US20250198642A1 - Indoor unit and air conditioner - Google Patents

Indoor unit and air conditioner Download PDF

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Publication number
US20250198642A1
US20250198642A1 US18/844,639 US202218844639A US2025198642A1 US 20250198642 A1 US20250198642 A1 US 20250198642A1 US 202218844639 A US202218844639 A US 202218844639A US 2025198642 A1 US2025198642 A1 US 2025198642A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
sensing device
indoor unit
biometric sensing
biometric
housing
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Pending
Application number
US18/844,639
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English (en)
Inventor
Junichi OKAZAKI
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Assigned to MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION reassignment MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: OKAZAKI, JUNICHI
Publication of US20250198642A1 publication Critical patent/US20250198642A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/62—Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
    • F24F11/63—Electronic processing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/89—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
    • F24F1/0018—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by fans
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
    • F24F11/72—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure
    • F24F11/74—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling air flow rate or air velocity
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
    • F24F11/72—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure
    • F24F11/74—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling air flow rate or air velocity
    • F24F11/77—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling air flow rate or air velocity by controlling the speed of ventilators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
    • F24F11/72—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure
    • F24F11/79—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling the direction of the supplied air
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
    • F24F11/80—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2120/00—Control inputs relating to users or occupants
    • F24F2120/10—Occupancy

Definitions

  • the present disclosure pertains to an indoor unit and an air conditioner.
  • An indoor unit of an air conditioner that includes a biometric sensing device capable of detecting biometric information is known.
  • a configuration where a touchless sleep sensor that includes a Doppler sensor externally attached to an indoor unit is known.
  • the present disclosure is made with the above problem in mind, and an object is to provide an indoor unit that includes a biometric sensing device, which has a construction that enhances biometric detection accuracy thereof, and an air conditioner that includes such indoor unit.
  • An embodiment of an indoor unit of an air conditioner includes: a housing having an exhaust port formed thereon; a heat exchanger housed on an inside of the housing; a blower that is housed on the inside of the housing, and that blows air to the exhaust port, and a biometric sensing device that detects biometric information regarding a living body, where the living body is located inside of a detection range thereof.
  • a shutter that opens and closes at least a portion of the exhaust port, is provided in the exhaust port.
  • the biometric sensing device is accommodated on the inside of the housing, and transmits a transmission signal that passes through a wall of the housing to detect the biometric information.
  • the detection range of the biometric sensing device is provided outside a movable range of the shutter.
  • An air conditioner includes the aforementioned indoor unit, and an outdoor unit.
  • FIG. 1 A schematic diagram that shows an outline configuration of an air conditioner, in a first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 A perspective view that shows an indoor unit, in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 A cross-sectional view that shows the indoor unit, in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 A view that shows a biometric detection sensor, in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 A schematic diagram that explains a mechanism of biometric detection using a biometric sensing device, in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 A perspective view that shows the indoor unit, in a second embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 A cross-sectional view that shows the indoor unit, in a second embodiment.
  • the drawings show an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis where appropriate.
  • the X axis shows a side out of sides of a horizontal direction.
  • the Y axis shows another side out of sides of the horizontal direction.
  • the Z axis shows a vertical direction.
  • a horizontal direction along the X axis is referred to as a “front-rear direction X”
  • a horizontal direction along the Y axis is referred to as a “left-right direction Y”.
  • a vertical direction along the Z axis is referred to as a “vertical direction Z”.
  • the front-rear direction X, the left-right direction Y, and the vertical direction Z are mutually orthogonal directions.
  • a side out of sides of the vertical direction Z in which the arrow of the Z axis faces is a “top side” (+Z side).
  • the other side out of sides of the vertical direction Z which faces an opposite side the arrow of the Z axis faces is a “bottom side” ( ⁇ Z side).
  • a side out of sides in the front-rear direction X in which the arrow of the X axis faces is a “front side” (+X side).
  • the other side out of sides of the front-rear direction X which faces an opposite side the arrow of the X axis faces is a “rear side” ( ⁇ X side).
  • the left-right direction Y is a left-right direction in a case where an indoor unit in the embodiments below is seen from the front (+X direction).
  • a side out of sides of the left-right direction Y in which the arrow of the Y axis faces is a “right side” (+Y side).
  • Another side out of sides of the left-right direction Y which faces an opposite side the arrow of the Y axis faces is a “left side” ( ⁇ Y side).
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view that shows an outline configuration of an air conditioner 100 in a first embodiment.
  • the air conditioner 100 includes an outdoor unit 10 , an indoor unit 20 , and a circulation path 18 .
  • the outdoor unit 10 is disposed outdoors.
  • the indoor unit 20 is disposed indoors.
  • the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10 are connected to one another by the circulation path 18 that circulates a refrigerant 19 .
  • a refrigerant such as a fluorine based refrigerant with a low global warming potential (GWP: Global Warming Potential), or a hydrocarbon based refrigerant or the like may be mentioned as examples of the refrigerant 19 .
  • GWP Global Warming Potential
  • the outdoor unit 10 includes a housing 11 , a compressor 12 , a heat exchanger 13 , a flow adjustment valve 14 , a blower 15 , a four-way valve 16 , and a controller 17 .
  • the compressor 12 , the heat exchanger 13 , the flow adjustment valve 14 , the blower 15 , the four-way valve 16 , and the controller 17 are accommodated on an inside of the housing 11 .
  • the compressor 12 , the heat exchanger 13 , the flow adjustment valve 14 , and the four-way valve 16 are provided on a part that is located on the inside of the housing 11 , out of the circulation path 18 .
  • the compressor 12 , the heat exchanger 13 , the flow adjustment valve 14 , and the four-way valve 16 are connected by the part that is located on the inside of the housing 11 , out of the circulation path 18 .
  • the four-way valve 16 is provided on a part that is connected to a discharge side of the compressor 12 , out of the circulation path 18 . By exchanging a portion of the circulation path 18 , it is possible for the four-way valve 16 to reverse a direction of flow of the refrigerant 19 within the circulation path 18 .
