Air conditioner control unit

Abstract

This reduces the time required to return the paint booth from standby to paint-ready state, and also reduces the energy used to adjust the outside air. [Solution] An air conditioner control device 100 controls an air conditioner 20 that supplies air to a paint booth 10 after taking in outside air and adjusting at least one of its temperature and humidity. When an object is to be painted, the device sets the target temperature to a temperature that satisfies the temperature range of the normal window W1 and the target humidity to a humidity that satisfies the humidity range of the normal window W1. When the paint booth 10 is in a standby state with no object inside, the device sets the target temperature to a temperature that satisfies the relaxation temperature range of the relaxation window W2 and the target humidity to a humidity that satisfies the relaxation humidity range of the relaxation window W2, and controls the air conditioner 20 so that the temperature and humidity of the paint booth 10 become the target temperature and target humidity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for an air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a control device for controlling an air conditioner that adjusts the temperature and humidity of a painting booth is known, and there is one that reduces energy consumption when there is no object to be painted in the painting booth. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning system that supplies outside air in a state where the temperature and humidity are not adjusted to the painting booth when there is no object to be painted with paint in the painting booth.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described air conditioning system, when the painting booth is in a standby state with no object, the outside air whose temperature and humidity are not adjusted is supplied to the painting booth, so that the temperature and humidity of the painting booth are made equal to the outside air, and the energy consumption for adjusting the outside air is reduced.

[0005] However, the temperature and humidity suitable for painting the object with paint are not necessarily equal to the outside air. Therefore, in the air conditioning system as described above, when returning the painting booth to the temperature and humidity in a paintable state where the object can be painted in the painting booth, the air in the painting booth is discharged to the outside by a blower, and it is necessary to adjust the temperature and humidity of the outside air again and supply it to the painting booth. This procedure for returning to the paintable state required a lot of time and consumed a lot of energy.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an air conditioner control device that is advantageous in shortening the time required to return a paint booth from a standby state to a paint-ready state and in reducing the energy required to adjust the outside air. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, one embodiment of the present invention is a control device for an air conditioner that supplies air to a paint booth for painting an object after taking in outside air and adjusting at least one of its temperature and humidity, the control device for an air conditioner that takes in outside air and adjusts at least one of its temperature and humidity, the air conditioner that paints an object, the control device for an air conditioner that stores normal painting conditions including a temperature range and a humidity range when the object is painted, the setting device that sets the temperature that satisfies the temperature range of the normal painting conditions as the target temperature and the humidity that satisfies the humidity range of the normal painting conditions as the target humidity, and the control device that controls the air conditioner so that the temperature and humidity of the paint booth become the target temperature and the target humidity, respectively. The system comprises a control unit and a memory unit, wherein the memory unit further stores relaxation painting conditions including a relaxation temperature range in which the lower limit temperature is lower than the lower limit temperature of the temperature range of the normal painting conditions and the upper limit temperature is higher than the upper limit temperature of the temperature range, and a relaxation humidity range in which the lower limit humidity is lower than the lower limit humidity of the humidity range of the normal painting conditions and the upper limit temperature is higher than the upper limit humidity of the humidity range, and the setting unit, when in a standby state with no object in the painting booth, sets the target temperature to a temperature that satisfies the relaxation temperature range of the relaxation painting conditions, and sets the target humidity to a humidity that satisfies the relaxation humidity range of the relaxation painting conditions.

[0008] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the storage unit further stores a schedule recording the date and time on which the standby state is entered, and the setting unit determines whether or not the standby state has been entered based on the schedule.

[0009] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention further includes an object detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of the object in the paint booth, and the setting unit determines that the system has entered the standby state if the object is not detected in the paint booth.

[0010] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention further includes a timing unit that measures the elapsed time since the object detection sensor stopped detecting the object, and the setting unit determines that the device has entered the standby state when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined reference time.

[0011] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention comprises an outside air temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the outside air and an outside air humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the outside air, wherein when the setting unit enters the standby state, it refers to the detected outside air temperature and humidity and sets the temperature and humidity within the relaxed painting conditions that allow at least one of the outside air temperature and humidity to be adjusted with the minimum energy to set the target temperature and target humidity.

[0012] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner is equipped with a blower that blows air into the paint booth, and the air conditioner control unit controls the air conditioner so that the temperature and humidity of the paint booth become the target temperature and target humidity while the blower is operating.

[0013] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention comprises an outside air temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the outside air and an outside air humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the outside air, wherein the setting unit sets the temperature and humidity within the normal painting conditions to the target temperature and target humidity, even when in the standby state, if the detected outside air temperature and humidity are within the normal painting conditions.

