Air volume detection device and illumination system

Abstract

To provide an air volume detection device that can detect the minute volume of air without using a rotational operation of a rotating body.SOLUTION: An air volume detection device 10 comprises: a sensor 12 that is hung from a stationary member 11, and when receiving the flow of air, detects air volume information that is information corresponding to the volume of the air; and an air receiving plate 13 that is provided on the sensor 12 so as to protrude from the sensor 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air volume detection device and an illumination system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies for detecting the state or state change of wind have been provided. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for detecting wind speed using the rotational operation of a windmill.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When attempting to detect the air volume using the detection technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the air volume is detected based on the rotation speed of a windmill serving as a rotating body. Therefore, in the detection technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a gentle breeze that is not strong enough to rotate the windmill is blowing, there is a possibility that the minute air volume cannot be detected.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above - mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide an air volume detection device that can detect a minute air volume without using the rotational operation of a rotating body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The air volume detection device according to the present disclosure includes a sensor that is suspended from a fixed member and detects air volume information, which is information corresponding to the air volume when receiving wind, and a wind receiving plate provided on the sensor so as to protrude from the sensor.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to detect a minute air volume without using the rotational operation of a rotating body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Embodiment 1. The air volume detection device 10 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a front view of the air volume detection device 10 according to Embodiment 1.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the air volume detection device 10 according to Embodiment 1 includes a fixing member 11, a sensor 12, a wind receiving plate 13, and a string 14.

[0012] The fixing member 11 is fixed at the upper part of the air volume detection device 10. The fixing member 11 is disposed above the sensor 12 described later.

[0013] The sensor 12 is suspended by a string 14 from the lower surface of the fixing member 11. The sensor 12 has a rectangular flat plate shape. The sensor 12 is, for example, an angle sensor, an angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor), or an angular acceleration sensor. Therefore, the sensor 12 detects an angle, an angular velocity, or an angular acceleration, and outputs each detection result as an electrical signal to the outside of the device.

[0014] The angle, the angular velocity, or the angular acceleration is air volume information that corresponds to the air volume of the wind received by at least one of the sensor 12 and the wind receiving plate 13 described later. For example, the air volume increases as the angle, angular velocity, or angular acceleration detected by the sensor 12 increases. Also, the air volume decreases as the angle, angular velocity, or angular acceleration detected by the sensor 12 decreases. Note that the wind applied to the air volume detection device 10 according to Embodiment 1 may be either natural wind or artificial wind.

[0015] Specifically, when the sensor 12 is an angle sensor, the sensor 12 detects an angle that is information corresponding to the air volume. This "angle" refers to the inclination angle with respect to the vertical axis of the sensor 12.

[0016] Also, when the sensor 12 is an angular velocity sensor, the sensor 12 detects an angular velocity that is information corresponding to the air volume. This "angular velocity" refers to the amount of change in the rotation angle per unit time in the sensor 12.

[0017] Furthermore, when the sensor 12 is an angular acceleration sensor, the sensor 12 detects an angular acceleration that is information corresponding to the air volume. This "angular acceleration" refers to the rate of change of the angular velocity per unit time in the sensor 12.

[0018] The wind receiving plate 13 protrudes from the sensor 12 and is provided on the sensor 12. The wind receiving plate 13 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape. The wind receiving plate 13 is for making it easier to be affected by the wind. The wind receiving plate 13 is formed of a very thin and light material such as paper or film, for example. Therefore, when a gentle breeze hits its surface, the wind receiving plate 13 can easily sway.

[0019] Specifically, the thickness of the wind receiving plate 13 is thinner than the thickness of the sensor 12. Also, the weight of the wind receiving plate 13 is lighter than the weight of the sensor 12. That is, the wind receiving plate 13 is a thinner and lighter member than the sensor 12. Furthermore, the surface area (wind receiving surface) for receiving wind in the wind receiving plate 13 is wider than the surface area (wind receiving surface) for receiving wind in the sensor 12.

[0020] Note that the wind receiving plate 13 is attached to the lower half of the sensor 12, but the attachment position of the wind receiving plate 13 is not limited to this. When attaching the wind receiving plate 13 to the sensor 12, it is preferable to make the contact area between the wind receiving plate 13 and the sensor 12 as small as possible and widen the surface area (wind receiving surface) for receiving wind in the wind receiving plate 13.

