JP4475740B2

JP4475740B2 - Air conditioner and operation method thereof

Info

Publication number: JP4475740B2
Application number: JP2000148983A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 国浩小林; 裕也藤木; 圭松田; 裕志神原
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2000-05-19
Filing date: 2000-05-19
Publication date: 2010-06-09
Anticipated expiration: 2020-05-19
Also published as: JP2001330274A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、再熱除湿機能を備えた空気調和機および空気調和機の運転方法に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来より、室内の温度を変化させずに湿度のみを下げるための再熱除湿機能を備えた空気調和機が広く利用されている。
図５に、このような再熱除湿機能を備えた従来の空気調和機の系統図を示す。
図５において、符号１０１は室内機、１０２は室外機を示す。
室内機１０１には、３つの室内側熱交換器１０７，１０８，１０９、及び第二の冷媒絞り弁１１１が備えられており、室外機１０２には、圧縮機１０３、四方切り換え弁１０４、室外側熱交換器１０５、第一の冷媒絞り弁１０６及びアキュムレータ１１０が備えられている。
冷媒回路は、室内機１０１及び室外機１０２に備えられた各機器等を、複数の冷媒配管１２０，１２０…を用いて接続することにより構成されている。
【０００３】
上記構成の空気調和機において、四方切り換え弁１０４を切り換えることにより、暖房運転時には冷媒を破線矢印方向に流し、冷房運転時及び再熱除湿運転時には冷媒を実線矢印方向に流すことができるようになっている。また、暖房運転時及び冷房運転時には、第一の冷媒絞り弁１０６の開度を負荷に応じて増減すると同時に第二の冷媒絞り弁１１１の開度を全開とし、再熱除湿運転時には、第一の冷媒絞り弁１０６の開度を全開とすると同時に第二の冷媒絞り弁１１１の開度を負荷に応じて増減する。すなわち、暖房運転時には、すべての室内側熱交換器１０９，１０８，１０７は順に凝縮器として作用し、室外側熱交換器１０５は蒸発器として作用する。反対に、冷房運転時には、室外側熱交換器１０５は凝縮器として作用し、すべての室内側熱交換器１０７，１０８，１０９は順に蒸発器として作用する。しかし、再熱除湿運転時には、室外側熱交換器１０５、及び２つの室内側熱交換器１０７，１０８は凝縮器として作用し、１つの室内側熱交換器１０９のみが蒸発器として作用する。
【０００４】
次に、暖房運転時、冷房運転時及び再熱除湿運転時のそれぞれについて、動作を説明する。
暖房運転時には以下のような動作をする。冷媒は、順に、圧縮機１０３、四方切り換え弁１０４、室内側熱交換器１０９、第二の冷媒絞り弁１１１、室内側熱交換器１０８，１０７、第一の冷媒絞り弁１０６、室外側熱交換器１０５、四方切り換え弁１０４、アキュムレータ１１０、圧縮機１０３の経路で流れる。
この場合、圧縮機１０３から吐出された高温・高圧の冷媒ガスは、四方切り換え弁１０４を経て、凝縮器として作用する３つの室内側熱交換器１０９，１０８，１０７に入り、図示しない室内側送風機から送られる室内空気と熱交換して凝縮、液化することにより、室内空気を加熱し暖房を行う。このように液化された冷媒は、第一の冷媒絞り弁１０６にて膨張して低圧状態となり、室外側熱交換器１０５にて、図示しない室外側送風機から送られる空気により加熱されて蒸発、気化する。その後、上記冷媒は、四方切り換え弁１０４を通ってアキュムレータ１１０に入り、ガス冷媒と液冷媒に分離されて、ガス冷媒のみが圧縮機１０３の吸入口に戻される。
【０００５】
一方、冷房運転時には、四方切り換え弁１０４を切り換えることにより、以下のような動作をする。冷媒は、順に、圧縮機１０３、四方切り換え弁１０４、室外側熱交換器１０５、第一の冷媒絞り弁１０６、室内側熱交換器１０７，１０８、第二の冷媒絞り弁１１１、室内側熱交換器１０９、四方切り換え弁１０４、アキュムレータ１１０、圧縮機１０３の経路で流れる。
この場合、圧縮機１０３から吐出された高温・高圧の冷媒ガスは、四方切り換え弁１０４を経て室外側熱交換器１０５にて、図示しない室外側送風機から送られる空気により冷却されて凝縮、液化する。さらに、上記ガス冷媒は第一の冷媒絞り弁１０６にて膨張して低圧状態となり、蒸発器として作用する３つの室内側熱交換器１０７，１０８，１０９に入り、図示しない室内側送風機から送られる室内空気と熱交換して蒸発、気化することにより、室内空気を冷却除湿し冷房を行う。その後、上記冷媒は、四方切り換え弁１０４を通ってアキュムレータ１１０に入り、ガス冷媒と液冷媒に分離されて、ガス冷媒のみが圧縮機の吸入口に戻される。
【０００６】
再熱除湿運転時には、冷媒は冷房運転時と同じ実線矢印方向に流れ、以下のような動作をする。この場合、圧縮機１０３から吐出された高温・高圧の冷媒ガスは、四方切り換え弁１０４を経て室外側熱交換器１０５に入り、図示しない室外側送風機から送られる空気と熱交換し、さらに全開となっている第一の冷媒絞り弁１０６を経て、室内側熱交換器１０７，１０８において図示しない室内側送風機から送られてくる室内空気と熱交換して凝縮、液化することにより、室内空気を加熱する。次いで、この液化した冷媒は、第二の冷媒絞り弁１１１にて膨張して低圧状態となり、室内側熱交換器１０９において、図示しない室内側送風機から送られてくる室内空気と熱交換して蒸発、気化することにより、室内空気を冷却除湿する。その後、上記冷媒は、四方切り換え弁１０４を通ってアキュムレータ１１０に入り、ガス冷媒と液冷媒に分離されて、ガス冷媒のみが圧縮機の吸入口に戻される。
このように再熱除湿運転時では、図示しない室内側送風機により室内機１０１内に吸引された室内空気は、蒸発器として作用する室内側熱交換器１０９を通過して冷却除湿された部分と、高温の凝縮器（再熱器）として作用する室内側熱交換器１０７，１０８を通過して加熱された部分とが混合されることにより、温度調節され、かつ除湿された空気として室内側に吹き出される。
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記構成のような空気調和機により再熱除湿運転を行う場合、室内機１０１に、たとえ複数の室内側熱交換器１０７，１０８，１０９が設けられていても、単一の第二の冷媒絞り弁１１１のみで、蒸発器として作用させる室内側熱交換器１０７と、凝縮器（再熱器）として作用させる室内側熱交換器１０８，１０９とを分割しているだけであって、蒸発器として作用する室内側熱交換器７及び凝縮器（再熱器）として作用する室内側熱交換器１０８，１０９の容量（数）はそれぞれ固定されたままである。従って、室内側に設けられた凝縮器（再熱器）及び蒸発器の比率を変更させることができないので、蒸発器により冷却量を増加させた冷し気味再熱除湿運転、または凝縮器により再熱量を増加させた暖か気味再熱除湿運転等、室内温度等の状況に応じた適切な再熱除湿運転が行えないという問題があった。
【０００８】
