Air-conditioning device
10551082 ยท 2020-02-04
Assignee
Inventors
- Toshimichi Nakayama (Osaka, JP)
- Yoshiteru Nouchi (Osaka, JP)
- Kousuke Shiohama (Osaka, JP)
- Ryouta Suhara (Osaka, JP)
Cpc classification
F25B2700/2106
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F24F11/89
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F25B2700/2103
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F24F2110/10
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F24F11/56
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F25B2313/0314
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F24F11/38
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F24F11/49
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F25B49/005
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F25B2313/0315
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F25B2700/2104
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
International classification
F24F11/38
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F24F11/49
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F24F11/89
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F25B49/02
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
Abstract
An air-conditioning device includes: a suction air temperature sensor provided in an indoor unit; a wireless temperature sensor unit separate from the indoor unit; an abnormal condition determining section determining whether or not the wireless temperature sensor unit is in an abnormal condition; an index setting section setting a temperature index value; and a controller controlling operation of the air-conditioning device based on the set temperature index value. While the abnormal condition determining section determines that the wireless temperature sensor unit is in the abnormal condition, the index setting section determines a measurement value of the suction air temperature sensor to be the temperature index value.
Claims
1. An air-conditioning device conditioning air in an indoor space, the device comprising: an indoor unit drawing indoor air, adjusting a temperature of the indoor air drawn, and expelling the indoor air into the indoor space; a suction air temperature sensor provided in the indoor unit to measure the temperature of the indoor air drawn into the indoor unit; a wireless temperature sensor unit separate from the indoor unit, the wireless temperature sensor unit including an ambient temperature sensor and a transmitter, the ambient temperature sensor measuring an ambient temperature, the transmitter transmitting a signal of a measurement value of the ambient temperature sensor by radio; a receiver configured to receive the signal transmitted by the transmitter; determine whether or not the wireless temperature sensor unit is in an abnormal condition based on whether one or more predefined abnormal operation conditions have been satisfied, one of the abnormal operation conditions to be satisfied being a measurement value of the suction air temperature sensor being less than or equal to a predetermined first temperature threshold or greater than or equal to a predetermined second temperature threshold, the second temperature threshold being greater than the first temperature threshold; set a temperature index value serving as an index of indoor temperature such that when the wireless temperature sensor unit is determined to be in an abnormal condition the temperature index value is set to the measurement value of the suction air temperature sensor and otherwise the temperature index value is set to the measurement value of the ambient temperature sensor; and a controller configured to control operation of the air-conditioning device based on the temperature index value set by the receiver.
2. The air-conditioning device of claim 1, wherein the one or more predefined abnormal operation conditions including the receiver has not received the signal from the wireless temperature sensor unit.
3. The air-conditioning device of claim 1, wherein the one or more predefined abnormal operation conditions including an absolute value of a difference between the measurement value of the suction air temperature sensor and the measurement value of the ambient temperature sensor being greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature difference threshold.
4. The air-conditioning device of claim 3, wherein the one or more predefined abnormal operation conditions including the receiver has not received the signal from the wireless temperature sensor unit.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
(6) Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an exemplary one in nature, and is not intended to limit the scope, applications, or use of the invention.
Configuration of Air-conditioning Device
(7) As shown in
(8) The outdoor unit (11) includes a compressor (21), a four-way switching valve (22), an outdoor heat exchanger (23), an outdoor fan (24), an expansion valve (25), and an outdoor controller (28). The outdoor unit (11) is disposed outdoors as shown in
(9) The indoor unit (12) includes an indoor heat exchanger (26) and an indoor fan (27). As shown in
(10) The wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is separate from the indoor unit (12), and can be installed at an optional location in an indoor space (500) (e.g., near a person present in the indoor space (500)) as shown in
(11) The transmitter (13c) of the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) generates a signal including at least the measurement value (Tm2) of the ambient temperature sensor (13b), and transmits the generated signal by radio. The transmitter (13c) is configured to communicate with the receiver unit (63) once every predetermined time period (e.g., once every 10 seconds). The transmitter (13c) is configured so as to be prevented from transmitting the signal of the measurement value (Tm2) of the ambient temperature sensor (13b) to the receiver unit (63) if the difference between the temperature transmitted last time and the currently detected temperature is small (e.g., if the difference is 0.05 C. or less). The wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is configured to, when the remaining power of a built-in battery decreases to a low level, stop the transmission of the measurement value (Tm2) of the ambient temperature sensor (13b) and allow a built-in LED (not shown) to blink.