  • the path connected by the four-way valve 16 is the path of the four-way valve 16 that is shown by solid lines in FIG. 1
  • the refrigerant 19 within the circulation path 18 flows in the direction shown by the solid line arrow in FIG. 1 .
  • the path connected by the four-way valve 16 is the path of the four-way valve 16 that is shown by dashed lines in FIG. 1
  • the refrigerant 19 flows within the circulation path 18 in the direction shown by the dashed line arrow in FIG. 1 .
  • the indoor unit 20 includes a housing 21 , a heat exchanger 22 , a blower 23 , and a controller 24 .
  • the heat exchanger 22 , the blower 23 , and the controller 24 are accommodated on an inside of the housing 21 . It is possible for the indoor unit 20 to have a cooling operation where the air inside the environment in which the indoor unit 20 is disposed is cooled, and to have a heating operation where the air inside the environment in which the indoor unit 20 is disposed in is heated.
  • the refrigerant 19 that flows within the circulation path 18 flows in the direction shown by solid lines in FIG. 1 .
  • the refrigerant 19 that flows within the circulation path 18 circulates so as to return to the compressor 12 after passing through the compressor 12 , the heat exchanger 13 of the outdoor unit 10 , the flow adjustment valve 14 , and the heat exchanger 22 of the indoor unit 20 in such an order.
  • the heat exchanger 13 on an inside of the outdoor unit 10 functions as a condenser
  • the heat exchanger 22 on an inside of the indoor unit 20 functions as an evaporator.
  • the refrigerant 19 that flows within the circulation path 18 flows in the direction shown by dashed lines in FIG. 1 .
  • the refrigerant 19 that flows within the circulation path 18 circulates so as to return to the compressor 12 after passing through the compressor 12 , the heat exchanger 22 of the indoor unit 20 , the flow adjustment valve 14 , and the heat exchanger 13 of the outdoor unit 10 in such an order.
  • the heat exchanger 13 on the inside of the outdoor unit 10 functions as the evaporator
  • the heat exchanger 22 on the inside of the indoor unit 20 functions as the condenser.
  • FIG. 2 is perspective view that shows the indoor unit 20 .
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view that shows the indoor unit 20 .
  • the indoor unit 20 is a wall-mounted type indoor unit that is fixed on a wall surface inside the room.
  • the indoor unit 20 is a long semi-rectangular shape that extends in the left-right direction Y.
  • the housing 21 of the indoor unit 20 has a main body 21 a , which is a long semi-rectangular shape that extends 15 in the left-right direction Y, and a shutter 21 b that is attached to the main body 21 a.
  • An intake port 20 a , and an exhaust port 20 b are formed on the housing 21 .
  • the intake port 20 a is formed on a top surface, on the main body 21 a of the housing 21 .
  • the exhaust port 20 b is formed so as to straddle between a front side portion of a bottom surface on the main body 21 a , and a bottom side portion of a front surface on the main body 21 a .
  • the exhaust port 20 b opens to the front (+X direction) and to the bottom. As shown in FIG. 2 , the exhaust port 20 b extends in the left-right direction Y. A right end of the exhaust port 20 b is located apart to the left ( ⁇ Y direction), more than a right end of the housing 21 .
  • a center in the left-right direction Y of the exhaust port 20 b is located to the left, more than a center in the left-right direction Y of the housing 21 .
  • the intake port 20 a and the exhaust port 20 b may be formed in any location on the housing 21 .
  • the shutter 21 b opens and closes an opening on the front side (+X side), out of the exhaust port 20 b in the first embodiment.
  • the shutter 21 b in the first embodiment is attached to an edge of a top side, on a portion that opens to a front surface of the main body 21 a , out of the exhaust port 20 b .
  • the shutter 21 b is rotatable around a rotation axis R 1 , as shown in FIG. 3 .
  • the rotation axis R 1 is an imaginary axis that passes through the portion to which the shutter 21 b out of the main body 21 a is attached, and extends in the left-right direction Y.
  • the shutter 21 b is made to rotate around the rotation axis R 1 using a motor, which is not shown on the drawings. Said motor is controlled by the controller 24 .
  • the shutter 21 b configures a portion of a front side wall of the housing 21 , when the shutter 21 b closes the opening of the front side (+X side) out of the exhaust port 20 b .
  • the shutter 21 b is a long semi-rectangular shape, in the left-right direction Y.
  • a plate surface of the shutter 21 b faces the front-rear direction X, when the shutter 21 b closes the opening of the front side out of the exhaust port 20 b .
  • FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show a 10 ) state where the shutter 21 b opens, and the opening of the front side out of the exhaust port 20 b is in a state of being open.
  • the shutter 21 b in a state of being opened, is such that the shutter 21 b is in a state of protruding to the front, from the main body 21 a .
  • the plate surface of the shutter 21 b in a state of being opened, faces the vertical direction Z.
  • the shutter 21 b may be disposed in any fashion, with respect to the exhaust port 20 b.
  • top-bottom wind adjusting members 26 a and 26 b are provided on the exhaust port 20 b .
  • the top-bottom wind adjusting members 26 a , 26 b and the left-right wind adjusting member 26 c are wind adjusting members that are capable of adjusting a direction of the air being discharged from the exhaust port 20 b .
  • the top-bottom wind adjusting members 26 a and 26 b are members that are used to adjust a direction of the air being discharged from the exhaust port 20 b , in the vertical direction Z.
  • the left-right wind adjusting member 26 c is a member that is used to adjust a direction of the air being discharged from the exhaust port 20 b , in the left-right direction Y.
  • the top-bottom wind adjusting members 26 a and 26 b are plate surfaces that extend in the left-right direction Y. Each of the top-bottom wind adjusting members 26 a and 26 b , is rotatable around an axis that extends in the left-right direction Y. Each of the top-bottom wind adjusting members 26 a and 26 b is made to rotate about an axis that extends in the left-right direction Y, using a motor that is not shown on the drawings. Said motor is controlled by the controller 24 .
