Outside air introduction system

Abstract

To provide an outside air introduction system capable of saving energy throughout a year.SOLUTION: An outside air introduction system 100 comprises a wind direction switching unit 3 that switches between a first state in which outside air supplied by an air supply fan 21b flows horizontally along a ceiling 52, and a second state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply fan 21b flows downward toward the front side of a showcase 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an outside air introduction system, and more particularly to an outside air introduction system having a cooling item storage section disposed indoors. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an outside air introduction system including an item storage unit for cooling that is placed indoors is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a ventilation system including a ventilation unit that ventilates a sales floor of a store equipped with a freezer or refrigerated showcase. The ventilation unit described in Patent Document 1 is configured to ventilate the store by drawing outside air into the store with an intake fan. In addition, the ventilation system described in Patent Document 1 increases the ventilation volume when the outside air temperature is below a threshold, thereby lowering the temperature inside the store in which the showcase is installed and reducing the power consumption of the showcase.

[0004] In the ventilation system described in the above Patent Document 1, it is considered that the temperature of the air in the store will be lowered due to the increase in the amount of outside air taken in by increasing the ventilation volume in winter. In this case, it is considered that the heating operation of the air conditioner will be increased so that comfort is not lost due to the drop in the air temperature in the store. As a result, the power consumption of the showcase can be reduced by increasing the ventilation volume, but there is a problem that the power consumption of the air conditioner increases. Therefore, in the above Patent Document 1, in order to suppress the increase in the power consumption of the air conditioner, the ventilation volume is not increased when the outside temperature is below a threshold value while the store is open, and the ventilation volume is increased when the outside temperature is below a threshold value while the store is closed.

[0005] For this reason, the ventilation system of Patent Document 1 has the problem that in winter when the outside temperature is low, the temperature inside the store (room) is lowered by increasing the amount of intake air, so the ventilation system cannot be used while the store is open, and energy saving cannot be achieved. Also, in summer when the outside temperature is high, the outside air raises the temperature of the air inside the showcase (a storage section for cooling items), increasing the power consumption of the showcase, and energy saving cannot be achieved. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to achieve energy saving throughout the year. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-204944 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide an outside air introduction system that can achieve energy savings throughout the year. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an outside air introduction system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an item storage section for cooling, which stores and cools items, and which is arranged indoors and has an opening on the front side; an outside air introduction section including an air supply section that supplies outside air from outside to the room; and an air direction switching section that switches between a first state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply section flows horizontally along the ceiling, and a second state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply section flows downward toward the front side of the item storage section for cooling.

[0009] The outside air introduction system according to the above aspect includes an airflow direction switching unit that switches between a first state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit flows horizontally along the ceiling and a second state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit flows downward toward the front side of the cooling item storage unit. This makes it possible to easily change the direction in which the outside air flows by switching the airflow direction switching unit. For example, in summer when the temperature of the outside air is higher than that of the room, by switching to the first state, the high-temperature outside air can be caused to flow in a direction away from the cooling item storage unit, and thus, unlike the case in which the high-temperature outside air flows near the cooling item storage unit, it is possible to prevent the high-temperature outside air from flowing into the inside of the cooling item storage unit and the temperature inside the cooling item storage unit from increasing. In addition, in winter when the temperature of the outside air is lower than that of the room, by switching to the second state, it is possible to prevent the low-temperature outside air from flowing between the cooling item storage unit and the heated air in the room, and thus it is possible to prevent the heated air in the room from flowing into the inside of the cooling item storage unit and the temperature inside the cooling item storage unit from increasing. In addition, by suppressing the temperature rise inside the cooling item storage unit, it is possible to suppress an increase in the power consumption of the cooling item storage unit without increasing the amount of outside air supplied, and therefore it is possible to suppress a drop in the room temperature caused by increasing the amount of outside air supplied. Furthermore, by suppressing the drop in the room temperature, there is no increase in the power consumption of the air conditioner caused by increasing the operation of the heating operation mode of the air conditioner, so if the room is inside a store, the outside air introduction system can be used even when the store is open. As a result, it is possible to suppress the energy required to cool the inside of the cooling item storage unit from increasing throughout the year, and it is possible to achieve energy conservation throughout the year.

[0010] In the above-mentioned outside air introduction system according to one aspect, the outside air introduction section is preferably disposed above the item storage section for cooling and further includes an air guide section for guiding the outside air supplied from the air supply section into the room, and the airflow direction switching section is configured to switch the air guide direction of the air guide section by switching between the first state and the second state. With this configuration, the airflow direction switching section switches the air guide direction of the air guide section, thereby making it possible to easily switch between the first state and the second state.

[0011] In this case, preferably, the air guidance section includes a first air intake port that flows outside air horizontally along the ceiling and a second air intake port that flows outside air downward toward the front side of the item storage section for cooling, and the airflow direction switching section is configured to switch between a first state in which outside air flows horizontally from the first air intake port along the ceiling and a second state in which outside air flows downward from the second air intake port toward the front side of the item storage section for cooling. With this configuration, the first air intake port can easily flow outside air horizontally along the ceiling, and the second air intake port can easily flow outside air downward toward the front side of the item storage section for cooling.

[0012] In the above-mentioned outside air introduction system according to one aspect, the system preferably further includes an air conditioner disposed indoors, and an air curtain that flows from above to below is formed at the opening of the cooling item storage section, and the air direction switching section is configured to flow the outside air toward the air conditioner by switching to the first state, and to flow the outside air along the air curtain by switching to the second state. With this configuration, the air direction switching section can mix the outside air with the air blown out from the air conditioner by switching to the first state, so that, for example, when the air conditioner is in cooling operation, the warm outside air can be cooled immediately and circulated inside the room. In addition, the air direction switching section can flow the outside air along the air curtain by switching to the second state, so that, for example, when the air conditioner is in heating operation, the outside air can flow between the air heated by heating and the air curtain. This can reduce the effect of the air heated by the air conditioner on the temperature inside the cooling item storage section.

[0013] In the outside air introduction system according to the above aspect, preferably, the air direction switching unit includes a rotatable air direction switching plate, and is configured to switch to the first state by rotating the air direction switching plate and moving the air direction switching plate so as to extend along the direction in which the ceiling extends, and to switch to the second state by rotating the air direction switching plate and moving the air direction switching plate so as to extend in a vertical direction intersecting the direction in which the ceiling extends. With this configuration, the first state and the second state are switched by rotating and moving the air direction switching plate, and therefore the configuration of the outside air introduction system can be simplified.

[0014] The outside air introduction system according to the above aspect preferably further includes a drive source for driving the airflow direction switching unit and a control unit for controlling the drive source, and the control unit is configured to control the drive source to switch the airflow direction switching unit between the first state and the second state based on at least one of an outdoor condition including at least the temperature and an indoor condition including at least the temperature. With this configuration, for example, when the outdoor temperature is higher than the indoor temperature, the state can be automatically switched to the first state, and when the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature, the state can be automatically switched to the second state. As a result, the outside air can be circulated indoors so as to accurately prevent the energy required to cool the inside of the cooling item storage unit from increasing, thereby further saving energy.

[0015] The outside air introduction system according to the above aspect preferably further includes a drive source for driving the airflow direction switching unit and a control unit for controlling the drive source, and the control unit is configured to control the drive source to switch the airflow direction switching unit between the first state and the second state based on at least one of the set temperature of the cooling item storage unit and the operating state of the cooling item storage unit. With this configuration, for example, when the outdoor temperature is lower than the set temperature and the temperature difference between the set temperature difference and the outdoor temperature is small, the automatic switching to the second state allows low-temperature outdoor air to flow between the cooling item storage unit and the heated air in the room, so that the heated air in the room flows into the cooling item storage unit and the temperature inside the cooling item storage unit can be prevented from increasing. This prevents the temperature inside the cooling item storage unit from increasing, and prevents an increase in the power consumption of the cooling item storage unit without increasing the amount of supplied outdoor air. Furthermore, when the outdoor temperature is lower than the set temperature and the temperature difference between the outdoor temperature and the set temperature is large, the automatic switching to the first state can prevent outside air from flowing toward the cooling item storage section, thereby preventing the temperature inside the cooling item storage section from becoming excessively lower than the set temperature. This can prevent the items in the cooling item storage section from being cooled excessively. As a result, it is possible to maintain an appropriate temperature for storing items while saving energy.

[0016] In this case, preferably, the plurality of cooling item storage sections are configured to be able to be set to a plurality of temperature zones including a first temperature zone for cooling items and a second temperature zone at least higher than the first temperature zone, and the control section is configured to control the drive source to switch to the first state for the cooling item storage section set to the second temperature zone or the third temperature zone. With this configuration, when the inside temperature of the cooling item storage section is set to the second temperature zone in order to use the cooling item storage section as a heating storage section, it is possible to prevent outside air having a temperature lower than the set inside temperature from flowing toward the cooling item storage section. As a result, it is possible to prevent the heated cooling item storage section from being cooled by outside air, so there is no need to increase the heating inside the cooling item storage section, and energy can be saved.

[0017] In the outside air introduction system in which the control unit is configured to control the drive source to switch the airflow direction switching unit between the first state and the second state based on at least one of the set temperature of the cooling item storage unit and the operating state of the cooling item storage unit, preferably, the cooling item storage unit is configured to have a plurality of temperature zones set in one storage unit, and the control unit is configured to control the drive source to switch the cooling item storage unit in which the plurality of temperature zones are set to the first state. With this configuration, for example, in a case where a temperature zone lower than the outdoor temperature and a temperature zone higher than the outdoor temperature are set in one cooling item storage unit to be used as a storage unit for both hot and cold, it is possible to prevent low-temperature outside air from flowing toward the part of the cooling item storage unit in which the temperature zone higher than the outdoor temperature is set. As a result, it is possible to prevent the heated cooling item storage unit from being cooled by the outside air, and therefore it is possible to prevent an increase in the energy required to heat the inside of the cooling item storage unit by a heater or the like.