Configuration of Indoor Unit
(12) As shown in
(13) The casing body (31) is mounted by being inserted in an opening in the ceiling (501) of the indoor space (500). The casing body (31) has a generally rectangular parallelepiped box-like shape with its lower end open.
(14) The indoor fan (27) is a centrifugal blower which draws air from below and expels the air radially outward. The indoor fan (27) is arranged at the center in the casing body (31).
(15) The indoor heat exchanger (26) is a so-called cross-fin-type fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The air expelled by the indoor fan (27) passes through the indoor heat exchanger (26). The indoor heat exchanger (26) allows the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger (26) to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit.
(16) The decorative panel (32) is a resinous member formed into a thick rectangular plate-like shape. A lower portion of the decorative panel (32) is in a square shape slightly larger than the casing body (31). The decorative panel (32) is arranged to cover the lower end of the casing body (31). The lower surface of the decorative panel (32) serves as a lower surface of the casing (30) and is exposed to the indoor space (500).
(17) As illustrated in
(18) The decorative panel (32) includes a generally rectangular annular air outlet (36) surrounding the inlet opening (33). As illustrated in
(19) The main outlet openings (34) are narrow openings disposed along the four sides of the decorative panel (32). Each side of the decorative panel (32) is provided with one main outlet opening. Each of the auxiliary outlet openings (35) is in the shape of a quarter of a circle. The auxiliary outlet openings (35) are disposed at the four corners of the decorative panel (32). Each corner of the decorative panel (32) is provided with one auxiliary outlet opening.
(20) As illustrated in
Suction Air Temperature Sensor
(21) The suction air temperature sensor (61) is configured to measure the temperature of indoor air drawn into the casing (30) through the inlet opening (33). The suction air temperature sensor (61) is connected to an input connector (63d) of the receiver unit (63) through a sensor signal line (62) as shown in
Receiver Unit
(22) As shown in
(23) As shown in
(24) As shown in
(25) The receiver unit (63) is connected to the indoor controller (66) through a power line (65), and is further configured to receive power from the indoor controller (66) through the power line (65).
(26) Note that the receiver unit (63) includes a plurality of LEDs (not shown). The receiver unit (63) is configured to change the mode in which the LEDs blink between a case where the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is broken and a case where the receiver unit (63) is broken. The receiver unit (63) is configured to, if the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is broken, change the mode in which the LEDs blink in accordance with which of the battery and body of the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) needs to be replaced. The receiver unit (63) is further configured to, if the receiver unit (63) is broken, change the mode in which the LEDs blink in accordance with the type of a component that needs to be replaced.
Receiving Section
(27) The receiving section (63a) is configured to receive a signal of the measurement value (Tm2) of the ambient temperature sensor (13b). This signal is transmitted from the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) by radio. The receiving section (63a) transfers the received signal of the measurement value (Tm2) of the ambient temperature sensor (13b) to the abnormal condition determining section (63b).
Abnormal Condition Determining Section
(28) The abnormal condition determining section (63b) is configured to determine whether or not the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is in an abnormal condition, based on the measurement value (Tm1) of the suction air temperature sensor (61) and the measurement value (Tm2) of the ambient temperature sensor (13b).