  • the top-bottom wind adjusting member 26 a is located to the front (+X direction), more than the top-bottom wind adjusting member 26 b.
  • the top-bottom wind adjusting members 26 a and 26 b are switching members that open and close a portion of the exhaust port 20 b . It is possible for the top-bottom wind adjusting members 26 a and 26 b to open and close the opening on a bottom side out of the exhaust port 20 b . It is possible for the top-bottom wind adjusting member 26 a to open and close a front side portion on the opening on the bottom side out of the exhaust port 20 b . It is possible for the top-bottom wind adjusting member 26 b to open and close a rear side portion on the opening on the bottom side out of the exhaust port 20 b . In FIG. 2 and FIG.
  • top-bottom wind adjusting members 26 a and 26 b open the exhaust port 20 b are shown.
  • the top-bottom wind adjusting member 26 a and the top-bottom wind adjusting member 26 b each configure a portion of a bottom side wall of the housing 21 , in a state where a portion of the exhaust port 20 b is closed.
  • the left-right wind adjusting member 26 c is disposed on the front side (+X side) and an end of the bottom side of the exhaust port 20 b .
  • the left-right wind adjusting member 26 c has a plurality of blades 26 d that are disposed on the left-right direction Y, with intervals therebetween.
  • the plurality of blades 26 d are plate surfaces that face the left-right direction Y.
  • the plurality of blades 26 d are rotatable around an axis that extends in the vertical direction Z.
  • the left-right wind adjusting member 26 c is rotated around an axis that extends in the vertical direction Z using a motor, which is not shown on the drawings. Said motor is controlled by the controller 24 .
  • the left-right wind adjusting member 26 c in the first embodiment is attached to the top-bottom wind adjusting member 26 a .
  • the left-right wind adjusting member 26 c may be attached to the housing 21 .
  • the left-right wind adjusting member 26 c may be disposed between the top-bottom wind adjusting member 26 a and the top-bottom wind adjusting member 26 b .
  • the top-bottom wind adjusting members 26 a , 26 b and the left-right wind adjusting member 26 c may be disposed in any orientation with respect to the exhaust port 20 b.
  • the blower 23 is accommodated on a top side portion on the inside of the housing 21 .
  • the blower 23 in the first embodiment is a propeller fan that blows wind towards the bottom in the vertical direction Z.
  • Two blowers 23 are provided so as to align in the left-right direction Y. Only one blower 23 may be provided, or three blowers 23 may be provided.
  • the blower 23 is located below the intake port 20 a .
  • a filter 25 is disposed between the blower 23 and the intake port 20 a in the vertical direction Z.
  • the heat exchanger 22 is disposed below the blower 23 .
  • a configuration and/or disposition of the blower 23 , and/or a configuration and/or a disposition of the heat exchanger 22 are not in any way particularly limited to the aforementioned.
  • blower 23 By operating the blower 23 , air indoors is taken in to the inside of the housing 21 , from the intake port 20 a . Air that is taken in to the inside of the housing 21 from the intake port 20 a , is taken in by the blower 23 , and is sent below from the blower 23 , after passing through the filter 25 . Air that is blown below from the blower 23 is discharged indoors, from the exhaust port 20 b , after passing the heat exchanger 22 . As such, the blower 23 sends air to the exhaust port 20 b .
  • the exhaust port 20 b in the first embodiment is located to the bottom, more than the blower 23 .
  • An accommodation 28 is formed on a portion that is located on the front (+X direction) of the blower 23 out of the housing 21 .
  • the accommodation 28 accommodates a biometric sensing device 40 to be mentioned later on, on an inside thereof.
  • a wall that is located on the front, out of walls that configure the accommodation 28 is a portion of a front surface panel 21 c of the housing 21 .
  • the front surface panel 21 c is made of resin.
  • the accommodation 28 is located on an end of the front side (+X side), on an end of the top side out of the housing 21 .
  • the accommodation 28 extends in the left-right direction Y.
  • the indoor unit 20 includes an indoor unit information sensing device 30 , which is capable of detecting information regarding an indoor environment in which the indoor unit 20 is installed.
  • Information regarding the indoor environment includes information about the environment itself, along with information about objects present indoors.
  • Objects that exist indoors include inanimate objects such as furniture or the like, and animate objects (living body) such as people or the like.
  • Information about the indoor environment itself includes the existence or lack thereof of people indoors, locations of said people indoors, a number of said people indoors, and so on.
  • the indoor unit information sensing device 30 in the first embodiment is provided on a portion that is located to the right (+Y direction) more than the exhaust port 20 b , out of a bottom end of the housing 21 .
  • the indoor unit information sensing device 30 is provided on an end on the right side, out of the bottom end of the housing 21 .
  • the indoor unit information sensing device 30 is a semi-cylindrical shape that extends in the vertical direction Z.
  • the indoor unit information sensing device 30 is movable in the vertical direction Z with respect to the housing 21 , and is interchangeable between a 35 condition of protruding to the bottom from a bottom surface of the housing 21 , or a condition of being accommodated on the inside of the housing 21 .
  • FIG. 2 shows a condition where the indoor unit information sensing device 30 protrudes to the bottom from the bottom surface of the housing 21 . When protruding from the housing 21 , the indoor unit information sensing device 30 detects information regarding the indoor environment.
  • the indoor unit information sensing device 30 has a base 31 , and a sensor main body 32 .
  • the base 31 is a portion that connects to the housing 21 .
  • the sensor main body 32 is attached to a bottom end of the base 31 .
  • the sensor main body 32 is rotatable around a rotation axis R 2 that extends in the vertical direction Z with respect to the base 31 .
  • By having the sensor main body 32 be rotatable around the rotation axis R 2 with respect to the base 31 it is possible to have the sensor main body 32 be relatively movable with respect to the housing 21 .
