U.S. patent application number 13/372656 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-20 for air-conditioning apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. Invention is credited to Tatsuo Seki, Nobutaka TANABE.
Application Number | 20120234028 13/372656 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45936731 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120234028 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TANABE; Nobutaka ; et
al. |
September 20, 2012 |
AIR-CONDITIONING APPARATUS
Abstract
The drying operation menu determination means configures the
drying operation by combining a heating operation and at least
either one of a fanning operation and a fan stop operation by the
air volume determination means when carrying out the drying
operation with heating operation, and configures the drying
operation by combining a fanning operation and a fan stop operation
by the air volume determination means when carrying out the drying
operation without heating operation.
Inventors: |
TANABE; Nobutaka; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Seki; Tatsuo; (Tokyo, JP) |
Assignee: |
Mitsubishi Electric
Corporation
Chiyoda-ku
JP
|
Family ID: |
45936731 |
Appl. No.: |
13/372656 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/125 ;
62/186 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/79 20180101;
F24F 2110/20 20180101; F24F 2110/10 20180101; F24F 2221/54
20130101; F24F 11/77 20180101; F24F 1/0007 20130101; F24F 1/0083
20190201; F24F 2013/225 20130101; F24F 11/30 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/125 ;
62/186 |
International
Class: |
F25B 49/00 20060101
F25B049/00; F25D 17/06 20060101 F25D017/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 14, 2011 |
JP |
2011-55733 |
Claims
1. An air-conditioning apparatus capable of carrying out a cooling
operation and a heating operation with a refrigerant cycle
constituted by a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion
valve, and an outdoor heat exchanger being connected by refrigerant
piping, and capable of carrying out a drying operation for drying
an indoor unit constituted by the indoor heat exchanger and an
indoor fan supplying air to the indoor heat exchanger, the
air-conditioning apparatus comprising: a setting means setting
whether a drying operation with heating operation or a drying
operation without heating operation is to be carried out; a drying
operation menu determination means determining a menu of a drying
operation on the basis of a setting of the setting means; and an
air volume determination means determining a rotation speed of the
indoor fan on the basis of a determination result of the drying
operation menu determination means and controlling an air volume of
the indoor fan, wherein the drying operation menu determination
means configures the drying operation by combining a heating
operation and at least either one of a fanning operation and a fan
stop operation by the air volume determination means when the
drying operation with heating operation is carried out, and
configures the drying operation by combining a fanning operation
and a fan stop operation by the air volume determination means when
the drying operation without heating operation is carried out.
2. The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a
heating operation permit/forbid determination means storing the
setting inputted from the setting means and outputting the stored
setting to the drying operation menu determination means.
3. The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the setting
means is provided in the indoor unit.
4. The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 3, the indoor unit
comprising a display unit capable of displaying by means of
lighting, the display unit lighting up different colors on the
basis of the setting of the setting means.
5. The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a
remote control, the remote control being provided with the setting
means.
6. The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 5, the remote control
comprising a display unit for displaying information, the display
unit displaying information on the basis of the setting of the
setting means.
7. The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a
wind direction plate changing a direction of an air blown out from
the indoor fan, and a controller including the heating operation
permit/forbid determination means and the drying operation menu
determination means, the controller controlling an angle of the
wind direction plate, wherein the controller sets the wind
direction plate upward during the drying operation.
8. The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 7, further comprising an
indoor temperature sensor that detects an indoor temperature,
wherein the controller configures the menu of the drying operation
on the basis of the detection result of the indoor temperature
sensor.
9. The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the air
volume determination means determines the rotation speed of the
indoor fan such that the rotation speed of the indoor unit during
the drying operation without heating operation is larger than the
drying operation with heating operation.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air-conditioning
apparatus and, more particularly, to an air-conditioning apparatus
provided with a function of drying an indoor unit.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] An intended purpose of an air-conditioning apparatus is to
enable a user to carry out activities in a comfortable and healthy
indoor environment. When indoor temperature and indoor humidity
rises such as in the summer, cooling operation and dehumidifying
operation of the air-conditioning apparatus are carried out. With
these operations, the indoor temperature is lowered and the indoor
humidity is reduced enabling the user to obtain a comfortable
indoor environment.
[0003] However, by carrying out the cooling operation and the
dehumidifying operation, cases arise in which dew condensation is
formed on the interior of the indoor unit of the air-conditioning
apparatus resulting in moisture content residing in the interior of
the indoor unit. And there arises a risk of fungi and bacteria
growing and breeding in the interior of the indoor unit by the
residing moisture content. When fungi and bacteria grow and breed
in the interior of the indoor unit, there are cases in which
discomfort is caused to the user by the bad smell during the use of
the air-conditioning apparatus and in which health hazard is
created by release of allergens, such as fungal spore and remains
of the fungi and bacteria, into the indoor space.
[0004] Accordingly, an air-conditioning apparatus has been proposed
in which the growth of fungi and bacteria is suppressed by drying
the moisture content residing in the interior of the indoor unit of
the air-conditioning apparatus by means of a heating operation or a
fanning operation after a cooling operation or a dehumidifying
operation has been carried out (see, for example, Patent Literature
1). Note that a fanning operation is an operation in which the fan
provided in the indoor unit undergoes operation without cooling or
heating. The technique described in Patent Literature 1
automatically determines whether to perform a drying operation with
heating operation or to perform a drying operation without heating
operation on the basis of the indoor temperature and the operation
time.
[0005] An air-conditioning apparatus has been further proposed
having a function of carrying out a heating operation as a drying
operation, detecting the indoor temperature at the start of the
drying operation and the indoor temperature during the drying
operation, and stopping the drying operation when the difference
between the indoor temperature at the start of the drying operation
and the indoor temperature during the drying operation becomes
larger than a predetermined value (see, for example, Patent
Literature 2). The technique described in Patent Literature 2 uses
the heating operation rather than a fanning operation in order to
shorten the operation time, and further ends the drying operation
when the indoor temperature difference becomes larger than a
predetermined value so as to suppress the amount of influence to
the comfortability of the indoor environment.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No. 5-223325 (see, for example, FIG. 14)
[0007] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No. 2004-85020 (see, for example, pages 2 and 3 and
FIG. 10 of the Description).