(29) Specifically, as shown in
(30) In this case, when the condition (A) is satisfied, a determination can be made that the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is in an abnormal condition for the following reason. Specifically, the suction air temperature sensor (61) measures the temperature of air actually drawn into the casing (30) of the indoor unit (12). That is why the measurement value (Tm1) of the suction air temperature sensor (61) is less likely to differ significantly from the actual room temperature. Meanwhile, the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) may be arranged near any other heater, in the sunshine near a window, or at any other similar location. In this case, the measurement value (Tm2) of the ambient temperature sensor (13b) differs significantly from the actual room temperature. Thus, if the measurement value (Tm1) of the suction air temperature sensor (61) differs significantly from the measurement value (Tm2) of the ambient temperature sensor (13b), a determination can be made that the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is in an abnormal condition.
(31) If the condition (B) is satisfied, a determination can be made that the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is in an abnormal condition for the following reason. Specifically, for example, if the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is installed at a location having a temperature significantly different from the room temperature in the entire indoor space (500), the measurement value (Tm2) of the ambient temperature sensor (13b) is significantly different from the room temperature in the entire indoor space (500). If, in this state, air is conditioned based on the measurement value of the ambient temperature sensor (13b), the temperature of air in the entire indoor space (500) becomes excessively low or high. This results in that the measurement value (Tm1) of the suction air temperature sensor (61) becomes excessively low or high. Thus, if the measurement value (Tm1) of the suction air temperature sensor (61) is excessively low or high, a determination can be made that the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is in an abnormal condition.
(32) If the condition (C) is satisfied, a determination can be made that the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is in an abnormal condition for the following reason. Specifically, for example, if the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) cannot transmit a signal due to a power shortage, the receiver unit (63) cannot receive a signal from the wireless temperature sensor unit (13). In addition, moving the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) out of the room by mistake, for example, may prevent a signal from the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) from reaching the receiver unit (63). For these reasons, if the receiver unit (63) has received no signal from the wireless temperature sensor unit (13), a determination can be made that the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is in an abnormal condition.
(33) As shown in
Index Setting Section
(34) The index setting section (63c) is configured to generate a signal serving as an index of indoor temperature, based on the measurement value (Tm2) of the ambient temperature sensor (13b) and the measurement value (Tm1) of the suction air temperature sensor (61). The index setting section (63c) determines either the measurement value (Tm1) of the suction air temperature sensor (61) or the measurement value (Tm2) of the ambient temperature sensor (13b) to be a temperature index value, based on the result determined by the abnormal condition determining section (63b). Specifically, while the abnormal condition determining section (63b) determines that the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is in an abnormal condition, the index setting section (63c) determines the measurement value (Tm1) of the suction air temperature sensor (61) to be the temperature index value. On the other hand, while the abnormal condition determining section (63b) determines that the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is not in an abnormal condition, the index setting section (63c) determines the measurement value (Tm2) of the ambient temperature sensor (13b) to be the temperature index value. Note that even while the abnormal condition determining section (63b) determines that the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is not in an abnormal condition, the index setting section (63c) may determine the measurement value (Tm1) of the suction air temperature sensor (61) to be the temperature index value in some cases.
Indoor Controller
(35) The indoor controller (66) is separate from the receiver unit (63). The indoor controller (66) controls the rotational speed of the indoor fan (27), the orientations of the airflow direction adjusting flaps (51), and other elements, based on the measurement value (Tm1) of the suction air temperature sensor (61) or the measurement value (Tm2) of the ambient temperature sensor (13b) which has been transmitted from the receiver unit (63).
(36) The indoor controller (66) includes the common input connector (66a) having the same shape as the input connector (63d). The common input connector (66a) is selectively connectable to the control signal line (64) and the sensor signal line (62). The common input connector (66a) is configured as, for example, a connector identical to the connector constituting the input connector (63d). If none of the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) and the receiver unit (63) is provided, the sensor signal line (62) of the suction air temperature sensor (61) is connected to the common input connector (66a) as indicated by the chain double-dashed line shown in
(37) As shown in
(38) The outdoor controller (28) controls the rotational speed of the compressor (21) based on the signal of the temperature index value received from the indoor controller (66), and performs other suitable operations. For example, during a cooling operation, if the temperature index value is higher than a target temperature, the outdoor controller (28) increases the rotational speed of the compressor (21), whereas if the temperature index value is lower than the target temperature, the outdoor controller (28) reduces the rotational speed of the compressor (21). For example, during a heating operation, if the temperature index value is lower than a target temperature, the outdoor controller (28) increases the rotational speed of the compressor (21), whereas if the temperature index value is higher than the target temperature, the outdoor controller (28) reduces the rotational speed of the compressor (21).
