JP2021096050A - Environment control system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an environment control system that can improve work efficiency of an operator more reliably.SOLUTION: An environment control system includes: an air conditioning device body 1 formed with an air outlet; human body detection means for detecting a direction of a user A within an object range; and control means for controlling the air conditioning device body 1 to execute an operation of blowing air out toward the user A within the object range in accordance with a detection result by the human body detection means. The control means controls at least one of an air volume, a wind direction and a wind temperature of the air blown out from the air outlet in accordance with the direction of the user A to the air outlet within the object range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present disclosure relates to an environmental control system.

Patent Document 1 describes an environmental control system for improving the work efficiency of workers. The environmental control system described in Patent Document 1 forms an air flow in a work space so as to maintain or improve the degree of concentration, which is the degree of concentration of consciousness of an operator. Specifically, this environmental control system includes an airflow forming device that forms an airflow so as to blow wind to the user.

International Publication No. 2015/10607

In the technique described in Patent Document 1 above, the orientation of the user to whom the wind is applied is not taken into consideration. Therefore, for example, when a strong wind is applied to the front of the user's face, the user may feel uncomfortable due to dry eyes or strong chills. In this case, the work efficiency is lowered.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an environmental control system capable of more reliably improving the work efficiency of a user.

The environmental control system according to the present disclosure includes an air conditioner main body in which an air outlet is formed, a human body detecting means for detecting the direction of a human body within a target range, and an operation of blowing air toward a human body within the target range. It is provided with a control means for the main body of the conditioned device to execute. The control means controls at least one or more of the air volume, the wind direction, and the air temperature of the air blown out from the air outlet according to the direction of the human body with respect to the air outlet within the target range.

The environmental control system according to the present disclosure is a human body detecting means for detecting the orientation of the human body within the target range, and the control means is the air blown out from the outlet according to the direction of the human body within the target range with respect to the outlet. A control means for controlling at least one or more of an air volume, an air direction, and an air temperature is provided. According to the environmental control system according to the present disclosure configured as described above, the work efficiency of the user can be improved more reliably.

It is a perspective view of the air conditioner main body provided with the air conditioner which constitutes the environmental control system of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the louver provided in the air conditioner main body of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the environmental control system of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a control flow diagram of the environmental control system of Embodiment 1. It is a figure explaining the operation setting example of the environment control system of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining the modification of the operation setting example of the environment control system of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the environmental control system of Embodiment 2. It is a control flow diagram of the environmental control system of Embodiment 2. It is a control flow diagram of the environmental control system of Embodiment 3. It is a figure explaining the operation example of the environmental control system of Embodiment 3. It is a figure explaining the environmental control system of Embodiment 4.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in each figure indicate the same parts or corresponding parts. Further, in the present disclosure, duplicate description will be simplified or omitted as appropriate. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. The present disclosure may include various modifications and combinations of configurations disclosed by each of the following embodiments, to the extent that it does not deviate from its gist.

Embodiment 1.
The environmental control system according to the present embodiment suppresses a decrease in the work efficiency of the user or improves the work efficiency by blowing air to the user within the target range. The environmental control system according to the present embodiment includes an air conditioner capable of blowing air into the target range. The environmental control system according to the present disclosure may be composed of a single air conditioner, or may be composed of an air conditioner and an external device that cooperates with the air conditioner.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner main body 1 included in the air conditioner constituting the environmental control system of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a louver included in the air conditioner main body 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the portion A surrounded by a broken line in FIG. The air conditioner main body 1 is a device sometimes also referred to as an “indoor unit”. The air conditioner main body 1 is installed, for example, on the ceiling surface of a room in which a space to be covered is formed.

The air conditioner main body 1 can perform an air conditioning operation including a cooling operation for blowing cold air, a heating operation for blowing warm air, and a blowing operation for blowing normal temperature air. Further, the air conditioner main body 1 according to the present embodiment can execute a work efficiency improving operation of blowing wind toward the user.