本発明は、上記問題点に鑑みてなされたものであり、再熱除湿運転時において、室内側に設けられた凝縮器（再熱器）及び蒸発器の比率を変更させることにより、再熱量及び冷却量を変更させて、室内温度等の状況に応じた適切な再熱除湿運転が行える空気調和機及び空気調和機の運転方法を提供することを目的とする。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の空気調和機は、内部を流通する冷媒と外部を通過する空気との間で熱交換を行う熱交換器を少なくとも三つ室内側に備え、これら室内側熱交換器のうち、一部を凝縮器として作用させ、他を蒸発器として作用させる空気調和機において、一若しくは複数の前記室内側熱交換器を凝縮器として作用させ、他の前記室内側熱交換器を蒸発器として作用させるか、または、前記一若しくは複数の前記室内側熱交換器に加え、さらに前記他の前記室内側熱交換器の一部を凝縮器として作用させ、前記他の前記室内側熱交換器の残部を蒸発器として作用させることを特徴とする。
【００１０】
この空気調和機においては、室内側に少なくとも三つ以上備えられた室内側熱交換器のうち、凝縮器（再熱器）あるいは蒸発器として作用する室内側熱交換器の数が適宜変更されることになる。例えば室内側熱交換器を３つ備えている場合、冷し気味再熱除湿運転を行う時は、前記室内側熱交換器のうち１つを凝縮器（再熱器）として作用させ、２つを蒸発器として作用させる。一方、暖か気味再熱除湿運転を行う時は、前記室内側熱交換器のうち２つを凝縮器（再熱器）として作用させ、１つを蒸発器として作用させる。
【００１１】
さらに本発明の空気調和機は、前記各室内側熱交換器は、それぞれ接続流路を介して直列に配置されており、少なくとも二つの前記接続流路には、冷媒絞り機構が設けられた絞り流路と、該絞り流路をバイパスするバイパス流路とが設けられており、これら絞り流路およびバイパス流路は、選択可能とされていることを特徴とする。
【００１２】
この空気調和機においては、前記各室内側熱交換器は直列に配置されており、前記各室内側熱交換器を接続する少なくとも二つの接続流路は、それぞれ冷媒絞り機構が設けられた絞り流路と、該絞り流路をバイパスするバイパス流路との並列とされており、冷媒を前記絞り機構が備えられた絞り流路方向に流すことにより、該絞り流路の上流側に配置された前記室内側熱交換器は凝縮器として作用し、該絞り流路の下流側に配置された前記室内側熱交換器は蒸発器として作用することになる。このように、冷媒が流れる流路を選択可能とすることにより、凝縮器あるいは蒸発器として作用する前記室内側熱交換器の数は変更される。
ここで、絞り機構が設けられた接続流路が少なくとも二つであるということは以下のことを意味する。熱交換器が三つの場合には、接続流路は二つなので、この部分に絞り流路を設ける。熱交換器が五つの場合には、接続流路は四つになる。この四つのうちの少なくとも二つの部分に接続流路を設ければ良いということを意味する。もちろん四つの流路全てに設けても良い。
【００１３】
さらに本発明の空気調和機は、前記バイパス流路には、制御弁が設けられていることを特徴とする。
【００１４】
この空気調和機においては、前記バイパス流路に制御弁が設けられており、該制御弁を開とすると冷媒は前記バイパス流路を流れ、前記制御弁を閉とすると、冷媒は前記絞り流路を流れる。この制御弁は、例えばボール弁のような流路を切りかえる機能を持つものであればよく、制御回路により遠隔操作される。
【００１５】
さらに本発明の空気調和機は、室外側に設けられているとともに、暖房時には蒸発器として冷房時には凝縮器として作用する室外側熱交換器を備えた空気調和機であって、絞り機構を介して前記室外側熱交換器と直接接続された前記室内側熱交換器は、凝縮器として作用するとともに、他の前記室内側熱交換器よりも大きい容量とされていることを特徴とする。
【００１６】
絞り機構介して前記室外側熱交換器と直接接続された前記室内側熱交換器とは、室内側熱交換器のうち、冷房運転時及び再熱除湿運転時に、室外側熱交換器と最初に接続された室内側熱交換器である。再熱除湿運転を行う場合には、冷媒は冷房運転時と同じ方向に流れ、前記絞り機構の開度は全開とされているので、絞り機構を介して前記室外側熱交換器と直接接続された前記室内側熱交換器は、常に凝縮器（再熱器）として作用する。
この空気調和機においては、再熱除湿運転を行う場合、常に凝縮器（再熱器）として作用する前記室内側熱交換器の容量が他の前記室内側熱交換器の容量よりも大きくされている。従って、常に凝縮器（再熱器）として作用する前記室内側熱交換器と熱交換して再熱される空気量が多くなる。
【００１７】
さらに本発明の空気調和機は、絞り機構を介して前記室外側熱交換器と直接接続された前記室内側熱交換器は、前記各室内側熱交換器に吸入される空気流路に対して、略中央に配置されていることを特徴とする。
【００１８】
この空気調和機においては、再熱除湿運転を行う場合、常に凝縮器（再熱器）として作用する前記室内側熱交換器が前記各室内側熱交換器に吸入される空気流路に対して、略中央に配置されている。従って、室内機に吸入される空気のうちの主流部分は、常に凝縮器（再熱器）として作用する前記室内側熱交換器と熱交換して、確実に再熱される。
【００１９】
さらに本発明の空気調和機の運転方法は、内部を流通する冷媒と外部を通過する空気との間で熱交換を行う熱交換器を少なくとも三つ室内側に備え、これら室内側熱交換器のうち、一部を凝縮器として作用させ、他を蒸発器として作用させる空気調和機の運転方法において、一または複数の前記室内側熱交換器を凝縮器として作用させ、他の前記室内側熱交換器を蒸発器として作用させる第一のモードと、前記一または複数の前記室内側熱交換器に加え、さらに前記他の前記室内側熱交換器の一部を凝縮器として作用させ、前記他の前記室内側熱交換器の残部を蒸発器として作用させる第二のモードと、を有することを特徴とする。
【００２０】
この空気調和機の運転方法においては、凝縮器として作用させる前記室内側熱交換器の数を適宜選択して、室内温度等の状況に応じた適切な運転がなされる。例えば室内側熱交換器を３つ備えている場合、前記室内側熱交換器のうち１つを凝縮器（再熱器）として作用させ、２つを蒸発器として作用させるモード（第一のモード）では、冷し気味再熱除湿運転が行われ、前記凝縮器（再熱器）として作用する１つの室内側熱交換器に加え、前記蒸発器として作用する２つの室内側熱交換器のうち１つ（一部）を凝縮器（再熱器）として作用させ、残りの１つ（残部）を蒸発器として作用させるモード（第二のモード）では、暖か気味再熱除湿運転が行われる。
【００２１】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下に、本発明の実施の形態について、図１〜図４を用いて説明する。
図１は、本発明に係る空気調和機を示す系統図である。図２〜図４は、本発明に係る空気調和機を構成する室内機の断面図である。
【００２２】
図１において、符号１は室内機、２は室外機を示す。
室内機１には、３つの室内側熱交換器７，８，９、制御弁１１ａ，１１ｂ、固定絞り（冷媒絞り機構）１２ａ，１２ｂが備えられており、室外機２には、圧縮機３、四方切り換え弁４、室外側熱交換器５、冷媒絞り弁６、アキュムレータ１０が備えられている。
冷媒回路は、室内機１及び室外機２に備えられた各機器等を、複数の冷媒配管２０，２０…を用いて接続することにより構成されている。
【００２３】
３つの室内側熱交換器７，８，９は、それぞれ接続流路を介して接続されており、これら接続流路は、固定絞り１２ａ，１２ｂが設けられた絞り流路と、制御弁１１ａ，１１ｂが設けられ、前記絞り流路をバイパスするバイパス流路との並列流路とされている。