[0018] In the above-mentioned outside air introduction system according to one aspect, the system preferably further includes a drive source for driving the airflow direction switching unit and a control unit for controlling the drive source, a plurality of cooling item storage units are arranged in a room, the airflow direction switching unit is arranged for each of the cooling item storage units and is configured to switch between a first state, a second state, and a third state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit is not circulated into the room for each of the cooling item storage units, and the control unit is configured to control the drive source to switch between the first state, the second state, and the third state of the airflow direction switching unit based on at least one of the set temperature of the cooling item storage unit and the operating state of the cooling item storage unit. With this configuration, for example, in winter when the outside temperature is low, when the outside temperature is lower than the set temperature and the temperature difference is small, by switching to the second state, low-temperature outside air can be circulated between the cooling item storage unit and the heated air in the room, so that the heated air in the room can be prevented from flowing into the inside of the cooling item storage unit and the temperature inside the cooling item storage unit can be prevented from rising. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the temperature inside the cooling item storage section and suppress an increase in the power consumption of the cooling item storage section without increasing the amount of outside air supplied. Furthermore, when the outdoor temperature is lower than the set temperature and the temperature difference is large, by switching to the third state, low-temperature outside air does not flow into the cooling item storage section, so that it is possible to suppress the temperature inside the cooling item storage section from becoming excessively lower than the set temperature. This makes it possible to suppress the items in the cooling item storage section from being cooled excessively. As a result, it is possible to maintain a temperature appropriate for storing items while saving energy.

[0019] In this case, preferably, the plurality of cooling item storage sections are configured to be able to be set to a plurality of temperature zones including a first temperature zone for cooling items and a second temperature zone at least higher than the first temperature zone, and the control section is configured to control the drive source to switch to the third state for the cooling item storage section set to the second temperature zone. With this configuration, when the inside temperature of the cooling item storage section is set to the second temperature zone to use the inside of the cooling item storage section as a storage section for heating, it is possible to prevent outside air having a temperature lower than the set inside temperature from flowing toward the cooling item storage section. As a result, the heated cooling item storage section is prevented from being cooled by outside air, and the cooling item storage section can be efficiently heated to save energy.

[0020] In the outside air introduction system in which the control unit is configured to control the drive source to switch the airflow direction switching unit between the first state, the second state, and the third state based on at least one of the set temperature of the cooling item storage unit and the operating state of the cooling item storage unit, preferably, the cooling item storage unit is configured to have a plurality of temperature zones set in one storage unit, and the control unit is configured to control the drive source to switch the cooling item storage unit in which the plurality of temperature zones are set to the third state. With this configuration, for example, in a case where a temperature zone lower than the outdoor temperature and a temperature zone higher than the outdoor temperature are set in one cooling item storage unit to be used as a storage unit for both hot and cold, it is possible to prevent low-temperature outside air from flowing toward the part of the cooling item storage unit in which the temperature zone higher than the outdoor temperature is set. As a result, it is possible to prevent the heated cooling item storage unit from being cooled by the outdoor air, and therefore it is possible to efficiently heat the cooling item storage unit and save energy.

[0021] In the outside air introduction system in which the control unit is configured to control the drive source to switch the air direction switching unit between the first state, the second state, and the third state based on at least one of the set temperature of the cooling item storage unit and the operating state of the cooling item storage unit, the control unit is preferably configured to adjust the volume of air flowing into the store based on the number of cooling item storage units in the third state. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent an increase in the volume of air flowing from the air supply unit in the first state or the second state into the room or the cooling item storage units in proportion to the number of cooling item storage units switched to the third state, thereby preventing the cooling item storage units from being excessively cooled.

[0022] In this case, preferably, the outside air introduction section includes a supply air fan that introduces outside air into the room, and the control section is configured to adjust the volume of air flowing into the store by adjusting the rotation speed of the supply air fan based on the number of cooling item storage sections in the third state. With this configuration, by adjusting the driving speed of the supply air fan based on the number of cooling item storage sections switched to the third state, it is possible to easily prevent an increase in the volume of air flowing into the room or the cooling item storage sections from the air direction switching section in the first or second state.

[0023] In the outside air introduction system according to the above aspect, preferably, a plurality of cooling item storage sections are arranged in the room, and the airflow direction switching section is arranged for each of the plurality of cooling item storage sections and configured to switch between a first state and a second state for each of the plurality of cooling item storage sections. With this configuration, an optimal outside air flow can be selected between the first state and the second state for each cooling item storage section to efficiently adjust the temperature inside the cooling item storage section to a set temperature, thereby making it possible to more efficiently save energy. Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide an outside air introduction system that is capable of achieving energy savings throughout the year. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a store in which an outside air introduction system is installed. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the outside air introduction system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first state in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second state in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an outside air introduction system in a second embodiment and fourth to seventh embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first state in the second, fourth and fifth embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second state in the second, fourth and fifth embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a first state in the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a second state in the third embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram for explaining a wind direction switching unit in the fourth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a cooling item storage section in the fifth and seventh embodiments. [Figure 12] 13 is a diagram for explaining a wind direction switching unit in the fifth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first state in the sixth and seventh embodiments. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second state in the sixth and seventh embodiments. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third state in the sixth and seventh embodiments. [Figure 16] 13 is a diagram for explaining a wind direction switching unit in the sixth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a diagram for explaining a wind direction switching unit in the seventh embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] [First embodiment] (Overall configuration of outside air intake system) The overall configuration of an outside air introduction system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the outside air introduction system 100 is used to introduce outside air into the inside of a store 50 and ventilate the inside of the store 50 in which a showcase 1 is arranged. The outside air introduction system 100 includes the showcase 1, an outside air introduction section 2, and an air direction switching section 3. The inside of the store 50 is an example of the "room" described in the claims. Also, the showcase 1 is an example of the "cooling item storage section" described in the claims.

[0029] A plurality of showcases 1 are arranged inside the store 50. An outside air introduction section 2, an air conditioner 4, and an exhaust device 5 are provided inside the store 50. The store 50 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a convenience store, a supermarket, or a drug store. In this specification, the vertical direction connecting the ceiling 52 (see FIG. 3) and the floor 54 (see FIG. 3) of the store 50 is defined as the Z direction, the ceiling 52 side is defined as the Z1 side, and the floor 54 side is defined as the Z2 side. The front-rear direction of the store 50 perpendicular to the Z direction is defined as the Y direction, the side where the entrance 51 is located is defined as the front side (Y1 side), and the opposite side to the front side is defined as the rear side (Y2 side). Furthermore, the left-right direction perpendicular to the Y direction and the Z direction is defined as the X direction. In the X direction, the right side when looking from the Y1 side to the Y2 side is defined as the X1 side, and the left side is defined as the X2 side. FIG. 1 shows the layout of the outside air introduction system 100 in a schematic manner. In FIG. 1, devices provided on the ceiling 52 are indicated by dashed lines.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 3, the showcase 1 contains an article 60. The article 60 is, for example, a commodity that is a subject of commercial transaction, but is not limited thereto. The showcase 1 has a plurality of shelves 1a on which the articles 60 are placed. The showcase 1 is configured to cool the articles 60 placed on the plurality of shelves 1a. Note that Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the store 50 cut along the Y direction and viewed from the X1 side.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the showcase 1 has an opening 1b on the front side for taking out an article 60 or storing an article 60. The showcase 1 includes an open-type showcase 11 in which an air curtain is formed at the opening 1b, and a door-equipped showcase 12 in which a door 12a is provided at the opening 1b. In Fig. 1, the front side of the open-type showcase 11 is the Y1 side, and the front side of the door-equipped showcase 12 is the X2 side. Here, the front side of the store 50 is the forward Y1 side, but the front side of the showcase 1 differs depending on the position where the showcase 1 is placed.

[0032] An air outlet 1c and an air inlet 1d for forming an air curtain are arranged in the opening 1b of the open-type showcase 11. The air outlet 1c and the air inlet 1d are arranged opposite to each other in the Z direction. In FIG. 3, the air curtain is indicated by a solid arrow. The air curtain flows cooled air from above (Z1 side) to below (Z2 side). A part of the air for cooling the inside of the showcase 1 is blown out from the air outlet 1c from above (Z1 side) to below (Z2 side) and sucked into the air inlet 1d. More specifically, the air sucked into the air inlet 1d is sent to a refrigeration cycle and cooled. The air curtain is formed to prevent the temperature of the air inside the open-type showcase 11 from increasing.

[0033] The refrigeration cycle is configured to cool an object by circulating a refrigerant. In detail, the refrigeration cycle includes a compressor that compresses and sends out the refrigerant, a condenser in which the refrigerant is cooled by the object of heat exchange taking heat from (giving heat to) the refrigerant, and an evaporator in which the refrigerant is heated by taking heat from (giving heat to) the object of heat exchange. The showcase 1 is configured such that the air that is the object of heat exchange is cooled by the refrigerant, and the air inside the showcase 1 is cooled. In addition, the air cooled by the evaporator flows, for example, from the lower side (Z2 side) to the upper side (Z1 side) on the back side of the showcase 1 and is supplied to each shelf 1a. In addition, the air that flows to the Z1 side is blown from the upper side (Z1 side) to the lower side (Z2 side) to form an air curtain.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, unlike the open-type showcase 11, the door 12 with the door can suppress an increase in the internal temperature by the door 12a.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 1, in addition to the showcase 1, a plurality of storage units 13 are arranged inside the store 50. The storage units 13 are item storage units in which items 60 are placed, and the items 60 are preserved at room temperature. The storage units 13 are storage units that are open at the top and capable of storing the items 60, and some of them have an air curtain formed at the opening at the top.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the outside air introduction section 2 includes an air supply section 21 and an air guide section 22. Note that in Figures 3 and 4, the flow of outside air is indicated by dashed arrows.

[0037] The air supply section 21 includes an air supply duct 21a and an air supply fan 21b. The air supply duct 21a introduces outside air from the outside of the store 50 into the inside of the store 50. In particular, the air supply duct 21a is configured to guide the outside air taken in by the air supply fan 21b into the inside of the store 50. The air supply fan 21b supplies outside air from the outside of the store 50 to the inside of the store 50. The air supply fan 21b is disposed, for example, between the ceiling 52 and the roof 53 of the store 50. The air supply fan 21b is configured to supply outside air to the inside of the store 50 by driving it. The air supply fan 21b includes, for example, a fan box. The outside of the store 50 is an example of the "outdoors" described in the claims.

[0038] The air guide section 22 is disposed above the showcase 1 and is configured to guide the outside air supplied from the air supply fan 21b into the inside of the store 50. The air guide section 22 includes an inlet 22a, a first straightening plate 22b that serves as a guide when the outside air flows horizontally along the ceiling 52, and a second straightening plate 22c that serves as a guide when the outside air flows downward toward the front side of the showcase 1. The air guide section 22 also includes a first air supply port 23 that flows the outside air horizontally along the ceiling 52, and a second air supply port 24 that flows the outside air downward toward the front side of the showcase 1. The air guide section 22 is configured to guide the outside air into the inside of the store 50 via the first air supply port 23 and the second air supply port 24.

