JP6576562B2 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner having a plurality of outlets.

  Conventionally, when an air conditioner is installed, if there is a wall or an obstacle around the outlet, a short circuit or an air flow to the obstacle is considered. In other words, the interior designer does not install a wall or obstacle around the air conditioner, or the installer changes the initial setting of the air conditioner and closes the outlet around the wall or obstacle. Some settings are not used.

  However, inexperienced layout designers or installers may not be able to take sufficient measures against short circuits or airflow to obstacles when installing an air conditioner. In this case, there is a possibility that unnecessary heat stress is given to the obstacle. In other words, airflow is also applied to a frozen showcase or a refrigerated showcase that is a temperature-controlled showcase that does not need to be heated or cooled from the outside. There was a possibility of deteriorating the preservation state of the food etc. preserved in the case. In addition, a short circuit may occur, and there is a risk that the effectiveness of air conditioning will deteriorate due to premature disconnection of the thermo, or that freezing or water leakage may occur.

  In view of the above, Patent Document 1 discloses a temperature management type showcase and the position of a human body by detecting a threshold of temperature and the number of pixels from a thermal image related to detection of a radiation sensor, and when a showcase is detected. Discloses an air conditioner provided with an air conditioning control device for controlling the airflow based on a request signal set by a remote controller so that the blown airflow does not reach the showcase.

Japanese Patent No. 5306168

  However, according to the above-described conventional technology, the temperature management type showcase can be detected without generating an air current, but it is necessary to generate an air current when detecting a wall in order to prevent a short circuit. There is. That is, a cooling operation or a heating operation is performed at a plurality of blowing angles, a thermal image is obtained when a plurality of airflows are applied, and a wall surface or a floor is obtained based on temperature information and resolution information obtained from the acquired thermal image The surface was estimated and the distance to the wall was determined.

  In this case, even if the airflow is not directly applied to the temperature management type showcase, the airflow continues to hit the entire periphery of the temperature management type showcase, so the temperature of the temperature management type showcase changes due to the influence of this airflow, There was a risk of applying unnecessary thermal stress to the temperature-controlled showcase.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the above, Comprising: It aims at obtaining the air conditioner which can determine the presence or absence of a surrounding obstacle, without giving a thermal stress with respect to an obstacle.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an air conditioner according to the present invention includes an outdoor unit and an air conditioner including a plurality of outlets connected to the outdoor unit and blowing out airflow. Machine. The air conditioner detects an obstacle around the air outlet in a state where the air flow from the air outlet is stopped, and an initial setting condition storage unit that stores an initial setting condition of the operating condition of the air conditioner. An obstacle information acquisition unit that generates obstacle information including information on the presence or absence of obstacles, and information on obstacles around the door, and the initial setting conditions in accordance with the presence or absence of obstacles around the outlet And an appropriate initial setting condition storage unit for storing an initial setting change condition which is a candidate change condition. In addition, the air conditioner determines an appropriate initial setting change condition of the operating condition of the air conditioner related to the outlet based on the obstacle information and the initial setting change condition, and the appropriate initial setting change condition and the initial setting condition are determined. A setting change determination unit that determines whether or not the initial setting condition stored in the initial setting condition storage unit needs to be changed based on the sameness as the initial setting condition stored in the storage unit, and an initial setting condition storage unit An initial setting condition changing unit that changes the stored initial setting conditions in accordance with an appropriate initial setting changing condition.

  The air conditioner according to the present invention produces an effect that an air conditioner that can determine the presence or absence of a surrounding obstacle without giving thermal stress to the obstacle is obtained.

The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the air conditioning in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the state by which the indoor unit of the air conditioner concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention was installed indoors The principal part block diagram which shows the structure in connection with the change process of the initial setting conditions of an operating condition in the air conditioner concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the processing circuit in Embodiment 1 of this invention The flowchart which shows the operation | movement which implements the change of the initial setting conditions of the operating condition of an air conditioner after installation of the air conditioner concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement which implements the change of the initial setting conditions of the operating condition of an air conditioner after installation of the air conditioner concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the initial setting change condition candidate table memorize | stored in the appropriate initial condition memory | storage part of the air conditioner concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the example of a display of the message which prompts the instruction | indication of the presence or absence of the change of the initial setting conditions displayed on the display part of the setting operation apparatus concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. The principal part block diagram which shows the structure in connection with the change process of the initial setting conditions of an operating condition in the air conditioner concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement which implements the change of the initial setting conditions of the operating condition of an air conditioner after installation of the air conditioner concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioner 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where the indoor unit 3 of the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed indoors. FIG. 3 is a principal block diagram showing a configuration relating to a change process of the initial setting condition of the operating condition in the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment includes an outdoor unit 2 arranged outdoors, an indoor unit 3 arranged indoors, and a setting operation device 4 arranged indoors.