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0008] In conventional air-conditioning apparatuses such as the one
described in Patent Literature 1, when the drying of moisture
content residing in the interior of the indoor unit is carried out
with the heating operation alone, discomfort to the user is
disadvantageously caused due to degradation of the indoor
environment caused by the increase in indoor temperature owing to
the heating operation. On the other hand, when drying of moisture
content residing in the interior of the indoor unit is carried out
with the fanning operation alone, it will take a substantially long
time in order to sufficiently dry the interior of the indoor unit.
Since the operating time is long, the time in which noise is
generated is long. Thus, disadvantageously, causes discomfort to
the user.
[0009] Further, when the user does not want to increase the indoor
temperature and the indoor humidity, or does not want noise to be
generated, the user may set the setting such that drying operation
is not carried out. In this case, the drying of the interior of the
indoor unit, disadvantageously, cannot be carried out, in the first
place.
[0010] The technique described in Patent Literature 2 has a
function of stopping the heating operation when the indoor
temperature difference between at the start of the heating
operation and the indoor temperature during the heating operation
becomes larger than a predetermined value. However, there are cases
in which the temperature difference, set by the designer, believed
as a temperature difference that can be generally tolerated is not
tolerable by some users. This case, disadvantageously, causes
discomfort to the user.
[0011] Furthermore, because the temperature difference, set by the
designer, believed as a temperature difference that can be
generally tolerated is not tolerable by some users, the user may
set the setting such that drying operation is not carried out. In
this case, the drying of the interior of the indoor unit,
disadvantageously, cannot be carried out, in the first place.
[0012] The present disclosure has been made to overcome the above
problems and an object thereof is to provide an air-conditioning
apparatus that is capable of drying moisture content residing in an
interior of an indoor unit by carrying out a drying operation, and
further an air-conditioning apparatus capable of restraining a
decrease in user comfortability owing to the drying operation.
Solution to Problem
[0013] The air-conditioning apparatus according to the disclosure
is an air-conditioning apparatus capable of carrying out a cooling
operation and a heating operation with a refrigerant cycle
constituted by a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion
valve, and an outdoor heat exchanger being connected by refrigerant
piping; and capable of carrying out a drying operation for drying
an indoor unit constituted by the indoor heat exchanger and an
indoor fan supplying air to the indoor heat exchanger, the
air-conditioning apparatus including: a setting means setting
whether a drying operation with heating operation or a drying
operation without heating operation is to be carried out; an drying
operation menu determination means determining a menu of a drying
operation on the basis of a setting of the setting means; and an
air volume determination means determining and controlling a
rotation speed of the indoor fan on the basis of a determination
result of the drying operation menu determination means, in which
the drying operation menu determination means configures the drying
operation by combining a heating operation and at least either one
of a fanning operation and a fan stop operation by the air volume
determination means when the drying operation with heating
operation is carried out, and configures the drying operation by
combining a fanning operation and a fan stop operation by the air
volume determination means when the drying operation without
heating operation is carried out.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0014] In the air-conditioning apparatus according to the
disclosure, the user can select whether a drying operation with
heating operation is to be carried out or whether a drying
operation without heating operation is to be carried out, the
moisture content residing in the interior of the indoor unit can be
dried, and decrease in user comfortability can be restrained.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system
configuration of a controller of an air-conditioning apparatus
according to Embodiment 1 of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary refrigerant
circuit configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus according
to Embodiment 1 of the disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing electrical connections of the
controller of the air-conditioning apparatus according to
Embodiment 1 of the disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a flowchart to explain an operation of the
controller shown in FIG. 3.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a flowchart to explain an operation of the
controller shown in FIG. 3 when a drying operation with heating
operation is carried out.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a flowchart to explain an operation of the
controller shown in FIG. 3 when a drying operation without heating
operation is carried out.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a flowchart to explain the operation of the
controller shown in FIG. 3 when a heating operation is carried
out.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system
configuration of an air-conditioning apparatus according to
Embodiment 1 of the disclosure when provided with a wind direction
determining device.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing electrical connections of the
controller of the air-conditioning apparatus according to
Embodiment 1 of the disclosure when provided with an indoor
temperature sensor.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a flowchart to explain the operation of the
controller shown in FIG. 9 when a drying operation with heating
operation is carried out.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a diagram explaining a display action of an
indoor unit during a drying operation of the air-conditioning
apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system
configuration of a controller of an air-conditioning apparatus
according to Embodiment 2 of the disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing electrical connections of the
controller of the air-conditioning apparatus according to
Embodiment 2 of the disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a flowchart to explain an operation of the
controller shown in FIG. 13.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a diagram explaining a display action of a remote
control during a drying operation of the air-conditioning apparatus
according to Embodiment 2 of the disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system
configuration of an air-conditioning apparatus according to
Embodiment 2 of the disclosure when provided with a wind direction
determining device.
[0031] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing electrical connections of the
controller of the air-conditioning apparatus according to
Embodiment 2 of the disclosure when provided with an indoor
temperature sensor.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Embodiment of the invention will be described below with
reference to the drawings.
Embodiment 1
[0033] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system
configuration of a controller of an air-conditioning apparatus 102
according to Embodiment 1 of the disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram
illustrating an exemplary refrigerant circuit configuration of the
air-conditioning apparatus 102 according to Embodiment 1 of the
disclosure. The air-conditioning apparatus 102 has a function of
restraining decrease in user comfortability while carrying out a
drying operation for drying moisture content residing in an
interior of an indoor unit 100.