[0014] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the relaxation temperature range and the relaxation humidity range are set within a range in which condensation does not occur even when the temperature and humidity of the paint booth are adjusted from within the relaxation painting conditions to within the normal painting conditions.

[0015] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the relaxation temperature range and the relaxation humidity range are set to a range that allows adjustment from the relaxation painting conditions to the normal painting conditions within a predetermined time when the paint booth is returned to a paintable state where paint can be applied to the object from the standby state.

[0016] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner is characterized by comprising: a first heating device for heating outside air; a humidifying device for humidifying the outside air heated by the first heating device; a dehumidifying and cooling device for cooling and dehumidifying the outside air humidified by the humidifying device; a second heating device for reheating the outside air cooled and dehumidified by the dehumidifying and cooling device; and a supply device for supplying the outside air reheated by the second heating device as conditioned air to the paint booth. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when an object is to be painted, the target temperature is set to a temperature that satisfies the temperature range of the normal painting conditions, and the target humidity is set to a humidity that satisfies the humidity range of the normal painting conditions. When the paint booth is in a standby state with no object inside, the target temperature is set to a temperature that satisfies the relaxation temperature range of the relaxation painting conditions, and the target humidity is set to a humidity that satisfies the relaxation humidity range of the relaxation painting conditions. The air conditioner is controlled so that the temperature and humidity of the paint booth reach the target temperature and humidity. This is advantageous in shortening the time required to return the paint booth from a standby state to a paintable state and in reducing the energy required to adjust the outside air. In other words, for example, if the outside air is outside the relaxation painting conditions, adjusting the temperature and humidity of the outside air to be within the relaxation painting conditions in the standby state shortens the time required to return the paint booth from a standby state to a paintable state and reduces the energy required to adjust the outside air compared to supplying outside air that has not been adjusted in temperature and humidity to the paint booth.

[0018] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, if a schedule recording the date and time when the system will enter a standby state is further stored in the memory unit, and the system determines whether or not it has entered a standby state based on the schedule, the date and time when the system will enter a standby state can be determined in advance. This allows the temperature and humidity within the relaxed coating conditions to be set to target temperature and target humidity according to the schedule, which is advantageous in reliably reducing the energy required to adjust the outside air.

[0019] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, if an object detection sensor is provided to detect the presence or absence of an object inside the paint booth, and the system is configured to determine that it has entered a standby state when no object is detected inside the paint booth, then as soon as it is detected that the object has left the paint booth, the temperature and humidity within the relaxed painting conditions can be immediately set to the target temperature and target humidity, which is advantageous in reducing the energy required to adjust the outside air.

[0020] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, if a timing unit is provided that measures the elapsed time since the object detection sensor stopped detecting the object, and the system determines that it has entered a standby state when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined reference time, then it is possible to reliably determine that the system has entered a standby state when the object has only temporarily disappeared from the paint booth for some reason and has not actually entered a standby state, and then set the temperature and humidity within the relaxed painting conditions to the target temperature and target humidity.

[0021] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, if the system is configured to set the target temperature and target humidity to the temperature and humidity within relaxed coating conditions that allow at least one of the outside air temperature and humidity to be adjusted with the minimum energy when the system is in standby mode, it is advantageous in reducing the energy required to adjust the outside air when the system is in standby mode.

[0022] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, if the air conditioner is configured to control the air conditioner so that the temperature and humidity of the paint booth reach target temperatures and humidity levels while the blower device provided in the air conditioner is operating, then even if one of the paint booths is in standby mode, the energy required to adjust the outside air can be reduced while maintaining the air conditioning balance among the multiple paint booths.

[0023] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, if the temperature and humidity of the outside air are within the normal painting conditions, and the system is configured to set the temperature and humidity to the target temperature and target humidity even when in standby mode, then when the temperature and humidity of the outside air are within the normal painting conditions, no unnecessary energy is consumed when in standby mode, and painting can be performed on the target object immediately after returning to a paintable state.

[0024] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, if the relaxation temperature range and the relaxation humidity range are set within a range where condensation does not occur even when the temperature and humidity in the painting booth are adjusted from within the relaxation painting conditions to the temperature and humidity within the normal painting conditions, when there are multiple painting booths, even if any one of the painting booths returns from the standby state to the paintable state, it is advantageous for maintaining the air conditioning balance within the painting booth.

[0025] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, if the relaxation temperature range and the relaxation humidity range are set within a range where they can be adjusted from within the relaxation painting conditions to the temperature and humidity within the normal painting conditions within a predetermined time when returning from the standby state to the paintable state where paint can be applied to the object in the painting booth, it is advantageous for returning the painting booth from the standby state to the paintable state within a predetermined time and reducing the energy for adjusting the outside air.

