JP7178602B2 - Air conditioning system and air conditioning method - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an air conditioning system and an air conditioning method for air conditioning a room where a user exists.

Conventionally, air conditioners that perform optimal air conditioning for users have been known. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses an air conditioner that performs air conditioning based on a user's thermal sensation estimated using the user's surface temperature and indoor wall temperature.

JP 2017-75731 A

By the way, in recent years, there has been a demand for air conditioning (for example, control of indoor temperature) and improvement of air quality (for example, cleaning of indoor air) so that users can concentrate.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide air conditioning and air quality improvement for users to concentrate.

In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention,
An air conditioning system that air-conditions a room where a user exists,
an air conditioner that performs air conditioning operation in a plurality of operation modes;
an air quality improving device for improving the air quality of indoor air;
an instruction input unit for the user to instruct the air conditioner to change the operation mode;
When the user gives an instruction to start the concentrated mode operation as the air conditioning operation to the instruction input unit, the air quality improvement device is driven with an output lower than the output before the start instruction after the start instruction,
further comprising an air quality measurement sensor that measures the air quality of the indoor air;
When the air quality measured by the air quality measurement sensor is less than a predetermined threshold value and good, the output of the air quality improvement device is turned off until a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the concentrated mode operation,
a biometric information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information of the user;
The air conditioning system calculates a thermal sensation value of the user from the biological information using a first thermal sensation calculation formula or a second thermal sensation calculation formula,
The air conditioner performs an air conditioning operation so that the calculated thermal sensation value is maintained within a comfortable range,
After the start of the concentration mode operation, when a predetermined start condition is satisfied, the air conditioner starts the concentration maintenance operation based on the thermal sensation value calculated using the second thermal sensation calculation formula,
The second thermal sensation calculation formula is configured to calculate a higher thermal sensation value than the first thermal sensation calculation formula when the biological information is the same. There is provided an air conditioning system for

Also, according to another aspect of the present invention,
An air conditioning method for air conditioning a room where a user exists,
The air conditioner performs air conditioning operation in a plurality of operation modes,
The air quality improvement device improves the air quality of the indoor air,
The air conditioner receives an instruction from the user and changes the operation mode,
When the user issues an instruction to start a concentrated mode operation as the air conditioning operation, the air quality improvement device is driven at an output lower than the output before the start instruction after the start instruction, and
If the air quality measured by the air quality measurement sensor that measures the air quality of the indoor air is less than a predetermined threshold and is good, the air quality The output of the improvement device is turned off,
obtaining biometric information of the user;
calculating a thermal sensation value of the user from the biological information using a first thermal sensation calculation formula or a second thermal sensation calculation formula;
The air conditioner performs an air conditioning operation so that the calculated thermal sensation value is maintained within a comfortable range,
After the start of the concentration mode operation, when a predetermined start condition is satisfied, the air conditioner starts the concentration maintenance operation based on the thermal sensation value calculated using the second thermal sensation calculation formula,
The air conditioning method, wherein the second thermal sensation calculation formula is configured to calculate a higher thermal sensation value than the first thermal sensation calculation formula when the biological information is the same. is provided.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the air conditioning and air quality improvement for a user's concentration can be provided.

Schematic diagram of an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention A diagram schematically showing the configuration of an air conditioner in an air conditioning system Cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal configuration of the air conditioner viewed from the left-right direction Sectional view schematically showing the internal configuration of the air conditioner viewed from above and below Block diagram of an air conditioning system A diagram showing changes in subjective thermal sensations and calculated thermal sensations of a user in a concentrated state. A diagram showing a change in the user's subjective thermal sensation and a change in the calculated thermal sensation after starting the concentration mode operation. A diagram showing changes in the user's body temperature after starting concentration mode driving A diagram showing an example of changes in the output of an air quality improvement device The figure which shows another example of the change of the output of an air quality improvement apparatus

An air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present invention is an air conditioning system that air-conditions a room where a user exists, and is an air-conditioning system that performs air-conditioning operation in a plurality of operation modes and improves the air quality of indoor air. and an instruction input unit for the user to instruct the air conditioner to change the operation mode, wherein the air conditioner operates the air quality improvement apparatus as the air conditioning operation. However, after the operation mode is changed by the instruction input unit, the concentrated mode operation is performed by driving with a lower output than the output before the operation mode is changed by the instruction input unit.

According to this aspect, it is possible to provide air conditioning and air quality improvement for the user to concentrate.

For example, if the air conditioning system further has an air quality measurement sensor that measures the air quality of the indoor air, and the air quality measured by the air quality measurement sensor is below a predetermined threshold value, The output of the air quality improvement device may be turned off until a predetermined time elapses after the start of the concentration mode operation. As a result, it is possible to provide the user with an environment in which it is easy to concentrate.

For example, when the air quality measured by the air quality measurement sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold, the output of the air quality improvement device is stepped until the predetermined time elapses from the start of the concentrated mode operation. It may increase stepwise or continuously. Thereby, it is possible to provide indoor air of good air quality to the user who is in the process of concentrating.

For example, the predetermined time may be 13 minutes to 17 minutes from the start of the concentration mode operation.

For example, the air conditioning system, as a combination of the air quality measurement sensor and the air quality improvement device, is driven based on a harmful substance sensor that measures the concentration of harmful substances in the room and the measurement result of the harmful substance sensor. a first combination of an ion generator that supplies ions into the room, a particle sensor that measures the concentration of particles in the room, and an air purifier that is driven based on the measurement result of the particle sensor and collects the particles a second combination with a device, and a third combination of a gas sensor that measures the gas concentration of a predetermined gas in the room and a ventilator that is driven based on the measurement result of the gas sensor and ventilates the room. You may have at least two.

For example, the air conditioning system has at least the first and second combinations, and during a period from the start of the concentrated mode operation until the predetermined time elapses, the hazardous substance sensor and the particulate sensor measure each If both the ion generator and the air cleaning device are driven based on the results, the ion generating device may be driven preferentially with respect to the air cleaning device. Thereby, it is suppressed that both the ion generator and the air purifier are driven at the same time and disturb the user's concentration.

For example, the air conditioning system has at least the first and third combinations, and the measurement results of the hazardous substance sensor and the gas sensor during the period from the start of the concentrated mode operation to the elapse of the predetermined time If both the ion generator and the ventilator are driven, the ion generator may be preferentially driven with respect to the ventilator. Thereby, it is suppressed that both the ion generator and the ventilator are driven at the same time and disturb the user's concentration.

For example, the air conditioning system has at least the second and second combinations, and during a period from the start of the concentrated mode operation until the predetermined time elapses, the measurement results of the particulate sensor and the gas sensor are Based on this, when both the air cleaning device and the ventilation device are driven, the air cleaning device may be driven preferentially with respect to the ventilation device. This prevents the user from being distracted by driving both the air cleaning device and the ventilation device at the same time.

For example, when the air quality improvement device is driven before the start timing of the concentration mode operation, the output may be reduced or stopped at the start timing of the concentration mode operation. As a result, it is possible to provide the user with an environment in which it is easy to concentrate.

