Patent Description:
An example of a technology for cleaning the indoor fan (fan) of an air-conditioner is described in Patent Document <NUM>. The example is provided with a fan cleaning device for removing dust on the fan. <FIG> of Patent Document <NUM> depicts a configuration in which the fan cleaning device is mounted in the vicinity of a blow port of the indoor fan. Patent Document <NUM> shows a cleaning body which is provided near the fan fitted to the air conditioner, to remove dust accumulated on the fan.

According to the technology described in Patent Document <NUM>, a fan cleaning section is abutted against the fan prior to the start of rotation of the fan. Accordingly, when the fan starts rotating, the fan cleaning section is subjected to a load, making the fan cleaning section liable to degrade. In addition, as the number of rotations of the fan increases, noise increases, causing the problem of making the user feel unpleasant, for example.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an air-conditioner in which degradation of a fan cleaning section is suppressed and which has improved quietness.

The aforementioned object is solved by the invention according to the independent claim <NUM>. Further preferred developments are described by the dependent claims. In particular, an air-conditioner according to the present invention includes a heat exchanger; a blowing fan; and a fan cleaning section disposed between the heat exchanger and the blowing fan to clean the blowing fan. The fan cleaning section contacts the blowing fan after a start of rotation of the blowing fan.

An air-conditioner according to the present invention includes a heat exchanger; a blowing fan; and a fan cleaning section which is disposed between the heat exchanger and the blowing fan to clean the blowing fan. The fan cleaning section is separated from the blowing fan before an end of rotation of the blowing fan.

According to the present invention, an air-conditioner in which degradation of a fan cleaning section is suppressed and which has improved quietness can be provided.

<FIG> is an illustrative diagram of a refrigerant circuit Q of an air-conditioner <NUM> according to an embodiment.

In <FIG>, the solid line arrows indicate the flow of refrigerant during a heating operation.

In <FIG>, the dashed line arrows indicate the flow of refrigerant during a cooling operation.

As depicted in <FIG>, the air-conditioner <NUM> is provided with a compressor <NUM>, an outdoor heat exchanger <NUM>, an outdoor fan <NUM>, and an expansion valve <NUM>. The air-conditioner <NUM> is provided with, in addition to the above-described configuration: an indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) <NUM>; an indoor fan (blowing fan) <NUM>; and a four-way valve <NUM>.

The compressor <NUM> is an apparatus which, by the driving of a compressor motor 11a, compress a low-temperature, low-pressure gas refrigerant and ejects a high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant.

The outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> is a heat exchanger which exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through heat transfer pipes thereof (not depicted) and external air delivered from the outdoor fan <NUM>.

The outdoor fan <NUM> is a fan which, by the driving of an outdoor fan motor 13a, delivers external air to the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM>, and is mounted in the vicinity of the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM>.

The expansion valve <NUM> is a valve which decompresses the refrigerant that has been condensed by a "condenser" (the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> in the case of cooling operation, or the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> in the case of heating operation). The refrigerant that has been decompressed in the expansion valve <NUM> is guided to an "evaporator" (the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> in the case of cooling operation, or the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> in the case of heating operation).

The indoor heat exchanger <NUM> is a heat exchanger which exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through heat transfer pipes g (see <FIG>) and the indoor air (air in the space to be air-conditioned) delivered from the indoor fan <NUM>.

The indoor fan <NUM> is a fan which, by the driving of an indoor fan motor 16c (see <FIG>), delivers the indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>, and is mounted in the vicinity of the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>.

The four-way valve <NUM> is a valve for switching the flow passageway of refrigerant in accordance with an operation mode of the air-conditioner <NUM>. For example, during cooling operation (see the dashed line arrows in <FIG>), the refrigerant is circulated in a refrigeration cycle through the refrigerant circuit Q in which the compressor <NUM>, the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> (condenser), the expansion valve <NUM>, and the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> (evaporator) are successively connected annularly via the four-way valve <NUM>.

On the other hand, during heating operation (see the solid line arrows in <FIG>), the refrigerant is circulated in a refrigeration cycle through the refrigerant circuit Q in which the compressor <NUM>, the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> (condenser), the expansion valve <NUM>, and the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> (evaporator) are successively connected annularly via the four-way valve <NUM>.

In the example depicted in <FIG>, the compressor <NUM>, the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM>, the outdoor fan <NUM>, the expansion valve <NUM>, and the four-way valve <NUM> are mounted in an outdoor device Uo. On the other hand, the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> and the indoor fan <NUM> are mounted in the indoor device Ui.

<FIG> is a vertical cross-sectional view of the indoor device Ui.

<FIG> depicts a state in which cleaning of the indoor fan <NUM> by a fan cleaning section <NUM> is not being performed. The indoor device Ui is provided with, in addition to the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> and the indoor fan <NUM>: a drain pan <NUM>; a housing base <NUM>; filters 20a, 20b; a front-face panel <NUM>; horizontal deflectors <NUM>; vertical deflectors <NUM>; and the fan cleaning section <NUM>.

