KR101065548B1 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of estimating the position of the occupant by a simple device, and specifically, to estimate the position of the occupant with fewer sensors than in the prior art.

The air conditioner according to the present invention includes an air inlet, an air blower, an indoor heat exchanger, a blower fan that blows indoor air sucked from the air inlet from the air blower through an indoor heat exchanger, and an infrared ray for detecting the presence of occupants. The indoor unit which has a sensor, the left-right wind direction plate and the up-down wind direction plate arrange | positioned at an air blower outlet is estimated, and the position of a occupant is estimated based on the information from the infrared sensor shielded in stages. According to the present invention, the position of the occupant can be estimated with fewer sensors than before.

Occupancy, Sensor, Inlet, Vent, Heat Exchanger

Description

Air conditioner {AIR CONDITIONER}

The present invention relates to an air conditioner having a sensor for estimating the position of a occupant.

As a conventional air conditioner, an indoor unit is provided with a sensor which detects the presence of the occupant, and performs air conditioning with respect to the area | region where the occupant is estimated by this sensor (for example, refer patent document 1). However, in the air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the position of the human body is estimated using a sensor unit that detects each of the detection areas partitioned in the perspective direction and the left and right directions, a large number of sensor units may be required if the detection area is subdivided. There is this.

<Patent Document 1> Japanese Patent No. 4001613

An object of the present invention is to estimate the position of the occupant by a simple apparatus, specifically, to provide an air conditioner capable of estimating the position of the occupant with fewer sensors than in the prior art.

In order to solve the above problems, an air conditioner according to the present invention includes an air intake port, an air blower outlet, an indoor heat exchanger, a blower fan that blows indoor air sucked from the air intake outlet from an air blower outlet through an indoor heat exchanger, and an occupant. An indoor sensor having an infrared sensor for detecting the presence of an, and a left and right wind direction plate and a top and bottom wind direction plate disposed at the air jet port, and the position of the occupant is estimated based on the information from the infrared sensor shielded in stages.

According to the present invention, the position of the occupant can be estimated with fewer sensors than before.

The air conditioner according to the present invention includes an air inlet, an air blower, an indoor heat exchanger, a blower fan that blows indoor air sucked from the air inlet from the air blower through an indoor heat exchanger, and an infrared ray for detecting the presence of occupants. A sensor, and an indoor unit having left and right wind direction plates and up and down wind direction plates disposed at the air ejection openings, and estimate the position of the occupant based on the information from the infrared sensor shielded in stages. As a result, the position of the occupant can be estimated using a smaller sensor than before. EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the Example of the air conditioner in this invention is described.

First embodiment

A first embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. First, the whole structure of an air conditioner is demonstrated using FIG. 1 and FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an air conditioner, and FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an indoor unit of the air conditioner.

The air conditioner 1 connects the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 6 with a connection pipe 8 to air condition the room. The indoor unit 2 is disposed on the downstream side of the indoor heat exchanger 33, the indoor heat exchanger 33, and has a cross-flow fan type blower fan 311 having a length approximately equal to the width of the indoor heat exchanger 33, and an evaporating dish ( Basic internal structures, such as the drip tray 35, the filters 231 and 231 ', the upper and lower wind direction plates 291, and the left and right wind direction plates 295, are provided. These internal structures are installed in the housing base 21 and at the housing 20 which consists of the housing base 21, the decorative frame 23, and the front panel 25 provided on the front surface of the decorative frame 23. Nested. An upper portion of the decorative frame 23 is provided with an air inlet 27 for sucking indoor air, and an lower portion of the decorative frame 23 is formed with an air blowing port 29 for ejecting air whose temperature and humidity are adjusted. Further, under the front panel 25, a display portion 397 for displaying driving conditions and a light receiving portion 396 for receiving an operation signal of infrared rays from the remote controller 5 are disposed.

When the blower fan 311 rotates, indoor air is blown out of the air blower outlet 29 through the indoor heat exchanger 33 and the blower fan 311 from the air inlet 27. Specifically, the blowing airflow from the blowing fan 311 flows into the blowing air path 290 having a width substantially equal to the length of the blowing fan 311. Thereafter, the left and right directions of the airflow are deflected by the left and right wind deflection plates 295 disposed in the middle of the jet air flow path 290, and the up and down directions of the airflow are deflected by the upper and lower wind deflection plates 291 arranged at the air jet port 29. Then, it blows in from the air blower outlet 29 into the room.

The air blower outlet 29 formed in the lower surface of the decorative frame 23 is arrange | positioned adjacent to the division part with the front panel 25, and is communicated with the blower air flow path 290. As shown in FIG. The upper upper and lower wind direction plates 291 and the lower upper and lower wind direction plates 292 substantially shield the jet wind path 290 in a closed state to form a curved surface continuous to the bottom surface of the indoor unit 2. The upper upper and lower wind direction plates 291 and the lower upper and lower wind direction plates 292 are required by the drive motor when the air conditioner 1 is operated with the rotational shafts provided at both ends as a supporting point according to the instructions from the remote controller 5. It rotates by angularly and opens the air blower outlet 29, and maintains the state. When the air conditioner 1 stops operating, the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 and the lower upper and lower wind direction plates 292 are controlled so that the air blowing holes 29 are closed. On the other hand, the left and right wind direction plates 295 are rotated by the structural motor with the rotational shaft provided at the lower end in accordance with the instructions from the remote control unit 5 as the support points, and the state is maintained. As a result, the blowing air is blown off in the desired directions on the left and right sides. In addition, the upper and lower wind direction plate 291, the lower upper and lower wind direction plate 292, and the left and right wind direction plate 295 may be periodically shaken during operation of the air conditioner 1, and the blowing air may be blown out periodically in a wide range of rooms. have.