  • the detector main body 32 is rotatable 360 degrees around the rotation axis R 2 , with respect to the base 31 .
  • the base 31 and the sensor main body 32 in the first embodiment are both movable in the vertical direction Z, with respect to the housing 21 .
  • the sensor main body 32 is one or more type of contactless sensor.
  • Said contactless sensor includes a thermal infrared detection sensor, an optical camera, a survey sensor, a light intensity sensor, a microphone, and/or a bolometer of a pyroelectric or a thermoelectric type sensor or the like.
  • Said contactless sensor may be a sensor that has an SOI (Silicone On Insulator) construction.
  • the sensor main body 32 detects information regarding the indoor environment in which the indoor unit 20 is installed, using one or more of said contactless sensor.
  • the sensor main body 32 for example, detects information regarding the indoor environment of said room, while rotating around the rotation axis R 2 , with respect to the base 31 .
  • the indoor unit information sensing device 30 may detect information regarding the indoor environment, from approximately all locations indoors.
  • the sensor main body 32 may also detect information regarding the indoor environment without rotating around the base 31 .
  • the indoor unit information sensing device 30 not be movable in the vertical direction Z with respect to the housing 21 .
  • the indoor unit information sensing device 30 be constantly protruding from the housing 21 , so that the indoor unit information sensing device 30 is not accommodated on the inside of the housing 21 .
  • a construction and/or a disposition of the indoor unit information sensing device 30 is not particularly limited to the aforementioned.
  • the indoor unit 20 includes a cleaning device 50 that cleans the filter 25 .
  • the cleaning device 50 is located above the blower 23 .
  • the filter 25 is built-into the cleaning device 50 so as to be detachable.
  • a cleaning unit is configured using the cleaning device 50 and the filter 25 . While winding the filter 25 , the cleaning device 50 removes dust or the like that has attached to the filter 25 , using a brush that is not shown on the drawings.
  • a construction and/or disposition of the cleaning device 50 is not particularly limited to the aforementioned.
  • the biometric sensing device 40 is accommodated on the inside of the housing 21 .
  • the biometric sensing device 40 in the first embodiment is accommodated on an inside of the accommodation 28 .
  • the biometric sensing device 40 is located to the top, more than a center part in the vertical direction Z of the housing 21 .
  • the biometric sensing device 40 is located to the front (+X direction), more than a center part in the front-rear direction X of the housing 21 .
  • the biometric sensing device 40 in the first embodiment is located on the front of the blower 23 .
  • the biometric sensing device 40 overlaps with the blower 23 , as seen in the front-rear direction X.
  • the biometric sensing device 40 is located to the top, more than the heat exchanger 22 .
  • the biometric sensing device 40 is located to the bottom, more than the intake port 20 a , and is located to the top, more than the exhaust port 20 b .
  • the biometric sensing device 40 overlaps with the exhaust port 20 b , as seen in the vertical direction Z.
  • the biometric sensing device 40 is located on the top of an end on the front side (+X side) of the exhaust port 20 b .
  • the biometric sensing device 40 in the first embodiment is accommodated on a portion towards the left side (towards the ⁇ Y side), more than a center part in the left-right direction Y out of the housing 21 .
  • the biometric sensing device 40 has a biometric detection sensor 41 , and a sensor holding member 45 that holds the biometric detection sensor 41 .
  • the sensor holding member 45 is fixed to the inside of the accommodation 28 .
  • the biometric detection sensor 41 in the first embodiment is a Doppler sensor.
  • FIG. 4 is a view that shows the biometric detection sensor 41 .
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram that explains a mechanism of biometric detection, using the biometric sensing device 40 in the first embodiment.
  • a human H is shown as an example of a living body.
  • the biometric detection sensor 41 has a substrate 42 , a transmitter 43 a and a receiver 43 b that are mounted onto the substrate 42 .
  • the substrate 42 is a long rectangular shaped plate.
  • the substrate 42 is disposed so as to incline in the front-rear direction X, with respect to the vertical direction Y.
  • the substrate 42 is located to the front (+X direction), as the top thereof is approached.
  • a plate surface of the substrate 42 inclines in the front-rear direction X with respect to a plane (Y-Z plane), which is orthogonal with the front-rear direction X.
  • An angle of inclination ⁇ of the plate surface of the substrate 42 with respect to the plane (Y-Z plane) that is orthogonal with the front-rear direction X is for example, greater than or equal to 5 degrees, and less than or equal to 45 degrees.
  • the surface plate of the substrate 42 may be orthogonal with the front-rear direction X as well.
  • a surface on the front side (+X side) out of the plate surface of the substrate 42 is a mounting surface 42 a .
  • the mounting surface 42 a faces the front, as well as the bottom.
  • a depression angle that the mounting surface 42 a inclines in with respect to the horizontal direction, is the same the angle of inclination ⁇ , in which the surface plate of the plate 42 inclines.
  • FIG. 4 a state where the biometric detection sensor 41 is seen from the front side, in a direction that is orthogonal with the mounting surface 42 a is shown.
  • the transmitter 43 a and the receiver 43 b are mounted onto the mounting surface 42 a . As shown in FIG. 5 , the transmitter 43 a is located to the top as well as the front (+X direction) of the receiver 43 b .
  • a positional relationship between the transmitter 43 a and the receiver 43 b is not particularly limited to the aforementioned.
  • the transmitter 43 a and the receiver 43 b for example, may be disposed so as to align in the left-right direction Y. In such case, the transmitter 43 a may be located to the right (+Y direction) of the receiver 43 b , or may be located to the left ( ⁇ Y direction) of the receiver 43 b.
  • the transmitter 43 a is an antenna that transmits a signal S 1 .
  • the transmitter 43 a in the first embodiment transmits the signal S 1 to the front (+X direction) and to the bottom.
