JPH0278795A - Electric fan - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To send the air efficiently and uniformly without any complicated operation by controlling the fan head part so that it is carried out either or both of vertical oscillation and lateral oscillation to send the air to the range containing the detected area of a man detecting sensor at least laid in the detecting condition. CONSTITUTION:A driving circuit 37 forming a part of a control means 33 is controlled by an operation control circuit 34 to drive a blade driving motor 12. A driving circuit 35 drives a lateral oscillation motor 9. A driving circuit 36 drives a vertical oscillation motor 10. Light receivers 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, man detecting sensors 22-27, and each switch 29-32 are connected to the operation control circuit 34. The operation control circuit 34 controls each driving circuit 35-37 based on each input signal.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention is provided with a human detection sensor for detecting the presence of a person located in front, and the ventilation operation is performed by the output of this human detection sensor. This invention relates to an electric fan that is controlled.

(Prior Art) In recent years, electric fans are equipped with a human detection sensor that detects the presence of a person, and when the human detection sensor detects the presence of a person in front, the fan automatically drives the blade drive motor. A fan is provided that blows air and swings the head of the fan laterally at a predetermined angle.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) However, in the above-mentioned electric fan, if a person is present in the detection area of the human detection sensor, the head of the electric fan swings laterally at a predetermined angle. Therefore, there is a disadvantage that air is blown to areas where there are no people, which reduces the efficiency of air blowing.Also, if a person in the detection area of the human detection sensor is lying down, for example, sufficient air cannot be blown. figure,
For this reason, it is necessary to adjust the angle of the fan head downward, which has the drawback of being extremely troublesome. Also,
For example, if there are people standing and people lying down in the detection area, there is a possibility that sufficient ventilation cannot be delivered to each person simply by adjusting the vertical angle of the fan head.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electric fan equipped with a human detection sensor that can efficiently and evenly blow air to a person in front of the person without any troublesome operations.

[Structure of the Invention] (Means for Solving the Problems) The electric fan of the present invention is provided with a fan head that has a blade drive motor and is supported so as to be able to swing vertically and horizontally with respect to a support part. A drive mechanism for vertically and horizontally swinging the fan head is provided, and human detection sensors are arranged in a plurality of vertical and horizontal rows so as to face the support part side and cover a plurality of detection areas respectively set. is provided, and the drive is configured such that the head of the fan performs one or both of vertical swing and horizontal swing in order to blow air to a range including the detection area of at least one of these human detection sensors that is in a detection state. A control means is provided to control the mechanism.

(Function) When a person exists in front of the electric fan, the person detection sensor corresponding to the detection area where the person is present enters the detection state. At this time, if one of the human detection sensors provided in the plurality of vertical and horizontal rows is in a detection state, the control means controls the drive mechanism to detect the head of the fan. By directing the air toward only the detection area of the human detection sensor, the air is blown only to that detection area. In addition, when multiple human detection sensors are in the detection state, the control means controls the drive mechanism to always direct the fan head toward the detection area of the human detection sensor that has entered the detection state, thereby increasing the detection area. Air is blown to the detection area. Therefore, even if there is a person lying down in the detection area of the person detection sensor, the fan head swings its head vertically and blows air with the head lowered.

Further, when a person moves and another person detection sensor becomes a detection state, the control means controls the drive mechanism to direct the head of the electric fan toward the detection area of the person detection sensor that has become a detection state.

(Example) Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, in FIGS. 2 to 4, a support column 2 is erected on a base 1, and a head support 3 is attached to the upper end of the column 2.
is fixed. Reference numeral 4 denotes a stud rotatably installed on the head support 3, and a base 5 is fixed to the upper end of this stud. Reference numeral 6 denotes a fan head, which is configured to be able to swing vertically and horizontally relative to the head support 3. However, the detailed structure of this type of swinging mechanism is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 59-49.
Since it is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 393, a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted and a brief explanation will be given here. That is, the fan head 6 is provided with a cover 7, which is an outer shell thereof, rotatable in the vertical direction (vertical direction) with respect to a rotating shaft 8 that is provided integrally with the base 5. In addition, the base 5 is equipped with a horizontal oscillation motor 9 and a vertical oscillation motor 10 (both of which are connected to the first
(see figure), which together with a gear transmission mechanism and a link mechanism (not shown) constitute a drive mechanism 11 (see figure 1). Then, the lateral swing motor 9 rotates in the forward direction or in the reverse direction depending on the current direction, and accordingly, the base 5 and the fan head 6 rotate around the stud 4 via the gear transmission mechanism and the link mechanism. It's supposed to swing. Further, the vertical oscillation motor 10 has a positive direction depending on its current direction.