The movable panel 251 is configured to be rotated by the structural motor with the rotational shaft installed at the bottom as a point to open the front air intake 230 'during operation of the air conditioner 1. Thereby, indoor air is also sucked into the indoor unit 2 from the front side air suction part 230 'at the time of operation | movement. When the air conditioner 1 is stopped, the front air intake unit 230 ′ is closed.

The indoor unit 2 is provided with a control board in the electrical equipment box inside, and a microcomputer is installed in this control board. This microcomputer receives signals from various sensors, such as an indoor temperature sensor and an indoor humidity sensor, and receives the operation signal from the remote control 5 via the light receiving part 396. The microcomputer controls the indoor blower fan 311, the movable panel drive motor, the up and down wind direction drive motor, the left and right wind direction drive motor, and the like based on these signals, and is in charge of communication with the outdoor unit 6 to perform the indoor unit 2 operation. ) To control overall.

The filters 231 and 23l 'remove dust contained in the sucked indoor air, and are disposed to cover the suction side of the indoor heat exchanger 33. The evaporating dish 35 is disposed below the lower ends of the front and rear sides of the indoor heat exchanger 33 and receives condensed water generated in the indoor heat exchanger 33 during the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation. The condensed water collected in the evaporating dish 35 is discharged to the outside through the drain pipe 37.

Next, the up-and-down wind direction plate is demonstrated using FIG. 3 and FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the indoor unit during cooling and dehumidification operation. 4 is a side sectional view of the indoor unit during heating operation. As described above, the upper and lower wind direction plates are constituted by the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 and the lower upper and lower wind direction plates 292. In this specification, since the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 are mainly described, the upper and lower wind direction plates are shown when the upper and lower wind direction plates are simply recorded, and the lower upper and lower wind direction plates are shown when the upper and lower wind direction plates are recorded. The upper and lower wind direction plates 291 are provided in the air blower outlet 29, and the blower air is deflected by the lower blower, the horizontal blower, or the like by the upper and lower wind blower drive motors (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 2, when the operation is stopped, the upper and lower wind direction plates 291, the lower and upper wind direction plates 292, and the movable panel 251 are controlled by the control device to close the air jet port 29. As a result, the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 are rotated and received in front of the upper enlarged portion 290e of the blowing air path 290 to shield the blowing air passage upper enlarged part 290e, and the lower upper and lower wind direction plates 292 are provided. In cooperation with the air outlet 29 is closed. An infrared ray detection device 410, which will be described later, is provided at approximately the center of the blowing air passage upper expansion portion 290e. When the operation is stopped, the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 are disposed at the intersections of the front and bottom surfaces of the air conditioners, and the outer wind direction surfaces 291a, which are smooth and large curvatures, are positioned so as to conform to the appearance of the air conditioners. . Thereby, the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 and the lower upper and lower wind direction plates 292 continuously form an outer shape from the front surface of the air conditioner to the bottom by the wind direction surface serving as the outer surface. For this reason, the infrared detection device 410 is shielded by the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 at the time of stopping operation, and the appearance of the air conditioner becomes a smooth and stable shape without unnecessary unevenness, which disturbs the indoor atmosphere. none.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the cooling operation of the air conditioner, the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 and the lower upper and lower wind direction plates 292 are in a position substantially parallel to the upper wall 290a and the lower wall 290b of the blower air path 290. Or in a horizontal direction. Thereby, the direction of the up-and-down wind direction plate is appropriately adjusted so that the blown-out cold wind will not directly touch a guest's room, and generate unpleasant feeling, and maintains the surroundings of a room with comfortable temperature and humidity.

When performing a very weak cooling or heating operation, as shown in FIG. 17 to be described later, the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 are slightly upward, and the lower upper and lower wind direction plates 292 are almost closed. The blowing airflow flows into the blowing wind path upward expansion part 290e provided downstream of 290 and expands upward. As a result, a part of the blowing air becomes very weak wind and diffuses into the room through the blowing air passage upper expansion portion 290e to perform weak cooling or heating.

In addition, by performing a short circuit operation in which the blown-out wind is sucked directly from the air intake port 27 by using the blow-up air passage enlarger 290e, air conditioning such as drying operation of the indoor heat exchanger or deodorization operation inside the air conditioner. It is also possible to perform maintenance operation of the device.

As shown in FIG. 4, when heating the air conditioner, the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 and the lower upper and lower wind direction plates 292 are in a nearly vertical position. Thereby, the warm air which flows through the blowing air path 290 is blown downward from an air conditioner, reaches near to the bottom surface, and warms near a foot, and makes a room a comfortable environment.

Next, the electrostatic misting apparatus provided in the air conditioner of this embodiment is demonstrated using FIG. 2, FIG. 5, and FIG. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an installation part of the jet path of the fog unit of the electrostatic fog unit. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the water generating unit of the electrostatic misting device from the front. The electrostatic misting device supplies liquid to the tip of an electrode having a sharp shape, and applies a high voltage to the liquid to release fine particles of charged liquid from the tip of the electrode, thereby obtaining effects such as deodorization and sterilization. The air conditioner of this embodiment, in combination with the electrostatic misting device and the human body detecting device, discharges the water of fine particles charged by the electrostatic misting method to the area where the presence of the occupants is estimated by the human body detecting device, thereby reducing the surrounding environment of the occupants. To improve.