[0039] The inlet 22a is configured to guide air supplied by the air supply fan 21b into the inside of the store 50. The inlet 22a is, for example, an outlet of the air supply duct 21a. The first straightening plate 22b is disposed above the showcase 1 and attached to a wall 55 on the rear side of the showcase 1, and configured to extend along the direction in which the ceiling 52 extends (X direction and Y direction). The second straightening plate 22c is rotatably attached to an air direction switching plate 31 of the air direction switching unit 3 described later, and is configured to extend in the vertical direction (Z direction) and face the first straightening plate 22b in the Y direction.

[0040] The first air supply port 23 is composed of an inlet 22a and a first straightening plate 22b. The first air supply port 23 is configured to flow outside air in a horizontal direction along the ceiling 52. The second air supply port 24 is composed of a first straightening plate 22b and a second straightening plate 22c. The second air supply port 24 is configured to flow outside air downward toward the front side of the showcase 1. Between the second straightening plate 22c and the wall 55 on the back side of the showcase 1, a flow path is formed that extends in the direction in which the multiple showcases 1 are lined up (X direction) to distribute outside air to the multiple showcases 1. In detail, a third straightening plate 22d is disposed on the upper surface of the showcase 1, and between the third straightening plate 22d and the wall 55 on the back side of the showcase 1, a flow path is formed that extends in the direction in which the multiple showcases 1 are lined up (X direction) to distribute outside air to the showcase 1.

[0041] The airflow direction switching unit 3 is configured to switch between a first state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply fan 21b flows horizontally along the ceiling 52, and a second state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply fan 21b flows downward toward the front side of the cooling item storage unit. The airflow direction switching unit 3 is configured to switch between the first state and the second state to switch the air guide direction of the air guide unit 22. In detail, the airflow direction switching unit 3 is configured to switch between a first state in which the outside air flows horizontally from the first air supply port 23 along the ceiling 52, and a second state in which the outside air flows downward from the second air supply port 24 toward the front side of the showcase 1. In more detail, the airflow direction switching unit 3 is configured to flow the outside air toward the air conditioner 4 by switching to the first state, and to flow the outside air along the air curtain by switching to the second state.

[0042] The airflow direction switching unit 3 includes a rotatable airflow direction switching plate 31. The airflow direction switching plate 31 is a plate-shaped member. One airflow direction switching plate 31 is provided. In the example of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the rotation center axis of the airflow direction switching plate 31 extends in the X direction. The airflow direction switching unit 3 is configured to switch to the first state by rotating the airflow direction switching plate 31 and moving the airflow direction switching plate 31 so as to extend along the extending direction of the ceiling 52 from the state shown in FIG. 4 to the state shown in FIG. 3. The airflow direction switching unit 3 is configured to switch to the second state by rotating the airflow direction switching plate 31 and moving the airflow direction switching plate 31 so as to extend in the up-down direction intersecting the extending direction of the ceiling 52 from the state shown in FIG. 3 to the state shown in FIG. 4.

[0043] The air direction switching plate 31 is configured to be switched by the user's operation. The user may directly rotate the air direction switching plate 31 to switch, or the air direction switching plate 31 may be rotated and switched by pressing a switch. The timing of switching the air direction switching plate 31 may be, for example, to switch to the first state when the operation mode of the air conditioner 4 is switched to the cooling operation mode, or to switch to the second state simultaneously when the operation mode of the air conditioner 4 is switched to the heating operation mode.

[0044] When the air direction changing flap 31 is switched from the second state to the first state, the distance between the first air flow straightening flap 22b and the second air flow straightening flap 22c in the Y direction is configured to be smaller than the length of the air direction changing flap 31 in the Y direction when the air direction changing flap 31 extends in a direction along the ceiling 52, so that the air direction changing flap 31 comes into contact with the upper surface of the first air flow straightening flap 22b and stops rotating. Also, a locking member is provided on the ceiling 52 so that the air direction changing flap 31 extends in the up-down direction when the air direction changing flap 31 is switched from the first state to the second state.

[0045] The airflow direction switching unit 3 further includes a position detection unit 32. The position detection unit 32 is configured to detect the position of the airflow direction switching plate 31. The position detection unit 32 is, for example, a sensor. The sensor may be a switch-type sensor that detects when the airflow direction switching plate 31 comes into contact with the airflow direction switching plate 31, or a light-shielding sensor that detects when the airflow direction switching plate 31 blocks light. Two position detection units 32 are provided to detect the first state and the second state, respectively. The in-store control unit 56 is configured to control to notify the user based on the detection result detected by the position detection unit 32. The notification method may be sound or light, or a notification may be displayed on a display unit (not shown). This allows the user to obtain the completion of switching between the first state and the second state.

[0046] One or more air conditioners 4 are installed in the store 50. The air conditioner 4 has operation modes including a cooling operation mode, a heating operation mode, and a blowing operation mode. The air conditioner 4 has a refrigeration cycle. In the cooling operation mode, the air conditioner 4 is configured to cool the air inside the store 50 by the refrigerant taking heat from the air inside the store 50, which is the heat exchange target, in the evaporator. In the heating operation mode, the air conditioner 4 is configured to heat (be warmed) the air inside the store 50 by the refrigerant taking heat from the air inside the store 50, which is the heat exchange target, in the condenser. In the blowing operation mode, the air conditioner 4 is configured to flow air without cooling or heating the air inside the store 50. Note that, when the air conditioner 4 is stopped, the compressor is stopped and blowing is not performed.

[0047] The exhaust device 5 is configured to exhaust air from inside the store 50. The exhaust device 5 includes an exhaust fan and an exhaust port. One or more exhaust devices 5 may be disposed inside the store 50. The exhaust fan is configured to suck air inside the store 50 through the exhaust port and exhaust the air to the outside of the store 50.

[0048] Store 50 is further provided with an outdoor sensor 6 and an indoor sensor 7. Outdoor sensor 6 is configured to measure at least the temperature of the outside air. Although Figs. 3 and 4 show an example in which outdoor sensor 6 is disposed outside store 50, outdoor sensor 6 may be disposed in air guide section 22 near supply air fan 21b inside store 50. Outdoor sensor 6 is, for example, a temperature sensor that measures temperature or a temperature and humidity sensor that can measure temperature and humidity.

[0049] The indoor sensor 7 measures at least the temperature inside the store 50. The indoor sensor 7 is, for example, a temperature sensor that measures temperature or a temperature and humidity sensor that can measure temperature and humidity. The indoor sensor 7 is disposed inside the store 50. The indoor sensor 7 is, for example, disposed at a position not affected by the air curtain of the showcase 1 in the horizontal direction, and disposed between the ceiling 52 and the floor 54 in the vertical direction (Z direction). The position not affected by the air curtain of the showcase 1 is a position that is not hit by the wind of the air curtain. The space between the ceiling 52 and the floor 54 is preferably a central area excluding the vicinity of the ceiling 52 and the vicinity of the floor 54. In addition, the indoor sensor 7 is disposed on the upper surface of the storage section 13 in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 2, the store 50 is equipped with an in-store control unit 56. The in-store control unit 56 is configured to control the operation of the air conditioner 4 and the showcase 1. Controlling the operation of the air conditioner 4 includes operating the air conditioner 4 based on information such as an operation mode and a set temperature input by a user. Operation of the showcase 1 includes an operation for cooling the inside of the showcase 1 to a set temperature and a defrosting operation for defrosting an evaporator of a refrigeration cycle.

[0051] The first state will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The first state is performed when the air conditioner 4 is operated in the cooling operation mode, particularly in summer. In this case, the temperature of the outside air is higher than the temperature of the air inside the store 50. In the first state, the air direction switching plate 31 extends horizontally. In the first state, the outside air that flows in the Z2 direction through the inlet 22a flows horizontally (from the Y2 side to the Y1 side in FIG. 3) along the ceiling 52 along the air direction switching plate 31 and the first straightening plate 22b. In FIG. 3, the direction in which the outside air flows is indicated by a dashed arrow. The outside air that flows horizontally along the ceiling 52 is cooled by the cold air that flows out of the air conditioner 4. Then, it flows downward near the wall on the Y1 side. Note that, although an open-type showcase 11 is shown in FIG. 3, the same applies to a showcase 12 with a door.

[0052] As a result, the outside air flows downward inside the store 50 in a cooled state, and flows downward at a position away from the air curtain of the open-type showcase 11, so that it is possible to prevent high-temperature outside air from being drawn into the air curtain of the open-type showcase 11. If high-temperature outside air is drawn into the air curtain, it takes time and energy to cool the air to the set temperature in the refrigeration cycle, so energy is saved by preventing high-temperature outside air from being drawn into the air curtain of the open-type showcase 11. In addition, in the case of the showcase 12 with doors, it is possible to prevent the heat of the outside air from being transmitted through the door 12a, so that it is possible to prevent an increase in the time and energy required to cool to the set temperature, thereby saving energy.

[0053] The second state will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The second state is performed when the air conditioner 4 is operated in a heating operation mode, particularly in winter. In this case, the temperature of the outside air is lower than the temperature of the air inside the store 50. In the second state, the air direction switching plate 31 extends in the vertical direction. In the second state, the outside air that flows in the Z2 direction through the inlet 22a flows downward toward the front side of the showcase 1 along the air direction switching plate 31 and the second flow straightening plate 22c. Note that, although FIG. 4 shows an open-type showcase 11, the same applies to a showcase with doors 12.

[0054] As a result, outside air flows between the air curtain and the air inside the store 50 that has been heated by the air conditioner 4. The temperature relationship at this time is that the temperature of the outside air is higher than the temperature of the air curtain, and the temperature of the air inside the store 50 is higher than the temperature of the outside air. Even if the temperature of the air curtain is raised by the outside air being caught in the air curtain, the degree of temperature rise can be reduced compared to when the air inside the store 50 is caught in the air curtain. As a result, the time and energy required to cool the air to the set temperature in the refrigeration cycle can be reduced compared to when the air inside the store 50 is caught in the air curtain, which saves energy. In addition, in the case of the showcase 12 with doors, the heat of the air blown down by the air conditioner 4 can be prevented from being transmitted through the door 12a, so that the time and energy required to cool to the set temperature can be prevented from increasing, thereby saving energy.