[0026] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, if the air conditioner is configured to include a first heating device, a humidifying device, a dehumidifying cooling device, a second heating device, and a supply device, it is advantageous for easily adjusting the outside air to the target temperature and the target humidity on the air line diagram.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of the painting system of the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of the air conditioning system of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is an overall configuration diagram showing another example of the air conditioning system of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a functional configuration diagram of the control device of the air conditioner of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the window and the relaxation window of the present embodiment defined on the air line diagram. [Figure 6] It is an enlarged view of the window and the relaxation window of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the standby state schedule of the present embodiment. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the flow of the control process for the air conditioner executed by the control device of the air conditioner according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the painting system of this embodiment comprises a painting booth 10, an air conditioner 20, a conveyor control device 50, a drying device 60, a cooling device 70, and a control device 100.

[0029] The paint booth 10 is a partitioned area for applying paint to an object. In this embodiment, the object to be painted is a car (automobile), and water-based paint is used. The air conditioner 20 takes in outside air, adjusts at least one of its temperature and absolute humidity, and then supplies the adjusted outside air to the paint booth 10 as conditioned air.

[0030] The conveyor control device 50 controls the belt conveyor that transports the objects. The transported objects are then transported in the order of paint booth 10, drying device 60, and cooling device 70. The drying device 60 dries the objects that have been painted in paint booth 10. The cooling device 70 cools the objects that have been dried in drying device 60. The control device 100 controls the air conditioner 20, conveyor control device 50, drying device 60, and cooling device 70.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment comprises a paint booth 10, an air conditioner 20, and a control device 100 (control device for the air conditioner). The air conditioner 20 of this embodiment comprises a preheater 22, a washer 24, a cooler 26, a reheater 28, and a blower fan 30.

[0032] The preheater 22 is a heating device (first heating device) that heats the incoming outside air. The washer 24 is a humidifying device that humidifies the outside air heated by the preheater 22. The cooler 26 is a dehumidifying device that cools and dehumidifies the outside air humidified by the washer 24. The reheater 28 is a heating device (second heating device) that reheats the outside air cooled and dehumidified by the cooler 26. The blower fan 30 is a supply device that supplies the outside air reheated by the reheater 28 as conditioned air to the paint booth 10. The air conditioner 20 has the preheater 22, washer 24, cooler 26, reheater 28, and blower fan 30 arranged in the order described above.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the air conditioning system 1 may be configured using a recycling air conditioner 40 instead of the air conditioner 20. The recycling air conditioner 40 recovers the air supplied to the paint booth 10, adjusts the temperature and absolute humidity of the recovered air, and resupplies it. The recycling air conditioner 40 in this embodiment is configured by omitting the preheater 22 and washer 24 from the air conditioner 20. After adding moisture to the air recovered from the paint booth 10, it is cooled and dehumidified by the cooler 26, heated by the reheater 28, and then supplied back to the paint booth 10 by the blower fan 30.

[0034] Next, the control device 100 will be described with reference to Figure 4. The control device 100 has a hardware configuration that utilizes a normal computer, including a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage device such as ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing control programs and RAM (Random Access Memory) as the operating area for control programs, an output device, an input device, and a communication interface (I / F) for communicating with external devices. In the control device 100, the CPU executes the control program stored in ROM, thereby executing the control processing of the air conditioner 20, the conveyor control device 50, the drying device 60, and the cooling device 70.

[0035] The control device 100 is connected to the air conditioner 20, an outside air temperature sensor 32, an outside air humidity sensor 34, a regulated air temperature sensor 36, a regulated air humidity sensor 38, and an object detection sensor 42. The control device 100 is composed of a storage unit 130, a signal reception unit 102, a timing unit 104, a setting unit 108, and an air conditioner control unit 110. In this embodiment, the control of the conveyor control device 50, the drying device 60, and the cooling device 70 by the control device 100 will not be described.

[0036] The outside air temperature sensor 32 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the outside air before it is taken into the air conditioner 20, and is, for example, a thermistor. The outside air humidity sensor 34 is a sensor that detects the absolute humidity of the outside air before it is taken into the air conditioner 20, and is, for example, a polymer capacitive humidity sensor. The outside air temperature sensor 32 and the outside air humidity sensor 34 are installed near the outside air intake section of the outdoor unit (not shown) of the air conditioner 20.