The electrostatic fog device 42 is electrically contacted at the time of water supply by the high voltage generator, the conductor 429 extending from the high voltage terminal of the high voltage generator, and the fogged connection portion 424 to the conductor 429. The mist electrode 422 and the ion electrode 428, and the water generation part 440 of the water supplied to the mist electrode 422, etc. are provided. A high voltage of -3 kV to -6 kV generated by the high voltage generator is applied to the misting electrode 422 and the ion electrode 428 to supply the moisture from the water generating unit 440 to the misting electrode 422, thereby causing mist. Water of the fine particles charged from the tip of the anode electrode 422 is released, and ions are released from the ion electrode 428. The electrostatic misting device 42 protrudes the discharge portion 430 of the charged fine particles of water and ions from the blowing air passage sidewall 290c to face the blowing air passage 290 of the indoor unit 2, thereby charging the fine particles. Water is discharged into the blowing air flowing into the blowing path. Subsequently, the charged fine particle water is blown in the air stream, and the wind direction is adjusted in the required direction of the room by the upper and lower wind direction plates 291, the lower upper and lower wind direction plates 292, and the left and right wind direction plates 295. It blows off from the indoor unit 2.

The water generator 440 condenses moisture from the air by using a Peltier effect. The cold plate 425 for condensing moisture in the surrounding air on the low temperature portion 442 of the Peltier element 441 is provided with a heat sink 338 cooled by the ambient air on the high temperature portion 444. The cooling plate 425 is brought into close contact with the electrically insulating sheet 443 to the low temperature portion 442 of the Peltier element 441 to condense moisture in the surrounding air. The water condensed on the cooling plate 425 gradually increases, and flows downward on the cooling plate 425 which is vertically placed, and is provided below the low temperature portion 442 of the Peltier element 441 at the lower curved portion 425a. and falls toward the water retaining member 423. The dropped water droplets are held by the repair member 423. The repair member 423 is made of a porous or fibrous material so that the water condensed by the capillary phenomenon can move, and the water-repelling portion 422b of the mist electrode 422 is inserted in place of the repair member 423. Moisture retained in the member 423 is supplied to the misting section 422a through the power section 422b by capillary action.

The blower fan 311 is driven, and the electrostatic misting device 42 is driven to apply a negative high voltage from the high voltage generating device 450 to the misting electrode 422 and the ion electrode 428. At this time, corona discharge is generated from the ion electrode 428 toward the surrounding atmosphere, and electrons are emitted to generate ions. Further, charged fine particles of water are discharged from the misting electrode 422, and the ions and charged fine particles of water are ejected from the blowing air passage 290 into the room by blowing airflow. In addition, the discharge part of the electrostatic fogizer is not limited to protruding from the side wall of the blowing air passage. The same effect can be exhibited even if it protrudes from the upper wall of the blowing air path, the lower wall of the blowing air path, or is provided in the blowing air path.

Next, the infrared sensor with which the air conditioner of a present Example is equipped is demonstrated using FIGS. 7 is an external perspective view of the indoor unit. 8 is an external perspective view of the upper and lower wind direction plates of the indoor unit opened. 9 is a horizontal layout of the infrared sensor of the indoor unit. 10 is a detection area division diagram of the infrared sensor. 11 is a configuration diagram of an infrared sensor. 12 is another configuration example of the infrared sensor.

As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the infrared detection device 410 is disposed to face the room from the air jet port. Specifically, it is provided in the center part of the longitudinal direction of the blowing wind path upward expansion part 290e, and when it is stopped, it is shielded from the room by the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 as shown in FIG. have.

As shown in FIG. 9, the infrared detection device 410 mounts three infrared sensors 410a, b, and c on the board | substrate 416 via the base 415 as an example. Since each of the infrared sensors 410a, b, and c has different directions detected by the pedestal 415, a wider angle detection range is configured. In addition, by mounting each of the infrared sensors 410a, b, and c at incidence, most of the bottom of the room can be placed in the field of view. In the present embodiment, the optical axes in the left and right directions of the plurality of infrared sensors are arranged so as not to be in the same direction. Thereby, a plurality of infrared sensors arranged in the left and right directions can be divided into a plurality of rooms in the left and right directions.

10 is a view of the air conditioning space viewed from above, and the indoor unit 2 is provided in the chamber 902. In the interior, the detection areas 610A, B and C detected by the infrared sensors 410a, b and c, the detection areas 610AB and infrared sensors 410b and c, which the infrared sensors 410a and b detect in duplicate, It is divided into the detection area 610BC which detects overlapping. When only the infrared sensor 410a is detected, it is estimated that a human body exists in the detection area 610A. When only the infrared sensor 410b is detected, it is estimated that a human body exists in the detection area 610B. When only the infrared sensor 410c is detected, it is estimated that a human body exists in the detection area 610C. When both of the infrared sensor 410a and the infrared sensor 410b are detected, it is estimated that a human body exists in the detection area 610AB. When both the infrared sensor 410b and the infrared sensor 410c are detected, it is estimated that a human body exists in the detection area 610BC.

In this embodiment, pyroelectric infrared sensors are used as the infrared sensors 410a, b, and c. The infrared detection device 410 shown in FIG. 11 includes an amplifier 130 that amplifies the output of the pyroelectric infrared sensors 410a, b, c, the pyroelectric infrared sensors 410a, b, c, and outputs the digital signal. The comparator 131 which converts into a signal, and the microcomputer 132 which reads an output and performs an arithmetic process are provided. According to this configuration, the microcomputer 132 can simultaneously receive signals from a plurality of infrared sensors and determine at which point in which area the human body is present from the combination, so that the microcomputer 132 can accurately grasp changes in the indoor situation. have. In this case, when a plurality of pyroelectric infrared sensors are provided, the same number of read ports of the amplifier 130, the comparator 131, and the microcomputer 132 are required.

Moreover, you may make it the structure as shown in FIG. 12 as another structural example. The infrared detection device 410 illustrated in FIG. 12 includes an amplifier 130 and a comparator 131 at the rear end of the switching device 133 using the switching device 133. As a result, the output device can be aggregated into one system by the switching device 133, so that the read ports of the amplifier 130, the comparator 131, and the microcomputer 132 can be reduced, and as a result, the number of parts is reduced. Circuit size can be reduced. In this case, the microcomputer 132 sequentially receives signals from a plurality of infrared sensors, and after receiving all the signals, determines which area the human body is present in the combination. It may not be possible to respond to changes. The circuit can be selected in accordance with the fineness of the division of the detection area, the speed of movement of the human body, the control purpose of the air conditioner, and the like.

