AU2018324642B2

AU2018324642B2 - Air conditioner

Info

Publication number: AU2018324642B2
Application number: AU2018324642A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Kousuke TSUBOI; Junya Yoneda
Original assignee: Daikin Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Daikin Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2017-08-29
Filing date: 2018-07-02
Publication date: 2021-06-03
Anticipated expiration: 2038-07-02
Also published as: CN111051785B; CN111051785A; JP6891964B2; JPWO2019044158A1; WO2019044158A1; AU2018324642A1

Abstract

This air conditioner comprises: an indoor unit; a first sensor unit (3) for detecting first information pertaining to a person present indoors; a second sensor unit (51, 52, 53) for detecting second information different from the first information, the second information pertaining to the person; a control device (6) that controls an air conditioning operation of the indoor unit (1) on the basis of the first and second information; and a drive device (7). A second range, in which the second information can be detected by the second sensor unit (51, 52, 53), is narrower than a first range, in which the first information can be detected by the first sensor unit (3). The second sensor unit (51, 52, 53) can be driven by the drive device (7).

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE OF INVENTION: AIR CONDITIONER TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001]

The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002]

Conventionally, there is an air conditioner that

controls air conditioning operation of an indoor unit on

the basis of a detection signal of a first Doppler sensor

and a detection signal of a second Doppler sensor, for

example, as disclosed in Patent Literature 1 (WO

2016/181546 A).

[0003]

More specifically, movement of a person in a room is

detected on the basis of the detection signal of the first

Doppler sensor, while movement of a noise source in the

indoor unit is detected on the basis of the detection

signal of the second Doppler sensor.

CITATIONS LIST PATENT LITERATURE

[0004]

Patent Literature 1: WO 2016/181546 A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005]

Although the conventional air conditioner can improve detection accuracy of movement of a person in the room by using movement of the noise source as a reference, air conditioning operation sufficiently suitable for the person is difficult only with information on the movement of the person.

[00061

That is, the conventional air conditioner has a problem that there remains room for improving compatibility between the person in a room and air conditioning operation of the indoor unit.

[0006a]

It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages.

[0007]

Some embodiments are intended to provide an air conditioner which can improve compatibility between a person in a room and air conditioning operation of an indoor unit.

[0007a]

One aspect of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner comprising: an indoor unit; a driving device; a first sensor unit configured to detect first information on a person in a room; a second sensor unit configured to detect second information on the person, the second information being different from the first information, the second sensor unit being configured to be driven by the driving device, wherein a second range in which the second sensor unit is capable of detecting the second information is smaller than a first range in which the first sensor unit is capable of detecting the first information; an indoor temperature sensor configured to detect indoor temperature; and a control device configured to control air conditioning operation of the indoor unit on a basis of the first information and the second information, wherein the control device includes an indoor temperature judging unit configured to judge whether the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor is not lower than a predetermined temperature, and a drive control unit configured to control driving of the second sensor unit on a basis of the first information in a case where it is judged that the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor is lower than the predetermined temperature.

[0007a]

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an air

conditioner comprising: an indoor unit; a driving device; a

first sensor unit configured to detect first information on a

person in a room; a second sensor unit configured to detect

second information on the person, the second information being

different from the first information, the second sensor unit

being configured to be driven by the driving device, wherein a

second range in which the second sensor unit is capable of

detecting the second information is smaller than a first range

in which the first sensor unit is capable of detecting the first

information; an indoor temperature sensor configured to detect

indoor temperature; and a control device configured to control

air conditioning operation of the indoor unit on a basis of the

first information and the second information, wherein the

control device includes an indoor temperature judging unit

configured to judge whether the indoor temperature detected by

the indoor temperature sensor is not lower than a predetermined

temperature, and a drive control unit configured to control

driving of the second sensor unit on a basis of not the first

information but a predetermined driving condition in a case

where it is judged that the indoor temperature detected by the

3a

indoor temperature sensor is not lower than the predetermined temperature.