  The outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 3 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 5 and an internal / external communication line 6, and a refrigerant for performing heat exchange flows through the refrigerant pipe 5. The air conditioner 1 forms one complete refrigeration cycle with the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 3. The air conditioner 1 uses a refrigerant that circulates between the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 3 through the refrigerant pipe 5 to transfer heat between indoor air and outdoor air that are air-conditioning target spaces. To achieve air conditioning in the room. 1 and 3 show only the configuration of the main parts related to the characteristics of the air conditioner 1, and illustration of various components such as a refrigeration cycle mechanism including a blower fan and a compressor is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the indoor unit 3 is embedded and installed in a ceiling 11 in the room with a polygonal lower surface exposed in the room. A plurality of outlets 21 are arranged on the outer peripheral side of the lower surface of the indoor unit 3. That is, on the outer peripheral side of the lower surface of the indoor unit 3 having a quadrangular shape, there are a first blower port 21a, a second blower port 21b, A third outlet 21c and a fourth outlet 21d are arranged. In addition, a wind direction flap 22 is attached to each outlet 21 so that the outlet 21 can be closed and the up and down direction of the airflow blown from the outlet 21 can be controlled. The indoor unit 3 is arranged such that the position of one side of the lower surface is close to the indoor wall 13. An obstacle 12 is arranged in the room.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the indoor unit 3 has initial setting conditions for operating conditions of the air conditioner 1 such as whether or not each outlet 21 is used and a limit value for setting the wind speed of the airflow blown from each outlet 21. And an indoor unit control unit 40 for controlling the indoor unit 3.

  The operation condition setting unit 30 includes an obstacle information acquisition unit 31, a setting change determination unit 32, a proper initial setting condition storage unit 33, an initial setting condition change unit 34, an initial setting condition storage unit 35, and an indoor unit communication unit. 36. The obstacle information acquisition unit 31, the setting change determination unit 32, the initial setting condition change unit 34, and the appropriate initial setting condition storage unit 33 are capable of information communication.

  The obstacle information acquisition unit 31 is arranged at a corner on the lower surface of the indoor unit 3 so as to face the room. The obstacle information acquisition unit 31 detects the obstacle 12 around each outlet 21, and the detection result is information about the obstacle around each outlet 21 and includes information on the presence or absence of the obstacle. Is generated and transmitted to the setting change determination unit 32.

  The obstacle information acquisition unit 31 uses a sensor that can detect an obstacle alone without detecting the airflow from the indoor unit 3 when the obstacle around the outlet 21 is detected. In such an obstacle information acquisition unit 31, for example, there are obstacles such as an optical sensor such as an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor distance image sensor, and a stereo camera, and the distance from the outlet 21 of the indoor unit 3 to the obstacle. A sensor that can be acquired independently is used.

  When the indoor unit 3 is operated to detect an obstacle around the outlet 21 and the airflow is caused to flow into the room, the obstacle may hit the obstacle. In this case, even if it is a refrigerated showcase or a refrigerated showcase that is a temperature-controlled showcase that does not need to be heated or cooled from the outside, airflow will be applied, reducing the cooling efficiency of the showcase, There is a risk of preserving the stored state of stored foods and the like. Even if the airflow is not directly applied to the temperature-controlled showcase, the airflow continues to hit the entire periphery of the temperature-controlled showcase. There is a risk of applying unnecessary heat stress to the managed showcase.

  On the other hand, the obstacle information acquisition unit 31 according to the first embodiment detects obstacles around the outlet 21 without causing the airflow from the indoor unit 3 to flow into the room. On the other hand, obstacles can be detected without applying heat stress.

  The setting change determination unit 32 sets the appropriate initial setting condition of the air conditioner 1 as the appropriate initial setting condition based on the obstacle information about each outlet 21 acquired from the obstacle information acquisition unit 31. The determination is made based on the information stored in the storage unit 33. In addition, the setting change determination unit 32 needs to change the current initial setting condition set in advance in the air conditioner 1 based on the appropriate initial setting condition of the determined operating condition of the air conditioner 1. That is, it is determined whether it is necessary to change the initial setting conditions set in the current air conditioner 1. If the setting change determination unit 32 determines that it is necessary to change the initial setting conditions set in the current air conditioner 1, the setting change determination unit 32 sends instruction request information indicating whether or not the initial setting conditions are changed to the setting operation device 4. Send.

  In addition, the setting change determination unit 32 determines the appropriate setting determined when the response to the instruction request information indicating whether or not the initial setting condition is changed is received from the setting operation device 4 and indicates that the initial setting condition is changed. The initial setting change condition is transmitted to the initial setting condition changing unit 34.

When the initial setting condition changing unit 34 receives an appropriate initial setting changing condition from the setting change determining unit 32, the initial setting condition changing unit 34 sets the initial setting condition of the operating condition of the air conditioner 1 stored in the initial setting condition storage unit 35. Change according to appropriate initial setting change conditions. The initial setting conditions are the operating conditions of the air conditioner 1 that are set when the installation process of the air conditioner 1 is completed and delivered to the user. Moreover, when the air conditioner 1 is reset, it is the operating condition of the air conditioner 1 set when the air conditioner 1 is used for the first time after reset.