As described above, when the infrared detection device 410 is configured, the analog signal accompanying the environment, the presence of the human body, and the activity of the human body is output from the pyroelectric infrared sensors 410a, b, and c. Amplified, the comparator 131 removes minute signals and noise, converts them into digital signals, inputs them to the read port of the microcomputer 132, and arithmetic processing is performed on the microcomputer 132. As a result, the upper and lower wind direction plates 291, the lower and upper wind direction plates 292, and the left and right wind direction plates 295 are directed toward the area where the human body is judged to be present, and the air conditioned by the blower fan 311 is blown. do.

Next, a method of estimating the existence area by the signal from the infrared sensor will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15. 13-15 is explanatory drawing of the detection estimation method of an infrared sensor. FIG. 13 shows a method of estimating the presence area of the human body in accordance with a signal from the infrared detecting device 410 when the human body moves from the detection area 610A to the detection area 610B. The signal from the infrared detection device 410 is a signal input to the microcomputer 132 and is a digital signal accompanying the environment, the presence of the human body, and the human activity. If there is an output from the infrared sensor 410a and there is no output from the infrared sensor 410b, it is assumed that the human body exists in the detection area 610A. Next, if there is an output from the infrared sensor 410a and there is an output from the infrared sensor 410b, it can be seen that the human body has moved to the detection area 610AB. If there is no output from the infrared sensor 410a and there is an output from the infrared sensor 410b, it can be seen that the human body has moved to the detection area 610B. It is presumed that the human body has temporarily passed when only a few times are detected in an arbitrary unit time, and the next time it is detected several times in a neighboring detection area.

14 shows a method of estimating the presence area of the human body in accordance with a signal from the infrared detecting device 410 when the human body is moving in the detection area 610B. If there is an output from the infrared sensor 410b, and there is no output from the infrared sensors 410a and c, it is assumed that a human body exists in the detection area 610B. Also in the next sampling, if there is an output from the infrared sensor 410b and there is no output from the infrared sensors 410a and c, it can be seen that the human body continues to exist in the detection area 610B. If there is an output from the infrared sensor 410b for each sampling, it is determined that the human body is continuously active.

FIG. 15 shows a method of estimating the presence area of the human body in accordance with a signal from the infrared detecting device 410 when the human body moves from the detection area 610B to the detection area 610BC. If there is an output from the infrared sensor 410b and there is no output from the infrared sensor 410a, it is assumed that a human body exists in the detection area 610B. Next, when there is an output from the infrared sensors 410b and c, and there is no output from the infrared sensor 410a, it can be seen that the human body has moved to the detection area 610BC. If there is no output from the infrared sensors 410a, b, and c, it can be seen that the human body has not moved to any detection area. Therefore, it can be seen that it continues to exist in the detection area 610BC. Further, after that, if there is no output from the infrared sensors 410a, b, and c, the human body determines that it is stationary in the detection area 610BC. As described above, since the position and the activity state of the human body can be estimated from the number and the period of the pulse, efficient air conditioning can be provided to the user without waste.

Next, the division of the indoor area of the vertical direction by the up-down wind direction plate is demonstrated using FIGS. 16-20. FIG. 16A is an explanatory view of the detection region by the vertical wind direction plate of the indoor unit, and FIG. 16B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vertical wind direction plate part. 17A is explanatory drawing of the distant region detection by a vertical wind direction plate, and FIG. 17B is an enlarged sectional view of a vertical wind direction plate part. FIG. 18A is an explanatory view of detecting the distant to intermediate regions by the vertical wind direction plate, and FIG. 18B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vertical wind direction plate part. FIG. 19A is an explanatory view of detecting the distant to adjacent regions by the vertical wind direction plate, and FIG. 19B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vertical wind direction plate part. FIG. 20A is an explanatory view of detecting the area from the far to lower right portion of the upper and lower wind direction plates, and FIG. 20B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper and lower wind direction plates.

In the present invention, in addition to the division of the detection area in the left and right directions, the detection area is also distinguished using the upper and lower wind direction plates in the depth direction. As described above, the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 induce the jet airflow to the upper part of the blowing air path enlarged portion 29Oe which is extended upward installed downstream of the blowing air path 290. When detecting the presence of occupants, the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 are rotated to a position that partially blocks the field of view of the infrared detection device 410 as shown in FIG. The positions at which the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 are stopped are indicated by reference numerals i, j, k, m, which are attached to the front end portions of the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. Let n be the positions (hereinafter, these positions are respectively referred to as "upper and upper wind direction plate positions 491i, j, k, m, n)"). Here, at the upper vertical wind direction plate position 491i, the entire field of view of the infrared detecting device 410 is covered by the upper vertical wind direction plate 291, and it is impossible to detect the presence or absence of the occupants. In the upper and lower wind direction plate positions 491j, only the detection range 591j of the field of view of the infrared detection device 410 can be detected. Only the detection range 591k can be detected at the upper and lower wind direction plate positions 491k. In the upper and lower wind direction plate positions 491m, only the detection range 591m can be detected. In the upper and lower wind direction plate positions 491n, the detection range 591n = the entire field of view can be detected.

When detecting the position of the occupant using the upper and lower wind direction plates 291, first, the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 are stopped at the upper and lower wind direction plates 491j as shown in FIG. The presence or absence of a resident is detected. At this time, if the occupant is detected, it can be seen that the occupant is in the detection range 591j.

Next, as shown in FIG. 18, the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 are stopped at the upper and lower wind direction plate positions 491k, and the presence or absence of occupants is detected by the infrared detection device 410. At this time, when the occupant is detected, the occupant can be seen that it exists in the detection range 591k including the detection range 591j.