[0021] Therefore, in the air volume detection device 10, when at least one of the sensor 12 and the wind receiving plate 13 receives wind, the sensor 12 and the wind receiving plate 13 sway integrally. Then, the sensor 12 outputs air volume information, which is information corresponding to the air volume of the blown wind.

[0022] At this time, when the wind receiving plate 13 receives wind, since the wind receiving plate 13 is formed of a thin and light material, even if the wind is a gentle breeze, it can easily sway. Therefore, the sensor 12 can sway integrally with the wind receiving plate 13 that has swayed by receiving the gentle breeze.

[0023] In this way, the air volume detection device 10 can respond to slight changes in air volume, particularly from no wind to a light breeze, by providing the wind receiving plate 13 so that it protrudes from the sensor 12. Note that a light breeze is a wind with a volume that does not rotate a rotating body such as a wind volume detection windmill, for example.

[0024] As described above, air volume detection device 10 according to embodiment 1 includes sensor 12 that is suspended from fixed member 11 and that, when exposed to wind, detects air volume information that is information corresponding to the volume of the air, and wind receiving plate 13 that is provided on sensor 12 so as to protrude from sensor 12. Therefore, air volume detection device 10 can detect minute air volumes without using the rotational movement of a rotating body.

[0025] In addition, in air volume detection device 10, fixing member 11 is disposed above sensor 12, and sensor 12 is suspended from fixing member 11 by string 14. Therefore, air volume detection device 10 can easily detect minute air volumes with a simple configuration.

[0026] Furthermore, in the air volume detection device 10, the air receiving plate 13 is thinner and lighter than the sensor 12. Therefore, the air volume detection device 10 can make the air receiving plate 13 sway even in a gentle breeze.

[0027] Furthermore, in the air volume detection device 10, the surface area for receiving the wind in the wind receiving plate 13 is larger than the surface area for receiving the wind in the sensor 12. Therefore, the air volume detection device 10 can easily capture a gentle breeze with the wind receiving plate 13.

[0028] Embodiment 2 An air volume detection device 20 according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a front view of the air volume detection device 20 according to embodiment 2. Note that components having the same functions as those described in embodiment 1 above are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0029] The air volume detection device 20 according to Embodiment 2 shown in FIG. 2 includes a support column portion 11a, a receiving portion 11b, and a suspension member 21 in place of the string 14 of the air volume detection device 10 according to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the air volume detection device 20 according to Embodiment 2 includes a fixing member 11, a sensor 12, a wind receiving plate 13, and a suspension member 21.

[0030] The fixing member 11 is fixed at the lower part of the air volume detection device 10. The fixing member 11 has a support column portion 11a and a receiving portion 11b. The support column portion 11a is provided so as to extend upward from the fixing member 11. The lower end of the support column portion 11a is fixed to the fixing member 11. On the other hand, a receiving portion 11b is provided at the upper end of the support column portion 11a. The receiving portion 11b has, for example, a bowl shape and is open upward.

[0031] The wind receiving plate 13 is provided on the sensor 12 so as to surround the entire circumference of the sensor 12. In other words, the sensor 12 is provided at the central portion of the surface of the wind receiving plate 13. Note that the surface of the wind receiving plate 13 refers to the front surface or the rear surface of the wind receiving plate 13 that serves as the wind receiving surface. Further, the sensor 12 is suspended by a suspension member 21 from the receiving portion 11b of the support column portion 11a.

[0032] The suspension member 21 is, for example, a member that extends in the vertical direction of the air volume detection device 20. The lower end of the suspension member 21 is connected to the sensor 12. On the other hand, the upper end of the suspension member 21 constitutes a fulcrum 21a. This fulcrum 21a is a portion that supports the integrated sensor 12, wind receiving plate 13, and suspension member 21. The fulcrum 21a is placed on the receiving portion 11b of the fixing member 11. That is, the fulcrum 21a and the receiving portion 11b are arranged above the center of gravity of the integrated suspension member 21, sensor 12, and wind receiving plate 13.

[0033] Therefore, in the air volume detection device 20, when at least one of the sensor 12 and the wind receiving plate 13 receives wind, the sensor 12 and the wind receiving plate 13 swing integrally. And the sensor 12 outputs air volume information, which is information corresponding to the air volume of the blown wind.

