from the indoor heat exchanger 211 is complete by determining whether or not the operation stop time counted by the heat release timer 254 has reached a predetermined estimated heat release completion time.

[0082] If it is determined that the heat dissipation of the indoor heat exchanger 211 is complete, this means that the air conditioner 1 has been stopped for a predetermined stop time since the heating operation of the second internal drying operation ended, and the answer in step S230 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S240. If it is determined that the heat dissipation of the indoor heat exchanger 211 is not complete, the answer in step S230 is No, and the process proceeds to step S170.

[0083] In step S240, the air conditioner 1 starts air blowing operation. Specifically, the operation control unit 251 of the indoor unit control unit 25 controls the start of air blowing operation by switching the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 from stopped to air blowing operation, which is the first internal drying operation. When the operation control unit 251 receives a signal to start air blowing operation while controlling the air conditioner 1 to stop operation during internal drying operation, it controls the implementation of air blowing operation, which is the first internal drying operation. Then, the process proceeds to step S170.

[0084] Returning to the explanation of step S210, if it is determined that the current operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is not stopped, the answer in step S210 is No, and the process proceeds to step S250.

[0085] In step S250, the operation control unit 251 stops the heating operation of the air conditioner 1. The operation control unit 251 also initializes and starts the heat radiation timer 254, which counts the operation stop time of the air conditioner 1. Then, the process proceeds to step S170.

[0086] By carrying out the above-described processing, the internal drying operation is carried out in the air conditioning system 100.

[0087] Although the above description has been given of the operation in which the air conditioning system 100 performs an internal drying operation while performing a cooling operation, the operation of the air conditioning system 100 when the air conditioning system 100 performs an internal drying operation while performing a dehumidifying operation is also similar to the above. In this case, the "cooling operation" in the above description of the operation is replaced with "dehumidifying operation."

[0088] In the above description, the human detection determination unit 252 starts communication with the human detection sensor 22 in step S130, but the human detection determination unit 252 may start communication with the human detection sensor 22 before starting control of the internal drying operation in step S120. Furthermore, the human detection determination unit 252 may end communication with the human detection sensor 22 after control of the internal drying operation ends in step S180.

[0089] According to the air conditioning system 100 of the above-described first embodiment, an air conditioner is provided which includes an indoor unit arranged inside a room which is the space to be air-conditioned, an outdoor unit arranged outside the room, an air conditioning control unit which controls the operation of the indoor unit and the operation of the outdoor unit, and a human detection sensor which detects people present inside the room, wherein the air conditioning control unit controls the air conditioner to perform an internal drying operation to dry the inside of the indoor unit after stopping the cooling operation or dehumidification operation, and if it determines that no one is present in the room based on the detection result of the human detection sensor, it controls the air conditioner to perform a heating operation as an internal drying operation to dry the inside of the indoor unit, and if it determines that a person is present in the room based on the detection result of the human detection sensor while performing heating operation as an internal drying operation, it stops the heating operation for a predetermined stop time and then performs a blowing operation as an internal drying operation, thereby realizing an air conditioner.

[0090] As described above, the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment automatically performs a fan operation as an internal drying operation when there is a person in the room 7 after the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation is stopped, and automatically performs a heating operation as an internal drying operation when there is no person in the room 7. In this way, the air conditioning system 100 can prevent the growth of fungi such as mold inside the indoor unit 2 caused by condensation water that forms inside the indoor unit 2 during the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation.

[0091] When people are present in the room 7 after the cooling operation or dehumidification operation has been stopped, the air conditioning system 100 performs an air blowing operation as an internal drying operation, thereby making it possible to dry the inside of the indoor unit 2 without causing discomfort to the people in the room 7. Furthermore, when people are not present in the room 7 after the cooling operation or dehumidification operation has been stopped, the air conditioning system 100 performs a heating operation as an internal drying operation, which has a greater drying effect than an air blowing operation, thereby making it possible to shorten the drying time for the inside of the indoor unit 2 compared to when an air blowing operation is performed as an internal drying operation.