Next, as shown in FIG. 19, the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 are stopped at the upper and lower wind direction plate positions 491m, and the infrared detection device 410 detects the presence of occupants. At this time, when the occupants are detected, the occupants can be seen that they are in the detection range 591m including the detection range 591k.

Next, as shown in FIG. 20, the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 are stopped at the upper and lower wind direction plate positions 491n, and the infrared detector 410 detects the presence or absence of occupants. At this time, when the occupants are detected, the occupants can know that they are in the detection range 591n including the detection range 591m.

A method of estimating the existence area in the depth direction from the presence or absence of occupants detected by the infrared detection device will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 25. Fig. 21 is a diagram illustrating the detection area in the vertical direction by the vertical wind direction plate. Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating the detection area of the bottom face of the upper and lower wind direction plates. Fig. 23 is a table showing the detection reaction between the existing area and the infrared sensor. 24 is an estimation table of detection response patterns and presence areas of the infrared sensor. Fig. 25 is a diagram illustrating the detection area of the bottom surface of the infrared sensor and the vertical wind direction plate.

The results obtained by the four detection operations shown in FIGS. 17 to 20 are viewed in the air conditioner and correspond to the division in the depth direction of the room, as in FIG. 21. When the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 are stopped at the upper and lower wind direction plate positions 491j, and the presence or absence of occupants is detected, the field of view of the infrared detecting device 410 is limited to the detection range 591j. Will be detected. In addition, when the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 are stopped at the upper and lower wind direction plate positions 491k, and the presence or absence of occupants is detected, the field of view of the infrared detecting device 410 is expanded to the detection range 591k, so that the schematic detection is performed. The occupants of the areas 691J and K are detected. When the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 are stopped at the upper and lower wind direction plates position 491m to detect the presence of occupants, the field of view of the infrared detecting device 410 is expanded to the detection range 591m, so that the rough detection area 691J , K, M) will be detected. When the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 are stopped at the upper and lower wind direction plate positions 491n to detect the presence of occupants, the field of view of the infrared detecting device 410 is enlarged to the detection range 591n without blocking the view. The occupants of the detection areas 691J, K, M, and N are detected.

When the above-mentioned detection area is spread in the bottom surface, it becomes like FIG. 22, and can detect a detection area in the depth direction of a room. In the above description, for the sake of simplicity, the boundary of the detection area is set to the position where the boundary of the detection range reaches the bottom surface, but in reality, the position of the face, the nape of the person, or the person where the infrared detection device 410 is easy to detect. Depending on the difference between standing up, sitting on a chair, sitting on the floor, lying down, etc., it is difficult to strictly determine the boundary of the index area. However, roughly, a distinction is possible, such as whether a person is far from the room, in the middle, near, or just below. Since the air conditioner range of the air conditioner also has a spread around the place for the purpose, the air conditioner according to the above-described division also has a sufficient effect.

FIG. 23 is a table showing a detection reaction with or without occupants obtained from the four detection operations of FIGS. 17 to 20. In the case where there is one human body, if there is a human body in the detection area 691J, when the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 are located at the upper and lower wind direction plates 491j, k, m, and n, the response of the occupant "Yu" appear. Similarly, if there is a human body in the detection area 691K, when the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 are located at the upper and lower wind direction plates 491k, m, n, the reaction of the occupant "Y" occurs. In addition, when there are two areas where a human body exists, if there is a human body in the detection area 691J and the detection area 691K, the upper and lower wind direction plates 291 may be in the upper and lower wind direction plates positions 491j, k, m, and n. At that time, the response of "Yu" appears. This state is shown by (circle) for every position of a wind direction plate in the detection reaction column of FIG. FIG. 23 summarizes 16 detection reactions in which all the combinations of the "present" and "no" of the human body for each area are summarized, and the same detection reaction is performed for the combination of the existing areas that become the "present" reaction at the position of the same wind direction plate. Named the pattern. The name of this detection reaction pattern is five types of a to e, and the position of the occupant is identified as one of the five types of patterns.

The presence area of a human body for every said detection reaction pattern was put together in the table | surface of FIG. As shown in Fig. 24, there are a plurality of combinations of the presence area of the human body with respect to one detection response pattern, and it is difficult to specify the existence area of the human body strictly. In the present Example, the combination of the presence area of the human body which shows the same detection reaction pattern was made into the estimated existence area as one group. According to this, it considers that a human body exists in every area | region from the farthest area detected by the infrared detection apparatus to the area immediately below the air conditioner, and controls an air conditioner. This means that the air conditioner sucks the air in the room and air-conditions the room by blowing the adjusted air back to the room, but the wind ejected from the air conditioner toward the destination position circulates and simultaneously air-conditions the target location. While inhaling the conditioner, the room from the target position to the air conditioner results in air conditioning. Therefore, by controlling the air conditioner toward the human body in the farthest area detected by the infrared detection device, the room can be brought into an air condition state suitable for an existing area of the occupant.

Thus, the estimated presence area assumes that there are no occupants in the room in the case of the detection response pattern a (estimated existence area: nothing), and assumes that there are occupants in all detection areas in the case of the detection response pattern b (the estimated presence area). (JKMN), it is assumed that the occupant is present on the air conditioner side from the center of the room in the case of the detection response pattern c (estimated existence area: KMN). It is assumed that there are occupants immediately below (estimated area: MN), and in the case of detection response pattern e, it is assumed that there are occupants only under the air conditioner (estimated area: N), Control the harmonics.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the interior is divided into left and right directions by using the plurality of infrared sensors shown in FIG. 9, and the interior and rearward directions (perspective directions) are shielded by gradually shielding the infrared sensors using the upper and lower wind direction plates. As shown in FIG. 25, the room is divided into 18 regions of the cross detection areas 710JAB to NC from front to back and to the left and right. That is, on the basis of the information from the infrared sensor shielded in stages (results obtained by the four detection operations shown in Figs. 17 to 20) from the relationship between the degree of shielding of the infrared sensor prepared in advance and the position where the occupant is present, Estimate the location. As a result, the position where the occupant is present can be estimated, and as a result, the air conditioner can be appropriately controlled. Specifically, the air conditioner's capacity, air volume, and wind direction are controlled when airing in the room where the occupants reside. Thereby, the air conditioner which blows comfortable airflow can be provided to the occupant.