  The initial setting condition changing unit 34 is realized, for example, as a processing circuit having the hardware configuration shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the processing circuit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is realized by the processing circuit shown in FIG. 4, each component constituting the initial setting condition changing unit 34 stores a program stored in the memory 102 by the processor 101. It is realized by executing. A plurality of processors and a plurality of memories may cooperate to realize the above function. Further, a part of the function of the initial setting condition changing unit 34 may be mounted as an electronic circuit, and the other part may be realized using the processor 101 and the memory 102.

  Further, each of the setting change determination unit 32 and the indoor unit communication unit 36 may be configured to be realized by the processor 101 executing a program stored in the memory 102 in the same manner. Further, a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories may cooperate to realize the functions of the setting change determination unit 32 and the indoor unit communication unit 36. Further, a part of the functions of the setting change determination unit 32 and the indoor unit communication unit 36 may be mounted as an electronic circuit, and the other part may be realized using the processor 101 and the memory 102.

  The processor and memory for realizing one of the initial setting condition changing unit 34, the setting change determining unit 32, and the indoor unit communication unit 36 are the initial setting condition changing unit 34 and the setting change determining unit 32. And the indoor unit communication unit 36 may be the same as a processor and a memory that realize another component, or may be another processor and a memory.

  The appropriate initial setting condition storage unit 33 stores a plurality of initial setting change conditions that are candidate conditions for changing the appropriate initial setting condition in accordance with the presence or absence of an obstacle in the operating conditions of the air conditioner 1. The appropriate initial setting condition storage unit 33 includes a medium that can store information, such as a main storage device, an SD (Secure Digital) card, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, and a hard disk.

  The initial setting condition storage unit 35 is a storage unit that stores initial setting conditions of the operating conditions of the air conditioner 1. The initial setting condition storage unit 35 stores initial setting conditions for operating conditions of the air conditioner 1 in advance before the air conditioner 1 is installed. Further, the initial setting condition of the operating condition of the air conditioner 1 stored in the initial setting condition storage unit 35 can be changed by the initial setting condition changing unit 34. The initial setting condition storage unit 35 includes a medium that can store information, such as a main storage device, an SD card, a USB memory, and a hard disk.

  The indoor unit communication unit 36 performs bi-directional communication of information with each other via an operation device communication unit 53 of the setting operation device 4 described later by wired communication or wireless communication.

  The indoor unit control unit 40 controls the operation of the entire air conditioner 1 including the operation condition setting unit 30.

The indoor unit control unit 40 is realized, for example, as a processing circuit having a hardware configuration illustrated in FIG. When the indoor unit control unit 40 is realized by the processing circuit shown in FIG. 4, the indoor unit control unit 40 is realized by the processor 101 executing a program stored in the memory 102. A plurality of processors and a plurality of memories may cooperate to realize the above function. In addition, a part of the functions of the indoor unit control unit 40 may be mounted as an electronic circuit, and the other parts may be realized using the processor 101 and the memory 102.

  The setting operation device 4 is an initial setting operation unit for the user to input an instruction on whether or not to change the initial setting conditions. A message is displayed based on the initial setting availability information received from the setting change determination unit 32, and the user is prompted to input operating condition setting information for the air conditioner 1. The setting operation device 4 transmits the setting information of the operating conditions of the air conditioner 1 input by the user to the setting change determination unit 32 of the indoor unit 3. A dedicated remote controller is used for the setting operation device 4, but information devices such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, and a personal computer can also be used.

  The setting operation device 4 includes a display unit 51, an operation unit 52, an operation device communication unit 53, and an operation device control unit 54. The display unit 51 displays a message and various information that prompts the user to input information regarding whether or not to change the setting information of the operating conditions of the air conditioner 1. The operation unit 52 receives change instruction information and change unnecessary instruction information, which are responses to the message displayed on the display unit 51, which are input from the user. The operation unit 52 transmits the received information to the operation device control unit 54.

  The operation device communication unit 53 performs bidirectional communication of information with the indoor unit communication unit 36 of the indoor unit 3 through wired communication or wireless communication. The operation device control unit 54 controls the operation of the entire setting operation device 4, including display control on the display unit 51, and transmission control of change instruction information and change unnecessary instruction information to the indoor unit 3.

  For example, the controller device control unit 54 is realized as a processing circuit having the hardware configuration shown in FIG. When the controller device 54 is realized by the processing circuit illustrated in FIG. 4, the controller device 54 is realized by the processor 101 executing a program stored in the memory 102. A plurality of processors and a plurality of memories may cooperate to realize the above function. Further, a part of the function of the controller device 54 may be mounted as an electronic circuit, and the other part may be realized using the processor 101 and the memory 102.

  Similarly, the controller communication unit 53 may be configured to be realized by the processor 101 executing a program stored in the memory 102. A plurality of processors and a plurality of memories may cooperate to implement the function of the controller device communication unit 53. Further, a part of the function of the controller device communication unit 53 may be mounted as an electronic circuit, and the other part may be realized using the processor 101 and the memory 102.

  Further, the processor and the memory for realizing the controller device communication unit 53 may be the same as the processor and the memory for realizing the controller device controller 54, or may be a different processor and memory.