制御弁１１ａを閉とすると、室内側熱交換器７と室内側熱交換器8との間を流れる冷媒は、固定絞り１２ａが設けられた絞り流路を流れ、制御弁１１ａを開とすると、室内側熱交換器７と室内側熱交換器8との間を流れる冷媒は、前記絞り流路をバイパスするバイパス流路を流れる。すなわち、制御弁１１ａにより冷媒をどちらの流路に流すかは選択可能とされている。
同様に、制御弁１１ｂを閉とすると、室内側熱交換器８と室内側熱交換器9との間を流れる冷媒は、固定絞り１２ｂが設けられた絞り流路を流れ、制御弁１１ｂを開とすると、室内側熱交換器８と室内側熱交換器9との間を流れる冷媒は、前記絞り流路をバイパスするバイパス流路を流れる。すなわち、制御弁１１ｂにより冷媒をどちらの流路に流すかは選択可能とされている。
【００２４】
上記構成の空気調和機において、四方切り換え弁４を切り換えることにより、暖房運転時には冷媒を破線矢印方向に流し、冷房運転時には冷媒を実線矢印方向に流すことができるようになっている。また、暖房運転時及び冷房運転時には、冷媒絞り弁６の開度を負荷に応じて増減させて冷媒を絞ると同時に制御弁１１ａ，１１ｂを開として冷媒をバイパス流路へ流す。すなわち、暖房運転時には、すべての室内側熱交換器９，８，７を順に凝縮器として作用させ、室外側熱交換器５を蒸発器として作用させる。反対に、冷房運転時には、室外側熱交換器５を凝縮器として作用させ、すべての室内側熱交換器を蒸発器として作用させる。
【００２５】
暖房運転時には以下のような動作をする。冷媒は、順に、圧縮機３、四方切り換え弁４、室内側熱交換器９、制御弁１１ｂ、室内側熱交換器８、制御弁１１ａ、室内熱交換器７、冷媒絞り弁６、室外側熱交換器５、四方切り換え弁４、アキュムレータ１０、圧縮機３の経路で流れる。
この場合、従来の技術で説明した空気調和機と同様に、３つの室内側熱交換器９，８，７が凝縮器として作用する。
【００２６】
一方、冷房運転時には、四方切り換え弁４を切り換えることにより、以下のような動作をする。冷媒は、順に、圧縮機３、四方切り換え弁４、室外側熱交換器５、冷媒絞り弁６、室内側熱交換器７、制御弁１１ａ、室内側熱交換器８、制御弁１１ｂ、室内側熱交換器９、四方切り換え弁４、アキュムレータ１０、圧縮機３の経路で流れる。
この場合、従来の技術で説明した空気調和機と同様に、３つの室内側熱交換器７，８，９が蒸発器として作用する。
【００２７】
次に、再熱除湿運転を行う場合には、冷媒は冷房運転時と同じ実線矢印方向に流れる。また、冷媒絞り弁６の開度を全開として、室外側熱交換器５，室内側熱交換器７を常に凝縮器として作用させる。そして、室内機１に設けられた制御弁１１ａ，１１ｂを制御することにより、室内側熱交換器８，９の両方、もしくは、室内側熱交換器９のみを蒸発器として作用させる。
【００２８】
制御弁１１ａを閉じ、制御弁１１ｂを開くと、室内側熱交換器７を流出した冷媒は、固定絞り１２ａが設けられた絞り流路を流れるので、室内側熱交換器８，９は蒸発器として作用する。従って、この場合の室内機１においては、１つの凝縮器（再熱器）と２つの蒸発器を有する冷凍サイクルが構成される。
上記構成の空気調和機において、圧縮機３から吐出された高温・高圧の冷媒ガスは、四方切り換え弁４を経て室外側熱交換器５に入り、図示しない室外側送風機から送られる空気と熱交換し、さらに全開となっている冷媒絞り弁６を経て、室内側熱交換器７において図示しない室内側送風機から送られてくる室内空気と熱交換して凝縮、液化することにより、室内空気を加熱する。次いで、この液化した冷媒は、固定絞り１２ａにて膨張して低圧状態となり、室内側熱交換器８，９において、図示しない室内側送風機から送られてくる室内空気と熱交換して蒸発、気化することにより、室内空気を冷却除湿する。その後、上記冷媒は、四方切り換え弁４を通ってアキュムレータ１０に入り、ガス冷媒と液冷媒に分離されて、ガス冷媒のみが圧縮機の吸入口に戻される。
従って、このモードでは、図示しない室内側送風機により室内機１内に吸引された室内空気は、蒸発器として作用する室内側熱交換器９，８を通過して冷却除湿された部分と、高温の凝縮器（再熱器）として作用する室内側熱交換器７を通過して加熱された部分とが混合され、再熱量が少ない冷し気味再熱除湿運転を行う。
【００２９】
制御弁１１ａを開き、制御弁１１ｂを閉じると、室内側熱交換器７を流出した冷媒は、制御弁１１aが設けられたバイパス流路を通り、室内側熱交換器８に流入する。そして、室内側熱交換器８を流出した冷媒は、固定絞り１２ｂが設けられた絞り流路を流れるので、室内側熱交換器９は蒸発器として作用する。従って、この場合の室内機１においては、２つの凝縮器（再熱器）と１つの蒸発器を有する冷凍サイクルが構成される。
上記構成の空気調和機において、圧縮機３から吐出された高温・高圧の冷媒ガスは、四方切り換え弁４を経て室外側熱交換器５に入り、図示しない室外側送風機から送られる空気と熱交換し、さらに全開となっている冷媒絞り弁６を経て、室内側熱交換器７，８において図示しない室内側送風機から送られてくる室内空気と熱交換して凝縮、液化することにより、室内空気を加熱する。次いで、この液化した冷媒は、固定絞り１２ｂにて膨張して低圧状態となり、室内側熱交換器９において、図示しない室内側送風機から送られてくる室内空気と熱交換して蒸発、気化することにより、室内空気を冷却除湿する。その後、上記冷媒は、四方切り換え弁４を通ってアキュムレータ１０に入り、ガス冷媒と液冷媒に分離されて、ガス冷媒のみが圧縮機の吸入口に戻される。
従って、このモードでは、図示しない室内側送風機により室内機１内に吸引された室内空気は、蒸発器として作用する室内側熱交換器９を通過して冷却除湿された部分と、高温の凝縮器（再熱器）として作用する室内側熱交換器７，８を通過して加熱された部分とが混合され、再熱量を増加させた暖か気味再熱除湿運転を行う。
【００３０】
上記の如く、本発明の空気調和機は、各室内側熱交換器７，８，９が直列に配置されており、それぞれを接続する接続流路には、固定絞り１２ａ，１２ｂが設けられた絞り流路と、制御弁１１ａ，１１ｂが設けられて前記絞り流路をバイパスするバイパス流路とからなり、冷媒を絞り流路に流すか、バイパス流路に流すかは、前記制御弁１１ａ，１１ｂにより選択可能とされている。従って、制御弁１１ａ，１１ｂのいずれかを閉とすることにより、凝縮器あるいは蒸発器として作用させる室内側熱交換器８，９の数を容易に変更することができ、蒸発器により冷却量を増加させた冷し気味再熱除湿運転、または凝縮器により再熱量を増加させた暖か気味再熱除湿運転等、室内温度等の状況に応じた適切な再熱除湿運転を行うことができる。
【００３１】
なお、本実施形態では、室内側熱交換器を３つとし、接続流路を２つとした構成について説明したが、本発明は、これに限定されない。
つまり、室内機に４つ以上の室内側熱交換器を設けて、それらを直列に接続する３つ以上の接続流路のうち少なくとも２つの部分を、絞り流路及びバイパス流路を有する接続流路とすればよい。このような構成にしても、絞り流路とバイパス流路とを切り換えることにより、凝縮器あるいは蒸発器として作用させる室内側熱交換器の数を変更することができ、同様の作用、効果を奏することができる。
【００３２】
また、本実施形態では、室内側熱交換器７，８，９を直列に接続する接続流路を、固定絞り１２ａ、１２ｂが設けられた絞り流路と、制御弁１１ａ、１１ｂが設けられて前記絞り流路をバイパスするバイパス流路との並列流路として、冷媒を前記絞り流路に流す位置を選択できるようにした構成としているが、本発明は、これに限定されない。
つまり、各室内熱交換器を直列に接続する流路には、冷媒を絞る機能と、冷媒を単に通過させる機能とを備えていればよく、例えば、制御弁１１ａ，１１ｂの代わりに、絞り流路とバイパス流路の分岐部に流路切り換え弁等を設けて、冷媒を任意の位置で絞り流路側に流すように制御してもよい。