As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner main body 1 includes a housing 30. The housing 30 of the air conditioner main body 1 is formed in a box shape having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. A rectangular or square lower surface panel 31 is provided below the housing 30 of the air conditioner main body 1. A suction port 5 is formed on the lower surface panel 31. The suction port 5 is an opening for taking in air from the outside into the housing 30. As an example, the suction port 5 is arranged in the center of the lower surface panel 31.

An air outlet 20 is formed on the lower surface panel 31. The air outlet 20 is an opening for discharging air from the inside of the housing 30 to the outside. In the present embodiment, the lower surface panel 31 is formed with four outlets 20 as an example. The four outlets 20 are arranged around the suction port 5. Each of the four outlets 20 is provided along each side of the lower surface panel 31. As described above, the environmental control system according to the present embodiment includes the air conditioner main body 1 in which at least one outlet 20 is formed.

An outdoor unit is connected to the air conditioner main body 1 via a pipe through which a refrigerant flows. The illustration of the piping and the outdoor unit is omitted in the present disclosure. Further, the illustration of each device constituting the refrigeration cycle required for the air conditioner to execute the air conditioning operation and the blower fan for blowing air from the air outlet 20 is also omitted in the present disclosure. Each device constituting the refrigeration cycle includes, for example, a heat exchanger, a compressor, and the like.

Inside the housing 30, an air passage leading from the suction port 5 to the air outlet 20 is formed. A heat exchanger and a blower fan (not shown) are installed in the air passage leading from the suction port 5 to the air outlet 20. The heat exchanger heats or cools the air by exchanging heat between the air flowing through the air passage and the refrigerant. Whether the air is heated or cooled by the heat exchanger depends on the type of air conditioning operation performed by the air conditioner. The heat exchanger heats or cools the air to adjust the temperature, humidity, etc. of the air and generate conditioned air. Specifically, during the heating operation, the heat exchanger heats the air. During the cooling operation, the heat exchanger cools the air. Further, during the ventilation operation, the air that has passed through the heat exchanger is generated as conditioned air at room temperature.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air conditioner main body 1 includes upper and lower louvers 2 and left and right louvers 4. The upper and lower louvers 2 and the left and right louvers 4 are provided at each of the air outlets 20. The upper and lower louvers 2 are for adjusting the blowing angle of the air blown out from the outlet 20 in the vertical direction. The left and right louvers 4 are for adjusting the blowing angle of the air blown out from the air outlet 20 in the left-right direction.

The upper and lower louvers 2 are members having a rectangular plate shape. One end of the upper and lower louvers 2 is rotatably attached to a portion of the edge portion of the air outlet 20 on the central side of the lower surface panel 31. By rotating the vertical louver 2 around this one end, the vertical blow-out angle of the air blown out from the air outlet 20 is changed.

The left and right louvers 4 are composed of a plurality of members having a rectangular plate shape. The plurality of members having a rectangular plate shape are arranged so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the air outlet 20. One end of the left and right louvers 4 is rotatably attached to the inner portion of the edge of the air outlet 20. By rotating the left and right louvers 4 around one end, the angle of air blown out from the air outlet 20 in the left-right direction is changed.

The upper and lower louvers 2 and the left and right louvers 4 configured as described above are examples of wind direction changing means capable of changing the wind direction of the air blown out from the air outlet 20. The air conditioner according to the present embodiment can blow air in various directions by changing the combination of the directions of the upper and lower louvers 2 and the directions of the left and right louvers 4.

The blower fan is for generating an air flow from the suction port 5 to the air outlet 20 in the air passage inside the housing 30. When the blower fan operates, air is sucked in from the suction port 5 and air is blown out from the air outlet 20.

The air sucked from the suction port 5 passes through the air passage inside the housing 30 of the air conditioner main body 1 in the order of the heat exchanger and the blower fan. The air that has passed through the blower fan, that is, the conditioned air, is blown out from the outlet 20. During the heating operation, warm air is blown out from the outlet 20. During the cooling operation, cold air is blown out from the air outlet 20. During the blowing operation, the air at room temperature is blown out from the air outlet 20. At this time, the direction in which the air is blown out from the outlet 20 is adjusted by the upper and lower louvers 2 and the left and right louvers 4 arranged on the leeward side of the blower fan. The air conditioner main body 1 can blow air of various temperatures in various directions.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the surface temperature sensor 3 is attached to the lower surface panel 31. The surface temperature sensor 3 has, for example, a plurality of thermopile arranged in one direction. Each of the plurality of thermopile has an element capable of receiving infrared rays and detecting temperature individually. Then, the surface temperature sensor 3 can operate so as to change the direction orthogonal to the above-mentioned one direction of the plurality of thermopile. The surface temperature sensor 3 can detect the surface temperature of an object within a preset target range in a non-contact manner by scanning each of a plurality of thermopile arranged in one direction.