[0055] In the spring and autumn when the air conditioner 4 is stopped or in fan operation, the state is switched to the first state.

[0056] (Effects of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0057] In the first embodiment, as described above, the airflow direction switching unit 3 is provided, which switches between a first state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit 21 flows horizontally along the ceiling 52, and a second state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit 21 flows downward toward the front side of the showcase 1. This makes it possible to easily change the direction in which the outside air flows by switching the airflow direction switching unit 3. For example, in summer when the temperature of the outside air is higher than that inside the store 50, by switching to the first state, the high-temperature outside air can be caused to flow in a direction away from the showcase 1, which is different from the case in which the high-temperature outside air flows near the showcase 1, and it is possible to prevent the high-temperature outside air from flowing into the showcase 1 and the temperature inside the showcase 1 from rising. In addition, in winter when the temperature of the outside air is lower than the temperature inside the store 50, by switching to the second state, it is possible to prevent the low-temperature outside air from flowing between the showcase 1 and the heated air inside the store 50, which prevents the heated air inside the store 50 from flowing into the showcase 1 and the temperature inside the showcase 1 from rising. Moreover, by suppressing the temperature rise inside the showcase 1, it is possible to suppress an increase in the power consumption of the showcase 1 without increasing the amount of outside air supplied, and therefore it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a temperature drop inside the store 50, which would be caused by increasing the amount of outside air supplied. Furthermore, by suppressing the occurrence of a temperature drop inside the store 50, there is no increase in the power consumption of the air conditioner 4 due to increasing the operation of the heating operation mode of the air conditioner 4, and therefore the outside air introduction system 100 can be used even when the store 50 is open. As a result, it is possible to suppress the energy required to cool the inside of the showcase 1 from increasing throughout the year, and therefore it is possible to achieve energy conservation throughout the year.

[0058] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the outside air introduction section 2 is disposed above the showcase 1, and further includes an air guide section 22 that guides the outside air supplied from the air supply section 21 into the inside of the store 50, and the airflow direction switching section 3 is configured to switch between the first state and the second state, thereby switching the air guide direction of the air guide section 22. This makes it possible to easily switch between the first state and the second state by the airflow direction switching section 3 switching the air guide direction of the air guide section 22.

[0059] In the first embodiment, as described above, the air guide section 22 includes the first air supply port 23 that flows outside air horizontally along the ceiling 52 and the second air supply port 24 that flows outside air downward toward the front side of the showcase 1, and the airflow direction switching section 3 is configured to switch between a first state in which outside air flows horizontally from the first air supply port 23 along the ceiling 52 and a second state in which outside air flows downward toward the front side of the showcase 1 from the second air supply port 24. This allows the first air supply port 23 to easily flow outside air horizontally along the ceiling 52, and allows the second air supply port 24 to easily flow outside air downward toward the front side of the showcase 1.

[0060] In the first embodiment, as described above, the air conditioner 4 disposed inside the store 50 is further provided, and an air curtain that flows from above to below is formed in the opening 1b of the showcase 1, and the air direction switching unit 3 is configured to flow outside air toward the air conditioner 4 by switching to the first state, and to flow outside air along the air curtain by switching to the second state. As a result, by switching the air direction switching unit 3 to the first state, the outside air can be mixed with the air blown out from the air conditioner 4, so that, for example, when the air conditioner 4 is in cooling operation, the warm outside air can be immediately cooled and circulated inside the store 50. Also, by switching the air direction switching unit 3 to the second state, the outside air can be caused to flow along the air curtain, so that, for example, when the air conditioner 4 is in heating operation, the outside air can be caused to flow between the air heated by heating and the air curtain. This can reduce the effect of the air heated by the air conditioner 4 on the temperature inside the showcase 1.

[0061] In the first embodiment, as described above, the airflow direction switching unit 3 includes the rotatable airflow direction switching flap 31, and is configured to switch to the first state by rotating the airflow direction switching flap 31 and moving the airflow direction switching flap 31 so that it extends along the direction in which the ceiling 52 extends, and to switch to the second state by rotating the airflow direction switching flap 31 and moving the airflow direction switching flap 31 so that it extends in the vertical direction intersecting the direction in which the ceiling 52 extends. As a result, the first state and the second state are switched by rotating and moving the airflow direction switching flap 31, and therefore the configuration of the outside air introduction system 100 can be simplified.

[0062] [Second embodiment] Next, the configuration of an outside air introduction system 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Figs. 5 to 7. In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the outside air introduction system 200 has a drive source 9 for rotating the air direction switching plate 31.

[0063] 5, the outside air introduction system 200 includes a wind direction switching unit control unit 8 and a drive source 9. The wind direction switching unit control unit 8 is an example of the "control unit" described in the claims.

[0064] The airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured, for example, as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to drive the drive source 9 to rotate the airflow direction switching plate 31 and control switching between the first state and the second state. When controlling switching between the first state and the second state, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to detect the position of the airflow direction switching plate 31 based on the detection result of the position detection unit 32, stop driving the drive source 9, and control stopping the rotation of the airflow direction switching plate 31. The airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to be able to communicate with the in-store control unit 56.

[0065] The driving source 9 is configured to drive the airflow direction switching unit 3. The driving source 9 is configured to rotate the airflow direction switching plate 31. The driving source 9 is, for example, a motor, and as another example, a cylinder.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to control the drive source 9 to switch between a first state and a second state based on at least one of the external state of the store 50, which includes at least the temperature, and the internal state of the store 50, which includes at least the temperature. Although Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show an open-type showcase 11, the same applies to a showcase 12 with doors.

[0067] The condition outside the store 50 including at least the temperature includes the humidity state in addition to the temperature state outside the store 50. In detail, the air direction switching unit control unit 8 may rotate the air direction switching plate 31 of the air direction switching unit 3 based on the temperature outside the store 50, or may rotate the air direction switching plate 31 of the air direction switching unit 3 based on the temperature and humidity outside the store 50. The temperature of the outside air measured by the outdoor sensor 6 is acquired as the temperature outside the store 50. The humidity of the outside air measured by the outdoor sensor 6 is acquired as the humidity outside the store 50.

[0068] The state inside the store 50 including at least the temperature includes the humidity state in addition to the temperature state inside the store 50. In detail, the air direction switching unit control unit 8 may rotate the air direction switching plate 31 of the air direction switching unit 3 based on the temperature inside the store 50, or may rotate the air direction switching plate 31 of the air direction switching unit 3 based on the temperature and humidity inside the store 50.

[0069] A specific example in which the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 controls the drive source 9 to switch the airflow direction switching unit 3 between the first state and the second state based on at least one of the outdoor state including at least the temperature and the internal state of the store 50 including at least the temperature will be described below. Note that the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to perform at least one of the following first to fifth controls.

[0070] (First control) In the first control, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to switch between the first state and the second state based on the temperature outside the store 50. In this case, when the temperature measured by the outdoor sensor 6 exceeds the first threshold, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 controls the drive source 9 to rotate the airflow direction switching plate 31 and switch to the first state. Also, when the temperature measured by the outdoor sensor 6 falls below the second threshold, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to control the drive source 9 to rotate the airflow direction switching plate 31 and switch to the second state. Note that the second threshold is smaller than the first threshold. As a result, the direction in which the outside air flows into the store 50 can be set according to the season by setting the first threshold to the outside air temperature at which the air conditioner 4 is predicted to switch to the cooling operation mode and setting the second threshold to the temperature at which the air conditioner 4 is predicted to switch to the heating operation mode.

[0071] (Second control) In the second control, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to switch between the first state and the second state based on the humidity and temperature outside the store 50. In this case, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 obtains the specific enthalpy (kJ / kg) of the temperature outside the store 50 from the humidity and temperature of the outside air measured by the outdoor sensor 6 in the store 50, and when the specific enthalpy (kJ / kg) of the temperature outside the store 50 exceeds a third threshold, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 controls the drive source 9 to rotate the airflow direction switching plate 31 and switch to the first state. Also, when the specific enthalpy (kJ / kg) of the temperature outside the store 50 falls below a fourth threshold, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to control the drive source 9 to rotate the airflow direction switching plate 31 and switch to the second state. Note that the fourth threshold is smaller than the third threshold. As a result, since it is expected that the specific enthalpy will be greater in the hot and humid summer than in the cold and low humidity winter, a third threshold value is set at the specific enthalpy at which the air conditioner 4 is predicted to be switched to cooling operation mode, and a fourth threshold value is set at the specific enthalpy at which the air conditioner 4 is predicted to be switched to heating operation mode, thereby making it possible to set the direction in which outside air flows into the store 50 depending on the season.

[0072] (Third control) In the third control, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to switch between the first state and the second state based on the temperature outside the store 50 and the temperature inside the store 50. In this case, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 obtains the difference between the temperature outside the store 50 (outdoor air temperature) measured by the outdoor sensor 6 of the store 50 and the temperature inside the store 50 measured by the indoor sensor 7 of the store 50, and when the temperature difference exceeds a fifth threshold, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 controls the drive source 9 to rotate the airflow direction switching plate 31 and switch to the first state. Also, when the temperature difference falls below a sixth threshold, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to control the drive source 9 to rotate the airflow direction switching plate 31 and switch to the second state. Note that the sixth threshold is smaller than the fifth threshold. As a result, for example, by subtracting the air temperature inside the store 50 from the outside air temperature, if the air conditioner 4 is operated in cooling operation mode in the summer, the outside air temperature will be higher than the air temperature inside the store 50, resulting in a positive value, and if the air conditioner 4 is operated in heating operation mode in the winter, the outside air temperature will be lower than the air temperature inside the store 50, resulting in a negative value. Therefore, by setting the fifth threshold value to a positive value and the sixth threshold value to a negative value, the direction in which to flow the outside air into the store 50 can be more accurately determined.

[0073] (4th control) In the fourth control, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to switch between the first state and the second state based on the temperature inside the store 50. In this case, when the temperature inside the store 50 measured by the indoor sensor 7 of the store 50 falls below the seventh threshold, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 controls the drive source 9 to rotate the airflow direction switching plate 31 and switch to the first state. Also, when the temperature inside the store 50 exceeds the eighth threshold, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to control the drive source 9 to rotate the airflow direction switching plate 31 and switch to the second state. Note that the seventh threshold is smaller than the eighth threshold. As a result, for example, when the air conditioner 4 is operated in the cooling operation mode in summer, the set temperature of the air conditioner 4 is higher in winter than when the air conditioner 4 is operated in the heating operation mode, and therefore the inside of the store 50 is considered to be warmer in winter, and therefore the direction in which the outside air flows into the inside of the store 50 can be determined more accurately.