[0034] At this time, when the wind receiving plate 13 receives wind, since the wind receiving plate 13 is formed of a thin and light material, it can swing easily even when the wind is a gentle breeze. For this reason, the sensor 12 can swing integrally with the wind receiving plate 13 that has swung by receiving the gentle breeze.

[0035] In this way, the air volume detection device 20 can be provided with the wind receiving plate 13 so as to protrude from the sensor 12, and can particularly respond to a slight change in air volume from a windless state to a gentle breeze state. Further, the air volume detection device 20 is provided with the sensor 12 at the central portion of the surface of the wind receiving plate 13, and the sensor 12 is suspended using a suspension member 21. For this reason, the air volume detection device 20 can maintain the suspension balance of the sensor 12. The suspension balance means that even when the sensor 12 is suspended in a windless state, the sensor 12 maintains a vertical state.

[0036] As described above, the air volume detection device 20 according to the second embodiment is provided on a fixing member 11 disposed below the sensor 12, and includes a support column portion 11a provided so as to extend upward from the fixing member 11, a receiving portion 11b provided at the upper end of the support column portion 11a, and a suspension member 21 having the sensor 12 connected to the lower end and having the upper end serving as a fulcrum 21a placed on the receiving portion 11b. For this reason, the air volume detection device 20 can easily detect a minute air volume with a simple configuration.

[0037] Further, in the air volume detection device 20, the wind receiving plate 13 is provided so as to surround the entire circumference of the sensor 12. For this reason, the air volume detection device 20 can easily capture a gentle breeze by the wind receiving plate 13.

[0038] Embodiment 3. The air volume detection device 30 according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a front view of the air volume detection device 30 according to Embodiment 3. For components having the same functions as those described in the above-described Embodiments 1 and 2, the same reference numerals are given and their descriptions are omitted.

[0039] The air volume detection device 30 according to Embodiment 3 shown in FIG. 3 does not include the suspension member 21 of the air volume detection device 20 according to Embodiment 2 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the air volume detection device 30 according to Embodiment 3 includes a fixing member 11, a sensor 12, and a wind receiving plate 13.

[0040] The wind receiving plate 13 has an opening 13a and a fulcrum 13b. The opening 13a is a hole that opens in the wind receiving plate 13. The opening 13a is disposed above the sensor 12 in the wind receiving plate 13. The fulcrum 13b forms a part of the opening 13a. The fulcrum 13b is the apex of a portion protruding downward in the opening 13a. The fulcrum 13b is placed on the receiving portion 11b of the support portion 11a. That is, the fulcrum 13b and the receiving portion 11b are disposed above the center of gravity of the integrated sensor 12 and wind receiving plate 13. At this time, the receiving portion 11b is disposed inside the opening 13a.

[0041] Therefore, in the air volume detection device 30, when at least one of the sensor 12 and the wind receiving plate 13 is subjected to wind, the sensor 12 and the wind receiving plate 13 swing integrally. Then, the sensor 12 outputs air volume information, which is information corresponding to the air volume of the blown wind.

[0042] At this time, when the wind receiving plate 13 is subjected to wind, since the wind receiving plate 13 is formed of a thin and light material, even if the wind is a gentle breeze, it easily swings. For this reason, the sensor 12 can swing integrally with the wind receiving plate 13 that has swung by receiving a gentle breeze.

[0043] In this way, by providing the wind receiving plate 13 so as to protrude from the sensor 12, the air volume detection device 30 can respond to slight changes in air volume, particularly when there is no wind or a slight breeze.

[0044] As described above, the air volume detection device 30 according to the third embodiment includes the sensor 12 that, when receiving wind, detects air volume information that is information corresponding to the volume of the air, and the air receiving plate 13 that is suspended from the fixed member 11 and is provided on the sensor 12 so as to protrude beyond the sensor 12. Therefore, the air volume detection device 10 can detect minute air volumes without using the rotational movement of a rotating body.

[0045] The air volume detection device 30 is mounted on a fixed member 11 located below the sensor 12, and includes a support 11a extending upward from the fixed member 11, a receiving portion 11b provided at the upper end of the support 11a, and a fulcrum 13b provided on the wind receiving plate 13 and placed on the receiving portion 11b. Therefore, the air volume detection device 10 has a simple configuration and can easily detect minute air volumes.