The surface temperature sensor 3 may have an SOI diode type uncooled infrared image sensor. "SOI" is an abbreviation for "Silicon On Insulator". When the surface temperature sensor 3 is of the SOI diode type, a silicon diode is used for the sensor unit. Therefore, the SOI diode type surface temperature sensor 3 can be manufactured on a semiconductor manufacturing line, and has an advantage that the production cost is low. Like the surface temperature sensor 3 having a plurality of thermopile, the SOI diode type surface temperature sensor 3 can detect the surface temperature of an object within a preset target range in a non-contact manner. As described above, any type of sensor is used for the surface temperature sensor 3.

With the above configuration, the surface temperature sensor 3 scans the target range and acquires the surface temperature distribution data within the target range. The surface temperature distribution data is also referred to as thermal image data. The detection result of the surface temperature sensor 3, that is, the surface temperature distribution data within the target range is processed by the controller unit 6 or the like described later. As a result, the position of the human body existing within the target range is detected. In addition, the positions of obstacles such as floors, walls, and desks within the target range are detected. Further, the controller unit 6 determines the orientation of the human body from the temperature distribution information of the human body and the moving direction information of the human body included in the surface temperature distribution data within the target range. As described above, the position and orientation of the user of the environmental control system are detected. The surface temperature sensor 3 in the present embodiment constitutes an example of a human body detecting means for detecting the orientation of the human body within the target range. Specifically, the surface temperature sensor 3 detects the orientation of the human body within the target range with respect to the air outlet 20. Further, the surface temperature sensor 3, which is an example of the human body detecting means in the present embodiment, also detects the position of the human body within the target range.

The method of detecting the position of the human body within the target range and the direction of the human body with respect to the air outlet 20 is not limited to the acquisition of thermal image data. The detection of the position of the human body within the target range and the orientation of the human body with respect to the air outlet 20 may be performed, for example, by acquiring the actual image data and processing the actual image data. As an example of the human body detecting means, the environmental control system according to the present disclosure may include a camera or the like that captures an actual image instead of the surface temperature sensor 3. Further, the device for detecting the position of the human body and the device for detecting the orientation of the human body may be different devices. The human body detection means included in the environmental control system according to the present disclosure may be composed of a plurality of devices. Devices such as the surface temperature sensor 3 and the above-mentioned camera may be provided outside the air conditioner main body 1. Further, the information on the positions of obstacles such as the floor surface, the wall surface, and the desk within the target range may be stored in advance in the controller unit 6 or the like described later.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the environmental control system of the first embodiment. The environmental control system of this embodiment includes a controller unit 6 and a control board 11. The controller unit 6 and the control board 11 are provided in the air conditioner main body 1 as an integrated device, for example. The controller unit 6 and the control board 11 may be provided as external devices of the air conditioner main body 1. One of the controller unit 6 and the control board 11 may be provided in the air conditioner main body 1, and the other may be provided as an external device.

The controller unit 6 controls the operation of the surface temperature sensor 3. Further, the controller unit 6 processes the surface temperature distribution data output from the surface temperature sensor 3. The controller unit 6 includes, for example, an information acquisition unit 7, a position determination unit 8, and an orientation determination unit 9.

The information acquisition unit 7 acquires the surface temperature distribution data output from the surface temperature sensor 3. The position determination unit 8 determines the position of an object within the target range based on the surface temperature distribution data acquired by the information acquisition unit 7.