[00081

An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an indoor unit, a first sensor unit configured to detect first information on a person in a room; a second sensor unit configured to detect second information on the person, the second information being different from the first information, a control device configured to control air conditioning operation of the indoor unit on the basis of the first information and the second information, and a driving device, in which a second range in which the second sensor unit is capable of detecting the second information is smaller than a first range in which the first sensor unit is capable of detecting the first information, and the second sensor unit is configured to be driven by the driving device.

[00091

According to the above configuration, in a case where the person in the room is within the first and second ranges, the air conditioning operation of the indoor unit is controlled on the basis of the first information on the person in the room and the second information on the person, the second information being different from the first informatiol0.n. Therefore, it is possible to improve compatibility between the person in the room and the air conditioning operation of the indoor unit.

[0010]

In addition, even in a case where the person in the room is within the first range but not within the second range, since the second sensor unit is configured to be driven by the driving device, it is possible to drive the second sensor unit so that the person in the room is within the second range. Therefore, it is possible to also enhance the capability of detecting the second information.

[0011]

Incidentally, in a case where the first information

is detected, by controlling driving of the second sensor

unit on the basis of the first information, it is possible

to set the second range such that the person in the room is

within the second range.

[0012]

However, in a case where temperature resistance of

the first sensor unit is low, if the room is in a high

temperature environment, the first information cannot be

detected or is inaccurately detected, and it is not

possible to set the second range such that the person in

the room is surely located within the second range.

[0013]

Therefore, an air conditioner according to one

embodiment includes

an indoor temperature sensor configured to detect

indoor temperature,

in which the control device includes an indoor temperature judging unit configured to judge whether the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor is not lower than a predetermined temperature, and a drive control unit configured to control driving of the second sensor unit on the basis of the first information in a case where it judged that the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor is lower than the predetermined temperature.

[00141

According to the above embodiment, in a case where it

is judged that the indoor temperature detected by the

indoor temperature sensor is lower than the predetermined

temperature, the drive control unit controls driving of the

second sensor unit on the basis of the first information.

Therefore, even if the temperature resistance of the first

sensor unit is low, it is possible to enhance reliability

of control of the drive control unit.

[0015]

An air conditioner according to one embodiment

includes

an indoor temperature sensor configured to detect

indoor temperature,

in which the control device includes

an indoor temperature judging unit configured to judge whether the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor is not lower than a predetermined temperature, and a drive control unit configured to control driving of the second sensor unit on the basis of not the first information but a predetermined driving condition in a case where it is judged that the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor is not lower than the predetermined temperature.

[0016]

According to the above embodiment, in a case where it

is judged that the indoor temperature detected by the

indoor temperature sensor is not lower than the

predetermined temperature, the drive control unit controls

driving of the second sensor unit on the basis of not the

first information but the predetermined driving condition.

Therefore, even if the temperature resistance of the first

sensor unit is low, it is possible to enhance reliability

of control of the drive control unit.

[0017]

In an air conditioner according to one embodiment,

the first sensor unit includes a pyroelectric

infrared sensor.

[0018]

According to the above embodiment, since the first sensor unit includes the pyroelectric infrared sensor, it is possible to detect, for example, body movement of the person in the room by using the first sensor unit.

[0019]

In an air conditioner according to one embodiment, the second sensor unit includes at least one of a Doppler sensor, a thermopile infrared sensor, or an image sensor.

[0020]

According to the above embodiment, it is possible to detect, for example, a pulse of the person in the room by using the Doppler sensor. Furthermore, by using the thermopile infrared sensor, it is possible to detect, for example, skin temperature of the person in the room. In addition, by using the image sensor, it is possible to detect, for example, the number of persons in the room. Therefore, since the second sensor unit includes at least one of the Doppler sensor, the thermopile infrared sensor, or the image sensor, it is possible to detect at least one of, for example, a pulse of the person in the room, skin temperature of the person in the room, or the number of persons in the room.