(39) The indoor controller (66) may be integrated with the receiver unit (63). The indoor controller (66) and the outdoor controller (28) constitute a controller.
Operation
(40) How the air-conditioning device (10) operates will now be described below. If a heating operation or a cooling operation is to be performed, the compressor (21), the outdoor fan (24), and the indoor fan (27) are driven. In this manner, the refrigerant circuit (20) allows a refrigerant to circulate therethrough to perform a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. Thus, the cooling operation, the heating operation, or any other operation is performed. In this case, during the cooling operation, switching the four-way switching valve (22) allows the outdoor heat exchanger (23) to function as a radiator (condenser), and allows the indoor heat exchanger (26) to function as an evaporator. On the other hand, during the heating operation, switching the four-way switching valve (22) allows the indoor heat exchanger (26) to function as a radiator (condenser), and allows the outdoor heat exchanger (23) to function as an evaporator.
(41) Here, during operation of the indoor unit (12), rotation of the indoor fan (27) allows air in the indoor space (500) to flow through the inlet opening (33) into the casing (30). The air that has flowed into the casing (30) is drawn into the indoor fan (27), and expelled into the indoor heat exchanger (26). The air expelled through the indoor fan (27) is cooled or heated while passing through the indoor heat exchanger (26), and is expelled through the four main outlet openings (34) and the four auxiliary outlet opening (35) into the indoor space (500).
(42) In the indoor unit (12) performing a cooling operation, the indoor heat exchanger (26) functions as an evaporator to cool the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger (26). On the other hand, in the indoor unit (12) performing a heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger (26) functions as a condenser to heat the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger (26).
(43) The indoor unit (12) is configured to expel conditioned air into the indoor space (500) such that the temperature of air in the indoor space (500) is equal to a predetermined target temperature. Here, the indoor controller (66) controls components of the indoor unit (12) based on the temperature index value set by the index setting section (63c). For example, the indoor controller (66) controls the rotational speed of the indoor fan (27) to control the flow rate of conditioned air expelled into the indoor space (500). The indoor controller (66) individually controls the positions of the four airflow direction adjusting flaps (51) to control the direction in which the conditioned air is expelled.
(44) The outdoor controller (28) controls components of the outdoor unit (11) based on the temperature index value set by the index setting section (63c). The outdoor controller (28) controls, for example, the rotational speed of the compressor (21) to regulate the heating or cooling capacity of the air-conditioning device (10). The outdoor controller (28) further controls the rotational speed of the outdoor fan (24), switching of the four-way switching valve (22), the degree of opening of the expansion valve (25), and other elements.
(45) During the heating operation, a downward blowing operation in which conditioned warm air is blown substantially downward, a horizontal blowing operation in which conditioned warm air is blown substantially horizontally, or any other operation is performed. On the other hand, during the cooling operation, a swinging operation in which conditioned air having a relatively low temperature is blown while the airflow direction adjusting flaps (51) are swung substantially between the horizontal direction and the downward direction, a horizontal blowing operation in which conditioned air having a relatively low temperature is blown substantially horizontally, or any other operation is performed.
Advantages of Embodiment
(46) In the air-conditioning device (10) of this embodiment, if the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) that can be installed at an optional location in the indoor space (500) is not in an abnormal condition, the measurement value (Tm2) of the ambient temperature sensor (13b) of the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is used to control operation of the air-conditioning device (10). This allows air at the optional location in the indoor space (500) to be conditioned. On the other hand, if the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is in an abnormal condition, not the measurement value (Tm2) of the ambient temperature sensor (13b) but the measurement value (Tm1) of the suction air temperature sensor (61) of the indoor unit (12) is used to control the operation of the air-conditioning device (10). This allows air in the entire indoor space (500) to be appropriately conditioned even if the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is in the abnormal condition.