For example, the output of the air quality improvement device from the start of the concentration mode operation until 6 minutes has passed may be lower than the output from the time the concentration maintenance operation starts after 6 minutes have passed. This prevents the air quality improvement device from disturbing the concentration of the user who has just started to concentrate.

For example, the instruction input unit is configured to be able to reserve the start of the concentration mode operation, and the air quality improvement device is driven from before the reservation input of the start of the concentration mode operation to the start of the concentration mode operation. may This suppresses the driving of the air quality improvement device during the concentration mode operation, and prevents the user's concentration from being disturbed by the air quality improvement device.

For example, the air conditioning system includes a biological information acquisition unit that acquires biological information of the user, and uses the first thermal sensation calculation formula or the second thermal sensation calculation formula from the biological information to obtain the A user's thermal sensation value is calculated. The air conditioner performs an air conditioning operation so that the calculated thermal sensation value is maintained within a comfortable range, and when a predetermined start condition is satisfied after the start of the concentrated mode operation, the second thermal sensation value is maintained. Concentration maintenance operation based on the thermal sensation value calculated using the sensation calculation formula is started. When the biological information is the same, the second thermal sensation calculation formula is configured to calculate a higher thermal sensation value than the first thermal sensation calculation formula. As a result, in the concentration maintenance operation, it is possible to reduce the thermal sensation of the user who feels "hot" due to concentration.

For example, the predetermined start condition is such that the amount of decrease per unit time in the thermal sensation value calculated using the first thermal sensation calculation formula exceeds a predetermined threshold after the start of the concentration mode operation. It may be a condition that is satisfied when exceeded.

For example, the predetermined start condition may be a condition that is satisfied when the predetermined time elapses from the start timing of the concentration mode operation.

For example, the air conditioning system has a body temperature measuring unit that measures the user's body temperature, and the predetermined start condition is met when the user's body temperature rises by a predetermined temperature from the body temperature at the start of the concentration mode operation. It can be a condition.

An air conditioning method according to another aspect of the present invention is an air conditioning method for air conditioning a room in which a user exists, wherein the air conditioner performs air conditioning operation in a plurality of operation modes, and the air quality improvement device cools the room air. The air quality is improved, the air conditioner receives an instruction from the user, and the operation mode is changed according to the instruction from the user, and the air conditioner performs the air conditioning operation, and the air quality improvement apparatus performs the operation according to the instruction from the user. After the operation mode is changed, a concentrated mode operation is performed in which the vehicle is driven with a lower output than the output before the operation mode is changed according to the instruction from the user.

According to this aspect, it is possible to provide air conditioning and air quality improvement for the user to concentrate.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 schematically shows an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 schematically shows the configuration of an air conditioner in an air conditioning system.

As shown in FIG. 1, an air conditioning system 10 according to Embodiment 1 is a system for air conditioning a room Rin in which a user U exists. It is configured to be able to provide comfortable air conditioning for

Therefore, the air conditioning system 10 has an air conditioner 20 that air-conditions the room Rin.

As shown in FIG. 2 , in the case of Embodiment 1, the air conditioner 20 has an indoor unit 22 and an outdoor unit 24 . As shown in FIG. 1, the indoor unit 22 of the air conditioner 20 is installed in the room Rin. The outdoor unit 24 is installed outdoors. A user U of the air conditioner 20 is present in the room Rin where the indoor unit 22 is installed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioner 20 includes an indoor heat exchanger 26 provided in the indoor unit 22, an outdoor heat exchanger 28 provided in the outdoor unit 24, a compressor 30 for compressing the refrigerant, It has a four-way valve 32 for switching the flow direction of the refrigerant, an expansion valve 34 for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant, and a refrigerant pipe 36 connecting them. Further, the indoor unit 22 includes an indoor fan 38 that blows the air after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 26 into the room, and an up-and-down louver 40 that changes the direction of the air (airflow AF) sent out from the indoor unit 22. , left and right louvers 42 are provided. Furthermore, the outdoor unit 24 is provided with an outdoor fan 44 that blows the air after heat exchange with the outdoor heat exchanger 28 to the outdoors.

FIG. 2 shows the state of the air conditioner 20 during cooling operation. During cooling operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 30 passes through the four-way valve 32 , the outdoor heat exchanger 28 , the expansion valve 34 , the indoor heat exchanger 26 and the four-way valve 32 in order and returns to the compressor 30 . On the other hand, during heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 30 passes through the four-way valve 32, the indoor heat exchanger 26, the expansion valve 34, the outdoor heat exchanger 28, and the four-way valve 32 in order and returns to the compressor 30. .

The indoor fan 38 blows air cooled by heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 26 toward the room Rin during cooling operation, and blows air warmed by heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 16 during heating operation. do.

The vertical louver 40 and the horizontal louver 42 change the direction of the airflow AF (air after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 26) blown from the indoor unit 22 toward the indoor Rin in the vertical and horizontal directions.

The air conditioning system 10 also includes an air quality improvement device that improves the quality of indoor air. In the case of the first embodiment, the air conditioning system 10 includes, as air quality improvement devices, an ion generator that supplies ions into the room, an air cleaning device that collects particles floating in the room, and a ventilation that ventilates the room air. device.

These ion generator, air purifier, and ventilator are incorporated in the air conditioner 20 in the case of the first embodiment. In addition, although the devices incorporated in the air conditioner 20 are disclosed in the present embodiment, these various devices may be provided outside the air conditioner 20 . For example, an ion generator and an air cleaning device may be incorporated in the air conditioner 20, and a ventilation device may be provided on the wall surface or ceiling surface of the room Rin as a ventilation fan for exchanging air between the room Rin and the outside. Moreover, the number of various devices disclosed as an air quality improvement device is not limited to one. For example, an air cleaner may be provided in both the air conditioner and the humidifier.

3 and 4 are cross-sectional views schematically showing the internal configuration of the air conditioner (indoor unit). 3 is a cross-sectional view seen in the horizontal direction, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view seen in the vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the ion generator 50 is mounted on the indoor unit 22 of the air conditioner 20 . Specifically, the ion generator 50 applies a high voltage to water to generate ions. For example, it is configured to generate particulate ions containing OH radicals. The indoor fan 38 is also included in the ion generator 50 . The ion generator 50 is arranged to face the flow path 22b between the indoor fan 38 and the outlet 22a. As a result, ions generated from the ion generator 50 are attracted toward the airflow AF flowing through the flow path 22b. As a result, the ions are supplied to the room Rin together with the airflow AF.

The ions generated from the ion generator 50 and supplied into the room reduce the influence of harmful substances floating in the room on the user. For example, the growth of mold and bacteria is suppressed, the functions of allergenic substances and pollen are reduced, and bad odors are eliminated. As a result, the air quality of indoor air is improved.

