Air conditioning control device and unlocking control device

Abstract

When it is necessary for the work process to circulate air containing gases that may have adverse effects on the human body, or when people need to enter equipment that may cause oxygen deficiency, manned access control will not be required. [Solution] An air conditioning control device that circulates a circulating gas containing oxygen and a monitored gas through a circulation path to an air-conditioned room and allows entry and exit to the interior, the air conditioning control device comprising: an opening and closing door for entry and exit to the interior; an oxygen sensor for detecting the oxygen concentration inside; a monitoring sensor for detecting the concentration of the monitored gas inside; an electric lock for locking the opening and closing door; and an unlocking control device that maintains the locked state of the electric lock when the oxygen concentration of the circulating gas is below a predetermined oxygen threshold or the concentration of the monitored gas is above a predetermined monitoring threshold, and unlocks the electric lock when the oxygen concentration of the circulating gas is above a predetermined oxygen threshold and the concentration of the monitored gas is below a predetermined monitoring threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air-conditioning control device that circulates gas through a circulation path with an air-conditioning target room and allows entry and exit inside, and a unlocking control device that controls unlocking when entering and exiting the inside of the air-conditioning control device.

Background Art

[0002] Due to the requirements of the work process, when a person enters a facility that circulates air containing gases that may have an adverse effect on the human body or a facility where there is a risk of oxygen deficiency, the concentration of the gas or oxygen in the air is monitored, and as long as it is not within a predetermined concentration range, manned entry management is generally implemented.

[0003] Patent Document 1 below discloses an oxygen deficiency accident prevention device for a storage facility. The oxygen deficiency accident prevention device for the storage facility includes an oxygen sensor that detects the oxygen concentration in a storage room, a door lock mechanism that is attached to an opening / closing door of the storage room and locks the opening / closing door when there is oxygen deficiency in the room, and a forced air supply device that blows external air or the like into the storage room.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air-conditioning control device that does not require manned entry management when a person enters a facility that circulates air containing gases that may have an adverse effect on the human body or a facility where there is a risk of oxygen deficiency due to the requirements of the work process.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Note: There seems to be a typo in the original text where <000002?1> should probably be . I've left it as is in the translation with a '?' for clarity.One aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning control device that circulates a circulating gas containing oxygen and a monitored gas through a circulation path to an air-conditioned room and allows entry and exit to the interior, the air conditioning control device comprising: an opening and closing door for entry and exit to the interior; an oxygen sensor for detecting the oxygen concentration inside; a monitoring sensor for detecting the concentration of the monitored gas inside; an electric lock for locking the opening and closing door; and an unlocking control device that maintains the locked state of the electric lock when the oxygen concentration of the circulating gas is below a predetermined oxygen threshold or the concentration of the monitored gas is above a predetermined monitoring threshold, and unlocks the electric lock when the oxygen concentration of the circulating gas is above a predetermined oxygen threshold and the concentration of the monitored gas is below a predetermined monitoring threshold.

[0007] In this configuration, the electric lock is only unlocked when the air environment inside the air conditioning control unit becomes safe, thus enabling safe entry without the need for manned access control. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, the electric lock is only unlocked when the air environment inside the air conditioning control unit becomes safe, thus enabling safe access without the need for manned access control. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram shows an air conditioning system in which the air conditioning control device of the first embodiment is used. [Figure 2] The hardware configuration of the locking control device of the first embodiment is shown in the block diagram. [Figure 3] The functional configuration of the locking control device of the first embodiment is shown in the block diagram. [Figure 4] The unlocking control by the air conditioning control device of the first embodiment is shown in the flowchart. [Figure 5] The unlocking control by the air conditioning control device of the first embodiment is shown in the flowchart. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram shows an air conditioning system in which the air conditioning control device of the second embodiment is used. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment for carrying out the technology of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components and processes that perform similar operations, functions, and roles will be given the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and redundant explanations may be omitted as appropriate. Each drawing is only a schematic representation to the extent that the technology of this disclosure can be fully understood. Therefore, the technology of this disclosure is not limited to the illustrated examples. Furthermore, in this embodiment, explanations of configurations not directly related to the technology of this disclosure or well-known configurations may be omitted.

[0011] (1) First Embodiment Figure 1 schematically shows an air conditioning system 1 in which the air conditioning control device 10 of the first embodiment is used. The air conditioning control device 10 of this embodiment circulates a circulating gas containing oxygen and a monitored gas through a circulation path to the air-conditioned room 50, and also allows entry and exit to the interior. The air-conditioned room 50 is a space in which some process is carried out and which is isolated from the outside except for the circulation path. The circulation path is a path that includes a supply path 15 that sends circulating gas from the air conditioning control device 10 to the air-conditioned room 50, and a recovery path 16 through which circulating gas flows from the air-conditioned room 50 to the air conditioning control device 10. In addition to the circulation path, an outside air introduction path 17 is also provided for introducing outside air at appropriate timings. In this embodiment, the monitored gas is a gas other than oxygen that is required for the process carried out inside the air-conditioned room 50 (for example, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, ethylene oxide, etc.).