The rotation is reversed, and accordingly, the fan head 6 rotates in the vertical direction with respect to the base 5 about the rotating shaft 8, that is, swings vertically. On the other hand, the electric fan head 6 is provided with a blade driving motor 12 (see FIG. 1) within a cover 7 thereof, and is also provided with blowing blades 13 that are rotationally driven by the motor 12.

Now, a light projector 14 that emits light downward is arranged on the base 5. Therefore, the projector 14 moves on a circular trajectory centered on the stud 4 as the base 5 rotates. become. 15.16.17 is head support 3
The light receivers are provided at regular intervals, and these receivers are arranged opposite to the locus of movement of the projector 14 with the stud 4 as the center. In other words, when the fan head 6 faces forward, the emitter 14 faces the light receiver 16, and the fan head 6
In each state where the head is turned left and right by a predetermined angle from the front direction, the light emitter 14 faces one of the light receivers 16 and 17. In addition, 18 is a floodlight provided on the base 5,
This is arranged so as to project light toward the rear of the base 5. Reference numerals 19 and 20 denote light receivers provided on the side of the cover 7, and these are arranged so as to face the projector 18 as the cover 7 rotates about the rotation axis 8.

That is, when the fan head 6 swings its head upward by a predetermined angle from the horizontal direction, the light receiver 20 faces the emitter 18, and when the fan head 6 swings its head downward by a predetermined angle from the horizontal direction, A light receiver 19 faces the light emitter 18.

Reference numeral 21 denotes a sensor arrangement section provided at the base end of the support column 2, which includes, for example, three rows of human detection sensors 22 in two upper and lower stages.
27 are arranged. These human detection sensors 22
27 to 27 detect infrared rays emitted from people,
In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the detection area of the human detection sensor 22 is the range indicated by arrow A, and the detection area of the human detection sensor 23 is the range indicated by arrow B, in which one person is detected. The detection area of the sensor 24 is the range indicated by arrow C, the detection area of the human detection sensor 25 is the range indicated by the arrow, the detection area of the human detection sensor 26 is the range indicated by the arrow E, and the detection area of the human detection sensor 27 is the range indicated by the arrow E. The detection area is the range indicated by arrow F. Therefore, when the light emitter 18 faces the light receiver 20 and the light emitter 14 faces the light receivers 17, 16.15, respectively, the electric fan head 6
is facing the center of detection areas A, B, and C, and the emitter 14 is facing the receivers 17 and 1 with the emitter 18 facing the receiver 19.
6.15, the fan head 6 is set to face the center of the detection areas D, E, F, respectively. 2
Reference numeral 8 denotes an operation unit provided on the base 1, which includes an automatic operation switch 29 for starting automatic operation using the human detection sensors 22 to 27, and a rotation speed of the blade drive motor 12, as shown in FIG. an air volume selector switch 30 for switching the
A timer switch 31 for starting timer operation, an on/off switch 32, and a light emitting diode for indicating the operating state are arranged.

Next, the electrical configuration will be explained with reference to FIG.