[System Configuration of Air-conditioning Apparatus 102]
[0034] A body of the air-conditioning apparatus 102 is constituted
by the indoor unit 100 and an outdoor unit 101. This indoor unit
100 includes a controller 19 that controls the operation of the
apparatus, and an indoor fan 12 that facilitates heat exchange of
the subsequently described indoor heat exchanger 13 with an indoor
air.
[0035] On the other hand, the outdoor unit 101 includes a
compressor 9 that compresses a refrigerant circulating in a
refrigeration cycle; an outdoor fan 10 that facilitates heat
exchange of the outdoor heat exchanger 14 with an outdoor air; a
four-way valve 15 that switches passages of the refrigerant
circuit; an expansion valve 16 that decompresses and expands the
refrigerant; and an outdoor unit controller 40 that controls a
rotation speed of the compressor 9, an air volume of the outdoor
fan 10, switching of the four-way valve, and a throttle opening of
the expansion valve 16. Note that although the outdoor unit 101 of
the air-conditioning apparatus 102 according to Embodiment 1 is
provided with the expansion valve 16, this does not particularly
limit the embodiment. For example, when the expansion valve 16 is
provided in the indoor unit 100, instead of the outdoor unit
controller 40, the controller 19 may control the expansion valve
16. Note that when the expansion valve 16 is one that does not
change its throttle opening or does not need to change its throttle
opening, the expansion valve 16 does not need to be controlled.
[0036] The controller 19 of the air-conditioning apparatus 102
according to Embodiment 1 controls the operation of the compressor
9, outdoor fan 10, and the indoor fan 12 in accordance with each of
the operations such as a heating operation, a cooling operation, a
dehumidifying operation, and the drying operation. This controller
19 includes heating operation permit/forbid determination means 1,
which determines if heating operation will be included in the
drying operation; drying operation menu determination means 4,
which determines the operation menu of the drying operation; and
air volume determination means 11, which determines the rotation
speed of the indoor fan 12 and controls the air volume of the
indoor fan 12.
[0037] The heating operation permit/forbid determination means 1
determines whether drying operation with heating operation is to be
carried out or whether drying operation without heating operation
is to be carried out, and outputs the determination result to the
drying operation menu determination means 4. This heating operation
permit/forbid determination means 1 includes storage means 2, which
stores the configuration setting that is inputted from the setting
means 18 (described subsequently) for setting whether drying
operation with heating operation is to be carried out or whether
drying operation without heating operation is to be carried out;
and heating operation permit/forbid ascertaining means 3, which
outputs whether drying operation with heating operation is to be
carried out or whether drying operation without heating operation
is to be carried out, on the basis of the stored configuration
setting, to the drying operation menu determination means 4
(described subsequently). That is, the heating operation
permit/forbid determination means 1 stores the setting inputted
from the setting means 18 (described subsequently) and outputs the
stored setting to the drying operation menu determination means 4.
Note that in the air-conditioning apparatus 102 according to
Embodiment 1, the setting means 18 is provided in the indoor unit
100 and is constituted by a button, a switch, or the like.
[0038] Based on the determination result of the heating operation
permit/forbid determination means 1, the drying operation menu
determination means 4 determines the menu of the drying operation,
determines the duration of the drying operation, and measures the
drying operation time. This drying operation menu determination
means 4 includes operation menu determination means 5, which
determines the menu of the drying operation; operation duration
determination means 6, which determines the duration of each
operation constituting the drying operation; and operation time
measuring means 7, which measures the time of each operation
constituting the drying operation from each start.
[0039] Note that "operation menu determination" denotes the
operation menu determination means 5 configuring the drying
operation by combining the heating operation, a fan stop, and a
fanning operation. For example, when the operation menu
determination means 5 receives output that the drying operation
without heating operation is to be carried out from the heating
operation permit/forbid determination means 1, the menu of the
drying operation is determined by combination of the fan stop and
the fanning operation.
[0040] The air volume determination means 11 determines the
rotation speed of the indoor fan 12 on the basis of the
determination result of the menu of the drying operation and the
determination result of the duration of the drying operation
determined by the drying operation menu determination means 4, and
controls the air volume of the indoor fan 12. For example, the air
volume determination means 11 may determine the rotation speed of
the indoor fan 12 such that the rotation speed of the indoor unit
during the drying operation without heating operation is larger
than the drying operation with heating operation.
[0041] That is, during the drying operation with heating operation,
by operating with a suppressed rotation speed of the indoor fan 12,
the supply of heating air to the indoor can be suppressed, and,
thus, decrease in user comfortability can be restrained. On the
other hand, during the drying operation without heating operation,
by operating with an increased rotation speed of the indoor fan,
the drying of the indoor unit 100 can be accelerated. Accordingly,
drying time will be reduced and the generating time of noise will
be proportionately short, and, thus, decrease in user
comfortability can be restrained.
[0042] Note that the determination of the rotation speed of the
indoor fan 12 is not limited to this. For example, the air volume
determination means 11 may determine the rotation speed of the
indoor fan 12 according to the configuration setting stored in the
storage means 2 (the memory 20 described subsequently).
[0043] The outdoor unit controller 40 controls at least the
compressor 9 and the outdoor fan 10. This outdoor unit controller
40 is capable of communicating information with the controller 19
provided in the indoor unit 100 through a hard wired signal line.
That is, while carrying out heating operation, information on
performing the heating operation is transmitted from the controller
19 to the outdoor unit controller 40. Additionally, the outdoor
unit controller 40 controls at least the compressor 9 and the
outdoor fan 10 on the basis of the information on performing the
heating operation.
[Refrigerant Circuit Configuration of Air-conditioning Apparatus
102]
[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the air-conditioning apparatus 102
includes the compressor 9 that compresses the refrigerant
circulating in the refrigeration cycle, the four-way valve 15 that
switches passages of the refrigerant circuit, the outdoor heat
exchanger 14 that exchanges heat between the outdoor air and the
refrigerant, the expansion valve 16 that decompresses and expands
the refrigerant, and the indoor heat exchanger 13 that exchanges
heat between the indoor air and the refrigerant. In addition, these
are connected by refrigerant piping and constitute a refrigeration
cycle.