(47) If the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is not in an abnormal condition, the measurement value (Tm2) of the ambient temperature sensor (13b) of the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) that is highly likely to be arranged near a person in the room is used to control the operation of the air-conditioning device (10). This can improve the comfort of the person in the room.
(48) If the measurement value (Tm1) of the suction air temperature sensor (61) is significantly different from the measurement value (Tm2) of the ambient temperature sensor (13b), a determination is made that the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is in an abnormal condition, and the measurement value (Tm1) of the suction air temperature sensor (61) is thus used to control the operation of the air-conditioning device (10). This allows air in the entire indoor space (500) to be more appropriately conditioned.
(49) If the measurement value (Tm1) of the suction air temperature sensor (61) is excessively low or high, a determination is made that the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is in an abnormal condition, and the measurement value (Tm1) of the suction air temperature sensor (61) is thus used to control the operation of the air-conditioning device (10). This allows air in the entire indoor space (500) to be more appropriately conditioned, and can prevent the air-conditioning device (10) from being broken.
(50) On the other hand, if the receiving section (63a) has not received a signal from the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) yet, a determination is made that the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is in an abnormal condition, and the measurement value (Tm1) of the suction air temperature sensor (61) is thus used to control the operation of the air-conditioning device (10). This allows air in the entire indoor space (500) to be more appropriately conditioned.
Variation of Embodiment
(51) A variation of the embodiment will now be described. In this variation, a receiving section (63a) and other suitable components are provided for not a receiver unit (63) but a remote control unit for an air-conditioning device (10).
(52) Specifically, in some cases, the air-conditioning device (10) includes a remote control unit (not shown) connected to an indoor unit (12) through a lead. In such a case, the receiving section (63a) may be provided for the remote control unit. In addition to the receiving section (63a), either or both of an abnormal condition determining section (63b) and an index setting section (63c) may be provided for the remote control unit.
Other Embodiments
(53) In the foregoing embodiment, the abnormal condition determining section (63b) and the index setting section (63c) are provided for the receiver unit (63). However, the abnormal condition determining section (63b) and the index setting section (63c) may be provided for, for example, the indoor controller (66). In this case, the measurement value (Tm1) of the suction air temperature sensor (61) may be transferred through the receiver unit (63) to the indoor controller (66), or may be directly fed to the indoor controller (66).
(54) The receiving section (63a) may be provided for the indoor controller (66). Additionally, the abnormal condition determining section (63b) and the index setting section (63c) may be provided for the indoor controller (66). In this case, a signal transmitted from the wireless temperature sensor unit (13) is received by the indoor controller (66).
(55) In the foregoing embodiment, the air-conditioning device (10) includes only one indoor unit (12). However, the air-conditioning device (10) may include two or more indoor units (12).
(56) In the foregoing embodiment, not only the main outlet openings (34) but also the auxiliary outlet openings (35) are provided. However, the auxiliary outlet openings (35) do not have to be provided.
(57) In the foregoing embodiment, the indoor unit (12) is configured to expel conditioned air in four directions. However, the indoor unit (12) may be configured to expel conditioned air, for example, in one or two directions.
(58) The indoor unit (12) may be not a ceiling-embedded indoor unit embedded in the opening of the ceiling (501), but a ceiling-hanging indoor unit having the casing (30) hung from the ceiling (501), a wall-mounted indoor unit, or a floor-mounted indoor unit.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
(59) As can be seen from the foregoing description, the present invention is useful for an air-conditioning device.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
(60) 10 Air-Conditioning Device 12 Indoor Unit 13 Wireless Temperature Sensor Unit 13b Ambient Temperature Sensor 13c Transmitter 28 Outdoor Controller (Controller) 61 Suction Air Temperature Sensor 63 Receiver Unit 63a Receiving Section 63b Abnormal Condition Determining Section 63c Index Setting Section 66 Indoor Controller (Controller) 500 Indoor Space