Air conditioner, wind direction control method and program

Abstract

To reduce an upper / lower temperature difference in an interior space while suppressing energy consumption.SOLUTION: An air conditioner includes: a suction temperature sensor measuring suction temperature to be temperature of the air sucked through a suction opening of an indoor unit; a radiation sensor measuring radiation temperature to be temperature of heat of radiation from a floor surface; and a control part. The control part is provided with: a floor surface temperature estimation part estimating floor surface temperature on the basis of the radiation temperature; and a wind direction control part which controls a wind direction adjustment member provided for each of a plurality of outlets of the indoor unit and performs first wind direction control that repeats, by turns at prescribed intervals, the state that a wind direction of wind blown from one of the outlets is directed downward and a wind direction of the wind blown from the other outlets are directed in the direction nearer the horizontal direction and the state that all the outlets are directed downward, when differential value between the suction temperature and the floor surface temperature is beyond prescribed threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning apparatus, a wind direction control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] To ensure a comfortable thermal environment, it is recommended to minimize the temperature difference between the head and feet. For example, in an office space in winter, a large temperature difference can cause the temperature around the feet to be relatively low, making occupants feel cold and uncomfortable. In such cases, occupants may change the temperature setting of their air conditioning unit to a higher temperature. In such an environment, changing the setting to a higher temperature can result in excessive heating operation, resulting in wasted electricity and other energy.

[0003] Conventionally, one example of a technology for improving comfort by reducing temperature differences within a space is the technology described in Patent Document 1. The airflow direction control device for an air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 controls the direction of all warm air blown out from multiple air outlets downward when, during heating operation, the temperature difference obtained by subtracting the floor temperature from the temperature of the air drawn into the air intake (intake temperature) of the air conditioner exceeds a predetermined value (hereinafter referred to as the "upper and lower temperature difference").

[0004] However, simply directing the airflow direction of all air outlets downward, as in the airflow direction control device described in Patent Document 1, can result in insufficient air volume (air speed), which can cause the warm air to have difficulty reaching the floor surface due to the influence of buoyancy. In contrast, increasing the air volume (air speed) to ensure that the warm air reaches the floor surface results in greater energy consumption, such as electricity. Thus, conventionally, it has been difficult to reduce the temperature difference between the top and bottom of an indoor space while suppressing energy consumption. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-223754 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air conditioning apparatus, a wind direction control method, and a program that can reduce the temperature difference between the top and bottom of an indoor space while suppressing energy consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The air conditioning apparatus of embodiment 1 comprises an intake temperature sensor that measures an intake temperature, which is the temperature of air drawn in through an intake port of an indoor unit, a radiation sensor that measures a radiation temperature, which is the temperature of heat radiated from a floor, and a control unit. The control unit comprises a floor temperature estimation unit that estimates a floor temperature based on the radiation temperature, and a wind direction control unit that controls wind direction adjustment members provided at each of a plurality of outlets of the indoor unit, and when the difference between the intake temperature and the floor temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, performs a first wind direction control that alternates at predetermined intervals between a state in which the wind direction of the air blown out of one of the outlets is directed downward and the wind direction of the air blown out of the remaining outlets is directed in a direction closer to horizontal, and a state in which all of the outlets are directed downward.

[0008] In a second aspect of the embodiment, in the air conditioning apparatus of the first aspect, the airflow direction control unit switches, at predetermined intervals, the air outlets to be directed downward among the plurality of air outlets.

[0009] In a third embodiment, the air conditioning apparatus of the first embodiment further includes a blowout air volume acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the set air volume, and the air direction control unit performs the first air direction control when the set air volume exceeds a predetermined air volume, and performs the second air direction control to direct the air direction of the air blown out from all the air outlets downward when the set air volume does not exceed the predetermined air volume.

[0010] In embodiment 4, the air conditioning apparatus of embodiment 1 further includes a human body detection result acquisition unit that acquires human body detection result information indicating whether or not a human body is present in the room, and the air direction control unit performs the first air direction control when a human body is present in the room, and increases the fan rotation speed of the indoor blower when no human body is present in the room.

[0011] The wind direction control method of embodiment 5 is a wind direction control method by a computer, and includes an intake temperature acquisition step of acquiring information indicating the intake temperature, which is the temperature of air sucked in from the intake port of an indoor unit of an air conditioning device installed on the ceiling; a radiation temperature acquisition step of acquiring radiation temperature information indicating the temperature of radiant heat from the floor; a floor temperature estimation step of estimating the floor temperature based on the radiation temperature information; and a wind direction control unit step of controlling wind direction adjustment members provided on each of multiple air outlets of the indoor unit, and when the difference between the intake temperature and the floor temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, alternating between a state in which the wind direction blown out from one of the air outlets is directed downward and the wind direction blown out from the remaining air outlets is directed in a direction closer to horizontal, and a state in which all of the air outlets are directed downward at predetermined intervals.

[0012] The program of embodiment 6 causes a computer to execute an intake temperature acquisition step of acquiring information indicating the intake temperature, which is the temperature of air sucked in from the intake port of an indoor unit of an air conditioning device installed on the ceiling; a radiation temperature acquisition step of acquiring radiation temperature information indicating the temperature of radiant heat from the floor; a floor temperature estimation step of estimating the floor temperature based on the radiation temperature information; and an air direction control unit step of controlling air direction adjustment members provided on each of multiple air outlets of the indoor unit, and when the difference between the intake temperature and the floor temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, alternating between a state in which the air blown out of one air outlet is directed downward and the air blown out of the remaining air outlets is directed in a direction closer to horizontal, and a state in which all of the air outlets are directed downward at predetermined intervals. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioner 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the louver 12 of the air conditioning apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the detection range of a radiation sensor 15 of an air conditioning apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining wind direction control by the air conditioning apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit 11 of an air conditioning apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing various conditions under which the effectiveness was verified. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram visually illustrating the measurement results of the upper temperature when full downward airflow direction control is executed. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram visually illustrating the measurement results of the upper temperature when direction-specific airflow control is performed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram visually illustrating the measurement results of the lower temperature when full downward airflow direction control is executed. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram visually illustrating the measurement results of the lower temperature when direction-specific airflow control is performed. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit 11a of an air conditioning apparatus 1a according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of an air conditioner 1a according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioner 1b according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit 11b of an air conditioning apparatus 1b according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of an air conditioner 1b according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an air conditioning apparatus, a wind direction control method, and a program according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioner 1 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioner 1 is configured to include an indoor unit 10, an outdoor unit 20, and refrigerant piping 30.