Reference numeral 33 denotes a control means, which controls each motor 9, 10.1 in addition to an operation control circuit 34 including a microcomputer.
The drive circuit 35°36.37 is configured to drive the drive circuit 2. Here, the drive circuit 37 controls the blade drive motor 12 based on the control signal from the operation control circuit 34.
Controls power on/off. Further, the drive circuit 35 includes a DC power supply circuit for the motor (not shown), and controls the energization/disconnection of the lateral swing motor 9 based on the control signal from the operation control circuit 34, and also switches the direction of energization when energized. . The drive circuit 36 includes a DC power supply circuit for the motor (not shown), and controls energization/disconnection of the pitching motor 10 based on the control signal from the operation control circuit 34, and switches the direction of energization when energized. . On the other hand, the operation control circuit 34
The light receivers 15, 16, 17, 19, and 20, human detection sensors 22 to 27, and switches 29 to 32 are connected to. When any of the light receivers enters the light receiving state, a light reception signal is given from the light receiver to the operation control circuit 34, and when any of the person detection sensors enters the detection state, the person in the detection state is detected. A detection signal is given to the operation control circuit 34 from the detection sensor. Further, when any switch is operated, an operation command is given to the operation control circuit 34 from the operated operation switch. Note that 38 is a DC power supply circuit that converts a commercial AC power supply into DC power and supplies it to the operation control circuit 34.

Now, the operation control circuit 34 operates according to a built-in automatic operation control program, and each drive circuit 35, 36 . It is designed to control 37.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be explained according to the flowchart of FIG. 7 showing the control contents of the operation control circuit 34.

When it is desired to automatically operate the electric fan depending on the presence or absence of a person, the automatic operation switch 29 is operated. Then, driving commands are given to the driving control circuit 34 from the two automatic driving switches, and based on this, the driving control circuit 34 executes the automatic driving control program. That is, in step S1, it is determined whether a detection signal has been input from any human detection sensor.

If no detection signal is input from any human detection sensor, that is, if there is no person in the detection area of the human detection sensor, the process proceeds from step St to step S2, and the non-detection state of the human detection sensor is 1. Determine whether it has continued for minutes. At this time, in step S2, rYEsJ
When it is determined that each drive circuit 35
．． 36° 37 to stop each motor 9, 10, and 12. However, if there is no person in the detection area at the beginning of operation, each motor
is not driven, so in this case each motor 9
．． 10.12 stop condition is maintained.

Now, when a person moves into the detection area of the same person detection sensor, the person detection sensor corresponding to that detection area enters the detection state. Then, in step S, ``YES'' is selected.
” and proceed to step S.

Proceeding to step S7, the number of human detection sensors in the detection state is determined, and each drive circuit 35, 36, 37 is controlled with a drive pattern corresponding to the number.

[11 If the number of human detection sensors in the detection state is one, step S4 to step S.

Then, the drive pattern [1] is executed. That is, (a) the blade drive motor 12 is rotated by driving the drive circuit 37;

(b) Control the drive circuits 35 and 36 to direct the fan head 6 to the center of the detection area of the human detection sensor. Specifically, each drive continues until a light reception signal is input from a light receiver set to face the fan head 6 when it faces the center of the detection area of the human detection sensor that is in the detection state. The circuits 35 and 36 are controlled to rotate the horizontal oscillation motor 9 and the vertical oscillation motor 10 in forward and reverse directions, and when a light reception signal is received from the light receiver, each drive circuit 35, 36 is controlled to rotate each motor 9. , 10 are stopped.

As a result of the above control, the fan head 6 blows air toward the detection area of the human detection sensor that is in the detection state.

If there are two human detection sensors in the [I[] detection state, step S! 3, the process proceeds to step S9, and the drive pattern [■] is executed. That is, (1) If the detection areas of the human detection sensor in the detection state are arranged horizontally or vertically (for example, detection pattern A, BSA
, D.S.A.

In the case of a combination like C), (a) The blade drive motor 12 is rotated by driving the drive circuit 37.

(B) Direct the fan head 6 to the center of any detection area of the human detection sensor that is in the detection state in the same way as in case [I].

(c) Each drive/circuit 35, 36 is controlled so that the fan head 6 alternately faces the center of the detection area of the detection sensor that is in the detection state based on the light reception state of each light receiver.

As a result of the above control, the fan head 6 swings linearly and blows air into the detection area of the human detection sensor that has entered the detection state.

(2) When the detection areas of the human detection sensors in the detection state are arranged diagonally adjacent to each other (for example, in the case of a combination of detection areas A, E, B, and F), (a) Drive circuit By driving 37, the blade drive motor 12 is rotated.

(b) In the same manner as in [■], direct the fan head 6 to the center of any detection area of the human detection sensor that is in the detection state.

(c) Each of the drive circuits 35. Control 36.