[0045] Furthermore, the outdoor fan 10 that facilitates heat
exchange between the outdoor air and the refrigerant is disposed in
the outdoor heat exchanger 14, and the indoor fan 12 that
facilitates heat exchange between the indoor air and the
refrigerant is disposed in the indoor heat exchanger 12.
[0046] The compressor 9 sucks in the refrigerant, compresses the
refrigerant into a high-temperature high-pressure state, and
conveys the refrigerant to the refrigerant circuit. During the
cooling operation, one side of this compressor 9 is connected to
the outdoor heat exchanger 14 through the four-way valve 15, and
the other side is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 13 through
the four-way valve 15. The compressor 9 may include a
capacity-controllable inverter compressor, for example.
[0047] The four-way valve 15 switches flows between the refrigerant
flow during the heating operation and the refrigerant flow during
the cooing operation. During the heating operation, this four-way
valve 15 connects the discharge side of the compressor 9 to the
indoor heat exchanger 13, as well as connecting the suction side of
the compressor 9 to the outdoor heat exchanger 14 (see the broken
line arrows in FIG. 2). Further, during the cooling operation, the
four-way valve 15 connects the discharge side of the compressor 9
to the outdoor heat exchanger 14, as well as connecting the suction
side of the compressor 9 to the indoor heat exchanger 13 (see the
solid line arrows in FIG. 2).
[0048] The outdoor heat exchanger 14 functions as an evaporator
during the heating operation and functions as a radiator (gas
cooler) during the cooling operation, and exchanges heat between
the outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 10 and the refrigerant.
One side of this outdoor heat exchanger 14 is connected to the
four-way valve 15 and the other side is connected to the expansion
valve 16. The outdoor heat exchanger 14 may include, for example, a
plate fin and tube heat exchanger that is capable of exchanging
heat between the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant piping and
the air passing through the fins.
[0049] The expansion valve 16 decompresses and expands the
refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit. This expansion
device 16 may include a component having a variably controllable
opening degree, such as an electronic expansion valve.
[0050] The indoor heat exchanger 13 functions as a radiator during
the heating operation and functions as an evaporator during the
cooling operation, and exchanges heat between the air supplied by
the indoor fan 12 and the refrigerant to generate air for heating,
air for cooling, or air for the drying operation that is supplied
to a conditioned space. The indoor heat exchanger 13 may include,
for example, a plate fin and tube heat exchanger that is capable of
exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant
piping and the air passing through the fins.
[Operation of Refrigeration Cycle of Air-Conditioning Apparatus
102]
[0051] With reference to FIG. 2, an operation of the refrigeration
cycle of the refrigerant circuit shown in the same figure will be
described.
[0052] In FIG. 2, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit flows
in the direction of the arrows indicated by solid lines during the
cooling operation and the dehumidifying operation, and on the other
hand, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit flows in the
direction of the arrows indicated by dotted lines during heating
operation.
[0053] First, description will be given on the cooling operation
and the dehumidifying operation. At the start of the cooling
operation or the dehumidifying operation, the four-way valve
switches the passages so that the refrigerant in the refrigerant
circuit flows in the direction indicated by the solid lines in FIG.
2. The gas refrigerant that has been compressed by and discharge
from the compressor 9 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 14
through the four-way valve 15. This gas refrigerant that has flowed
into the outdoor heat exchanger 14 is made to exchange heat with
the outdoor air provided from the outdoor fan 10, is condensed, and
flows out of the outdoor heat exchanger 14. This refrigerant that
has flowed out of the outdoor heat exchanger 14 flows into the
expansion valve 16, and is expanded and decompressed by this
expansion valve 16. The refrigerant that has been decompressed
flows into the indoor heat exchanger 13, is made to exchange heat
with the indoor air provided from the indoor fan 12, is gasified,
and flows out of the indoor heat exchanger 13. This gas refrigerant
that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 13 is sucked into
the compressor 9 through the four-way valve 15.
[0054] Subsequently, description will be given on the heating
operation. At the start of the heating operation, the four-way
valve switches the passages so that the refrigerant in the
refrigerant circuit flows in the direction indicated by the broken
lines in FIG. 2. The gas refrigerant that has been compressed by
and discharge from the compressor 9 flows into the indoor heat
exchanger 13 through the four-way valve 15. This gas refrigerant
that has flowed into the indoor heat exchanger 13 is made to
exchange heat with the indoor air provided from the indoor fan 12,
is condensed, and flows out of the indoor heat exchanger 13. This
refrigerant that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 13
flows into the expansion valve 16, and is expanded and decompressed
by this expansion valve 16. The refrigerant that has been
decompressed flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 14, is made to
exchange heat with the outdoor air provided from the outdoor fan
10, is gasified, and flows out of the outdoor heat exchanger 14.
This gas refrigerant that has flowed out of the outdoor heat
exchanger 14 is sucked into the compressor 9 through the four-way
valve 15.
[0055] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing electrical connections of the
controller 19 of the air-conditioning apparatus 102 according to
Embodiment 1 of the disclosure.
[0056] The controller 19 controls at least the air volume and the
like of the compressor 9, the outdoor fan 10, and the indoor fan
12. Note that in the subsequent description, the compressor 9, the
outdoor fan 10, and the indoor fan 12 may be referred to as
operation devices 27.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, the controller 19 is connected to a
power switch 17 for starting the air-conditioning apparatus 102.
Further, the controller 19 is connected to the setting means 18,
which sets whether drying operation with heating operation is to be
carried out or whether drying operation without heating operation
is to be carried out, and to the operation devices 27. According to
the determination result of the setting means 18, the controller 19
can control the operation devices 27. Note that the controller 19
may include a microcomputer or the like.