[0021]

The air conditioner according to the present invention can improve compatibility between the person in the room and the air conditioning operation of the indoor unit by using the first information and the second information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an indoor unit of an

air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present

invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view for explaining a detection

range of a pyroelectric infrared sensor of the air

conditioner.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view for explaining a detection

range of a Doppler sensor of the air conditioner.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view for explaining a detection

range of a thermopile infrared sensor of the air

conditioner.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view for explaining a detection

range of a distance image sensor of the air conditioner.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of main parts of the air

conditioner.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

[0023]

Hereinafter, an air conditioner of the present

invention will be described in detail with reference to an illustrated embodiment. Note that in the drawings, identical reference numerals represent identical or corresponding parts.

[0024]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an

installation state of a casing 2 of an indoor unit 1 of an

air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present

invention.

[0025]

The air conditioner includes the casing 2 of the

indoor unit 1, and an outdoor unit (not illustrated)

connected to the casing 2 of the indoor unit 1 through a

refrigerant pipe or the like.

[0026]

The casing 2 of the indoor unit 1 is installed on an

upper side of a wall surface 101 in a room. On the wall

surface 101, an outlet 102 is provided near the casing 2 of

the indoor unit 1. The casing 2 of the indoor unit 1 is

connected to the outlet 102 through a power source cable 10.

A pyroelectric infrared sensor 3 and an indoor temperature

sensor 4 are fixed to the casing 2 of the indoor unit 1.

At least part of the pyroelectric infrared sensor 3 is

exposed from the casing 2 of the indoor unit 1 so as be

able to receive infrared rays from a human body. In

contrast, the indoor temperature sensor 4 is installed near an intake port 2a in the casing 2 of the indoor unit 1 in order to detect the temperature of indoor air. Note that the pyroelectric infrared sensor 3 is an example of a first sensor unit.

[0027]

A movable sensor unit 5 as an example of a second

sensor unit is rotatably mounted to a lower right side part

of the casing 2 of the indoor unit 1. The movable sensor

unit 5 includes a casing 50 having a cylindrical shape, a

Doppler sensor 51 as an example of a radar, a thermopile

infrared sensor 52, and a distance image sensor 53 as an

example of an image sensor. Here, the Doppler sensor 51 is

covered with the casing 50 and no part thereof is exposed;

however, each of the thermopile infrared sensor 52 and the

distance image sensor 53 includes a light receiving unit

exposed from the casing 50.

[0028]

FIG. 2 is a schematic view for explaining a detection

range E0 of the pyroelectric infrared sensor 3. FIG. 3 is

a schematic view for explaining a detection range El of the

Doppler sensor 51. FIG. 4 is a schematic view for

explaining a detection range E2 of the thermopile infrared

sensor 52. FIG. 5 is a schematic view for explaining a

detection range E3 of the distance image sensor 53.

[0029]

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 5, a detection range EQ

of the pyroelectric infrared sensor 3 in the horizontal

direction is wider than a detection range E3 of the Doppler

sensor 51, the thermopile infrared sensor 52, and the

distance image sensor 53 in the horizontal direction. More

specifically, the detection range E3 of the distance image

sensor 53 in the horizontal direction is wider than the

detection range E2 of the thermopile infrared sensor 52 in

the horizontal direction. In addition, the detection range

E2 of the thermopile infrared sensor 52 in the horizontal

direction is wider than the detection range El of the

Doppler sensor 51 in the horizontal direction. That is, in

the Doppler sensor 51, the thermopile infrared sensor 52,

and the distance image sensor 53, the detection range El of

the Doppler sensor 51 in the horizontal direction is the

narrowest, and the detection range E3 of the distance image

sensor 53 in the horizontal direction is the widest. Here,

the detection ranges EQ to El indicate areas where the

respective sensors can detect information on a human body.

Note that the detection range E0 of the pyroelectric

infrared sensor 3 in the horizontal direction is an example

of a first range. In addition, the detection range E3 of

the Doppler sensor 51, the thermopile infrared sensor 52,

and the distance image sensor 53 in the horizontal

direction is an example of a second range.