The indoor heat exchanger <NUM> includes a plurality of fins f and a plurality of heat transfer pipes g penetrating through the fins f. Described from another perspective, the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> includes a front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a and a rear-side indoor heat exchanger 15b. The front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a is disposed on the front side of the indoor fan <NUM>. On the other hand, the rear-side indoor heat exchanger 15b is disposed on the rear side of the indoor fan <NUM>. An upper-end portion of the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a and an upper-end portion of the rear-side indoor heat exchanger 15b are connected.

The drain pan <NUM> is configured to receive the condensed water in the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>, and is disposed under the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> (the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a, in the example depicted in <FIG>).

The indoor fan <NUM> is a cylindrical cross-flow fan, for example, and is disposed in the vicinity of the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>. The indoor fan <NUM> is provided with a plurality of fan blades 16a, partition plates 16b to which the fan blades 16a are mounted, and the indoor fan motor 16c (see <FIG>) as a drive source.

Preferably, the indoor fan <NUM> is coated with a hydrophilic coating agent. An example of the coating material that may be used can be obtained by adding a binder (a silicon compound having a hydrolysable group), butanol, tetrahydrofuran, and an antimicrobial to an isopropyl alcohol-dispersed silica sol which is a hydrophilic material.

In this way, a hydrophilic film can be formed on a surface of the indoor fan <NUM>. Accordingly, the electric resistance value on the surface of the indoor fan <NUM> is reduced, and attachment of dust to the indoor fan <NUM> becomes less likely. That is, when the indoor fan <NUM> is being driven, generation of static electricity on the surface of the indoor fan <NUM> due to friction with air becomes less likely, making it possible to suppress the attachment of dust to the indoor fan <NUM>. Thus, the coating agent functions also as an anti-static agent for the indoor fan <NUM>.

The housing base <NUM> depicted in <FIG> is a housing in which the apparatuses including the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> and the indoor fan <NUM> are mounted.

The filter 20a is configured to remove dust from the air moving toward an air inlet h1 on the front side, and is mounted on the front side of the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>.

The filter 20b is configured to remove dust from the air moving toward an air inlet h2 on the front side, and is mounted on the front side of the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>.

The front-face panel <NUM> is mounted so as to cover the filter 20a on the front side, and is pivotable about the lower end thereof toward the front side. The front-face panel <NUM> may be configured to not pivot.

The horizontal deflectors <NUM> are plate-like members for adjusting the horizontal flow of air that is blown indoors as the indoor fan <NUM> is rotated.

The horizontal deflectors <NUM> are disposed in a blown-air passageway h3, and are configured to pivot horizontally due to a horizontal deflector motor <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The vertical deflectors <NUM> are plate-like members for adjusting the vertical flow of air that is blown indoors as the indoor fan <NUM> is rotated. The vertical deflectors <NUM> are configured to pivot vertically due to a vertical deflector motor <NUM> (see <FIG>) disposed in the vicinity of an air blow port h4.

The air suctioned via the air inlets h1, h2 is subjected to heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer pipes g of the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>, and the heat-exchanged air is guided to the blown-air passageway h3. The air that flows through the blown-air passageway h3 is guided in a predetermined direction by the horizontal deflectors <NUM> and the vertical deflectors <NUM>, and is then blown indoors through the air blow port h4.

Most of the dust that moves toward the air inlets h1, h2 along the air flow is captured by the filters 20a, 20b. However, fine dust may pass through the filters 20a, 20b and become attached to the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> or the indoor fan <NUM>. Accordingly, it is desirable to clean the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> and the indoor fan <NUM> periodically. In the present embodiment, after the indoor fan <NUM> is cleaned using the fan cleaning section <NUM> as will be described later, the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> is washed with water.

The fan cleaning section <NUM> depicted in <FIG> is configured to clean the indoor fan <NUM>, and is disposed between the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> and the indoor fan <NUM>. More specifically, the fan cleaning section <NUM> is disposed in a recessed portion r of the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a forming a chevron-shape in a vertical cross-sectional view. In the example depicted in <FIG>, the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> (the lower portion of the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a) and also the drain pan <NUM> are present under the fan cleaning section <NUM>. The fan cleaning section <NUM> is partly configured from nylon, for example.

<FIG> is a partially cutaway perspective view of the indoor device Ui.

The fan cleaning section <NUM> is provided with a fan-cleaning motor 24c (see <FIG>) as well as a shaft portion 24a and a brush 24b depicted in <FIG>. The shaft portion 24a is a rod-shaped member running parallel with the axial direction of the indoor fan <NUM>, and is journaled at both ends thereof.

The brush 24b is configured to remove dust that has become attached to the fan blades 16a, and is mounted to the shaft portion 24a. The fan-cleaning motor 24c (see <FIG>) is a stepping motor, for example, and has the function of rotating the shaft portion 24a by a predetermined angle.

When the indoor fan <NUM> is cleaned using the fan cleaning section <NUM>, the fan-cleaning motor 24c (see <FIG>) is driven so as to cause the brush 24b to contact the indoor fan <NUM> (see <FIG>), and the indoor fan <NUM> is rotated in reverse. When the cleaning of the indoor fan <NUM> by the fan cleaning section <NUM> is over, the fan-cleaning motor 24c is again driven to cause the brush 24b to pivot into a state in which the brush 24b is separated from indoor fan <NUM> (see <FIG>).