  Next, the operation at the time of initial setting of the operating conditions in the air conditioner 1 after the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment is installed will be described. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are flowcharts showing an operation of changing the initial setting condition of the operating condition of the air conditioner 1 after the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed. Below, the case where the surrounding obstacle is detected about the 4th blower outlet 21d in the air conditioner 1, and the case where the change process of the initial setting conditions of the operating condition of the air conditioner 1 is performed is demonstrated to an example.

  The air conditioner 1 starts the process for changing the initial setting condition of the operating condition when it is started for the first time after being installed on the ceiling 11 in the room. That is, in the air conditioner 1, the operating condition setting unit 30 of the indoor unit 3 starts the process of changing the initial setting condition at the first activation.

  First, in step S10, the obstacle information acquisition unit 31 of the operating condition setting unit 30 starts the surrounding obstacle detection process for the fourth outlet 21d, whether there is an obstacle, and from the fourth outlet 21d to the obstacle. The detection distance that is the distance information is acquired. The obstacle detection process in the obstacle information acquisition unit 31 is realized by a known technique, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. As an example, when the obstacle information acquisition unit 31 is an ultrasonic sensor, the obstacle is obtained by a measurement method using the propagation time of the transmission wave transmitted from the obstacle information acquisition unit 31 and the reflected wave of the transmission wave. Presence / absence and detection distance.

  Next, in step S20, the obstacle information acquisition unit 31 sends information on the distance from the fourth outlet 21d to the obstacle, which is the acquired detection distance, to the obstacle information acquisition unit 31 in advance for the fourth outlet 21d. The predetermined reference distance T1 stored is compared, and it is individually determined whether or not there is an obstacle within the reference distance T1. The predetermined reference distance T1 is a reference value for determining whether or not there is an obstacle around the fourth outlet 21d in the process of changing the initial setting condition of the operating condition of the air conditioner 1. As the reference distance T1, for example, “1 meter” is stored in the obstacle information acquisition unit 31 in advance before the air conditioner 1 is installed. The obstacle information acquisition unit 31 determines that there is an obstacle around the fourth outlet 21d when the detection distance is equal to or less than the predetermined reference distance T1. The obstacle information acquisition unit 31 determines that there is no obstacle around the fourth outlet 21d when the detection distance is greater than the predetermined reference distance T1.

  The reference distance T1 may be stored in an area other than the obstacle information acquisition unit 31 in the operating condition setting unit 30 of the indoor unit 3. The reference distance T1 is input and stored in the area other than the obstacle information acquisition unit 31 or the obstacle condition acquisition unit 31 in the operating condition setting unit 30 from the outside of the indoor unit 3 when the air conditioner 1 is activated for the first time. May be.

  In addition, the reference distance T1 stored in the obstacle information acquisition unit 31 or the like in advance can be set to an arbitrary value by storing other numerical values input from the outside of the indoor unit 3 in the obstacle information acquisition unit 31 or the like. It can be changed. Further, the reference distance T1 may be set and switched by a switch or the like on the electronic circuit when at least a part of the function of the initial setting condition changing unit 34 is mounted as an electronic circuit. The method for setting the reference distance T1 is not particularly limited.

  In addition, the reference distance T1 is the same for all the outlets 21 of the first outlet 21a, the second outlet 21b, the third outlet 21c, and the fourth outlet 21d before the air conditioner 1 is installed. A numerical value is set. Individual numerical values may be set for each outlet 21 for the first outlet 21a, the second outlet 21b, the third outlet 21c, and the fourth outlet 21d.

  If it is determined that there is no obstacle within the reference distance T1, that is, if No in step S20, the obstacle information acquisition unit 31 in step S30 indicates that there is no obstacle around the fourth outlet 21d. As the obstacle information to be shown, the obstacle absence information is transmitted to the setting change determination unit 32. And the setting change determination part 32 receives the obstacle absence information, and the operating condition setting part 30 complete | finishes the setting change process of the operating condition of the air conditioner 1 about the 4th blower outlet 21d. The obstacle information acquisition unit 31 transmits information such as “fourth outlet: no obstacle” to the setting change determination unit 32 as, for example, no obstacle information.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is an obstacle within the reference distance T1, that is, if Yes in step S20, the obstacle information acquisition unit 31 indicates that there is an obstacle around the outlet in step S40. Obstacle presence information is transmitted to the setting change determination unit 32 as the obstacle information. The obstacle information acquisition unit 31 transmits information such as “fourth outlet: obstacle exists” to the setting change determination unit 32 as, for example, the obstacle presence information.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the initial setting change condition candidate table 61 stored in the appropriate initial setting condition storage unit 33 of the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The initial setting change condition candidate table 61 is a table in which initial setting change conditions, which are change candidate conditions of appropriate initial setting conditions in accordance with the presence or absence of obstacles, of the operating conditions of the air conditioner 1 are stored. The initial setting change condition candidate table 61 stores appropriate initial setting change conditions corresponding to the obstacle information generated by the obstacle information acquisition unit 31.