[0058] The controller 19 includes an input circuit 21 that receives
signals into the controller 19, a memory 20 for storing various
data, a CPU having an arithmetic logical unit and a control unit,
and an output circuit 23 that outputs the processed results of the
CPU to the operation devices 27. The input circuit 21 receives the
signal outputted from the setting means 18 and the like and outputs
the signal to the CPU 22. The memory 20 stores a heating operation
permit/forbid determination program of the drying operation and a
drying operation determination program. The CPU 22 performs
arithmetic processing and decision process of the control value and
outputs the processed results to the output circuit 23. In order to
control the operation devices 27, the output circuit 23 converts
the arithmetic processing result and the decision processing result
into an actuator output format and outputs them to the operation
devices 27. Note that the memory 20 corresponds to the storage
means 2, and the CPU 22 corresponds to the heating operation
permit/forbid ascertaining means 3, drying operation menu
determination means 4, and the air volume determination means
11.
[Description of Drying Operation]
[0059] FIG. 4 is a flowchart to explain the operation of the
controller 19 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a flowchart to explain the
operation of the controller 19 shown in FIG. 3 when the drying
operation with heating operation is carried out. FIG. 6 is a
flowchart to explain an operation of the controller shown in FIG. 3
when the drying operation without heating operation is carried out.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart to explain the operation of the controller 19
shown in FIG. 3 when the heating operation is carried out.
Subsequently, operation of the drying operation of the
air-conditioning apparatus 102 according to Embodiment 1 will be
described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7.
[0060] Note that "normal operation" denotes the cooling operation,
the dehumidifying operation, or the heating operation without a
drying purpose. Further, "fan stop" is a state in which air is not
blown with the rotation speed of the indoor fan 12 set to zero by
the control of the air volume determination means 11. Furthermore,
"fanning operation" is a state in which the indoor fan 12 is made
to operate and blow air by the control of the air volume
determination means 11 of the controller 19. Additionally, heating
operation is a state in which the connection of the four-way valve
15 is that of the heating operation, the compressor 9 and the
outdoor fan 10 is in operation, and as required, the indoor fan 12
is in operation.
[0061] First, the operation of the drying operation of the
air-conditioning apparatus 102 will be described with reference to
FIG. 4.
(ST1)
[0062] The controller 19 stops the compressor 9 and the outdoor fan
10 with the end of the normal operation such as the cooling
operation, the dehumidifying operation, or the heating operation.
Further, the air volume determination means 11 of the controller 19
stops the indoor fan 12.
(ST2)
[0063] The controller 19 receives the setting of the setting means
18 at ST1 (at the ending of the normal operation).
(ST3)
[0064] The heating operation permit/forbid determination means 1 of
the controller 19 determines whether a drying operation with
heating operation is to be carried out or whether a drying
operation without heating operation is to be carried out on the
basis of the setting of step ST2. Note that when a drying operation
with heating operation is to be carried out, the process proceeds
to step ST4, and when a drying operation without heating operation
is to be carried out, the process proceeds to step ST5.
(ST4)
[0065] When it is verified in step ST3 that a drying operation with
heating operation is to be carried out, the controller 19 starts
the drying operation with heating operation. That is, in order to
carry out the heating operation, the controller 19 operates the
compressor 9 and the outdoor fan 10. Further, the air volume
determination means 11 of the controller 19 operates the indoor fan
12 based on the air volume determined by the air volume
determination means 11.
(ST5)
[0066] When it is verified in step ST3 that a drying operation
without heating operation is to be carried out, the controller 19
starts the drying operation without heating operation. That is, the
air volume determination means 11 of the controller 19 operates the
indoor fan 12 based on the air volume determined by the air volume
determination means 11. Further, the compressor 9 and the outdoor
fan 10 is kept stopped.
(ST6)
[0067] When each operation constituting the drying operation is
completed, the controller 19 stops the ones in operation among the
compressor 9, outdoor fan 10, and the indoor fan 12.
[0068] Next, details of step ST4 in FIG. 4 (drying operation with
heating operation) will be described with reference to FIG. 5. Note
that in describing the details of step ST4 in FIG. 4, the
flowchart, drying operation with heating operation (1) of FIG.
5(a), will be used.
(ST1)
[0069] The air volume determination means 11 of the controller 19
stops the indoor fan 12. Note that the compressor 9 and the outdoor
fan 10 is kept stopped.
(ST2)
[0070] The operation time measuring means 7 determines whether
.times.1 minutes has elapsed since the start of the fan stop. When
it is determined that .times.1 minutes has elapsed, the process
proceeds to step ST3.
[0071] Further, when it is determined that .times.1 minutes has not
elapsed, the process returns to step ST1. That is, the air volume
determination means 11 of the controller 19 continues the fan stop,
and the operation time measuring means 7 continues counting the
time from the start of the fan stop.
(ST3)
[0072] Further, the air volume determination means 11 of the
controller 19 operates the indoor fan 12 based on the air volume
determined by the air volume determination means 11 in order to
start the fanning operation. Note that the compressor 9 and the
outdoor fan 10 is kept stopped.
(ST4)
[0073] The operation time measuring means 7 determines whether
.times.2 minutes has elapsed since the start of the fanning
operation. When it is determined that .times.2 minutes has elapsed,
the process proceeds to step ST5.
[0074] Further, when it is determined that .times.2 minutes has not
elapsed, the process returns to step ST3. That is, the air volume
determination means 11 of the controller 19 continues the fanning
operation, and the operation time measuring means 7 continues
counting the time from the start of the fanning operation.
(ST5)
[0075] The air volume determination means 11 of the controller 19
stops the operation of the indoor fan 12 in order to stop the
fanning operation. Further, the controller 19 starts the operation
of the compressor 9 and the outdoor fan 10 in order to start the
heating operation (heating operation during drying operation).