[0016] The indoor unit 10 is an indoor unit of an air conditioner that is installed on the ceiling of, for example, an office building or a residence, and is capable of blowing out hot or cold air in multiple directions. As an example, the indoor unit 10 is assumed to be a ceiling-air outlet type indoor unit that is capable of blowing out hot or cold air (hereinafter collectively referred to as "air") from four air outlets provided in four directions. Note that in this embodiment, the control of the direction of hot air when the indoor unit 10 is in heating operation will be described. However, the present invention is also applicable to the control of the direction of cold air when the indoor unit 10 is in cooling operation.

[0017] The outdoor unit 20 is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner connected to the indoor unit 10 by refrigerant piping 30 (crossover piping). Note that, as an example here, the outdoor unit 20 is connected one-to-one to one indoor unit 10, but a configuration in which multiple indoor units 10 are connected to one outdoor unit 20 is also possible. The refrigerant piping 30 is a pipe for circulating refrigerant between the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20. The indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 form a refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant circulates by being connected by the refrigerant piping 30.

[0018] The indoor unit 10 includes, for example, an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor expansion valve, and an indoor blower, all of which are not shown.

[0019] The indoor heat exchanger is, for example, a fin-tube heat exchanger. The indoor expansion valve is, for example, a power-assisted valve (PMV). The opening of the indoor expansion valve is adjustable. For example, as the opening of the indoor expansion valve increases, the refrigerant flows more easily through the indoor expansion valve. On the other hand, as the opening of the indoor expansion valve decreases, the refrigerant flows less easily through the indoor expansion valve. Specifically, the indoor heat exchanger has a valve body with a through hole formed therein and a needle that can move forward and backward relative to the through hole. When the through hole is blocked by the needle, refrigerant stops flowing through the indoor heat exchanger. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger is in a closed state, and the opening of the indoor heat exchanger is at its smallest. On the other hand, when the needle is farthest from the through hole, the refrigerant flows most easily through the indoor heat exchanger. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger is in an open state, and the opening of the indoor heat exchanger is at its largest.

[0020] The indoor heat exchanger and the indoor expansion valve are connected by a refrigerant pipe 30. The refrigerant used may be, for example, R410A or R32. Refrigerants include refrigerating machine oil.

[0021] The indoor blower is a blower equipped with, for example, a centrifugal fan. However, the fan equipped in the indoor blower may be a fan with another structure, such as an axial fan. The fan equipped in the indoor blower is disposed so as to face the indoor heat exchanger. When the fan of the indoor blower is operated, indoor air is drawn into the indoor unit 10. The air drawn into the indoor unit 10 exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger, and is released back into the room when the fan is operated.

[0022] The outdoor unit 20 includes, for example, an outdoor heat exchanger, a four-way valve, a compressor, an outdoor expansion valve, an outdoor blower, and an accumulator (all not shown). The refrigerant piping 30 connects the outdoor expansion valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the four-way valve, the compressor, and the accumulator.

[0023] The outdoor heat exchanger is, for example, a fin-tube heat exchanger. The four-way valve is a valve for switching the direction of refrigerant flow in the refrigerant piping 30. The four-way valve switches the direction of refrigerant flow between a direction for heating operation and a direction for cooling operation (or defrosting operation), which is the opposite direction. However, the air conditioner 1 in this embodiment may also be an air conditioner dedicated to heating.

[0024] The compressor's operating frequency can be changed by known inverter control. The compressor draws in refrigerant through a suction port and compresses it internally. The compressor discharges the compressed refrigerant from a discharge port to the outside. An accumulator is attached to the suction port of the compressor. The accumulator separates the refrigerant into liquid refrigerant and gas refrigerant and stores the liquid refrigerant.

[0025] The outdoor expansion valve is configured in the same way as the indoor expansion valve. The outdoor expansion valve is, for example, a power module (PMV). The opening of the outdoor expansion valve can be changed (adjusted). For example, as the opening of the outdoor expansion valve increases, the refrigerant flows more easily through the outdoor expansion valve. On the other hand, as the opening of the outdoor expansion valve decreases, the refrigerant flows less easily through the outdoor expansion valve.

[0026] The outdoor blower is a blower equipped with an axial fan. The fan equipped in the indoor blower may be a fan with a different structure, such as a centrifugal fan. The fan equipped in the outdoor blower is disposed so as to face the outdoor heat exchanger. Operation of the fan of the outdoor blower causes heat exchange between the outdoor air and the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the indoor unit 10 includes a control unit 11, louvers 12-1 to 12-4 provided at the four air outlets, an air inlet 13, a remote control 14, a radiation sensor 15, and an air inlet temperature sensor 16.

[0028] The control unit 11 is an information processing device that controls the operation of the air conditioning device 1. The control unit 11 is an example of a wind direction control device. The control unit 11 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and an auxiliary storage device, all connected via a bus. The control unit 11 reads and executes a program from, for example, the auxiliary storage device. The auxiliary storage device is configured using a storage medium such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. For example, the auxiliary storage device is configured using a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0029] All or part of the control unit 11 may be realized using hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. The program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0030] The louvers 12-1 to 12-4 are provided at four air outlets provided in the indoor unit 10 so as to blow air in all four directions. The louvers 12-1 to 12-4 are air direction adjusting members that can adjust the direction of the air blown out from the indoor unit 10 at least in the vertical direction. In the following explanation, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the louvers 12-1 to 12-4, they will simply be referred to as "louvers 12."

[0031] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the louvers 12 of the air conditioning apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the indoor unit 10 can, for example, switch the state of the louvers 12 between at least state (A) and state (B). State (A) is a state in which the angle of the louvers 12 is such that the air is blown out in a direction that is relatively close to horizontal (i.e., a direction that is relatively close to parallel to the floor or ceiling). On the other hand, state (B) is a state in which the angle of the louvers 12 is such that the air is blown out in a direction that is relatively close to vertical (i.e., a more downward direction).

[0032] Hereinafter, the orientation of louvers 12 in state (A) may be referred to as the "horizontal direction," and the orientation of louvers 12 in state (B) may be referred to as the "downward direction." In this embodiment, the vertical airflow direction that can be adjusted by louvers 12 is limited to only two directions (only two stages) as described above, but it may also be adjustable to more airflow directions (three or more stages). The angles of louvers 12-1 to 12-4 are individually controlled by control unit 11.

[0033] Returning to Fig. 1, the explanation will be made again. The air inlet 13 is an opening through which the indoor unit 10 draws in indoor air. The air inlet 13 is provided with an air inlet temperature sensor 16, which will be described later.