また、上記のように接続流路を並列とするのではなく単一流路とし、この単一流路に、全開可能とされかつ弁開度調節可能とされた弁を設けた構成としても、同様の作用・効果を奏することができる。つまり、このような弁を採用すれば、全開のときはパイパス流路に冷媒が流れる状態を実現することができ、弁開度を負荷に応じて増減させるときは絞り流路に冷媒が流れる状態を実現することができる。
【００３３】
次に、前記室内側熱交換器７，８，９を備えた室内機１の断面図を図２に示す。
この図において、室内機１のケーシング３０の前面及び上面には、室内空気の吸入口３１，３２が設けられており、室内機１の中央部には、ファン３３が設置されている。室内側熱交換器７，８，９は、ケーシング３０の前面及び上面と前記ファン３４との間に、吸入口３１，３２から吸い込まれる室内空気の流路を覆うように設けられている。室内側熱交換器７は、他の室内側熱交換器８，９よりも大きい容量とされ、室内機１に吸入される空気流路の略中央に設置されている。
【００３４】
空気調和機を運転すると、ファン３３が回転し、室内空気がケーシングの前面及び上面に設けられた吸入口３１，３２より吸い込まれ、各室内側熱交換器７，８，９と熱交換を行い、ファン３３により混合されて吐出口３４より吐き出される。
この場合、室内側熱交換器７は、ケーシング３０の前面上部及び上面前部から吸入される室内空気と熱交換し、室内側熱交換器８は、ケーシング３０の前面下部から吸入される室内空気と熱交換し、室内側熱交換器９は、ケーシング３０の上面後部から吸入される室内空気と熱交換する。
従って、室内側熱交換器７と熱交換する室内空気の空気量は多くなり、かつ、室内機１に吸い込まれる空気は、確実に室内側熱交換器７と熱交換される。
【００３５】
再熱除湿運転時において、室内側熱交換器７は、常に凝縮器（再熱器）として作用するので、他の室内側熱交換器８，９が蒸発器として作用する場合であっても、再熱される一定量の空気量が確実に確保される。従って、例えば、本再熱除湿運転における冷し気味再熱除湿運転と、室内側熱交換器７，８，９を蒸発器として作用させる冷房運転との差別化を図ることができ、理想的な空気調和機が実現できる。
【００３６】
本実施形態では、室内側熱交換器７を、他の室内側熱交換器８，９よりも大きい容量とし、室内機１に吸入される空気流路の略中央に設置することを特徴としており、室内側熱交換器８，９は同じ容量で、室内側熱交換器８は、室内機１の前面下部に、室内側熱交換器９は、室内機１の上面後部に配置した。
この変形例として、図３、図４に示す室内機が考えられる。
図３に示す通り、室内機１の前面下部に配置された室内側熱交換器８の容量を室内機１の上面後部に配置された室内側熱交換器９の容量よりも大きくした構成にしてもよい。ここでの室内側熱交換器の容量は、図からわかるように、室内側熱交換器内部に設けられた冷媒を流通させるためのチューブの数により表されている。
もちろん、室内側熱交換器８を、図３において室内側熱交換器９が設けられている室内機１の上面後部に配置し、室内側熱交換器９を、図３において室内側熱交換器８が設けられている室内機１の前面下部に配置してもよい。
同様に、図４に示す通り、室内機１の前面下部に配置された室内側熱交換器８の容量を室内機１の上面後部に配置された室内側熱交換器９の容量よりも小さくした構成にしてもよい。
もちろん、室内側熱交換器８を、図４において室内側熱交換器９が設けられている室内機１の上面後部に配置し、室内側熱交換器９を、図４において室内側熱交換器８が設けられている室内機１の前面下部に配置してもよい。
【００３７】
このように、室内側熱交換器８，９の容量を適宜変更したり、室内側熱交換器８，９を設ける位置を変更することにより、本発明の空気調和機をいろいろな型に派生させて商品化できる。
【００３８】
【発明の効果】
本発明における請求項１に記載の発明によれば、凝縮器あるいは蒸発器として作用させる室内側熱交換器の数を変更できるので、室温等の状況に応じて適切な再熱除湿運転を行う理想的な空気調和機が実現できる。
【００３９】
本発明における請求項２に記載の発明によれば、各室内側熱交換器を直列に接続する接続流路には、冷媒絞り機構が設けられた絞り流路と、該絞り流路をバイパスするバイパス流路とがそれぞれ設けられているので、冷媒を絞り流路に流す位置により、凝縮器あるいは蒸発器として作用させる室内側熱交換器の数を変更でき、室温等の状況に応じて適切な再熱除湿運転を行う理想的な空気調和機が実現できる。
【００４０】
本発明における請求項３に記載の発明によれば、バイパス流路には、制御弁が設けられているので、制御弁を切り換えることにより、冷媒を絞り流路に流す位置を変更できるので、凝縮器あるいは蒸発器として作用させる室内側熱交換器の数を容易に変更でき、室温等の状況に応じて適切な再熱除湿運転を行う理想的な空気調和機が実現できる。
【００４１】
本発明における請求項４に記載の発明によれば、絞り機構を介して室外側熱交換器と直接接続された室内側熱交換器は、凝縮器として作用するとともに、他の室内側熱交換器よりも大きい容量とされているので、常に凝縮器（再熱器）として作用する室内側熱交換器と熱交換して再熱される空気量が多くなり、適切な再熱除湿運転を行う理想的な空気調和機が実現できる。
【００４２】
本発明における請求項５に記載の発明によれば、絞り機構を介して室外側熱交換器と直接接続された室内側熱交換器は、各室内側熱交換器に吸入される空気流路に対して略中央に配置されているので、室内機に吸入される空気のうち主流部分は、確実に常に凝縮器（再熱器）として作用する室内側熱交換器と熱交換して再熱されるので、適切な再熱除湿運転を行う理想的な空気調和機が実現できる。
【００４３】
本発明における請求項６に記載の発明によれば、室内側熱交換器のうち、一または複数の前記室内側熱交換器を凝縮器として作用させ、他の前記室内側熱交換器を蒸発器として作用させる第一のモードと、前記一または複数の前記室内側熱交換器に加え、さらに前記他の前記室内側熱交換器の一部を凝縮器として作用させ、前記他の前記室内側熱交換器の残部を蒸発器として作用させる第二のモードとを有するので、室温等の状況に応じて適切な再熱除湿運転を行う理想的な空気調和機の運転方法が実現できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係る空気調和機を示す系統図である。
【図２】本発明に係る空気調和機を構成する室内機の断面図である。
【図３】本発明に係る空気調和機を構成する室内機の変形例を示す断面図である。
【図４】本発明に係る空気調和機を構成する室内機の変形例を示す断面図である。
【図５】従来の空気調和機を示す系統図である。
【符号の説明】
１室内機
２室外機
５室外側熱交換器
６冷媒絞り弁（絞り機構）
７，８，９室内側熱交換器
１１ａ，１１ｂ制御弁
１２ａ，１２ｂ固定絞り（冷媒絞り機構）[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an air conditioner having a reheat dehumidifying function and an operating method of the air conditioner.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, an air conditioner having a reheat dehumidifying function for reducing only the humidity without changing the indoor temperature has been widely used.