[0030]

The detection distances of the pyroelectric infrared

sensor 3 and the Doppler sensor 51 are longer than the

detection distances of the thermopile infrared sensor 52

and the distance image sensor 53. The detection distance

of the pyroelectric infrared sensor 3 is substantially

identical to the detection distance of the Doppler sensor

51. The detection distance of the thermopile infrared

sensor 52 is substantially identical to the detection

distance of the distance image sensor 53. That is, the

detection distances of the pyroelectric infrared sensor 3

and the Doppler sensor 51 are relatively longer, and the

detection distances of the thermopile infrared sensor 52

and the distance image sensor 53 are relatively shorter.

[0031]

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of main parts of the air

conditioner.

[0032]

The casing 2 of the indoor unit 1 includes a control

device 6 that includes a microcomputer, an input-output

circuit, and the like, and a driving device 7 that drives

the movable sensor unit 5. The control device 6 is

connected to the pyroelectric infrared sensor 3, the indoor

temperature sensor 4, the Doppler sensor 51, the thermopile

infrared sensor 52, the distance image sensor 53, the driving device 7, and the like, and receives a signal from each sensor. In addition, the control device 6 controls air conditioning operation of the casing 2 of the indoor unit 1 on the basis of information detected by at least one of the pyroelectric infrared sensor 3, the Doppler sensor

51, the thermopile infrared sensor 52, or the distance

image sensor 53.

[0033]

The pyroelectric infrared sensor 3 includes a

ferroelectric and receives infrared rays from a human body.

At this time, a change corresponding to the amount of

received infrared rays generate a spontaneous polarization

in the ferroelectric, and electric charges on the surface

of the ferroelectric increases or decreases. The control

device 6 processes a signal indicating the amount of

electric charges on the surface of the ferroelectric.

Therefore, information on body movement of a person in the

room is detected. Note that the information on body

movement of the person in the room is an example of first

information.

[0034]

The indoor temperature sensor 4 includes a thermistor,

and the resistance value thereof changes according to the

temperature of indoor air. The control device 6 detects

the temperature of the indoor air on the basis of the signal indicating the resistance value of the indoor temperature sensor 4.

[0035]

For example, the Doppler sensor 51 is a frequency

modulated continuous-wave (FM-CW) Doppler radar, and emits

a frequency-modulated microwave to a human body. At this

time, when the distance between the human body and the

Doppler sensor 51 changes, a reflected wave reflected by

the human body changes due to the Doppler effect. The

control device 6 processes the signal representing the

reflected wave from the human body. As a result,

information on a pulse and respiration of a person in the

room and information on the number of persons in the room

are detected. Note that the information on the pulse and

the respiration of the person in the room and the

information on the number of persons in the room are

examples of second information.

[0036]

When the thermopile infrared sensor 52 receives

infrared rays from a human body, an electromotive force

according to the amount of received infrared rays is

generated. The control device 6 processes the signal

indicating the electromotive force. As a result,

information on skin temperature of a person in the room is

detected. Note that the information on the skin temperature of the person in the room is an example of the second information.

[0037]

The distance image sensor 53 is, for example, a time

of-flight (TOF) distance image sensor. More specifically,

the distance image sensor 53 emits laser light toward a

human body and receives the laser light reflected by the

human body. The control device 6 processes the signal

representing the laser light reflected by the human body.

As a result, information on the distance to the person in

the room and information on the action and the posture of

the person are detected. Note that the information on the

distance to the person in the room and the information on

the action and the posture of the person are examples of

the second information.

[0038]

The control device 6 includes an indoor temperature

judging unit 61 and a drive control unit 62. Each of the

indoor temperature judging unit 61 and the drive control

unit 62 includes software.

[0039]

The indoor temperature judging unit 61 judges whether

indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature

sensor 4 is not lower than predetermined temperature. Here,

the predetermined temperature is set according to heat resistance of the pyroelectric infrared sensor 3.

Therefore, if the temperature is lower than the

predetermined temperature, the pyroelectric infrared sensor

3 can detect information or detects information accurately.

In contrast, if the temperature is not lower than the

predetermined temperature, the pyroelectric infrared sensor

3 cannot detect information or detects information

inaccurately.