[0012] The air conditioning control device 10 includes an opening / closing door 20 for entering and exiting the interior of the air conditioning control device 10, an oxygen sensor 30 for detecting the oxygen concentration inside the air conditioning control device 10, a monitoring sensor 40 for detecting the concentration of a target gas inside the air conditioning control device 10, an electric lock 21 for locking the opening / closing door 20, and an unlocking control device 100 for unlocking the electric lock 21. The air conditioning control device 10 further includes an input unit 25 for receiving an unlocking operation for the electric lock. The air conditioning control device 10 further includes a cooler 11 for appropriately cooling the circulating gas, a heater 12 for appropriately heating the circulating gas, a humidifier 13 for appropriately humidifying the circulating gas, and a target gas supply unit 14 for supplying a target gas to the circulating gas. The cooler 11, heater 12, and humidifier 13 are each connected to external drive units (not shown), but their description is omitted. The target gas supply unit 14 is connected to an external gas supply source and drive unit (not shown), but their description is omitted. Note that the air supply function and control function of the air conditioning control device 10 are not shown in the illustration.

[0013] The unlocking control device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 120, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 130, and a storage device 150, as shown in the hardware configuration of Figure 2. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 190 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0014] The CPU 110 is a central processing unit that executes various programs that can be implemented as installed applications and controls various parts. Specifically, the CPU 110 reads a program from the ROM 120 or storage device 150 and executes the program using the RAM 130 as a working area. The CPU 110 controls the electric lock 21 according to the program recorded in the ROM 120 or storage device 150.

[0015] ROM 120 stores various programs and data. RAM 130 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. Storage device 150 is configured as storage using an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory, and stores various programs including the operating system, and various data.

[0016] The unlocking control device 100 shown in Figure 1 can also be configured as an external device to the air conditioning control device 10. That is, the unlocking control device 100 may be configured to include: an acquisition unit 111 that circulates a circulating gas containing oxygen and a target gas through a circulation path to the air-conditioned room 50 and acquires the oxygen concentration inside the air conditioning control device 10 from an oxygen sensor 30 installed in the air conditioning control device 10 which is capable of entering and exiting the interior, and acquires the target gas concentration inside the air conditioning control device 10 from a monitoring sensor 40 installed in the air conditioning control device 10; and a control unit 112 that maintains the locked state of an electric lock 21 that locks the opening and closing door 20 for entering and exiting the interior of the air conditioning control device 10 when the oxygen concentration of the circulating gas is less than a predetermined oxygen threshold or the target gas concentration is above a predetermined monitoring threshold, and unlocks the electric lock 21 when the oxygen concentration of the circulating gas is above a predetermined oxygen threshold and the target gas concentration is below a predetermined monitoring threshold. Furthermore, the unlocking control device 100 may also include an input unit 25 that receives an unlocking operation for the electric lock 21.

[0017] Here, the acquisition unit 111 and the control unit 112 can be identified as functions resulting from the execution of a predetermined program stored in the ROM 120 or storage device 150 by the CPU 110, as shown in Figure 3.

[0018] When high-concentration carbon dioxide is required in the manufacturing process of products or equipment manufactured inside the air-conditioned room 50, the monitored gas in this embodiment will be carbon dioxide. That is, since the circulating gas contains carbon dioxide, during the operation of the air-conditioning control device 10, the concentration of the monitored gas (carbon dioxide concentration) inside the air-conditioning control device 10 is higher than the concentration in normal air. Also, due to the high concentration of the monitored gas, there is a possibility that the oxygen concentration in the circulating gas has dropped to the oxygen-deficient level. Therefore, from a health perspective, it is desirable not to be able to enter the air-conditioning control device 10 in this state.

[0019] Therefore, in this embodiment, the unlocking control device 100 maintains the locked state of the electric lock 21 when the oxygen concentration of the circulating gas is less than a predetermined oxygen threshold value or when the concentration of the monitored gas is greater than or equal to a predetermined monitoring threshold value. That is, in this case, it is not possible to enter or exit the inside of the air-conditioning control device 10 through the opening / closing door 20. Also, the unlocking control device 100 unlocks the electric lock 21 when the oxygen concentration of the circulating gas is greater than or equal to a predetermined oxygen threshold value and the concentration of the monitored gas is less than a predetermined monitoring threshold value. In this case, it becomes possible to open the opening / closing door 20, and it becomes possible to enter and exit the inside of the air-conditioning control device 10. At this time, it is desirable that the unlocking control device 100 unlocks the electric lock 21 on the condition of an unlocking operation on the input unit 25.