As described above, the surface temperature sensor 3 scans within the target range to acquire surface temperature distribution data. The surface temperature distribution data obtained by performing the scanning once by the surface temperature sensor 3 is recorded in, for example, the position determination unit 8. After that, the surface temperature sensor 3 scans the target range again and acquires the surface temperature distribution data again. The surface temperature distribution data acquired again is recorded in the position determination unit 8. The plurality of surface temperature distribution data acquired by the surface temperature sensor 3 are recorded in time series. The position determination unit 8 can determine whether or not an object within the target range has moved by comparing a plurality of surface temperature distribution data.

When the target range is a space in an office or the like, the object moving within the target range is considered to be a user, that is, a human body. The position determination unit 8 determines an object that has moved within the target range as a human body by comparing a plurality of surface temperature distribution data.

On the other hand, it is considered that obstacles such as desks, floor surfaces and wall surfaces do not move for a certain period of time and exist in fixed positions. The position determination unit 8 may record in advance the position information of obstacles such as desks and objects that do not move for a certain period of time such as floors and walls. The position determination unit 8 may determine the position of the human body based on the position information of an object that does not move for a certain period of time recorded in advance and the surface temperature distribution data acquired by the surface temperature sensor 3.

Further, the orientation determination unit 9 determines the orientation of the human body with respect to the outlet 20 based on the surface temperature distribution data acquired by the information acquisition unit 7. For example, the orientation determination unit 9 determines the orientation of the human body based on the temperature information included in the surface temperature distribution data. Further, the orientation determination unit 9 may determine the orientation of the human body from, for example, the shape of the thermal image obtained by the surface temperature sensor 3. The orientation determination unit 9 is based on, for example, information on the position of obstacles such as a floor surface, a wall surface, and a desk within a preset target range and information on the position of the human body determined by the position determination unit 8. The orientation may be determined. The functions of the position determination unit 8 and the orientation determination unit 9 may be realized by, for example, AI or the like.

The control board 11 is equipped with a control circuit for controlling the overall operating operation of the air conditioner including the air conditioner main body 1. The control board 11 includes, for example, an information processing unit 12, a control unit 13, a louver control unit 14, a compressor control unit 15, and a fan motor control unit 16.

The louver control unit 14 controls the wind direction of the air blown out from the air outlet 20 by controlling the operations of the upper and lower louvers 2 and the left and right louvers 4. Specifically, the louver control unit 14 electrically controls devices such as a motor (not shown) for moving the upper and lower louvers 2 and the left and right louvers 4.

The compressor control unit 15 controls the operation of the compressor. The compressor compresses the refrigerant and distributes the refrigerant into the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit and the air conditioner main body 1. The compressor control unit 15 controls the operation of the compressor to control the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger. As a result, the air temperature of the air blown out from the air outlet 20 is controlled.

Further, the fan motor control unit 16 controls the operation of the fan motor for driving the blower fan of the air conditioner main body 1. The fan motor control unit 16 controls the rotation speed of the blower fan to control the amount of air blown from the outlet 20. The compressor, heat exchanger, blower fan, and fan motor configured as described above are examples of blower means for selectively generating hot air, cold air, and normal temperature air and blowing them out from the outlet 20.

The information processing unit 12 determines the control content of the air conditioner based on the information on the position of the human body within the target range detected by the surface temperature sensor 3 and the controller unit 6 and the information on the orientation of the human body. The control unit 13 outputs specific control commands to each of the louver control unit 14, the compressor control unit 15, and the fan motor control unit 16 according to the control contents determined by the information processing unit 12. The louver control unit 14, the compressor control unit 15, and the fan motor control unit 16 control the operations of the upper and lower louvers 2, the left and right louvers 4, the compressor, and the fan motor in accordance with a control command from the control unit 13.

The control board 11 including the information processing unit 12, the control unit 13, the louver control unit 14, the compressor control unit 15, and the fan motor control unit 16 configured as described above controls the operation of the air conditioner main body 1. This is an example of control means. The control board 11 includes a surface temperature sensor 3 which is an example of a human body detecting means, an upper / lower louver 2 and a left / right louver 4 which are an example of a wind direction changing means, and a compressor, a heat exchanger, a blower fan and a fan which are an example of a blower means. Controls the motor.