In the present embodiment, the tip of the brush 24b faces the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> at times other than during the cleaning of the indoor fan <NUM>, as depicted in <FIG>. Specifically, at times other than during the cleaning of the indoor fan <NUM> (including during normal air-conditioning operation), the brush 24b is in a laterally (substantially horizontally) oriented state and separated from the indoor fan <NUM>. The reason for arranging the fan cleaning section <NUM> in this way will be explained with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is an illustrative diagram depicting air flows in the vicinity of the fan cleaning section <NUM> during an air-conditioning operation.

In <FIG>, the direction of each arrow indicates the direction of an air flow. The length of each arrow indicates the velocity of air flow.

During a normal air-conditioning operation, the indoor fan <NUM> rotates forward, and the air that has passed through the gaps between the fins f of the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a moves toward the indoor fan <NUM>. In particular, in the vicinity of the recessed portion r of the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a, as depicted in <FIG>, the air flows laterally (in substantially the horizontal direction) toward the indoor fan <NUM>.

In the recessed portion r, as described above, the fan cleaning section <NUM> is disposed with the brush 24b in a laterally oriented state. In other words, during a normal air-conditioning operation, the direction of the brush 24b is parallel with the direction of air flow. Thus, the direction of extension of the brush 24b and the direction of air flow are substantially parallel with each other, and the fan cleaning section <NUM> hardly poses an obstacle to an air flow.

In addition, the fan cleaning section <NUM> is disposed not in a middle-stream region or a downstream region (in the vicinity of the air blow port h4 depicted in <FIG>) but in an upstream region of the air flow during forward rotation of the indoor fan <NUM>. The air that flows laterally along the brush 24b is accelerated by the fan blades 16a, and the accelerated air moves toward the air blow port h4 (see <FIG>). Thus, the fan cleaning section <NUM> is disposed in the upstream region in which the air flows at a relatively low velocity. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a decrease in air volume due to the fan cleaning section <NUM>. The fan cleaning section <NUM> may also be maintained in the same state as in <FIG> when the indoor fan <NUM> is at a stop.

<FIG> is a functional block diagram of the air-conditioner <NUM>.

The indoor device Ui depicted in <FIG> is provided with, in addition to the above-described configuration, a remote-controller transmission/reception section <NUM> and an indoor control circuit <NUM>.

The remote-controller transmission/reception section <NUM> exchanges predetermined information with a remote controller <NUM>.

The indoor control circuit <NUM> includes, while not depicted, electronic circuits such as a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), and various interfaces. A program stored in the ROM is read and loaded into the RAM, and the CPU performs various processes.

As depicted in <FIG>, the indoor control circuit <NUM> is provided with a storage section 31a and an indoor control section 31b.

In the storage section 31a, data received via the remote-controller transmission/reception section <NUM> and values detected by various sensors (not depicted), as well as a predetermined program, for example, are stored.

The indoor control section 31b performs the fan-cleaning motor 24c, the indoor fan motor 16c, the horizontal deflector motor <NUM>, the vertical deflector motor <NUM> and the like, on the basis of the data stored in the storage section 31a.

The outdoor device Uo is provided with an outdoor control circuit <NUM>, in addition to the above-described configuration. The outdoor control circuit <NUM> includes, while not depicted, electronic circuits such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and various interfaces, and is connected to the indoor control circuit <NUM> via a communication line. As depicted in <FIG>, the outdoor control circuit <NUM> is provided with a storage section 32a and an outdoor control section 32b.

In the storage section 32a, data received from the indoor control circuit <NUM> are stored, for example, in addition to a predetermined program. The outdoor control section 32b, on the basis of the data stored in the storage section 32a, controls the compressor motor 11a, the outdoor fan motor 13a, the expansion valve <NUM> and the like. In the following, the indoor control circuit <NUM> and the outdoor control circuit <NUM> will be collectively referred to as a "control section <NUM>".

<FIG> is a flowchart of a process performed by the control section <NUM> (see <FIG> as needed).

In <FIG>, it is assumed that, at the time of "START", no air-conditioning operation is being performed and the tip of the brush 24b is in the state of facing the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a (state depicted in <FIG>).

In step S101 of <FIG>, the control section <NUM> causes the fan cleaning section <NUM> to clean the indoor fan <NUM>. As a trigger for starting the cleaning of the indoor fan <NUM>, a condition that the accumulated time of air-conditioning operation from the previous cleaning time has reached a predetermined time may be used. However, this is merely a non-limiting example.

<FIG> is an illustrative diagram depicting a state during cleaning of the indoor fan <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>, the indoor fan <NUM>, and the drain pan <NUM> are being depicted, while depiction of the other members is omitted.

The control section <NUM> causes the indoor fan <NUM> to rotate in the opposite direction (reverse rotation) to that during normal air-conditioning operation. When the indoor fan <NUM> has reached a set number of rotations, the control section <NUM> causes the fan cleaning section <NUM> to contact the indoor fan <NUM>.

That is, the control section <NUM> causes the brush 24b to pivot about the shaft portion 24a by approximately <NUM>° from the state in which the tip of the brush 24b was facing the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> (see <FIG>). As a result, the tip of the brush 24b faces the indoor fan <NUM> (see <FIG>) which causes the brush 24b to contact the fan blades 16a of the indoor fan <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, as indicated by a dashed and single-dotted line L, the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> (front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a) and also the drain pan <NUM> are present under the contact position K in the state in which the fan cleaning section <NUM> is in contact with the indoor fan <NUM>.