[0034] The remote control 14 is an input interface that accepts user operation inputs related to the settings of the air conditioner 1. For example, the remote control 14 accepts an input operation to instruct switching the power state of the air conditioner 1 between on and off. Alternatively, for example, the remote control 14 accepts an input operation to instruct a set temperature. For example, a user operates the remote control 14 to specify a set temperature in order to set the room to a desired temperature.

[0035] The remote control 14 outputs instruction information based on input operations to the control unit 11 of the indoor unit 10. The remote control 14 and control unit 11 may be connected via a wired communication path or a wireless communication path. The control unit 11 controls the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 based on the instruction information input from the remote control 14. This allows the air conditioner 1 to control the room temperature and switch the power state of the air conditioner 1 between on and off based on the instruction information input from the remote control 14.

[0036] The radiation sensor 15 is a sensor that detects infrared rays radiated from various points on the floor surface and measures the temperature of the radiant heat at each point on the floor surface. Note that the radiation sensor 15 may be configured to measure the temperature of the radiant heat at only one point on the floor surface.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the detection range of the radiation sensor 15 of the air conditioning apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the radiation sensor 15 is installed, for example, at one corner of the indoor unit 10. However, the installation location of the radiation sensor 15 is not limited to this. The radiation sensor 15 can measure the temperature of radiant heat at various points on the floor surface, for example, as long as it is within the detection range d. Note that in this embodiment, the detection range d of the radiation sensor 15 is square, but it may be other shapes, such as circular. The radiation sensor 15 outputs measurement result data to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 estimates (calculates) the temperature of various points on the floor surface within the detection range d (hereinafter referred to as "floor temperature") based on the acquired data of the measurement results of the radiant heat temperature.

[0038] Returning to Fig. 1 for further explanation, suction temperature sensor 16 is a sensor that measures the temperature of air sucked into indoor unit 10 from the indoor space (hereinafter referred to as "suction temperature"). For example, a thermistor is used as suction temperature sensor 16. Suction temperature sensor 16 outputs data on the measurement result of the suction temperature to control unit 11.

[0039] The control unit 11 calculates the temperature difference (upper / lower temperature difference) between the floor temperature estimated based on the data obtained from the radiation sensor 15 and the intake temperature indicated by the data obtained from the intake temperature sensor 16. The control unit 11 controls the orientation (angle) of the louvers 12 based on the calculated upper / lower temperature difference to control the airflow direction. Note that the control unit 11 may also control the fan rotation speed of the indoor blower to control the airflow volume (air speed) or the opening of the indoor expansion valve to control the temperature based on the calculated upper / lower temperature difference. Note that the control unit 11 may also take into consideration instruction information (setting information) obtained from the remote control 14 to perform the above-mentioned airflow direction control, etc.

[0040] In this embodiment, the radiation sensor 15 and intake temperature sensor 16 provided in the indoor unit 10 are used to calculate the upper and lower temperature difference, but the configuration is not limited to the above as long as it is possible to calculate the upper and lower temperature difference. For example, instead of the radiation sensor 15, the floor temperature may be measured by a temperature sensor installed on the floor. Also, instead of the intake temperature sensor 16, the temperature of the upper space in the room may be measured by a temperature sensor installed on the upper part of the wall surface inside the room.

[0041] Generally, when heating is performed using a ceiling-air-air outlet indoor unit, the floor temperature (the temperature at the bottom of the room) tends to be relatively lower than the intake temperature (the temperature at the top of the room) due to factors such as the influence of wind buoyancy. This can cause occupants to feel uncomfortable and cold because the temperature around their feet is relatively too low.

[0042] In contrast, when the temperature difference between the intake temperature and the floor temperature exceeds a predetermined value (i.e., when the temperature difference between the top and bottom is large), the air conditioning device 1 in this embodiment does not simply point all of the louvers 12 downward as in conventional technology, but rather controls the wind direction by adjusting the orientation of one louver 12 to point downward and adjusting the orientation of the remaining (other three) louvers 12 to all be horizontal.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 2, when the louvers 12 are oriented horizontally (i.e., in state (A)), the louvers 12 are angled so as to more fully block the openings (air outlets) of the indoor unit 10, resulting in a smaller volume of air being blown out compared to when the louvers 12 are oriented downward (i.e., in state (B)). Therefore, when only one louver 12 is oriented downward, a larger volume of air (higher wind speed) will be blown out intensively from the air outlet of the downward-facing louver 12 than from the other three air outlets with louvers 12 oriented horizontally. This allows more air to be sent toward the lower part of the room, reducing the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the room.

[0044] In addition, the wind blown out from the horizontally oriented louvers 12 is reflected by the walls of the room, and then reflected by the floor and ceiling as it circulates throughout the room, creating a circulation effect. This circulation effect also further reduces the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the room.

[0045] Furthermore, the air conditioning device 1 of this embodiment performs control to switch the air outlets that angle the louvers 12 downward in sequence at regular intervals, with the aim of not only reducing the temperature difference between above and below the indoor space but also reducing variations in floor surface temperature. An example of air direction control by the air conditioning device 1 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0046] Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining wind direction control by the air conditioning apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, in wind direction control by the air conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the basic state of the orientation of the four louvers 12 is a state in which all of the louvers 12 are facing downward (the state shown in the center diagram of Fig. 4).

[0047] First, if the temperature difference between the intake temperature and the floor temperature (upper and lower temperature difference) exceeds a predetermined value, the air conditioner 1 adjusts the orientation of the louvers 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 to be horizontal ((1) in Figure 4). This increases the volume of air blown out from the outlet with the louver 12-1 facing downward (increasing the wind speed), and the air is sent further downward into the room. After five minutes have passed, the air conditioner 1 returns the louvers 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 to their basic state ((2) in Figure 4).

[0048] Next, after five minutes have passed in the basic state, if the temperature difference between the top and bottom exceeds a predetermined value, the air conditioner 1 adjusts the orientation of the louvers 12-1, 12-3, and 12-4 to be horizontal ((3) in Figure 4). This increases the volume of air blown out from the outlet equipped with the louver 12-2, which is the only one facing downward (increases the wind speed), and the air is sent further downward into the room. After five minutes have passed, the air conditioner 1 returns the louvers 12-1, 12-3, and 12-4 to the basic state ((4) in Figure 4).

[0049] Next, after five minutes have passed in the basic state, if the temperature difference between the top and bottom exceeds a predetermined value, the air conditioner 1 adjusts the orientation of the louvers 12-1, 12-2, and 12-4 to be horizontal ((5) in Figure 4). This increases the volume of air blown out from the outlet equipped with the louver 12-3, which is the only one facing downward (increases the wind speed), and the air is sent further downward into the room. After five minutes have passed, the air conditioner 1 returns the louvers 12-1, 12-2, and 12-4 to the basic state ((6) in Figure 4).