  • the transmission signal S 1 passes through the front surface panel 21 c made of resin, which configures a wall on the front side of the accommodation 28 , and the signal S 1 is sent to an outside of the indoor unit 20 .
  • the receiver 43 b is an antenna that receives a signal S 2 , which reflects off of the object to which the signal S 1 is transmitted, from the transmitter 43 a .
  • the signal S 2 passes through the front surface panel 21 c from the outside of the indoor unit 20 , and is received by the receiver 43 b . Both signal S 1 and S 2 are micro-waves.
  • the biometric sensing device 40 When the signal S 1 that is transmitted from the transmitter 43 a reflects off of the living body, a phase of the signal S 2 changes, depending on the movement of the living body, and minute movement of the living body outer surface, due to blood flow being sent from the heart of the living body. As such, it is possible for the biometric sensing device 40 to obtain information regarding the living body by comparing and analyzing the phase of the signal S 2 that reflects off of the living body, to the phase of the of the signal S 1 that is transmitted. Information regarding the living body that is detected at the biometric sensing device 40 is sent to the controller 24 . In the first embodiment, the biometric sensing device 40 is electrically connected to the controller 24 , via wiring that is not shown on the drawings. The biometric sensing device 40 may wirelessly transmit information regarding the living body, to the controller 24 . The configuration and disposition of the biometric sensing device 40 are not limited to the 20 aforementioned.
  • the detection range 44 of the biometric sensing device 40 in the first embodiment is the detection range 44 of the biometric detection sensor 41 .
  • the detection range 44 is the range where it is possible to emit the signal S 1 that is transmitted from the transmitter 43 a , and where it is possible to receive the signal S 2 by the receiver 43 b that is reflected, after the signal S 1 is emitted.
  • a design value that is preset into the biometric sensing device 40 may be used.
  • the detection range 44 of the biometric sensing device 40 for example, is a range of a preset design value.
  • the detection range 44 expands from the biometric 30 sensing device 40 to the front (+X direction).
  • the detection range 44 expands to the front and diagonally to the bottom direction, from the biometric detection sensor 41 of the biometric sensing device 40 .
  • the detection: range 44 expands in the vertical direction Z and both sides in the left-right direction Y, as the detection range 44 moves apart from the biometric sensing device 40 to the front and diagonally to the bottom direction.
  • An angle ⁇ z of expansion in the vertical direction Z of the detection range 44 is for example, greater than or equal to 20 degrees, and less than or equal to 120 degrees.
  • An angle ⁇ y of expansion in the left-right direction Y of the detection range 44 shown in FIG. 2 is for example, greater than 90 degrees, and less than or equal to 170 degrees.
  • the angle ⁇ y of expansion in the left-right direction Y is larger than the angle ⁇ z of expansion in the vertical direction Z.
  • the biometric sensing device 40 in the first embodiment is fixed to the housing 21 , and does not relatively move, with respect to the housing 21 . As such, the detection range 44 of the biometric sensing device 40 does not change.
  • the detection range 44 of the biometric sensing device 40 for example, is set so as to be relatively wide, so that it is possible to easily detect biometric information of the human H occupying the indoor environment in which the indoor unit 20 is installed.
  • the shutter 21 b in an opened condition is located outside of the detection range 44 .
  • the shutter 21 b in a closed state is also located outside of the detection range 44 .
  • the detection range 44 of the biometric sensing device 40 is provided on an outside of the movable range of the shutter 21 b .
  • the shutter 21 b in the first embodiment is located on the rear ( ⁇ X direction) of the detection range 44 .
  • the indoor unit information sensing device 30 is located outside of the detection range 44 .
  • the detection range 44 of the biometric sensing device 40 is provided on an outside of the movable range of the sensor main body 32 in the indoor unit information sensing device 30 .
  • the top-bottom wind adjusting members 26 a , 26 b and the left-right wind adjusting member 26 c are located outside of the detection range 44 .
  • the detection range 44 of the biometric sensing device 40 is provided on an outside of the movable range of the wind adjusting members, i.e. the top-bottom wind adjusting members 26 a , 26 b and left-right wind adjusting member 26 c .
  • the cleaning device 50 is located outside of the detection range 44 .
  • the detection range 44 of the biometric sensing device 40 is provided on an outside of the movable range of the cleaning device 50 .
  • all movable parts out of parts that configure the indoor unit 20 are located outside of the detection range 44 .
  • the detection range 44 of the biometric sensing device 40 is provided on an outside of the movable range of all movable parts, out of the parts that configure the indoor unit 20 .
  • the movable parts out of the parts that configure the indoor unit 20 are parts that are automatically movable in response to signals from the controller 24 .
  • the movable parts in the first embodiment include the shutter 21 b , the top-bottom wind adjusting members 26 a and 26 b , the left-right wind adjusting member 26 c , the blower 23 , the sensor main body 32 of the indoor unit information sensing device 30 , and the cleaning device 50 .
  • the heat exchanger 22 is located outside of the detection range 44 .
  • the detection range 44 of the biometric sensing device 40 is located on an outside of the heat exchanger 22 .
  • the controller 24 is accommodated on an inside, in an end on the right side (+Y side) of the housing 21 .
  • the controller 24 is located to the right (+Y direction), more than the exhaust port 20 b .
  • the controller 24 controls at least a portion of the parts that configure the indoor unit 20 .
  • the controller 24 in the first embodiment controls various parts of the indoor unit 20 . Specifically, the controller 24 controls the blower 23 , the shutter 21 b , the top-bottom wind adjusting members 26 a and 26 b , the left-right wind adjusting member 26 c , the indoor unit information sensing device 30 , the cleaning device 50 , and the biometric sensing device 40 .
  • the controller 24 controls at least a portion of the parts that configure the indoor unit 20 , based on biometric information detected using the biometric sensing device 40 . For example, when the biometric sensing device 40 obtains pulse of a human H as biometric information of the human H, the controller 24 discerns the condition of the human H in response to the size of said pulse, and adjusts the direction, amount, and speed of the air being discharged indoors from the indoor unit 20 , as well as a set temperature of the indoor unit 20 , according to the condition of the human H.