As described above, because the indoor fan <NUM> is rotated in reverse, the tip of the brush 24b becomes warped and the brush 24b is pressed to rub the back surfaces of the fan blades 16a as the fan blades 16a are moved. Accordingly, the dust that has accumulated around the tip (radial ends) of the fan blades 16a is removed by the brush 24b.

In particular, dust tends to accumulate around the tip of the fan blades 16a. This is because during an air-conditioning operation (see <FIG>) in which the indoor fan <NUM> rotates forward, air hits the vicinity of the tip on the front of the fan blades 16a, and dust becomes attached in the vicinity of the tip. The air that has hit the vicinity of the tip of the fan blades 16a passes through the gaps between adjacent fan blades 16a, 16a, along the curved surfaces of the front of the fan blades 16a.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the indoor fan <NUM> is rotated in reverse, and when the indoor fan <NUM> has reached a set number of rotations, the fan cleaning section <NUM> is contacted with the fan blades 16a. In this way, the brush 24b contacts the vicinity of the tip on the back surface of the fan blades 16a, and the dust that has accumulated in the vicinity of the tip on the back surface of the fan blades 16a is removed. As a result, it becomes possible to remove most of the dust that has accumulated on the indoor fan <NUM>.

When the indoor fan <NUM> is rotated in reverse, a slow air flow is generated in the indoor device Ui (see <FIG>) in the opposite direction to that during forward rotation (see <FIG>). Accordingly, dust j removed from the indoor fan <NUM>, instead of moving toward the air blow port h4 (see <FIG>), is guided to the drain pan <NUM> through the gap between the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a and the indoor fan <NUM>, as depicted in <FIG>.

More specifically, the dust j removed from the indoor fan <NUM> by the brush 24b is lightly pushed toward the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a by an air pressure. Further, the dust j falls along an inclined surface (the edges of the fins f) of the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a and into the drain pan <NUM> (see an arrow in <FIG>). Accordingly, hardly any of the dust j becomes attached to the back surface of the vertical deflectors <NUM> (see <FIG>) through a small gap between the indoor fan <NUM> and the drain pan <NUM>. In this way, it is possible to prevent the dust j from being blown indoors during the next air-conditioning operation.

It is possible that some of the dust j removed from the indoor fan <NUM> may become attached to the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a, rather than falling into the drain pan <NUM>. The dust j that has thus become attached to the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a is washed away by a process of step S103, as will be described later.

During cleaning of the indoor fan <NUM>, the control section <NUM> may drive the indoor fan <NUM> at a rotation speed in intermediate to high velocity regions, or may drive the indoor fan <NUM> at a rotation speed in a low velocity region.

The rotation speed in the intermediate to high velocity regions of the indoor fan <NUM> is, for example, not less than <NUM>-<NUM> and not more than <NUM>-<NUM>. By causing the indoor fan <NUM> to rotate in the intermediate to high velocity regions, the dust j becomes more likely to move toward the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a, and, as described above, the dust j becomes less liable to attach to the back surface of the vertical deflectors <NUM> (see <FIG>). Accordingly, the dust j can be prevented from being blown indoors during the next air-conditioning operation.

The rotation speed range of the indoor fan <NUM> in the low velocity region is not less than <NUM>-<NUM> and less than <NUM>-<NUM>, for example. By thus causing the indoor fan <NUM> to rotate in the low velocity region, the cleaning of the indoor fan <NUM> can be performed with small noise.

After the process of step S101 of <FIG> is completed, the control section <NUM> in step S102 causes the fan cleaning section <NUM> to be moved. That is, the control section <NUM> causes the brush 24b to pivot about the shaft portion 24a by approximately <NUM>° from the state in which the tip of the brush 24b was facing the indoor fan <NUM> (see <FIG>). As a result, the tip of the brush 24b faces the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> (see <FIG>). In this way, it becomes possible to prevent the fan cleaning section <NUM> from posing an obstacle to an air flow during a subsequent air-conditioning operation.

In step S103, the control section <NUM> performs freezing and defrosting of the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> successively. First, the control section <NUM> causes the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> to function as an evaporator so as to cause moisture contained in the air taken into the indoor device Ui to form frost on the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> and freeze the same. The process of freezing the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> is included in the matter of "causing condensed water to become attached" to the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>.

When the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> is being frozen, the control section <NUM> preferably lowers the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant that flows into the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>. That is, the control section <NUM>, when causing the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> to function as an evaporator and freezing (attachment of condensed water) the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>, adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant that flows into the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> so that the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant becomes lower than during normal air-conditioning operation.

For example, the control section <NUM> decreases the degree of opening of the expansion valve <NUM> (see <FIG>) to cause a low-pressure, low-evaporation-temperature refrigerant to flow into the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>. In this way, the growth of frost and ice (indicated by sign i in <FIG>) on the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> is facilitated, making it possible to wash the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> with a large volume of water during subsequent defrosting.

Preferably, in the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>, the region positioned under the fan cleaning section <NUM> does not correspond to the downstream region (i.e., it corresponds to either an upstream region or a middle-stream region) of the flow of refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>. In this way, at least under (on the lower side of) the fan cleaning section <NUM>, a low-temperature, gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows, which makes it possible to increase the thickness of frost and ice that becomes attached to the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>. Accordingly, it becomes possible to wash the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> with a large volume of water during subsequent defrosting.