[0092] If a person enters the room 7 while no one is present in the room 7 and the air conditioning system 100 is performing heating operation as internal drying operation, the air conditioning system 100 stops the heating operation for a predetermined stop time, which is the expected heat dissipation time of the indoor heat exchanger 211, and then performs air blowing operation as internal drying operation. This allows the air conditioning system 100 to prevent the internal drying operation from causing discomfort to the people in the room 7. In other words, the air conditioning system 100 switches the operating mode of the internal drying operation based on the presence or absence of a user in the room 7, and can dry the inside of the indoor unit 2 without causing discomfort to the user, taking into account the user's entry and exit from the room 7.

[0093] If the operation mode is switched to the fan operation while the heating operation is being performed as the internal drying operation, during the period until the air blown out from the indoor unit 2 into the room 7 is switched from warm air to air at a temperature similar to that of the room 7, warm air is blown out into the room 7 and the air in the room 7 is agitated. For this reason, people in the room 7 will feel uncomfortable when the internal drying operation is performed.

[0094] However, if a person enters the room 7 while the air conditioning system 100 is performing a heating operation as an internal drying operation, the air conditioning system 100 stops the heating operation without switching the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 from heating operation to fan operation. This allows the air conditioning system 100 to prevent the people in the room 7 from feeling uncomfortable due to the warm air blown into the room 7 from the indoor unit 2 and the stirring of the air in the room 7 by that warm air. Furthermore, people who are in the room 7 during the internal drying operation will not feel uncomfortable due to the warm air blown into the room 7 from the indoor unit 2 and the stirring of the air in the room 7 by that warm air.

[0095] The air conditioning system 100 then performs air blowing operation as an internal drying operation after stopping the heating operation for a predetermined stop time, which is the expected heat dissipation time of the indoor heat exchanger 211. As a result, the air conditioning system 100 can stop the heating operation as an internal drying operation and perform air blowing operation after the air blown from the indoor unit 2 into the room 7 has switched from warm air to air at a temperature similar to that of the room 7, thereby drying the inside of the indoor unit 2 without causing discomfort to the user.

[0096] Therefore, the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment has the effect of providing an air conditioning system that can perform the internal drying operation of the indoor unit 2 without causing discomfort to the user due to the internal drying operation, taking into consideration the movement of people in and out of the room 7.

[0097] Embodiment 2. In the above-described embodiment 1, a case has been described in which the internal drying operation is controlled so that, when a person is present in the room 7, the air blowing operation of the internal drying operation is continued, or the heating operation of the internal drying operation is stopped for a predetermined stop time and then the air blowing operation is performed as the internal drying operation. During the internal drying operation, control may be performed to perform weak heating operation with lower heating capacity than normal heating operation, for example by suppressing the rotation speed of the blower fan 212 of the indoor unit 2. Furthermore, if a person is present in the room 7 when the internal drying operation is performed, the discomfort level of the room 7 may be calculated, and the operating mode of the internal drying operation may be switched in accordance with the calculated discomfort level.

[0098] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 200 according to embodiment 2. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an air conditioner 1a provided in the air conditioning system 200 according to embodiment 2. In the air conditioning system 200 according to embodiment 2, components similar to those in the air conditioning system 100 according to embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the air conditioning system 100, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0099] The air conditioning system 200 according to the second embodiment has a function of performing an internal drying operation similar to that of the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment. In addition, the air conditioning system 200 further has a function of performing a weak heating operation as the internal drying operation.

[0100] The weak heating operation is one of the operation modes of the internal drying operation, and is a heating operation with a lower heating capacity than the normal heating operation. That is, the temperature of the warm air blown into the room 7 in the weak heating operation is lower than the temperature of the warm air blown into the room 7 in the normal heating operation.

[0101] The air conditioning system 200 according to the second embodiment differs from the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment in that it includes an air conditioner 1a instead of the air conditioner 1. The air conditioning system 200 according to the second embodiment includes the air conditioner 1a and a remote controller 5.

[0102] The air conditioner 1a according to the second embodiment differs from the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes an indoor unit 2a instead of the indoor unit 2. The air conditioner 1a according to the second embodiment includes an air conditioner main body having an indoor unit 2a arranged inside a room 7, which is a space to be air-conditioned, and an outdoor unit 3 arranged outdoors, and a refrigerant pipe 4 connecting the indoor unit 2a and the outdoor unit 3.