FIG. 5 shows a system diagram of a conventional air conditioner having such a reheat dehumidifying function.
In FIG. 5, reference numeral 101 denotes an indoor unit, and 102 denotes an outdoor unit.
The indoor unit 101 is provided with three indoor heat exchangers 107, 108, 109, and a second refrigerant throttle valve 111. The outdoor unit 102 includes a compressor 103, a four-way switching valve 104, an outdoor side. A heat exchanger 105, a first refrigerant throttle valve 106, and an accumulator 110 are provided.
The refrigerant circuit is configured by connecting devices and the like provided in the indoor unit 101 and the outdoor unit 102 using a plurality of refrigerant pipes 120, 120.
[0003]
In the air conditioner having the above configuration, by switching the four-way switching valve 104, the refrigerant can flow in the direction of the broken line arrow during the heating operation, and the refrigerant can flow in the direction of the solid line arrow during the cooling operation and the reheat dehumidifying operation. ing. Further, during heating operation and cooling operation, the opening degree of the first refrigerant throttle valve 106 is increased or decreased according to the load, and at the same time, the opening degree of the second refrigerant throttle valve 111 is fully opened, and during the reheat dehumidifying operation, The opening of the second refrigerant throttle valve 111 is increased or decreased according to the load. That is, during the heating operation, all the indoor side heat exchangers 109, 108, and 107 sequentially function as condensers, and the outdoor side heat exchanger 105 functions as an evaporator. On the other hand, during the cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 105 functions as a condenser, and all the indoor heat exchangers 107, 108, and 109 sequentially function as evaporators. However, during the reheat dehumidifying operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 105 and the two indoor heat exchangers 107 and 108 function as a condenser, and only one indoor heat exchanger 109 functions as an evaporator.
[0004]
Next, operations will be described for each of the heating operation, the cooling operation, and the reheat dehumidifying operation.
The following operations are performed during heating operation. The refrigerant is, in order, the compressor 103, the four-way switching valve 104, the indoor heat exchanger 109, the second refrigerant throttle valve 111, the indoor heat exchangers 108 and 107, the first refrigerant throttle valve 106, and the outdoor heat exchange. It flows through the path of the vessel 105, the four-way switching valve 104, the accumulator 110, and the compressor 103.
In this case, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor 103 passes through the four-way switching valve 104 and enters the three indoor heat exchangers 109, 108, and 107 that act as condensers, and the indoor air blower (not shown) The room air is heated and heated by condensing and liquefying by exchanging heat with the room air sent from. The liquefied refrigerant expands in the first refrigerant throttle valve 106 to be in a low pressure state, and is heated and evaporated and vaporized in the outdoor heat exchanger 105 by air sent from an outdoor blower (not shown). To do. Thereafter, the refrigerant enters the accumulator 110 through the four-way switching valve 104 and is separated into a gas refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant, and only the gas refrigerant is returned to the suction port of the compressor 103.
[0005]
On the other hand, during the cooling operation, the following operation is performed by switching the four-way switching valve 104. The refrigerant is, in order, the compressor 103, the four-way switching valve 104, the outdoor heat exchanger 105, the first refrigerant throttle valve 106, the indoor heat exchangers 107 and 108, the second refrigerant throttle valve 111, and the indoor heat exchange. Flows through the path of the vessel 109, the four-way switching valve 104, the accumulator 110, and the compressor 103.
In this case, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor 103 is cooled and condensed and liquefied by the air sent from an outdoor blower (not shown) through the four-way switching valve 104 in the outdoor heat exchanger 105. . Further, the gas refrigerant expands at the first refrigerant throttle valve 106 to be in a low pressure state, enters the three indoor heat exchangers 107, 108, and 109 that function as an evaporator, and is sent from an indoor blower (not shown). By evaporating and evaporating by exchanging heat with room air, the room air is cooled and dehumidified for cooling. Thereafter, the refrigerant enters the accumulator 110 through the four-way switching valve 104 and is separated into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, and only the gas refrigerant is returned to the suction port of the compressor.
[0006]
During the reheat dehumidifying operation, the refrigerant flows in the same solid arrow direction as in the cooling operation, and operates as follows. In this case, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor 103 enters the outdoor heat exchanger 105 through the four-way switching valve 104, exchanges heat with air sent from an outdoor blower (not shown), and is fully opened. The indoor air is heated by exchanging heat with indoor air sent from an indoor blower (not shown) in the indoor heat exchangers 107 and 108 through the first refrigerant throttle valve 106, which is condensed and liquefied. To do. Next, the liquefied refrigerant expands in the second refrigerant throttle valve 111 to become a low pressure state, and evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger 109 by exchanging heat with indoor air sent from an indoor blower (not shown). The indoor air is cooled and dehumidified by evaporating. Thereafter, the refrigerant enters the accumulator 110 through the four-way switching valve 104 and is separated into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, and only the gas refrigerant is returned to the suction port of the compressor.
Thus, during the reheat dehumidifying operation, the indoor air sucked into the indoor unit 101 by an indoor fan (not shown) passes through the indoor heat exchanger 109 acting as an evaporator, and is cooled and dehumidified. It is blown out indoors as air whose temperature has been adjusted and dehumidified by mixing with the heated parts passing through the indoor heat exchangers 107 and 108 acting as high-temperature condensers (reheaters). Is done.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the reheat dehumidifying operation is performed by the air conditioner having the above-described configuration, even if the indoor unit 101 is provided with a plurality of indoor heat exchangers 107, 108, and 109, a single second The indoor side heat exchanger 107 that acts as an evaporator and the indoor side that acts as a condenser (reheater) only by the refrigerant throttle valve 111 heat Exchange vessel 108 and 109 are only divided, and the indoor side heat exchanger 7 acting as an evaporator and the room acting as a condenser (reheater). ~ side The capacity (number) of the heat exchangers 108 and 109 remains fixed. Therefore, since the ratio of the condenser (reheater) and the evaporator provided on the indoor side cannot be changed, the refrigerating operation with the cooler reheat dehumidification with the cooling amount increased by the evaporator, or by the condenser is performed. There has been a problem that an appropriate reheat dehumidification operation according to the situation such as the room temperature cannot be performed, such as a warm and reheat dehumidification operation with an increased amount of heat.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and during reheat dehumidification operation, by changing the ratio of the condenser (reheater) and the evaporator provided on the indoor side, the amount of reheat and An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can perform an appropriate reheat dehumidification operation in accordance with a situation such as a room temperature by changing the cooling amount, and an operation method of the air conditioner.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The air conditioner of the present invention includes at least three indoor heat exchangers for exchanging heat between the refrigerant circulating inside and the air passing outside, and a part of the indoor heat exchangers In an air conditioner that acts as a condenser and the other as an evaporator, One or a plurality of the indoor heat exchangers act as a condenser and the other indoor heat exchanger acts as an evaporator, or in addition to the one or a plurality of the indoor heat exchangers, A part of the other indoor heat exchanger acts as a condenser, and the remaining part of the other indoor heat exchanger acts as an evaporator. It is characterized by that.
[0010]
In this air conditioner, the number of indoor heat exchangers that function as condensers (reheaters) or evaporators is appropriately changed among indoor heat exchangers provided at least three indoors. It will be. For example, when three indoor heat exchangers are provided, one of the indoor heat exchangers acts as a condenser (reheater) when performing a cool reheat dehumidification operation. To act as an evaporator. On the other hand, when the warm and warm reheat dehumidifying operation is performed, two of the indoor heat exchangers act as condensers (reheaters), and one acts as an evaporator.