(ST6)
[0076] The controller 19 stops the compressor 9 and the outdoor fan
10 in order to stop the heating operation. Further, the air volume
determination means 11 of the controller 19 operates the indoor fan
12 based on the air volume determined by the air volume
determination means 11 of the controller 19 in order to start the
fanning operation 2.
(ST6)
[0077] The operation time measuring means 7 determines whether
.times.4 minutes has elapsed since the start of the fanning
operation. When it is determined that .times.4 minutes has elapsed,
the fanning operation 2 is ended. With the above, the drying
operation is completed.
[0078] Further, when it is determined that .times.4 minutes has not
elapsed, the process returns to step ST6. That is, the air volume
determination means 11 of the controller 19 continues the fanning
operation 2, and the operation time measuring means 7 continues
counting the time from the start of the fanning operation 2.
[0079] Herein, details of step ST5 of the drying operation with
heating operation (1) of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to
FIG. 7.
(ST1)
[0080] The controller 19 starts the operation of the compressor 9
and the outdoor fan 10 in order to start the heating operation
(heating operation during drying operation).
(ST2)
[0081] The operation time measuring means 7 determines whether
.times.3 minutes has elapsed since the start of the fanning
operation. When it is determined that .times.3 minutes has elapsed,
the heating operation is ended.
[0082] Further, when it is determined that .times.3 minutes has not
elapsed, the process returns to step ST1. That is, the controller
19 continues the heating operation, and the operation time
measuring means 7 continues counting the time from the start of the
heating operation.
[0083] Note that in FIG. 5, in addition to the drying operation
with heating operation (1), flowcharts, drying operations with
heating operation (2) and (3), are also illustrated by way of
example. The air-conditioning apparatus 102 can obtain the same
advantageous effects as that of the drying operation with heating
operation (1) by carrying out the drying operation described in the
drying operations with heating operation (2) and (3).
[0084] Herein, the differences between the drying operation with
heating operation (1) of FIG. 5(a) and the drying operation with
heating operation (2) of FIG. 5(b) are that the drying operation
with heating operation (2) does not have the fan stop (ST1) and the
condition to end the fan stop (ST2) that are included in the drying
operation with heating operation (1). That is, steps ST3 to ST7 of
the drying operation with heating operation (1) correspond to step
ST9 to step ST 13 of the drying operation with heating operation
(2).
[0085] Further, the differences between the drying operation with
heating operation (1) of FIG. 5(a) and the drying operation with
heating operation (3) of FIG. 5(c) are that the drying operation
with heating operation (3) does not have the fan stop (ST1), the
condition to end the fan stop (ST2), fanning operation 1 (ST3), and
the condition to end the fanning operation 1 (ST4) that are
included in the drying operation with heating operation (1). That
is, it corresponds to step ST5 to step ST7 of the drying operation
with heating operation (1).
[0086] Furthermore, the operation menu determination means 5 of the
drying operation menu determination means 4 determines which drying
operation is to be carried out among the drying operations with
heating operation (1) to (3) of FIG. 5.
[0087] Note that the drying operations with heating operation (1)
to (3) of FIG. 5 are examples of the drying operations with heating
operation. That is, the operation menu determination means 5 in
this case constitutes the drying operation by combining the heating
operation, the fan stop, and the fanning operation so as to include
the heating operation.
[0088] In addition, the operation menu determination means 5 may be
omitted. In this case, the air-conditioning apparatus 102 may carry
out drying operation according to a preset operation menu (with the
heating operation included).
[0089] Additionally, the operation duration determination means 6
determines the operation time of each operation of the drying
operation determined by the operation menu determination means 5.
Furthermore, the operation time measuring means 7 measures the
operation time of each operation.
[0090] Next, details of step ST5 in FIG. 4 (drying operation
without heating operation) will be described with reference to FIG.
6. Note that in describing the details of step ST5 in FIG. 4, the
flowchart, drying operation without heating operation (1) of FIG.
6(a), will be used.
(ST1)
[0091] The air volume determination means 11 of the controller 19
stops the indoor fan 12. Note that the compressor 9 and the outdoor
fan 10 is kept stopped.
(ST2)
[0092] The operation time measuring means 7 determines whether
.times.5 minutes has elapsed since the start of the fan stop. When
it is determined that .times.5 minutes has elapsed, the process
proceeds to step ST3.
[0093] Further, when it is determined that .times.5 minutes has not
elapsed, the process returns to step ST1. That is, the air volume
determination means 11 of the controller 19 continues the fan stop,
and the operation time measuring means 7 continues counting the
time from the start of the fan stop.
(ST3)
[0094] Further, the air volume determination means 11 of the
controller 19 operates the indoor fan 12 based on the air volume
determined by the air volume determination means 11 in order to
start the fanning operation. Note that the compressor 9 and the
outdoor fan 10 is kept stopped.
(ST4)
[0095] The operation time measuring means 7 determines whether
.times.6 minutes has elapsed since the start of the fanning
operation. When it is determined that .times.6 minutes has elapsed,
the fanning operation is ended. With the above, the drying
operation is completed.
[0096] Further, when it is determined that .times.6 minutes has not
elapsed, the process returns to step ST3. That is, the air volume
determination means 11 of the controller 19 continues the fanning
operation, and the operation time measuring means 7 continues
counting the time from the start of the fanning operation.
[0097] Note that in FIG. 6, in addition to the drying operation
without heating operation (1), a flowchart, drying operation
without heating operation (2), is also illustrated by way of
example. The air-conditioning apparatus 102 can obtain the same
advantageous effects as that of the drying operation without
heating operation (1) by carrying out the drying operation
described in the drying operation without heating operation
(2).
[0098] Herein, the differences between the drying operation without
heating operation (1) of FIG. 6(a) and the drying operation without
heating operation (2) of FIG. 6(b) are that the drying operation
without heating operation (2) does not have the fan stop (ST1) and
the condition to end the fan stop (ST2) that are included in the
drying operation without heating operation (1). That is, step ST3
and step ST4 of the drying operation without heating operation (1)
correspond to step ST5 and step ST 6 of the drying operation
without heating operation (2).