In addition, in the present embodiment, as shown in Figs. 17 to 20, when the human body detecting mode estimates the position of the occupant, the infrared sensor is first shielded by the upper and lower wind direction plates, and then the degree of shielding is gradually increased. Although it was made to reduce, first, the upper and lower wind direction plates may be in a position where the infrared sensor is not shielded, and then the degree of shielding may be increased step by step. Even if the degree of shielding is reduced in steps, or if the degree of shielding is increased in steps, or if the degree of shielding is changed at random, the position of the occupant can be estimated by obtaining information from the infrared sensors at different degrees of shielding. have. In the present embodiment, the field of view of the infrared sensor is differently shielded, including decreasing the degree of shielding in steps, increasing the degree of shielding in steps, changing the degree of shielding at random, and the like. It shields the field of view of the sensor in stages. ”

In addition, in the present embodiment, when the position of the occupant is detected by the infrared sensor (human body detection mode), the air volume of the air conditioner can be made weaker than during normal operation. Thereby, even if the upper and lower wind direction plates move in the human body detection mode and the wind direction changes, the amount of air is weakened, so that airflow that does not suit the intention can be prevented from reaching the occupant.

In this embodiment, a pyroelectric infrared sensor can be used as the infrared sensor. Thereby, the position of the occupant can be detected with a low cost sensor and a low cost structure. In addition, in this embodiment, an infrared sensor can be used as a thermopile. As a result, even the occupant in the stationary state can be detected accurately, so that the air conditioner can be appropriately controlled according to the position of the occupant.

In addition, in this embodiment, an exclusive shutter mechanism or the like can be made unnecessary by using the upper and lower wind direction plates instead of the shutters which shield the field of view of the infrared sensor step by step in order to detect the position of the occupant.

Second embodiment

A second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 28. In this embodiment, the number of infrared sensors is two. Fig. 26 is a horizontal layout view of the infrared sensor of the indoor machine of the second embodiment. 27 is a detection area division diagram of the infrared sensor of the second embodiment. Fig. 28 is a diagram showing detection areas of the bottom face of the infrared sensor and the vertical wind direction plate of the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 26, the infrared detection device 410 mounts two infrared sensors 410a and c on the substrate 416 via a pedestal 415. Each of the infrared sensors 410a and c has a different detection direction by the pedestal 415 to configure the detection range at a wide angle, and to mount the infrared sensors 410a and c at an incidence angle as in the first embodiment. It is the same. As a result, most of the bottom of the room can be stored within the field of view so that the room can be easily distinguished.

FIG. 27 is a detection area classification diagram, and is divided into detection areas 610A and C detected by the infrared sensors 410a and c, and detection areas 610AC which the infrared sensors 410a and c detect. When only the infrared sensor 410a is detected, it is estimated that a human body exists in the detection area 610A. When only the infrared sensor 410c is detected, it is estimated that a human body exists in the detection area 610C. When the infrared sensor 410a and the infrared sensor 410c detect, it is estimated that a human body exists in the detection area 610AC.

Thus, in the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 28, the interior is divided into left and right directions by using the plurality of infrared sensors shown in Fig. 26, and the interior is divided into front and rear directions using the upper and lower wind direction plates as shown in Fig. 28. The interior is divided into 12 areas of the cross detection areas 710JAB to NC. As a result, the position where the occupant is present can be estimated, and the air conditioner can be appropriately controlled even if the number of infrared sensors is reduced to two.

Third embodiment

A third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. This embodiment subdivids the identification of the front-rear direction (perspective direction) of the area | region in which a human body exists. FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of a detection area by upper and lower wind direction plates of the indoor unit of the third embodiment. FIG. 30 is a table which shows the detection reaction of the existing area and the infrared sensor of the third embodiment. 31 is an estimation table of detection response patterns and presence areas of the infrared sensor of the third embodiment.

In this embodiment, the blade lengths of the upper and lower wind direction plates of the first embodiment are shortened, and as shown in FIG. 29, the detection area 691N immediately below the air conditioner at the upper and lower wind direction plate positions 491i. Was opened to the field of view of the infrared detection device 410. Thereby, the detection reaction of the infrared detection device 410 at the upper and lower wind direction plate positions 491i to n is as shown in FIG. 30, and the detection reaction patterns are eight patterns of a to d and b 'to e'. . As shown in Fig. 31, the estimated presence area for the eight patterns can be subdivided from the first embodiment by estimating the estimated presence area JKMN from nothing.

Fourth embodiment

A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. In this embodiment, the infrared sensor is shielded by the left and right wind direction plates to estimate the presence area of the occupants in the left and right directions. 32 is a side sectional view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the fourth embodiment. Fig. 33 is an explanatory view of a detection area by the left and right wind direction plates of the fourth embodiment, (a) shows the leftmost area detection position, (b) shows the left area detection position, and (c) shows the center area detection. The figure which shows a position, (d) is a figure which shows the right direction area | region detection position, (e) is a figure which shows the rightmost direction area detection position. Fig. 34 is a diagram showing detection areas of the bottom face of the left and right wind direction plates according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 35 is a diagram showing detection areas of the bottom face of the top, bottom, left and right wind direction plates of the fourth embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 32, the present embodiment uses the infrared sensor of the infrared detection device of the first embodiment as a single wide-angle infrared sensor, and shields the field of view of the infrared sensor from the ejection side tip of the blade at the center of the left and right wind direction plates. The drawing was extended to an enlarged portion above the blower path. When the left and right wind direction plates 295 are set to the front left and right wind direction plates positions 495r, the field of view of the infrared detection device 410 is blocked by the left and right wind direction plates 295 as shown in FIG. 33C. 595r). Similarly, when the left and right wind direction plates 295 are set to the left and right wind direction plates positions 495p, q, s, and t, the field of view of the infrared detection device 410 as shown in Fig. 33 (a) (b) (d) (e). Is blocked by the left and right wind direction plates 295 to be the detection ranges 595p, q, s, and t.