As described above, the air conditioner main body 1 can execute the work efficiency improving operation. The work efficiency improving operation is an operation of blowing air toward the user, that is, the human body. By this work efficiency improving operation, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the work efficiency of the user or improve the work efficiency. At the time of executing the work efficiency improving operation, the air conditioner main body 1 blows air at room temperature or cold air from the air outlet 20 toward the human body. The wind direction and speed of the air blown out by the air conditioner main body 1 at the time of executing the work efficiency improving operation may be constant or may change. For example, the louver control unit 14 may control the upper and lower louvers 2 and the left and right louvers 4 so that the fluctuating airflow hits the human body when the work efficiency improving operation is executed. Specifically, the louver control unit 14 may continue to move at least one of the upper and lower louvers 2 and the left and right louvers 4 when the work efficiency improving operation is executed.

The environmental control system that executes the work efficiency improvement operation will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a control flow diagram of the environmental control system of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation setting example of the environmental control system according to the first embodiment.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, there is one user A in the target range. First, the position of the user is detected (step S101) and the orientation of the user with respect to the outlet 20 is detected (step S102). The processes of steps S101 and S102 are executed by the surface temperature sensor 3 and the controller unit 6.

The control board 11 causes the air conditioner main body 1 to execute the air working efficiency improving operation based on the detection result in step S101 (step S103). As shown in FIG. 5, the air conditioner main body 1 blows air toward the position of the user A within the target range.

Here, in the present embodiment, the control board 11 has at least one of the air volume, the wind direction, and the air temperature of the air blown out from the air outlet 20 according to the direction of the user A within the target range with respect to the air outlet 20. It is characterized by controlling one or more. The information processing unit 12 of the control board 11 determines the wind direction, the air volume, and the air temperature based on the detection result in step S102 (step S104). The control unit 13 of the control board 11 outputs specific control commands to each of the louver control unit 14, the compressor control unit 15, and the fan motor control unit 16 according to the control content determined by the information processing unit 12 in step S104. .. As a result, the main body of the air conditioner is controlled to operate according to the direction of the user A with respect to the air outlet 20 within the target range (step S105).

FIG. 5 shows examples of operation settings for the case where the front surface of the user A faces the air outlet 20 and the case where the back surface of the user A faces the air outlet 20. .. When the front surface of the user A faces the air outlet 20, for example, the wind direction is controlled so that the air is blown to the hand of the user A. As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent the eyes of the user A from becoming dry. According to this example, the decrease in work efficiency is suppressed.

On the other hand, when the back surface of the user A faces the air outlet 20, the wind direction is controlled so that, for example, the air is blown to the neck of the user. Thereby, for example, the vicinity of the head of the user A is effectively cooled, and the work efficiency of the user can be effectively improved. As described above, the control board 11 which is an example of the control means changes the wind direction according to the direction of the user A with respect to the air outlet 20.

Further, for example, when the user A receives a strong wind having a wind speed of 0.5 m / s or more from the front to the upper body, he / she may feel dry eyes or chills. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, when the front surface of the user A faces the air outlet 20, the air volume is small, specifically, the wind speed at the position of the user A is 0.3 m / /. It may be about s.

On the other hand, when the back surface of the user A faces the air outlet 20, the air volume may be moderate, specifically, about 0.5 m / s. For example, when the hair of the user A extends from the back of the head to the neck, a stronger wind is required to cool the user A. In this example, when the back surface of the user A faces the air outlet 20, the air volume is made larger than when the back surface of the user A faces the air outlet 20. Person A can be effectively cooled to effectively improve work efficiency. As described above, the control board 11 which is an example of the control means may change the air volume according to the direction of the user A with respect to the air outlet 20.

For example, when the side surface of the user A faces the air outlet 20, the air is blown to the hand of the user A as in the case where the front surface of the user A faces the air outlet 20. , The wind direction may be controlled. This suppresses discomfort. Further, although not shown, the air temperature may be changed according to the direction of the user A. For example, when the front surface of the user A faces the air outlet 20, the air temperature may be set higher than when the back surface of the user A faces the air outlet 20. As a result, the possibility that the user A feels chills due to the wind received from the front is reduced.