[0046] Embodiment 4 A lighting system 100 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6. Note that components having the same functions as those described in the first to third embodiments above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0047] First, the configuration of a lighting system 100 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lighting system 100 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0048] 4, a lighting system 100 according to the fourth embodiment includes a sensor 12 of any one of air volume detection devices 10, 20, and 30, a lighting unit 61, and a lighting control device 70. In the lighting system 100, the lighting control device 70 controls the lighting pattern of the lighting unit 61 based on air volume information detected by the sensor 12, which is information corresponding to the air volume.

[0049] The sensor 12 outputs the air volume information, which is the detection result, to the lighting control device 70. The sensor 12 can communicate with the lighting control device 70 using wired or wireless means.

[0050] The lighting unit 61 is electrically connected to the lighting control device 70. The lighting unit 61 is, for example, a light bulb or a semiconductor light-emitting element. Examples of the semiconductor light-emitting element include a light-emitting diode, a laser diode, an EL (Electro-Luminescence) element, and the like.

[0051] The lighting control device 70 includes an acquisition unit 71 and a control unit 72.

[0052] The acquisition unit 71 acquires the air volume information output from the sensor 12. Further, the acquisition unit 71 outputs the acquired air volume information to the control unit 72.

[0053] The control unit 72 acquires the air volume information output from the acquisition unit 71. Further, the control unit 72 controls the lighting pattern (lighting or extinguishing) of the lighting unit 61 based on the acquired air volume information.

[0054] For example, when the air volume information indicates a still air state, that is, when the air volume is 0, the control unit 72 maximizes the illuminance of the lighting unit 61. Also, when the air volume information maintains a certain value (excluding the still air state), that is, when the air volume maintains a certain value (excluding an air volume of 0), the control unit 72 sets the illuminance of the lighting unit 61 according to the tilt angle of the sensor 12 with respect to the vertical axis. Further, when the air volume information is changing, that is, when the air volume is increasing or decreasing, the control unit 72 gradually increases the illuminance of the lighting unit 61, and when it exceeds a certain threshold value, gradually decreases the illuminance of the lighting unit 61.

[0055] Therefore, the lighting control device 70 can interlock the lighting pattern of the lighting unit 61 with the air volume change. As a result, the lighting control device 70 can express the flickering of a candle flame with the lighting pattern of the lighting unit 61.

[0056] Next, the operation of the lighting control device 70 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the lighting control device 70 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, in step ST11, the acquisition unit 71 acquires the air volume information output from the sensor 12. In step ST12, the control unit 72 controls the lighting pattern of the lighting unit 61 based on the acquired air volume information. Then, the operation of the lighting control device 70 ends.

[0058] Next, a hardware configuration example of the lighting control device 70 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing an example of the hardware configuration of the lighting control device 70 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6A, the lighting control device 70 is configured by a computer, and the computer has a processor 81 and a memory 82. A program for causing the computer to function as the acquisition unit 71 and the control unit 72 is stored in the memory 82. By the processor 81 reading and executing the program stored in the memory 82, the functions of the acquisition unit 71 and the control unit 72 are realized.

[0060] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6B, the lighting control device 70 may have a processing circuit 83. In this case, the processing circuit 83 may be realized by the acquisition unit 71 and the control unit 72.

[0061] Alternatively, the lighting control device 70 may have a processor 81, a memory 82, and a processing circuit 83 (not shown). In this case, a part of the functions of the acquisition unit 71 and the control unit 72 may be realized by the processor 81 and the memory 82, and the remaining functions may be realized by the processing circuit 83.

[0062] The processor 81 is implemented using, for example, at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

[0063] The memory 82 is implemented using, for example, at least one of a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk. More specifically, the memory 82 is implemented using at least one of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0064] The processing circuit 83 is implemented using, for example, at least one of an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a SoC (System-on-a-Chip), or a system LSI (Large-Scale Integration).

[0065] As described above, the lighting system 100 according to the fourth embodiment includes any one of the air volume detection devices 10, 20, and 30, an acquisition unit 71 that acquires the air volume information output from the sensor 12 of the device, and a control unit 72 that controls the lighting pattern of the lighting unit 61 based on the air volume information acquired by the acquisition unit 71. Therefore, the lighting system 100 can link the lighting pattern of the lighting unit 61 with the air volume change. As a result, the lighting system 100 can express the flickering of a candle flame with the lighting pattern of the lighting unit 61.