In the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>, in the region positioned under the fan cleaning section <NUM>, the dust that has been scraped off the fan <NUM> by the fan cleaning section <NUM> tends to become attached. By causing the low-temperature, gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant to flow through the region positioned under the fan cleaning section <NUM> in the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>, the growth of frost and ice is facilitated. Further, by melting the frost and ice, it becomes possible to wash away the dust on the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> in an appropriate manner.

When the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> is being caused to function as an evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> is being frozen (attachment of condensed water), the control section <NUM> preferably causes the vertical deflectors <NUM> (see <FIG>) to be closed, or makes the vertical deflectors <NUM> angled more upward than horizontal. In this way, it becomes possible to suppress the leakage indoors of the low-temperature air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>, and to freeze the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> in a state comfortable to the user, for example.

After the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> has been thus made frozen (S103 of <FIG>), the control section <NUM> defrosts the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> (S103). For example, the control section <NUM> maintains the stopped state of each apparatus to thereby let the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> naturally defrost at room temperature. The control section <NUM> may perform a blowing operation to melt the frost and ice attached to the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>.

<FIG> is an illustrative diagram depicting the state of the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> during defrosting.

As the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> is defrosted, the frost and ice attached to the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> are melted, a large volume of water w flows down into the drain pan <NUM> along the fins f. In this way, it is possible to wash away the dust j that has become attached to the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> during an air-conditioning operation.

Together with the cleaning of the indoor fan <NUM> by the brush 24b, the dust j attached to the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a is also washed away and flows down into the drain pan <NUM> (see an arrow in <FIG>). The water w that has flowed down into the drain pan <NUM>, together with the dust j (see <FIG>) that has directly fallen into the drain pan <NUM> during the cleaning of the indoor fan <NUM>, is discharged outside via a drain hose (not depicted). As described above, during defrosting, a large volume of water flows down from the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>, and there is hardly any chance of the drain hose and the like (not depicted) becoming clogged with the dust j.

While omitted in <FIG>, after the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> has been subjected to freezing and defrosting (S103), the control section <NUM> may cause a blowing operation to be performed to dry the interior of the indoor device Ui. In this way, it becomes possible to suppress the growth of bacteria on the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> and the like.

With reference to <FIG>, the operation of the fan cleaning section <NUM> will be described. <FIG> is a flowchart of a process performed by the control section <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram for describing the positional relationship between the indoor fan (blowing fan) <NUM> and the fan cleaning section <NUM> of the air-conditioner <NUM>.

In step S201, the control section <NUM> controls the indoor fan motor 16c to start rotation of the indoor fan <NUM> and to accelerate the indoor fan <NUM>.

In step S202, the control section <NUM> determines whether the number of rotations (rotation speed) of the indoor fan <NUM> has reached a set number of rotations RTh (for example, set number of rotations RTh = <NUM>-<NUM>). The control section <NUM>, upon determining that the number of rotations of the indoor fan <NUM> has reached the set number of rotations RTh (step S202 →Yes), proceeds to the process of step S203. The control section <NUM>, upon determining that the number of rotations of the indoor fan <NUM> has not reached the set number of rotations RTh (step S202→No), proceeds to the process of step S201.

In step S203, the control section <NUM> controls the fan-cleaning motor 24c to cause the fan cleaning section <NUM> to be abutted against the indoor fan <NUM>. That is, the control section <NUM> controls the fan-cleaning motor 24c so that the fan cleaning section <NUM> and the indoor fan <NUM> are disposed at positions to contact each other after the indoor fan <NUM> has been accelerated.

The control section <NUM> also controls the indoor fan motor 16c so that the indoor fan <NUM> rotates in a state in which the cleaning section <NUM> is abutted against the indoor fan <NUM>. In this way, it becomes possible to increase the durability of the fan cleaning section <NUM>, and to remove dust that has become attached to the vanes of the indoor fan <NUM>.

The control section <NUM> also controls the angle of the fan cleaning section <NUM> so that, while the fan cleaning section <NUM> and the indoor fan <NUM> are abutted against each other, the fan cleaning section <NUM> can rub the tip surface of the vanes of the indoor fan <NUM>. Preferably, the angle of the fan cleaning section <NUM> is a predetermined angle, with respect to the state in which the fan cleaning section <NUM> is oriented in the horizontal direction as depicted in <FIG>, in the direction of rotation (reverse rotation direction) of the indoor fan <NUM> during cleaning. In this way, it becomes possible to improve the quietness of the air-conditioner <NUM>. Further, it becomes possible to reduce the load applied to each motor.

The control section <NUM> also controls the horizontal deflector motor <NUM> so that the horizontal deflectors <NUM> are closed while the fan cleaning section <NUM> and the indoor fan <NUM> are abutted against each other. Similarly, the control section <NUM> controls the vertical deflector motor <NUM> so that the vertical deflectors <NUM> are closed while the fan cleaning section <NUM> and the indoor fan <NUM> are abutted against each other. In this way, it becomes possible to improve the quietness of the air-conditioner <NUM>, prevent the scattering of dust, and prevent the user from putting his or her hand into the indoor device Ui.