[0011]
Further, in the air conditioner of the present invention, the indoor heat exchangers are arranged in series via connection flow paths, respectively, and at least two of the connection flow paths are provided with a refrigerant throttle mechanism. A flow path and a bypass flow path that bypasses the throttle flow path are provided, and the throttle flow path and the bypass flow path are selectable.
[0012]
In this air conditioner, the indoor heat exchangers are arranged in series, and at least two connection flow paths connecting the indoor heat exchangers are throttle flows each provided with a refrigerant throttle mechanism. And a bypass channel that bypasses the throttle channel, and is arranged on the upstream side of the throttle channel by flowing the refrigerant in the direction of the throttle channel provided with the throttle mechanism. The indoor heat exchanger acts as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger disposed downstream of the throttle channel acts as an evaporator. Thus, the number of the indoor heat exchangers acting as a condenser or an evaporator is changed by making it possible to select the flow path through which the refrigerant flows.
Here, the fact that there are at least two connection flow paths provided with the throttle mechanism means the following. In the case of three heat exchangers, since there are two connection channels, a throttle channel is provided in this part. When there are five heat exchangers, there are four connection channels. This means that it is only necessary to provide connection channels in at least two of these four parts. Of course, you may provide in all four flow paths.
[0013]
Furthermore, the air conditioner of the present invention is characterized in that a control valve is provided in the bypass flow path.
[0014]
In this air conditioner, a control valve is provided in the bypass flow path. When the control valve is opened, the refrigerant flows through the bypass flow path, and when the control valve is closed, the refrigerant flows in the throttle flow path. Flowing. The control valve only needs to have a function of switching the flow path, such as a ball valve, and is remotely operated by a control circuit.
[0015]
Furthermore, the air conditioner of the present invention is an air conditioner that is provided on the outdoor side and includes an outdoor heat exchanger that acts as an evaporator during heating and as a condenser during cooling. The indoor heat exchanger directly connected to the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser and has a larger capacity than the other indoor heat exchangers.
[0016]
The indoor heat exchanger directly connected to the outdoor heat exchanger via a throttle mechanism is the first of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger during cooling operation and reheat dehumidifying operation. It is the connected indoor side heat exchanger. When the reheat dehumidifying operation is performed, the refrigerant flows in the same direction as in the cooling operation, and the opening degree of the throttle mechanism is fully opened, so that the refrigerant is directly connected to the outdoor heat exchanger via the throttle mechanism. The indoor heat exchanger always acts as a condenser (reheater).
In this air conditioner, when the reheat dehumidifying operation is performed, the capacity of the indoor heat exchanger that always acts as a condenser (reheater) is made larger than the capacity of the other indoor heat exchangers. Yes. Therefore, the amount of air reheated by exchanging heat with the indoor heat exchanger that always acts as a condenser (reheater) increases.
[0017]
Furthermore, in the air conditioner of the present invention, the indoor heat exchanger directly connected to the outdoor heat exchanger via a throttle mechanism is connected to the air flow path sucked into each indoor heat exchanger. It is characterized by being arranged in the approximate center.
[0018]
In this air conditioner, when the reheat dehumidifying operation is performed, the indoor heat exchanger that always acts as a condenser (reheater) is connected to the air flow path sucked into the indoor heat exchangers. It is arranged in the approximate center. Therefore, the mainstream portion of the air sucked into the indoor unit exchanges heat with the indoor heat exchanger that always acts as a condenser (reheater) and is reliably reheated.
[0019]
Furthermore, the operation method of the air conditioner of the present invention includes at least three heat exchangers on the indoor side for performing heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the inside and the air passing through the outside. Of these, air conditioning, some of which act as condensers and others as evaporators Machine A first mode in which one or a plurality of the indoor heat exchangers act as a condenser and the other indoor heat exchangers act as an evaporator, and the one or more indoor sides In addition to the heat exchanger, a second mode in which a part of the other indoor heat exchanger further acts as a condenser, and the remaining part of the other indoor heat exchanger acts as an evaporator. It is characterized by having.
[0020]
In this method of operating the air conditioner, the number of the indoor heat exchangers that act as a condenser is appropriately selected, and an appropriate operation according to the situation such as the room temperature is performed. For example, when three indoor heat exchangers are provided, a mode in which one of the indoor heat exchangers acts as a condenser (reheater) and two act as evaporators (first mode) ), A cool and reheat dehumidification operation is performed, and in addition to one indoor heat exchanger that acts as the condenser (reheater), of the two indoor heat exchangers that act as the evaporator In a mode (second mode) in which one (part) acts as a condenser (reheater) and the remaining one (remainder) acts as an evaporator, a warm and warm reheat dehumidification operation is performed.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing an air conditioner according to the present invention. 2-4 is sectional drawing of the indoor unit which comprises the air conditioner which concerns on this invention.
[0022]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an indoor unit, and 2 denotes an outdoor unit.
The indoor unit 1 includes three indoor heat exchangers 7, 8, and 9, control valves 11a and 11b, and fixed throttles (refrigerant throttle mechanisms) 12a and 12b. The outdoor unit 2 includes a compressor 3 The four-way switching valve 4, the outdoor heat exchanger 5, the refrigerant throttle valve 6, and the accumulator 10 are provided.
The refrigerant circuit is configured by connecting devices and the like provided in the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2 using a plurality of refrigerant pipes 20, 20.
[0023]
The three indoor heat exchangers 7, 8, and 9 are connected to each other through connection flow paths, which include a throttle path provided with fixed throttles 12a and 12b, a control valve 11a, 11b is provided as a parallel flow path with a bypass flow path that bypasses the throttle flow path.
When the control valve 11a is closed, the refrigerant flowing between the indoor side heat exchanger 7 and the indoor side heat exchanger 8 flows through the throttle channel provided with the fixed throttle 12a, and when the control valve 11a is opened, The refrigerant flowing between the indoor side heat exchanger 7 and the indoor side heat exchanger 8 flows in a bypass flow path that bypasses the throttle flow path. That is, the flow path of the refrigerant can be selected by the control valve 11a.
Similarly, when the control valve 11b is closed, the refrigerant flowing between the indoor heat exchanger 8 and the indoor heat exchanger 9 flows through the throttle channel provided with the fixed throttle 12b, and opens the control valve 11b. Then, the refrigerant flowing between the indoor heat exchanger 8 and the indoor heat exchanger 9 flows in a bypass flow path that bypasses the throttle flow path. That is, the flow path of the refrigerant can be selected by the control valve 11b.
[0024]
In the air conditioner having the above configuration, by switching the four-way switching valve 4, the refrigerant can flow in the direction of the broken arrow during the heating operation, and the refrigerant can flow in the direction of the solid arrow during the cooling operation. Further, at the time of heating operation and cooling operation, the opening of the refrigerant throttle valve 6 is increased or decreased according to the load to throttle the refrigerant, and at the same time, the control valves 11a and 11b are opened to flow the refrigerant to the bypass flow path. That is, at the time of heating operation, all the indoor side heat exchangers 9, 8, and 7 are sequentially operated as condensers, and the outdoor heat exchanger 5 is operated as an evaporator. On the contrary, during the cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 5 acts as a condenser, and all the indoor heat exchangers act as evaporators.
[0025]
The following operations are performed during heating operation. The refrigerant is, in order, the compressor 3, the four-way switching valve 4, and the indoor heat exchange. vessel 9, control valve 11b, indoor heat exchanger 8, control valve 11a, indoor heat exchanger 7, refrigerant throttle valve 6, outdoor heat exchanger 5, four-way switching valve 4, accumulator 10, and compressor 3 flow. .