The operation setting example shown in FIG. 5 is just an example. An operation different from the operation example shown in FIG. 5 may be performed. For example, when the front surface of the user A faces the air outlet 20, the wind direction may be controlled so that the air is blown while avoiding the user A. Further, when the front surface of the user A faces the air outlet 20, for example, the air blowing may be stopped so that the air volume becomes zero.

The environmental control system according to the embodiment shown above has a surface temperature sensor 3 that detects the orientation of the human body within the target range, and blows out from the outlet 20 according to the orientation of the human body within the target range with respect to the outlet 20. A control board 11 for controlling at least one or more of an air volume, an air direction, and an air temperature to be produced is provided. According to the environmental control system configured as described above, the work efficiency of the user can be improved more reliably by considering the orientation of the human body within the target range, that is, the user.

Further, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the operation setting example of the environmental control system according to the first embodiment. The air volume, direction, and temperature of the air blown from the air outlet 20 of the air conditioner main body 1 may be controlled according to the position of the human body within the target range. The environmental control system is configured to detect, for example, in which of the preset blowing areas 40 the user A is located. Then, the air is blown toward the area where the user A is.

In the modified example shown in FIG. 6, when it is detected that the user A is in the area B, air is blown toward the area B. Then, at least one of the air volume, the wind direction, and the air temperature of the air blown out from the air outlet 20 is controlled according to the direction of the user A in the area B.

Further, in the modified example shown in FIG. 6, when it is detected that the user A is in the area C, air is blown toward the area C. This area C is an area farther from the air outlet 20 than the area B. When there is a user A in the area C, that is, when the position of the user A is farther from the outlet 20, the air volume is increased. As a result, the wind can be reliably blown by the user A regardless of the position of the user A.

For example, when the distance from the position of the user A to the position of the air outlet 20 is short, the user A may feel cold air or the like even if the air volume is reduced and the air is blown to the hand. Therefore, for example, when the distance from the position of the user A to the position of the air outlet 20 is shorter than the reference distance, that is, when the user A is in the area near the air outlet 20, the user A is avoided. The wind direction may be controlled so that the air is blown. When the user A is in an area near the air outlet 20, the air temperature may be raised as compared with the case where the user A is in an area farther than the area.

Further, when the user A is in an area near the air outlet 20, even if the back surface of the user A faces the air outlet 20, the wind direction is set so that the air is blown while avoiding the user A. It may be controlled. Further, when the user A is in the area near the air outlet 20, when the back surface of the user A faces the air outlet 20, the wind hits the clothing part such as the back instead of the neck. The wind direction may be controlled.

In this way, by considering the position of the human body within the target range in addition to the orientation of the user, the work efficiency of the user can be improved more reliably.

Embodiment 2.
Next, the second embodiment will be described. The same or corresponding parts as those in the first embodiment will be simplified and omitted, and the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the environmental control system of the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a control flow diagram of the environmental control system of the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the controller unit 6 includes a hot / cold feeling determination unit 10. The hot / cold feeling determination unit 10 determines the hot / cold feeling of the human body based on the surface temperature of the human body detected by the surface temperature sensor 3. For example, when the surface temperature of the user detected by the surface temperature sensor 3 exceeds the reference value, the temperature / cold sensation determination unit 10 determines that the user is feeling the heat. For example, when the surface temperature of the user detected by the surface temperature sensor 3 is lower than the reference value, the temperature / cold sensation determination unit 10 determines that the user feels cold.

Since steps S201 to S205 in FIG. 8 are the same as steps S101 to S105 in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. After the control according to the orientation and position of the user is executed in step S205, the warm / cold feeling of the user is determined by the above-mentioned hot / cold feeling determination unit 10 (step S206). Then, the wind direction, the air volume, and the air temperature are reset according to the determination result in step S206 (step S207). The air conditioner main body 1 is controlled to operate at the wind direction, air volume, and air temperature reset in step S207 (step S208).

According to the present embodiment, the work efficiency of the user can be improved more reliably by considering the feeling of warmth and coldness actually felt by the user.