When the setting change determination unit 32 receives the obstacle presence information indicating that there is an obstacle around the fourth outlet 21d from the obstacle information acquisition unit 31, in step S50, the initial setting change shown in FIG. With reference to the condition candidate table 61, an appropriate initial setting condition is determined for the fourth outlet 21d. That is, the setting change determination unit 32 determines the appropriate initial value based on the obstacle presence information from the change candidate conditions stored in the appropriate initial setting condition storage unit 33 for the fourth outlet 21d that has received the obstacle presence information. Select and change the setting change condition.

The setting change determination unit 32 determines, for example, a condition corresponding to the “obstacle: present” condition in the initial setting change condition candidate table 61 illustrated in FIG. 7 as an appropriate initial setting change condition. Here, the setting change determination unit 32 satisfies the conditions of “wind direction: closed”, “wind speed: none”, and “wind speed setting: invalid”, which correspond to the conditions of “obstacle: present” shown in FIG. Determine appropriate initial setting change conditions. In addition, in the initial setting change condition candidate table 61 shown in FIG. 7, when there is an obstacle, more change candidate conditions for a plurality of patterns may be stored.

  Next, in step S60, the setting change determination unit 32 determines the determined appropriate initial setting change condition and the current initial setting condition stored in the initial setting condition storage unit 35 in advance before the air conditioner 1 is installed. Are the same conditions.

When the determined appropriate initial setting change condition and the current initial setting condition stored in advance in the initial setting condition storage unit 35 before installation of the air conditioner 1 are the same condition, that is, Yes in step S60. In step S70, the setting change determination unit 32 determines that it is not necessary to change the current initial setting conditions stored in the initial setting condition storage unit 35 in advance before the air conditioner 1 is installed. In this case, the setting change determination unit 32 uses the current initial setting condition stored in the initial setting condition storage unit 35 in advance before the installation of the air conditioner 1 as instruction request information on whether or not the initial setting condition has been changed. The initial setting change necessary information indicating that the change is necessary and the appropriate initial setting change condition are not transmitted to the setting operation device 4. Then, the setting change determination unit 32 discards the determined appropriate initial setting change condition, and ends the operation condition setting change process of the air conditioner 1. Thereby, the unnecessary process in the setting change process of the operating condition of the air conditioner 1 can be eliminated, and the load of the operating condition setting unit 30 can be reduced.

  When the determined appropriate initial setting change condition and the current initial setting condition stored in advance in the initial setting condition storage unit 35 before installation of the air conditioner 1 are not the same condition, that is, in the case of No in step S60. In step S80, the setting change determination unit 32 determines that the current initial setting condition stored in the initial setting condition storage unit 35 in advance is required to be changed before the air conditioner 1 is installed. In step S <b> 90, the setting change determination unit 32 transmits instruction request information requesting an instruction on whether or not the initial setting condition has been changed to the operation device control unit 54 of the setting operation device 4. In the instruction request information, at least initial setting change necessary information indicating that the current initial setting condition stored in the initial setting condition storage unit 35 in advance is necessary before the air conditioner 1 is installed, initial setting condition Information on the outlet 21 that needs to be changed, and appropriate initial setting change conditions. The instruction request information may include obstacle information. That is, the setting change determination unit 32 changes the current initial setting condition based on the identity between the determined appropriate initial setting change condition and the current initial setting condition stored in the initial setting condition storage unit 35. Determine if necessary.

  When receiving the instruction request information, the operation device control unit 54 of the setting operation device 4 performs control to display a message prompting the display unit 51 to instruct whether or not to change the initial setting conditions in step S100. In step S <b> 110, the controller device control unit 54 determines whether or not the user has operated the response to the message displayed on the display unit 51 on the operation unit 52. That is, the controller control unit 54 determines whether or not initial setting operation information that is response information to the instruction request information has been received.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of a message prompting an instruction to change the initial setting condition displayed on the display unit 51 of the setting operation device 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Further, the display unit 51 shown in FIG. 8 switches the screen to display appropriate initial setting change conditions. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the response operation for the message is performed by pressing an OK button 62 or a NO button 63 of the operation unit 52.

  The operation for changing the initial setting condition is performed, for example, by pressing an OK button 62 of the operation unit 52 as shown in FIG. When the OK button 62 is pressed, change instruction information, which is information for instructing to change the initial setting condition to an appropriate initial setting change condition, is transmitted from the operation unit 52 to the operating device control unit as the initial setting operation information. 54. The change instruction information includes at least change presence / absence instruction information for instructing whether or not the initial setting condition is changed. Here, the change instruction information includes at least change presence / absence instruction information indicating that the initial setting condition needs to be changed. The change instruction information is information indicating, for example, “initial setting change: execution”. The change presence / absence instruction information in this case is information indicating that the initial setting condition needs to be changed. The change instruction information includes information on the pressed button. Further, when an arbitrary item can be selected from appropriate initial setting changing conditions, the selected initial setting item is included.

  The operation of not changing the initial setting condition is performed, for example, by pressing a NO button 63 of the operation unit 52 as shown in FIG. When the NO button 63 is pressed, change-unnecessary instruction information, which is information indicating that the initial setting condition is not changed to an appropriate initial setting change condition, is transmitted from the operation unit 52 to the operation device control unit 54. The The change unnecessary instruction information includes at least change presence / absence instruction information for instructing whether or not the initial setting condition is changed. Here, the change unnecessary instruction information includes change presence / absence instruction information indicating that it is not necessary to change the initial setting condition. The change unnecessary instruction information is, for example, information indicating “initial setting change: cancel”. The change instruction information includes information on the pressed button. Further, when an arbitrary item can be selected from appropriate initial setting changing conditions, the selected initial setting item is included.