2, the ion generator 50 is driven based on the measurement results of a hazardous substance sensor 52 provided as an air quality sensor in the indoor unit 22 of the air conditioner 20. As shown in FIG. This harmful substance sensor 52 is a sensor that measures the concentration of harmful substances in the room Rin, and is, for example, a mold sensor, a bacteria sensor, an allergen sensor, a pollen sensor, a bad smell sensor, or the like. The higher the concentration of harmful substances measured by the harmful substance sensor 52, the higher the ion generator 50 is driven so that more ions are supplied to the room Rin. That is, in order to increase the ion concentration in the room Rin, the ion generation amount is increased and/or the rotation speed of the indoor fan 38 is increased (increased from the rotation speed for maintaining the set temperature).

In addition, as long as the indoor fan 38 is rotating, ions can be supplied to the room even when the air conditioning is stopped, that is, when the compressor 30 is stopped.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the air cleaning device 54 is mounted on the indoor unit 22 of the air conditioner 20 . In the case of Embodiment 1, the air purifying device 54 includes an air purifying filter 56 and a power source (not shown) such as a motor for moving the air purifying filter 56 back and forth. An indoor fan 38 is also included in the air cleaning device 54 . The air purifying filter 56 advances and retreats between a position (air purifying position) covering the intake port 22c of the indoor unit 22 of the air conditioner 20 and a position stored in the indoor unit 22 (storage position) by a power source.

When the air purifying filter 56 is arranged at the air purifying position, fine particles such as mold, bacteria, allergens, pollen, PM2.5, and dust in the indoor air Ar directed to the suction port 22c by the rotation of the indoor fan 38 are removed from the air. It is collected by cleaning filter 56 . As a result, the cleaned indoor air Ar returns to the indoor Rin as an airflow AF via the inlet 22c, the filter 48, the indoor heat exchanger 26, and the outlet 22a. As a result, the air quality of indoor air is improved.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the air cleaning device 54 is driven based on the measurement result of a fine particle sensor 58 provided as an air quality measurement sensor in the indoor unit 22 of the air conditioning device 20 . The particle sensor 58 is a sensor that measures the concentration of particles in the room Rin, and is, for example, a mold sensor, a bacteria sensor, an allergen sensor, a pollen sensor, a PM2.5 sensor, a dust sensor, or the like. The higher the particle concentration measured by the particle sensor 58, the more particles are collected, so that the air cleaning device 54 is driven at a high output. That is, the rotation speed of the indoor fan 38 increases (increases from the rotation speed for maintaining the set temperature).

When the air purifying device 54 is not driven, the air purifying filter 56 waits at the standby position, and the indoor air Ar flows directly into the indoor unit 22 through the suction port 22c. Further, if the indoor fan 38 is rotating, air cleaning can be performed even when the air conditioning is stopped, that is, when the compressor 30 is stopped.

As shown in FIG. 4, the ventilation device 60 is mounted on the indoor unit 22 of the air conditioner 20. As shown in FIG. In the case of Embodiment 1, the ventilation device 60 ventilates the room Rin by discharging the air inside the indoor unit 22 to the outdoor Rout. For this purpose, the ventilation device 60 includes a ventilation fan 62 and a through duct 64 penetrating the wall W separating the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout. Rotation of the ventilation fan 62 generates an air flow from the interior of the indoor unit 22 toward the outdoor route through the through duct 64, thereby discharging the indoor air to the outdoor route. As a result, the indoor air is replaced and the air quality of the indoor air is improved.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the ventilator 60 is driven based on the measurement result of a gas sensor 66 provided as an air quality measurement sensor in the indoor unit 22 of the air conditioner 20 . This gas sensor 66 measures the concentration of a predetermined gas in the indoor air, such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. As the gas concentration measured by the gas sensor 66 increases, the ventilator 60 drives at a higher output in order to exchange more room air. That is, the rotation speed of the ventilation fan 62 increases.

Ventilation is possible even when the indoor fan 38 and the compressor 30 are stopped.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an air conditioning system.

As shown in FIG. 5, the air conditioning system 10 has a remote controller 70, an air conditioner 20, an ion generator 50 mounted thereon, an air cleaning device 54, and a control device 72 for controlling a ventilation device 60. . In addition, in the case of Embodiment 1, the control device 72 of the air conditioning system 10 is the control device of the air conditioning device 20 itself. The air conditioning system 10 also has a remote controller 70 .

In this embodiment, the hazardous substance sensor 52, the particulate sensor 58, and the gas sensor 66 are provided as air quality measurement sensors, but the air quality measurement sensors are not limited to these. That is, at least one of viruses, mold, bacteria, cigarette smoke, PM2.5, pollen, and dust should be measured as air quality.

The remote controller 70 functions as an instruction input unit of the air conditioning system 10 and is a controller for the user U to remotely operate the air conditioning device 20 . The remote controller 70 is also a controller for remotely operating the ion generator 50 , the air purifier 54 , and the ventilator 60 .

The control device 72 is, for example, a circuit board mounted on the indoor unit 22 of the air conditioner 20, and includes a storage device such as a memory storing programs and the like, and a CPU that operates according to the programs stored in the storage device. and a processor such as Thereby, the control device 72 can perform the following operations by the processor operating according to the program. Note that the control device 72 may be provided outside the air conditioner 20 . For example, the control device 72 may be provided in a server, information obtained from various sensors may be sent to the server by wireless communication or the like, and driving conditions processed by the control device 72 may be implemented in various air quality improvement devices.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 72 controls the compressor 30, the indoor fan 38, the vertical louvers 40, and the horizontal louvers 42 based on the instruction input by the user U to the remote controller 70 to perform the air conditioning operation for the indoor Rin. is configured to run For example, when a set temperature is input to the remote controller 70, the control device 72 performs an air conditioning operation to maintain the indoor temperature at the set temperature. For this purpose, a temperature sensor (not shown) for measuring the indoor temperature is provided in the indoor unit 22, for example.

Further, the controller 72 is configured to control the ion generator 50 , the air purifier 54 , and the ventilator 60 based on user U's instruction input to the remote controller 70 . For example, when the user U inputs an instruction to improve the air quality to the remote controller 70, the controller 72 controls the ion generator 50, It controls the air cleaner 54 and the ventilator 60 . Note that the remote controller 70 may be configured so that the user U can select the device to be used for improving the air quality from these devices 50, 54, and 60. FIG.

Further, the control device 72 is configured to be able to air-condition the room Rin based on the user's U thermal sensation. For that purpose, the air conditioning system 10 includes an infrared sensor 74 .

The infrared sensor 74 is, for example, a thermopile sensor, functions as a biometric information acquiring unit of the air conditioning system 10, and detects the amount of heat of the user U as biometric information of the user U. The infrared sensor 74 is configured to sense infrared rays radiated from heat sources including the user U to detect the amount of heat. In the case of Embodiment 1, the infrared sensor 74 is mounted on the indoor unit 22 of the air conditioner 20 . The infrared sensor 74 includes a plurality of sensor elements that detect infrared rays, and is configured to output a thermal image showing the distribution of the amount of heat in the room Rin as a detection result. For example, 64 sensor elements are arranged in a matrix of 8 rows and 8 columns, and an 8×8 thermal image is created based on the infrared sensitivity levels of the sensor elements.

