Air control system

Abstract

It quickly reduces uneven air quality even in complex indoor spaces. [Solution] An air control system is provided which includes a range hood 10 having an exhaust function 13 for exhausting intake air to the outside and equipped with a first sensor 11 for detecting air conditions, an air conditioning device 20 having at least one of the following functions: cooling function 24, heating function 25, dehumidification function 26, and humidification function 27, and a control unit 30 that controls the operation of the exhaust function of the range hood and the functions of the air conditioning device, wherein the control unit acquires a first detection value detected by the first sensor, and if the first detection value is outside a predetermined range, starts the exhaust function of the range hood if it is not operating, and controls the exhaust air volume of the exhaust function to be increased if it is operating, thereby coordinating the exhaust function of the range hood and the functions of the air conditioning device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air control system.

Background Art

[0002] When the room is large or has a complex layout such as a roughly L-shaped room, it is difficult for the air conditioned by the air conditioning equipment to efficiently reach every corner of the room, resulting in temperature unevenness. To solve this problem, for example, it has been devised to use an air conditioner and a circulator together to reduce temperature unevenness by stirring the air in the room.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a circulator capable of operation start control independent of the room temperature. This circulator includes a fan that causes an air flow in the target space and a control unit that controls the operation of the fan. In the circulator for reducing temperature unevenness in the target space, it includes a humidity sensor that detects the humidity of the air in the target space, and when a change in humidity within a preset width occurs during a preset time, the operation of the circulator is started.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in this prior art, it took a long time to reduce temperature unevenness depending on the performance of the circulator. Therefore, the present invention has been devised in view of such circumstances, and provides an air control system that uses a range hood with a large exhaust capacity in combination to quickly reduce unevenness in the air state even in a complex indoor space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, an air control system is provided which includes a range hood having an exhaust function to exhaust the intake air to the outside and equipped with a first sensor for detecting the air condition, an air conditioning unit having at least one of the functions of cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and humidifying, and a control unit that controls the operation of the exhaust function of the range hood and the functions of the air conditioning unit, wherein the control unit acquires a first detection value detected by the first sensor, and if the first detection value is outside a predetermined range, starts the exhaust function of the range hood if it is not operating, and controls the exhaust air volume of the exhaust function to be increased if it is operating, thereby coordinating the exhaust function of the range hood and the functions of the air conditioning unit. According to this, if the air quality around the range hood is outside a predetermined range, the range hood's large exhaust capacity and the functions of the air conditioning equipment are linked. This allows the range hood to draw in and circulate the air that has been conditioned and blown out by the air conditioning equipment, thereby reducing unevenness in the air quality of the indoor space early on and providing an air control system that makes it possible to live comfortably anywhere in the room.

[0007] Furthermore, the control unit may be characterized by the fact that, after coordinating the exhaust function of the range hood with the functions of the air conditioning equipment, it acquires the first detection value detected by the first sensor, and if the first detection value is not outside a predetermined range, it terminates the coordination of the exhaust function of the range hood with the functions of the air conditioning equipment. According to this, by terminating the connection when the air quality around the range hood is no longer outside a predetermined range, the system only connects when necessary, thus saving energy.

[0008] Furthermore, the air conditioning unit may have louvers that define the direction in which air is blown out, and the control unit may be characterized by adjusting the direction in which air is blown out by the louvers based on the positional relationship between the range hood and the air conditioning unit. According to this, by adjusting the direction of the air blown out by the air conditioning system using louvers, the range hood can more efficiently draw in that air and distribute it throughout the room.

[0009] Furthermore, the range hood may further have a circulation function that returns the intake air to the room and a determination unit that determines whether or not cooking is taking place nearby, and the control unit may be characterized in that, when the exhaust function of the range hood and the functions of the air conditioning equipment are linked, the exhaust function is activated when the determination unit determines that cooking is taking place, and the circulation function is activated when the determination unit determines that cooking is not taking place. According to this, when the functions of both are linked, heat loss can be minimized by activating the exhaust function when cooking is in progress and the circulation function when cooking is not in progress.

[0010] Furthermore, the range hood may further include a determination unit that determines whether cooking is taking place nearby and the exhaust airflow rate of the exhaust function according to the cooking state, and the control unit may, when the exhaust function of the range hood and the functions of the air conditioning equipment are linked and the determination unit determines that cooking is taking place, compare the exhaust airflow rate of the exhaust function when the exhaust function of the range hood and the functions of the air conditioning equipment are linked with the exhaust airflow rate of the exhaust function according to the cooking state determined by the determination unit, and operate the exhaust function at the airflow rate that shows the larger airflow rate. According to this, when cooking is performed while coordinating the functions of both, the exhaust airflow from the coordinating exhaust function is compared with the exhaust airflow from the exhaust function according to the cooking state, and the exhaust function is operated at the larger airflow. This maintains the effect of the range hood drawing in and moving the air that is blown out by the air conditioning equipment for air conditioning, while also ensuring sufficient exhaust for cooking. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] As described above, according to the present invention, by using a range hood with a large exhaust capacity in combination, it is possible to provide an air control system that can quickly reduce unevenness in air quality even in complex indoor spaces. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] A functional block diagram of the air control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A perspective view of an air conditioning device in the first embodiment of the air control system according to the present invention. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the positional relationship between a range hood and air conditioning equipment in an indoor space including the air control system of the first embodiment of the present invention, (A) in the case of an indoor space with a rectangular base, and (B) in the case of an indoor space with an L-shaped base. [Figure 4] A flowchart (modified example 1) illustrating the control of an air control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] A flowchart for controlling the air control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention (modified example 2). [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the control of the air control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention (modified example 3). [Figure 7] A flowchart (modified example 4) illustrating the control of the air control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] In the following sections, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <First Example> Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, the air control system 100 in this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the air control system 100 includes a range hood 10, an air conditioner 20, and a control unit 30 that controls the range hood 10 and the air conditioner 20 to cooperate with each other. The range hood 10 is arranged near a stove installed in a kitchen or the like for cooking, and is a device that sucks oil fumes and the like generated by cooking from the hood part together with the indoor air, and removes the oil fumes and the like from the indoor air. The range hood 10 has an exhaust function 13 that exhausts the air sucked from the hood part to the outside, and a circulation function 14 that returns the air sucked after removing oil fumes and the like with a filter or the like to the indoor.