  If there is no response to the message, that is, if No in step S110, the controller device controller 54 repeats step S110. If there is a response to the message, ie, Yes in step S110, the controller device controller 54 determines whether or not the initial setting operation information that is a response to the message is change instruction information in step S120.

  If the initial setting operation information that is a response to the message is change instruction information, that is, if the answer is Yes in step S120, the controller control unit 54 in step S130 instructs the presence or absence of a change in the initial setting condition in step S90. As a response to the information, the change instruction information is transmitted to the setting change determination unit 32 of the indoor unit 3.

  On the other hand, if the change unnecessary instruction information is received as the initial setting operation information that is a response to the message and the response to the message is not the change instruction information, that is, if No in step S120, the controller control unit 54 in step S140 As a response to the instruction request information indicating whether or not the initial setting condition has been changed in step S90, change unnecessary instruction information is transmitted to the setting change determination unit 32 of the indoor unit 3.

  Next, in step S150, the setting change determination unit 32 of the indoor unit 3 determines whether or not the response to the instruction request information indicating whether or not the initial setting condition has been changed in step S90 is change instruction information.

  If the response is not change instruction information, that is, if No in step S150, the setting change determination unit 32 determines not to change the initial setting condition, and discards the appropriate initial setting change condition determined in step S50. Then, the operation condition setting change process of the air conditioner 1 is terminated.

  If the response is change instruction information, that is, if Yes in step S150, the setting change determination unit 32 determines that the initial setting conditions are to be changed in step S160, and the appropriate initial setting change determined in step S50. The condition and change instruction information are transmitted to the initial setting condition changing unit 34.

  When receiving the appropriate initial setting change condition, the initial setting condition changing unit 34 sets the current initial setting condition of the fourth outlet 21d stored in the initial setting condition storage unit 35 in advance to an appropriate initial setting in step S170. It changes according to change conditions, and the setting change process of the operating condition of the air conditioner 1 is complete | finished. That is, the initial setting condition changing unit 34 changes the current initial setting conditions of the fourth outlet 21d stored in the initial setting condition storage unit 35 to “wind direction: closed”, “wind speed” as appropriate initial setting changing conditions. : “None” and “Wind speed setting: Invalid”. Here, the setting change determination unit 32 transmits only an appropriate initial setting change condition to the initial setting condition changing unit 34, and the initial setting condition changing unit 34 sets the initial value of the fourth outlet 21d based on the appropriate initial setting changing condition. The setting condition setting may be changed.

  In the same manner as described above, the initial setting condition changing process of the air conditioner 1 is also performed for the first outlet 21a, the second outlet 21b, and the third outlet 21c.

  The obstacle information described above is merely an example, and it is possible to change the initial setting condition setting in the same manner as described above using other information. For example, in the obstacle information, in addition to the information on the presence or absence of an obstacle around the outlet, the shape of the obstacle, the size of the obstacle, the distance from the outlet 21 to the obstacle, and within the predetermined reference distance T1 Preferably, at least one of other information such as the number of obstacles to be included is included. When such information is included, not only the presence / absence of an obstacle but also the information is included in the initial setting change condition candidate table 61. As a result, more appropriate initial setting change conditions can be prepared in the initial setting change condition candidate table 61, and appropriate initial setting change conditions can be determined in more detail.

  Further, the items set as the initial setting conditions shown in FIG. 7 are an example, and the items set as the initial setting conditions may be arbitrary setting items related to the air conditioner 1, and whether or not the wind direction flap 22 is swung or It may be a setting item of the air conditioner 1 such as a setting range of the setting temperature. The items to be set as the initial setting conditions include the presence / absence of the use of the air outlet 21, the restriction on the airflow direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet 21, the restriction on the air volume of the airflow blown out from the air outlet 21, and the setting of the airflow blown out from the air outlet 21. It is preferable to include at least one of a temperature limit and an operation mode limit of the air conditioner 1. Thereby, more detailed initial setting conditions along the presence or absence of an obstacle around the outlet 21 can be automatically set. In this case, these pieces of information are also included in the initial setting change condition candidate table 61. As a result, more appropriate initial setting change conditions can be prepared in the initial setting change condition candidate table 61, and appropriate initial setting change conditions can be determined in more detail.

  As described above, the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment can detect an obstacle alone without flowing the airflow from the indoor unit 3 into the room. When the obstacle exists around the outlet 21 and affects the air conditioner 1, the air conditioner 1 optimizes the initial setting conditions of the air conditioner 1, that is, the outlet near the obstacle. The user is prompted to change the initial setting conditions such as the blockage of 21 and the inability to set the wind speed. In addition, the air conditioner 1 automatically changes appropriate initial setting conditions in accordance with the presence or absence of obstacles around the outlet 21 based on information input from the user to change the initial setting conditions. it can. In addition, since the initial setting condition can be automatically changed based on information from the user, the user's intention can be reflected in the change of the initial setting condition.