[0050] Next, after five minutes have passed in the basic state, if the temperature difference between the top and bottom exceeds a predetermined value, the air conditioner 1 adjusts the orientation of the louvers 12-1, 12-2, and 12-3 to be horizontal ((7) in Figure 4). This increases the volume of air blown out from the air outlet equipped with the louver 12-4, which is the only one facing downward (increases the wind speed), and the air is sent further downward into the room. After five minutes have passed, the air conditioner 1 returns the louvers 12-1, 12-2, and 12-3 to the basic state ((5) in Figure 4). Thereafter, as long as the temperature difference between the top and bottom exceeds the predetermined value, the air conditioner 1 continues to repeat the operation of switching the orientation of the louvers 12 shown in (1) to (8) in Figure 4.

[0051] In the following description, the wind direction control shown in Fig. 4, in which a state in which only one louver 12 is facing downward and a state in which all louvers 12 are facing downward are alternately repeated at predetermined intervals, and the louvers 12 facing downward are switched in order, is referred to as "direction-specific wind direction control." In addition, in the following description, wind direction control in which all louvers 12 are facing downward as in conventional technology is referred to as "all downward wind direction control." In addition, conventional general wind direction control that does not perform either of these two wind direction controls is referred to as "basic wind direction control."

[0052] When full downward wind direction control is performed, the influence of buoyancy can make it difficult for the wind to reach the floor. In this case, the areas on the floor where the wind reaches and the areas where it does not tend to become fixed, which can easily cause variations in floor temperature. On the other hand, if the wind volume is increased (wind speed is increased) to make the wind reach the floor, energy consumption increases and noise levels also increase.

[0053] In contrast, the direction-specific airflow control by the air conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment shown in Figure 4 orients the louvers 12 of only one air outlet downward and the louvers 12 of the remaining (three) air outlets horizontally, thereby increasing the volume of air blown out from the air outlets with the louvers 12 facing downward (increasing the wind speed). This allows the air conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment to send air lower into the room while preventing increases in energy consumption and noise, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the indoor space. It also creates a circulation effect, further reducing the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the indoor space.

[0054] 4, the direction-specific airflow control by the air conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment alternates between a state in which only one louver 12 faces downward and a state in which all louvers 12 face downward at predetermined intervals, and controls the downward-facing louvers 12 to rotate in order. This creates an opportunity for only one louver 12 to face downward among all the louvers 12, thereby reducing variations in floor surface temperature.

[0055] As described above, the air conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment returns to the basic state and waits for a predetermined period (five minutes) to pass before switching the louvers 12 that face downward. If only one louver 12 continues to face downward without returning to the basic state, there is a risk that many areas will not receive air for a long time. This could result in areas where the floor temperature actually drops. In other words, by returning to the basic state and waiting for a predetermined period to pass before switching the louvers 12 that face downward, it is possible to more effectively reduce the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the indoor space while also reducing floor temperature variations.

[0056] [Controller configuration] The following describes the functional configuration of the control unit 11. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 11 of the air conditioning apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 5, the control unit 11 is configured to include a radiation temperature acquisition unit 111, a floor temperature estimation unit 112, an intake temperature acquisition unit 113, a control method determination unit 114, and a wind direction control unit 115.

[0057] The radiation temperature acquisition unit 111 acquires data indicating the measurement results of the temperature of radiant heat at various points on the floor surface measured by the radiation sensor 15. The radiation temperature acquisition unit 111 outputs the acquired data to the floor surface temperature estimation unit 112. As described above, the radiation sensor 15 may be configured to measure the temperature of radiant heat at only one point on the floor surface.

[0058] The floor temperature estimation unit 112 acquires data indicating the measurement results of the temperature of radiant heat at various points on the floor surface, output from the radiation temperature acquisition unit 111. The floor temperature estimation unit 112 estimates (calculates) the floor temperature at various points based on the acquired data. Any method can be used to estimate the floor temperature based on the temperature of radiant heat. For example, the floor temperature estimation unit 112 may estimate a temperature obtained by adding +2°C to the temperature of radiant heat as the floor temperature. For example, the floor temperature estimation unit 112 may regard the temperature of radiant heat itself as the floor temperature.

[0059] The floor temperature estimation unit 112 determines a representative floor temperature based on the estimated floor temperatures at each location and outputs it to the control method determination unit 114. The representative floor temperature is used to calculate the upper-lower temperature difference together with the intake temperature. For example, the floor temperature estimation unit 112 outputs the average value of the estimated floor temperatures at each location as the representative floor temperature to the control method determination unit 114. Alternatively, for example, the floor temperature estimation unit 112 may output the mode or median of the estimated floor temperatures at each location as the representative floor temperature to the control method determination unit 114, or may output the lowest or highest floor temperature of the estimated floor temperatures at each location as the representative floor temperature to the control method determination unit 114.

[0060] Suction temperature acquisition unit 113 acquires data indicating the measurement result of the suction temperature measured by suction temperature sensor 16. Suction temperature acquisition unit 113 outputs the acquired data to control method determination unit 114.

[0061] Control method determination unit 114 acquires data indicating a representative floor surface temperature output from floor surface temperature estimation unit 112. Control method determination unit 114 also acquires data indicating an inlet temperature output from inlet temperature acquisition unit 113. Control method determination unit 114 determines a method of airflow direction control based on the acquired floor surface temperature and inlet temperature. For example, when the difference value obtained by subtracting the floor surface temperature from the inlet temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., 5°C), control method determination unit 114 performs the direction-specific airflow direction control shown in FIG. 4 described above. On the other hand, when the difference value obtained by subtracting the floor surface temperature from the inlet temperature does not exceed the predetermined threshold (e.g., 5°C), control method determination unit 114 does not perform direction-specific airflow direction control, but instead performs the above-mentioned basic airflow direction control, which is airflow direction control during normal operation.

[0062] [Air conditioning unit operation] Below, we will explain one example of the operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1 shown in this flowchart starts, for example, when the power of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is switched on.

[0063] Intake temperature sensor 16 measures the intake temperature, which is the temperature of air drawn into indoor unit 10 from the indoor space (step S001). Intake temperature sensor 16 outputs data on the measurement results of the intake temperature to control unit 11. Radiation sensor 15 detects infrared rays radiated from various points on the floor surface and measures the temperature of radiant heat at various points on the floor surface (step S002). Radiation sensor 15 outputs data on the measurement results to control unit 11.