  • the controller 24 When the controller 24 discerns that a human H is for example, is in a state of being relaxed, the controller 24 will control the blower 23 , the top-bottom wind adjusting members 26 a and 26 b , and the left-right wind adjusting member 26 c , to blow air such that the human His able to be more relaxed.
  • the controller 24 discerns that the human His in a state of sleeping or being awake based on the biometric information detected using the biometric sensing device 40 , the controller 24 adjusts the direction, the amount, and the speed of the air being discharged indoors from the indoor unit 20 , as well as the set temperature of the indoor unit 20 , according to the condition of the human H.
  • the indoor unit 20 includes the biometric sensing device 40 that detects biometric information from a living body, when said living body is located on the inside of the detection range 44 .
  • the biometric sensing device 40 is accommodated on the inside of the housing 21 .
  • the detection range 44 of the biometric sensing device 40 is provided outside of the movable range of the shutter 21 b . As such, even if the shutter 21 b moves, the shutter 21 b does not enter the inside of the detection range 44 . Accordingly, the biometric sensing device 40 does not detect 10 ) movement of the shutter 21 b , and the biometric detection using the biometric sensing device 40 is not hindered by movement of the shutter 21 b .
  • biometric sensing device 40 Since the biometric sensing device 40 is housed on the inside of the housing 21 , it is possible to improve an aesthetic appearance of the indoor unit 20 , compared to when the biometric sensing device 40 is housed on an outside of the housing 21 .
  • the indoor unit 20 includes the indoor unit information sensing device 30 , which is capable of detecting information regarding an indoor environment in which the indoor unit 20 is installed.
  • the indoor unit information sensing device 30 has the sensor main body 32 , which is relatively movable with respect to the housing 21 .
  • the detection range 44 of the biometric sensing device 40 is provided on an outside of the movable range of the sensor main body 32 , in the indoor unit information sensing device 30 .
  • the biometric sensing device 40 does not detect movement of the sensor main body 32 , and the biometric detection of the biometric sensing device 40 is not hindered by movement of the sensor main body 32 . Therefore, it is possible to further enhance biometric detection accuracy using the biometric sensing device 40 .
  • the top-bottom wind adjusting members 26 a , 26 b and the left-right wind adjusting member 26 c are provided in the exhaust port 20 b as wind adjusting members capable of adjusting a direction of the air being discharged from the exhaust port 20 b .
  • the detection range 44 of the biometric sensing device 40 is provided on an outside of the movable range of the top-bottom wind adjusting members 26 a , 26 b and the left-right wind adjusting member 26 c .
  • the biometric sensing device 40 does not detect movement of the top-bottom wind adjusting members 26 a , 26 b and the left-right wind adjusting member 26 c , and the biometric detection of the biometric sensing device 40 is not hindered by movement of each of the wind adjusting members. Therefore, it is possible to further enhance biometric detection accuracy using the biometric sensing device 40 .
  • the indoor unit 20 includes the cleaning device 50 , which cleans the filter 25 .
  • the detection range 44 of the biometric sensing device 40 is provided on an outside of the movable range of the cleaning device 50 . As such, the biometric sensing device 40 does not detect movement of the cleaning device 50 , and the biometric detection of the biometric sensing device 40 is not hindered by movement of the cleaning device 50 . Therefore, it is possible to further enhance biometric detection accuracy using the biometric sensing device 40 .
  • the indoor unit 20 is a wall-mounted type indoor unit.
  • the exhaust port 20 b is located to the bottom, more than the blower 23 .
  • the biometric sensing device 40 is located on the front of the blower 23 .
  • the detection range 44 of the biometric sensing device 40 expands to the front, from the biometric sensing device 40 .
  • the blower 23 does not enter the inside of the detection range 44 .
  • the biometric sensing device 40 does not detect movement of the blower 23 , and the biometric detection of the biometric sensing device 40 is not hindered by movement of the blower 23 . Therefore, it is possible to further enhance biometric detection accuracy using the biometric sensing device 40 .
  • the exhaust port 20 b be located to the bottom more than the blower 23 , and disposing the biometric sensing device 40 in front of the blower 23 , it is possible to suitably suppress air that is sent to the exhaust port 20 b from the blower 23 , out of the indoor unit 20 , from entering the inside of detection range 44 .
  • the biometric sensing device 40 even if a portion of the housing 21 vibrates due to air sent from the blower 23 colliding therewith, it is possible to suppress the biometric sensing device 40 from detecting movement of said vibrating portion. Accordingly, it is possible to further suppress having the biometric detection of the biometric sensing device 40 be hindered, and it is possible to further enhance biometric detection accuracy using the biometric sensing device 40 .
  • the detection range 44 of the biometric sensing device 40 expands to the front and diagonally to the bottom direction, from the biometric sensing device 40 .
  • the biometric sensing device 40 is located to the top, more than a center of the housing 21 in the vertical direction Z. As such, it is easier to include a part out of the space indoors that is located in a location which is relatively separated to the front from indoor unit 20 , in the detection range 44 that spreads towards the front and the bottom from the biometric sensing device 40 . Accordingly, detecting biometric information of a living body in a location that is located far to the front from the indoor unit 20 , using the biometric sensing device 40 becomes easier.
  • the detection range 44 that expands to the front and diagonally to the bottom direction from the biometric sensing device 40 be more to the front than the shutter 21 b , making it easier to provide the detection range 44 outside of the movable range of the shutter 21 b.
  • the detection range 44 of the biometric sensing device 40 is provided outside of the movable range of all movable parts, out of the parts that configure the indoor unit 20 .
  • the biometric sensing device 40 does not detect movement of any of the movable parts in the indoor unit 20 , and the biometric detection of the biometric sensing device 40 is not hindered by movement of the movable parts in the indoor unit 20 . Therefore, it is possible to suitably enhance biometric detection accuracy of the biometric sensing device 40 .