In this case, like the air conditioner described in the related art, the three indoor heat exchangers 9, 8, and 7 function as condensers.
[0026]
On the other hand, during the cooling operation, the following operation is performed by switching the four-way switching valve 4. The refrigerant is, in order, the compressor 3, the four-way switching valve 4, the outdoor heat exchanger 5, the refrigerant throttle valve 6, the indoor heat exchanger 7, the control valve 11a, the indoor heat exchanger 8, the control valve 11b, and the indoor side. It flows through the path of the heat exchanger 9, the four-way switching valve 4, the accumulator 10, and the compressor 3.
In this case, the three indoor side heat exchangers 7, 8, and 9 function as evaporators as in the air conditioner described in the related art.
[0027]
Next, when the reheat dehumidifying operation is performed, the refrigerant flows in the same solid arrow direction as in the cooling operation. Moreover, the opening degree of the refrigerant throttle valve 6 is fully opened, and the outdoor heat exchanger 5 and the indoor heat exchanger 7 are always operated as a condenser. And by controlling the control valves 11a and 11b provided in the indoor unit 1, both the indoor side heat exchangers 8 and 9 or only the indoor side heat exchanger 9 are allowed to act as an evaporator.
[0028]
When the control valve 11a is closed and the control valve 11b is opened, the refrigerant that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 7 flows through the throttle passage provided with the fixed throttle 12a, so that the indoor heat exchangers 8 and 9 are evaporators. Acts as Therefore, in the indoor unit 1 in this case, a refrigeration cycle having one condenser (reheater) and two evaporators is configured.
In the air conditioner configured as described above, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor 3 enters the outdoor heat exchanger 5 through the four-way switching valve 4 and exchanges heat with air sent from an outdoor blower (not shown). Further, the indoor air is heated by exchanging heat with indoor air sent from an indoor blower (not shown) in the indoor heat exchanger 7 through a refrigerant throttle valve 6 that is fully opened to condense and liquefy. To do. Next, the liquefied refrigerant expands in the fixed throttle 12a to become a low pressure state, and in the indoor heat exchangers 8 and 9, exchanges heat with indoor air sent from an indoor blower (not shown) to evaporate and vaporize. By doing so, the room air is cooled and dehumidified. Thereafter, the refrigerant enters the accumulator 10 through the four-way switching valve 4 and is separated into a gas refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant, and only the gas refrigerant is returned to the intake port of the compressor.
Therefore, in this mode, the indoor air sucked into the indoor unit 1 by an indoor fan (not shown) passes through the indoor heat exchangers 9 and 8 acting as an evaporator and is cooled and dehumidified. A portion heated by passing through the indoor heat exchanger 7 acting as a condenser (reheater) is mixed, and a refrigerating and dehumidifying operation with a small amount of reheat is performed.
[0029]
When the control valve 11a is opened and the control valve 11b is closed, the refrigerant that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 7 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 8 through the bypass passage provided with the control valve 11a. And since the refrigerant | coolant which flowed out the indoor side heat exchanger 8 flows through the throttle flow path provided with the fixed throttle 12b, the indoor side heat exchanger 9 acts as an evaporator. Therefore, in the indoor unit 1 in this case, a refrigeration cycle having two condensers (reheaters) and one evaporator is configured.
In the air conditioner configured as described above, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor 3 enters the outdoor heat exchanger 5 through the four-way switching valve 4 and exchanges heat with air sent from an outdoor blower (not shown). Then, after passing through the refrigerant throttle valve 6 which is fully opened, the indoor air is exchanged in the indoor heat exchangers 7 and 8 by heat exchange with indoor air sent from an indoor fan (not shown), thereby condensing and liquefying the indoor air. Heat. Next, the liquefied refrigerant expands in the fixed throttle 12b to become a low pressure state, and evaporates and vaporizes in the indoor heat exchanger 9 by exchanging heat with indoor air sent from an indoor fan (not shown). Thus, the room air is cooled and dehumidified. Thereafter, the refrigerant enters the accumulator 10 through the four-way switching valve 4 and is separated into a gas refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant, and only the gas refrigerant is returned to the intake port of the compressor.
Therefore, in this mode, the indoor air sucked into the indoor unit 1 by an indoor fan (not shown) passes through the indoor heat exchanger 9 acting as an evaporator and is cooled and dehumidified, and a high-temperature condenser. A portion heated by passing through the indoor heat exchangers 7 and 8 acting as a (reheater) is mixed to perform a warm and reheat dehumidification operation in which the amount of reheat is increased.
[0030]
As described above, in the air conditioner of the present invention, the indoor heat exchangers 7, 8, and 9 are arranged in series, and fixed throttles 12a and 12b are provided in connection flow paths that connect the indoor heat exchangers 7, 8, and 9, respectively. The throttle passage and a bypass passage provided with control valves 11a and 11b and bypassing the throttle passage, whether the refrigerant flows through the throttle passage or the bypass passage depends on the control valve 11a, 11b can be selected. Therefore, by closing any of the control valves 11a and 11b, the number of indoor heat exchangers 8 and 9 that act as condensers or evaporators can be easily changed. It is possible to perform an appropriate reheat dehumidifying operation in accordance with the situation such as the room temperature, such as an increased cooling flavor reheat dehumidifying operation or a warm flavor reheat dehumidifying operation in which the amount of reheat is increased by a condenser.
[0031]
In addition, although this embodiment demonstrated the structure which used three indoor side heat exchangers and two connection flow paths, this invention is not limited to this.
In other words, the indoor unit is provided with four or more indoor heat exchangers, and at least two portions of the three or more connection flow paths connecting them in series are connected to each other with a throttle flow path and a bypass flow path. A road can be used. Even in such a configuration, the number of indoor heat exchangers acting as a condenser or an evaporator can be changed by switching between the throttle flow path and the bypass flow path, and similar effects and effects can be achieved. be able to.
[0032]
Moreover, in this embodiment, the connection flow path which connects the indoor side heat exchangers 7, 8, and 9 in series includes the throttle flow path provided with the fixed throttles 12a and 12b, and the control valves 11a and 11b. Although it is set as the structure which enabled it to select the position which flows a refrigerant | coolant to the said throttle flow path as a parallel flow path with the bypass flow path which bypasses the said throttle flow path, this invention is not limited to this.
That is, the flow path connecting the indoor heat exchangers in series only needs to have a function of constricting the refrigerant and a function of simply allowing the refrigerant to pass therethrough. For example, instead of the control valves 11a and 11b, A flow path switching valve or the like may be provided at a branch portion between the path and the bypass flow path so as to control the refrigerant to flow to the throttle flow path side at an arbitrary position.
In addition, the connection flow path is not a parallel flow as described above, but a single flow path, and the single flow path is provided with a valve that can be fully opened and the valve opening can be adjusted. There are effects and effects. In other words, if such a valve is employed, a state in which refrigerant flows through the bypass flow path when fully open can be realized, and a state in which refrigerant flows through the throttle flow path when the valve opening is increased or decreased according to the load. Can be realized.
[0033]
Next, FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 1 provided with the indoor heat exchangers 7, 8, 9.
In this figure, indoor air inlets 31 and 32 are provided on the front and upper surfaces of the casing 30 of the indoor unit 1, and a fan 33 is installed in the center of the indoor unit 1. The indoor heat exchangers 7, 8, 9 are provided between the front and upper surfaces of the casing 30 and the fan 34 so as to cover the flow path of the indoor air sucked from the suction ports 31, 32. The indoor-side heat exchanger 7 has a larger capacity than the other indoor-side heat exchangers 8 and 9, and is installed at substantially the center of the air flow path sucked into the indoor unit 1.