[0103] The indoor unit 2a differs from the indoor unit 2 according to the first embodiment in that it includes an indoor unit control unit 25a instead of the indoor unit control unit 25, and further includes a biological information acquisition sensor 26. The indoor unit 2a includes an indoor unit air conditioning unit 21, a human detection sensor 22, an indoor unit communication unit 23, an indoor unit storage unit 24, the indoor unit control unit 25a, and the biological information acquisition sensor 26. The indoor unit 2a has the functions of the indoor unit 2. Information can be exchanged between the above-mentioned components of the indoor unit 2a.

[0104] The indoor unit control unit 25a differs from the indoor unit control unit 25 according to the first embodiment in that it includes an operation control unit 251a instead of the operation control unit 251, and further includes a discomfort level calculation unit 255. The indoor unit control unit 25a includes the operation control unit 251a, a human detection determination unit 252, an internal drying operation timer 253, and a discomfort level calculation unit 255.

[0105] The operation control unit 251a has the same functions as the operation control unit 251 according to the first embodiment. In addition, the operation control unit 251a performs control to perform a weak heating operation as an internal drying operation when the discomfort level in the room 7 is high.

[0106] The discomfort degree calculation unit 255 acquires, from the biometric information acquisition sensor 26, data on the user's biometric information detected by the biometric information acquisition sensor 26, i.e., the detected value of the user's biometric information detected by the biometric information acquisition sensor 26, and uses the biometric information data to calculate the discomfort degree of the room 7. The discomfort degree calculation unit 255 calculates the discomfort degree of the room 7 based on the biometric information data acquired from the biometric information acquisition sensor 26 and information on a discomfort degree calculation method that is predetermined and stored in the discomfort degree calculation unit 255. When the discomfort degree calculation unit 255 has acquired biometric information data of multiple users, it calculates the discomfort degree of the room 7 using the biometric information data of the multiple users.

[0107] Furthermore, the discomfort degree calculation unit 255 stores the user's biometric information data acquired from the biometric information acquisition sensor 26 in the indoor unit storage unit 24. When the discomfort degree calculation unit 255 has acquired biometric information data of multiple users, it stores the biometric information data for each user in the indoor unit storage unit 24. When the discomfort degree calculation unit 255 has acquired biometric information data of multiple users, it may acquire averaged data of the biometric information of all of the multiple users from the biometric information acquisition sensor 26 and store the averaged data in the indoor unit storage unit 24. In other words, the storage unit for the biometric information data acquired from the biometric information acquisition sensor 26 is not limited.

[0108] The biological information acquisition sensor 26 detects and collects biological information of users present in the room 7, which is the air-conditioned space of the air conditioner 1a, at a predetermined cycle. The biological information acquisition sensor 26 acquires one or more predetermined types of biological information. If there is more than one user present in the room 7, the biological information acquisition sensor 26 acquires the biological information of the multiple users present in the room 7 for each user. If there is more than one user present in the room 7, the biological information acquisition sensor 26 may acquire data that is the average of the biological information of all of the multiple users. In other words, the unit of acquisition of user biological information by the biological information acquisition sensor 26 is not limited. The biological information acquisition sensor 26 transmits the acquired data of the user's biological information to the discomfort degree calculation unit 255 at a predetermined cycle.

[0109] The biological information acquisition sensor 26 can acquire biological information such as the heart rate and breathing rate of a user present in the room 7 by using, for example, radio wave sensing technology. The biological information acquisition sensor 26 can detect biological information such as the breathing rate and heart rate, which are periodic body movement information of the user, by analyzing the radio waves reflected from the user present in the room 7 by using the sensing technology.