As shown in Fig. 34, when these ranges are indicated by the bottom of the room, the detection areas 695P detected by the left and right wind direction plate positions 495p and the detection areas detected by both the left and right wind direction plates positions 495p and q ( 695PQ), the detection area 695Q detected at the left and right wind direction plate positions 495q, the detection area 695QR detected at both the left and right wind direction plates positions 495q, r, and the left and right wind direction plate positions 495r, s. Detection area 695ST detected at both detection area 695RS, detection area 695S detected at left and right wind direction plate position 495s, detection area 695ST at left and right wind direction plate positions 495s, t, and left and right wind direction plate positions ( 495t), it becomes eight areas of the detection area 695T detected. The room can be divided into 30 areas of the cross detection areas 730JPQ to NT shown in FIG. 35 by the area division in the front-rear direction (perspective direction) shown in FIG. 22 and the area division in the left-right direction described above.

In this embodiment, the infrared sensor is shielded by the left and right wind direction plates. This eliminates the need for a dedicated shutter mechanism and the like, so that the detection area can be distinguished at low cost by using the structural mechanism of the left and right wind direction plates.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of infrared sensors arranged in the vertical direction may be mounted in the air conditioner, and the area in the perspective direction may be divided by the plurality of infrared sensors arranged in the vertical direction. That is, without using the area division in the perspective direction shown in FIG. 22, a plurality of infrared sensors developed in the vertical direction are used to divide the area in the perspective direction of the room, and the infrared sensor is shielded in stages by the left and right wind direction plates. It is also possible to estimate the position of the occupant by dividing the area in the left and right directions.

1 is a block diagram of an air conditioner.

2 is a side sectional view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner.

3 is a side sectional view of the indoor unit during cooling and dehumidification operation.

4 is a sectional side view of the indoor unit during heating operation.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an installation portion of the misting unit of the electrostatic misting device in the blowing air path.

6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the water generating unit of the electrostatic misting device from the front.

7 is an external perspective view of the indoor unit.

8 is an external perspective view of the upper and lower wind direction plates of the indoor unit opened;

9 is a horizontal layout of the infrared sensor of the indoor unit.

10 is a detection area classification diagram of the infrared sensor.

11 is a configuration diagram of the infrared sensor.

12 is another configuration example of the infrared sensor.

13 is an explanatory diagram of a detection estimation method of the infrared sensor of the embodiment;

14 is an explanatory diagram of a detection estimation method of the infrared sensor.

15 is an explanatory diagram of a detection estimation method of the infrared sensor.

Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a detection area by the vertical wind direction plate of the indoor unit.

17 is an explanatory diagram of a far-field detection by the vertical wind direction plate.

Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram of far to middle region detection by the vertical wind direction plate.

Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram of detection of far to near regions by the vertical wind direction plate.

Fig. 20 is an explanatory diagram of far to right below area detection by the vertical wind direction plate.

Fig. 21 is a detection area division diagram in the vertical direction by the vertical wind direction plate.

Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating the detection area of the bottom face of the upper and lower wind direction plates.

Fig. 23 is a table showing detection reactions of the existing area and the infrared sensor.

24 is an estimation table of detection response patterns and presence areas of the infrared sensor.

Fig. 25 is a detection area division diagram of the bottom face of the infrared sensor and the vertical wind direction plate;

Fig. 26 is a horizontal layout view of the infrared sensor of the indoor unit of the second embodiment.

27 is a detection area division diagram of the infrared sensor of the second embodiment;

Fig. 28 is a detection area classification diagram of the bottom face of the infrared sensor and the vertical wind direction plate of the second embodiment.

Fig. 29 is an explanatory diagram of a detection area by the upper and lower wind direction plates of the indoor unit of the third embodiment.

Fig. 30 is a table showing the detection reaction between the presence area and the infrared sensor of the third embodiment.

Fig. 31 is an estimation table of detection response patterns and presence areas of the infrared sensor of the third embodiment.

32 is a side sectional view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the fourth embodiment;

Fig. 33 is an explanatory diagram of a detection area by the left and right wind direction plates of the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 34 is a detection area division diagram of the bottom face of the left and right wind direction plates of the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 35 is a diagram showing detection areas of the bottom face of the top, bottom, left and right wind direction plates of the fourth embodiment.