In step S204, the control section <NUM> determines whether the rotation time of the indoor fan <NUM> has reached a set time TTh (for example, set time TT = <NUM> seconds). That is, the control section <NUM> determines the time for which the fan cleaning section <NUM> is in contact with the indoor fan <NUM>. The control section <NUM>, upon determining that the rotation time of the indoor fan <NUM> has reached the set time TTh (step S204→Yes), proceeds to the process of step S205. The control section <NUM>, upon determining that the rotation time of the indoor fan <NUM> has not reached the set time TTh (step S204→No), proceeds to the process of step S203.

In step S205, the control section <NUM> controls the fan-cleaning motor 24c to cause the fan cleaning section <NUM> to be separated from the indoor fan <NUM>. That is, the control section <NUM> controls the fan-cleaning motor 24c so that the fan cleaning section <NUM> and the indoor fan <NUM> are disposed at positions separated from each other prior to deceleration of the indoor fan <NUM>.

In step S206, the control section <NUM> controls the indoor fan motor 16c to decelerate the indoor fan <NUM> and end the rotation of the indoor fan <NUM>.

According to the above-described process, the control section <NUM> causes the fan cleaning section <NUM> and the indoor fan <NUM> to be separated from each other in the period from time <NUM> to time t<NUM> (during acceleration of the indoor fan <NUM>) in <FIG>. In the period from time t<NUM> to time t<NUM> in <FIG> (during rotation of the indoor fan <NUM> at the set number of rotations RTh), the control section <NUM> causes the fan cleaning section <NUM> and the indoor fan <NUM> to be abutted against each other. In the period from time t<NUM> to time t<NUM> in <FIG> (during deceleration of the indoor fan <NUM>), the control section <NUM> causes the fan cleaning section <NUM> and the indoor fan <NUM> to be separated from each other.

In this way, during acceleration when the indoor fan <NUM> starts rotating, or during deceleration when the indoor fan <NUM> ends rotating, the fan cleaning section <NUM> and the indoor fan <NUM> can be separated from each other. Thus, it becomes possible to avoid the problem that a load is applied to the fan cleaning section <NUM> and the fan cleaning section <NUM> becomes liable to degrade. In addition, it becomes possible to avoid the problem that, as the number of rotations of the indoor fan <NUM> is increased or decreased, noise increases and the user is made to feel unpleasant.

According to the air-conditioner <NUM> of the present embodiment, compared to conventional air-conditioners, it is possible to reduce the time for which the fan cleaning section <NUM> and the indoor fan <NUM> are abutted against each other. Thus, degradation of the fan cleaning section can be suppressed, and an air-conditioner having improved quietness can be provided.

According to the air-conditioner <NUM> of the present embodiment, while the fan cleaning section <NUM> and the indoor fan <NUM> are abutted against each other, the fan cleaning section <NUM> and the indoor fan <NUM> are rotated in the same direction. Accordingly, the durability of the fan cleaning section <NUM> can be increased.

According to the air-conditioner <NUM> of the present embodiment, while the fan cleaning section <NUM> and the indoor fan <NUM> are abutted against each other, the angle of the fan cleaning section <NUM> is adjusted in accordance with the tip surface of the indoor fan <NUM>. Accordingly, quietness can be improved.

According to the air-conditioner <NUM> of the present embodiment, while the fan cleaning section <NUM> and the indoor fan <NUM> are abutted against each other, the horizontal deflectors <NUM> and the vertical deflectors <NUM> are closed. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the quietness of the air-conditioner <NUM>, prevent the scattering of dust, and prevent a user from erroneously putting his or her hand into the indoor device Ui.

According to the present embodiment, the indoor fan <NUM> is cleaned by the fan cleaning section <NUM> (S101 in <FIG>). Thus, the dust j can be suppressed from being blown indoors. The fan cleaning section <NUM> is disposed between the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a and the indoor fan <NUM>. Thus, the dust j that has been scraped off the indoor fan <NUM> by the brush 24b can be guided to the drain pan <NUM>.

Further, during cleaning of the indoor fan <NUM>, the control section <NUM> causes the indoor fan <NUM> to be rotated in reverse. In this way, the dust j can be prevented from moving toward the air blow port h4.

During a normal air-conditioning operation, the brush 24b is in a laterally oriented state (see <FIG>). Accordingly, an air flow is hardly blocked by the influence of the brush 24b. In addition, the fan cleaning section <NUM> is disposed in the upstream region of an air flow. Thus, during a normal air-conditioning operation, a decrease in air volume due to the fan cleaning section <NUM> is suppressed, and an increase in power consumption by the indoor fan <NUM> is also suppressed.

If a large amount of dust becomes attached to the indoor fan <NUM>, a decrease in air volume may be caused, and the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> may become excessively cooled (over-cooled). As a result, dew dripping may occur during cooling operation. In this respect, according to the present embodiment, the indoor fan <NUM> is cleaned in an appropriate manner as described above, and a decrease in air volume of the indoor fan <NUM> due to attachment of dust is suppressed. Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent dew dripping due to the dust on the indoor fan <NUM>.