  • the biometric sensing device 40 uses analysis to cancel out signals that are reflected from bodies other than the living body as noise.
  • the biometric detection accuracy of the biometric sensing device 40 decreases.
  • an output of the biometric sensing device 40 becomes large due to the biometric sensing device 40 trying to obtain biometric information of a living body that is farther apart from the indoor unit 20 , it is easy for effects of said noise to become larger.
  • the biometric sensing device 40 since movement of the movable parts out of the parts that configure the indoor unit 20 is not detected by the biometric sensing device 40 as previously mentioned, it is possible to suitably reduce noise that originates from signal that are reflected from bodies other than the living body. Accordingly, it is possible to enhance biometric detection accuracy using the biometric sensing device 40 .
  • the detection range 44 of the biometric sensing device 40 is provided on a region that is on an outside of the heat exchanger 22 .
  • the signal S 1 that is transmitted from the biometric sensing device 40 , and the signal S 2 that is received by the biometric sensing device 40 are not blocked by the heat exchanger 22 , which is made of metal. Accordingly, it is possible to suitably emit the signal S 1 that is transmitted from the biometric sensing device 40 to the living body, and it is possible to suitably receive the signal S 2 that reflects off of the living body, by the biometric sensing device 40 . Therefore, it is possible to further suitably enhance biometric detection accuracy of the biometric sensing device 40 .
  • the biometric sensing device 40 has the biometric detection sensor 41 as a Doppler sensor. As such, by analyzing and comparing a phase of the signal S 1 that is emitted from the biometric detection sensor 41 to the living body, and a phase of the signal S 2 that is reflected off of the living body and received by the biometric detection sensor 41 , it is possible to suitably detect biometric information of the living body.
  • the indoor unit 20 includes the controller 24 .
  • the controller 24 controls at least a portion of the parts that configure the indoor unit 20 , based on the biometric information detected by the biometric sensing device 40 .
  • the biometric information of a living body in the indoor environment where the indoor unit 20 is installed in other words, the biometric information of the human H, it is possible to adjust the air of the indoor environment so that the human His comfortable.
  • the detection range 44 of the biometric sensing device 40 is the range of the preset design value. As such, it is possible to easily set the detection range 44 by designing the design value of the biometric sensing device 40 so as to match the indoor unit 20 . Even when an actual detection range of the biometric sensing device 40 deviates from the detection range 44 that is preset as the design value, it is possible to easily provide said actual detection range outside of the movable range of movable parts such as the shutter 21 b or the like. Therefore, as previously mentioned, it is possible to suitably enhance biometric detection accuracy using the biometric sensing device 40 .
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view that shows an indoor unit 220 , in a second embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view that shows the indoor unit 220 , in the second embodiment.
  • configurations similar to the configurations previously mentioned have the same reference signs and the like affixed thereto, with explanations thereof being omitted.
  • an exhaust port 220 b is formed on a bottom surface in the center part of the front-rear direction X of a main body 221 a , on a housing 221 of the indoor unit 220 .
  • the exhaust port 220 b opens to the bottom.
  • the exhaust port 220 b extends in the left-right direction Y, and is formed almost on an entirety of the bottom surface of the housing 221 .
  • Top-bottom wind adjusting members 226 a and 226 b , and left-right wind adjusting member 226 c are provided in the exhaust port 220 b .
  • the top-bottom wind adjusting members 226 a and 226 b are wind adjusting members for adjusting air being discharged in the vertical direction Z from the exhaust port 220 b , and are portions of a shutter of the exhaust port 220 b that is openable and closable.
  • the left-right wind adjusting member 226 c is a wind adjusting member for adjusting air being discharged in the left-right vertical direction Y from the exhaust port 220 b.
  • the housing 221 has an accommodation 228 .
  • the accommodation 228 is located on the bottom side portion on an end in the front side (+X side), out of the housing 221 .
  • the accommodation 228 extends in the left-right direction Y.
  • a wall on the front side (+X side), out of walls that configure the accommodation 228 is a bottom side portion of a front surface panel 221 c of the housing 221 .
  • the wall on the bottom side out of the walls that configure the accommodation 228 is a diagonal wall 221 e .
  • the diagonal wall 221 e extends to the front (+X direction) and the top, from a front end of the exhaust port 220 b .
  • the diagonal wall 221 e is made of resin.
  • a controller 224 is accommodated within the accommodation 228 .
  • the controller 224 has the same configuration as the controller 24 of the first embodiment.
  • a device for generating water particles (mist) that are electrically energized, and a receiver that receives a signal from a remote controller are accommodated within the accommodation 228 .
  • An indoor unit information sensing device 230 in the first embodiment is provided on an end, on the right side (+Y side) of the diagonal wall 221 e .
  • Other configurations of the indoor unit information sensing device 230 are the same as the other configurations of the indoor unit information sensing device 30 in the first embodiment.
  • a blower 223 in the second embodiment is disposed inside in a center part in the vertical direction Z of a rear side portion, out of the housing 221 .
  • the blower 223 is a cross-flow fan that extends in the left-right direction Y.
  • the blower 223 has an impeller that rotates around a rotation axis, which extends in the left-right direction Y.
  • the blower 223 is located on the rear ( ⁇ X direction) of the accommodation 228 .
  • the blower 223 overlaps with the accommodation 228 , as seen in the front-rear direction X.
  • the blower 223 is located on a top end of an airway 221 d , which is formed on an inside of the housing 221 .
  • the airway 221 d extends to the bottom and to the front from the blower 223 , and is connected to the exhaust port 220 b.
  • a heat exchanger 222 is disposed in front of the blower 223 .
  • the heat exchanger 222 has a portion that is located on the top of the blower 223 , and a portion that is located on the front (+X direction), in a top side portion of the blower 223 .
  • a filter 225 is disposed on top of the heat exchanger 222 .