[0064] Control unit 11 estimates the floor surface temperature based on the radiant heat temperature indicated by the data acquired from intake temperature sensor 16 (step S003). Control unit 11 calculates a difference value by subtracting the estimated floor surface temperature from the measured intake temperature (step S004). If the calculated difference value exceeds a predetermined threshold value (step S005: YES), control unit 11 executes the direction-specific airflow direction control shown in FIG. 4 (step S006). On the other hand, if the calculated difference value does not exceed the predetermined threshold value, control unit 11 executes the aforementioned basic airflow direction control, which is airflow direction control during normal operation (step S007).

[0065] If a predetermined time has passed since the start of airflow direction control in step S006 or step S007 (step S008: YES) and an instruction to end operation has not been received (step S009: NO), the air conditioner 1 returns to step S001 and repeats the above operations. If an instruction to end operation has been received (step S009: YES), the operation of the air conditioner 1 shown in the flowchart in Figure 6 ends.

[0066] (Effectiveness verification) Below, an outline of the results of the effectiveness verification of this embodiment conducted under specified conditions will be described. The effectiveness verification was performed by measuring the upper and lower temperatures in the indoor space when the direction-specific airflow direction control shown in FIG. 4 was performed and when the all-downward airflow direction control was performed, and comparing the measurement results. As mentioned above, the direction-specific airflow direction control is an airflow direction control that alternates between a state in which only one louver 12 is directed downward and a state in which all louvers 12 are directed downward at specified intervals, and switches the louvers 12 that are directed downward in order. The all-downward airflow control is an airflow direction control that keeps the airflow direction of all louvers 12 fixed downward.

[0067] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing various conditions under which the effectiveness verification was carried out. As shown in Fig. 7, the upper temperature was set to the temperature at a position 1.2 m above the floor, and the lower temperature was set to the temperature at a position 0.05 m above the floor. Temperatures were measured at various locations within a 4-meter square area at positions 1.2 m above the floor and 0.05 m above the floor directly below the indoor unit 10. Figs. 8 to 11 are diagrams showing the results of the effectiveness verification.

[0068] Figure 8 is a visual representation of the measurement results of the upper temperature (temperature at a position 1.2 m above the floor) when full downward airflow control is implemented. As shown in Figure 8, the measurement area of ​​4 meters square was divided into a total of 25 areas, 5 x 5, and the temperature in each area was measured. The same applies to the subsequent Figures 9 to 11. In Figures 8 to 11, the darker the area, the higher the temperature. As shown in Figure 8, when full downward airflow control is implemented, the upper temperature in the central area is relatively higher than the areas at the edges, and it can be seen that there is temperature variation depending on the location, even at the same height (1.2 m above the floor).

[0069] 9 is a diagram visually showing the measurement results of the upper temperature (temperature at a position 1.2 m above the floor) when direction-specific airflow direction control is executed. As shown in Fig. 9, the upper temperature when direction-specific airflow direction control is executed is higher throughout the entire 4-meter square measurement range, as can be seen from a comparison with the upper temperature when all-downward airflow direction control is executed as shown in Fig. 8 above. In other words, at a position 1.2 m above the floor, the direction-specific airflow direction control of the present invention is thought to have a greater circulation effect than all-downward airflow control.

[0070] Figure 10 is a visual representation of the measurement results of the lower temperature (temperature at a position 0.05 m above the floor) when all-downward airflow control is performed. As shown in Figure 10, the lower temperature when all-downward airflow control is performed is relatively lower in most areas compared to the upper temperature shown in Figure 8, except for some areas near the center. In other words, with all-downward airflow control, it is thought that the air has difficulty reaching the floor surface, resulting in a lower floor temperature overall and temperature variations.

[0071] Fig. 11 is a diagram visually showing the measurement results of the lower temperature (temperature at a position 0.05 m above the floor) when direction-specific airflow direction control is executed. As shown in Fig. 11, the lower temperature when direction-specific airflow direction control is executed is higher throughout the entire 4-meter square measurement range, as can be seen from a comparison with the lower temperature when all-downward airflow direction control is executed as shown in Fig. 10 above. In other words, it is thought that the direction-specific airflow control of the present invention makes it easier for air to reach the floor surface compared to all-downward airflow direction control, and therefore less variation in floor surface temperature occurs.

[0072] Furthermore, when comparing the upper temperature (FIG. 8) and the lower temperature (FIG. 10) when all-downward airflow control is performed, it is clear that the temperature difference between the two is large. In other words, it is considered that all-downward airflow control is not effective enough in reducing the temperature difference between the top and bottom. On the other hand, when comparing the upper temperature (FIG. 9) and the lower temperature (FIG. 11) when direction-specific airflow control is performed, the temperature difference between the two is considerably small. In other words, it is considered that the direction-specific airflow control of the present invention is effective in reducing the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the indoor space and also in reducing the variation in floor temperature. Furthermore, when comparing the upper and lower temperatures when all-downward airflow control is performed with those when direction-specific airflow control is performed, it is clear that the upper and lower temperatures are higher when direction-specific airflow control is performed. In other words, it is considered that the direction-specific airflow control can more efficiently air-condition the indoor space while reducing energy consumption.

[0073] <Second embodiment> A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Generally, a certain amount of air volume (wind speed) is required for the circulation effect. In particular, if the distance from the air outlet of the indoor unit to the wall is long and the air volume (wind speed) is insufficient so that the air does not reach the wall, the circulation effect may be significantly reduced. To address this, it may be possible to increase the air volume (wind speed), but this may result in increased noise and increased energy consumption.

[0074] An air conditioning apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "air conditioning apparatus 1a") in a second embodiment described below performs different air direction control depending on the magnitude of the set air volume (hereinafter referred to as "set air volume"). Specifically, when the temperature difference between the top and bottom is large and the set air volume exceeds a predetermined threshold, air conditioning apparatus 1a performs the direction-specific air direction control shown in FIG. 4 described above, and when the set air volume does not exceed the threshold, performs the all-downward air direction control described above. By having this configuration, air conditioning apparatus 1a in the second embodiment performs air direction control appropriate to the set air volume, and can achieve the effect of reducing the temperature difference between the top and bottom and reducing variation in floor surface temperature.

[0075] The overall configuration of the air conditioner 1a in the second embodiment described below is similar to the overall configuration of the air conditioner 1 in the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1, and therefore will not be described again. The indoor unit of the air conditioner 1a in the second embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "indoor unit 10a") includes a control unit 11a instead of the control unit 11 described above.

[0076] [Controller configuration] The functional configuration of the control unit 11a will be described below. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 11a of the air conditioning apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 12, the control unit 11a is configured to include a radiation temperature acquisition unit 111, a floor temperature estimation unit 112, an intake temperature acquisition unit 113, a control method determination unit 114a, an airflow direction control unit 115, and a blowout airflow rate acquisition unit 116.