[0074] (5th control) In the fifth control, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to switch between the first state and the second state based on the humidity and temperature inside the store 50. In this case, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to obtain the specific enthalpy (kJ / kg) inside the store 50 from the humidity and temperature inside the store 50 measured by the indoor sensor 7 in the store 50, and when the specific enthalpy (kJ / kg) inside the store 50 exceeds a ninth threshold, control the drive source 9 to rotate the airflow direction switching plate 31 and switch to the first state. Also, when the specific enthalpy (kJ / kg) inside the store 50 falls below a tenth threshold, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to control the drive source 9 to rotate the airflow direction switching plate 31 and switch to the second state. This makes it possible to determine the direction in which outside air flows into the store 50 depending on the season by calculating multiple specific enthalpies inside the store 50 when the air conditioner 4 is in cooling operation mode in the summer and setting the minimum specific enthalpy as the ninth threshold value, and by calculating multiple specific enthalpies inside the store 50 when the air conditioner 4 is in heating operation mode in the winter and setting the maximum specific enthalpy as the tenth threshold value.

[0075] The other configurations of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0076] (Effects of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, as described above, the airflow direction switching unit 3 is provided, which switches between a first state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit 21 flows horizontally along the ceiling 52, and a second state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit 21 flows downward toward the front side of the showcase 1. This makes it possible to easily change the direction in which the outside air flows by switching the airflow direction switching unit 3. For example, in summer when the temperature of the outside air is higher than that inside the store 50, by switching to the first state, the high-temperature outside air can be caused to flow in a direction away from the showcase 1, which is different from the case in which the high-temperature outside air flows near the showcase 1, and it is possible to prevent the high-temperature outside air from flowing into the showcase 1 and the temperature inside the showcase 1 from rising. Also, in winter when the temperature of the outside air is lower than the temperature inside the store 50, by switching to the second state, it is possible to prevent the low-temperature outside air from flowing between the showcase 1 and the heated air inside the store 50, which prevents the heated air inside the store 50 from flowing into the showcase 1 and the temperature inside the showcase 1 from rising. Moreover, by suppressing the temperature rise inside the showcase 1, it is possible to suppress an increase in the power consumption of the showcase 1 without increasing the amount of outside air supplied, and therefore it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a temperature drop inside the store 50, which would be caused by increasing the amount of outside air supplied. Furthermore, by suppressing the occurrence of a temperature drop inside the store 50, there is no increase in the power consumption of the air conditioner 4 due to increasing the operation of the heating operation mode of the air conditioner 4, and therefore the outside air introduction system 200 can be used even when the store 50 is open. As a result, it is possible to suppress the energy required to cool the inside of the showcase 1 from increasing throughout the year, and therefore it is possible to achieve energy conservation throughout the year.

[0077] In the second embodiment, as described above, the driving source 9 for driving the airflow direction switching unit 3 and the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 for controlling the driving source 9 are further provided, and the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to control the driving source 9 so as to switch the airflow direction switching unit 3 between the first state and the second state based on at least one of the outdoor state including at least the temperature and the internal state of the store 50 including at least the temperature. As a result, for example, when the temperature outside the store 50 is higher than the temperature inside the store 50, the state can be automatically switched to the first state, and when the temperature outside the store 50 is lower than the temperature inside the store 50, the state can be automatically switched to the second state. As a result, the outside air can be circulated inside the store 50 so as to accurately prevent the energy required to cool the inside of the showcase 1 from becoming too large, thereby further saving energy.

[0078] Other effects of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0079] [Third embodiment] Next, the configuration of an outside air introduction system 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1, 8, and 9. In the outside air introduction system 300 of the third embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the airflow direction switching unit 3 is configured to include a switching valve 33 instead of the airflow direction switching plate 31.

[0080] As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the outside air introduction section 2 includes a pipe 25 that introduces outside air into the inside of the store 50. The outside air introduced by the pipe 25 is supplied to the inside of the store 50 from the first air supply port 23 via the first flow path 26, or is supplied to the inside of the store 50 from the second air supply port 24 via the second flow path 27. The first flow path 26 is a flow path that flows the outside air horizontally along the ceiling 52, and is formed, for example, by a straightening plate. The second flow path 27 is a flow path that flows the outside air downward toward the showcase 1, and is formed to have a width (length in the Z direction) larger than that of the pipe 25. The second flow path 27 is formed by partitioning the space between the ceiling 52 and the showcase 1.

[0081] The switching valve 33 is provided inside the pipe 25. By switching the switching valve 33, the first flow path 26 and the second flow path 27 are switched. The switching valve 33 is, for example, a three-way valve.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 8, in the first state, the switching valve 33 is configured to allow outside air to flow through the first flow path 26 and prevent outside air from flowing through the second flow path 27. In detail, the switching valve 33 is configured to close a valve provided in a flow path connected to the second flow path 27 and open a valve provided in a flow path connected to the first flow path 26. As a result, the supplied outside air flows horizontally from the first air supply port 23 along the ceiling 52. In Fig. 8, the horizontal direction is the Y direction. In Fig. 8, an open-type showcase 11 is shown, but the same applies to a showcase 12 with a door.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 9, in the second state, the switching valve 33 is configured to allow outside air to flow through the second flow path 27 and prevent outside air from flowing through the first flow path 26. In detail, the switching valve 33 is configured to close a valve provided in a flow path connected to the first flow path 26 and open a valve provided in a flow path connected to the second flow path 27. As a result, the supplied outside air flows downward from the second air supply port 24 toward the front side of the showcase 1. Note that, although Fig. 9 shows an open-type showcase 11, the same applies to a showcase with a door 12.

[0084] The other configurations of the third embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0085] (Effects of the third embodiment) In the third embodiment, as described above, the airflow direction switching unit 3 is provided, which switches between a first state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit 21 flows horizontally along the ceiling 52, and a second state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit 21 flows downward toward the front side of the showcase 1. This makes it possible to easily change the direction in which the outside air flows by switching the airflow direction switching unit 3. For example, in summer when the temperature of the outside air is higher than that inside the store 50, by switching to the first state, the high-temperature outside air can be caused to flow in a direction away from the showcase 1, which is different from the case in which the high-temperature outside air flows near the showcase 1, and it is possible to prevent the high-temperature outside air from flowing into the showcase 1 and the temperature inside the showcase 1 from rising. In addition, in winter when the temperature of the outside air is lower than the temperature inside the store 50, by switching to the second state, it is possible to prevent the low-temperature outside air from flowing between the showcase 1 and the heated air inside the store 50, which prevents the heated air inside the store 50 from flowing into the showcase 1 and the temperature inside the showcase 1 from rising. Moreover, by suppressing the temperature rise inside the showcase 1, it is possible to suppress an increase in the power consumption of the showcase 1 without increasing the amount of outside air supplied, and therefore it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a temperature drop inside the store 50, which would be caused by increasing the amount of outside air supplied. Furthermore, by suppressing the occurrence of a temperature drop inside the store 50, there is no increase in the power consumption of the air conditioner 4 due to increasing the operation of the heating operation mode of the air conditioner 4, and therefore the outside air introduction system 300 can be used even when the store 50 is open. As a result, it is possible to suppress the energy required to cool the inside of the showcase 1 from increasing throughout the year, and therefore it is possible to achieve energy conservation throughout the year.

[0086] Other effects of the third embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0087] [Fourth embodiment] Next, the configuration of an outside air introduction system 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 5 to Fig. 7, and Fig. 10. In the outside air introduction system 400 of the fourth embodiment, unlike the second embodiment, the air direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to control the drive source so as to switch the air direction switching unit 3 between the first state and the second state based on at least one of the set temperature of the showcase 1 and the operating state.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 10, in the fourth embodiment, the showcase 1 is configured to be able to set a plurality of temperature zones including a first temperature zone, a second temperature zone higher than the first temperature zone, and a third temperature zone higher than the second temperature zone. The first temperature zone is a temperature zone in which the article 60 is cooled and stored in a cooled (cold) state. The second temperature zone is a temperature zone in which the article 60 is stored at room temperature. The third temperature zone is a temperature zone in which the article 60 is heated and stored in a heated (warm) state. The first temperature zone is, for example, 4°C or higher and 10°C or lower. The second temperature zone is, for example, 20°C or higher and 25°C or lower. The third temperature zone is set, for example, 40°C or higher and 65°C or lower. Each of the plurality of showcases 1 has a changeover switch for switching between the first temperature zone, the second temperature zone, and the third temperature zone, and the temperature zone can be switched for each showcase 1.

[0089] A specific example in which the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 controls the drive source 9 to switch the airflow direction switching unit 3 between the first state and the second state based on at least one of the set temperature and the operating state will be described below with reference to Fig. 10. In Fig. 10, the flow of outside air is indicated by arrows. Note that the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to perform at least one of the following sixth and seventh controls.

[0090] (6th control) In the sixth control, the first state and the second state are switched based on the set temperature of the showcase 1. The airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 acquires the set temperature for each of the multiple showcases 1 from the in-store control unit 56, and switches between the first state and the second state for each showcase 1. For example, in winter when the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature, if the showcase 1 is set to the second state to assist cooling, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 controls the drive source 9 to switch from the second state to the first state for the showcase 1 set to either the second or third temperature zone, and causes the outside air to flow horizontally so as not to flow toward the showcase 1.

[0091] (7th control) In the seventh control, the first state and the second state are switched based on the operating state of the showcase 1. The airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 acquires from the in-store control unit 56 that the changeover switch for switching between the first temperature zone, the second temperature zone, and the third temperature zone has been operated, and switches between the first state and the second state. For example, in winter when the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature, when the second state is set to assist the cooling of the showcase 1 set to the first temperature zone, if the changeover switch is operated and the set temperature of the showcase 1 is switched from the first temperature zone to either the second temperature zone or the third temperature zone, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 acquires from the in-store control unit 56 that the changeover has been performed, and the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 controls the drive source 9 to switch to the first state. As a result, the outside air flows along the horizontal direction.

[0092] The other configurations of the fourth embodiment are similar to those of the second embodiment.