[0037] The regulated air temperature sensor 36 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the air (regulated air) whose temperature and absolute humidity have been adjusted by the air conditioner 20, and is, for example, a thermistor. The regulated air humidity sensor 38 is a sensor that detects the absolute humidity of the air (regulated air) whose temperature and absolute humidity have been adjusted by the air conditioner 20, and is, for example, a polymer capacitive humidity sensor. The regulated air temperature sensor 36 and the regulated air humidity sensor 38 are installed near the supply port of the blower fan 30 of the air conditioner 20.

[0038] The object detection sensor 42 is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object inside the paint booth 10, and is, for example, a photoelectric sensor or a laser sensor. In this embodiment, the object detection sensor 42 detects whether or not an object being transported by a belt conveyor (not shown) is inside the paint booth 10.

[0039] The memory unit 130 stores the normal window W1, which is the normal painting conditions, including the temperature and humidity ranges when the object is painted. Specifically, the normal window W1 (normal painting conditions) is a range determined by a predetermined temperature range (e.g., ±1°C from the set temperature) and a predetermined absolute humidity range (e.g., ±2% from the set absolute humidity) when one temperature and absolute humidity are set on the air conditioner 20, and it indicates the temperature and absolute humidity range in which paint can be applied to the object. Therefore, when painting an object, the outside air is adjusted so that the temperature and absolute humidity are within the temperature and absolute humidity range indicated by the normal window W1. In other words, temperatures and absolute humidity outside the range of the normal window W1 are not suitable environments for painting the object.

[0040] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the stored normal window W1 in this embodiment is set as a rectangle enclosed by a predetermined temperature range and a predetermined humidity range (absolute humidity range) on the psychrometric chart. In Figures 5 and 6, the normal window W1 is set with a temperature range of 3°C, but the temperature range and absolute humidity range are arbitrary.

[0041] The memory unit 130 further stores relaxation window W2, which is a relaxation painting condition that corresponds to the normal window W1 and includes a relaxation temperature range in which the lower limit temperature is lower than the lower limit temperature of the temperature range of the normal window W1 and the upper limit temperature is higher than the upper limit temperature of the temperature range, and a relaxation absolute humidity range in which the lower limit absolute humidity is lower than the lower limit absolute humidity of the absolute humidity range of the normal window W1 and the upper limit absolute humidity is higher than the upper limit absolute humidity of the absolute humidity range.

[0042] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the relaxation window W2 stored in this embodiment is a rectangle enclosed on the psychrometric chart by a predetermined relaxation temperature range and a predetermined relaxation humidity range (relaxation absolute humidity range), and is normally set to be a rectangle with a larger temperature range and absolute humidity range than window W1. In Figures 5 and 6, the relaxation window W2 is set to a temperature range of 7°C, but the temperature range and absolute humidity range are arbitrary.

[0043] In this embodiment, the control device 100 controls the air conditioner 20 so that the paint booth 10 is adjusted to the temperature and absolute humidity inside the normal window W1 when paint is being applied to the object. Subsequently, when the paint booth 10 is in a standby state with no object inside, the control device 100 controls the air conditioner 20 so that the paint booth 10 is adjusted to the temperature and absolute humidity inside the mitigation window W2. Then, when the paint booth 10 returns from the standby state to a paintable state where paint can be applied to the object inside, the control device 100 controls the air conditioner 20 so that the paint booth 10 is again adjusted to the temperature and absolute humidity inside the normal window W1. Note that when there is no object inside the paint booth 10, for example, when the object is not being painted and no object is being transported into the paint booth 10, such as during employees' lunch break or shift changes.

[0044] Furthermore, the relaxation temperature range and relaxation absolute humidity range of the relaxation window W2 are set so that condensation does not occur even when the temperature and absolute humidity of the paint booth 10 are adjusted from inside the relaxation window W2 to the temperature and absolute humidity inside the normal window W1. For example, if multiple paint booths 10 are provided adjacent to each other, the air conditioning balance within each paint booth 10 can be maintained even when one of the paint booths 10 returns from a standby state to a paintable state.

[0045] Furthermore, the relaxation temperature range and relaxation absolute humidity range of the relaxation window W2 are set to a range that allows the temperature and absolute humidity inside the relaxation window W2 to adjust to the temperature and absolute humidity inside the normal window W1 within a predetermined time when returning the paint booth 10 from a standby state where there is no object inside to a paintable state where paint can be applied to an object inside the paint booth 10. Here, the predetermined time is, for example, 15 to 20 minutes. This is because if the inside of the paint booth 10 has not returned to the temperature and absolute humidity inside the normal window W1 when returning from the standby state to the paintable state, painting work cannot be performed until the temperature and absolute humidity reach the appropriate level. Therefore, the relaxation window W2 is set to a relaxation temperature range and relaxation absolute humidity range that allows the paint booth 10 to return from the standby state to the paintable state within a predetermined time.