As a result of the above control, the electric fan head 6 swings in a rectangular shape and blows air to the detection area including the human detection sensor that has entered the detection state.

(3) When the detection areas of the human detection sensor in the detection state are arranged diagonally apart (for example, in the case of a combination like detection areas A and F), (a) Drive the drive circuit 37. This causes the blade drive motor 12 to rotate.

(b) Each drive circuit 35, 36 is controlled so that the fan head 6 faces all detection areas by alternately vertically swinging and horizontally swinging based on the light receiving state of the light receiver.

As a result of the above control, the fan head 6 swings in an ω-shape and blows air to all detection areas A to F including the detection area of the human detection sensor that has entered the detection state.

[111] If there are three human detection sensors in the detection state, the process advances from step S6 to step SIO to execute drive pattern [III]. That is, (1) when the detection areas of the detection sensors in the detection state are in a horizontal row (for example, detection area A).

In the case of combinations like B and C) (a) The blade drive motor 12 is rotated by driving the drive circuit 37.

(B) Direct the fan head 6 to the center of the detection area of the human detection sensor that is in the detection state in the same way as in case [I].

(c) The drive circuit 35 is controlled so that the fan head 6 swings in the entire lateral direction based on the light receiving state of the light receiver.

As a result of the above control, the fan head 6 swings in the lateral direction and blows air to all the detection areas of the detection sensors that are in the detection state.

(2) When the detection areas of the human detection sensors that are in the detection state are arranged adjacent to each other at right angles (for example, detection area A
, D, E, B, E, F) (a) The blade drive motor 12 is rotated by driving the drive circuit 37.

(b) In the same way as in [■], point the head of the fan at the center of the detection area of any of the human detection sensors that are in the detection state.

(C) Each drive circuit 35 is arranged so that the fan head 6 faces the center of the detection area arranged in a rectangular shape including the detection area of the human detection sensor which is in the detection state based on the light reception state of the light receiver. .36 control.

As a result of the above control, the electric fan head 6 swings by 6 degrees in a rectangular shape and blows air into the detection area including the detection area of the human detection sensor that is in the detection state.

(3) If the detection area of the human detection sensor that is in the detection state is in an arrangement other than the above (for example, detection areas A, D, F
In the case of a combination such as (a), the blade drive motor 12 is rotated by driving the drive circuit 37.

(b) Each drive circuit 35, 36 is controlled so that the fan head 6 faces all detection areas by alternately vertically swinging and horizontally swinging based on the light receiving state of the light receiver.

As a result of the above control, the fan head 6 swings in a ■-shape and blows air to all detection areas A to F including the detection area of the human detection sensor that has entered the detection state.

[IV] When the number of human detection sensors in the detection state is four, the process advances from step S7 to step S11 and drive pattern [IV] is executed. That is, (1) When the detection areas of the human detection sensors in the detection state are arranged in an adjacent rectangular shape (for example, detection patterns A, B, D,
In the case of a combination like H), (a) the blade drive motor 12 is rotated by driving the drive circuit 37;

(B) In the same way as in case [I], point the head of the fan at the center of the detection area of any of the human detection sensors that are in the detection state.

(c) Based on the light receiving state of the light receiver, the drive circuits 35 and 36 are controlled so that the fan head 6 sequentially faces the center of the detection area of the human detection sensor that is in the detection state.

As a result of the above control, the fan head 6 swings in a rectangular shape and blows air to the entire detection area of the human detection sensor that has entered the detection state.

(2) If the detection area of the human detection sensor in the detection state is in an arrangement other than the above (1), (a) the blade drive motor 12 is rotated by driving the drive circuit 37;

(b) Control each of the drive circuits 35 and 36 so that the head of the fan faces all detection areas by alternately vertically swinging and horizontally swinging based on the light receiving state of the light receiver.

As a result of the above control, the fan head 6 swings in a circular manner and blows air to all detection areas A to F including the detection area of the human detection sensor that has entered the detection state.

[V] When the number of human detection sensors in the detection state is 5 or 6, the process proceeds from step ST to step S12, and the drive pattern [V] is executed. That is, (a) the blade drive motor 12 is rotated by driving the drive circuit 37;

(b) Each drive circuit 35, 36 is controlled so that the fan head 6 faces all detection areas by alternately vertically swinging and horizontally swinging based on the light receiving state of the light receiver.