Based on the detection result of the infrared sensor 74, the control device 72 calculates the thermal sensation (value) of the user U, determines the operating conditions based on the calculated thermal sensation, and determines the operating conditions. air-conditioning operation based on the operating conditions. The air-conditioning operation based on the thermal sensation of the user U will be described.

First, the thermal sensation of the user U refers to the user U's sensation of temperature, such as "hot", "warm", "cool", or "cold". In the case of the first embodiment, the thermal sensation of the user U is quantified as a thermal sensation value Ts. The thermal sensation value Ts is a value between -4 and +4, corresponding to PMV (Predicted Mean Vote). A thermal sensation value Ts ranging from -4 to -2 represents a "cold" thermal sensation, -2 to 0 represents a "cool" thermal sensation, and 0 to +2 represents a "warm" thermal sensation. and +2 to +4 represent "hot" thermal sensations.

In order to calculate the thermal sensation value Ts of the user U, the control device 72 calculates the heat release amount H of the user U based on the thermal image acquired from the infrared sensor 74 .

The heat dissipation amount H of the user U, that is, the heat dissipation amount H of the human body can be expressed as in Equation 1 below.

In Equation 1, R represents the amount of heat released by radiation from the human body, C represents the amount of heat released by convection of the human body, and K represents the amount of heat released by conduction of the human body. Also, Esk indicates the amount of heat release due to evaporation of moisture from the skin, Eres indicates the amount of heat release due to evaporation of moisture in exhaled breath, and Cres indicates the amount of heat released due to convection of exhaled breath.

Let tcl be the surface temperature of the human body including clothing, tr be the wall temperature near the human body, and ta be the ambient temperature of the human body.

In equations 2 and 3, hr is the radiative thermal conductivity [W/m ² °C] and hc is the convective thermal conductivity [W/m ² °C].

In addition, when the contact area of the human body with the floor is small, the heat dissipation amount K due to conduction of the human body is so small that it can be ignored, and the heat dissipation amount (Cres) due to convection from exhalation is small, formula (1) is changed to the following formula: 4.

In the state that can be represented by formula (4) as described above, when the person is in a resting state and the amount of activity of the person is small, the heat release amount Esk due to moisture evaporation from the skin and the heat release amount Eres due to moisture evaporation from the exhaled breath are If the condition can be regarded as substantially constant, the formula (4) becomes the following formula (5).

That is, if the difference (tcl-tr) between the person's surface temperature (tcl) and the wall temperature (tr) and the difference (tcl-ta) between the person's surface temperature (tcl) and the ambient temperature (ta) are known, It becomes possible to estimate the heat release amount (H) of the person.

As the ambient air temperature (ta), a value detected by a temperature sensor installed in the air conditioner or a value obtained by correcting the detected value according to the operating conditions or the state of the person who detected the temperature can be used.

Furthermore, especially when the ambient air temperature (ta) and the surrounding wall surface temperature (tr) are almost equal (ta≈tr), that is, when the air conditioning is sufficiently stable, the equation (1) is expressed by the following equation (6). be able to.

In other words, in the state that can be expressed by Equation (4), when the person is at rest and the amount of activity of the person is small, the heat release amount Esk due to moisture evaporation from the skin and the heat release amount Eres due to moisture evaporation from the exhaled breath are substantially constant. , the only variable in equation (4) is (tcl-tr).

Therefore, when the person is at rest, when the amount of activity of the person is small, and when the air conditioning operation is sufficiently stable, the difference (tcl- If tr) is known, it becomes possible to estimate the amount of heat release (H) of that person.

If the person's heat release (H) and the person's metabolism (heat production M) are in balance (H=M), the person's heat balance is balanced and the person feels comfortable. can be estimated. On the other hand, if the amount of heat release (H) is greater than the amount of metabolism (M) (H>M), the person feels cold according to the degree of the size, and conversely, the amount of heat release (H) is the amount of metabolism. If it is smaller (H<M), it can be inferred that the person feels hot.

Therefore, when the person is at rest and the amount of activity of the person is small, the ambient temperature (ta), the surface temperature (tcl) of the person from the thermal image information obtained from the thermopile sensor which is the infrared sensor 48, and the surrounding By extracting the wall surface temperature (tr) and detecting the amount of heat radiation (H) of the person, it is possible to detect the "thermal sensation" of the person without contact.

Furthermore, when the air conditioning operation is sufficiently stable, the surface temperature (tcl) of the person and the surrounding wall temperature (tr) are extracted from the thermal image information obtained from the thermopile sensor, which is the infrared sensor 48, By detecting the amount of heat radiation (H) of the person, it is possible to detect the "thermal sensation" of the person without contact.

From the above, the thermal sensation value Ts can be calculated from the heat release amount H by using the thermal sensation calculation formula (first thermal sensation calculation formula) shown in Equation (7) below.

Here, A and B are coefficients that are obtained experimentally in advance. A is a correction coefficient for correcting the heat release amount H and is a negative value. B is a dimensionless number obtained by multiplying the heat production amount of the human body by a coefficient, and corresponds to the heat production amount of the human body. As shown in Equation 5, the thermal sensation value Ts is obtained by subtracting the corrected heat release amount from the heat production amount B. Therefore, when the thermal sensation value Ts is a positive value (0<Ts<+4), the amount of heat released is insufficient for the amount of heat produced by the user U, and the user U feels "warm" or "hot." When the thermal sensation value Ts is a negative value (−4<Ts<0), the amount of heat released is excessive relative to the amount of heat generated by the user U, and the user U feels “cool” or “cold”. .

Each of the coefficients A and B has a value for winter (eg, October to March) and a value for summer (eg, April to September), which are used according to the season. Moreover, in the case of values for summer, there are values when the amount of heat dissipation H exceeds a predetermined threshold value (for example, 26.315) and values when the amount of heat dissipation H does not exceed the predetermined threshold value.

The control device 72 calculates the thermal sensation value Ts of the user U present in the room Rin using the thermal sensation calculation formula (Formula 5). Further, the thermal sensation of the user U is monitored by periodically calculating the thermal sensation value Ts.

Based on the calculated thermal sensation value Ts of the user U, the control device 72 specifically determines the operating conditions for the air-conditioning operation of the air conditioner 20 so that the thermal sensation value Ts is maintained within a comfortable range. do.

For example, when the thermal sensation value Ts approaches +2 from zero, that is, the operating conditions for reducing the thermal sensation of the user U are determined so that the thermal sensation of the user U does not become "hot". For example, the operating conditions are determined such that the indoor temperature is several degrees Celsius lower than the set temperature. When the air-cooling operation is being performed, the operating conditions such as increasing the output of the compressor 30 and increasing the rotational speed of the indoor fan 38 are determined. In the case of heating operation, operating conditions such as lowering the output of the compressor 30 and lowering the rotational speed of the indoor fan 38 are determined. Also, for example, the operating conditions are determined such that the indoor humidity is lower than the current indoor humidity.