[0040]

When it is judged that the indoor temperature

detected by the indoor temperature sensor 4 is lower than

the predetermined temperature, the drive control unit 62

controls driving of the movable sensor unit 5 on the basis

of information detected by the pyroelectric infrared sensor

3 (information on the body movement of a person in the

room). In contrast, when it is judged that the indoor

temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor 4 is

not lower than the predetermined temperature, the drive

control unit 62 controls driving of the movable sensor unit

on the basis of a predetermined driving condition. More

specifically, driving of the movable sensor unit 5 is

controlled so that the movable sensor unit 5 rotates by a

predetermined rotation angle. The movable sensor unit 5

repeatedly rotates until at least one of the Doppler sensor

51, the thermopile infrared sensor 52, or the distance image sensor 53 detects information. Note that, for example, the above repetition of information detection may be terminated when none of the Doppler sensor 51, the thermopile infrared sensor 52, or the distance image sensor

53 has detected information even after predetermined time

has elapsed.

[0041]

The driving device 7 includes, for example, a

stepping motor, and applies a driving force to the casing

of the movable sensor unit 5 directly or via a gear.

[0042]

Table 1 below is a table for explaining

characteristics of the pyroelectric infrared sensor 3, the

Doppler sensor 51, the thermopile infrared sensor 52, and

the distance image sensor 53.

[0043]

En 0 x 0

Ell 0 0 4-)

4 x X x 0

Q)

0

4I 0 < x x

EQ

0 4)

A E -1 0 -' x X

El)

0.

0 Xl 0 4

En

0 x~ 0 x x

0 0 0 0

0

0 -H 4-) (d x 0 0 0

>0 4 -HQ

o0 b 0 0 x

-- 3

En) En a) 0 0 x 0 0

crd

0 -H- Q) 0 IA a) E i 4 U, 4- 1)d --4 00f'Q LJ) IA0P -HOJ0 d

P4 0 0 4-) r-I A0 5 P 0 0) Q) EO ) Q) 44 ) PA4-4 )

__ _d__ -H l 04 - ___. _

[0044]

As illustrated in Table 1, the pyroelectric infrared

sensor 3, the indoor temperature sensor 4, the Doppler

sensor 51, the thermopile infrared sensor 52, and the

distance image sensor 53 can also detect information other

than the information described above. For example, the

control device 6 processing the signal from the Doppler

sensor 51, also enables detection of information on body

movement of a person in the room, information on the

distance to the person, and information on the posture of

the person.

[0045]

In addition, there is an environment where each

sensor cannot detect information. More specifically, the

distance image sensor 53 cannot detect information in an

environment where the room is dark. In addition, if the

room is in a high temperature environment, the pyroelectric

infrared sensor 3 and the thermopile infrared sensor 52

cannot detect information. In addition, the Doppler sensor

51 cannot detect information in an environment where

vibration occurs.

[0046]

Although not illustrated in Table 1, it is also

possible to obtain identification information of a person

in the room by using the distance image sensor 53. That is, the control device 6 processing a signal from the distance image sensor 53 enables personal authentication.

[0047]

Note that in Table 1, A means that accuracy of

information detection is lower than that of 0. Moreover, x

means that information cannot be detected.

[0048]

In the air conditioner having the above configuration,

in a case where a person is within the detection ranges EO

to E3 of the pyroelectric infrared sensor 3, the Doppler

sensor 51, the thermopile infrared sensor 52, and the

distance image sensor 53 in the horizontal direction, air

conditioning operation of the indoor unit 1 is controlled

on the basis of information detected by the pyroelectric

infrared sensor 3, the Doppler sensor 51, the thermopile

infrared sensor 52, and the distance image sensor 53.

Therefore, it is possible to improve compatibility between

the person in the room and the air conditioning operation

of the indoor unit 1.

[0049]

In addition, in a case where a person in the room is

within the horizontal detection range E0 of the

pyroelectric infrared sensor 3 but is not within, for

example, the detection range El of the Doppler sensor 51 in

the horizontal direction, it is possible to set the detection range El such that the person is within the detection range El by rotating the movable sensor unit 5 about the center axis of the casing 50. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the information detection capability of the Doppler sensor 51.