  Therefore, the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment is not designed in consideration of walls and obstacles at the time of designing the living room, even if the optimization process of the initial setting conditions is forgotten at the time of construction, It is possible to set appropriate initial setting conditions without applying thermal stress to the obstacle.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In Embodiment 1 mentioned above, when the obstacle around the blower outlet 21 is detected, the installer is made to select whether or not to change the initial setting condition, and the initial setting condition of the air conditioner 1 is set to the air conditioner. The mode in which the machine 1 automatically changes has been described. In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the air conditioner 1 automatically changes the initial setting conditions without causing the installer to select whether or not to change the initial setting conditions.

  FIG. 9 is a principal block diagram showing a configuration related to a change process of the initial setting condition of the operating condition in the air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present invention differs from the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment in that the setting operation device 4 is not provided. In FIG. 9, as in FIG. 3, only the configuration of the main parts related to the characteristics of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

Hereinafter, the operation | movement at the time of the initial setting of the operating condition in an air conditioner after installation of the air conditioner concerning this Embodiment 2 is demonstrated. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of changing the initial setting condition of the operating condition of the air conditioner 1 after the air conditioner 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is installed. In the following, as in the case of the first embodiment, an example in which the surrounding obstacle is detected for the fourth outlet 21d in the air conditioner and the initial setting condition changing process of the operation condition of the air conditioner 1 is performed is described as an example. Explained.

  In FIG. 10, the processing from step S210 to step S280 is the same as step S10 to step S80 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  After step S280, in step S290, the setting change determination unit 32 transmits the appropriate initial setting change condition and change instruction information determined in step S250 to the initial setting condition change unit 34. In the second embodiment, since the setting operation device 4 is not provided, the setting change determination unit 32 does not transmit instruction request information on whether or not to change the initial setting condition to the setting operation device 4, and performs appropriate initial setting. The change condition and change instruction information are transmitted to the initial setting condition changing unit 34.

  When the initial setting condition changing unit 34 receives an appropriate initial setting changing condition, the initial setting condition changing unit 34 sets the current initial setting condition of the fourth outlet 21d stored in the initial setting condition storage unit 35 in advance to an appropriate initial setting in step S300. It changes according to change conditions, and the setting change process of the operating condition of the air conditioner 1 is complete | finished. Here, the setting change determination unit 32 transmits only an appropriate initial setting change condition to the initial setting condition changing unit 34, and the initial setting condition changing unit 34 sets the initial value of the fourth outlet 21d based on the appropriate initial setting changing condition. The setting condition setting may be changed.

  In the same manner as described above, the initial setting condition changing process of the air conditioner 1 is also performed for the first outlet 21a, the second outlet 21b, and the third outlet 21c.

  As described above, the air conditioner according to the second embodiment, like the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment, detects an obstacle alone without flowing the airflow from the indoor unit 3 into the room. Is possible. And the air conditioner 1 does not require an instruction | indication of a user in the circumference | surroundings of the blower outlet 21 when an obstacle exists around the blower outlet 21 and influences the air conditioner 1. Appropriate initial setting conditions can be set automatically.

  Therefore, the air conditioner according to the second embodiment is the same as the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment, when it is not designed in consideration of walls and obstacles at the time of designing the living room. Even when the process for optimizing the setting conditions is forgotten, it is possible to set appropriate initial setting conditions without applying thermal stress to the obstacle.

  And since the air conditioner concerning this Embodiment 2 can perform the setting of the appropriate initial setting conditions fully automatically, it can save labor of the operation | work of the installer at the time of installation of an air conditioner. is there.

  In the above-described embodiment, the control in the case where the obstacle 12 is present in the room has been described as an example. However, the case where an indoor wall and window exist around the outlet 21 is the same as that in the above-described embodiment. By performing the process, it is possible to set appropriate initial setting conditions.

  In the above-described embodiment, the setting of the appropriate initial setting condition when the air conditioner is installed has been described. However, the proper initial setting condition may be set when the air conditioner is reset.

  Moreover, although embodiment mentioned above demonstrated the case where the obstruction information acquisition part 31 was integrated in the indoor unit 3 of the air conditioner 1, the obstruction information acquisition part 31 was installed in the exterior of the air conditioner 1. Then, the obstacle information may be transmitted to the indoor unit 3. In this case, the communication method for transmitting the obstacle information to the indoor unit 3 is not limited to wired communication or wireless communication, and the communication format is not limited.

  In the above-described embodiment, the processing by one air conditioner has been described. However, when a plurality of air conditioners are installed close to each other, the plurality of air conditioners can communicate with each other. It is possible to connect and share information on one representative obstacle, and set the appropriate initial setting conditions described above in each air conditioner.