[0077] The radiation temperature acquisition unit 111 acquires data indicating the measurement results of the temperature of radiant heat at various points on the floor surface, measured by the radiation sensor 15. The radiation temperature acquisition unit 111 outputs the acquired data to the floor temperature estimation unit 112. The floor temperature estimation unit 112 acquires the data indicating the measurement results of the temperature of radiant heat at various points on the floor surface, output from the radiation temperature acquisition unit 111. The floor temperature estimation unit 112 estimates (calculates) the floor temperature at various points based on the acquired data. The floor temperature estimation unit 112 determines a representative floor temperature based on the estimated floor temperature at various points, and outputs it to the control method determination unit 114a. The suction temperature acquisition unit 113 acquires data indicating the measurement results of the suction temperature, measured by the suction temperature sensor 16. The suction temperature acquisition unit 113 outputs the acquired data to the control method determination unit 114a.

[0078] The blowout air volume acquisition unit 116 acquires instruction information indicating the set temperature and set air volume output from the remote control 14. The blowout air volume acquisition unit 116 outputs data indicating the set temperature and set air volume to the control method determination unit 114a.

[0079] The control method determination unit 114a acquires data indicating the floor temperature output from the floor temperature estimation unit 112. The control method determination unit 114a also acquires data indicating the suction temperature output from the suction temperature acquisition unit 113. The control method determination unit 114a also acquires data indicating the set temperature and set air volume output from the blowout air volume acquisition unit 116. The control method determination unit 114a determines the control method for air direction control based on the acquired floor temperature, suction temperature, set temperature, and set air volume.

[0080] For example, when the difference value obtained by subtracting the floor temperature from the intake temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., 5°C), the control method determination unit 114a checks whether the blown air volume exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the blown air volume exceeds the predetermined threshold, the control method determination unit 114a executes the direction-specific airflow control shown in Fig. 4, as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the blown air volume does not exceed the predetermined threshold, the control method determination unit 114a executes the all-downward airflow control.

[0081] Also, for example, if the difference value obtained by subtracting the floor temperature from the intake temperature does not exceed a predetermined threshold value (for example, 5°C), the control method determination unit 114a executes basic wind direction control, which is wind direction control under normal conditions, as in the first embodiment described above.

[0082] [Air conditioning unit operation] An example of the operation of the air conditioner 1a will be described below. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioner 1a in the second embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the air conditioner 1a shown in this flowchart starts, for example, when the power to the air conditioner 1a is switched on.

[0083] Intake temperature sensor 16 measures the intake temperature, which is the temperature of air drawn into indoor unit 10 from the indoor space (step S101). Intake temperature sensor 16 outputs the measurement result data of the intake temperature to control unit 11a. Radiation sensor 15 detects infrared rays radiated from various points on the floor surface and measures the temperature of radiant heat at various points on the floor surface (step S102). Radiation sensor 15 outputs the measurement result data to control unit 11a.

[0084] Control unit 11a estimates the floor surface temperature based on the temperature of radiant heat indicated by the data acquired from suction temperature sensor 16 (step S103). Control unit 11a calculates a difference value by subtracting the floor surface temperature from the suction temperature (step S104). If the calculated difference value does not exceed a predetermined threshold value (step S105: NO), control unit 11a executes the aforementioned basic airflow direction control, which is airflow direction control during normal times (step S106).

[0085] On the other hand, if the calculated difference value exceeds the predetermined threshold (step S105, YES), the control unit 11a checks whether the blown air volume exceeds the predetermined threshold (step S107). If the blown air volume exceeds the predetermined threshold (step S107, YES), the control unit 11a executes the direction-specific airflow control shown in FIG. 4 (step S006). If the blown air volume exceeds the predetermined threshold (step S107, NO), the control unit 11a executes the all-downward airflow control (step S108).

[0086] If a predetermined time has passed since the start of airflow direction control in step S106, step S108, or step S109 (YES in step S110) and an instruction to end operation has not been received (NO in step S111), the air conditioner 1 returns to step S101 and repeats the above operations. If an instruction to end operation has been received (YES in step S111), the operation of the air conditioner 1a shown in the flowchart in Figure 13 ends.

[0087] <Third embodiment> A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Generally, in an unoccupied indoor space, the noise standards for an air conditioner can be set more leniently compared to an occupied indoor space, allowing for a higher fan rotation speed of the indoor blower. The air conditioner 1b in the third embodiment described below is configured to detect the absence of an occupant in the indoor space and increase the fan rotation speed of the indoor blower if the difference between the intake temperature and the floor temperature exceeds a threshold. This allows the air conditioner 1b to reduce the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the indoor space and the variation in floor temperature in a shorter time while the indoor space is unoccupied. Furthermore, the air conditioner 1b in the third embodiment described below is configured to perform fan operation when the absence of an occupant is detected and the difference between the intake temperature and the floor temperature does not exceed a threshold. This allows the air conditioner 1b to reduce energy consumption while the indoor space is unoccupied.

[0088] The configuration of an air conditioner 1b according to the third embodiment will be described below. Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioner 1b according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 14, the air conditioner 1b is configured to include an indoor unit 10b, an outdoor unit 20, and refrigerant piping 30. The air conditioner 1b according to the third embodiment differs in configuration from the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 above in that it includes an indoor unit 10b instead of the indoor unit 10.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 14, indoor unit 10b includes control unit 11b, louvers 12-1 to 12-4 provided at the four air outlets, air inlet 13, remote control 14, radiation sensor 15, air intake temperature sensor 16, and human presence sensor 17. Indoor unit 10b in the third embodiment is configured differently from control unit 11 of indoor unit 10 in the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 described above in that it includes control unit 11b instead of control unit 11, and further includes human presence sensor 17.

[0090] The human presence sensor 17 can detect a person present in the indoor space, and sequentially outputs information indicating whether or not a person has been detected to the control unit 11b.

[0091] [Controller configuration] The functional configuration of control unit 11b will be described below. Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of control unit 11b of air conditioning apparatus 1b according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 15, control unit 11b is configured to include a radiation temperature acquisition unit 111, a floor temperature estimation unit 112, an intake temperature acquisition unit 113, a control method determination unit 114b, an airflow direction control unit 115, an outlet airflow rate acquisition unit 116, and a human body detection result acquisition unit 117.