[0110] Next, the operation of the internal drying operation in the air conditioning system 200 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the operation of the internal drying operation in the air conditioning system 200 according to the second embodiment. The operation of the air conditioning system 200 when the internal drying operation is performed after the cooling operation in the air conditioning system 200 will be described below. The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 adds a flow for performing low heating operation as the internal drying operation to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4. That is, the air conditioning system 200 can perform low heating operation as the internal drying operation in addition to the control of the internal drying operation shown in FIG. 4. The same steps as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 are assigned the same step numbers as those in FIG. 4, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0111] First, steps S110 to S140 are performed, as in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, in step S110, when air conditioner 1a of air conditioning system 200 is performing cooling operation, indoor unit control unit 25a of indoor unit 2a of air conditioner 1a receives an operation stop signal from remote control 5, which is a signal instructing the air conditioner to stop cooling operation. In step S120, operation control unit 251a of indoor unit control unit 25a performs control to start fan operation. In step S130, human detection determination unit 252 of indoor unit control unit 25a starts communication with human detection sensor 22 of indoor unit 2a. In step S140, human detection determination unit 252 of indoor unit control unit 25a determines whether or not a person is present in the room 7.

[0112] If it is determined in step S140 that a person is present in the room 7, the result is Yes in step S140, and the process proceeds to step S310. If it is determined in step S140 that a person is not present in the room, the result is No in step S140, and the process proceeds to step S190.

[0113] In step S310, the discomfort degree calculation unit 255 of the indoor unit control unit 25a of the indoor unit 2a starts acquiring biometric information of the user present in the room 7. Specifically, when it is determined that a person is present in the room 7, the discomfort degree calculation unit 255 starts communication with the biometric information acquisition sensor 26 of the indoor unit 2a of the air conditioner 1a and starts acquiring biometric information of the user present in the room 7. The discomfort degree calculation unit 255 communicates with the biometric information acquisition sensor 26 at predetermined intervals. The predetermined interval is, for example, one minute. Note that, when the discomfort degree calculation unit 255 has already started acquiring biometric information of the user present in the room 7, the discomfort degree calculation unit 255 performs control to continue acquiring the user's biometric information.

[0114] The biological information acquisition sensor 26 detects and collects biological information of a user present in the room 7, which is the space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioner 1a, at a predetermined cycle. When communication with the discomfort degree calculation unit 255 is initiated, the biological information acquisition sensor 26 transmits the acquired data of the user's biological information to the discomfort degree calculation unit 255 at a predetermined cycle. The discomfort degree calculation unit 255 receives the data of the user's biological information transmitted from the biological information acquisition sensor 26. Then, the process proceeds to step S320.

[0115] In step S320, it is determined whether the discomfort level in the room 7 is higher than the discomfort level threshold. Specifically, the discomfort level calculation unit 255 determines whether the discomfort level in the room 7 is higher than the discomfort level threshold.

[0116] The discomfort threshold is a reference value that is compared with the calculated discomfort level of the room 7 to determine whether or not to start low heating operation in the air conditioner 1a. The discomfort threshold is determined in advance based on the specifications of the air conditioner 1a and experimental results, and is stored in the discomfort level calculation unit 255.

[0117] The discomfort degree calculation unit 255 calculates the discomfort degree of the room 7 using the biological information data transmitted from the biological information acquisition sensor 26 and successfully received by the discomfort degree calculation unit 255. The discomfort degree calculation unit 255 compares the calculated discomfort degree of the room 7 with the discomfort degree threshold value stored in the discomfort degree calculation unit 255, thereby determining whether the discomfort degree of the room 7 is higher than the discomfort degree threshold value.

[0118] If it is determined that the discomfort level of the room 7 is higher than the discomfort level threshold, the answer is Yes in step S320, and the process proceeds to step S150. If it is determined that the discomfort level of the room 7 is equal to or lower than the discomfort level threshold, the answer is No in step S320, and the process proceeds to step S330. The discomfort level calculation unit 255 transmits the determination result of whether the discomfort level of the room 7 is higher than the discomfort level threshold to the operation control unit 251a.

[0119] Here, the operation control unit 251a determines whether the discomfort level of the room 7 is higher than the discomfort level threshold, but the operation control unit 251a may acquire the discomfort level of the room 7 calculated by the discomfort level calculation unit 255 and determine whether the discomfort level of the room 7 is higher than the discomfort level threshold. In this case, the discomfort level threshold may be determined in advance based on the specifications of the air conditioner 1a and experimental results, and may be stored in the operation control unit 251a.