[0046] The memory unit 130 further stores a schedule that records the date and time when the system will be in standby mode. As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, a standby schedule is stored that associates the day of the week with the time period when the system will be in standby mode. In the example of the standby schedule shown in Figure 7, the vertical axis records the lunch break for the day shift (8:00 to 17:30), the time between the day shift and the night shift (between shifts), the lunch break for the night shift (20:00 to 5:30), and the time between the night shift and the day / night shift (between shifts), each associated with Monday through Sunday. In other words, for example, on Monday, the standby time is from 12:00 to 13:00, from 17:30 to 20:00, from 0:00 to 1:00 and from 5:30 to 8:00.

[0047] The signal receiving unit 102 receives detection signals sent from the outside air temperature sensor 32, the outside air humidity sensor 34, the regulated air temperature sensor 36, the regulated air humidity sensor 38, and the object detection sensor 42. Specifically, the signal receiving unit 102 receives the detected value of the outside air temperature, the detected value of the outside air absolute humidity, the detected value of the regulated air temperature, the detected value of the regulated air absolute humidity, and the detection result indicating the presence or absence of an object inside the paint booth 10.

[0048] The timing unit 104 measures time, and in this embodiment, it measures the elapsed time since the object detection sensor 42 stopped detecting an object in the paint booth 10. In addition, in this embodiment, the timing unit 104 measures the elapsed time since the setting unit 108 determined that the paint booth 10 was in a standby state with no object inside.

[0049] The setting unit 108 determines, based on the standby state schedule stored in the memory unit 130, whether the paint booth 10 is in a standby state where there are no objects to be painted, or whether the paint booth 10 is in a paintable state where paint can be applied to the objects.

[0050] Furthermore, the setting unit 108 determines that the paint booth 10 has entered a standby state if the object detection sensor 42 does not detect an object inside the paint booth 10 and the elapsed time since the object was no longer detected exceeds a predetermined standard time (for example, 10 minutes). On the other hand, the setting unit 108 determines that the paint booth 10 has entered a paint-ready state if the object detection sensor 42 detects an object inside the paint booth 10 and the elapsed time since the object was detected exceeds a predetermined standard time.

[0051] Furthermore, the setting unit 108 determines that the paint booth 10 has returned to a paint-ready state if it has entered a standby state and a predetermined time has elapsed since it was determined to be in a standby state. This is to avoid errors that may occur when controlling the air conditioner 20 based on the long-term relaxation window W2.

[0052] Furthermore, when applying paint to an object, the setting unit 108 sets the target temperature to a temperature that satisfies the normal temperature range of window W1, and the target absolute humidity to a temperature that satisfies the normal absolute humidity range of window W1. At that time, the setting unit 108 refers to the outside air temperature and absolute humidity and sets the target temperature and target absolute humidity to the temperature and absolute humidity with the lowest energy consumption from among the normal temperature and absolute humidity of window W1.

[0053] Furthermore, when the paint booth 10 is in a standby state with no object to be painted inside, the setting unit 108 sets the target temperature to a temperature that satisfies the relaxation temperature range of the relaxation window W2, and sets the target absolute humidity to a temperature that satisfies the relaxation absolute humidity range of the relaxation window W2. At that time, the setting unit 108 refers to the detected outside air temperature and absolute humidity and sets the target temperature and target absolute humidity to the temperature and absolute humidity inside the relaxation window W2 that can adjust at least one of the outside air temperature and absolute humidity with the minimum energy.

[0054] Furthermore, if the detected outside air temperature and absolute humidity are within the normal window W1, the setting unit 108 sets the temperature and absolute humidity within the normal window W1 to the target temperature and target absolute humidity, even when in standby mode. In other words, if the outside air temperature and absolute humidity are within the normal window W1, adjusting them to the temperature and absolute humidity within the relaxation window W2, especially outside the normal window W1 to the temperature and absolute humidity within the relaxation window W2, would result in wasted energy. Therefore, in this case, by adjusting the temperature and absolute humidity to those within the normal window W1 even in standby mode, energy can be avoided, and painting can begin immediately upon returning to a paintable state.

[0055] The air conditioning control unit 110 controls the air conditioner 20 so that the temperature and absolute humidity of the paint booth 10 reach the set target temperature and target absolute humidity. Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 110 sequentially controls the preheater 22, washer 24, cooler 26, and reheater 28 provided in the air conditioner 20 to adjust the outside air to the target temperature and target absolute humidity, and controls the supply of the adjusted air to the paint booth 10 by the blower fan 30.

[0056] Furthermore, the air conditioning control unit 110 controls the air conditioner 20 so that the temperature and absolute humidity of the paint booth 10 reach the target temperature and target absolute humidity while the air blower fan 30 (air blower) of the air conditioner 20 is operating and blowing air into the paint booth 10. In this way, for example, if multiple paint booths 10 are installed adjacent to each other, the air conditioning balance within each paint booth 10 can be maintained even if one of the paint booths 10 is in a standby state.

[0057] Next, with reference to Figure 8, the flow of the control process for the air conditioner 20 executed by the control device 100 of this embodiment will be described. First, when painting paint onto an object, the control device 100 normally controls the air conditioner 20 based on the window W1 (step S10).

[0058] Specifically, the setting unit 108 refers to the detected outside air temperature and absolute humidity and sets the target temperature for when the object is painted to a temperature that satisfies the normal temperature range of window W1, and sets the target absolute humidity for when the object is painted to a temperature that satisfies the normal absolute humidity range of window W1. Then, the air conditioner control unit 110 controls the air conditioner 20 so that the temperature and absolute humidity of the paint booth 10 become the set target temperature and target absolute humidity.

[0059] Next, the setting unit 108 determines, based on the standby state schedule, whether or not the paint booth 10 is in a standby state with no object to be painted (step S12). If the control device 100 is in a standby state (step S12: YES), it proceeds to step S18.

[0060] On the other hand, if the setting unit 108 determines that it is not in standby mode (step S12: NO), it determines whether or not an object has been detected inside the paint booth 10 by the object detection sensor 42 (step S14). If the control device 100 detects an object inside the paint booth 10, that is, if an object is present (step S14: YES), it returns to step S10 and repeats the process.

[0061] On the other hand, if the setting unit 108 determines that no object was detected in the paint booth 10, that is, that there is no object (step S14: NO), it determines whether the elapsed time since the object was no longer detected has exceeded a predetermined reference time (step S16). If the control device 100 determines that the elapsed time has not exceeded the reference time (step S16: NO), it cannot determine that it is in a standby state and returns to step S10 to repeat the process. This is because it is possible that the object is temporarily absent rather than in a standby state.

[0062] On the other hand, when the control device 100 determines that the elapsed time has exceeded the reference time (step S16: YES), it determines that it has entered a standby state and controls the air conditioner 20 based on the relaxation window W2 (step S18).

[0063] Specifically, the setting unit 108 refers to the detected outside air temperature and absolute humidity and sets the relaxation temperature range of the relaxation window W2 to the target temperature for the standby state, and sets the absolute humidity that satisfies the relaxation absolute humidity range of the relaxation window W2 to the target absolute humidity for the standby state. Then, the air conditioner control unit 110 controls the air conditioner 20 so that the temperature and absolute humidity of the paint booth 10 become the set target temperature and target absolute humidity.

[0064] Next, the setting unit 108 determines, based on the standby status schedule, whether the paint booth 10 has returned to a paintable state where paint can be applied to the object (step S20). If the control device 100 determines that the paintable state has returned (step S20: YES), it returns to step S10 and repeats the process.

[0065] On the other hand, if the setting unit 108 determines that the paint booth is not ready for painting (step S20: NO), it determines whether or not an object has been detected inside the paint booth 10 using the object detection sensor 42 (step S22). If the control device 100 determines that no object was detected inside the paint booth 10, that is, that there is no object (step S22: YES), it proceeds to step S26 and continues processing.

[0066] Meanwhile, when the setting unit 108 determines that an object has been detected in the paint booth 10, that is, when it determines that an object is present (step S22: YES), it determines whether the elapsed time since the object was detected has exceeded a predetermined reference time (step S24). When the control device 100 determines that the elapsed time has exceeded the reference time (step S24: YES), it determines that the paint-ready state has been restored and returns to step S10 to repeat the process.

[0067] On the other hand, if the setting unit 108 determines that the elapsed time has not exceeded the reference time (step S24: NO), it determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since entering the standby state (step S26). If the control device 100 determines that a predetermined time has not elapsed since entering the standby state (step S26: NO), it returns to step S18 and repeats the process.

[0068] On the other hand, when the control device 100 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed since entering the standby state (step S26: YES), it determines that the unit has returned to a paintable state and returns to step S10 to repeat the process. In other words, the control device 100 normally controls the air conditioner 20 based on window W1.

[0069] In this embodiment, the storage unit 130 of the control device 100 stored the normal window W1, relaxation window W2, and standby schedule. However, other devices (such as servers) connected to the control device 100 via a network may also store the normal window W1, relaxation window W2, and standby schedule. In this case, the control device 100 may acquire these via the network each time it controls the air conditioner 20.

[0070] In this embodiment, the control device 100 was connected to the object detection sensor 42 to detect the presence or absence of an object in the paint booth 10. However, the conveyor control device 50 may be connected to the object detection sensor 42 to detect the presence or absence of an object on the conveyor belt. In that case, the conveyor control device 50 transmits the detection result to the control device 100.

[0071] As described above, when an object is to be painted, the control device 100 of the air conditioner 20 in this embodiment sets the target temperature to a temperature that satisfies the temperature range of the normal window W1. The control device 100 also sets the target absolute humidity to an absolute humidity that satisfies the absolute humidity range of the normal window W1. Furthermore, when the paint booth 10 is in a standby state with no object to be painted, the control device 100 sets the target temperature to a temperature that satisfies the relaxation temperature range of the relaxation window W2, and sets the target absolute humidity to an absolute humidity that satisfies the relaxation absolute humidity range of the relaxation window W2. The control device 100 then controls the air conditioner 20 so that the temperature and absolute humidity of the paint booth 10 reach the target temperature and target absolute humidity. This is advantageous in shortening the time required to return the paint booth 10 from a standby state to a paintable state and in reducing the energy required to adjust the outside air. In other words, for example, if the outside air is outside the mitigation window W2, adjusting the temperature and absolute humidity of the outside air to be within the mitigation window W2 during standby mode will reduce the time required to return from standby mode to paintable mode and reduce the energy required to adjust the outside air, compared to supplying outside air with unadjusted temperature and absolute humidity into the paint booth 10.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the memory unit 130 further stores a standby schedule that records the date and time when the system enters standby mode. By determining whether or not the system has entered standby mode based on this standby schedule, the date and time when the system will enter standby mode can be determined in advance. As a result, the temperature and absolute humidity within the relaxation window W2 can be set to target temperature and target absolute humidity according to the standby schedule, which is advantageous in reducing the energy required to reliably adjust the outside air.

[0073] Furthermore, this embodiment includes an object detection sensor 42 that detects the presence or absence of an object inside the paint booth 10. If no object is detected inside the paint booth 10, it is determined that the system has entered a standby state. Therefore, once it is detected that the object has left the paint booth 10, the temperature and absolute humidity inside the mitigation window W2 can be immediately set to the target temperature and target absolute humidity, which is advantageous in reducing the energy required to adjust the outside air.

[0074] Furthermore, this embodiment includes a timing unit 104 that measures the elapsed time since the object detection sensor 42 stopped detecting an object, and determines that the system has entered a standby state when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined reference time. Therefore, if the object is only temporarily absent from the paint booth 10 for some reason and the system has not entered a standby state, it will not be mistakenly determined to be in standby mode. Thus, it is possible to reliably determine that the system has entered standby mode before setting the temperature and absolute humidity in the relaxation window W2 to the target temperature and target absolute humidity.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the system enters standby mode, the temperature and absolute humidity within the relaxation window W2 are set to target temperature and target absolute humidity, respectively, by referring to the outside air temperature and absolute humidity, so that at least one of the outside air temperature and absolute humidity can be adjusted with the minimum energy. This is advantageous in reducing the energy required to adjust the outside air when the system enters standby mode.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, while the blower fan 30 provided in the air conditioner 20 is operating, the air conditioner 20 is controlled so that the temperature and absolute humidity of the paint booth 10 become the target temperature and target absolute humidity. Therefore, when multiple paint booths 10 are provided, even if one of the paint booths 10 is in standby mode, the energy required to adjust the outside air can be reduced while maintaining the air conditioning balance among the multiple paint booths 10.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the outside temperature and absolute humidity are within the normal window W1, the temperature and absolute humidity within the normal window W1 are set to the target temperature and target absolute humidity, even when the system is in standby mode. Therefore, if the outside temperature and absolute humidity are within the normal window W1, no unnecessary energy is consumed when the system is in standby mode, and painting can be performed on the target object immediately after returning to a paintable state.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the relaxation temperature range and relaxation absolute humidity range are set to a range in which condensation does not occur even when the temperature and absolute humidity of the paint booth 10 are adjusted from inside the relaxation window W2 to the temperature and absolute humidity inside the normal window W1. Therefore, when multiple paint booths 10 are provided, it is advantageous in maintaining the air conditioning balance inside the paint booth 10 even when one of the paint booths 10 returns from a standby state to a paintable state.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the relaxation temperature range and relaxation absolute humidity range are set to a range that allows adjustment from the relaxation window W2 to the temperature and absolute humidity within the normal window W1 within a predetermined time when the paint booth 10 is returned to a paintable state where paint can be applied to an object from the standby state. This is advantageous in reducing the energy required to return the paint booth 10 from the standby state to the paintable state within a predetermined time and to adjust the outside air.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the air conditioner 20 is configured to include a preheater 22, a washer 24, a cooler 26, a reheater 28, and a blower fan 30, which is advantageous for easily adjusting the outside air to the target temperature and target absolute humidity on the psychrometric chart. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 1. Air conditioning system 10 Paint booth 20 Air conditioner 22 Preheater 24 washers 26 Cooler 28 Rehita 30 Blower fan 32. Outdoor temperature sensor 34. Outdoor humidity sensor 36. Regulating air temperature sensor 38. Regulating air humidity sensor 40 Recycled air conditioners 42 Object detection sensor 50 Conveyor control device 60 Drying equipment 70 Cooling device 100 Control device 102 Signal reception unit 104 Timing section 108 Settings Section 110 Air Conditioner Control Unit 130 Storage section W1 Normal Window W2 relaxation window