Also, for example, when the thermal sensation value Ts approaches -2 from zero, that is, the operating conditions for increasing the thermal sensation of the user U are determined so that the thermal sensation of the user U does not become "cold". . For example, the operating conditions are determined such that the indoor temperature is several degrees Celsius higher than the set temperature. When the air-cooling operation is being performed, operating conditions such as lowering the output of the compressor 30 and lowering the rotational speed of the indoor fan 38 are determined. In the case of heating operation, operating conditions such as increasing the output of the compressor 30 and increasing the rotational speed of the indoor fan 38 are determined. Also, for example, the operating conditions are determined such that the indoor humidity is higher than the current indoor humidity.

In this manner, the operating conditions are determined such that the thermal sensation value Ts is maintained within the range of -2 to +2, preferably -1 to +1, that is, within the comfortable range. The control device 72 executes the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 20 based on the determined operating conditions. Thereby, the user U can spend time in a comfortable air-conditioned environment without feeling "hot" or "cold".

By the way, as shown in FIG. 1, there is a case where the user U is doing intellectual work such as studying, that is, concentrating without actually moving the body. In this case, the calculated thermal sensation (thermal sensation value), which is the thermal sensation calculated using the thermal sensation calculation formula shown in Equation 5, and the subjective thermal sensation, which is the actual thermal sensation of the user U, are combined. can vary greatly.

Here, the subjective thermal sensation is the actual thermal sensation felt by the user W himself. On the other hand, the calculated thermal sensation, which will be described later, is a thermal sensation estimated based on values measured by various detection means.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing changes in subjective thermal sensation and calculated thermal sensation of a user in a concentrated state.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the user U starts intellectual work that requires concentration, that is, when the user U starts to concentrate (timing P1), after a while (timing P2) from the start, the user U's subjective temperature Feelings begin to rise. At this time, the user U begins to feel hot not in the whole body but in the head. Note that the predetermined first time PP1 from the timing P1 to the timing P2 is the time from the start of concentration until the concentration reaches its maximum. minutes.

When the user U feels that the head is hot as a subjective thermal sensation (after timing P2), as shown in FIG. It may calculate a thermal sensation of "cold" or "cool." This is because the surface temperature tcl of the user U is used when calculating the heat dissipation amount H of the user U, as described above. Specifically, when the body is concentrating without substantial movement, the blood flow to all parts of the body slows down over time, and as a result, the entire surface of the human body, except the head, especially the fingers and hands. The temperature of the toes drops. Based on such a decrease in surface temperature, a negative thermal sensation value Ts, that is, a "cold" or "cool" thermal sensation is calculated. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the difference between the subjective thermal sensation and the calculated thermal sensation begins to increase from timing P2 at which the subjective thermal sensation of the user U begins to rise.

As shown in FIG. 6, based on the calculated thermal sensation that differs from the subjective thermal sensation, even though the user U feels "hot", the air conditioning operation increases the thermal sensation, for example, raises the indoor temperature. is executed. As a result, the user U feels uncomfortable and loses concentration.

As a countermeasure, the air-conditioning system 10 according to Embodiment 1, when the user U concentrates on intellectual work without substantially moving the body, after the timing P2 when the concentration becomes maximum, Equation 5 is configured to use the “concentration” thermal sensation calculation formula (second thermal sensation calculation formula) instead of the thermal sensation calculation formula shown in (hereinafter referred to as the “normal” thermal sensation calculation formula). It is

The “concentration” thermal sensation calculation formula can be expressed as Equation 8 below.

The coefficients A and B are the same as the coefficients of the “normal” thermal sensation calculation formula (Equation 7). k is a correction coefficient of 1 or more (for example, 1.7), which increases the amount of heat produced B as compared to the normal time. As a result, if the surface temperature tcl and the wall surface temperature tr are the same, the thermal sensation value Ts calculated using the “concentration” thermal sensation calculation formula (Equation 8) is the same as the “normal” thermal sensation calculation The value is higher than that calculated using the formula (Formula 7).

After the timing P2 when the user U starts to feel that the head is hot, based on the thermal sensation value Ts calculated using the “concentration” thermal sensation calculation formula (Equation 8), the control device 72 It becomes easier to determine the operating conditions that reduce the thermal sensation of U. As a result, even though the user U feels "hot" due to concentration, the execution of the air-conditioning operation that increases the thermal sensation, for example, the indoor temperature is suppressed. Also, for the user U who feels "hot" due to concentration, an air conditioning operation is performed to lower the thermal sensation, for example, to lower the room temperature, thereby maintaining the user U's concentration.

In order to know the timing P2 at which the use of the “concentration” thermal sensation calculation formula (Equation 8) is started, that is, the timing P2 at which the concentration reaches its maximum, it is necessary to know the timing P1 at which the user U begins to concentrate. be. Therefore, the air conditioning system 10 of Embodiment 1 is configured to provide the user U with the concentrated mode operation.

Specifically, the air conditioning system 10 has an instruction input unit for the user U to instruct the air conditioning apparatus 20 to start the concentration mode operation. In the case of the first embodiment, the instruction input unit is the remote controller 70 . For example, the remote controller 70 has a "concentration mode" button. The start of the concentration mode operation may be reserved by inputting the start time of the concentration mode operation. Further, the remote controller 70 may be a dedicated controller for operating the air conditioner 20, or may be the user U's portable terminal. In the case of a mobile terminal, software for operating the air conditioner 20 is installed in the mobile terminal.

When the user U instructs the air conditioner 20 to start the concentration mode operation via the remote controller 70, the air conditioner 20 sets the instruction timing to the timing P1 when the user U starts to concentrate, and starts the concentration mode operation. The concentration mode operation will be specifically described.

FIG. 7 shows changes in the user's subjective thermal sensation and calculated thermal sensation after the start of the concentration mode operation. Also, FIG. 8 shows changes in the user's body temperature after the start of the concentration mode operation.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the case of the present first embodiment, when the concentration mode operation is started, the air conditioner 20 performs pre-cooling operation to lower the thermal sensation of the user U, for example, air-conditioning operation to lower the indoor temperature. to run. As the pre-cooling operation, for example, before a predetermined second time PP2 (for example, 3 to 5 minutes) elapses, the air conditioning operation is performed to set the indoor temperature to be 3° C. lower than the set temperature at the start timing P1 of the concentrated mode operation. be done. By this pre-cooling operation, it is possible to give a cold stimulus to the user U and promote an increase in the concentration of the user U.

After the pre-cooling operation is completed, the air conditioner 20 performs an air-conditioning operation to maintain the user's U thermal sensation that has been lowered by the pre-cooling operation, for example, to maintain the indoor temperature after the pre-cooling operation is completed.

After the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation, when a predetermined start condition is satisfied, the air conditioner 20 performs concentration based on the thermal sensation value Ts calculated using the "concentration" thermal sensation calculation formula (Equation 8). Start maintenance operation. This focus maintenance operation is part of the focus mode operation. Therefore, the calculated thermal sensation shown in FIG. 7 is calculated using the “normal” thermal sensation calculation formula (Equation 7) before the predetermined start condition is established. After establishment, it was calculated using the “concentration” thermal sensation calculation formula. Moreover, the predetermined start condition is a condition that is satisfied when the concentration of the user U reaches the maximum. In the case of the first embodiment, the predetermined start condition is satisfied when a predetermined first time PP1, for example, 15 minutes, elapses from the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation, that is, when the timing P2 occurs.