As the control section <NUM> performs freezing and defrosting of the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> successively (S103 in <FIG>), the dust j that has been attached to the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> is washed away by the water w and flows down into the drain pan <NUM>. Thus, according to the present embodiment, the indoor fan <NUM> can be placed in a clean state, and the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> can also be placed in a clean state. Accordingly, the air-conditioner <NUM> can perform comfortable air-conditioning. Further, it is possible to reduce the labor required from a user to clean the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> or the indoor fan <NUM>, and the cost of maintenance.

While the air-conditioner <NUM> according to the present invention has been described with reference to an embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing description, and various modifications may be made within the scope of the claims.

<FIG> is a vertical cross-sectional view of an indoor device UAi of an air-conditioner according to a modification.

In the modification depicted in <FIG>, a groove member M having a recessed shape in a vertical cross-sectional view is mounted under the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a. A rib <NUM> extending upward from a bottom surface of the groove member M is disposed on the groove member M. The modification is similar to the embodiment in other respects.

Of the groove member M depicted in <FIG>, the portion on the front side of the rib <NUM> functions as a dew receiver 18A for receiving condensed water from the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>. Of the groove member M, the portion on the rear side of the rib <NUM> functions as a dust receiver <NUM> for receiving dust that has fallen from the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> or the indoor fan <NUM>. The dust receiver <NUM> is disposed under the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>.

Further, under the fan cleaning section <NUM>, the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> (the lower portion of the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a) is present, and the dust receiver <NUM> is also present. More specifically, while not depicted, the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> and also the dust receiver <NUM> are present under the position of contact in a state in which the fan cleaning section <NUM> is in contact with the indoor fan <NUM>. With this configuration, it is also possible to obtain effects similar to those of the embodiment.

During defrosting of the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>, water flows down into the dew receiver 18A and also into the dust receiver <NUM>. Accordingly, the discharge of the dust that has accumulated in the dust receiver <NUM> is not hindered.

In the example depicted in <FIG>, the upper end of the rib <NUM> is not in contact with the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a. However, this is not a limitation, and the upper end of the rib <NUM> may be in contact with the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view of the indoor fan <NUM> and the fan cleaning section 24A with which an air-conditioner according to another modification is provided.

In the modification depicted in <FIG>, the fan cleaning section 24A is provided with: a rod-shaped shaft portion 24d parallel with the axial direction of the indoor fan <NUM>; a brush 24e mounted to the shaft portion 24d; and a pair of support portions 24f, 24f mounted at both ends of the shaft portion 24d. The fan cleaning section 24A is also provided with a moving mechanism, not depicted, for moving the fan cleaning section 24A in the axial direction, for example.

As depicted in <FIG>, the length of the fan cleaning section 24A in a direction parallel with the axial direction of the indoor fan <NUM> is smaller than the length in the axial direction of the indoor fan <NUM> per se. During cleaning of the indoor fan <NUM>, the fan cleaning section 24A is moved in the axial direction of the indoor fan <NUM> (the horizontal direction as viewed from the front of the indoor device). That is, the indoor fan <NUM> is cleaned successively for each predetermined region thereof corresponding to the length of the fan cleaning section 24A in the axial direction of the indoor fan <NUM>. Thus, by adopting the configuration in which the fan cleaning section 24A having a relatively short length is moved, it becomes possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the air-conditioner compared to the first embodiment.

A rod (not depicted) extending in parallel with the shaft portion 24d may be provided in the vicinity of the fan cleaning section 24A (for example, on the front side of the shaft portion 24d), and the fan cleaning section 24A may be moved along the rod by a predetermined moving mechanism (not depicted). After cleaning by the fan cleaning section 24A, a moving mechanism (not depicted) may cause the fan cleaning section 24A to pivot or be translated, as appropriate, so as to cause the fan cleaning section 24A to be withdrawn from the indoor fan <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the process has been described in which the control section <NUM> causes the fan cleaning section <NUM> to contact the indoor fan <NUM>, and causes the indoor fan <NUM> to rotate in the opposite direction (reverse rotation) to that during normal air-conditioning operation. However, this is not a limitation, and the control section <NUM> may cause the fan cleaning section <NUM> to contact the indoor fan <NUM>, and cause the indoor fan <NUM> to rotate in the same direction (forward rotation) as that during normal air-conditioning operation.

By thus causing the brush 24b to contact the indoor fan <NUM>, and causing the indoor fan <NUM> to rotate forward, it is possible to remove effectively the dust that has become attached to the vicinity of the tip on the front of the fan blades 16a. In addition, because the need for a circuit element for rotating the indoor fan <NUM> in reverse is eliminated, the manufacturing cost of the air-conditioner <NUM> can be reduced. The rotation speed of the indoor fan <NUM> being rotated forward during cleaning may be in any of a low velocity region, an intermediate-velocity region, and a high velocity region, as in the embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the brush 24b pivots about the shaft portion 24a of the fan cleaning section <NUM>. However, this is not a limitation. For example, when the indoor fan <NUM> is cleaned, the control section <NUM> may cause the shaft portion 24a to be moved toward the indoor fan <NUM> so as to cause the brush 24b to contact the indoor fan <NUM>. After the cleaning of the indoor fan <NUM> is completed, the control section <NUM> may cause the shaft portion 24a to be withdrawn so as to cause the brush 24b to be separated from the indoor fan <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the fan cleaning section <NUM> is provided with the brush 24b. However, this is not a limitation. That is, any member with which the indoor fan <NUM> can be cleaned, such as sponge, may be used.