As a result of the above control, the electric fan head 6 blows air to all detection areas A to F including the detection area of the human detection sensor that has entered the detection state by swinging its head like a prisoner.

Then, the air blowing to the detection area including all the detection areas of the human detection sensors that are in the detection state as described above is executed while any of the human detection sensors is in the detection state. If the detection signal is no longer output from any of the human detection sensors, the unmanned time is counted in step S2, and when the counting time reaches 1 minute, the process proceeds to step S3, and each drive circuit 35.36 The motors 9, 10, and 12 are stopped by controlling the motors 9, 10, and 12, thereby stopping the automatic operation.

In short, according to the above configuration, the fan head 6 is configured to be able to swing vertically in addition to horizontally to blow air over a wide range, and the By providing a plurality of vertical and horizontal rows of human detection sensors 22 to 27 that detect whether or not a person is present, it is possible to ensure a wide ventilation range and to perform detailed ventilation within that ventilation range. , excellent ventilation efficiency,
Moreover, although it is equipped with a person detection sensor, unlike conventional models that can only swing the fan in the horizontal direction, for example, if there is a person standing in front of the fan and a person lying down, However, by swinging the fan head 6 horizontally and vertically, it is possible to uniformly blow air to all people.

In the above embodiment, the fan head 6 is configured to swing either horizontally or vertically, but instead of this, horizontal swinging and vertical swinging of the fan head 6 may be performed. The fan head 6 may be swung in a diagonal direction by simultaneously executing the steps.

Further, in the above embodiment, the number of human detection sensors arranged in the sensor arrangement section 21 is 6 in 2 rows and 3 rows, but instead of 9 or more in 3 rows and 3 rows, The detection sensors may be arranged in the sensor arrangement section 21. In addition, the human detection sensor does not need to be placed at the base end of the support 2 as long as it is on the side of the base 1, and furthermore, a limit switch or a proximity switch can be used as a detector for detecting the swing angle of the fan head 6. You may also use

In addition, the present invention is not limited to what has been described above and shown in the drawings, and can be implemented with various changes without departing from the gist thereof.

[Effects of the Invention] As is clear from the above description, the present invention includes a fan head that has a blade drive motor and is supported so as to be able to swing vertically and horizontally with respect to a support portion, and a drive mechanism for vertically swinging and horizontally swinging, and providing human detection sensors facing forward on the supporting part side and arranged in multiple vertical and horizontal rows so as to cover a plurality of detection areas set respectively; The drive mechanism is configured such that the fan head swings vertically and/or swings horizontally, or both, in order to blow air into a range that includes the detection area of at least one of these human detection sensors that is in a detection state. A control means is provided to perform detailed air blowing over the air blowing range, so a fan equipped with a human detection sensor can be used efficiently and without requiring troublesome operations for the person in front. It has the excellent effect of being able to blow air evenly.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show one embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the whole, Fig. 3 is a side view of the whole, and Fig. 4 is a head support. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the human detection sensor and the detection area, FIG. 6 is a front view of the operating section, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the operation control circuit. In the figure, 2 is a column (support part), 6 is a fan head, 9 is a motor for horizontal oscillation, 10 is a motor for vertical oscillation, 11 is a drive mechanism,
12 is a blade drive motor, 13 is a wind blade, 14 is a light emitter, 15 to 17 are light receivers, 18 is a light emitter, 19.20 is a light receiver, 22 to 27 are human detection sensors, 33 is a control means, and 34 is an operation It is a control circuit. Applicant Toshiba Corporation 22~27" large detection sensor Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A fan head having a blade drive motor and supported so as to be able to swing vertically and horizontally relative to a support portion; a drive mechanism that swings the fan head vertically and horizontally; and the support. human detection sensors arranged in multiple rows vertically and horizontally so as to cover a plurality of detection areas, each of which faces forward, and at least one of these human detection sensors is in a detection state. A control means for controlling the drive mechanism so that the fan head swings vertically and/or horizontally so as to send air to a range including the detection area of the human detection sensor is provided. Fan.