Claims

1. A control device for an air conditioner that controls an air conditioner that supplies air to a paint booth for applying paint to an object after taking in outside air and adjusting at least one of its temperature and humidity, A storage unit that stores the normal painting conditions, including the temperature range and humidity range, when the object is painted, A setting unit sets the target temperature to a temperature that satisfies the temperature range of the normal painting conditions, and sets the target humidity to a humidity that satisfies the humidity range of the normal painting conditions. The system includes an air conditioning control unit that controls the air conditioner so that the temperature and humidity of the paint booth become the target temperature and the target humidity, The storage unit further stores relaxation painting conditions including a relaxation temperature range in which the lower limit temperature is lower than the lower limit temperature of the temperature range of the normal painting conditions and the upper limit temperature is higher than the upper limit temperature of the temperature range, and a relaxation humidity range in which the lower limit humidity is lower than the lower limit humidity of the humidity range of the normal painting conditions and the upper limit temperature is higher than the upper limit humidity of the humidity range. When the setting unit enters a standby state where there is no object in the paint booth, it sets the target temperature to a temperature that satisfies the relaxation temperature range of the relaxation painting conditions, and sets the target humidity to a humidity that satisfies the relaxation humidity range of the relaxation painting conditions. A control device for an air conditioner, characterized by the following features.

2. The memory unit further stores a schedule that records the date and time when the standby state is entered. The setting unit determines whether or not the standby state has been reached based on the schedule. The control device for an air conditioner according to feature 1.

3. The paint booth further includes an object detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of the object inside the paint booth. The setting unit determines that the standby state has been entered if the target object is not detected inside the paint booth. The control device for an air conditioner according to feature 1.

4. The system further includes a timing unit that measures the elapsed time since the object was no longer detected by the object detection sensor, The setting unit determines that the standby state has been entered when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined reference time. The control device for an air conditioner according to feature 3.

5. An outside air temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the outside air, It is equipped with an outside air humidity sensor that detects the humidity of the outside air, When the setting unit enters the standby state, it refers to the detected outside air temperature and humidity and sets the temperature and humidity within the relaxed painting conditions that allow at least one of the outside air temperature and humidity to be adjusted with the minimum energy, to the target temperature and target humidity. The control device for an air conditioner according to feature 1.

6. The air conditioner is equipped with a blower that supplies air to the paint booth. The air conditioner control unit controls the air conditioner so that the temperature and humidity of the paint booth reach the target temperature and target humidity while the blower is in operation. The control device for an air conditioner according to feature 1.

7. An outside air temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the outside air, It is equipped with an outside air humidity sensor that detects the humidity of the outside air, The setting unit, when the detected outside air temperature and humidity are within the normal painting conditions, sets the temperature and humidity within the normal painting conditions to the target temperature and target humidity, even when in standby mode. The control device for an air conditioner according to feature 1.

8. The relaxation temperature range and the relaxation humidity range are set so that condensation does not occur even when the temperature and humidity of the paint booth are adjusted from the relaxation painting conditions to the normal painting conditions. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a control device.

9. The relaxation temperature range and the relaxation humidity range are set to a range that allows the temperature and humidity to be adjusted from the relaxation painting conditions to the normal painting conditions within a predetermined time when the paint booth is returned to a paintable state where paint can be applied to the object from the standby state. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a control device.

10. The air conditioner comprises a first heating device for heating outside air, a humidifying device for humidifying the outside air heated by the first heating device, a dehumidifying and cooling device for cooling and dehumidifying the outside air humidified by the humidifying device, a second heating device for reheating the outside air cooled and dehumidified by the dehumidifying and cooling device, and a supply device for supplying the outside air reheated by the second heating device as conditioned air to the paint booth. The control device for an air conditioner according to feature 1.

Images