[0050]

In addition, in a case where the person in the room

is within the horizontal detection range E0 of the

pyroelectric infrared sensor 3 but is not within, for

example, the detection ranges E2, E3 of the thermopile

infrared sensor 52 and the distance image sensor 53 in the

horizontal direction, it is possible to set the detection

ranges E2, E3 such that the person is within the detection

ranges E2, E3 by rotating the movable sensor unit 5 about

the center axis of the casing 50.

[0051]

In addition, in a case where the casing 2 of the

indoor unit 1 is installed in a living room, for example,

after the pyroelectric infrared sensor 3 detects

information on body movement of a person in the room, the

movable sensor unit 5 may be driven on the basis of the

information so that the person is within the detection

range E3 of the distance image sensor 53 in the horizontal

direction. In this way, it is possible to shorten the time

taken for the distance image sensor 53 to detect information.

[0052]

In addition, in a case where the casing 2 of the

indoor unit 1 is installed in a bedroom, for example, after

the pyroelectric infrared sensor 3 detects information on

body movement of a person in the room, the movable sensor

unit 5 may be driven on the basis of the information so

that the person is within the detection range E2 of the

Doppler sensor 51 or the thermopile infrared sensor 52 in

the horizontal direction. In this way, it is possible to

shorten the time taken for the Doppler sensor 51 or the

thermopile infrared sensor 52 to detect information.

[0053]

As described above, it is effective to control

driving of the movable sensor unit 5 by using information

detected by the pyroelectric infrared sensor 3; however, if

the room is in a high temperature environment, the

pyroelectric infrared sensor 3 cannot detect information.

[0054]

Therefore, when it is judged that the indoor

temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor 4 is

lower than a predetermined temperature, the drive control

unit 62 controls driving of the movable sensor unit 5 on

the basis of information detected by the pyroelectric

infrared sensor 3. In contrast, when it is judged that the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor 4 is not lower than the predetermined temperature, the drive control unit 62 controls driving of the movable sensor unit 5 on the basis of a predetermined driving condition. As a result, it is possible to set the detection ranges El to E3 of the Doppler sensor 51, the thermopile infrared sensor 52, and the distance image sensor 53 such that a person is within the detection ranges

El to E3 in the horizontal direction regardless of the

indoor temperature. Therefore, it is possible to enhance

reliability of control of the drive control unit 62.

[0055]

In addition, in a case where the Doppler sensor 51

and the distance image sensor 53 detect information on the

distance between a person in the room and the indoor unit 1,

by comparing information detected by the Doppler sensor 51

and information detected by the distance image sensor 53,

it is possible to accurately detect the distance between

the person in the room and the indoor unit. Such detection

is effective when there is a plurality of persons in the

room.

[0056]

In the above embodiment, the movable sensor unit 5

includes the Doppler sensor 51, the thermopile infrared

sensor 52, and the distance image sensor 53. However, for example, the movable sensor unit may include only one or two of the Doppler sensor 51, the thermopile infrared sensor 52, or the distance image sensor 53.

[0057]

In the above embodiment, the detection ranges El to

E3 of the Doppler sensor 51, the thermopile infrared sensor

52, and the distance image sensor 53 in the horizontal

direction are movable in the horizontal direction; however,

for example, they may be movable in the vertical direction.

[0058]

In the above embodiment, the movable sensor unit 5 is

rotatably mounted to the casing 2 of the indoor unit 1;

however, for example, it may be installed on the wall

surface 101 or the top surface at a predetermined distance

from the casing 2 of the indoor unit 1. That is, the

movable sensor unit 5 is integrated with the indoor unit 1;

however, for example, it may be separated from the indoor

unit 1. In such a case, for example, a base member may be

fixed to the wall surface 101 or the top surface, and the

movable sensor unit 5 may be rotatably mounted to the base

member.

