Air conditioner

Abstract

To provide a technique for improving comfort through temperature control of an air conditioner.SOLUTION: A temperature control section 150 controls an environment temperature of a target space. A temperature measurement section 110 measures the environment temperature of the target space. An acquisition section 112 acquires a peripheral skin temperature of a target person present in the target space. A control section 120 controls an operation of the temperature control section 150. The control section 120 calculates a rate of a secular change amount of the peripheral skin temperature to a secular change amount of the environmental temperature as a determination value. The control section 120 raises a set temperature of the temperature control section 150 when the determination value is larger than a reference value, and lowers the set temperature of the temperature control section 150 when the determination value is the reference value or smaller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to air conditioning technology, and more particularly to an air conditioner that operates based on peripheral skin temperature. [Background technology]

[0002] Air conditioners have been developed that control air conditioning in response to changes in the subject's body temperature. However, because the subject's body temperature remains almost constant regardless of changes in the environmental temperature, it is difficult to accurately grasp the subject's thermal sensation. Therefore, when the difference in skin temperature (peripheral skin temperature) of the subject's upper limb peripheral parts and / or lower limb peripheral parts becomes larger than a predetermined reference value, the air temperature in the target space is detected, and temperature control is performed to maintain that air temperature (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-209077 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By maintaining a space temperature that is different from the peripheral skin temperature, it is possible to provide a temperature that changes the subject's thermal sensation. However, simply providing a temperature that changes the subject's thermal sensation is not enough to provide comfort through temperature control.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in light of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that improves comfort through temperature control of an air conditioner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, an air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a temperature control unit that controls the ambient temperature of a target space, a temperature measurement unit that measures the ambient temperature of the target space, an acquisition unit that acquires the peripheral skin temperature of a subject in the target space, and a control unit that controls the operation of the temperature control unit. The control unit calculates a determination value that is the ratio of the amount of change in the peripheral skin temperature over time to the amount of change in the ambient temperature over time, and the control unit increases the set temperature of the temperature control unit when the determination value is greater than a reference value, and decreases the set temperature of the temperature control unit when the determination value is equal to or less than the reference value.

[0007] Any combination of the above components, or any transformation of the present disclosure into a method, device, system, recording medium, or computer program, is also valid as an aspect of the present disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, comfort can be improved by temperature control of an air conditioner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an installation situation of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an outline of the operation of the air conditioner of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner of FIG. [Figure 4] 4(a) to 4(d) are diagrams showing an outline of the operation of the calculation unit and the determination unit in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control procedure during heating operation by the air conditioner of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure during cooling operation by the air conditioner of FIG. [Figure 7] 7(a) to 7(c) show an outline of the operation of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure for the air conditioner according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Example 1 Before describing specific examples of the present disclosure, an overview of the examples will be provided. This example relates to an air conditioner for improving the comfort of a person (subject). A person activates the sympathetic nervous system in response to the person's heat balance state due to the temperature of the target space (hereinafter referred to as "ambient temperature"), causing vasoconstriction or sweating. Furthermore, vasoconstriction or sweating regulates the amount of heat dissipated from the body. Furthermore, peripheral skin temperature, which is an activity of the sympathetic nervous system, affects comfort. In summary, the air conditioner according to this example performs temperature control based on the ambient temperature and the subject's peripheral skin temperature in order to improve the comfort of the subject.

[0011] The examples described below each illustrate a preferred specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps (processes), and step order shown in the following examples are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, among the components in the following examples, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of the present disclosure are described as optional components. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0012] FIG. 1 shows the installation status of an air conditioner 100. A target space 10 is a room that is the target of air conditioning control by the air conditioner 100. A target person 20 exists in the target space 10. The air conditioner 100 is also installed in the target space 10. The air conditioner 100 includes a temperature measurement unit 110, an acquisition unit 112, a control unit 120, a temperature adjustment unit 150, and an air blower unit 152. The temperature adjustment unit 150 controls the temperature (ambient temperature) of the target space 10 by performing cooling or heating. The air blower unit 152 blows air whose temperature has been controlled by the temperature adjustment unit 150 into the target space 10. The operation of the temperature adjustment unit 150 and the air blower unit 152 is controlled by the control unit 120.

[0013] The temperature measuring unit 110 measures the environmental temperature of the target space 10. The acquisition unit 112 acquires the peripheral skin temperature of the target person 20 in the target space 10. The control unit 120 controls the operation of the temperature adjustment unit 150 or the air blower unit 152 based on the environmental temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit 110 and the peripheral skin temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 112.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows an overview of the operation of the air conditioner 100. FIG. 2 shows the relationship between environmental temperature and peripheral skin temperature. The horizontal axis represents environmental temperature, and the vertical axis represents peripheral skin temperature. This relationship is based on the results of experiments conducted on multiple subjects 20. As the environmental temperature increases from low to high, the peripheral skin temperature also increases from low to high, but this relationship differs depending on the state of the sympathetic nerves. The lowest environmental temperature is the peripheral vascular limit constriction state 300. In the peripheral vascular limit constriction state 300, peripheral blood vessels constrict to their limit. Therefore, even if the environmental temperature increases, the increase in peripheral skin temperature is small.

[0015] As the environmental temperature rises, the peripheral vasoconstriction state 300 changes to the peripheral vasodilation and constriction state 302. In the peripheral vasodilation and constriction state 302, the peripheral blood vessels repeatedly expand and contract due to the action of the sympathetic nerves. As a result, as the environmental temperature increases, the peripheral skin temperature increases significantly. As the environmental temperature rises, the peripheral vasodilation and constriction state 302 changes to the peripheral vasodilation and constriction state 304. In the peripheral vasodilation and constriction state 304, the sympathetic nerves are inhibited and the peripheral blood vessels expand to their limit. Therefore, even if the environmental temperature increases, the increase in the peripheral skin temperature is small. As the environmental temperature rises, the peripheral vasodilation and constriction state 304 changes to the sweating state 306. In the sweating state 306, the sympathetic nerves are activated and sweating occurs. Because sweating occurs mainly in the trunk, the increase in the peripheral skin temperature is small even if the environmental temperature increases.

[0016] The boundary between the peripheral vasodilation contraction state 302 and the peripheral vasodilation limit state 304 is the neutral state 310. In the neutral state 310, the amount of heat produced and the amount of heat released by the human body are equal. The temperature (neutral temperature) in this neutral state 310 varies from person to person, but comfort is improved in the neutral state 310. The temperature region including the neutral state 310 is the comfortable temperature region, the temperature region higher than the comfortable temperature region is the first region, and the temperature region lower than the comfortable temperature region is the second region. The minimum temperature in the second region is indicated as "T1" and the maximum temperature is indicated as "T2". The minimum temperature in the comfortable temperature region is indicated as "T2" and the maximum temperature is indicated as "T3". The minimum temperature in the first region is indicated as "T3" and the maximum temperature is indicated as "T4".

[0017] Since comfort improves in the comfortable temperature range, the air conditioner 100 of this embodiment controls the ambient temperature to be within the comfortable temperature range by determining the inflection point (neutral state 310) of the peripheral skin temperature relative to the ambient temperature.

[0018] 3 shows the configuration of the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 includes a temperature measurement unit 110, an acquisition unit 112, a control unit 120, a temperature adjustment unit 150, and a blower unit 152. The control unit 120 includes an input unit 122, a calculation unit 124, a determination unit 126, an output unit 128, and a timing unit 130. An operation unit 200 is also connected to the air conditioner 100.

[0019] The operation unit 200 has an interface that accepts operations by the subject person 20. The interface includes buttons and the like. Operations accepted by the operation unit 200 include, for example, turning the air conditioner 100 on or off, switching the operation mode of the air conditioner 100, and the temperature set for the air conditioner 100 (hereinafter referred to as the "set temperature"). The operation mode of the air conditioner 100 includes heating operation and cooling operation. In particular, when starting the operation of the air conditioner 100, the subject person 20 operates the operation unit 200 to input an instruction to start the operation of the air conditioner 100, the type of operation, and the set temperature at the start of operation (hereinafter referred to as the "initial setting temperature"). The operation unit 200 has a wireless communication function or a wired communication function, and transmits the accepted operations to the air conditioner 100.

[0020] The temperature measuring unit 110 includes a temperature sensor and measures the environmental temperature of the target space 10 as described above. The temperature measuring unit 110 outputs the measured environmental temperature to the control unit 120. The acquisition unit 112 is, for example, a thermal camera, and acquires the peripheral skin temperature of the subject 20 by measuring the peripheral skin temperature of the subject 20 in the target space 10. The acquisition unit 112 is not limited to a thermal camera. A ring or the like including a skin temperature sensor may be worn by the subject 20, and the skin temperature sensor may measure the peripheral skin temperature of the subject 20. In this case, the ring transmits the measured peripheral skin temperature to the air conditioner 100 via wireless communication. The acquisition unit 112 may acquire the peripheral skin temperature of the subject 20 by receiving the peripheral skin temperature transmitted from the ring.

[0021] The input unit 122 of the control unit 120 receives operations from the operation unit 200, the ambient temperature from the temperature measurement unit 110, and the peripheral skin temperature from the acquisition unit 112. Below, we will explain the cases where the operation type included in the operation from the operation unit 200 indicates (1) heating operation and (2) cooling operation, in that order.

[0022] (1) Heating operation When the operation from the operation unit 200 includes starting the operation of the air conditioner 100, heating operation, and initial setting temperature Ts(1), the control unit 120 operates the temperature adjustment unit 150 and the blower unit 152 based on the heating operation and initial setting temperature Ts(1). In other words, the subject 20 inputs the initial setting temperature Ts(1), and temperature adjustment of the air conditioner 100 begins.

[0023] The calculation unit 124 acquires the environmental temperature Te(0) and peripheral skin temperature Tp(0) at the start of temperature adjustment. The timing unit 130 measures the time from the start of temperature adjustment. The timing unit 130 notifies the calculation unit 124 when a predetermined time, for example, 15 minutes, has elapsed since the start of temperature adjustment. Upon receiving the notification from the timing unit 130, the calculation unit 124 acquires the environmental temperature Te(1) and peripheral skin temperature Tp(1) when the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of temperature adjustment. The calculation unit 124 calculates the judgment value D(1) based on Te(0), Tp(0), Te(1), and Tp(1) as follows: D(1)=(Tp(1)-Tp(0)) / (Te(1)-Te(0)) Equation (1)

[0024] This corresponds to calculating the ratio of the change in peripheral skin temperature over time to the change in environmental temperature over time as the judgment value. When the judgment value D(1) is greater than the reference value, the judgment unit 126 determines to change the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit 150 from Ts(1) to Ts(2). For example, the set temperature is increased by 1°C. The output unit 128 sets the set temperature Ts(2) in the temperature adjustment unit 150 in accordance with the determination of the judgment unit 126. The temperature adjustment unit 150 operates at the set temperature Ts(2).

[0025] To explain the subsequent operations, Figures 4(a)-(d) are also used here. Figures 4(a)-(d) show an overview of the operations of the calculation unit 124 and the determination unit 126. These are shown in the same manner as the relationship between the ambient temperature and the peripheral skin temperature in Figure 2. In particular, Figures 4(a)-(b) show an overview of the operations during heating operation, and Figures 4(c)-(d) show an overview of the operations during cooling operation. Te(1) and Tp(1) in Figure 4(a) are as described above. The timing unit 130 notifies the calculation unit 124 of the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature adjustment unit 150 was operated at the set temperature Ts(2). Upon receiving the notification from the timing unit 130, the calculation unit 124 acquires the ambient temperature Te(2) and the peripheral skin temperature Tp(2) when the predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature adjustment unit 150 was operated at the set temperature Ts(2). The calculation unit 124 calculates the judgment value D(2) based on Te(1), Tp(1), Te(2), and Tp(2) as follows. D(2)=(Tp(2)-Tp(1)) / (Te(2)-Te(1)) Equation (2)

[0026] Equation (2) is calculated in the same way as equation (1). When the judgment value D(2) is greater than the reference value, the judgment unit 126 determines to change the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit 150 from Ts(2) to Ts(3). For example, the set temperature is increased by 1°C. The output unit 128 sets the set temperature Ts(3) in the temperature adjustment unit 150 in accordance with the decision of the judgment unit 126. The temperature adjustment unit 150 operates at the set temperature Ts(3).

[0027] 4(b), the timing unit 130 notifies the calculation unit 124 of the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature adjustment unit 150 was operated at the set temperature Ts(3). Upon receiving the notification from the timing unit 130, the calculation unit 124 acquires the environmental temperature Te(3) and the peripheral skin temperature Tp(3) when the predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature adjustment unit 150 was operated at the set temperature Ts(3). The calculation unit 124 calculates the judgment value D based on Te(2), Tp(2), Te(3), and Tp(3) as follows: D(3)=(Tp(3)-Tp(2)) / (Te(3)-Te(2)) Equation (3)

[0028] Equation (3) is calculated in the same way as equation (1). When the judgment value D(3) is greater than the reference value, the judgment unit 126 repeats the above process to change Ts(3) to Ts(4). On the other hand, when the judgment value D(3) is equal to or less than the reference value, that is, when the judgment value (2) is greater than the reference value and the judgment value D(3) is equal to or less than the reference value, the judgment unit 126 determines the set temperature Ts(3) at which the judgment value D(3) was calculated as the comfort set temperature Tsc. This corresponds to the set temperature Ts(2) forming the peripheral vascular dilation / constriction state 302 and the set temperature Ts(3) forming the peripheral vascular limit dilation state 304. Therefore, a neutral state 310 exists between the set temperature Ts(2) and the set temperature Ts(3). As a result, the comfort set temperature Tsc is included in the comfort temperature range. The output unit 128 sets the comfort set temperature Tsc determined by the judgment unit 126 to the temperature adjustment unit 150. The temperature adjustment unit 150 operates at the comfort set temperature Tsc, thereby completing the change of the set temperature.

[0029] (2) Cooling operation When the operation from the operation unit 200 includes starting the air conditioner 100, cooling operation, and initial setting temperature Ts(1), the control unit 120 operates the temperature adjustment unit 150 and the air blower unit 152 based on the cooling operation and initial setting temperature Ts(1). In other words, the subject 20 inputs the initial setting temperature Ts(1), and temperature adjustment by the air conditioner 100 begins.

[0030] Calculation unit 124 acquires the environmental temperature Te(0) and peripheral skin temperature Tp(0) at the start of temperature adjustment. Timekeeping unit 130 notifies calculation unit 124 when a predetermined time, for example, 15 minutes, has elapsed since the start of temperature adjustment. Upon receiving the notification from timekeeping unit 130, calculation unit 124 acquires the environmental temperature Te(1) and peripheral skin temperature Tp(1) when the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of temperature adjustment. Calculation unit 124 calculates determination value D(1) based on Te(0), Tp(0), Te(1), and Tp(1) as follows: D(1)=(Tp(1)-Tp(0)) / (Te(1)-Te(0)) Equation (4)

[0031] This corresponds to calculating the ratio of the change in peripheral skin temperature over time to the change in environmental temperature over time as the judgment value. When the judgment value D(1) is equal to or less than the reference value, the judgment unit 126 determines to change the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit 150 from Ts(1) to Ts(2). For example, the set temperature is lowered by 1°C. The output unit 128 sets the set temperature Ts(2) in the temperature adjustment unit 150 in accordance with the determination of the judgment unit 126. The temperature adjustment unit 150 operates at the set temperature Ts(2).

[0032] Te(1) and Tp(1) in Figure 4(c) are as described above. The timing unit 130 notifies the calculation unit 124 of the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature adjustment unit 150 was operated at the set temperature Ts(2). Upon receiving the notification from the timing unit 130, the calculation unit 124 acquires the environmental temperature Te(2) and peripheral skin temperature Tp(2) when the predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature adjustment unit 150 was operated at the set temperature Ts(2). The calculation unit 124 calculates the determination value D(2) based on Te(1), Tp(1), Te(2), and Tp(2) as follows: D(2)=(Tp(2)-Tp(1)) / (Te(2)-Te(1)) Equation (5)

[0033] Equation (5) is a calculation similar to equation (4). When the judgment value D(2) is equal to or less than the reference value, the judgment unit 126 determines to change the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit 150 from Ts(2) to Ts(3). For example, the set temperature is lowered by 1°C. The output unit 128 sets the set temperature Ts(3) in the temperature adjustment unit 150 in accordance with the decision of the judgment unit 126. The temperature adjustment unit 150 operates at the set temperature Ts(3).

[0034] 4(d), the timing unit 130 notifies the calculation unit 124 of the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature adjustment unit 150 was operated at the set temperature Ts(3). Upon receiving the notification from the timing unit 130, the calculation unit 124 acquires the environmental temperature Te(3) and the peripheral skin temperature Tp(3) when the predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature adjustment unit 150 was operated at the set temperature Ts(3). The calculation unit 124 calculates the determination value D based on Te(2), Tp(2), Te(3), and Tp(3) as follows: D(3)=(Tp(3)-Tp(2)) / (Te(3)-Te(2)) Equation (6)

[0035] Equation (6) is calculated in the same way as equation (4). When the judgment value D(3) is equal to or less than the reference value, the judgment unit 126 repeats the above process to change Ts(3) to Ts(4). On the other hand, when the judgment value D(3) is greater than the reference value, that is, when the judgment value (2) is equal to or less than the reference value and the judgment value D(3) is greater than the reference value, the judgment unit 126 determines the set temperature Ts(3) at which the judgment value D(3) was calculated as the comfort set temperature Tsc. This corresponds to the set temperature Ts(2) forming the peripheral vascular limit dilation state 304 and the set temperature Ts(3) forming the peripheral vascular dilation / constriction state 302. Therefore, a neutral state 310 exists between the set temperature Ts(2) and the set temperature Ts(3). As a result, the comfort set temperature Tsc is included in the comfort temperature range. The output unit 128 sets the comfort set temperature Tsc determined by the judgment unit 126 to the temperature adjustment unit 150. The temperature adjustment unit 150 operates at the comfort set temperature Tsc, thereby completing the change of the set temperature.

[0036] In the above process, the calculation unit 124 acquires the environmental temperature Te(1) and the peripheral skin temperature Tp(1) when a predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature adjustment unit 150 was operated at the first set temperature Ts(1). However, the calculation unit 124 may calculate the environmental temperature Te(1) and the peripheral skin temperature Tp(1) as the average value of the averaging interval from the time the temperature adjustment unit 150 was operated at the first set temperature Ts(1) until the predetermined time has elapsed. The averaging interval is shorter than the predetermined time, for example, one minute. The environmental temperatures Te(2), Te(3), ... and the peripheral skin temperatures Tp(2), Tp(3), ... may also be calculated in a similar manner.

[0037] Furthermore, control unit 120 may execute the following process: When the amount of change in the environmental temperature over time calculated by calculation unit 124 is smaller than a predetermined value, determination unit 126 does not calculate a determination value. As a result, the set temperature of temperature adjustment unit 150 is not changed using the determination value.

[0038] Furthermore, when the environmental temperature acquired by the calculation unit 124 is outside the predetermined temperature range, the determination unit 126 does not calculate a determination value. In this case, too, the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit 150 is not changed using the determination value.

[0039] The subject of the device, system, or method of the present disclosure includes a computer. The computer executes a program to realize the functions of the subject of the device, system, or method of the present disclosure. The computer includes, as its main hardware component, a processor that operates according to the program. The processor may be of any type, as long as it can realize the functions by executing the program. The processor is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or an LSI (Large Scale Integration). The multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or may be provided on multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or may be provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium, such as a computer-readable ROM, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium or may be supplied to the recording medium via a wide area communication network, including the Internet.

[0040] The operation of the air conditioner 100 configured as described above will now be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the control procedure during heating operation by the air conditioner 100. The subject 20 uses the operation unit 200 to input the initial setting temperature Ts(1) (step S10). The temperature measuring unit 110 acquires the ambient temperature Te(0) (step S12), and the acquisition unit 112 acquires the peripheral skin temperature Tp(0) of the subject 20 (step S14). If 15 minutes have not elapsed according to the timing unit 130 (N in step S16), the process waits. If 15 minutes have elapsed according to the timing unit 130 (Y in step S16), the temperature measuring unit 110 acquires the ambient temperature Te(1) (step S18). If the ambient temperature Te(1) is not between 18°C ​​and 28°C (N in step S20), the process returns to step S12.

[0041] If the environmental temperature Te(1) is between 18°C ​​and 28°C (Y in step S20), the acquisition unit 112 acquires the peripheral skin temperature Tp(1) of the subject 20 (step S22). If (Tp(1) - Tp(0)) / (Te(1) - Te(0)) is less than or equal to the reference value "1.0" (Y in step S24), the processing is terminated. If (Tp(1) - Tp(0)) / (Te(1) - Te(0)) is not less than or equal to the reference value "1.0" (N in step S24), the determination unit 126 changes the set temperature so that Ts(n+1) = Ts(n) + 1 (step S26).

[0042] If 15 minutes have not yet elapsed according to the timing unit 130 (N in step S28), the process waits. If 15 minutes have elapsed according to the timing unit 130 (Y in step S28), the temperature measuring unit 110 acquires the environmental temperature Te(n+1) (step S30). If Te(n+1)-Te(n) is not 0.5°C or greater (N in step S32), the process returns to step S28. If Te(n+1)-Te(n) is 0.5°C or greater (Y in step S32), the acquisition unit 112 acquires the peripheral skin temperature Tp(n+1) of the subject 20 (step S34). If (Tp(n+1)-Tp(n)) / (Te(n+1)-Te(n)) is not equal to or less than the reference value "1.0" (N in step S36), the process returns to step S26. If (Tp(n+1)-Tp(n)) / (Te(n+1)-Te(n)) is less than or equal to the reference value "1.0" (Y in step S36), the judgment unit 126 retains Ts(n+1) as the comfort set temperature Tsc (step S38).

[0043] 6 is a flowchart showing the control procedure during cooling operation by the air conditioner 100. The subject 20 inputs the initial setting temperature Ts(1) using the operation unit 200 (step S110). The temperature measuring unit 110 acquires the environmental temperature Te(0) (step S112), and the acquisition unit 112 acquires the peripheral skin temperature Tp(0) of the subject 20 (step S114). If 15 minutes have not elapsed according to the timing unit 130 (N in step S116), the process waits. If 15 minutes have elapsed according to the timing unit 130 (Y in step S116), the temperature measuring unit 110 acquires the environmental temperature Te(1) (step S118). If the environmental temperature Te(1) is not between 18°C ​​and 28°C (N in step S120), the process returns to step S112.

[0044] If the environmental temperature Te(1) is 18°C ​​or higher and 28°C or lower (Y in step S120), the acquisition unit 112 acquires the peripheral skin temperature Tp(1) of the subject 20 (step S122). If (Tp(1)-Tp(0)) / (Te(1)-Te(0)) is not equal to or lower than the reference value "1.0" (N in step S124), the processing is terminated. If (Tp(1)-Tp(0)) / (Te(1)-Te(0)) is equal to or lower than the reference value "1.0" (Y in step S124), the determination unit 126 changes the set temperature so that Ts(n+1)=Ts(n)-1 (step S126).

[0045] If 15 minutes have not yet elapsed according to the timing unit 130 (N in step S128), the process waits. If 15 minutes have elapsed according to the timing unit 130 (Y in step S128), the temperature measuring unit 110 acquires the environmental temperature Te(n+1) (step S130). If Te(n+1)-Te(n) is not equal to or less than -0.5°C (N in step S132), the process returns to step S128. If Te(n+1)-Te(n) is equal to or less than -0.5°C (Y in step S132), the acquisition unit 112 acquires the peripheral skin temperature Tp(n+1) of the subject 20 (step S134). If (Tp(n+1)-Tp(n)) / (Te(n+1)-Te(n)) is equal to or less than the reference value "1.0" (Y in step S136), the process returns to step S126. If (Tp(n+1)-Tp(n)) / (Te(n+1)-Te(n)) is not less than the reference value "1.0" (N in step S136), the judgment unit 126 retains Ts(n+1) as the comfort set temperature Tsc (step S138).

[0046] According to this embodiment, the environmental temperature is controlled based on the relationship between the environmental temperature and the peripheral skin temperature so that peripheral vasoconstriction is suppressed, thereby improving comfort through temperature control. Also, the environmental temperature and peripheral skin temperature are measured after a predetermined time has elapsed since temperature control was performed, improving the accuracy of measuring the environmental temperature and peripheral skin temperature. Because the accuracy of measuring the environmental temperature and peripheral skin temperature is improved, a temperature environment that more accurately suppresses stress on the body can be provided.

[0047] In addition, since the average values ​​of the environmental temperature and peripheral skin temperature are calculated, errors caused by measuring instantaneous values ​​can be reduced. Also, because errors caused by measuring instantaneous values ​​are reduced, it is possible to provide a temperature environment that more accurately reduces stress on the body. Furthermore, when controlling temperature changes using the environmental temperature and peripheral skin temperature at two set temperatures, even at the first initial setting temperature for which there is no comparison, the environmental temperature and peripheral skin temperature immediately after input are obtained, allowing for normal operation.

[0048] Furthermore, if one of the two judgment values ​​is greater than the reference value and the other is equal to or less than the reference value, the set temperature corresponding to the later calculated judgment value is set as the comfort set temperature, so control can be stopped within the comfort temperature range. Also, since control is stopped within the comfort temperature range, comfort can be maintained. Furthermore, since the set temperature is not changed when the amount of change in the environmental temperature over time is small, it is possible to prevent control to an uncomfortable environmental temperature due to an erroneous judgment. Furthermore, since the set temperature is not changed when the environmental temperature is outside the specified temperature range, it is possible to prevent erroneous control from being performed when the environmental temperature is not within the comfort temperature range.

[0049] An outline of one aspect of the present disclosure is as follows. (Item 1) a temperature control unit (150) that controls the environmental temperature of the target space (10); a temperature measuring unit (110) for measuring the environmental temperature of the target space (10); an acquisition unit (112) that acquires a peripheral skin temperature of a subject (20) in the target space (10); a control unit (120) for controlling the operation of the temperature adjustment unit (150); Equipped with the control unit (120) calculates a ratio of the change in the peripheral skin temperature over time to the change in the environmental temperature over time as a determination value; the control unit (120) increases the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit (150) when the determination value is greater than a reference value, and decreases the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit (150) when the determination value is equal to or less than the reference value; Air conditioner (100).

[0050] (Item 2) The air conditioner (100) according to item 1, wherein the control unit (120) calculates the judgment value using a first ambient temperature and a first peripheral skin temperature when a first predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature adjustment unit (150) has been operated at a first set temperature, and a second ambient temperature and a second peripheral skin temperature when a second predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature adjustment unit (150) has been operated at a second set temperature different from the first set temperature.

[0051] (Item 3) The air conditioner (100) described in item 2, wherein the control unit (120) calculates the first ambient temperature and the first peripheral skin temperature using average values ​​for a first average interval from when the temperature adjustment unit (150) is operated at the first set temperature until the first specified time, and calculates the second ambient temperature and the second peripheral skin temperature using average values ​​for a second average interval from when the temperature adjustment unit (150) is operated at the second set temperature until the second specified time.

[0052] (Item 4) The air conditioner (100) according to item 1, wherein when the subject (20) inputs an initial setting temperature and starts temperature control, the control unit (120) calculates the judgment value using the environmental temperature and peripheral skin temperature at the time when temperature control is started and the environmental temperature and peripheral skin temperature when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of temperature control.

[0053] (Item 5) The control unit (120) As the determination value, a first determination value and a second determination value calculated after the first determination value are referenced; The air conditioner (100) according to item 1, wherein when one of the first judgment value and the second judgment value is greater than the reference value and the other is equal to or less than the reference value, the set temperature at the time when the second judgment value was calculated is set as a comfort set temperature, and the ambient temperature of the target space (10) is controlled.

[0054] (Item 6) The air conditioner (100) according to item 1, wherein the control unit (120) does not change the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit (150) using the judgment value when the amount of change in the environmental temperature over time is smaller than a predetermined value.

[0055] (Item 7) Item 1. The air conditioner (100) according to item 1, wherein the control unit (120) does not change the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit (150) using the determination value when the environmental temperature is outside a predetermined temperature range.

[0056] Example 2 Next, a second embodiment will be described. As with the first embodiment, the second embodiment relates to an air conditioner 100 that performs temperature control based on the ambient temperature and the peripheral skin temperature of the subject 20. The air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment determines a comfort set temperature Tsc that is included in the comfort temperature range, and operates based on the comfort set temperature Tsc. The air conditioner 100 according to the second embodiment determines the comfort set temperature Tsc, and then operates at a set temperature that deviates from the comfort set temperature Tsc. This corresponds to operating in the first or second region. By deviating from the comfort temperature range, stimulation to the sympathetic nerves is intentionally added or suppressed. Here, the differences from the previous embodiments will be mainly described.

[0057] The subject 20 operates the operation unit 200 to select one of the normal mode, the first mode, and the second mode. The normal mode is a mode in which the air conditioner is operated at the comfort set temperature Tsc described in the first embodiment. The first mode is a mode in which the air conditioner is operated at a set temperature that is higher than the comfort set temperature Tsc by a first predetermined value (hereinafter referred to as the "first mode set temperature"). The first mode aims to suppress the sympathetic nerves by operating in the first range. The second mode is a mode in which the air conditioner is operated at a set temperature that is lower than the comfort set temperature Tsc by a second predetermined value (hereinafter referred to as the "second mode set temperature"). The second mode aims to stimulate the sympathetic nerves by operating in the second range. The operation unit 200 transmits the selection result to the air conditioner 100.

[0058] The determination unit 126 of the air conditioner 100 determines the comfort set temperature Tsc by executing the process of Example 1. To explain the subsequent process, Figs. 7(a)-(c) are also used here. Figs. 7(a)-(c) show an overview of the operation of the air conditioner 100 according to Example 2. Fig. 7(a) shows an overview of the operation in normal mode, that is, Example 1. The air conditioner 100 operates at a comfort set temperature Tsc that is included in the comfort temperature range.

[0059] FIG. 7(b) shows an overview of operation in the first mode. When the subject 20 selects the first mode, the determination unit 126 determines a first mode set temperature 330, which is higher than the comfort set temperature Tsc by a first predetermined value 320. The first predetermined value 320 is, for example, 3°C. From a temperature where PMV=0, the PMV changes by approximately 0.55 to 0.6 at 1.5°C. Therefore, shifting the comfort set temperature Tsc by approximately 3.0°C is sufficient to shift the temperature outside the comfort temperature range. The temperature adjustment unit 150 operates at the first mode set temperature 330.

[0060] 7(c) shows an overview of operation in the second mode. When the subject 20 selects the second mode, the determination unit 126 determines a second mode set temperature 332 that is lower than the comfortable set temperature Tsc by a second predetermined value 322. The second predetermined value 322 is also, for example, 3°C. The temperature adjustment unit 150 operates at the second mode set temperature 332.

[0061] The operation of the air conditioner 100 configured as described above will now be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control procedure for the air conditioner 100. The determination unit 126 completes setting the comfortable set temperature Tsc (step S200). If the subject 20 has selected the first mode (Y in step S210), the determination unit 126 changes the set temperature so that Tsf = Tsc + 3 (step S212). If the subject 20 has not selected the first mode (N in step S210) or has selected the second mode (Y in step S214), the determination unit 126 changes the set temperature so that Tsf = Tsc - 3 (step S216). If the subject 20 has not selected the second mode (N in step S214), the determination unit 126 maintains Tsc as the set temperature (step S218).

[0062] According to this embodiment, the environmental temperature is controlled so as to deviate from the comfortable set temperature, so that a thermal environment suited to the subject's 20 preferences can be provided.

[0063] An outline of one aspect of the present disclosure is as follows. (Item 8) The air conditioner (100) according to item 5, wherein the control unit (120) controls the environmental temperature of the target space (10) by increasing the comfort set temperature by a first predetermined value when the subject person (20) selects a first mode, and controls the environmental temperature of the target space (10) by decreasing the comfort set temperature by a second predetermined value when the subject person (20) selects a second mode.

[0064] The present disclosure has been described above based on examples. These examples are merely illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 10 Target space, 20 Target person, 100 Air conditioner, 110 Temperature measuring unit, 112 Acquisition unit, 120 Control unit, 122 Input unit, 124 Calculation unit, 126 Determination unit, 128 Output unit, 130 Timing unit, 150 Temperature control unit, 152 Air blowing unit, 200 Operation unit.

Claims

1. a temperature control unit that controls the environmental temperature of the target space; a temperature measuring unit for measuring the environmental temperature of the target space; an acquisition unit that acquires a peripheral skin temperature of a subject in the target space; a control unit that controls the operation of the temperature adjustment unit; Equipped with the control unit calculates a ratio of the change in the peripheral skin temperature over time to the change in the environmental temperature over time as a determination value; the control unit increases the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit when the determination value is greater than a reference value, and decreases the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit when the determination value is equal to or less than the reference value. Air conditioner.

2. The air conditioner described in claim 1, wherein the control unit calculates the judgment value using a first ambient temperature and a first peripheral skin temperature when a first predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature control unit was operated at a first set temperature, and a second ambient temperature and a second peripheral skin temperature when a second predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature control unit was operated at a second set temperature different from the first set temperature.

3. The air conditioner described in claim 2, wherein the control unit calculates the first ambient temperature and the first peripheral skin temperature using average values ​​of a first average interval from when the temperature control unit is operated at the first set temperature to when the first specified time is reached, and calculates the second ambient temperature and the second peripheral skin temperature using average values ​​of a second average interval from when the temperature control unit is operated at the second set temperature to when the second specified time is reached.

4. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the control unit calculates the judgment value when the subject inputs an initial setting temperature and starts temperature control using the environmental temperature and peripheral skin temperature at the time temperature control is started, and the environmental temperature and peripheral skin temperature when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of temperature control.

5. The control unit refers to a first judgment value and a second judgment value calculated after the first judgment value as the judgment value, and when one of the first judgment value and the second judgment value is greater than the reference value and the other is equal to or less than the reference value, the control unit controls the ambient temperature of the target space by setting the set temperature at the time the second judgment value was calculated as the comfort set temperature.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit does not change the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit using the determination value when the amount of change in the environmental temperature over time is smaller than a predetermined value.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit does not change the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit using the determination value when the environmental temperature is outside a predetermined temperature range.

8. The air conditioner described in claim 5, wherein the control unit controls the ambient temperature of the target space by increasing the comfort setting temperature by a first predetermined value when the subject selects the first mode, and controls the ambient temperature of the target space by decreasing the comfort setting temperature by a second predetermined value when the subject selects the second mode.

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