  The configuration described in the above embodiment shows an example of the contents of the present invention, and can be combined with another known technique, and can be combined with other configurations without departing from the gist of the present invention. It is also possible to omit or change the part.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Air conditioner, 2 outdoor unit, 3 indoor unit, 4 setting operation apparatus, 5 refrigerant | coolant piping, 6 inside / outside communication line, 11 ceiling, 12 obstruction, 13 wall, 21 outlet, 21a 1st outlet, 21b 2nd Outlet, 21c Third outlet, 21d Fourth outlet, 22 Wind direction flap, 30 Operating condition setting unit, 31 Obstacle information acquisition unit, 32 Setting change determination unit, 33 Appropriate initial setting condition storage unit, 34 Initial setting condition Change unit, 35 initial setting condition storage unit, 36 indoor unit communication unit, 40 indoor unit control unit, 51 display unit, 52 operation unit, 53 operation device communication unit, 54 operation device control unit, 61 initial setting change condition candidate table, 62 OK button, 63 NO button, 101 processor, 102 memory, T1 reference distance.

Claims (17)

An air conditioner comprising an outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit and having a plurality of outlets for blowing out airflow,
An initial setting condition storage unit for storing an initial setting condition of the operating condition of the air conditioner;
Obstacle information around the air outlet is detected in a state where the air flow from the air outlet is stopped, and obstacle information including information on the presence or absence of the obstacle is information about the obstacle around the air outlet. An obstacle information acquisition unit to be generated;
A proper initial setting condition storage unit that stores an initial setting change condition that is a change candidate condition along the presence or absence of an obstacle around the outlet for the initial setting condition;
Based on the obstacle information and the initial setting change condition, an appropriate initial setting change condition for the operating condition of the air conditioner related to the outlet is determined, and the appropriate initial setting change condition and the initial setting condition storage are determined. A setting change determination unit that determines whether or not the initial setting condition stored in the initial setting condition storage unit needs to be changed based on the sameness as the initial setting condition stored in the unit;
An initial setting condition change unit that changes the initial setting condition stored in the initial setting condition storage unit according to the appropriate initial setting change condition;
An air conditioner comprising: The obstacle information includes at least one of the shape of the obstacle, the size of the obstacle , and the distance from the outlet to the obstacle, in addition to the information on the presence or absence of the obstacle.
The air conditioner according to claim 1. The appropriate initial setting condition storage unit stores the initial setting change condition corresponding to the obstacle information generated by the obstacle information acquisition unit;
The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2. The initial setting conditions include the presence or absence of use of the air outlet, the restriction on the airflow direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet, the restriction on the air volume of the airflow blown out from the air outlet, the restriction on the set temperature of the airflow blown out from the air outlet, the operation mode Including at least one of the restrictions of
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The setting change determining unit, based on the obstacle information to select the suitable initial setting change condition from a plurality of pre-Symbol Initial setting change condition, the initial setting condition memory and the suitable initial setting change condition selected Determining that the initial setting condition needs to be changed when the initial setting condition stored in the unit is not the same;
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: A setting operation device for instructing whether or not to change the initial setting condition;
When the setting change determination unit determines that the initial setting condition needs to be changed, the setting change determination unit includes instruction request information for requesting an instruction on whether or not the initial setting condition is changed to the appropriate initial setting change condition. Sending to the setting operation device,
The air conditioner according to claim 5. The instruction request information includes at least initial setting change necessary information that the initial setting condition of the air conditioner needs to be changed, information on the outlet that needs to change the initial setting condition, and the appropriateness Including initial setting change conditions,
The air conditioner according to claim 6. The setting operation device, when receiving the instruction request information, displaying a message prompting an instruction on whether or not to change the initial setting condition;
The air conditioner according to claim 6 or 7, wherein When the setting operation device receives response information for the message, the setting operation device transmits the response information to the setting change determination unit.
The air conditioner according to claim 8. The response information includes at least change presence / absence instruction information for instructing whether or not the initial setting condition is changed,
The air conditioner according to claim 9. The setting change determination unit determines whether to change the initial setting condition based on the change presence / absence instruction information received from the setting operation device;
The air conditioner according to claim 10. The setting change determination unit, when it is determined to change the initial setting condition, transmitting the appropriate initial setting change condition to the initial setting condition changing unit;
The air conditioner according to claim 11. The initial setting condition changing unit, when receiving the appropriate initial setting change condition, to change the initial setting condition based on the appropriate initial setting change condition;
The air conditioner according to claim 12. If the setting change determination unit determines not to change the initial setting condition, discarding the appropriate initial setting change condition without transmitting to the initial setting condition changing unit;
The air conditioner according to claim 11. A setting operation device for instructing whether or not to change the initial setting condition;
The setting change determining unit, based on the obstacle information to select the suitable initial setting change condition from a plurality of pre-Symbol Initial setting change condition, the initial setting condition memory and the suitable initial setting change condition selected Determining that the change of the initial setting condition is unnecessary when the initial setting condition stored in the unit is the same;
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The setting change determining unit, when it is determined that the initial setting condition needs to be changed, transmitting the appropriate initial setting changing condition to the initial setting condition changing unit;
The air conditioner according to claim 5. The initial setting condition changing unit, when receiving the appropriate initial setting change condition, to change the initial setting condition based on the appropriate initial setting change condition;
The air conditioner according to claim 16.

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