[0020] Next, the operation of the air conditioner control device 10, the locking and unlocking of the electric lock 21 will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5. First, at the stage shown in S1 of FIG. 4, when an air conditioner operation start operation such as pressing an operation switch (not shown) is performed, at the stage shown in S2, it is confirmed whether the electric lock 21 is locked. If it is not confirmed that the lock is engaged, the air conditioner operation is not performed. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the lock is engaged, at the stage shown in S3, the air conditioner operation is performed. This air conditioner operation continues until an unlocking operation to the input unit 25 is confirmed at the stage shown in S4. Also, while this air conditioner operation continues, the acquisition unit 111 of the unlocking control device 100 acquires the oxygen concentration inside the air conditioner control device 10 through the oxygen sensor 30 and acquires the concentration of the monitored gas (carbon dioxide) inside the air conditioner control device 10 through the monitoring sensor 40. The acquired oxygen concentration and the concentration of the monitored gas may be displayed on a predetermined display provided in the input unit 25, for example.

[0021] When an unlocking operation to the input unit 25 is confirmed at the stage shown in S4, at the stage shown in S10 of FIG. 5, the air conditioner stop process is started. When the air conditioner stop process is started, it proceeds to the stage shown in S20, and a residual operation is performed for a predetermined time. During this residual operation, outside air is introduced from the outside air introduction path 17 into the air conditioner control device 10. Also during this time, the acquisition unit 111 of the unlocking control device 100 acquires the oxygen concentration inside the air conditioner control device 10 through the oxygen sensor 30 and acquires the concentration of the monitored gas (carbon dioxide) inside the air conditioner control device 10 through the monitoring sensor 40.

[0022] Next, at the stage shown in S30, the control unit 112 determines whether the oxygen concentration acquired by the acquisition unit 111 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (oxygen threshold). Here, as the oxygen threshold for the oxygen concentration, it is desirable to set the oxygen concentration to a level that does not cause oxygen deficiency, for example, 18% or more. If the oxygen concentration is less than the oxygen threshold, it returns to the stage shown in S20 and the residual operation for a predetermined time is continued again.

[0023] In step S30, if the control unit 112 determines that the oxygen concentration is above the oxygen threshold, then in step S40, the control unit 112 determines whether the monitored gas concentration acquired by the acquisition unit 111 is below a predetermined value (monitoring threshold). Here, the monitoring threshold for the monitored gas should be a value that is certain not to have adverse effects on the human body. If the monitored gas is carbon dioxide, the monitoring threshold should preferably be 5,000 ppm or less. If the monitored gas is other than carbon dioxide, the monitoring threshold will be appropriately determined according to the type of monitored gas. If the monitored gas concentration is above the monitoring threshold, the process returns to step S20 and the residual operation for the predetermined time is resumed.

[0024] In other words, if, in the circulating gas, the oxygen concentration is below the oxygen threshold, or the concentration of the monitored gas is above the monitoring threshold, then residual operation continues and the electric lock 21 remains locked.

[0025] On the other hand, if, in the step shown in S40, the control unit 112 determines that the monitored gas concentration acquired by the acquisition unit 111 is below the monitoring threshold, that is, if the oxygen concentration in the circulating gas is above the oxygen threshold and the monitored gas concentration is below the monitoring threshold, then in the step shown in S50, the unlocking control device 100 unlocks the electric lock 21, and entry and exit to the inside of the air conditioning control device 10 becomes possible through the opening and closing door 20.

[0026] Furthermore, from the time the electric lock 21 is locked at the stage shown in S2 until the electric lock 21 is unlocked at the stage shown in S50, it is also possible to turn on a separately installed emergency light or take other measures to draw attention to the fact that entry or exit to the interior is not permitted.

[0027] (2) Second Embodiment Figure 6 schematically shows an air conditioning system 1 in which the air conditioning control device 10 of the second embodiment is used. In this embodiment, it is assumed that gases that may have adverse effects on health are generated during processes carried out inside the air-conditioned room 50 (for example, product manufacturing or processing), and such gases are designated as monitored gases. Examples of monitored gases include N-methylpyrrolidone generated during lithium-ion battery manufacturing, toluene and xylene generated during painting, and ethyl acetate and methyl ethyl ketone generated during film manufacturing.

[0028] In other words, the air conditioning control device 10 of this embodiment circulates a circulating gas containing oxygen and a monitored gas through a circulation path to the air-conditioned room 50, and also allows for entry and exit into the interior. The air-conditioned room 50 is a space in which some process is carried out and which is isolated from the outside except for the circulation path. The circulation path is a path that includes a supply path 15 for sending circulating gas from the air conditioning control device 10 to the air-conditioned room 50, and a recovery path 16 for circulating gas to flow from the air-conditioned room 50 to the air conditioning control device 10. In addition to the circulation path, an outside air introduction path 17 is also provided for introducing outside air at appropriate timings.

[0029] The air conditioning control device 10 includes an opening / closing door 20 for entering and exiting the interior of the air conditioning control device 10, an oxygen sensor 30 for detecting the oxygen concentration inside the air conditioning control device 10, a monitoring sensor 40 for detecting the concentration of a target gas inside the air conditioning control device 10, an electric lock 21 for locking the opening / closing door 20, and an unlocking control device 100 for unlocking the electric lock 21. The air conditioning control device 10 further includes an input unit 25 for receiving an unlocking operation for the electric lock. The air conditioning control device 10 further includes a cooler 11 for appropriately cooling the circulating gas, a heater 12 for appropriately heating the circulating gas, and a humidifier 13 for appropriately humidifying the circulating gas. The cooler 11, heater 12, and humidifier 13 are each connected to external drive units (not shown), but their description is omitted.

[0030] The air conditioning control device 10 of this embodiment is the same as the air conditioning control device 10 of the first embodiment, except that it does not have a monitored gas supply unit 14. Furthermore, the structure and significance of each component of the air conditioning control device 10, specifically the opening / closing door 20, electric lock 21, input unit 25, unlocking control device 100, oxygen sensor 30, monitoring sensor 40, cooler 11, heater 12, and humidifier 13, are the same as the corresponding components of the air conditioning control device 10 of the first embodiment.

[0031] Furthermore, the process from locking to unlocking the electric lock 21 is the same as described with reference to Figures 4 and 5 in the first embodiment. The monitoring threshold for the monitored gas is determined appropriately according to the type of gas being monitored. [Explanation of symbols]

[0032] 1. Air conditioning system 10. Air conditioning control device 11 Cooler 12 Heater 13 Humidifier 14. Gas supply unit under monitoring 15 Supply route 16 Recovery Route 17. Outside air intake 20 Opening and closing doors 21 Electric lock 25 Input section 30. Oxygen concentration sensor 40. Sensor for monitoring gas concentration 50 rooms subject to air conditioning 100 Unlocking control device 110 CPU 111 Acquisition Department 112 Control Unit 120 ROM 130 RAM 150 Storage device 190 bus

Claims

1. An air conditioning control device that circulates a circulating gas containing oxygen and a monitored gas through a circulation path to the room to be air-conditioned, and allows gas to enter and exit the interior, The aforementioned door for opening and closing to allow entry and exit to the interior, An oxygen sensor for detecting the oxygen concentration inside the aforementioned interior, A monitoring sensor that detects the concentration of the target gas inside the aforementioned interior, An electric lock for locking the aforementioned opening and closing door, An unlocking control device that maintains the locked state of the electric lock when the oxygen concentration of the circulating gas is below a predetermined oxygen threshold, or when the concentration of the gas to be monitored is above a predetermined monitoring threshold, and unlocks the electric lock when the oxygen concentration of the circulating gas is above a predetermined oxygen threshold and the concentration of the gas to be monitored is below a predetermined monitoring threshold, An air conditioning control device equipped with the following features.

2. The system further includes an input unit for receiving an unlocking operation for the aforementioned electric lock, The unlocking control device unlocks the electric lock upon an unlocking operation to the input unit. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1.

3. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1, wherein the monitored gas is a gas necessary for a process carried out inside the air-conditioned room.

4. The air conditioning control device according to claim 3, wherein the monitored gas is carbon dioxide.

5. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1, wherein the monitored gas is a gas generated in a process carried out inside the air-conditioned room.

6. An acquisition unit that circulates a circulating gas containing oxygen and a target gas through a circulation path to the room to be air-conditioned, acquires the oxygen concentration inside the air conditioning control unit from an oxygen sensor installed in the air conditioning control unit that can enter and exit the interior, and acquires the target gas concentration inside the air conditioning control unit from a monitoring sensor installed in the air conditioning control unit, A control unit maintains the locked state of an electric lock that locks the door for accessing the interior of the air conditioning control device when the oxygen concentration of the circulating gas is below a predetermined oxygen threshold, or the concentration of the gas to be monitored is above a predetermined monitoring threshold, and unlocks the electric lock when the oxygen concentration of the circulating gas is above a predetermined oxygen threshold and the concentration of the gas to be monitored is below a predetermined monitoring threshold. An unlocking control device equipped with the following features.

7. The system further includes an input unit for receiving an unlocking operation for the aforementioned electric lock, The electric lock is unlocked on the condition that an unlocking operation is performed on the input unit. The unlocking control device according to claim 6.

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