[0034]
When the air conditioner is operated, the fan 33 rotates and the indoor air is sucked from the suction ports 31 and 32 provided on the front surface and the upper surface of the casing to exchange heat with the indoor heat exchangers 7, 8 and 9. , Mixed by the fan 33 and discharged from the discharge port 34.
In this case, the indoor side heat exchanger 7 exchanges heat with indoor air sucked from the front upper portion and upper front portion of the casing 30, and the indoor heat exchanger 8 takes indoor air sucked from the lower front portion of the casing 30. The indoor-side heat exchanger 9 exchanges heat with indoor air sucked from the upper rear portion of the casing 30.
Therefore, the amount of indoor air that exchanges heat with the indoor heat exchanger 7 increases, and the air sucked into the indoor unit 1 is reliably heat exchanged with the indoor heat exchanger 7.
[0035]
In the reheat dehumidifying operation, the indoor heat exchanger 7 always acts as a condenser (reheater), so even if the other indoor heat exchangers 8 and 9 act as evaporators, A certain amount of air that is reheated is ensured. Therefore, for example, it is possible to differentiate between the cool reheat dehumidification operation in the reheat dehumidification operation and the cooling operation in which the indoor heat exchangers 7, 8, and 9 act as evaporators. Air conditioning Machine Can be realized.
[0036]
The present embodiment is characterized in that the indoor heat exchanger 7 has a larger capacity than the other indoor heat exchangers 8 and 9 and is installed at substantially the center of the air flow path sucked into the indoor unit 1. The indoor heat exchangers 8 and 9 have the same capacity, the indoor heat exchanger 8 is disposed in the lower front portion of the indoor unit 1, and the indoor heat exchanger 9 is disposed in the upper rear portion of the indoor unit 1.
As this modification, the indoor units shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 can be considered.
As shown in FIG. 3, the capacity of the indoor side heat exchanger 8 arranged at the lower front portion of the indoor unit 1 is made larger than the capacity of the indoor side heat exchanger 9 arranged at the rear upper surface of the indoor unit 1. Also good. The capacity | capacitance of the indoor side heat exchanger here is represented by the number of the tubes for distribute | circulating the refrigerant | coolant provided in the indoor side heat exchanger so that the figure may show.
Of course, the indoor side heat exchanger 8 is arranged at the rear upper surface of the indoor unit 1 in which the indoor side heat exchanger 9 is provided in FIG. 3, and the indoor side heat exchanger 9 is shown in FIG. 3 as the indoor side heat exchanger. You may arrange | position in the front lower part of the indoor unit 1 in which 8 is provided.
Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4, the capacity of the indoor side heat exchanger 8 arranged at the lower front portion of the indoor unit 1 is made smaller than the capacity of the indoor side heat exchanger 9 arranged at the rear upper surface of the indoor unit 1. It may be configured.
Of course, the indoor side heat exchanger 8 is disposed on the upper rear portion of the indoor unit 1 in which the indoor side heat exchanger 9 is provided in FIG. 4, and the indoor side heat exchanger 9 in FIG. You may arrange | position in the front lower part of the indoor unit 1 in which 8 is provided.
[0037]
Thus, the air conditioner of the present invention can be derived into various types by appropriately changing the capacity of the indoor heat exchangers 8 and 9 or changing the position where the indoor heat exchangers 8 and 9 are provided. Can be commercialized.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the number of indoor heat exchangers that act as condensers or evaporators can be changed, so that an ideal reheat dehumidifying operation is performed according to the situation such as room temperature. Realistic air conditioner can be realized.
[0039]
According to the invention described in claim 2 of the present invention, the connecting flow path connecting the indoor heat exchangers in series bypasses the throttle flow path provided with the refrigerant throttle mechanism and the throttle flow path. Since the bypass flow path is provided, the number of indoor heat exchangers that act as a condenser or an evaporator can be changed depending on the position where the refrigerant flows through the throttle flow path. An ideal air conditioner that performs reheat dehumidification operation can be realized.
[0040]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the control valve is provided in the bypass flow path, the position of the refrigerant flowing through the throttle flow path can be changed by switching the control valve. It is possible to easily change the number of indoor heat exchangers that act as an evaporator or an evaporator, and it is possible to realize an ideal air conditioner that performs an appropriate reheat dehumidifying operation according to the situation such as room temperature.
[0041]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the indoor heat exchanger that is directly connected to the outdoor heat exchanger via the throttle mechanism acts as a condenser, and other indoor heat exchangers. Since the capacity is larger than that, the amount of air that is reheated by exchanging heat with the indoor heat exchanger that always acts as a condenser (reheater) increases, making it ideal for proper reheat dehumidification operation. A simple air conditioner can be realized.
[0042]
According to the invention described in claim 5 of the present invention, the indoor heat exchanger directly connected to the outdoor heat exchanger via the throttle mechanism is connected to the air flow path sucked into each indoor heat exchanger. On the other hand, since it is arranged substantially at the center, the mainstream portion of the air sucked into the indoor unit is reliably reheated by exchanging heat with the indoor heat exchanger that always acts as a condenser (reheater). Therefore, an ideal air conditioner that performs an appropriate reheat dehumidifying operation can be realized.
[0043]
According to the invention described in claim 6 of the present invention, among the indoor heat exchangers, one or a plurality of the indoor heat exchangers act as condensers, and the other indoor heat exchangers are evaporators. In addition to the one or a plurality of the indoor heat exchangers, a part of the other indoor heat exchanger is caused to act as a condenser, and the other indoor heat Since it has the 2nd mode which makes the remainder of an exchanger act as an evaporator, the operation method of the ideal air conditioner which performs suitable reheat dehumidification operation according to conditions, such as room temperature, is realizable.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing an air conditioner according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an indoor unit constituting the air conditioner according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the indoor unit constituting the air conditioner according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the indoor unit constituting the air conditioner according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a system diagram showing a conventional air conditioner.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 indoor unit
2 outdoor unit
5 outdoor heat exchanger
6 Refrigerant throttle valve (throttle mechanism)
7, 8, 9 Indoor heat exchanger
11a, 11b Control valve
12a, 12b Fixed throttle (refrigerant throttle mechanism)

Claims

At least three heat exchangers that exchange heat between the refrigerant circulating inside and the air passing outside are provided on the indoor side, and some of these indoor heat exchangers act as condensers and others In an air conditioner that works as an evaporator,
Each of the indoor heat exchangers is arranged in series via a connection channel, and at least two of the connection channels include a throttle channel provided with a refrigerant throttle mechanism, and the throttle channel. An air conditioner characterized in that a bypass flow path for bypassing is provided, and the throttle flow path and the bypass flow path are selectable .

Wherein the bypass flow path, an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the control valve is provided.

An air conditioner provided with an outdoor heat exchanger that is provided outside and acts as an evaporator during heating and as a condenser during cooling,
The indoor heat exchanger directly connected to the outdoor heat exchanger via a throttle mechanism acts as a condenser and has a larger capacity than the other indoor heat exchangers. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2 .

The indoor heat exchanger directly connected to the outdoor heat exchanger via a throttle mechanism is disposed substantially in the center with respect to the air flow path sucked into each indoor heat exchanger. The air conditioner according to claim 3 .

At least three heat exchangers that exchange heat between the refrigerant circulating inside and the air passing outside are provided on the indoor side, and some of these indoor heat exchangers act as condensers and others In the operation method of the air conditioner that operates as an evaporator,
A first mode in which one or a plurality of the indoor heat exchangers act as a condenser and the other indoor heat exchangers act as an evaporator;
In addition to the one or more indoor heat exchangers, a part of the other indoor heat exchanger is allowed to act as a condenser, and the remaining part of the other indoor heat exchanger is acted as an evaporator. A second mode to let
A method for operating an air conditioner characterized by comprising: