Air cleaning system

Abstract

To provide an air cleaning system capable of reducing an exposure amount and an exposure occasion of a user in an object space to air contaminants.SOLUTION: An air cleaning system 300 includes: an air cleaning device 1 installed in an air cleaning object space; a control device 100 for controlling the operation of the air cleaning device 1; and information acquisition means for acquiring route information related to a ventilation route in the object space. The air cleaning device 1 includes: a casing 2 formed with a suction port 4 and a blow-out port 5; a blower 6 for generating an air current from the suction port 4 to the blow-out port 5 in the casing 2; cleaning means for cleaning air sucked from the suction port 4 into the casing 2; and suction direction changing means for changing a direction of the suction port 4. The control device 100 controls the suction direction changing means so as to direct the suction port 4 to the upstream side of the ventilation route indicated by the route information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to air purification systems. [Background technology]

[0002] An air purifier is known that comprises a main body having an intake port, an outlet port, and an air passage connecting the intake port and the outlet port, an air blowing unit that blows air from the intake port through the air passage to the outlet port, an air direction changing means that changes the direction of the air blown from the outlet port, a left person detection unit that outputs an output signal in response to human movement in the left area of ​​the space in front of the main body, a right person detection unit that outputs an output signal in response to human movement in the right area of ​​the space in front of the main body, and a control unit that controls the air blowing and air direction, wherein the control unit determines human movement in three areas of the space in front of the main body, namely the left detection area, the central detection area, and the right detection area, in response to the presence or absence of signals from the left person detection unit and the right person detection unit, and controls the air direction changing means (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-29966 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the air purifier disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not fully consider the removal of airborne contaminants that flow into the target space from outside the space, which may increase the amount and opportunity for exposure of users in the target space to air contaminants that have entered the target space from outside.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve these problems, and its purpose is to provide an air purification system that can reduce the amount and opportunity for exposure of users in a target space to air pollutants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The air purification system of the present disclosure comprises an air purification device installed in a space to be air purified, a control device that controls the operation of the air purification device, and an information acquisition means that acquires route information regarding the ventilation route within the target space, wherein the air purification device comprises a casing having an intake port and an outlet port, a blower that generates an airflow within the casing from the intake port toward the outlet port, a purification means that purifies the air sucked into the casing from the intake port, and an intake direction change means that changes the direction of the intake port, and the control device controls the intake direction change means to orient the intake port toward the upstream side of the ventilation route indicated by the route information.

[0007] Alternatively, the air purification system according to the present disclosure comprises an air purification device installed within a space to be air purified, a control device that controls the operation of the air purification device, and an information acquisition means that acquires route information regarding the ventilation path within the target space, wherein the air purification device comprises a casing having an intake port and an exhaust port, a blower that generates an airflow within the casing from the intake port toward the exhaust port, a purification means that purifies the air sucked into the casing from the intake port, and an exhaust direction changing means that changes the direction of the airflow blown out from the exhaust port, and the control device controls the exhaust direction changing means to direct the wind direction of the airflow blown out from the exhaust port to the downstream side of the ventilation path indicated by the route information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The air purification system according to the present disclosure has the effect of reducing the amount and opportunity for exposure of users in a target space to air pollutants. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a building in which an air purification system according to a first embodiment is installed. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a building in which an air purification system according to a first embodiment is installed. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of an air purification device included in an air purification system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an air purification device included in an air purification system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of an air purification system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the air purification system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the air purification system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation flow of the air purification system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of the operation of the air purification system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of the operation of the air purification system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of the operation of the air purification system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for realizing the functions of a control device and a ventilation path determination device of an air purification system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Embodiments for implementing an air purification system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are appropriately simplified or omitted. For convenience, the following description may express the positional relationship of each structure based on the illustrated state. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and any combination of the embodiments, any modification of any component of each embodiment, or any omission of any component of each embodiment are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] Embodiment 1 A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 12. Fig. 1 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a building in which an air purification system is installed. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a building in which an air purification system is installed. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an air purification device provided in the air purification system. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an air purification device provided in the air purification system. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the air purification system. Figs. 6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the air purification system. Fig. 8 is a flow diagram showing an example of the flow of operation of the air purification system. Figs. 9 to 11 are diagrams illustrating another example of operation of the air purification system. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration for realizing the functions of the control device and ventilation path determination device of the air purification system.

[0012] The air purification system 300 according to this embodiment is installed in a building 200 such as a house. The building 200 in which the air purification system 300 is installed is not limited to a typical detached house. The air purification system 300 may also be used in, for example, individual dwelling units of an apartment building. The air purification system 300 may also be used in offices, stores, facilities, factories, etc.

[0013] 1 and 2, a first space 211 and a second space 212 are formed in a building 200. Each of the first space 211 and the second space 212 is, for example, the interior space of a single room. In the illustrated example, the first space 211 and the second space 212 are adjacent to each other. A door 220 is provided between the first space 211 and the second space 212.

[0014] The first space 211 and the second space 212 are in communication with each other. In the present disclosure, two or more spaces being "in communication" means that air can flow between these spaces. Therefore, as long as air can flow, this is not limited to when the door 220 is open. Even when the door 220 is closed, these spaces are in communication with each other if air can flow through gaps in the door 220 or through vents formed in the door 220 or a wall, for example. The arrangement of the first space 211 and the second space 212 in the building 200 is not limited to the examples in FIGS. 1 and 2, and any arrangement is possible as long as the spaces are in communication with each other.

[0015] In the illustrated example, a ventilation opening 231 is formed in the first space 211. The ventilation opening 231 is an opening for supplying outdoor air of the building 200 to the indoors. An air supply fan may be provided instead of the ventilation opening 231. A ventilation fan 232 is provided in the second space 212. The ventilation fan 232 is for discharging indoor air of the building 200 to the outdoors. Instead of the ventilation fan 232, a ventilation opening may simply be provided.

[0016] An air purification system 300 according to this embodiment includes an air purification device 1 and a control device 100. The air purification device 1 is installed in a target space for air purification. In the example described here, the target space for air purification is a first space 211. That is, the air purification device 1 is installed in the first space 211. The air purification device 1 purifies the air in the first space 211, which is the target space for air purification.

[0017] The configuration of the air purifying device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. These figures show an example of the configuration of the air purifying device 1. In the example shown, the air purifying device 1 includes a casing 2 and a base 3. The casing 2 is formed, for example, in the shape of a substantially rectangular cylinder, and is configured as a vertically elongated tower-type case extending in a direction perpendicular to the floor surface. The base 3 is placed on the floor surface of a room. The casing 2 is supported by the base 3 in a state in which it can rotate horizontally.

[0018] Of the side surfaces of the casing 2, the portion that is primarily positioned facing the indoor space is referred to as the front surface, and the portion facing the front surface is referred to as the rear surface. Furthermore, the horizontal direction in which the front surface and rear surface face each other is referred to as the front-to-rear direction, and the direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction is referred to as the left-to-right direction. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the air purifying device 1 is installed on the floor near the wall of the first space 211, with the rear surface of the casing 2 facing the wall and the front surface of the casing 2 facing the indoor space.

[0019] The casing 2 is formed with an inlet 4 and an outlet 5. The inlet 4 is an opening for drawing indoor air into the casing 2. The inlet 4 is located, for example, on the rear surface of the casing 2. The inlet 4 has a vertically elongated opening shape. The outlet 5 is an opening for blowing air drawn into the casing 2 to the outside. The inlet 4 is located, for example, on the top surface of the casing 2. In the following description, the air blown out from the outlet 5 may be referred to as "blowout air." The inlet 4 may also be located on the front surface, side surface, top surface, bottom surface, etc. of the casing 2. The outlet 5 may also be located on the front surface, rear surface, side surface, top surface, bottom surface, etc. of the casing 2. Furthermore, the casing 2 may have only one outlet 5 or multiple outlets 5. Furthermore, the casing 2 may have only one suction port 4 or may have a plurality of suction ports.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 4 , within the interior space of the casing 2, in the space extending from the inlet 4 to the outlet 5, a purifying means 8, a blower 6, and an air passage 7 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream. The blower 6 generates an airflow within the casing 2 that flows from the inlet 4 to the outlet. That is, the blower 6 draws air into the casing 2 through the inlet 4 and blows the air out through the outlet 5. The blower 6 includes a fan (not shown) configured as a centrifugal fan such as a sirocco fan, and an electric motor (not shown) that rotates the fan. The rotation speed of the fan is controlled by the control device 100. The volume of the airflow generated by the blower 6 is changed depending on the rotation speed of the fan.

[0021] An air passage 7 that connects the blower 6 and the air outlet 5 is provided inside the casing 2. The air passage 7 guides the air blown from the blower 6 to the air outlet 5. The air passage 7 is connected to the blower 6. The air passage 7 is also connected to the air outlet 5.

[0022] The purifying means 8 purifies the air drawn in through the air inlet 4. In the configuration example described here, the purifying means 8 is provided between the air inlet 4 and the blower 6. The purifying means 8 has a vertically elongated outer shape extending vertically inside the casing 2. In this disclosure, "purification" refers to the removal of airborne contaminants, such as dust, smoke, pollen, viruses, mold, bacteria, allergens, and odor molecules. Specifically, "purification" refers to the capture, inactivation, adsorption, and decomposition of the aforementioned contaminants. The purifying means 8 may be composed of a dust-collecting filter, a deodorizing filter, an anti-mold / bactericidal filter, a voltage application device, or a combination thereof. The dust-collecting filter captures dust and the like, and the deodorizing filter adsorbs odorous components. The anti-mold / bactericidal filter inactivates mold spores and kills attached bacteria. Furthermore, the voltage application device exerts at least one of the functions of removing, inactivating, annihilating, destroying, or decomposing pollutants by applying a high voltage to the electrodes.

[0023] In this disclosure, a mechanism that captures and removes contaminants inside the casing 2 has been exemplified as the purifying means 8. However, the purifying means 8 of this disclosure also includes other mechanisms that exert a purifying effect outside the casing 2, for example, by emitting ions, mist, ultrasonic waves, etc.

[0024] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the installation location of the purifying means 8 is not limited to the inside of the casing 2. That is, the purifying means 8 can be configured to purify a targeted location by, for example, releasing ions, mist, or the like outside the casing 2 and entraining them in an airflow to fly to the targeted location. The purifying means 8 may also be a means for purifying the targeted location by painting a photocatalyst on the surface of the casing 2 and directing contaminated air from the targeted location toward the vicinity of the casing 2. That is, it is important for the air purifying device 1 in this embodiment to improve the purification speed of the targeted location. Therefore, the purifying means 8 is not limited to a specific means as long as it can improve the purification speed of the targeted location by combining it with an operation control method or the like. However, as the purifying means 8, a means for sucking contaminated air and processing it through a filter or the like is adopted in this embodiment because it ensures contact between the contaminated air and the purifying means and is the most efficient.

[0025] The air purifying device 1 further includes movable louvers 9, a louver drive unit 10, and a straightening mechanism 13. The movable louvers 9 are configured to swing the direction of the blown-out air in the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, one movable louver 9 is provided at the air outlet 5. The movable louver 9 is formed, for example, from a long, narrow flat plate extending in the left-right direction of the casing 2. The base ends of the movable louvers 9 are attached to the air outlet 5 via individual louver drive units 10. The louver drive units 10 are configured to swing the movable louvers 9 individually in the vertical direction.

[0026] The rectifying mechanism 13 adjusts the wind direction in the left-right direction while maintaining the elevation angle of the wind direction set by the movable louvers 9. The rectifying mechanism 13 is formed, for example, by a substantially triangular (fan-shaped) fin. The rectifying mechanism 13 protrudes from the wind-receiving surface side of the movable louvers 9 and is arranged at regular intervals in the left-right direction. Each rectifying mechanism 13 swings left-right and changes the wind direction of the blown air left-right depending on the swing angle. The rectifying mechanism 13 is swung by a rectifying drive unit (not shown) provided on the movable louvers 9, for example.

[0027] The air purifier 1 further includes a horizontal rotation mechanism 15. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 is provided between the casing 2 and the base 3. The horizontal rotation mechanism 15 rotates the orientation of the casing 2 relative to the base 3 in the horizontal direction. The horizontal rotation mechanism 15 changes the orientation in the left-right direction within a preset variable range. This variable range may be, for example, 360°. In this case, the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 can rotate the casing 2 relative to the base 3 virtually without limit.

[0028] The horizontal rotation mechanism 15 rotates the casing 2 relative to the base 3, thereby changing the direction of the air inlet 4 of the casing 2. In other words, the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 is an example of an air inlet direction changing means that changes the direction of the air inlet 4. Furthermore, the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 rotates the casing 2 relative to the base 3, and the rectifying mechanism 13 changes the direction of the blown air to the left or right, thereby changing the direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet 5. In other words, the horizontal rotation mechanism 15, the rectifying mechanism 13, and the rectifying drive unit are an example of an airflow direction changing means that changes the direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet 5.

[0029] The control device 100 controls the operation of the air purifying device 1. The configuration of the control system of the air purifying system 300 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. As shown in the figure, the control device 100 is connected to each of the air purifying device 1 and the ventilation path determination device 60 so that they can communicate with each other. Communication between the control device 100 and the air purifying device 1 and the ventilation path determination device 60 may be wireless or wired.

[0030] The ventilation path determination device 60 determines a ventilation path within the target space, i.e., the first space 211. The ventilation path determination device 60 determines a ventilation path within the target space based on, for example, building interior information data. The building interior information data is data including, for example, the layout of spaces within the building 200, the positions of openings such as the ventilation openings 231, doors 220, and windows, the space allocation by occupants, and the positions and operating air volumes of ventilation assisting devices such as the ventilation fan 232. The building interior information data is stored in a memory unit (not shown) of the ventilation path determination device 60. The ventilation path determination device 60 may acquire the operating air volumes of ventilation assisting devices such as the ventilation fan 232, for example, via a HEMS or the like, or may acquire the information by enabling direct communication between the ventilation fan 232 and the ventilation path determination device 60. The ventilation path determination device 60 then determines a ventilation path within the target space based on the stored building interior information data. For example, the ventilation path determination device 60 can determine the ventilation path by well-known ventilation network calculation based on the building interior information data.

[0031] Information on the layout of rooms and the positions of openings in the building 200 is unlikely to change significantly after the building 200 is completed, except in special cases such as during renovations. For this reason, it may be set by the residents or may be set in advance by the builder. Once the room allocation has been discussed among the residents and assigned, it is unlikely to change significantly. Therefore, it is advisable to store this information on the layout of rooms and the like in advance as basic building interior information data.

[0032] In the present disclosure, a ventilation path within a target space refers to a series of paths that air passes through within the target space from when it flows in from outside the target space until it flows out of the target space. To efficiently ventilate the target space, it is desirable for the target space to have two or more communication points with the outside. From this perspective, when designing a ventilation network for a building 200, each room is often provided with two or more communication points with the outside. In other words, it can basically be considered that the target space has two or more communication points with the outside. However, as long as the ventilation path can be formed without any problems, the number of communication points with the outside in the target space does not need to be two or more. It is also possible for there to be two or more ventilation paths within the target space.

[0033] The control device 100 includes an information acquisition unit 111 and an air cleaning control unit 112. The information acquisition unit 111 acquires information necessary for controlling the air purifying device 1 from an information source. The information acquisition unit 111 acquires path information from a ventilation path determination device 60. The path information is information about the ventilation path within the target space. The information about the ventilation path includes information indicating the ventilation path, for example, coordinate information about the ventilation path. By referring to the path information, the ventilation path within the target space can be identified. The path information may further include the ventilation volume of the ventilation path. The ventilation volume is the volume of the airflow passing through the ventilation path. The information acquisition unit 111 is an example of information acquisition means for acquiring path information. Note that the information source from which the information acquisition unit 111 acquires path information is not limited to the ventilation path determination device 60. For example, the control device 100 may be provided with the functionality of the ventilation path determination device 60.

[0034] The air cleaning control unit 112 controls the operation of the air purifier 1 based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 111. In the air purification system 300 of this embodiment, the air cleaning control unit 112 controls the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 to change the orientation of the air inlet 4 of the air purifier 1 based on the path information acquired by the information acquisition unit 111. More specifically, the air cleaning control unit 112 first identifies the ventilation path indicated by the path information acquired by the information acquisition unit 111. Next, the air cleaning control unit 112 identifies which side of the identified ventilation path is upstream from the position of the air purifier 1. The air cleaning control unit 112 then controls the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 to rotate the casing 2 so that the air inlet 4 faces the upstream side of the identified ventilation path. In this way, the air cleaning control unit 112 of the control device 100 controls the horizontal rotation mechanism 15, which is an suction direction changing means, so that the air inlet 4 faces the upstream side of the ventilation path indicated by the path information.

[0035] Furthermore, in another example of the air purification system 300 of this embodiment, the air purification control unit 112 controls the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 and the rectifying mechanism 13 (rectifying drive unit) based on the path information acquired by the information acquisition unit 111 to change the direction of the air blown out from the air purification device 1. More specifically, first, the air purification control unit 112 identifies the ventilation path indicated by the path information acquired by the information acquisition unit 111. Next, the air purification control unit 112 identifies which side of the identified ventilation path is downstream from the position of the air purification device 1. Then, the air purification control unit 112 controls the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 and the rectifying mechanism 13 (rectifying drive unit) to rotate the casing 2 so that the direction of the blown out air is downstream of the identified ventilation path, and adjusts the orientation of the rectifying mechanism 13. In this way, the air cleaning control unit 112 of the control device 100 controls the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 and the rectification mechanism 13 (rectification drive unit), which are the blowing direction changing means, so as to direct the airflow direction of the air blown out from the air outlet 5 toward the downstream side of the ventilation path indicated by the path information.

[0036] Next, an example of operation of the air purification system 300 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. When the air purification device 1 is stopped and the ventilation fan 232 is operating, outside air flows into the first space 211 through the ventilation opening 231. The air in the first space 211 also flows out into the second space 212 through the gap in the door 220. Therefore, the ventilation path within the first space 211 of the building 200 is the path indicated by arrow A in Figure 6. The air that flows from the first space 211 into the second space 212 through the gap in the door 220 is exhausted to the outside of the building 200 by the ventilation fan 232.

[0037] 6 is formed, air pollutants generated outside building 200 may enter building 200 and diffuse along the ventilation path within building 200. Examples of air pollutants generated outside building 200 include pollen, odorous substances, and PM2.5.

[0038] 6, part of the outside air that flows into the first space 211 from the ventilation opening 231 flows around to the rear surface of the casing 2 of the air purifying device 1 and is sucked in from the intake port 4. Therefore, part of the outside air is purified in the air purifying device 1 and is blown out into the first space 211 from the air outlet 5 of the air purifying device 1 as treated air.

[0039] However, most of the outside air that flows into first space 211 from ventilation opening 231 flows along the ventilation path indicated by arrow A, and therefore travels along the ventilation path as untreated air without being purified by air purifying device 1. For this reason, users in building 200 are likely to be exposed to air pollutants contained in the untreated air.

[0040] In contrast, in the air purification system 300 according to this embodiment, as described above, the air purification control unit 112 of the control device 100 controls the horizontal rotation mechanism 15, which is the suction direction changing means, so as to orient the suction port 4 toward the upstream side of the ventilation path indicated by the path information. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7 , the suction port 4 of the air purifier 1 faces the upstream side of the ventilation path A. Therefore, most of the outside air that flows into the first space 211 from the ventilation opening 231 flows along the ventilation path A, reaches the suction port 4 of the air purifier 1, and is sucked in through the suction port 4. The outside air is then purified in the air purifier 1 and blown out as treated air from the air outlet 5 of the air purifier 1 into the first space 211.

[0041] In this way, with the air purification system 300 according to this embodiment, more of the air flowing through the ventilation path in the target space can be taken in through the air inlet 4 and purified by the air purification device 1. In other words, the proportion of purified, treated air in the air flowing through the ventilation path in the target space can be increased, and the proportion of unpurified, untreated air can be reduced. This makes it possible to reduce the amount and / or opportunity for exposure of users in the target space to air pollutants.

[0042] Furthermore, in another example of the air purification system 300 according to this embodiment, as described above, the air purification control unit 112 of the control device 100 controls the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 and the rectifying mechanism 13 (rectifying drive unit), which are the airflow direction changing means, so as to direct the airflow direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet 5 toward the downstream side of the ventilation path indicated by the path information. As a result, as shown in Fig. 7, the airflow direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet 5 of the air purifying device 1 is directed toward the downstream side of the ventilation path A. Therefore, the treated air that has been purified in the air purifying device 1 can be sent out from the air outlet 5 along the ventilation path A.

[0043] In this way, according to another example of the air purification system 300 of this embodiment, it is possible to send a larger amount of treated air purified by the air purification device 1 into the ventilation path passing through the target space. In other words, it is possible to increase the proportion of purified treated air in the air flowing through the ventilation path passing through the target space and decrease the proportion of untreated air that has not been purified. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount and / or opportunity for exposure of users in the target space to air pollutants.

[0044] In the above, a configuration example has been described in which the suction direction changing means and the blowing direction changing means include the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 that changes the orientation of the casing 2 of the air purifying device 1 itself. However, one or both of the suction direction changing means and the blowing direction changing means may change the orientation of the suction inlet 4 or the direction of the airflow blown out from the blowing outlet 5 without changing the orientation of the casing 2 itself. However, as described here, changing the orientation of the casing 2 itself makes it easier for the user to visually understand the operation of the air purifying device 1. This makes it possible to appeal to the user that the air purifying device 1 is operating normally or effectively, giving the user a sense of security and enabling the user to experience the effects of the air purifying device 1.

[0045] Next, an example of the operational flow of the air purification system 300 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. First, in step S1, the information acquisition unit 111 of the control device 100 acquires path information, i.e., information about the ventilation path of the first space 211, from the ventilation path determination device 60. In the following step S2, the air purification control unit 112 of the control device 100 determines the horizontal rotation angle of the horizontal rotation mechanism 15. Specifically, the horizontal rotation angle of the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 is determined so as to satisfy the following (condition A-1). (Condition A-1) The air inlet 4 faces the upstream side of the ventilation path of the first space 211 in which the air purifying device 1 is installed.

[0046] Next, in step S3, the air cleaning control unit 112 of the control device 100 determines the angle of the wind direction of the blown air in the vertical direction (elevation angle), i.e., the angle of the movable louvers 9, and the angle of the wind direction in the horizontal direction, i.e., the angle of the horizontal rotation mechanism 15. Specifically, the movable louver angle and the wind direction mechanism angle are determined so as to satisfy the following (condition B-1). (Condition B-1) The direction of the blown air is directed downstream of the ventilation path of the first space 211 in which the air purifying device 1 is installed.

[0047] Then, in step S4, the air cleaning control unit 112 adjusts the horizontal rotation mechanism 15, the louver drive unit 10, and the rectification mechanism 13 so that the angles of the horizontal rotation mechanism 15, the movable louver 9, and the rectification mechanism 13 of the air purifier 1 are as determined.

[0048] As described above, in the air purification system 300 of this embodiment, by changing the direction of the air inlet 4 of the air purification device 1 and the direction of the blown air to match the ventilation path, it becomes possible to treat air pollutants in the airflow moving along the ventilation path, thereby improving the air purification treatment speed throughout the first space 211. Furthermore, it is also possible to reduce pollutants in the air that flows not only into the first space 211 but also into the second space 212 downstream of the ventilation path.

[0049] As described above, there may be two or more ventilation paths within the target space. When there are two or more ventilation paths within the target space, the air purification system 300 may determine the ventilation path to align the direction of the air inlet 4 of the air purification device 1 and the direction of the blown air depending on the ventilation volume of the ventilation path. That is, as described above, the path information determined by the ventilation path determination device 60 may further include the ventilation volume of the ventilation path. When there are two or more ventilation paths indicated by the path information, the information acquisition unit 111, which is an information acquisition means, further acquires information regarding the ventilation volume of each ventilation path as path information from the ventilation path determination device 60. Then, the air purification control unit 112 of the control device 100 controls the horizontal rotation mechanism 15, which is an suction direction changing means, to orient the air inlet 4 upstream of the ventilation path with the largest ventilation volume among the two or more ventilation paths indicated by the path information acquired by the information acquisition unit 111. In another example of the air purification system 300, the air purification control unit 112 of the control device 100 controls the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 and the rectification mechanism 13 (rectification drive unit), which are blowing direction changing means, so as to direct the wind direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet 5 toward the downstream side of the ventilation path with the largest ventilation volume out of two or more ventilation paths indicated by the path information acquired by the information acquisition unit 111.

[0050] An example of the operation of the air purification system 300 in this case will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. In the example shown in these figures, two openings, a ventilation opening 231 and a window 233, are formed in the first space 211, which is the target space. When the air purification device 1 is stopped, the window 233 is open, and the ventilation fan 232 is operating, outside air flows into the first space 211 through the ventilation opening 231 and the window 233, as shown in FIG. 11. The air in the first space 211 also flows out into the second space 212 through a gap in the door 220. Therefore, two ventilation paths are formed in the first space 211 of the building 200: a ventilation path A indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 11 and a ventilation path B indicated by an arrow B. The ventilation path A is a path from the ventilation opening 231 to the door 220. The ventilation path B is a path from the window 233 to the door 220. In the example described here, it is assumed that the ventilation volume of ventilation path A is w1 and the ventilation volume of ventilation path B is w2. It is also assumed that the ventilation volume w1 of ventilation path A is greater than the ventilation volume w2 of ventilation path B.

[0051] In such a case, the air cleaning control unit 112 of the control device 100 controls the horizontal rotation mechanism 15, which is the intake direction changing means, so as to orient the intake port 4 toward the upstream side of the ventilation path A, which has the greater ventilation volume, out of the two ventilation paths A and B. In another example of the air purification system 300, the air cleaning control unit 112 of the control device 100 controls the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 and the rectification mechanism 13 (rectification drive unit), which are the outlet direction changing means, so as to orient the airflow of the air blown out from the outlet 5 toward the downstream side of the ventilation path A, which has the greater ventilation volume, out of the two ventilation paths A and B.

[0052] By doing this, more of the air flowing along ventilation paths A and B can be sucked in through intake port 4, purified by air purifier 1, and blown out as treated air from outlet port 5 of air purifier 1 into first space 211. Furthermore, treated air that has been purified by air purifier 1 can be sent into a stronger air current within the target space, enabling efficient diffusion of the purified treated air.

[0053] 5, the air purification system 300 of this embodiment may further include an environmental sensor 70, a human presence sensor 80, and an external device 90 as information sources from which the information acquisition unit 111 acquires information. In this case, the control device 100 is communicably connected to each of the environmental sensor 70, the human presence sensor 80, and the external device 90. However, the environmental sensor 70, the human presence sensor 80, and the external device 90 are not essential information sources.

[0054] The environmental sensor 70 is a sensor that detects physical quantities related to the environment. The environmental sensor 70 detects, for example, air temperature, humidity, the amount of air pollutants, the concentration of air pollutants, etc. Air pollutants may include carbon dioxide, PM (Particulate matter), odorants, dust, pollen, allergens, VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), aerosols, etc. One or more environmental sensors 70 are installed in the first space 211, or one or more environmental sensors 70 are installed outside the building 200.

[0055] When one environmental sensor 70 is provided in the first space 211 in which the air purifying device 1 is installed, it is desirable that the orientation of the environmental sensor 70 be rotatable so that it can detect a wide area within the first space 211. It is also desirable that the environmental sensor 70 be capable of quantifying the amount and concentration of air pollutants not only around the environmental sensor 70 but throughout the first space 211. For example, by incorporating a lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) as the environmental sensor 70 in the air purifying device 1, it becomes possible to identify locations within the first space 211 where high concentrations of air pollutants are occurring.

[0056] When the information acquisition unit 111 can acquire environmental information from the environmental sensor 70 and high concentration air pollutants are detected in the first space 211, the air cleaning control unit 112 may determine the horizontal rotation angle of the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 to satisfy the following (condition A-2). (Condition A-2) The intake port 4 is directed toward a location where high concentrations of air pollutants are generated.

[0057] By pointing the intake port 4 toward the location where high concentration air pollutants are generated, not only air pollutants in the outside air but also air pollutants generated in the first space 211 (for example, odorous substances such as sweat odor, cooking odor, damp odor, pet odor, carbon dioxide in exhaled air, etc.) can be treated by the air purifying device 1 before they diffuse from the location of generation into the first space 211.

[0058] If multiple environmental sensors 70 are installed in the first space 211 in which the air purifying device 1 is installed, the air inlet 4 is directed toward the installation position of the environmental sensor 70 that detected the highest concentration. The user may input the position information of each environmental sensor 70 into the air purifying system 300 in advance, or the position of the environmental sensor 70 may be identified by providing a position sensor, distance sensor, etc. in the environmental sensor 70.

[0059] Here, a high concentration of an air pollutant refers to, for example, a concentration or amount of the air pollutant equal to or greater than a predetermined first reference value. Specifically, the first reference value may be set to, for example, 1,000 ppm for carbon dioxide or 15 μg / m^3 for PM2.5. The control device 100 may compare, for example, the average value of the detection value of the environmental sensor 70 over the past hour with the first reference value. In this case, the control device 100 may further include a storage unit that stores the detection value of the environmental sensor 70.

[0060] In this case, the control device 100 can perform first control and second control. The first control is a control for operating the horizontal rotation mechanism 15, which is the suction direction changing means, so as to orient the suction port 4 toward the upstream side of the ventilation path indicated by the path information, as described above. In other words, the first control is a control for determining the horizontal rotation angle of the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 so as to satisfy the above-mentioned (Condition A-1). The second control is a control for operating the horizontal rotation mechanism 15, which is the suction direction changing means, so as to orient the suction port 4 toward a location where the concentration or amount of air pollutants is equal to or greater than a predetermined first reference value. In other words, the second control is a control for determining the horizontal rotation angle of the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 so as to satisfy the above-mentioned (Condition A-2). The control device 100 switches from the first control to the second control when the concentration or amount of air pollutants acquired by the information acquisition unit 111 is equal to or greater than the first reference value.

[0061] The control device 100 may switch from the first control to the second control when the concentration or amount of air pollutants acquired by the information acquisition unit 111 increases. In this case, the air purification control unit 112 controls the horizontal rotation mechanism 15, which is the suction direction changing means, so as to point the suction port 4 toward the location where the concentration or amount of air pollutants has increased. In this way, the air pollutant concentration or amount can be treated before it reaches the first reference value.

[0062] The human presence sensor 80 is a sensor that detects the presence, position, and number of people in a target space. Specific examples of the human presence sensor 80 include an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a millimeter wave sensor, a Doppler sensor, and a camera.

[0063] When the information acquisition unit 111 can acquire the detection results of the human presence sensor 80, i.e., presence information regarding the presence, location, and number of people within the target space (within the first space 211), and a person is detected within the first space 211, the air cleaning control unit 112 may determine the horizontal rotation angle of the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 to satisfy the following (condition A-3). (Condition A-3) Point the intake port 4 in the direction of people.

[0064] In this case, the control device 100 can perform the first control and the third control described above. The third control is a control that operates the horizontal rotation mechanism 15, which is the suction direction changing means, so as to point the suction inlet 4 toward the location where a person is present. In other words, the third control is a control that determines the horizontal rotation angle of the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 so as to satisfy the above-mentioned (condition A-3). By pointing the suction inlet 4 toward the person, air pollutants adhering to the person (e.g., pollen) and air pollutants generated by the person (e.g., aerosols containing viruses) can be removed before they diffuse into the first space 211.

[0065] In addition, the human presence sensor 80 may be able to detect pets, etc., and when a pet, etc. is detected in the first space 211, the air cleaning control unit 112 may determine the horizontal rotation angle of the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 so as to satisfy the following (condition A-4). (Condition A-4) Point intake 4 in the direction of the pet.

[0066] In this case, the control device 100 can implement the first control and fourth control described above. The fourth control is a control that operates the horizontal rotation mechanism 15, which is the suction direction changing means, so as to point the suction inlet 4 toward the location of the pet. In other words, the fourth control is a control that determines the horizontal rotation angle of the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 so as to satisfy the above-mentioned (condition A-4). By pointing the suction inlet 4 toward the pet, air pollutants (e.g., dust mites) attached to the pet and air pollutants (e.g., allergens) generated by the pet can be removed before they diffuse into the first space 211.

[0067] When the human sensor 80 is installed in the first space 211 where the air purifying device 1 is installed, it is desirable to make the orientation of the human sensor 80 rotatable so that it can detect a wide area within the first space 211. It is also desirable to be able to detect the presence and movement of people and pets throughout the first space 211, not just around the human sensor 80. For example, by incorporating an infrared camera in the air purifying device 1, it becomes possible to identify the positions of people and pets from the temperature distribution within the first space 211.

[0068] Furthermore, if the information acquisition unit 111 can communicate with sensors or devices (such as a smart watch or smartphone) worn by a person or sensors or devices (such as an infrared sensor built into a collar) worn by a pet, the location of the person or pet may be acquired using, for example, a GPS function provided by those sensors or devices.

[0069] When the information acquisition unit 111 can acquire the detection results of the human presence sensor 80, i.e., occupancy information regarding the presence, location, and number of people within the target space (within the first space 211), and a person is detected within the first space 211, the air cleaning control unit 112 may determine the angles of the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 and the straightening mechanism 13 (straightening drive unit) so as to satisfy the following (condition B-2). (Condition B-2) The direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet 5 is directed toward where people are.

[0070] In this case, the control device 100 can perform fifth control and sixth control. The fifth control is a control for operating the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 and the rectifying mechanism 13 (the rectifying drive unit), which are the airflow direction changing means, so as to direct the airflow direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet 5 toward the downstream side of the ventilation path indicated by the path information, as described above. In other words, the fourth control is a control for determining the angles of the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 and the rectifying mechanism 13 (the rectifying drive unit) so as to satisfy the above-mentioned (Condition B-1). Furthermore, the sixth control is a control for operating the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 and the rectifying mechanism 13 (the rectifying drive unit), which are the airflow direction changing means, so as to direct the airflow direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet 5 toward a position where a person is present. In other words, the sixth control is a control for determining the angles of the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 and the rectifying mechanism 13 (the rectifying drive unit) so as to satisfy the above-mentioned (Condition B-2). Directing purified air toward people speeds up the purification of the area where people are present.

[0071] The control device 100 may switch between the fifth control and the sixth control depending on the detection result of the human presence sensor 80. That is, when the human presence sensor 80 detects a person in the first space 211, the control device 100 may perform the sixth control, and when the human presence sensor 80 does not detect a person in the first space 211, the control device 100 may perform the fifth control.

[0072] In addition, the human sensor 80 may be able to detect pets, etc., and when a pet, etc. is detected in the first space 211, the air purification control unit 112 may determine the angles of the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 and the straightening mechanism 13 (straightening drive unit) so as to satisfy the following (condition B-3). (Condition B-3) The direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet 5 is directed in the direction where the pet is located.

[0073] In this case, the control device 100 can implement the fifth control and seventh control described above. The seventh control is a control that operates the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 and the rectifying mechanism 13 (rectifying drive unit), which are the airflow direction changing means, so as to direct the airflow direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet 5 toward the location of the pet. In other words, the seventh control is a control that determines the angles of the horizontal rotation mechanism 15 and the rectifying mechanism 13 (rectifying drive unit) so as to satisfy the above-mentioned (Condition B-3). By directing purified air toward the pet, the area where the pet is present is purified more quickly.

[0074] The user may be able to set which of the above first to seventh controls will be performed. The user may be able to set the priority order for performing the first to seventh controls. The user may be able to make these settings by operating, for example, a smartphone, a remote control, or the like. The air purifying device 1 may also be able to change the orientation of the air inlet 4 and the direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet 5 separately. In this case, any of the first to fourth controls related to the orientation of the air inlet 4 and any of the fifth to seventh controls related to the direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet 5 may be simultaneously executed in combination. For example, the orientation of the air inlet 4 may be directed upstream of the ventilation path, and the direction of the blown air may be directed toward the user.

[0075] The external device 90 is, for example, a server that provides weather information. The external device 90, which is a weather information server, can provide, for example, weather information such as the outside temperature and the concentration or amount of air pollutants outside the building 200, i.e., outdoors. The concentration or amount of air pollutants outdoors can be, for example, the amount of pollen dispersed from cedar or the like. If the weather information acquired by the information acquisition unit 111 indicates that the concentration of air pollutants outside the building 200 is equal to or greater than a preset second reference value, the direction of the blown air may be directed downstream of the ventilation path. The second reference value, for example, for the amount of dispersed cedar pollen, is 1 particle / cm^2·day.

[0076] The air cleaning control unit 112 may change the operating air volume of the air purifying device 1 based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 111. As described above, the air cleaning control unit 112 can change the operating air volume of the air purifying device 1 by changing the rotation speed of the fan of the blower 6. For example, the air cleaning control unit 112 may increase the operating air volume of the air purifying device 1 when any of the following (Condition C-1) to (Condition C-5) is satisfied.

[0077] (Condition C-1) The concentration and amount of air pollutants in the first space 211 obtained from the environmental sensor 70 remains above a predetermined third standard value for a predetermined first standard time or longer. (Condition C-2) The number of people in the first space 211 acquired from the human presence sensor 80 continues to be equal to or greater than a predetermined first reference number for a predetermined second reference time or longer. (Condition C-3) The concentration and amount of air pollutants outside the building 200 obtained from the external device 90 remains above a predetermined fourth standard value for a predetermined third standard time or longer. (Condition C-4) The predicted value of the concentration and amount of air pollutants outside the building 200 obtained from the external device 90 continues to be equal to or greater than the predetermined fifth standard value for a predetermined fourth standard time or longer. (Condition C-5) The ventilation volume of the ventilation path is equal to or greater than the preset standard air volume.

[0078] According to (Condition C-1), if no decrease in air pollutants is observed for a first reference time (e.g., 10 minutes) or more, the operating airflow rate of the air purifying device 1 is increased, thereby enabling shorter air purification times. Regarding (Condition C-2), if the population density in the first space 211 is above a certain level (e.g., 1 person per 2 tatami mats or more), an increase in air pollutants (e.g., carbon dioxide) in the first space 211 is expected. In this case, the operating airflow rate of the air purifying device 1 is increased, enabling shorter air purification times. Regarding (Condition C-3) and (Condition C-4), if the current or predicted value of the concentration or amount of air pollutants outside the building 200 exceeds a certain value, an increase in the concentration or amount of air pollutants in the first space 211 is expected. In this case, the operating airflow rate of the air purifying device 1 is increased, enabling shorter air purification times. Regarding (Condition C-5), if the ventilation rate increases, it is expected that more air pollutants from the outside air will flow into the first space 211. In this case, the operating air volume of the air purifying device 1 is increased, enabling air purification in a shorter time.

[0079] Furthermore, for example, the air cleaning control unit 112 may reduce the operating airflow rate of the air cleaning device 1 when any of the following (Condition D-1) to (Condition D-3) is satisfied.

[0080] (Condition D-1) The concentration and amount of air pollutants in the first space 211 obtained from the environmental sensor 70 remains below a predetermined sixth standard value for a predetermined fifth standard time or longer. (Condition D-2) The number of people in the first space 211 acquired from the human presence sensor 80 continues to be equal to or less than a predetermined second reference number for a predetermined sixth reference time or longer. (Condition D-3) The concentration and amount of air pollutants outside the building 200 obtained from the external device 90 remains below the predetermined seventh standard value for a period of time equal to or longer than the predetermined seventh standard value.

[0081] If any of (Condition D-1) to (Condition D-3) is satisfied, it is expected that the concentration and amount of air pollutants will be sufficiently reduced. In such a case, by reducing the operating airflow rate of the air purifying device 1, it is possible to prevent operation at an unnecessarily high airflow rate and reduce power consumption.

[0082] The air purifying device 1 may be self-propelled. In this case, it is desirable that the environmental sensor 70, the human presence sensor 80, and the like are built into the air purifying device 1. If the air purifying device 1 is self-propelled, it may approach a location with a high pollutant concentration or amount and point the air inlet 4 toward the higher pollutant concentration or amount. For example, the air purifying device 1 may travel within the first space 211 and use Visual SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) to estimate the position of the air purifying device 1 and create a map of the first space 211 from images captured by a camera. The air purifying device 1 then travels in a rectangular path, detects a location with a high pollutant concentration or amount using the environmental sensor 70, moves to the vicinity of that location, and points the air inlet 4 toward it. If the air purifying device 1 is self-propelled, it can detect air pollutants that cannot be detected by humans and automatically move to a location with a high pollutant concentration or amount. Furthermore, the distribution of pollutant concentration and amount within the first space 211 can be grasped more precisely and accurately. If the air purifying device 1 is self-propelled, the air inlet 4 may be always directed toward the pet. In this case, the distance from the pet may be equal to or greater than a preset first distance.

[0083] The ventilation path determination device 60 may determine the ventilation path of the first space 211 using the detection results of the environmental sensor 70. For example, if data on changes over time in the concentration of air pollutants at two or more points in the first space 211 is obtained as the detection results of the environmental sensor 70, the ventilation path of the first space 211 can be determined from this data. That is, on the upstream side of the ventilation path where outside air flows into the first space 211 (for example, the ventilation opening 231 side of the first space 211), the concentration of air pollutants increases first, and the concentration itself tends to be relatively high. On the other hand, on the side where air flows out from the first space 211 (for example, the door 220 side of the first space 211), the concentration of air pollutants increases later. The ventilation path may be determined by inferring it from such differences in the changes in the concentration of air pollutants.

[0084] Furthermore, the ventilation path determination device 60 may estimate the magnitude relationship of the ventilation rates of two or more ventilation paths using the temperature outside the building 200, i.e., the outside temperature T0, and the room temperature T1 of the first space 211. The outside temperature T0 and the room temperature T1 can be acquired, for example, from the environmental sensor 70, the external device 90, etc. Furthermore, if an air conditioning device (not shown) is installed in the first space 211, the set temperature of the air conditioning device may be used instead of the room temperature T1.

[0085] Specifically, in the example of the first space 211 shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, when the outside air temperature T0 is greater than the room temperature T1, relatively cool air flows out from the first space 211 to the second space 212 through the undercut at the bottom of the door 220. Then, relatively warm air from outside the building 200 enters the first space 211 through the ventilation opening 231 and the window 233. At this time, the amount of air flowing in from the opening that is higher than the undercut at the bottom of the door 220 is greater. In other words, it can be inferred that the amount of air flowing in from the window 233 that is higher than the ventilation opening 231 is greater. Therefore, it can be inferred that the amount of ventilation is greater along ventilation path B from the window 233 than along ventilation path A from the ventilation opening 231.

[0086] The ventilation path determination device 60 may be able to detect the open / closed states of the door 220 and the window 233 in the first space 211. In this case, the ventilation path determination device 60 may calculate the ventilation volume of the ventilation path based on the open / closed states of the door 220 and the window 233.

[0087] The air inlet 4 may be provided with a movable louver. The position or orientation of the air inlet 4 may also be changeable in the vertical direction. The control device 100 may further include a calendar and clock function. This allows switching between the first to seventh controls described above depending on a specific date, day of the week, season, time, time of day, etc. For example, the presence or absence of the user may be learned for each day of the week, and the direction of the air inlet 4, the direction of the blown air, and the air volume may be changed between weekdays and holidays.

[0088] Depending on the installation position and orientation of the air purifier 1, when the casing 2 is rotated by the horizontal rotation mechanism 15, for example, the casing 2 may interfere with a surrounding obstacle, making it impossible to adjust the direction of the air inlet 4 or the direction of the blown air to the desired direction. In such cases, the user may be notified. In addition, in this case, the user may be informed of the recommended installation position and orientation of the air purifier 1. The user may be notified by, for example, displaying a message on a smartphone, remote control, or the like.

[0089] The control device 100 may learn the location and time of contamination occurrence in the target space, etc. Furthermore, using the learning results, it may perform control such as directing the direction of the air inlet 4 and the blown air direction to a location where contamination is expected to occur in advance.

[0090] The information acquired by the information acquisition unit 111 may include biometric information of the user in the first space 211. In this case, the information acquisition unit 111 acquires the biometric information of the user in the first space 211, for example, from a biometric sensor (not shown). The biometric sensor is a sensor that detects the biometric information of the user in the first space 211.

[0091] Examples of biosensors include quasi-millimeter wave / millimeter wave radar sensors, infrared sensors, cameras, etc. If the biosensor has a quasi-millimeter wave / millimeter wave radar sensor, it can acquire at least one of the user's body movements, breathing rate, heart rate, and blood flow as biometric information. If the biosensor has an infrared sensor, it can acquire, for example, the user's surface skin temperature as biometric information. If the biosensor has a camera, it can estimate blood flow by analyzing the color of the user's face using an image captured by the camera and acquire the estimated blood flow as biometric information. The biosensor may be, for example, a sensor provided in a wearable device worn by the user. In this case, the biosensor may include, for example, a heart rate sensor, a body temperature sensor, an activity meter, etc.

[0092] The air cleaning control unit 112 calculates, for example, a stress level, a relaxation level, etc., using a known method using one or more of the user's surface temperature, information about the user's heart rate (heart rate, electrocardiogram, pulse wave, LF / HF (low frequency component / high frequency component), etc.), the user's activity level, etc., acquired by the information acquisition unit 111. The air cleaning control unit 112 then controls the air outlet direction changing means to change the direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet 5 of the air purifying device 1 according to the user's discomfort. Specifically, for example, when the air cleaning control unit 112 controls the air outlet direction changing means so that (Condition B-2) is satisfied by the sixth control described above, that is, when the airflow blown out from the air outlet 5 is directed toward a person, and when it determines from the user's biometric information that the user feels uncomfortable, the air cleaning control unit 112 controls the air outlet direction changing means so that the direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet 5 is not directed toward the user.

[0093] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for realizing the respective functions of the control device 100 and the ventilation path determination device 60 in this embodiment. The respective functions of the control device 100 and the ventilation path determination device 60 are realized, for example, by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may include a processor 101 and a memory 102. The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware 103. A part of the processing circuit may be formed as dedicated hardware 103, and the processing circuit may further include a processor 101 and a memory 102. In the example shown in the figure, a part of the processing circuit is formed as dedicated hardware 103. Furthermore, in the example shown in the figure, the processing circuit further includes a processor 101 and a memory 102.

[0094] The processing circuit, part of which is at least one dedicated hardware 103, may be, for example, a single circuit, a multiple circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 101 and at least one memory 102, the respective functions of the control device 100 and the airflow path determination device 60 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

[0095] The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in memory 102. Processor 101 realizes the functions of each unit by reading and executing the programs stored in memory 102. Processor 101 is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. Memory 102 may include, for example, non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM, or a magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, minidisk, DVD, etc.

[0096] In this way, the processing circuits of the control device 100 and the ventilation path determination device 60 can realize the respective functions of the control device 100 and the ventilation path determination device 60 by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. When the processing circuits of the control device 100 and the ventilation path determination device 60 each include at least a processor 101 and a memory 102, the processor 101 executes a program stored in the memory 102 in each of the control device 100 and the ventilation path determination device 60, and the hardware and software of the control device 100 and the ventilation path determination device 60 work together to realize the functions of each part of the control device 100 and the ventilation path determination device 60. Note that the air purification system 300 is not limited to a configuration in which its operation is controlled by a single control device 100. The operation of the air purification system 300 may be controlled by cooperation between multiple devices.

[0097] In the present disclosure, the embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Examples of various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices. (Appendix 1) an air purifying device installed in a space to be air-purified; a control device for controlling the operation of the air purifying device; and an information acquisition means for acquiring route information regarding a ventilation route within the target space, The air purifying device is a casing having an intake port and an exhaust port formed therein; a blower that generates an airflow from the air inlet toward the air outlet within the casing; a cleaning means for cleaning the air drawn into the casing through the intake port; and a suction direction changing means for changing the direction of the suction port, The control device controls the suction direction changing means so that the suction port faces the upstream side of the ventilation path indicated by the path information. (Appendix 2) When the route information indicates two or more ventilation routes, the information acquisition means further acquires information regarding the ventilation volume of each of the ventilation routes as the route information, The air purification system described in Appendix 1, wherein the control device controls the suction direction changing means so as to direct the suction port upstream of the ventilation path having the largest ventilation volume among the two or more ventilation paths indicated by the path information. (Appendix 3) The information acquisition means further acquires information regarding a position of a person within the target space, The air purification system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device is capable of controlling the suction direction changing means so as to direct the suction port toward a position of a person in the target space. (Appendix 4) The information acquisition means further acquires information regarding the position of the pet within the target space; The air purification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control device is capable of controlling the suction direction changing means so as to direct the suction port toward a position of a pet within the target space. (Appendix 5) The information acquisition means further acquires information regarding the amount or concentration of air pollutants in the target space, 5. The air purification system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control device is capable of controlling the suction direction changing means to direct the suction port to a position where the amount or concentration of air pollutants in the target space is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value. (Appendix 6) an air purifying device installed in a space to be air-purified; a control device for controlling the operation of the air purifying device; and an information acquisition means for acquiring route information regarding a ventilation route within the target space, The air purifying device is a casing having an intake port and an exhaust port formed therein; a blower that generates an airflow from the air inlet toward the air outlet within the casing; a cleaning means for cleaning the air drawn into the casing through the intake port; and a blowout direction changing means for changing the direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet, The control device controls the air outlet direction changing means so as to direct the airflow direction of the air blown out from the air outlet to the downstream side of the ventilation path indicated by the path information. (Appendix 7) When the route information indicates two or more ventilation routes, the information acquisition means further acquires information regarding the ventilation volume of each of the ventilation routes as the route information, The air purification system described in Appendix 6, wherein the control device controls the blow-out direction changing means so as to direct the wind direction of the airflow blown out from the outlet to the downstream side of the ventilation path having the largest ventilation volume among the two or more ventilation paths indicated by the path information. (Appendix 8) The information acquisition means further acquires information regarding a position of a person within the target space, The air purification system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the control device is capable of controlling the airflow direction changing means so as to direct the direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet toward the position of a person in the target space. (Appendix 9) The information acquisition means further acquires information regarding the position of the pet within the target space; The air purification system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the control device is capable of controlling the airflow direction changing means so as to direct the airflow direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet toward the position of a pet in the target space. (Appendix 10) The information acquisition means further acquires biometric information of a person in the target space, The air purification system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the control device is capable of controlling the airflow direction changing means to change the direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet in accordance with biometric information of people in the target space. (Appendix 11) The information acquisition means further acquires information regarding the amount or concentration of air pollutants in the target space, The air purification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control device changes the airflow rate of the blower depending on the amount or concentration of air pollutants in the target space. (Appendix 12) The information acquisition means further acquires information regarding the number of people in the target space, The air purification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control device changes the airflow rate of the blower depending on the number of people in the target space. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1. Air purifier 2 Casing 3. Pedestal 4 Intake port 5 Air outlet 6. Blower 7 Wind path 8 Cleaning methods 9 Movable louvers 10 Louver drive unit 13 Rectification mechanism 15 Horizontal rotation mechanism 60 Ventilation path determination device 70 Environmental Sensors 80 Human Sensor 90 External device 100 control device 101 processors 102 memory 103 Dedicated Hardware 111 Information Acquisition Department 112 Air purification control unit 200 buildings 211 1st space 212 Second space 220 Door 231 Ventilation vent 232 Ventilation fan 233 Window 300 Air Purification System

Claims

1. an air purifying device installed in a space to be air-purified; a control device for controlling the operation of the air purifying device; and an information acquisition means for acquiring route information regarding a ventilation route within the target space, The air purifying device is a casing having an intake port and an exhaust port formed therein; a blower that generates an airflow from the air inlet toward the air outlet within the casing; a cleaning means for cleaning the air drawn into the casing through the intake port; and a suction direction changing means for changing the direction of the suction port, The control device controls the suction direction changing means so that the suction port faces the upstream side of the ventilation path indicated by the path information.

2. When the route information indicates two or more ventilation routes, the information acquisition means further acquires information regarding the ventilation volume of each of the ventilation routes as the route information, The air purification system according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls the suction direction changing means so as to orient the suction port upstream of the ventilation path having the largest ventilation volume among the two or more ventilation paths indicated by the path information.

3. The information acquisition means further acquires information regarding a position of a person within the target space, The air purification system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device is capable of controlling the suction direction changing means so as to direct the suction port toward a position of a person in the target space.

4. The information acquisition means further acquires information regarding the position of the pet within the target space; 3. The air purification system according to claim 1, wherein the control device is capable of controlling the suction direction changing means so as to direct the suction port toward a position of a pet within the target space.

5. The information acquisition means further acquires information regarding the amount or concentration of air pollutants in the target space, 3. The air purification system according to claim 1, wherein the control device is capable of controlling the suction direction changing means so as to direct the suction port toward a position where the amount or concentration of air pollutants in the target space is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value.

6. an air purifying device installed in a space to be air-purified; a control device for controlling the operation of the air purifying device; and an information acquisition means for acquiring route information regarding a ventilation route within the target space, The air purifying device is a casing having an intake port and an exhaust port formed therein; a blower that generates an airflow from the air inlet toward the air outlet within the casing; a cleaning means for cleaning the air drawn into the casing through the intake port; and a blowout direction changing means for changing the direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet, The control device controls the air outlet direction changing means so as to direct the airflow direction of the air blown out from the air outlet to the downstream side of the ventilation path indicated by the path information.

7. When the route information indicates two or more ventilation routes, the information acquisition means further acquires information regarding the ventilation volume of each of the ventilation routes as the route information, The air purification system according to claim 6, wherein the control device controls the airflow direction changing means so as to direct the airflow direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet downstream of the ventilation path having the largest ventilation volume among the two or more ventilation paths indicated by the path information.

8. The information acquisition means further acquires information regarding a position of a person within the target space, 8. The air purification system according to claim 6, wherein the control device is capable of controlling the airflow direction changing means so as to direct the direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet toward a position of a person in the target space.

9. The information acquisition means further acquires information regarding the position of the pet within the target space; 8. The air cleaning system according to claim 6, wherein the control device is capable of controlling the airflow direction changing means so as to direct the airflow direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet toward a position of a pet in the target space.

10. The information acquisition means further acquires biometric information of a person in the target space, The air purification system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the control device is capable of controlling the airflow direction changing means to change the direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet in accordance with biological information of a person in the target space.

11. The information acquisition means further acquires information regarding the amount or concentration of air pollutants in the target space, The air purification system according to claim 1 , wherein the control device changes the air volume of the blower depending on the amount or concentration of air pollutants in the target space.

12. The information acquisition means further acquires information regarding the number of people in the target space, The air purification system according to claim 1 , wherein the control device changes the air volume of the blower depending on the number of people in the target space.

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