  • the filter 225 is located between the heat exchanger 222 , and an intake port 220 a that is formed on a top surface of the housing 221 .
  • a cleaning device 250 is located on top of the heat exchanger 222 .
  • a cleaning unit is configured using the cleaning device 250 and the filter 225 .
  • the cleaning device 250 has a cleaning device main body 251 that cleans the filter 225 , and a filter accommodation 252 that accommodates the filter 225 .
  • the cleaning device main body 251 is located on a top end of a front side portion out of the housing 221 .
  • the cleaning device main body 251 is located on top of the accommodation 228 .
  • the filter accommodation 252 extends to the rear ( ⁇ X direction), more than the cleaning device main body 251 .
  • the filter accommodation 252 is disposed so as to face the bottom of the intake port 220 a.
  • air indoors is taken to the inside of the housing 221 from the intake port 220 a .
  • the air that is taken in to the inside of the housing 221 from the intake port 220 a passes the heat exchanger 222 , and is taken in by the blower 223 , after passing through the filter 225 .
  • the air that is taken in by the blower 223 is discharged to the airway 221 d , flows along the airway 221 d , and is discharged from the exhaust port 220 b to the indoors.
  • a biometric sensing device 240 in the second embodiment is disposed on the inside of the accommodation 228 .
  • the biometric sensing device 240 is located on a portion towards the left side (towards the +Y side) out of the inside of the accommodation 228 .
  • the biometric sensing device 240 is located on the left ( ⁇ Y direction), more than the indoor unit information sensing device 230 .
  • the biometric sensing device 240 is located on the bottom, more than the center in the vertical direction Z of the housing 221 .
  • the biometric sensing device 240 is located on the front (+X direction) of the blower 223 .
  • the biometric sensing device 240 overlaps with a bottom side portion of the blower 223 , as seen in the front-rear direction X.
  • the biometric sensing device 240 is located on the bottom of the cleaning device 250 .
  • the biometric sensing device 240 is located to the front, more than the exhaust port 220 b , the top-bottom wind adjusting members 226 a and 226 b , and left-right wind adjusting member 226 c.
  • the biometric sensing device 240 has a biometric detection sensor 241 .
  • the biometric detection sensor 241 is disposed in the same orientation as the orientation of the biometric detection sensor 41 of the first embodiment.
  • the biometric detection sensor 241 is a Doppler type sensor.
  • a detection range 244 of the biometric sensing device 240 expands towards the front and the bottom from the biometric sensing device 240 .
  • the detection range 244 is the same as the detection range 44 of the first embodiment.
  • the detection range 244 of the biometric sensing device 240 is located on an outside of the movable range of movable parts that include the top-bottom wind adjusting members 226 a and 226 b , which are shutters. Therefore, as with the first embodiment, it is possible to enhance biometric detection accuracy using the biometric sensing device 240 .
  • the biometric sensing device 240 is located on the bottom, more than the center in the vertical direction Z of the housing 221 . As such, including a portion that is located on the bottom more than the indoor unit 220 out of the indoor environment, in the detection range 244 that expands towards the front and the bottom from the biometric sensing device 240 is easier. Accordingly, it is possible to easily detect biometric information of a living body that is in a relatively close location to the wall-mounted type indoor unit 220 in the front-rear direction X.
  • the biometric sensing device contains a plurality of sensors
  • a detection range of the biometric sensing device is decided based on the plurality of sensors.
  • the detection range of the biometric sensing device is for example, a range in which detection ranges of the plurality of sensors overlap.
  • the biometric sensing device is a visible light camera
  • a face of a human that is detected by the visible light camera is included in the biometric information that is detected by the visible light camera.
  • the biometric sensing device may be provided on any location on an inside of a housing of an indoor unit.
  • the biometric sensing device may be disposed in any orientation on the inside of the housing.
  • locations and orientations of each embodiment mentioned above are just one example.
  • Relative positional relationships of various parts in the biometric sensing device in each of the aforementioned embodiments are just one example, and the relative positional relationship of the various parts in the biometric sensing device is not particularly limited thereto. So long as the detection range of the biometric sensor is provided on an outside of a movable range of a shutter that opens and closes at least a portion of an exhaust port, the detection range thereof is not limited.
  • the detection range of the biometric sensing device may include a movable range of a movable part, out of parts that configure the indoor unit.
  • the biometric sensing device may be attached to the housing via a construction that has springs, sponges or the like to absorb vibrations. In such a case, it is possible to suppress vibration of the biometric sensing device that is caused by vibration of the indoor unit, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in detection accuracy of the biometric sensing device.
  • the detection range of the biometric sensing device provided outside of movable range of the shutter may be an actual range in which biometric information is detectable by the biometric sensing device. There are cases where the actual range in which biometric information is detectable, is off from a value that is preset as a design value in the biometric sensing device.
  • the detection range of the biometric sensing device that is provided outside of the movable range of the shutter is the preset design value, so long as the detection range, which is preset as a design value, fulfills the positional relationship with movable parts such as the aforementioned shutter or the like, any range may be provided as an actual detection range of the biometric sensing device.
  • any range may be provided as a detection range that is preset as the design value in the biometric sensing device.
  • a number of wind adjusting members is not particularly limited, and only one may be provided, or two or more may be provided. In the aforementioned embodiments, one of the wind adjusting members may be provided, or three or more may be provided.
  • the biometric sensing device need not be provided.
  • a cleaning device that cleans a filter need not be provided.
  • the indoor unit of the present disclosure may be any type of indoor unit, and may be an indoor unit embedded into a ceiling, or may be an indoor unit that is placed on a floor.
  • Positional relationships, dimensions, and so on of various parts in the various configurations mentioned above are only an example, and so long as the technical scope of the present disclosure is not departed therefrom, the positional relationships, dimensions and so on are not limited particularly limited thereto.
  • the various configurations and various methods explained in the above specification may be combined as needed, so long as no conflicts in the technical scope thereof occurs.

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