[0120] In step S330, the air conditioner 1a starts low heating operation. Specifically, the operation control unit 251a starts low heating operation by controlling the operation mode of the air conditioner 1a to switch from fan operation or heating operation to low heating operation, which is the third internal drying operation. Note that if the air conditioner 1a is already performing low heating operation, the operation control unit 251a controls the air conditioner 1a to continue low heating operation.

[0121] Low heating operation is a heating operation with a lower heating capacity than normal heating operation and also a heating operation with a lower heating capacity than the heating operation of internal drying operation. That is, in low heating operation, the temperature of the warm air blown into the room 7 is lower than the temperature of the warm air blown into the room 7 in normal heating operation and also the temperature of the warm air blown into the room 7 is lower than the heating operation of internal drying operation. Therefore, by performing low heating operation when the discomfort level of the room 7 is equal to or lower than the discomfort level threshold, it is possible to prevent the internal drying operation from causing discomfort to occupants in the room 7, while shortening the drying time inside the indoor unit 2 compared to when air blowing operation is performed as internal drying operation.

[0122] The operating conditions for weak heating operation, that is, the temperature at which the warm air is blown out and the volume of the warm air, are determined based on the specifications of the air conditioner 1a and the results of experiments so as not to cause discomfort to the user, and are stored in the operation control unit 251a. Then, the process proceeds to step S340.

[0123] In step S340, the operation control unit 251a updates the internal drying operation timer 253 and continues counting the execution time of the internal drying operation. Then, the process proceeds to step S170.

[0124] Furthermore, for example, if the flow proceeds in the order of step S340 → step S170 → step S140 → step S310 → step S320 → step S150 → step S210 → step S250, the low heating operation can be stopped in step S250. Thereafter, if the flow proceeds in the order of step S170 → step S140 → step S310 → step S320 → step S150 → step S210 → step S220 → step S230 → step S240, for example, the low heating operation is stopped for a predetermined stop time, and then an air blowing operation is performed as an internal drying operation, thereby preventing discomfort to the user in the room 7. The expected heat release time of the indoor heat exchanger 211 when the low heating operation is stopped in step S250, i.e., the predetermined stop time when the low heating operation is stopped in step S250, is determined in advance based on the specifications of the air conditioner 1 and experimental results, and is stored in the operation control unit 251.

[0125] Although the above description has been given of the operation in which the air conditioning system 200 performs the cooling operation and then performs the internal drying operation, the operation of the air conditioning system 200 when the air conditioning system 200 performs the dehumidifying operation and then performs the internal drying operation is similar to the above. In this case, the "cooling operation" in the above description of the operation is replaced with "dehumidifying operation."

[0126] In the above description, the discomfort degree calculation unit 255 starts communication with the biological information acquisition sensor 26 in step S310, but the discomfort degree calculation unit 255 may start communication with the biological information acquisition sensor 26 before starting control of the internal drying operation in step S120. Alternatively, the discomfort degree calculation unit 255 may end communication with the biological information acquisition sensor 26 after control of the internal drying operation ends in step S180.

[0127] As described above, the air conditioning system 200 according to the second embodiment, like the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment, performs an internal drying operation after the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation is stopped, thereby preventing the growth of fungi such as mold inside the indoor unit 2 caused by condensation water that forms inside the indoor unit 2a during the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation.

[0128] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 200 according to the second embodiment, if there is a person in the room 7 after the cooling operation is stopped or after the internal drying operation is started after the dehumidifying operation is stopped and the discomfort level in the room 7 is higher than the discomfort level threshold, the air conditioning system 200 continues the air blowing operation of the first internal drying operation or stops the heating operation of the second internal drying operation for a predetermined stop time and then performs the air blowing operation as the internal drying operation. In this way, the air conditioning system 200 can prevent the internal drying operation from causing discomfort to the people in the room 7.

[0129] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 200 according to the second embodiment automatically performs weak heating operation as the internal drying operation when there is a person in the room 7 and the discomfort level in the room 7 is equal to or lower than the discomfort threshold after the cooling operation is stopped or the internal drying operation is started after the dehumidifying operation is stopped. This enables the air conditioning system 200 to reduce the discomfort felt by the user in the room 7 due to the internal drying operation, while shortening the drying time inside the indoor unit 2a compared to when the air blowing operation is performed as the internal drying operation.

[0130] That is, the indoor unit control unit 25a functioning as the air conditioning control unit determines that a person is present in the room 7 based on the detection result of the human detection sensor 22, and if it determines that the discomfort level in the room 7 is below a predetermined discomfort threshold, it performs control to dry the inside of the indoor unit 2a by performing weak heating operation as internal drying operation, which has lower heating capacity than heating operation. Also, the indoor unit control unit 25a functioning as the air conditioning control unit determines that a person is present in the room 7 based on the detection result of the human detection sensor 22, and if it determines that the discomfort level in the room 7 is higher than a predetermined discomfort threshold, it performs control to dry the inside of the indoor unit 2a by performing air blowing operation as internal drying operation.

[0131] In this way, the air conditioning system 200 of embodiment 2 performs heating operation if no one is in the room 7 after cooling operation or dehumidification operation is stopped, performs weak heating operation if there is a person in the room 7 and the discomfort level in the room 7 is below the discomfort threshold, and performs fan operation if there is a person in the room 7 and the discomfort level in the room 7 is higher than the discomfort threshold, or performs fan operation as an internal drying operation after stopping heating operation for a predetermined stop time, thereby minimizing discomfort to the user and preventing the growth of fungi such as mold inside the indoor unit 2a.

[0132] The air conditioning system 200 switches the operating mode of the internal drying operation based on the degree of discomfort in the room 7 calculated from the biometric information of the users present in the room 7, and therefore takes into account the users entering and exiting the room 7, while minimizing discomfort to the users, drying the inside of the indoor unit 2a and preventing the growth of fungi such as mold inside the indoor unit 2a.

[0133] Furthermore, when the discomfort level in the room 7 is higher than the discomfort level threshold, the air conditioning system 200 stops the heating operation or low heating operation of the internal drying operation for a predetermined stop time and then performs the blowing operation as the internal drying operation, thereby preventing discomfort for the users in the room 7. Furthermore, when the discomfort level in the room 7 is equal to or lower than the discomfort level threshold, the air conditioning system 200 performs the low heating operation, thereby promoting the drying of the inside of the indoor unit 2a while suppressing discomfort for the users in the room 7.

[0134] Next, the hardware configuration of each of the control units 80 according to the first and second embodiments will be described. The control unit 80 according to the first and second embodiments corresponds to the indoor unit control unit 25 of the indoor unit 2 in the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment, the indoor unit control unit 25a of the indoor unit 2a in the air conditioner 1a according to the second embodiment, the outdoor unit control unit 34 of the outdoor unit 3 in the air conditioners 1 and 1a according to the first and second embodiments, and the remote control control unit 55 of the remote control 5 in the air conditioners 1 and 1a according to the first and second embodiments. Each function of the control unit 80 according to the first and second embodiments is realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware, or may be a processing unit that executes a program stored in a storage device.

[0135] When the processing circuit is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit may be a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or a combination thereof. Figure 8 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the functions of the control unit 80 according to the first and second embodiments are realized by hardware. The processing circuit 81 incorporates a logic circuit 81a that realizes the functions of the control unit 80.

[0136] When the processing circuit 81 is a processing device, the functions of the control unit 80 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

[0137] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which the functions of the control unit 80 according to the first and second embodiments are implemented by software. The processing circuit 81 includes a processor 811 that executes a program 81b, a random access memory 812 that the processor 811 uses as a work area, and a storage device 813 that stores the program 81b. The processor 811 deploys the program 81b stored in the storage device 813 on the random access memory 812 and executes it, thereby realizing the functions of the control unit 80. The software or firmware is written in a programming language and stored in the storage device 813. The processor 811 may be, but is not limited to, a central processing unit. The storage device 813 may be a semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The semiconductor memory may be either a non-volatile memory or a volatile memory. In addition to semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) can be used as the storage device 813. The processor 811 may output data such as calculation results to the storage device 813 for storage, or may store the data in an auxiliary storage device (not shown) via the random access memory 812. By integrating the processor 811, the random access memory 812, and the storage device 813 on a single chip, the functions of the control unit 80 can be realized by a microcomputer.