[0099] Furthermore, the operation menu determination means 6 of the
drying operation menu determination means 4 determines which drying
operation is to be carried out between the drying operations
without heating operation (1) and (2) of FIG. 6. Note that the
drying operation without heating operation (1) of FIG. 6 is an
example of the drying operations without heating operation. That
is, the operation menu determination means 5 in this case
constitutes the drying operation by combining the fan stop and the
fanning operation so as to not include the heating operation.
[0100] In addition, the operation menu determination means 5 may be
omitted. In this case, the air-conditioning apparatus 102 may carry
out drying operation according to a preset operation menu (with the
heating operation excluded).
[Advantageous Effects of Air-Conditioning Apparatus]
[0101] As described above, in the air-conditioning apparatus 102
according to Embodiment 1, the user can select whether a drying
operation with heating operation is to be carried out or whether a
drying operation without heating operation is to be carried out,
the moisture content residing in the interior of the indoor unit
can be dried, and decrease in user comfortability can be
restrained.
Variational Embodiment 1 of Air-Conditioning Apparatus 102
[0102] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system
configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus 102 according to
Embodiment 1 of the disclosure when provided with a wind direction
determining device 31.
[0103] The air-conditioning apparatus 102 according to Embodiment 1
may employ a system configuration illustrated in FIG. 8 as an
alternative of the system configuration illustrated in FIG. 1. That
is, during the drying operation, the wind direction determining
device 31 provided to the air-conditioning apparatus 102 may
control the angle of a wind direction plate 32 provided in an air
outlet of the indoor unit 100.
[0104] During the fanning operation 1, the fanning operation 2, and
the heating operation illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, by orienting the
wind direction plate 32 upwards with the wind direction determining
device 31, drying operation can be carried out while suppressing
negative influence to the indoor environment. That is, by carrying
out the drying operation, the residing moisture content in the
interior of the indoor unit 100 can be dried, and with this drying
operation, the decrease in user comfortability can be
restrained.
Variational Embodiment 2 of Air-Conditioning Apparatus 102
[0105] Further, as illustrated in step ST5 of FIG. 4, when
performing the drying operation without heating operation, compared
to the drying operation with heating operation illustrated in step
ST4 of FIG. 4, the moisture content residing in the indoor unit 100
cannot be dried without a longer operation time for the drying
operation.
[0106] Accordingly, an ozone generator, which has an effect of
suppressing growth and breeding of fungi and bacteria, may be
provided to the indoor unit 100. By combining not only the drying
operation without heating operation, but also the ozone generator,
growth and breeding of fungi and bacteria in the moisture content
residing in the interior of the indoor unit 100 can be
suppressed.
[0107] Furthermore, preferably, the durability of the drying
operation may be set so as to become shorter, and the ozone
generator may be made to operate after the completion of the drying
operation. Accordingly, the preset drying time can be reduced and
the generating time of noise can be shortened, and, thus, decrease
in user comfortability can be restrained. Additionally, even when
moisture content resides, growth and breeding of fungi and bacteria
can be suppressed with the ozone generator.
Variational Embodiment 3 of Air-Conditioning Apparatus 102
[0108] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing electrical connections of the
controller 19 of the air-conditioning apparatus 102 according to
Embodiment 1 of the disclosure when provided with an indoor
temperature sensor 33. FIG. 10 is a flowchart to explain the
operation of the controller 19 shown in FIG. 9 when the drying
operation with heating operation is carried out.
[0109] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the air-conditioning apparatus 102
according to Embodiment 1 is provided with an indoor temperature
sensor 33. Further, in addition to the setting means 18 provided in
the indoor unit 100, the controller 19 controls the operation
devices 27 on the basis of the detection result of the indoor
temperature sensor 33. Note that the difference between FIG. 3 and
FIG. 9 is that FIG. 9 is additionally provided with the indoor
temperature sensor 33.
[0110] Furthermore, when the indoor temperature sensor 33 is
provided, the operation menu determination means 5 may configure
the drying operation as in the flowchart, heating operation during
drying operation (2) of FIG. 10, instead of the flowchart, heating
operation during drying operation (1) of FIG. 7. The difference
between FIG. 10 and FIG. 7 is that FIG. 10 is additionally provided
with step ST2, which stores the indoor temperature Tin during the
heating operation, and with step ST3, which determines whether the
indoor temperature Tin is smaller than a preset constant T1. That
is, step ST1 and step ST4 of the heating operation during drying
operation (2) of FIG. 10 correspond to step ST1 and step ST 2 of
the heating operation during drying operation (1) of FIG. 7.
Additionally, T1 of FIG. 10 may be a preset constant or may be a T1
that is set on the basis of a temperature before the start of the
heating operation or a temperature at the end of the normal
operation.
[0111] As such, even when the user has set to drying operation with
heating operation, the air-conditioning apparatus 102 is ended on
the basis of the indoor temperature, thus, the moisture content
residing in the interior of the indoor unit can be dried and
significant degradation of the indoor environment can be
suppressed.
Variational Embodiment 4 of Air-Conditioning Apparatus 102
[0112] FIG. 11 is a diagram explaining a display action of the
indoor unit during the drying operation of the air-conditioning
apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the disclosure. As
illustrated in FIG. 11, a display unit 45 is preferably provided to
the indoor unit 100 so that the user can recognize the setting of
the drying operation. Note that in FIG. 11, a display action is
illustrated by way of example, in which when drying operation with
heating operation is set, the display unit 45 lights up in orange,
and when drying operation without heating operation is set, the
display unit 45 lights up in green.
[0113] Accordingly, the display unit 45 may, preferably, be
displayed in the indoor unit 100 in accordance with the setting
state of the drying operation. Note that FIG. 11 is an example of a
display in the indoor unit 100 enabling the user to recognize the
setting state, and the method of display is not limited to this.