[0093] (Effects of the fourth embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, as described above, the airflow direction switching unit 3 is provided, which switches between a first state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit 21 flows horizontally along the ceiling 52, and a second state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit 21 flows downward toward the front side of the showcase 1. This makes it possible to easily change the direction in which the outside air flows by switching the airflow direction switching unit 3. For example, in summer when the temperature of the outside air is higher than that inside the store 50, by switching to the first state, the high-temperature outside air can be caused to flow in a direction away from the showcase 1, which is different from the case in which the high-temperature outside air flows near the showcase 1, and it is possible to prevent the high-temperature outside air from flowing into the showcase 1 and the temperature inside the showcase 1 from rising. In addition, in winter when the temperature of the outside air is lower than the temperature inside the store 50, by switching to the second state, it is possible to prevent the low-temperature outside air from flowing between the showcase 1 and the heated air inside the store 50, which is possible to prevent the heated air inside the store 50 from flowing into the showcase 1 and the temperature inside the showcase 1 from rising. Moreover, by suppressing the temperature rise inside the showcase 1, it is possible to suppress an increase in the power consumption of the showcase 1 without increasing the amount of outside air supplied, and therefore it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a temperature drop inside the store 50, which would be caused by increasing the amount of outside air supplied. Furthermore, by suppressing the occurrence of a temperature drop inside the store 50, there is no increase in the power consumption of the air conditioner 4 due to increasing the operation of the heating operation mode of the air conditioner 4, and therefore the outside air introduction system 300 can be used even when the store 50 is open. As a result, it is possible to suppress the energy required to cool the inside of the showcase 1 from increasing throughout the year, and therefore it is possible to achieve energy conservation throughout the year.

[0094] In the fourth embodiment, the display further includes a driving source 9 for driving the airflow direction switching unit 3 and an airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 for controlling the driving source 9. The airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to control the driving source 9 so as to switch the airflow direction switching unit 3 between the first state and the second state based on at least one of the set temperature of the showcase 1 and the operating state of the showcase 1. As a result, when the outdoor temperature is lower than the set temperature and the temperature difference between the set temperature difference and the outdoor temperature is small, for example, the display automatically switches to the second state, so that low-temperature outdoor air can flow between the showcase 1 and the heated air in the room, and the heated air in the room flows into the showcase 1, and the temperature inside the showcase 1 can be prevented from rising. As a result, the temperature inside the showcase 1 can be prevented from rising, and an increase in the power consumption of the showcase 1 can be prevented without increasing the amount of supplied outdoor air. Furthermore, when the outdoor temperature is lower than the set temperature and the temperature difference between the outdoor temperature and the set temperature is large, the flow of outside air toward the showcase 1 can be suppressed by automatically switching to the first state, and therefore the temperature inside the showcase 1 can be suppressed from becoming excessively lower than the set temperature. This can suppress the items 60 in the showcase 1 from being cooled excessively. As a result, it is possible to maintain an appropriate temperature for storing the items 60 while saving energy.

[0095] In the fourth embodiment, the showcases 1 are configured to be settable to a plurality of temperature zones including a first temperature zone for cooling items and a second temperature zone at least higher than the first temperature zone, and the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to control the drive source 9 to switch the showcase 1 set to the second temperature zone to the first state. This makes it possible to prevent outside air, whose temperature is lower than the set inside temperature, from flowing toward the showcase 1 when the inside temperature is set to the second temperature zone in order to use the showcase 1 as a storage for heating. As a result, the heated showcase 1 is prevented from being cooled by the outside air, so there is no need to increase the heating of the showcase 1, and energy can be saved.

[0096] Other effects of the fourth embodiment are similar to those of the second embodiment.

[0097] [Fifth embodiment] Next, the configuration of an outside air introduction system 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 5 to Fig. 7, Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. Unlike the fourth embodiment, the outside air introduction system 500 according to the fifth embodiment is configured so that a plurality of internal temperatures can be set in one showcase 1.

[0098] 11, a case will be described in which a showcase 1 is set to a first temperature zone, but is then set to include the first and second temperature zones. In this case, the showcase 1 is vertically divided into the second temperature zone on the upper side and the first temperature zone on the lower side. A distribution duct 14 is inserted into the showcase 1 to divide the showcase 1 vertically.

[0099] The distribution duct 14 is a duct that divides a flow path for flowing the air cooled in the refrigeration cycle from the Z2 direction to the Z1 direction into a flow path through which the air flows and a flow path through which the air does not flow, and flows the air horizontally from the divided position. In the fifth embodiment, the distribution duct 14 is inserted into a hole that blows the cooled air to the top shelf of the shelves set in the first temperature zone, and is configured to block the flow path of the air cooled in the refrigeration cycle so that the cooled air does not flow to the shelf of the second temperature zone, and to flow the air horizontally toward the top shelf of the shelves set in the first temperature zone. The distribution duct 14 includes, for example, a damper, and blocks the flow path so that the cooled air does not flow to the shelf 1a set in the second temperature zone by the damper.

[0100] The shelf 1a set to the second temperature zone may be heated by a heater (not shown). In this case, the heater is stopped when the temperature reaches the set temperature, and is operated when the temperature falls below the set temperature. Although an example of the second temperature zone has been described, the third temperature zone is the same as the second temperature zone, except that the heater operation time is longer or the heater temperature is higher due to the higher set temperature. The showcase 1 may also be set to include the second temperature zone and the third temperature zone.

[0101] As shown in Fig. 12, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to control the drive source 9 so as to switch the airflow direction switching unit 3 between the first state and the second state based on at least one of the set temperature and the operating state of the showcase 1. In Fig. 12, the flow of outside air is indicated by arrows. In this case, the following eighth control is performed instead of the sixth control and the seventh control.

[0102] (8th control) In the eighth control, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 receives an operation to switch from one temperature zone operation, in which only one temperature zone is set, to two temperature zone operation, in which two temperature zones are set. Specifically, the switching is performed based on the detection that the distribution duct 14 is attached. In this case, the attachment of the distribution duct 14 is detected by a sensor. As an example, the sensor is a contact type sensor. For example, in the case where the second state is set to assist cooling of the showcase 1 in winter when the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 detects the insertion of the distribution duct 14 and controls the drive source 9 to switch from the second state to the first state so as not to flow outside air toward the showcase 1. Also, when the distribution duct 14 is removed, the state may be switched to the first state.

[0103] The other configurations of the fifth embodiment are similar to those of the fourth embodiment.

[0104] (Effects of the fifth embodiment) In the fifth embodiment, as described above, the airflow direction switching unit 3 is provided, which switches between a first state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit 21 flows horizontally along the ceiling 52, and a second state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit 21 flows downward toward the front side of the showcase 1. This makes it possible to easily change the direction in which the outside air flows by switching the airflow direction switching unit 3. For example, in summer when the temperature of the outside air is higher than that inside the store 50, by switching to the first state, the high-temperature outside air can be caused to flow in a direction away from the showcase 1, which is different from the case in which the high-temperature outside air flows near the showcase 1, and it is possible to prevent the high-temperature outside air from flowing into the showcase 1 and the temperature inside the showcase 1 from rising. In addition, in winter when the temperature of the outside air is lower than the temperature inside the store 50, by switching to the second state, it is possible to prevent the low-temperature outside air from flowing between the showcase 1 and the heated air inside the store 50, which is possible to prevent the heated air inside the store 50 from flowing into the showcase 1 and the temperature inside the showcase 1 from rising. Moreover, by suppressing the temperature rise inside the showcase 1, it is possible to suppress an increase in the power consumption of the showcase 1 without increasing the amount of outside air supplied, and therefore it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a temperature drop inside the store 50, which would be caused by increasing the amount of outside air supplied. Furthermore, by suppressing the occurrence of a temperature drop inside the store 50, there is no increase in the power consumption of the air conditioner 4 due to increasing the operation of the heating operation mode of the air conditioner 4, and therefore the outside air introduction system 300 can be used even when the store 50 is open. As a result, it is possible to suppress the energy required to cool the inside of the showcase 1 from increasing throughout the year, and therefore it is possible to achieve energy conservation throughout the year.

[0105] In the fifth embodiment, the showcase 1 is configured to have a plurality of temperature zones set in one compartment, and the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to control the drive source 9 to switch the showcase 1 in which a plurality of temperature zones are set to the first state. As a result, when a temperature zone lower than the outdoor temperature and a temperature zone higher than the outdoor temperature are set in one showcase 1 to be used as a storage unit for both hot and cold storage, for example, it is possible to prevent low-temperature outdoor air from flowing toward the part of the showcase 1 in which the temperature zone higher than the outdoor temperature is set. As a result, it is possible to prevent the heated showcase 1 from being cooled by the outdoor air, and therefore it is possible to prevent an increase in the energy required to heat the inside of the showcase 1.

[0106] Other effects of the fifth embodiment are similar to those of the fourth embodiment.

[0107] [Sixth embodiment] Next, the configuration of an outside air introduction system 600 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1, 5, and 13 to 16. Unlike the fourth embodiment, the outside air introduction system 600 according to the sixth embodiment has an airflow direction switching unit 3 configured to switch between a first state, a second state, and a third state.

[0108] As shown in Figs. 13 to 15, the airflow direction switching unit 3 is configured to switch to a third state in addition to the first state and the second state. The third state refers to a state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit 21 does not flow into the room. Specifically, the airflow direction switching plate 31 extends in the vertical direction, and the second rectifying plate 22c extends in the horizontal direction. In the sixth embodiment, the second rectifying plate 22c is configured to be rotatable. The second rectifying plate 22c rotates 90 degrees from the state in which it extends in the vertical direction in the first state and the second state, and reaches the state in which it extends in the horizontal direction in the third state. In the third state, the outside air cannot flow in the horizontal direction and downward, so that the outside air does not flow into the room. The drive source 9 that drives the second rectifying plate 22c may be common to the drive source 9 that drives the airflow direction switching plate 31, or may be provided separately.

[0109] As shown in Fig. 16, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to control the drive source 9 to switch the airflow direction switching unit 3 between the first state, the second state, and the third state based on at least one of the set temperature and the operating state of the showcase 1. A specific example in which the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 controls the drive source 9 to switch the airflow direction switching unit 3 between the first state and the second state based on at least one of the set temperature and the operating state is described below. In Fig. 16, the flow of outside air is indicated by arrows. The airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to perform at least one of the following ninth control and tenth control.