[0092] The radiation temperature acquisition unit 111 acquires data indicating the measurement results of the temperature of radiant heat at various points on the floor surface, measured by the radiation sensor 15. The radiation temperature acquisition unit 111 outputs the acquired data to the floor temperature estimation unit 112. The floor temperature estimation unit 112 acquires the data indicating the measurement results of the temperature of radiant heat at various points on the floor surface, output from the radiation temperature acquisition unit 111. The floor temperature estimation unit 112 estimates (calculates) the floor temperature at various points based on the acquired data. The floor temperature estimation unit 112 determines a representative floor temperature based on the estimated floor temperature at various points, and outputs it to the control method determination unit 114b. The suction temperature acquisition unit 113 acquires data indicating the measurement results of the suction temperature, measured by the suction temperature sensor 16. The suction temperature acquisition unit 113 outputs the acquired data to the control method determination unit 114b.

[0093] The blowout air volume acquisition unit 116 acquires instruction information indicating the set temperature and set air volume output from the remote control 14. The blowout air volume acquisition unit 116 outputs data indicating the set temperature and set air volume to the control method determination unit 114b.

[0094] The human body detection result acquisition unit 117 can sequentially detect people present in the indoor space. The human body detection result acquisition unit 117 outputs information indicating the human detection result to the control method determination unit 114b. Any method can be used as the human body detection method. For example, a thermal camera may be used to detect a human body. For example, CO2 emissions may be used to detect a human body.

[0095] The control method determination unit 114b acquires data indicating the floor surface temperature output from the floor surface temperature estimation unit 112. The control method determination unit 114b also acquires data indicating the suction temperature output from the suction temperature acquisition unit 113. The control method determination unit 114b also acquires data indicating the set temperature and set air volume output from the blowout air volume acquisition unit 116. The control method determination unit 114b also acquires data indicating the human detection result output from the human body detection result acquisition unit 117.

[0096] The control method determination unit 114b determines the method of airflow direction control based on the intake temperature, the set temperature, the set airflow rate, and the result of human presence detection.

[0097] When no human body is detected by the human body detection result acquisition unit 117, the control method determination unit 114b performs the same processing as the control method determination unit 114a in the second embodiment shown in Fig. 12. On the other hand, when a human body is detected by the human body detection result acquisition unit 117, the control method determination unit 114b performs the processing described below.

[0098] For example, the control method determination unit 114b performs the fan operation when the difference value obtained by subtracting the floor temperature from the suction temperature does not exceed a predetermined threshold value (for example, 5°C). On the other hand, for example, the control method determination unit 114b increases the fan rotation speed of the indoor blower when the difference value obtained by subtracting the floor temperature from the suction temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold value (for example, 5°C).

[0099] [Air conditioning unit operation] An example of the operation of air conditioner 1b will be described below. Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of air conditioner 1b in the third embodiment of the present invention. The operation of air conditioner 1b shown in this flowchart starts, for example, when the power of air conditioner 1b is switched on.

[0100] If the human body detection result acquisition unit 117 does not detect a human body in the indoor space (step S201, NO), the air conditioning device 1b performs the same operation as the air conditioning device 1a in the second embodiment shown in the flowchart of Fig. 13. On the other hand, if the human body detection result acquisition unit 117 detects a person in the indoor space (step S201, YES), the air conditioning device 1b performs the operations from step S202 onwards, which will be described below.

[0101] Intake temperature sensor 16 measures the intake temperature, which is the temperature of air drawn into indoor unit 10 from the indoor space (step S202). Intake temperature sensor 16 outputs the measurement result data of the intake temperature to control unit 11b. Radiation sensor 15 detects infrared rays radiated from various points on the floor surface and measures the temperature of radiant heat at various points on the floor surface (step S203). Radiation sensor 15 outputs the measurement result data to control unit 11b.

[0102] Control unit 11b estimates the floor surface temperature based on the temperature of radiant heat indicated by the data acquired from suction temperature sensor 16 (step S204). Control unit 11b calculates a difference value by subtracting the floor surface temperature from the suction temperature (step S205). If the calculated difference value does not exceed a predetermined threshold value (step S206: NO), control unit 11b performs air blowing operation (step S207). On the other hand, if the calculated difference value exceeds the predetermined threshold value (step S206: YES), control unit 11b increases the fan rotation speed of the indoor blower (step S208).

[0103] If a predetermined time has passed since the start of operation control in step S207 or step S208 (YES in step S209) and an instruction to end operation has not been received (NO in step S210), air conditioner 1b returns to step S202 and repeats the above operations. If an instruction to end operation has been received (YES in step S210), the operation of air conditioner 1b shown in the flowchart in Fig. 16 ends.

[0104] By being provided with the configuration described above, the air conditioning apparatus in each embodiment of the present invention can reduce the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the indoor space while suppressing energy consumption.

[0105] According to the above-described embodiment, the airflow direction control device includes an intake temperature acquisition unit, a radiation temperature acquisition unit, a floor temperature estimation unit, and an airflow direction control unit. For example, the airflow direction control device is control unit 11, 11a, or 11b in the embodiment, the intake temperature acquisition unit is intake temperature acquisition unit 113 in the embodiment, the radiation temperature acquisition unit is radiation temperature acquisition unit 111 in the embodiment, the floor temperature estimation unit is floor temperature estimation unit 112 in the embodiment, and the airflow direction control unit is airflow direction control unit 115 in the embodiment. The intake temperature acquisition unit acquires information indicating the intake temperature, which is the temperature of air drawn in through an intake port of an indoor unit of an air conditioner installed on the ceiling. For example, the air conditioner is air conditioner 1, 1a, or 1b in the embodiment, the indoor unit is indoor unit 10, 10a, or 10b in the embodiment, and the intake port is intake port 13 in the embodiment. The radiation temperature acquisition unit acquires radiation temperature information indicating the temperature of radiant heat from the floor. The floor temperature estimator estimates the floor temperature based on the radiation temperature information. The airflow direction controller controls the airflow direction adjustment members provided at each of the indoor unit's multiple air outlets, and when the difference between the intake temperature and the floor temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, performs first airflow direction control that alternates at predetermined intervals between a state in which the airflow direction of one air outlet is directed downward and the airflow direction of the remaining air outlets is directed closer to horizontal, and a state in which all air outlets are directed downward. For example, the airflow direction adjustment member is louver 12 in the embodiment, and the first airflow direction control is direction-specific airflow control in the embodiment.

[0106] In the above airflow direction control device, the airflow direction control section may be configured to sequentially switch, at predetermined intervals, which of the plurality of air outlets is to be directed downward.

[0107] The airflow direction control device may further include a blowout airflow volume acquisition unit. In this case, for example, the airflow direction control device is the control unit 11a in the embodiment, and the blowout airflow volume acquisition unit is the blowout airflow volume acquisition unit 116 in the embodiment. The blowout airflow volume acquisition unit acquires information indicating the blowout airflow volume. In this case, the airflow direction control unit performs first airflow direction control when the blowout airflow volume exceeds a predetermined airflow volume, and performs second airflow direction control to direct the airflow direction of air blown out from all air outlets downward when the blowout airflow volume does not exceed the predetermined airflow volume. For example, the second airflow direction control is the all-downward airflow direction control in the embodiment.

[0108] The above-described airflow direction control device may further include a human body detection result acquisition unit. In this case, the human body detection result acquisition unit acquires human body detection result information indicating whether or not a person is present in the room. In this case, for example, the airflow direction control device is the control unit 11b in the embodiment, and the human body detection result acquisition unit is the human body detection result acquisition unit 117 in the embodiment. In this case, the airflow direction control unit performs first airflow direction control when a person is present in the room, and increases the fan rotation speed of the indoor blower when no human body is present in the room.

[0109] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the air conditioner includes an intake temperature sensor, a radiation sensor, and a control unit. For example, the air conditioner is air conditioner 1, 1a, or 1b in the embodiments, the intake temperature sensor is intake temperature sensor 16 in the embodiments, the radiation sensor is radiation sensor 15 in the embodiments, and the control unit is control unit 11, 11a, or 11b in the embodiments. The intake temperature sensor measures the intake temperature, which is the temperature of air drawn in from an intake port of an indoor unit of the air conditioner. For example, the indoor unit is indoor unit 10, 10a, or 10b in the embodiments, and the intake port is intake port 13 in the embodiments. The radiation sensor measures the radiation temperature, which is the temperature of heat radiated from the floor surface. The control unit includes a floor temperature estimator and an airflow direction controller. The floor temperature estimator is floor temperature estimator 112 in the embodiments, and the airflow direction controller is airflow direction controller 115 in the embodiments. The floor temperature estimator estimates the floor surface temperature based on the radiation temperature. The airflow direction control unit controls the airflow direction adjusting members provided at each of the indoor unit's multiple air outlets, and when the difference between the intake temperature and the floor temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, performs a first airflow direction control that alternates at predetermined intervals between a state in which the airflow direction of one air outlet is directed downward and the airflow direction of the remaining air outlets is directed closer to the horizontal, and a state in which all of the air outlets are directed downward. For example, the airflow direction adjusting member is louver 12 in the embodiment, and the first airflow direction control is a direction-specific airflow control in the embodiment.

[0110] A portion of the air conditioning device 1 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by a computer. In this case, a program for implementing the functions may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Note that the term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" may also include media that dynamically store programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs over networks such as the Internet or telephone lines, or media that store programs for a fixed period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system serving as a server or client. The program may be a program that implements some of the above-described functions, or may be a program that can be implemented in combination with a program already stored in the computer system, or may be implemented using hardware such as a programmable logic device (PLD) or field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0111] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1, 1a, 1b Air conditioning equipment 10,10a,10b indoor unit 11, 11a, 11b Control unit 12 Louver 13 Intake port 14 Remote Control 15 Radiation Sensor 16 Intake temperature sensor 17 Human Sensor 20 Outdoor unit 30 Refrigerant piping 111 Radiant temperature acquisition section 112 Floor temperature estimation section 113 Intake temperature acquisition unit 114, 114a, 114b Control method determination unit 115 Wind direction control unit 116 Airflow volume acquisition unit 117 Human body detection result acquisition unit d Detection range

Claims

1. an intake temperature sensor that measures the intake temperature, which is the temperature of the air drawn in from the intake port of the indoor unit; a radiation sensor that measures the radiation temperature, which is the temperature of radiant heat from the floor surface; A control unit; Equipped with the control unit includes a floor temperature estimation unit that estimates a floor temperature based on the radiation temperature; an air direction control unit that controls air direction adjustment members provided in each of the indoor unit's multiple air outlets, and when a difference value between the suction temperature and the floor surface temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, performs first air direction control that alternates at predetermined intervals between a state in which the air direction of the air blown out of one of the air outlets is directed downward and the air direction of the air blown out of the remaining air outlets is directed in a direction closer to horizontal, and a state in which all of the air outlets are directed downward; An air conditioning device comprising:

2. The airflow direction control unit switches the air outlets to be directed downward among the plurality of air outlets in sequence at predetermined intervals. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

3. A blowout air volume acquisition unit that acquires information indicating a blowout air volume. Furthermore, The airflow direction control unit performs the first airflow direction control when the blown airflow rate exceeds a predetermined airflow rate, and performs the second airflow direction control to direct the airflow direction of the air blown out from all the air outlets downward when the blown airflow rate does not exceed the predetermined airflow rate. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

4. a human body detection result acquisition unit that acquires human body detection result information indicating whether or not a human body is present in a room; Furthermore, The airflow direction control unit performs the first airflow direction control when the human body is present in the room, and increases the fan rotation speed of the indoor blower when the human body is not present in the room. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

5. A computer-based wind direction control method, comprising: an intake temperature acquisition step of acquiring information indicating an intake temperature, which is the temperature of air drawn in through an intake port of an indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus installed on the ceiling; a radiation temperature acquisition step of acquiring radiation temperature information indicating the temperature of radiant heat from the floor surface; a floor surface temperature estimating step of estimating a floor surface temperature based on the radiation temperature information; an airflow direction control unit step of controlling airflow direction adjustment members provided at each of the indoor unit's multiple air outlets, and, when a difference value between the suction temperature and the floor surface temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, alternately repeating at predetermined intervals a state in which the airflow direction of the air blown out of one of the air outlets is directed downward and the airflow direction of the air blown out of the remaining air outlets is directed in a direction closer to horizontal, and a state in which all of the air outlets are directed downward; A wind direction control method comprising:

6. On the computer, an intake temperature acquisition step of acquiring information indicating an intake temperature, which is the temperature of air drawn in through an intake port of an indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus installed on the ceiling; a radiation temperature acquisition step of acquiring radiation temperature information indicating the temperature of radiant heat from the floor surface; a floor surface temperature estimating step of estimating a floor surface temperature based on the radiation temperature information; an airflow direction control unit step of controlling airflow direction adjustment members provided at each of the indoor unit's multiple air outlets, and, when a difference value between the suction temperature and the floor surface temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, alternately repeating at predetermined intervals a state in which the airflow direction of the air blown out of one of the air outlets is directed downward and the airflow direction of the air blown out of the remaining air outlets is directed in a direction closer to horizontal, and a state in which all of the air outlets are directed downward; A program to execute.

Images