When a predetermined start condition is established, the air conditioner 20 performs the concentrated maintenance operation, for example, by increasing the thermal sensation value Ts calculated using the “concentration” thermal sensation calculation formula (Equation 8) from −0.5. 0 to run the air conditioning operation. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, a "slightly cool" thermal sensation is maintained for the user U whose body temperature has begun to rise due to the maximum concentration, that is, the user U who has begun to feel "hot". air-conditioning operation is performed for Note that the “body temperature” referred to here is not the surface temperature of the user U used when calculating the heat dissipation amount H of the user U as described above, but the internal temperature of the user U, that is, the body surface of the user U directly. It refers to the temperature that can be measured by contact with the body, for example, the temperature that can be measured with a thermometer.

Due to such a concentration mode operation, the concentration of the user U is not disturbed by the air conditioning, and the concentration of the user U smoothly rises and is maintained after reaching the maximum.

An environment in which the user can concentrate can be provided by the concentration mode driving that lowers the thermal sensation of the user U as described above. The environment can be made into an environment in which the user can concentrate more by using the air quality improvement device (ion generator 50, air cleaning device 54, ventilation device 60). For example, the ions generated from the ion generator 50 can reduce the effects of pollen and allergenic substances, thereby allowing users suffering from hay fever or allergies to remain focused. For example, the removal of particulates, such as dust, from the room by the air cleaning device 54 may reduce the user's coughing, thereby maintaining the user's concentration. For example, the ventilator 60 can change the air in the room to reduce the carbon dioxide concentration, thereby keeping the user focused.

However, if the air quality improvement device is driven during concentration mode driving, especially at the beginning of concentration, the user U's concentration (increase in concentration) may be hindered. For example, in the ion generator 50, when ions are generated by electric discharge, the discharge sound may disturb the user U's concentration. In the air purifying device 54, as shown in FIG. 3, there is a possibility that the operation noise when the air purifying filter 56 moves to the position covering the suction port 22c disturbs the user U's concentration. In the case of the air purifying device 54, the air purifying filter 56 increases ventilation resistance, thereby reducing the amount of the air flow AF from the outlet 22a. There is a possibility that it will be In the case of the ventilator 60, the rotation sound of the ventilation fan 62 may disturb the user U's concentration. Further, in the case of the ventilation device 60, the room temperature changes due to the discharge of the room air to the outside, and as a result, the user's thermal sensation may change and the concentration may be disturbed.

Therefore, in the air-conditioning system 10 of Embodiment 1, after the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation, the output of the air quality improvement device before the concentration maintenance operation start timing P2 is changed to the output after the concentration maintenance operation start timing P2. Drive to be low compared to the output.

FIG. 9 shows an example of changes in the output of the air quality improvement device.

As shown in FIG. 9, after the concentration mode operation start timing P1, the output of the air quality improvement device before the concentration maintenance operation start timing P2, which is the timing at which the concentration of the user U is maximized, is higher than that after the timing P2. has been lowered. This is because the generation of noise, changes in thermal sensations, and the like can hinder an increase in the concentration of the user U from the time when the user U starts concentrating at the timing P1 until the concentration reaches the maximum at the timing P2. When the power of concentration is maximized (after timing P2), the output before the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation is returned step by step or continuously.

Further, in the case of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, when the air quality improvement device is driven before the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation, the air quality improvement is started at the same time as the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation. The device reduces its output. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the user U with an environment in which it is easy to concentrate. At the same time as the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation, the stopped air quality improvement device may automatically start driving.

From the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation to the start timing P2 of the concentration maintenance operation at which concentration is maximized, the output of the period PP3 from the start of concentration (the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation) to the passage of 6 minutes is 6. It is preferable to make it lower than the output after minutes have elapsed. During the period PP3, which is six minutes after the start of concentration, the concentration tends to be lost, and the power of concentration hardly increases. Concentration begins to rise after this period of PP3. Therefore, in the period PP3 until the concentration starts to rise, it is preferable to reduce the output in order to avoid a situation in which the user U is distracted and unable to concentrate. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the output of the air quality improvement device increases stepwise from the beginning of concentration to the maximum concentration. Note that the output of the air quality improvement device may be increased continuously instead of increasing stepwise.

The output of the air quality improvement device may be turned off (or set to zero) from the start of concentration to the maximum concentration, that is, from the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation to the start timing P2 of the concentration maintenance operation. That is, the driving of the air quality improvement device may be temporarily stopped.

FIG. 10 shows another example of changes in the output of the air quality improvement device.

As shown in FIG. 10, after the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation, the air quality improvement device stops driving and its output becomes zero. Note that whether or not to turn off the output of the air quality improvement device after the start timing P1 of the concentrated mode operation may be determined based on the value of the air quality measured by the air quality measurement sensor. The output of the air quality improvement device may be turned off when the air quality is good below a predetermined threshold. For example, when the harmful substance concentration measured by the harmful substance sensor 52 is less than a predetermined threshold value, the output of the ion generator 50 is turned off. Also, for example, if the particle concentration measured by the particle sensor 58 is less than a predetermined threshold, the output of the air cleaner 54 is turned off. Then, if the concentration of the predetermined gas measured by the gas sensor 66 is below a predetermined threshold value, the output of the ventilator 60 is turned off. That is, when the indoor air is clean to some extent, the air quality improvement device is suspended from the beginning of concentration (timing P1) to the maximum concentration (timing P2). As a result, the user U is provided with an environment in which it is easy to concentrate, and priority is given to increasing the concentration of the user U.

When the air quality exceeds a predetermined threshold and is not good, the output of the air quality improving device is increased stepwise or continuously as shown in FIG.

The two output controls of the air quality improving device shown in FIGS. may be performed against Alternatively, only one of the output control shown in FIG. 9 and the output control shown in FIG. 10 may be executed. For example, in the case of the ion generator 50 , the generated noise is smaller than the noise of the air cleaning device 54 and the ventilation device 60 . Therefore, regardless of the measurement result of the harmful substance sensor 52, the ion generator 50 may be subjected to the output control shown in FIG. On the other hand, the ventilator 60 generates a large amount of noise. Therefore, regardless of the measurement result of the gas sensor 66, the output control shown in FIG.

During the period from the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation to the start timing P2 of the concentration maintenance operation, based on the measurement results of the hazardous substance sensor 52, the particulate sensor 58, and the gas sensor 66, the ion generator 50, the air cleaner 54, and the At least two of the ventilators 60 may be activated simultaneously. Although they do not hinder the concentration of the user U individually, at least two of the ion generator 50, the air cleaning device 54, and the ventilation device 60 are driven at the same time, which may hinder the concentration of the user U.

Therefore, in the case of Embodiment 1, the ion generator 50, the air cleaner 54, and the ventilator 60 may interfere with each other. Therefore, prioritization is performed so that the ion generator 50, the air purifier 54, and the ventilator 60 do not interfere with each other in terms of maintaining the degree of concentration.