[0110] (9th control) In the ninth control, the first state and the second state are switched based on the set temperature of the showcase 1. The airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 acquires the set temperature for each of the multiple showcases 1 from the in-store control unit 56, and switches between the first state and the second state for each showcase 1. For example, in winter when the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature, if the showcase 1 is set to the second state to assist cooling, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 controls the drive source 9 to switch from the second state to the third state for the showcase 1 set to either the second or third temperature zone, so as not to allow outside air to flow toward the showcase 1.

[0111] (10th control) In the tenth control, the controller 8 is configured to switch between the first state and the second state based on the operating state of the showcase 1. The controller 8 for airflow direction switching unit acquires from the in-store controller 56 that the changeover switch for switching between the first temperature zone, the second temperature zone, and the third temperature zone has been operated, and switches between the first state and the second state. For example, in winter when the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature, when the controller 8 for airflow direction switching unit is set to the second state to assist cooling of the showcase 1 set to the first temperature zone, if the changeover switch is operated and the set temperature of the showcase 1 is switched from the first temperature zone to either the second temperature zone or the third temperature zone, the controller 8 for airflow direction switching unit acquires from the in-store controller 56 that the changeover has been performed, and controls the drive source 9 to switch to the third state.

[0112] The airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to adjust the rotation speed of the air supply fan 21b based on the number of showcases 1 in the third state to adjust the volume of air flowing into the store. Specifically, when the number of showcases 1 in the third state increases, the drive frequency of the air supply fan 21b is adjusted to be lower to reduce the volume of air. For example, if there are ten showcases 1 and the volume of air per showcase in the second state is n for all ten showcases 1, when five showcases 1 are in the third state, the in-store control unit 56 controls the drive frequency of the air supply fan 21b to be lower and the rotation speed to be lower so that the volume of air per showcase in the remaining five showcases 1 that are not in the third state is maintained at n.

[0113] The other configurations of the sixth embodiment are similar to those of the fourth embodiment.

[0114] (Effects of the sixth embodiment) In the sixth embodiment, as described above, the airflow direction switching unit 3 is provided, which switches between a first state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit 21 flows horizontally along the ceiling 52, and a second state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit 21 flows downward toward the front side of the showcase 1. This makes it possible to easily change the direction in which the outside air flows by switching the airflow direction switching unit 3. For example, in summer when the temperature of the outside air is higher than that inside the store 50, by switching to the first state, the high-temperature outside air can be caused to flow in a direction away from the showcase 1, which is different from the case in which the high-temperature outside air flows near the showcase 1, and it is possible to prevent the high-temperature outside air from flowing into the showcase 1 and the temperature inside the showcase 1 from rising. In addition, in winter when the temperature of the outside air is lower than the temperature inside the store 50, by switching to the second state, it is possible to prevent the low-temperature outside air from flowing between the showcase 1 and the heated air inside the store 50, which prevents the heated air inside the store 50 from flowing into the showcase 1 and the temperature inside the showcase 1 from rising. Moreover, by suppressing the temperature rise inside the showcase 1, it is possible to suppress an increase in the power consumption of the showcase 1 without increasing the amount of outside air supplied, and therefore it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a temperature drop inside the store 50, which would be caused by increasing the amount of outside air supplied. Furthermore, by suppressing the occurrence of a temperature drop inside the store 50, there is no increase in the power consumption of the air conditioner 4 due to increasing the operation of the heating operation mode of the air conditioner 4, and therefore the outside air introduction system 300 can be used even when the store 50 is open. As a result, it is possible to suppress the energy required to cool the inside of the showcase 1 from increasing throughout the year, and therefore it is possible to achieve energy conservation throughout the year.

[0115] In the sixth embodiment, as described above, the driving source 9 for driving the airflow direction switching unit 3 and the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 for controlling the driving source 9 are further provided, and a plurality of showcases 1 are arranged in a room, and the airflow direction switching unit 3 is arranged for each of the plurality of showcases 1 and is configured to switch between a first state, a second state, and a third state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit does not flow into the room for each of the plurality of showcases 1, and the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to control the driving source 9 so as to switch between the first state, the second state, and the third state of the airflow direction switching unit 3 based on at least one of the set temperature of the showcase 1 and the operating state of the showcase 1. As a result, for example, when the outside temperature is lower than the set temperature in winter when the outside temperature is low and the temperature difference is small, by switching to the second state, it is possible to flow low-temperature outside air between the showcase 1 and the heated air in the room, and therefore it is possible to suppress the heated air in the room from flowing into the inside of the showcase 1 and the temperature rise inside the showcase 1. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the temperature inside the showcase 1 and suppress an increase in the power consumption of the showcase 1 without increasing the amount of outside air supplied. Furthermore, when the outdoor temperature is lower than the set temperature and the temperature difference is large, by switching to the third state, it is possible to suppress the temperature inside the showcase 1 from becoming excessively lower than the set temperature. This makes it possible to suppress the items 60 inside the showcase 1 from being cooled excessively. As a result, it is possible to maintain a temperature appropriate for storing the items 60 while saving energy.

[0116] In the sixth embodiment, as described above, the showcases 1 are configured to be settable to a plurality of temperature zones including a first temperature zone for cooling articles and a second temperature zone at least higher than the first temperature zone, and the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to control the drive source to switch the showcase 1 set to the second temperature zone to the third state. This makes it possible to prevent outside air, whose temperature is lower than the set inside temperature, from flowing toward the showcase 1 when the inside temperature is set to the second temperature zone in order to use the inside of the showcase 1 as a storage for heating. As a result, the heated showcase 1 is prevented from being cooled by the outside air, and the showcase 1 can be efficiently heated to save energy.

[0117] In the sixth embodiment, as described above, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to adjust the volume of air flowing into the store based on the number of showcases 1 in the third state. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress an increase in the volume of air flowing from the air supply unit in the first state or the second state to the room or the showcases 1 in proportion to the number of showcases 1 switched to the third state, and therefore it is possible to suppress the showcases 1 from being excessively cooled.

[0118] In the sixth embodiment, as described above, the outside air introduction section 2 includes the supply air fan 21b that introduces outside air into the room, and the airflow direction switching section control section 8 is configured to adjust the rotation speed of the supply air fan 21b to adjust the volume of air flowing into the store based on the number of showcases 1 in the third state. In this way, by adjusting the driving number of the supply air fan 21b based on the number of showcases 1 switched to the third state, it is possible to easily suppress an increase in the volume of air flowing into the room or the showcases 1 from the airflow direction switching section 3 in the first state or the second state.

[0119] Other effects of the sixth embodiment are similar to those of the fourth embodiment.

[0120] [Seventh embodiment] Next, the configuration of an outside air introduction system 700 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 5, Fig. 11, Fig. 13 to Fig. 15, and Fig. 17. Unlike the sixth embodiment, the outside air introduction system 700 according to the seventh embodiment is configured so that a plurality of internal temperatures can be set in one showcase 1.

[0121] 11, a case will be described in which a showcase 1 is set to a first temperature zone, but is then set to include the first and second temperature zones. In this case, the showcase 1 is vertically divided into the second temperature zone on the upper side and the first temperature zone on the lower side. A distribution duct 14 is inserted into the showcase 1 to divide the showcase 1 vertically.

[0122] The distribution duct 14 is a duct that divides a flow path for flowing the air cooled in the refrigeration cycle from the Z2 direction to the Z1 direction into a flow path through which the air flows and a flow path through which the air does not flow, and flows the air horizontally from the divided position. In the fifth embodiment, the distribution duct 14 is inserted into a hole that blows the cooled air to the top shelf of the shelves set in the first temperature zone, and is configured to block the flow path of the air cooled in the refrigeration cycle so that the cooled air does not flow to the shelf of the second temperature zone, and to flow the air horizontally toward the top shelf of the shelves set in the first temperature zone. The distribution duct 14 includes, for example, a damper, and blocks the flow path so that the cooled air does not flow to the shelf set in the second temperature zone by the damper.

[0123] As shown in Fig. 17, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to control the drive source 9 so as to switch the airflow direction switching unit 3 between the first state and the second state based on at least one of the set temperature and the operating state of the showcase 1. In Fig. 17, the flow of outside air is indicated by arrows. In this case, the following 11th control may be performed instead of the 9th control and the 10th control.

[0124] (11th control) In the eleventh control, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 receives an operation to switch from one temperature zone operation, in which only one temperature zone is set, to two temperature zone operation, in which two temperature zones are set. Specifically, the switching is performed based on the detection that the distribution duct 14 is attached. In this case, the attachment of the distribution duct 14 is detected by a sensor. As an example, the sensor is a contact type sensor. For example, in the case where the second state is set to assist cooling of the showcase 1 in winter when the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 detects the insertion of the distribution duct 14 and controls the drive source 9 to switch from the second state to the third state so as not to flow outside air toward the showcase 1. Also, when the distribution duct 14 is removed, the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 may switch to the second state.

[0125] The other configurations of the seventh embodiment are similar to those of the sixth embodiment.

[0126] (Effects of the Seventh Embodiment) In the seventh embodiment, as described above, the airflow direction switching unit 3 is provided, which switches between a first state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit 21 flows horizontally along the ceiling 52, and a second state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit 21 flows downward toward the front side of the showcase 1. This makes it possible to easily change the direction in which the outside air flows by switching the airflow direction switching unit 3. For example, in summer when the temperature of the outside air is higher than that inside the store 50, by switching to the first state, the high-temperature outside air can be caused to flow in a direction away from the showcase 1, which is different from the case in which the high-temperature outside air flows near the showcase 1, and it is possible to prevent the high-temperature outside air from flowing into the showcase 1 and the temperature inside the showcase 1 from rising. In addition, in winter when the temperature of the outside air is lower than the temperature inside the store 50, by switching to the second state, it is possible to prevent the low-temperature outside air from flowing between the showcase 1 and the heated air inside the store 50, which is possible to prevent the heated air inside the store 50 from flowing into the showcase 1 and the temperature inside the showcase 1 from rising. Moreover, by suppressing the temperature rise inside the showcase 1, it is possible to suppress an increase in the power consumption of the showcase 1 without increasing the amount of outside air supplied, and therefore it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a temperature drop inside the store 50, which would be caused by increasing the amount of outside air supplied. Furthermore, by suppressing the occurrence of a temperature drop inside the store 50, there is no increase in the power consumption of the air conditioner 4 due to increasing the operation of the heating operation mode of the air conditioner 4, and therefore the outside air introduction system 300 can be used even when the store 50 is open. As a result, it is possible to suppress the energy required to cool the inside of the showcase 1 from increasing throughout the year, and therefore it is possible to achieve energy conservation throughout the year.