According to an embodiment, the configuration has been described in which, in the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>, the region positioned under the fan cleaning section <NUM> does not correspond to the downstream region of the flow of refrigerant. However, this is not a limitation. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which, in the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>, a region of which the height is higher than the fan cleaning section <NUM> does not correspond to the downstream region of the flow of refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> (i.e., it corresponds to either the upstream region or the middle-stream region). More specifically, in the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a, a region which is positioned on the downstream side of the air flow during normal air-conditioning operation and of which the height is higher than the fan cleaning section <NUM> preferably does not correspond to the downstream region of the flow of refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>. In this configuration, as the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> is frozen, a thick frost becomes attached to the region, in the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a, that is positioned on the downstream side of the air flow during normal air-conditioning operation (the right portion in the sheet of drawing of the front-side indoor heat exchanger 15a depicted in <FIG>) and of which the height is higher than the fan cleaning section <NUM>. When later the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> is defrosted, a large volume of water flows down along the fins f. As a result, it is possible to wash away the dust that has become attached to the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> (including the dust removed from the indoor fan <NUM>) into the drain pan <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the configuration has described in which, during cleaning of the indoor fan <NUM>, the control section <NUM> causes the brush 24b of the fan cleaning section <NUM> to contact the indoor fan <NUM>. However, this is not a limitation. That is, during cleaning of the indoor fan <NUM>, the control section <NUM> may cause the brush 24b of the fan cleaning section <NUM> to be in proximity to the indoor fan <NUM>. More specifically, the control section <NUM> may cause the brush 24b to be in proximity to the indoor fan <NUM> to such an extent that the dust that has accumulated on the tip of the fan blades 16a and has grown radially outside beyond the tip can be removed. With this configuration, it is also possible to remove appropriately the dust that has accumulated on the indoor fan <NUM>.

Embodiments have been described with reference to a process in which the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> is cleaned by freezing the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>, for example. However, this is not a limitation. For example, the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> may be subjected to dew condensation, and the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> may be cleaned with the dew condensation water (condensed water). For example, the control section <NUM> calculates the dew point of the indoor air on the basis of the temperature and relative humidity of the indoor air. Then, the control section <NUM> controls the degree of opening and the like of the expansion valve <NUM> so that the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> becomes not higher than the dew point and higher than a predetermined freezing temperature.

The "freezing temperature" refers to a temperature at which, when the temperature of the indoor air is decreased, the moisture contained in the indoor air starts to become frozen on the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>. Thus, by subjecting the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> to dew condensation, it is possible to wash away the dust on the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> using the dew condensation water (condensed water).

The control section <NUM> may also perform a cooling operation or a dehumidification operation to subject the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> to dew condensation, so that the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> can be cleaned with the dew condensation water (condensed water).

According to an embodiment (see <FIG>), the configuration has been described in which the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> and the drain pan <NUM> are present under the fan cleaning section <NUM>. However, this is not a limitation. That is, a configuration may be adopted in which at least one of the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> and the drain pan <NUM> is present under the fan cleaning section <NUM>. For example, in a configuration in which the lower portion of the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> having the chevron-shape in a vertical cross-sectional view extends vertically, the drain pan <NUM> may be present under (immediately below) the fan cleaning section <NUM>.

According to the modification depicted in <FIG>, the configuration has been described in which the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> and the dust receiver <NUM> are present under the fan cleaning section <NUM>. However, this is not a limitation. That is, a configuration may be adopted in which at least one of the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> and the dust receiver <NUM> is present under the fan cleaning section <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the configuration has been described in which one indoor device Ui (see <FIG>) and one outdoor device Uo (see the same) are provided. However, this is not a limitation. That is, a plurality of indoor devices connected in parallel may be provided, and a plurality of outdoor devices connected in parallel may be provided.

Claim 1:
An air-conditioner (<NUM>) comprising:
a control section (<NUM>);
a indoor heat exchanger (<NUM>);
a indoor fan (<NUM>) having a plurality of fan blades (16a);
an indoor device in which the indoor fan (<NUM>) and the indoor heat exchanger are mounted; and
a fan cleaning section (<NUM>) provided with a fan-cleaning motor (24c) as well as a shaft portion (24a) and a brush (24b), being disposed between the indoor heat exchanger (15a) and the indoor fan (<NUM>) and configured to clean the indoor fan (<NUM>), wherein the shaft portion (24a) is a rod-shaped member running parallel with the axial direction of the indoor fan (<NUM>), and is journaled at both ends thereof,
wherein
the fan cleaning section (<NUM>) is configured to contact the indoor fan (<NUM>) after a start of rotation of the indoor fan (<NUM>), wherein the control section (<NUM>) is configured to
cause the indoor fan (<NUM>) to rotate in an opposite direction to the direction during air-conditioning operation, and
when the indoor fan (<NUM>) has reached a predetermined number of rotations,
to cause the brush (24b) to pivot about the shaft portion (24a) from a first position, in which the brush (24b) is not in contact with the fan blades (16a) of the indoor fan (<NUM>), to a second position, in which the brush (24b) contacts the fan blades (16a) of the indoor fan (<NUM>).