First, when both the ion generator 50 and the air cleaner 54 are to be driven based on the measurement results of the hazardous substance sensor 52 and the particle sensor 58, the ion generator 50 is preferentially driven over the air cleaner 54. . For example, if these devices are not driven before the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation, only the ion generator 50 starts driving at the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation. Further, for example, if these devices are being driven before the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation, only the air cleaning device 54 is stopped at the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation. It should be noted that if the concentration of harmful substances has sufficiently decreased by the concentration maintenance operation start timing P2, the ion generator 50 may be stopped and the air cleaning device 54 may be driven until the concentration maintenance operation start timing P2.

The reason why the ion generator 50 is given priority over the air purifier 54 is that the air purifier 54 makes more noise than the ion generator 50 and can greatly change the user's thermal sensation.

Also, based on the measurement results of the hazardous substance sensor 52 and the gas sensor 66, when both the ion generator 50 and the ventilator 60 are driven, the ion generator 50 is preferentially driven over the ventilator 60. FIG. For example, if these devices are not driven before the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation, only the ion generator 50 starts driving at the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation. Further, for example, if these devices are driven before the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation, only the ventilator 60 is stopped at the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation. It should be noted that if the concentration of harmful substances is sufficiently reduced by the concentration maintenance operation start timing P2, the ion generator 50 may be stopped and the ventilator 60 may be driven until the concentration maintenance operation start timing P2.

The reason why the ion generator 50 is given priority over the ventilator 60 is that the ventilator 60 makes more noise than the ion generator 50 and can greatly change the user's thermal sensation.

Based on the measurement results of the particle sensor 58 and the gas sensor 66, when both the air purifying device 54 and the ventilating device 60 are to be driven, the air purifying device 54 is preferentially driven over the ventilating device 60. FIG. For example, if these devices are not driven before the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation, only the air cleaning device 54 starts driving at the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation. Further, for example, if these devices are driven before the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation, only the ventilator 60 is stopped at the start timing P1 of the concentration mode operation. It should be noted that if the fine particle concentration is sufficiently lowered by the concentration maintenance operation start timing P2, the air cleaning device 54 may be stopped and the ventilator 60 may be driven until the concentration maintenance operation start timing P2.

The reason why the air cleaning device 54 is given priority over the ventilation device 60 is that the ventilation device 60 makes more noise than the air cleaning device 54 and can greatly change the user's thermal sensation.

According to the first embodiment as described above, it is possible to provide air conditioning and air quality improvement for the user to concentrate.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment described above, during the concentration mode operation, the predetermined start condition for starting the concentration maintenance operation is satisfied when a predetermined first time (for example, 15 minutes) elapses after the start of the concentration mode operation. do. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the predetermined start condition for starting the concentration maintenance operation during the concentration mode operation. Therefore, the second embodiment will be described with a focus on this different predetermined start condition.

As shown in FIG. 6, the thermal sensation (thermal sensation value) calculated using the "normal" thermal sensation calculation formula (Equation 5) is the timing P2 at which the concentrated maintenance operation should be started, that is, the user U starts to decline from the timing P2 when the concentration of has reached its maximum. Therefore, the thermal sensation calculated using the "normal" thermal sensation calculation formula is monitored, and the timing at which the thermal sensation begins to decline is determined as the timing at which a predetermined start condition for starting the concentrated maintenance operation is satisfied. can be regarded as For example, when the amount of decrease per unit time in the thermal sensation value calculated using the "normal" thermal sensation calculation formula exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a predetermined start condition is satisfied, and the "concentration" A concentrated maintenance operation based on the thermal sensation calculated using the thermal sensation calculation formula is started. As a specific example, six thermal sensation values are sampled per minute, and the average value of the first three thermal sensation values (first half average value) and the average value of the last three thermal sensation values (second half average value) are calculated. calculate. A predetermined start condition is established when the difference between the first half average value and the second half average value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (eg, 1).

According to the second embodiment as described above, it is possible to provide air conditioning and air quality improvement for the user to concentrate.

(Embodiment 3)
In the first embodiment described above, during the concentration mode operation, the predetermined start condition for starting the concentration maintenance operation is satisfied when a predetermined first time (for example, 15 minutes) elapses after the start of the concentration mode operation. do. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the predetermined start condition for starting the concentration maintenance operation during the concentration mode operation. Therefore, the third embodiment will be described with a focus on this different predetermined start condition.

As shown in FIG. 8, the body temperature of the user U starts rising immediately before the timing P2 at which the concentration maintenance operation should be started, that is, just before the timing P2 when the concentration of the user U reaches its maximum. Therefore, the body temperature of the user U is monitored, and the timing at which the body temperature during monitoring rises by a predetermined temperature Δtb from the body temperature at the start of the operation mode operation is the timing at which the predetermined start condition for starting the concentration maintenance operation is satisfied. can be regarded as

The user's body temperature can be monitored by, for example, a wearable terminal with a body temperature sensor that can be attached to the user's body. That is, the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 3 includes a body temperature measurement unit that measures the body temperature of the user.

According to the third embodiment as described above, it is possible to provide air conditioning and air quality improvement for the user to concentrate.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above three embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

For example, in the case of the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 7, after the start of the concentration mode operation (after the timing P1), the pre-cooling operation that reduces the user's thermal sensation in order to encourage the user's concentration to increase. is executed. For example, as a pre-cooling operation, an air-conditioning operation is performed so that the indoor temperature is 3° C. lower than the set temperature. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this.

For example, if the indoor temperature is low at the start timing of the concentration mode operation, for example, if the indoor temperature is such that the user feels "cold" or "cool," the pre-cooling operation is performed to further reduce the user's thermal sensation. , it may disturb the user's concentration. Therefore, for example, if the thermal sensation value calculated by the thermal sensation calculation unit at the start of the concentration mode operation is equal to or greater than zero, the precooling operation is executed, and if the thermal sensation value is a negative value, the precooling operation is performed. You may make it so that driving is not performed.

Further, in the case of the first embodiment described above, the amount of heat production B included in the thermal sensation calculation formula (formula 5 and formula 6) is a constant experimentally obtained in advance. Alternatively, the user's heat production may be calculated. A user's heat production can be calculated, for example, based on the pulse. Specifically, it is possible to calculate the user's respiratory rate, that is, the metabolic rate corresponding to the amount of heat produced, from the pulse. In this case, the air conditioning system includes a pulse sensor that measures the user's pulse.

Furthermore, if the air conditioning system is configured so that the start of the concentrated mode operation can be reserved by inputting the start time of the concentrated mode operation, the concentrated mode operation can be started before the reserved concentrated mode operation is started. may drive the air quality improvement device until the start of For example, the air quality improvement device may start operating from the timing when the concentrated mode operation is reserved or one hour before the reserved start time of the concentrated mode operation. By sufficiently improving the air quality of the indoor air with the air quality improvement device before the start of the concentrated mode operation, the output of the air quality improvement device can be reduced to zero during the concentrated mode operation. be able to. As a result, the user's concentration is prevented from being disturbed by driving the air quality improvement device.