[0127] In the seventh embodiment, as described above, the showcase 1 is configured to have a plurality of temperature zones set in one compartment, and the airflow direction switching unit control unit 8 is configured to control the drive source to switch to the third state for the showcase 1 in which a plurality of temperature zones are set in one compartment. With this configuration, for example, in a case where a temperature zone lower than the outdoor temperature and a temperature zone higher than the outdoor temperature are set in one showcase 1 to be used as a hot and cold storage, it is possible to prevent low-temperature outdoor air from flowing toward the part of the showcase 1 in which the temperature zone higher than the outdoor temperature is set. As a result, it is possible to prevent the heated showcase 1 from being cooled by the outdoor air, and therefore it is possible to efficiently heat the showcase 1 and achieve energy saving.

[0128] Other effects of the seventh embodiment are similar to those of the sixth embodiment.

[0129] [Variations] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0130] For example, in the first to seventh embodiments, the outside air introduction system is used to ventilate a store, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the outside air introduction system may be used to ventilate a facility including an office or a hospital.

[0131] In the first to seventh embodiments, the showcase is cooled by a refrigeration cycle, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the showcase may be cooled by a method other than the refrigeration cycle, for example, a Peltier type may be used.

[0132] In the first, second and fourth to seventh embodiments, an example is shown in which one airflow direction switching plate is configured to rotate, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the airflow direction switching plate may include two airflow direction switching plates, one that slides vertically and one that slides horizontally.

[0133] In the first to seventh embodiments, the direction in which the air flows horizontally along the ceiling is the Y direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the direction in which the air flows horizontally along the ceiling may be the X direction depending on how the outside air introduction section is arranged.

[0134] In the first to seventh embodiments, the airflow direction switching unit is switched to the first state in spring and autumn, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the airflow direction switching unit may be switched to the second state in spring and autumn.

[0135] In the first, second and fourth to seventh embodiments, the distance between the first and second straightening vanes along the Y direction is smaller than the length of the airflow direction changing vane in the Y direction when the airflow direction changing vane extends in a direction along the ceiling, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the distance between the first and second straightening vanes along the Y direction may be the same as or larger than the length of the airflow direction changing vane in the Y direction when the airflow direction changing vane extends in a direction along the ceiling. In this case, a locking member may be provided on the first straightening vane, or a rotation stop mechanism may be provided on the rotation center axis of the airflow direction rotating vane.

[0136] In the first, second and fourth to seventh embodiments, an example was shown in which a locking member was provided on the ceiling, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a rotation stop mechanism may be provided on the rotation center shaft of the air direction rotation plate without providing a locking member on the ceiling.

[0137] In the second and fourth to seventh embodiments, examples have been shown in which the airflow direction switching unit control unit and the in-store control unit are separate units, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the in-store control unit may also function as the airflow direction switching unit control unit. In this case, the in-store control unit is an example of the control unit described in the claims.

[0138] In the second embodiment, the airflow direction switching unit control unit is configured to control the drive source to switch the airflow direction switching unit between the first state and the second state based on the temperature and humidity, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the airflow direction switching unit control unit may switch between the first state and the second state according to the operation mode of the air conditioner, for example, may switch to the first state when the operation mode of the air conditioner switches to the cooling operation mode, and may switch to the second state when the operation mode of the air conditioner switches to the heating operation mode.

[0139] Although the third embodiment has been described as an example having the configuration of the first embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. The third embodiment may have the configuration of the second embodiment or a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0140] In the first to third embodiments, the airflow direction switching unit control unit is configured to control the drive source to switch the airflow direction switching unit between the first state and the second state for all showcases collectively, but the present invention is not limited to this. The airflow direction switching unit control unit may be configured to control the drive source to switch the airflow direction switching unit between the first state and the second state for each showcase.

[0141] In the fifth embodiment, the eighth control is performed instead of the sixth control and the seventh control, but the present invention is not limited to this. At least one of the sixth control, the seventh control, and the eighth control may be performed.

[0142] In the seventh embodiment, the eleventh control is performed instead of the ninth control and the tenth control, but the present invention is not limited to this. At least one of the ninth control, the tenth control, and the eleventh control may be performed.

[0143] In the fourth embodiment, an example was shown in which the showcase can set the first to third temperature zones, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the showcase may be capable of setting two temperature zones, the first temperature zone and the second temperature zone, or may be capable of setting four or more temperature zones. In this case, when a temperature zone other than the first temperature zone is set, the sixth control and the seventh control may be performed.

[0144] In the fifth embodiment, an example was shown in which the showcase can set the first to third temperature zones, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the showcase may be capable of setting two temperature zones, the first temperature zone and the second temperature zone, or may be capable of setting four or more temperature zones. In this case, the eighth control may be performed regardless of the combination of temperature zones.

[0145] In the sixth embodiment, an example was shown in which the showcase can set the first to third temperature zones, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the showcase may be capable of setting two temperature zones, the first temperature zone and the second temperature zone, or may be capable of setting four or more temperature zones. In this case, when a temperature zone other than the first temperature zone is set, the ninth control and the tenth control may be performed.

[0146] In the seventh embodiment, an example was shown in which the showcase can set the first to third temperature zones, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the showcase may be capable of setting two temperature zones, the first temperature zone and the second temperature zone, or may be capable of setting four or more temperature zones. In this case, the eleventh control may be performed regardless of the combination of temperature zones. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 1 Showcase (storage area for cooling items) 1b opening 2. Outside air intake 3. Wind direction switching section 4. Air conditioners 9. Power Source 8. Airflow control unit (control unit) 21 Air supply section 22 Airflow section 23 1st air supply port 24 2nd air supply port 31 Wind direction change plate 52 Ceiling 60 Goods 100, 200, 300 Outdoor air intake system

Claims

1. a cooling item storage section in which an item is stored and which cools the item, the cooling item storage section having an opening on a front side and being disposed in a room; an outside air introduction section including an air supply section that supplies outside air from the outside to the room; An outside air introduction system comprising: an air direction switching unit that switches between a first state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit flows horizontally along the ceiling, and a second state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit flows downward toward the front side of the cooling item storage unit.

2. The outside air introduction section is disposed above the item to be cooled storage section, and further includes an air guide section that guides the outside air supplied from the air supply section into the room, The outside air introduction system according to claim 1 , wherein the airflow direction switching unit is configured to switch between the first state and the second state to switch the air guide direction of the air guide unit.

3. the air guidance section includes a first air supply port that allows outside air to flow horizontally along a ceiling, and a second air supply port that allows outside air to flow downward toward a front side of the item to be cooled storage section, 3. The outside air introduction system of claim 2, wherein the airflow direction switching unit is configured to switch between the first state in which outside air flows horizontally from the first air intake port along the ceiling, and the second state in which outside air flows downward from the second air intake port toward the front side of the cooling item storage unit.

4. Further comprising an air conditioner disposed in the room; An air curtain that flows from above to below is formed at the opening of the cooling item storage section, The outside air introduction system of claim 1, wherein the airflow direction switching unit is configured to cause outside air to flow toward the air conditioner by switching to the first state, and to cause outside air to flow along the air curtain by switching to the second state.

5. The airflow direction changing unit includes a rotatable airflow direction changing plate, The outdoor air introduction system of claim 1, wherein the air direction changing plate is rotated and moved so as to extend along the direction in which the ceiling extends, thereby switching to the first state, and the air direction changing plate is rotated and moved so as to extend in an upward and downward direction intersecting the direction in which the ceiling extends, thereby switching to the second state.

6. A drive source that drives the airflow direction switching unit; A control unit that controls the drive source is further provided. The outside air introduction system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the driving source to switch between the first state and the second state of the air direction switching unit based on at least one of an outdoor condition including at least a temperature and an indoor condition including at least a temperature.

7. A drive source that drives the airflow direction switching unit; A control unit that controls the drive source is further provided. The outside air introduction system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the driving source to switch between the first state and the second state of the air direction switching unit based on at least one of a set temperature of the cooling item storage unit and an operating state of the cooling item storage unit.

8. the plurality of cooling item storage sections are configured to be able to set a plurality of temperature zones including a first temperature zone for cooling the items and a second temperature zone that is at least higher than the first temperature zone; The outside air introduction system according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit is configured to control the drive source to switch the cooling item storage unit, which is set to the second temperature zone, to the first state.

9. The cooling item storage section is configured to set a plurality of temperature zones within one storage compartment, The outside air introduction system according to claim 7, wherein the control unit is configured to control the drive source to switch the cooling item storage unit, in which a plurality of temperature zones are set within one storage unit, to the first state.

10. A drive source that drives the airflow direction switching unit; A control unit that controls the drive source is further provided. A plurality of the cooling item storage units are arranged in the room, the airflow direction switching unit is disposed in each of the plurality of cooling item storage units, and is configured to switch between the first state, the second state, and a third state in which the outside air supplied by the air supply unit is not circulated into the room, for each of the plurality of cooling item storage units; The outside air introduction system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the driving source to switch between the first state, the second state, and the third state of the air direction switching unit based on at least one of a set temperature of the cooling item storage unit and an operating state of the cooling item storage unit.

11. the plurality of cooling item storage sections are configured to be able to set a plurality of temperature zones including a first temperature zone for cooling the items and a second temperature zone that is at least higher than the first temperature zone; The outside air introduction system according to claim 10 , wherein the control unit is configured to control the drive source to switch the cooling item storage unit set to the second temperature zone to the third state.

12. The cooling item storage section is configured to set a plurality of temperature zones within one storage compartment, The outside air introduction system according to claim 10, wherein the control unit is configured to control the drive source to switch to the third state for the cooling item storage unit in which a plurality of temperature zones are set within one storage compartment.

13. The outside air introduction system according to claim 10 , wherein the control unit is configured to adjust an amount of air flowing into the store based on the number of the cooling item storage units in the third state.

14. The outside air introduction unit includes an air supply fan that introduces outside air into the room, The outside air introduction system according to claim 10, wherein the control unit is configured to adjust the rotation speed of the air supply fan to adjust the volume of air flowing into the store based on the number of the cooling item storage units in the third state.

15. A plurality of the cooling item storage units are arranged in the room, The outside air introduction system according to claim 1, wherein the air direction switching unit is arranged for each of the plurality of cooling item storage sections and is configured to switch between the first state and the second state for each of the plurality of cooling item storage sections.

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