<Description of the code>

1: air conditioner

2: indoor unit

5: remote control

6: outdoor unit

8: connection piping

10: control unit

14: infrared sensor block

20: housing

21: housing base

23: decorative frame

25: front panel

27: air intake

29 air outlet

33: indoor heat exchanger

35: evaporating dish

37: drain piping

130: amplifier

131: comparator

132: microcomputer

133: switching device

19O: Up and down wind direction control unit

191: upper and lower wind direction plate motor

192: upper and lower wind direction plate motor

194: left and right wind direction plate control unit

195: left and right wind direction plate motor

23O, 230 ': air intake

231, 231 ': filter

251: Movable Panel

29O: Erupting Furnace

29Oa: Top wall of blowout air path

29Ob: Ejection Furnace Lower Wall

29Oc: Blowout Furnace Sidewalls

29Oe: Expansion part above the blower

291: upper and lower wind direction plate

292: upper and lower wind direction plate

295: left and right wind direction plate

295d: shading part

311 blower fan

338 heat sink

396: light receiver

397: display unit

410: infrared detection device

410a to c: infrared sensor a to c

415: pedestal

416: Substrate

422 fog electrode

422a: fog mist

422b: Frequency Division

423: no repair

424 fog connection

425: cold plate

428 ion electrode

429: Conductor

430: discharge part

431: Misty Housing

440: water generator

441: Peltier element

442: low temperature part

443: Insulation Sheet

444 high temperature part

447: Misty Drain Plate

491i to n: upper and lower wind direction plate positions i to n

495p to t: left and right wind direction plate positions p to t

510a to c: detection range a to c

591j to n: detection range j to n

595p to t: detection range p to t

610A to C: detection areas A to C

691J to N: detection error area J to N

695P to T: Detection area P to T

71OJAB to NC: Cross detection area JAB to NC

730JPQ to NT: cross detection areaJPQ to NT

902: thread

Claims (14)

delete delete delete An air inlet, an air blower, an indoor heat exchanger, a blower fan that blows indoor air sucked from the air inlet from the air blower through the indoor heat exchanger, an infrared sensor for detecting the presence of occupants, and the air In the air conditioner provided with the indoor unit which has the left-right wind direction plate and the up-down wind direction plate arrange | positioned at a blower outlet, The infrared sensor is gradually shielded by the up-and-down wind direction plate, and based on the information from the step-by-step shielded infrared sensor from the relationship between the position of the up-down wind direction plate and the position where the occupant is present, the perspective of the occupant of the occupant An air conditioner, characterized in estimating the position of the direction. An air inlet, an air blower, an indoor heat exchanger, a blower fan that blows indoor air sucked from the air inlet from the air blower through the indoor heat exchanger, an infrared sensor for detecting the presence of occupants, and the air In the air conditioner provided with the indoor unit which has the left-right wind direction plate and the up-down wind direction plate arrange | positioned at a blower outlet, Shielding the infrared sensor in stages by the vertical wind direction plate, and estimating the position in the perspective direction of the occupant based on the information from the shielded infrared sensor; A field of view of the infrared sensor is opened in a region closest to the air conditioner in the perspective direction among the areas where the infrared sensor can be detected in the state where the vertical wind direction plate is closed, When the vertical wind direction plate is rotated so that the field of view of the infrared sensor is opened, a division closest to the air conditioner with respect to the air conditioner is shielded by the vertical wind direction plate while the infrared sensor is detected. And a field of view of said infrared sensor is opened in order from the furthest distance from said perspective to said air conditioner. An air inlet, an air blower, an indoor heat exchanger, a blower fan that blows indoor air sucked from the air inlet from the air blower through the indoor heat exchanger, an infrared sensor for detecting the presence of occupants, and the air In the air conditioner provided with the indoor unit which has the left-right wind direction plate and the up-down wind direction plate arrange | positioned at a blower outlet, Shielding the infrared sensor in stages by the vertical wind direction plate, and estimating the position in the perspective direction of the occupant based on the information from the shielded infrared sensor; And a plurality of infrared sensors, wherein an area detected by the adjacent infrared sensors is partially overlapped in the left and right directions. An air inlet, an air blower, an indoor heat exchanger, a blower fan that blows indoor air sucked from the air inlet from the air blower through the indoor heat exchanger, an infrared sensor for detecting the presence of occupants, and the air In the air conditioner provided with the indoor unit which has the left-right wind direction plate and the up-down wind direction plate arrange | positioned at a blower outlet, And shielding the infrared sensor stepwise by the left and right wind direction plates, and estimating the position in the left and right directions of the occupant based on the information from the stepped shielded infrared sensor. 8. The position of the occupant in the left and right directions of the occupant is estimated based on information from the infrared sensor shielded in stages from the relationship between the position of the left and right wind direction plates and the position where the occupant is present. , Air conditioner. delete delete An air inlet, an air blower, an indoor heat exchanger, a blower fan that blows indoor air sucked from the air inlet from the air blower through the indoor heat exchanger, an infrared sensor for detecting the presence of occupants, and the air In the air conditioner provided with the indoor unit which has the left-right wind direction plate and the up-down wind direction plate arrange | positioned at a blower outlet, Estimating the location of the occupant based on the information from the infrared sensor shielded in stages, An air conditioner having an electrostatic misting device for releasing charged fine particles of liquid, and releasing the charged fine particles of liquid from the electrostatic misting device toward a position where the occupant is assumed to be present. . delete An air inlet, an air blower, an indoor heat exchanger, a blower fan that blows indoor air sucked from the air inlet from the air blower through the indoor heat exchanger, an infrared sensor for detecting the presence of occupants, and the air In the air conditioner provided with the indoor unit which has the left-right wind direction plate and the up-down wind direction plate arrange | positioned at a blower outlet, Estimating the location of the occupant based on the information from the infrared sensor shielded in stages, An air conditioner characterized in that the amount of air blown out from the air blower outlet is reduced more than in normal operation when estimating the position of the occupant based on the information from the infrared sensor shielded in stages. An air inlet, an air blower, an indoor heat exchanger, a blower fan that blows indoor air sucked from the air inlet from the air blower through the indoor heat exchanger, an infrared sensor for detecting the presence of occupants, and the air In the air conditioner provided with the indoor unit which has the left-right wind direction plate and the up-down wind direction plate arrange | positioned at a blower outlet, The infrared sensor is a single infrared sensor, Estimating the position in the perspective direction of the occupant by shielding the infrared sensor step by step with the vertical wind direction plate, And shielding the infrared sensor stepwise by the left and right wind direction plates to estimate the position in the left and right directions of the occupant.

Images