The determination of the user's feeling of warmth and coldness is not limited to that performed based on the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature sensor 3. For example, the feeling of warmth or coldness of the user may be determined according to the operation of the remote controller of the user. For example, when the user operates the remote controller to raise the set temperature of the air conditioner, it may be determined that the user is cold. When the user operates the remote controller to set the wind direction of the air conditioner away from himself / herself, it may be determined that the user is cold. When the user operates the remote controller to reduce the air volume of the air conditioner, the user may be determined to be cold. Further, for example, estimation and determination of a feeling of warmth and coldness may be executed based on environmental information such as the temperature of the floor and walls around the human body or room temperature.

Further, the environmental control system may include a storage means for storing the determination result of the feeling of warmth and coldness. Then, the environmental control system may be provided with a personal identification means for identifying a user in the target space. The environmental control system may operate by utilizing the determination result of the feeling of warmth and coldness stored in the storage means at the next operation.

Embodiment 3.
Next, the third embodiment will be described. The same or corresponding parts as those of the above-described embodiments will be simplified and omitted, and the differences from the respective embodiments will be mainly described. FIG. 9 is a control flow diagram of the environmental control system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the environmental control system according to the third embodiment.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, there are a plurality of users within the target range. For example, within the target range, there are two users, a user B1 in the area B and a user C1 in the area C. In the present embodiment, the positions and orientations of the human bodies of the plurality of users are detected (steps S301 and S302).

Then, the priority of the user who blows the wind by the work efficiency improving operation is set (step S303). The priority order is set from, for example, a feeling of warmth and coldness determined based on the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature sensor 3.

The method of setting the priority of the user is not limited to the one based on the feeling of warmth and coldness. It may be provided with means for setting the constitution of each user, for example, whether it is hot or cold. The priority of the user may be set according to the constitution of each individual. In addition, the priority of the user may be set according to, for example, the time spent in the room. Users who have been in the room for a long time are likely to have reduced work efficiency, so it is advisable to set a high priority.

In addition, the environmental control system may include a biological information detecting means for detecting biological information of each individual such as heart rate, skin temperature, brain wave, blood pressure, body temperature, exercise amount, and metabolic amount. Specifically, the biological information detecting means can be realized by a wearable device or the like. The priority of the user may be set based on the biological information detected by the biological information detecting means. In addition, the priority of users may be set according to the work performance of each user. The work result is, for example, an estimation result of drowsiness estimated from the degree of eye opening and the number of blinks, an input frequency and speed to a work electronic device, and the like.

When the priority is set in step S303, the air conditioner main body 1 is controlled so that the work efficiency improving operation is performed based on the priority (step S304). The air conditioner main body 1 operates so that a user having a high priority is given priority in cooling. For example, when the priority of the user B1 is higher than that of the user C1, the air is first blown to the user B1. After that, the air is blown to the user C1. Further, the air volume of the air sent to the user B1 having a high priority may be larger than the air volume of the air sent to the user C1 having a low priority. Further, the air temperature of the air sent to the user B1 having a high priority may be lower than the air temperature of the air sent to the user C1 having a low priority. Since steps S304 to S306 are the same as steps S103 to S105 of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

According to this embodiment, when there are a plurality of users within the target range, the work efficiency of each user can be efficiently improved.

Embodiment 4.
Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. The same or corresponding parts as those of the above-described embodiments will be simplified and omitted, and the differences from the respective embodiments will be mainly described. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an environmental control system according to the fourth embodiment.

The environmental control system according to the present embodiment includes a first air conditioner main body 1 and a second air conditioner main body 1a. The second air conditioner main body 1a is an apparatus configured in the same manner as the first air conditioner main body 1. A blowing area 40a is set in the second air conditioner main body 1a. A first air outlet 20 is formed in the first air conditioner main body 1. A second air outlet 20 is formed in the second air conditioner main body 1a.

In the present embodiment, the first air conditioner main body 1 and the second air conditioner main body 1a cooperate with each other. FIG. 11 shows, as an example, a case where there are a plurality of users in the target range. In the example of FIG. 11, there are a user C1 in the area C and a user D1 in the area D within the target range.

The first air conditioner main body 1 blows air to the user D1 in the area D in the blowing area 40 of the first air conditioner main body 1 by the work efficiency improving operation. The wind direction, air volume, and air temperature of the air sent to the user D1 are controlled according to the direction of the user D1.