[0059]

In the above embodiment, the shape of the casing 50

of the movable'sensor unit 5 is a cylindrical shape;

however, for example, it may be a quadrangular prism shape.

[00601

In the above embodiment, the Doppler sensor 51, the

thermopile infrared sensor 52, and the distance image

sensor 53 rotate integrally; however, for example, they may

rotate independently.

[0061]

In the above embodiment, each of the indoor

temperature judging unit 61 and the drive control unit 62

includes software. However, for example, at least one of

the indoor temperature judging unit 61 or the drive control

unit 62 may include hardware.

[0062]

In the above embodiment, when it is judged that

indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature

sensor 4 is lower than the predetermined temperature,

driving of the movable sensor unit 5 is controlled on the

basis of information detected by the pyroelectric infrared

sensor 3. However, driving of the movable sensor unit 5

may be controlled on the basis of, for example, a

predetermined driving condition.

[0063]

In the above embodiment, the pyroelectric infrared

sensor 3 does not rotate as the movable sensor unit 5 does;

however, for example, it may rotate as the movable sensor

unit 5 does.

[0064]

In the above embodiment, the pyroelectric infrared

sensor 3 is mounted to the casing 2 of the indoor unit 1.

However, for example, a distance image sensor 53 may be

mounted to the casing 2. Also in such a case, for example,

the distance image sensor 53 may be undrivable or may be

drivable with respect to the casing 2 of the indoor unit 1.

[0065]

In the above embodiment, the FM-CW Doppler sensor 51

is used as an example of the radar. However, the radar is

not limited to this. For example, a pulse radar, a

continuous wave (CW) radar, a FM-CW radar, or another

Doppler radar except for a FM-CW Doppler radar may be used.

[0066]

Although a specific embodiment of the present

invention has been described, the present invention is not

limited to the above embodiment and modifications thereof,

and various changes can be made within the scope of the

present invention. For example, some of the contents

described in the above embodiment may be deleted or

replaced to obtain one embodiment of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0067]

1 Indoor unit

2, 50 Casing

3 Pyroelectric infrared sensor

4 Indoor temperature sensor

Movable sensor unit

6 Control device

7 Driving device

51 Doppler sensor

52 Thermopile infrared sensor

53 Distance image sensor

61 Indoor temperature judging unit

62 Drive control unit

EO to E3 Detection range

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising: an indoor unit; a driving device; a first sensor unit configured to detect first information on a person in a room; a second sensor unit configured to detect second information on the person, the second information being different from the first information, the second sensor unit being configured to be driven by the driving device, wherein a second range in which the second sensor unit is capable of detecting the second information is smaller than a first range in which the first sensor unit is capable of detecting the first information; an indoor temperature sensor configured to detect indoor temperature; and a control device configured to control air conditioning operation of the indoor unit on a basis of the first information and the second information, wherein the control device includes an indoor temperature judging unit configured to judge whether the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor is not lower than a predetermined temperature, and a drive control unit configured to control driving of the second sensor unit on a basis of the first information in a case where it is judged that the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor is lower than the predetermined temperature.

2. An air conditioner comprising: an indoor unit; a driving device; a first sensor unit configured to detect first information on a person in a room; a second sensor unit configured to detect second information on the person, the second information being different from the first information, the second sensor unit being configured to be driven by the driving device, wherein a second range in which the second sensor unit is capable of detecting the second information is smaller than a first range in which the first sensor unit is capable of detecting the first information; an indoor temperature sensor configured to detect indoor temperature; and a control device configured to control air conditioning operation of the indoor unit on a basis of the first information and the second information, wherein the control device includes an indoor temperature judging unit configured to judge whether the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor is not lower than a predetermined temperature, and a drive control unit configured to control driving of the second sensor unit on a basis of not the first information but a predetermined driving condition in a case where it is judged that the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor is not lower than the predetermined temperature.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first sensor unit includes a pyroelectric infrared sensor.

4. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second sensor unit includes at least one of a radar, a thermopile infrared sensor, or an image sensor.

Daikin Industries, Ltd. Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON & FERGUSON