Furthermore, in the case of Embodiment 1 described above, the ion generator 50 , the air purifier 54 , and the ventilator 60 are included as air quality improvement devices, and these devices are incorporated in the air conditioner 20 . However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this. Air quality improvement devices other than ion generators, air purifiers, and ventilators may be included in the air conditioning system. Further, when the air conditioning system includes a plurality of different air quality improvement devices such as an ion generator, an air cleaner, and a ventilator, at least one of these devices may be used as an independent device from the air conditioner. may be included in the system.

For example, if the ion generator and the air cleaning device are devices independent of the air conditioner, these devices can be placed closer to the user than the air conditioner. Further, for example, when the air cleaner is a device independent of the air conditioner, the air cleaning filter 56 does not cover the suction port 22c of the air conditioner 20 as shown in FIG. does not change, and the user's thermal sensation does not change. In this case, the air cleaner may be preferentially driven with respect to the ion generator.

Also, for example, if the user's position in the room can be identified, for example, if the air conditioner includes a human body detection sensor that identifies the user's position, it is preferable to direct the airflow around the user rather than toward the user. If the user is directly exposed to the airflow, the thermal sensation of the user may change. As a result, the user's concentration is disturbed. To avoid this, top and bottom louvers and left and right louvers direct the airflow around the user. As a result, air cleaned by the air purifier and air accompanied by ions generated by the ion generator are supplied to the surroundings of the user. As a result, it is possible to provide the user with an environment in which it is easier to concentrate with the improved air quality without changing the user's thermal sensation.

Furthermore, it should be understood that at least part of an embodiment can be combined wholly or partially with at least one other embodiment to form a further embodiment of the present invention. clear to the trader.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is applicable to an air conditioning system that air-conditions a room where a user exists.

Claims (14)

An air conditioning system that air-conditions a room where a user exists,
an air conditioner that performs air conditioning operation in a plurality of operation modes;
an air quality improving device for improving the air quality of indoor air;
an instruction input unit for the user to instruct the air conditioner to change the operation mode;
When the user gives an instruction to start the concentrated mode operation as the air conditioning operation to the instruction input unit, the air quality improvement device is driven with an output lower than the output before the start instruction after the start instruction,
further comprising an air quality measurement sensor that measures the air quality of the indoor air;
When the air quality measured by the air quality measurement sensor is less than a predetermined threshold value and good, the output of the air quality improvement device is turned off until a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the concentrated mode operation,
a biometric information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information of the user;
The air conditioning system calculates a thermal sensation value of the user from the biological information using a first thermal sensation calculation formula or a second thermal sensation calculation formula,
The air conditioner performs an air conditioning operation so that the calculated thermal sensation value is maintained within a comfortable range,
After the start of the concentration mode operation, when a predetermined start condition is satisfied, the air conditioner starts the concentration maintenance operation based on the thermal sensation value calculated using the second thermal sensation calculation formula,
The second thermal sensation calculation formula is configured to calculate a higher thermal sensation value than the first thermal sensation calculation formula when the biological information is the same. air conditioning system.
The predetermined start condition is that the decrease amount per unit time of the thermal sensation value calculated using the first thermal sensation calculation formula exceeds a predetermined threshold after the start of the concentration mode operation. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein:
2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined start condition is satisfied when said predetermined time elapses from the start timing of said concentration mode operation.
Having a body temperature measurement unit that measures the body temperature of the user,
2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined start condition is satisfied when said user's body temperature rises by a predetermined temperature from the body temperature at the start of said concentration mode operation.
When the air quality measured by the air quality measurement sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold, the output of the air quality improvement device is stepped or 5. An air conditioning system according to any one of the preceding claims, continuously increasing.
6. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein said predetermined time is 13 minutes to 17 minutes from the start of said concentration mode operation.
As a combination of the air quality measurement sensor and the air quality improvement device,
a first combination of a harmful substance sensor for measuring the concentration of harmful substances in the room and an ion generator driven based on the measurement result of the harmful substance sensor to supply ions into the room; and an air cleaning device driven based on the measurement result of the particulate sensor to collect the particulates; and
from claim 2, comprising at least two of a third combination of a gas sensor for measuring a gas concentration of a predetermined gas in said room and a ventilator for ventilating said room by being driven based on the measurement result of said gas sensor. 7. The air system of any one of Claims 6 to 7.
having at least the first and second combinations;
When both the ion generator and the air cleaning device are driven based on the measurement results of the hazardous substance sensor and the particulate sensor during the period from the start of the concentration mode operation to the elapse of the predetermined time, 8. The air conditioning system according to claim 7, wherein said ion generator drives preferentially with respect to said air cleaning device.
having at least the first and third combinations;
In the period from the start of the concentration mode operation to the elapse of the predetermined time, if both the ion generator and the ventilation device are driven based on the measurement results of the hazardous substance sensor and the gas sensor, the ion 8. The air conditioning system of claim 7, wherein the generator preferentially drives the ventilator.
having at least the second and third combinations;
If both the air cleaning device and the ventilation device are driven based on the measurement results of the particulate sensor and the gas sensor during the period from the start of the concentration mode operation to the elapse of the predetermined time, the air cleaning 8. The air conditioning system of claim 7, wherein the device preferentially drives the ventilation device.
11. The air quality improvement device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein when the air quality improvement device is driven before the start timing of the concentration mode operation, the output is reduced or stopped at the start timing of the concentration mode operation. air conditioning system.
The output of the air quality improvement device from the start of the concentration mode operation until 6 minutes has passed is lower than the output from the time the 6 minutes have passed until the concentration maintenance operation, which is a part of the concentration mode operation, starts. An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
The instruction input unit is configured to be able to reserve the start of the concentration mode operation,
13. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the air quality improvement device is driven from before the scheduled start of the concentrated mode operation to the start of the concentrated mode operation.
An air conditioning method for air conditioning a room where a user exists,
The air conditioner performs air conditioning operation in a plurality of operation modes,
The air quality improvement device improves the air quality of the indoor air,
The air conditioner receives an instruction from the user and changes the operation mode,
When the user issues an instruction to start a concentrated mode operation as the air conditioning operation, the air quality improvement device is driven at an output lower than the output before the start instruction after the start instruction, and
If the air quality measured by the air quality measurement sensor that measures the air quality of the indoor air is less than a predetermined threshold and is good, the air quality The output of the improvement device is turned off,
obtaining biometric information of the user;
calculating a thermal sensation value of the user from the biological information using a first thermal sensation calculation formula or a second thermal sensation calculation formula;
The air conditioner performs an air conditioning operation so that the calculated thermal sensation value is maintained within a comfortable range,
After the start of the concentration mode operation, when a predetermined start condition is satisfied, the air conditioner starts the concentration maintenance operation based on the thermal sensation value calculated using the second thermal sensation calculation formula,
The air conditioning method, wherein the second thermal sensation calculation formula is configured to calculate a higher thermal sensation value than the first thermal sensation calculation formula when the biological information is the same. .

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