Further, for the user C1 in the area C belonging to both the blowing area 40 of the first air conditioner main body 1 and the blowing area 40a of the second air conditioner main body 1a, for example, the first Both the air conditioner main body 1 and the second air conditioner main body 1a blow air by the work efficiency improving operation. At this time, the first air conditioner main body 1 blows air to the hand of the user C1 who faces the front with respect to the first air outlet 20. On the other hand, the second air conditioner main body 1a blows air to the neck of the user C1 whose back is facing the second air outlet 20. As a result, the user C1 can effectively receive the wind on the whole body without feeling uncomfortable.

As shown in FIG. 11, for example, only the second air conditioner main body 1a may blow air to the user C1 in the area C. For example, when it is desired to prioritize and improve the work efficiency of the user C1, both the first air conditioner main body 1 and the second air conditioner main body 1a may blow air to the user C1. When it is desired to evenly improve the work efficiency between the user C1 and the user D1, the first air conditioner main body 1 blows air to the user, and the second air conditioner main body 1a sends the air conditioner main body 1a to the user C1. May be blown. As described above, the cooperation between the first air conditioner main body 1 and the second air conditioner main body 1a is controlled according to the number and state of the human bodies existing in the target space.

1 Air conditioner body, 1a Air conditioner body, 2 Vertical louver, 3 Surface temperature sensor, 4 Left and right louvers, 5 Suction port, 6 Controller unit, 7 Information acquisition unit, 8 Position determination unit, 9 Direction determination unit, 10 Temperature Cold sensation judgment unit, 11 control board, 12 information processing unit, 13 control unit, 14 louver control unit, 15 compressor control unit, 16 fan motor control unit, 20 outlet, 30 housing, 31 bottom panel, 40 blowout Area, 40a louver area

Claims (8)

The main body of the air conditioner with the air outlet formed,
A human body detection means that detects the orientation of the human body within the target range,
A control means for causing the main body of the air conditioner to perform an operation of blowing air toward a human body within the target range.
With
The control means is characterized in that it controls at least one or more of the air volume, the wind direction, and the air temperature of the air blown out from the air outlet according to the direction of the human body within the target range with respect to the air outlet. Control system. The human body detecting means detects the position of the human body within the target range and
The first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the control means controls at least one or more of the air volume, the wind direction, and the air temperature of the air blown out from the outlet according to the position of the human body within the target range. Environmental control system. The control means is characterized in that at least one or more of the air volume, the wind direction, and the air temperature of the air blown out from the air outlet is controlled according to the feeling of warmth and coldness of the human body within the target range. Alternatively, the environmental control system according to claim 2. The control means sets priorities for a plurality of human bodies within the target range, and controls at least one or more of the air volume, wind direction, and air temperature of the air blown out from the outlet according to the priorities. The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the environmental control system is characterized by the above. The first air conditioner main body in which the first air outlet is formed, and
The second air conditioner main body in which the second air outlet is formed, and
A human body detecting means for detecting the position of the human body within the target range, the orientation of the human body with respect to the first outlet, and the orientation of the human body with respect to the second outlet.
A control means for causing the first air conditioner main body and the second air conditioner main body to perform an operation of blowing air toward a human body within the target range.
With
The control means is blown out from the first outlet according to the position of the human body within the target range, the orientation of the human body with respect to the first outlet, and the orientation of the human body with respect to the second outlet. An environmental control system characterized by controlling at least one of the air volume, the wind direction, the air temperature, and the air volume, the wind direction, and the air temperature of the air blown out from the second outlet. The control means has the air volume, the wind direction, the air temperature, and the air blown out from the second outlet according to the feeling of warmth and coldness of the human body within the target range. The environmental control system according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the air volume, the wind direction, and the air temperature is controlled. The control means sets priorities for a plurality of human bodies within the target range, and the air volume, wind direction, air temperature, and the first The environmental control system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein at least one of the air volume, the wind direction, and the air temperature of the air blown out from the air outlet of 2 is controlled. The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the human body detecting means detects the orientation of the human body in a non-contact manner.

Images