For example, this display for the user to recognize the setting
state may be turned off after being displayed on the indoor unit
100 for a certain period of time.
[0114] As described above, in the air-conditioning apparatus 102
described in [Variational Embodiment 1 of Air-conditioning
Apparatus 102] to [Variational Embodiment 4 of Air-conditioning
Apparatus 102], the user can select whether a drying operation with
heating operation is to be carried out or whether a drying
operation without heating operation is to be carried out, the
moisture content residing in the interior of the indoor unit can be
dried, and decrease in user comfortability can be restrained.
Embodiment 2
[0115] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system
configuration of a controller 19 of an air-conditioning apparatus
102 according to Embodiment 2 of the disclosure. FIG. 13 is a
diagram showing electrical connections of the controller 19 of the
air-conditioning apparatus 102 according to Embodiment 2 of the
disclosure. FIG. 14 is a flowchart to explain an operation of the
controller 19 shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a diagram explaining a
display action of a remote control 41 during a drying operation of
the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the
disclosure. Note that in Embodiment 2, same parts as Embodiment 1
will be referred to with the same reference numerals, and portions
different to that of Embodiment 1 will be described.
[0116] As illustrated in FIG. 13 and FIG. 15, in the
air-conditioning apparatus 102 according to Embodiment 2, instead
of the setting means 18 of the air-conditioning apparatus 102
according to Embodiment 1, a setting means 24 is provided in the
remote control 41 that controls an operation of the
air-conditioning apparatus 102. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 12,
the air-conditioning apparatus 102 according to Embodiment 2
includes a heating operation permit/forbid determination means 25
that outputs the setting that is inputted from the setting means 24
of the remote control 41. Furthermore, in the heating operation
permit/forbid determination means 25 of the air-conditioning
apparatus 102 according to Embodiment 2, instead of the storage
means 2 of the air-conditioning apparatus 102 according to
Embodiment 1, a storage means 26 that stores the configuration
settings inputted from the setting means 24 is included. Note that
the setting means 24 is preferably configured by a button, a
switch, or the like. It goes without saying that a setting means 18
(see FIG. 3) may be provided to the indoor unit 100 along with the
setting means 24 provided to the remote control 41.
[0117] Subsequently, operation of a drying operation of the
air-conditioning apparatus 102 according to Embodiment 2 will be
described with reference to FIG. 14.
(ST1)
[0118] The controller 19 stops the compressor 9 and the outdoor fan
10 with the end of the normal operation such as the cooling
operation, the dehumidifying operation, or the heating operation.
Further, an air volume determination means 11 of the controller 19
stops an indoor fan 12.
(ST2)
[0119] The controller 19 receives the setting of the setting means
41 at ST1 (at the ending of the normal operation).
(ST3)
[0120] The heating operation permit/forbid determination means 25
determines whether a drying operation with heating operation is to
be carried out or whether a drying operation without heating
operation is to be carried out on the basis of the setting of step
ST2. Note that when a drying operation with heating operation is to
be carried out the process proceeds to step ST4, and when a drying
operation without heating operation is to be carried out the
process proceeds to step ST5.
(ST4)
[0121] When it is verified in step ST3 that a drying operation with
heating operation is to be carried out, the controller 19 starts
the drying operation with heating operation. That is, in order to
carry out a heating operation, the controller 19 operates a
compressor 9 and an outdoor fan 10. Further, the air volume
determination means 11 of the controller 19 operates the indoor fan
12 based on the air volume determined by the air volume
determination means 11.
(ST5)
[0122] When it is verified in step ST3 that a drying operation
without heating operation is to be carried out, the controller 19
starts the drying operation without heating operation. That is, the
air volume determination means 11 of the controller 19 operates the
indoor fan 12 based on the air volume determined by the air volume
determination means 11. Further, the compressor 9 and the outdoor
fan 10 is kept stopped.
(ST6)
[0123] When each operation constituting the drying operation is
completed, the controller 19 stops the ones in operation among the
compressor 9, outdoor fan 10, and the indoor fan 12.
[0124] Note that the details of Step ST4 of FIG. 14 corresponds to
the flowchart of FIG. 5, and step ST5, step ST 11 and step ST 17 of
FIG. 5 corresponds to the flowchart of FIG. 7. Further, the details
of step ST 5 of FIG. 14 corresponds to the flowchart of FIG. 6.
Accordingly, description will be omitted herein.
[0125] It is needless to say that the [Variational Embodiment 1 of
Air-conditioning Apparatus 102] to [Variational Embodiment 4 of
Air-conditioning Apparatus 102] described in Embodiment 1 can be
applied to Embodiment 2. FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are illustrated
embodiments thereof, and detailed description will be omitted.
[0126] In the air-conditioning apparatus 102 according to
Embodiment 2, also, the user can select whether a drying operation
with heating operation is to be carried out or whether a drying
operation without heating operation is to be carried out, the
moisture content residing in the interior of the indoor unit can be
dried, and decrease in user comfortability can be restrained.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0127] 1. heating operation permit/forbid determination means; 2.
storage means; 3. heating operation permit/forbid ascertaining
means; 4. drying operation menu determination means; 5. operation
menu determination means; 6. operation duration determination
means; 7. operation time measuring means; 9. compressor; 10.
outdoor fan; 11. air volume determination means; 12. indoor fan;
13. indoor heat exchanger; 14. outdoor heat exchanger; 15. four-way
valve; 16. expansion valve; 17. power switch; 18. setting means;
19. controller; 20. memory; 21. input circuit; 22. CPU; 23. output
circuit; 24. setting means; 25. heating operation permit/forbid
determination means; 26. storage means; 27. operation device; 31.
wind direction determining device; 32. wind direction plate; 33.
indoor temperature sensor; 40. outdoor unit controller; 41. remote
control; 45. display unit; 100. indoor unit; 101. outdoor unit;
102. air-conditioning apparatus.
* * * * *