[0066] In addition, within the scope of the present disclosure, any free combination of each embodiment, or any modification of any component in each embodiment, or any omission of any component in each embodiment is possible.

[0067] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be collectively described as appendices.

[0068] (Appendix 1) A sensor that is suspended from a fixing member and detects air volume information, which is information corresponding to the air volume when receiving wind, and a wind receiving plate provided on the sensor so as to protrude from the sensor. An air volume detection device characterized by the above. (Appendix 2) The fixing member is disposed above the sensor, and the sensor is suspended from the fixing member by a string. The air volume detection device according to Appendix 1, characterized by the above. (Appendix 3) A support column portion provided on the fixing member disposed below the sensor and provided so as to extend upward from the fixing member, a receiving portion provided at the upper end of the support column portion, and a suspension member having the sensor connected to the lower end and having the upper end serving as a fulcrum placed on the receiving portion. The air volume detection device according to Appendix 1, characterized by the above. (Appendix 4) A sensor that detects air volume information, which is information corresponding to the air volume when receiving wind, and a wind receiving plate that is suspended from a fixing member and is provided on the sensor so as to protrude from the sensor. An air volume detection device characterized by the above. (Appendix 5) A support column portion provided on the fixing member disposed below the sensor and provided so as to extend upward from the fixing member, a receiving portion provided at the upper end of the support column portion, It is provided on the wind receiving plate and includes a fulcrum placed on the receiving portion. The air volume detection device according to supplementary note 4, characterized by the above. (Supplementary note 6) The wind receiving plate is provided so as to surround the entire circumference of the sensor. The air volume detection device according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 5, characterized by the above. (Supplementary note 7) The wind receiving plate is thinner and lighter than the sensor. The air volume detection device according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 6, characterized by the above. (Supplementary note 8) The surface area for receiving wind on the wind receiving plate is larger than the surface area for receiving wind on the sensor. The air volume detection device according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 7, characterized by the above. (Supplementary note 9) An air volume detection device according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 8, An acquisition unit that acquires the air volume information output from the sensor, A control unit that controls the lighting pattern of the lighting unit based on the air volume information acquired by the acquisition unit. A lighting system characterized by the above.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0069] 10 Air volume detection device, 11 Fixing member, 11a Support column part, 11b Receiving part, 12 Sensor, 13 Wind receiving plate, 13a Opening part, 13b Fulcrum, 14 String, 20 Air volume detection device, 21 Suspension member, 21a Fulcrum, 30 Air volume detection device, 61 Lighting unit, 70 Lighting control device, 71 Acquisition unit, 72 Control unit, 81 Processor, 82 Memory, 83 Processing circuit, 100 Lighting system.

Claims

1. A sensor that is suspended from a fixing member and detects air volume information, which is information corresponding to the air volume when it is exposed to wind, and a wind receiving plate provided on the sensor so as to protrude from the sensor. An air volume detection device characterized by the above.

2. The fixing member is disposed above the sensor, and the sensor is suspended from the fixing member by a string. The air volume detection device according to Claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. A support column portion provided on the fixing member disposed below the sensor and provided so as to extend upward from the fixing member, a receiving portion provided at the upper end of the support column portion, and a suspension member having the sensor connected to the lower end and having the upper end serving as a fulcrum placed on the receiving portion. The air volume detection device according to Claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. A sensor that detects air volume information, which is information corresponding to the air volume when it is exposed to wind, and a wind receiving plate that is suspended from a fixing member and is provided on the sensor so as to protrude from the sensor. An air volume detection device characterized by the above.

5. A support column portion provided on the fixing member disposed below the sensor and provided so as to extend upward from the fixing member, a receiving portion provided at the upper end of the support column portion, and a fulcrum provided on the wind receiving plate and placed on the receiving portion. The air volume detection device according to Claim 4, characterized by the above.

6. The wind receiving plate is provided so as to surround the entire circumference of the sensor. The air volume detection device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized by the above.

7. The wind receiving plate is thinner and lighter than the sensor. The air volume detection device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized by the above.

8. The surface area for receiving wind on the wind receiving plate is larger than the surface area for receiving wind on the sensor. The air volume detection device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized by the above.

9. An air volume detection device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, an acquisition unit that acquires the air volume information output from the sensor, and a control unit that controls the illumination pattern of the illumination unit based on the air volume information acquired by the acquisition unit. An illumination system characterized by the above.

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