[0138] The processing circuitry 81 reads and executes the program 81b stored in the storage device 813, thereby realizing the functions of the control unit 80. The program 81b can also be said to cause the computer to execute the procedures and methods for realizing the functions of the control unit 80.

[0139] The processing circuit 81 may be configured so that some of the functions of the control unit 80 are realized by dedicated hardware, and some of the functions of the control unit 80 are realized by software or firmware.

[0140] In this way, the processing circuitry 81 can realize each of the above-described functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0141] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and may be combined with other known technologies, or different embodiments may be combined with each other. It is also possible to omit or modify parts of the configurations as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention.

[0142] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1a Air conditioner, 2, 2a Indoor unit, 3 Outdoor unit, 4 Refrigerant piping, 5 Remote controller, 6 Building, 7 Indoor, 21 Indoor unit air conditioning unit, 22 Human detection sensor, 23 Indoor unit communication unit, 24 Indoor unit memory unit, 25, 25a Indoor unit control unit, 26 Biometric information acquisition sensor, 31 Outdoor unit air conditioning unit, 32 Outdoor unit communication unit, 33 Outdoor unit memory unit, 34 Outdoor unit control unit, 51 Remote controller operation unit, 52 Remote controller display unit, 53 Remote controller memory unit, 54 Remote controller communication unit, 55 Remote controller control unit, 80 Control unit, 81 Processing circuit, 81a Logic circuit, 81b Program, 100, 200 Air conditioning system, 211 Indoor heat exchanger, 212 Blower fan, 251, 251a Operation control unit, 252 Human detection determination unit, 253 Internal drying operation timer, 254 heat radiation timer, 255 discomfort degree calculation unit, 311 compressor, 312 four-way valve, 313 outdoor heat exchanger, 314 expansion valve, 811 processor, 812 random access memory, 813 storage device.

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising: an indoor unit located inside a room which is a space to be air-conditioned; an outdoor unit located outside the room; an air conditioning control unit that controls the operation of the indoor unit and the operation of the outdoor unit; and a human detection sensor that detects the presence of people in the room, wherein the air conditioning control unit controls the air conditioner to perform an internal drying operation to dry the inside of the indoor unit after stopping the cooling operation or dehumidifying operation, and when it is determined that no people are present in the room based on the detection result of the human detection sensor, controls the air conditioner to perform a heating operation as the internal drying operation to dry the inside of the indoor unit, and when it is determined that a person is present in the room based on the detection result of the human detection sensor while the heating operation as the internal drying operation is being performed, stops the heating operation for a predetermined stop time and then performs a fan operation as the internal drying operation.

2. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein when the air conditioning control unit determines that a person is present in the room based on the detection result of the human detection sensor, it performs air blowing operation as the internal drying operation to dry the inside of the indoor unit.

3. An air conditioner as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the air conditioning control unit is provided with a human detection determination unit that determines whether or not a person is present in the room based on the detection result of the human detection sensor.

4. An air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air conditioning control unit determines that a person is present in the room based on the detection result of the human detection sensor, and when it determines that the discomfort level in the room is below a predetermined threshold, performs weak heating operation as the internal drying operation with a heating capacity lower than that of the heating operation, thereby controlling to dry the inside of the indoor unit.

5. An air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the air conditioning control unit determines that a person is present in the room based on the detection result of the human detection sensor, and when it determines that the discomfort level in the room is higher than a predetermined threshold, performs air blowing operation as the internal drying operation to dry the inside of the indoor unit.

6. An air conditioner as described in claim 4 or 5, comprising: a biometric information acquisition sensor that acquires biometric information of people present in the room; and an discomfort level calculation unit that calculates the discomfort level in the room using the biometric information.

7. An air conditioning system comprising: an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and a remote controller that communicates with the air conditioner and transmits to the air conditioner control information for remotely controlling the operation of the air conditioner.

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