[0014] In addition, the range hood 10 has a first sensor 11 for detecting the indoor air state. The first sensor 11 may be provided near the range hood 10. Here, the indoor air state is the air temperature at a location near the stove but not affected by the heat source of the stove, and may further include the humidity of the air, or may be only the humidity of the air. Therefore, the first sensor 11 is a known sensor for measuring the temperature and humidity of the air.

[0015] In addition, the range hood 10 has a determination unit 12 for determining whether cooking is being performed near the stove. The determination unit 12 may be provided near the range hood 10. The determination unit 12 may, for example, receive a signal indicating that the heat source is being used from the stove and determine that cooking is being performed, or may determine that cooking is being performed on the stove by an infrared sensor, an oil fume sensor, a camera that images the upper surface of the stove, or the like. Further, it is preferable that the determination unit 12 determines the exhaust air volume of the exhaust function 13 according to the cooking state.

[0016] Here, the cooking state refers to various cooking states, such as frying with strong fire, boiling water, or simmering with weak fire. Generally, it is known that the exhaust air volume of the range hood 10 is changed to "strong", "medium", "weak", etc. according to such various cooking states to make the exhaust air volume suitable for the cooking state. The determination unit 12 determines the exhaust air volume according to the cooking state, for example, when the cooking state is frying with strong fire from an infrared sensor or the like, the exhaust air volume is set to "strong", and also determines whether the determined exhaust air volume matches the current exhaust air volume.

[0017] The air conditioner 20 is a device mainly used for the purpose of air conditioning arranged in a living room or the like. The air conditioner 20 has at least one of the functions of the cooling function 24, the heating function 25, the dehumidifying function 26, and the humidifying function 27. That is, the air conditioner 20 may have only the cooling function 24 and be a cooling-only device, may have only the heating function 25 and be a heating-only device, may be a dehumidifier having only the dehumidifying function 26, or may be a humidifier having only the humidifying function 27. In this embodiment, the air conditioner 20 has all of these functions, that is, the cooling function 24, the heating function 25, the dehumidifying function 26, and the humidifying function 27. Note that the cooling function 24 is a function for lowering the current temperature of the air toward the target temperature. The heating function 25 is a function for raising the current temperature of the air toward the target temperature. The dehumidifying function 26 is a function for lowering the current humidity of the air toward the target humidity. The humidifying function 27 is a function for raising the current humidity of the air toward the target humidity.

[0018] Furthermore, the air conditioning unit 20 has a second sensor 21 for detecting air conditions. The second sensor 21 is a known sensor that measures the temperature and humidity of the air in the room where it is installed, similar to the first sensor 11 described above. As shown in Figure 2, the air conditioning unit 20 has a horizontally elongated, roughly cubic shape, with an intake port on the top surface for drawing in indoor air and an outlet on the lower front surface for blowing out conditioned air. The outlet has a louver 23 that defines the direction in which the air is blown out, and the louver 23 has a louver 231 that defines the vertical direction in which the air is blown out and a louver 232 that defines the horizontal direction in which the air is blown out.

[0019] The control unit 30 controls the operation of the exhaust function 13 or circulation function 14 of the range hood 10 and the functions of the air conditioning unit 20 (cooling function 24, heating function 25, dehumidification function 26, humidification function 27). The control unit 30 may be located inside the range hood 10, inside the air conditioning unit 20, or outside both of these devices, and is connected to the range hood 10 and the air conditioning unit 20 in a known manner for communication. In this embodiment, the control unit 30 is located outside both devices.

[0020] The control unit 30 is configured to acquire information from the range hood 10 and the air conditioning unit 20 via communication, process that information, and send control signals to the range hood 10 and the air conditioning unit 20 via communication. The control unit 30 typically consists of a microprocessor, memory, and a network interface. The range hood 10 and the air conditioning unit 20 are equipped with a common network interface that allows them to communicate with the control unit 30.

[0021] Figure 3 schematically shows a configuration in which the range hood 10 is installed in the kitchen KC and the air conditioning unit 20 is installed in the living room LV. Figure (A) shows a case where the kitchen KC and living room LV are roughly composed of one space, while Figure (B) shows a case where the kitchen KC and living room LV are separated by a wall and connected by a door DR. In Figure (A), the positional relationship between the range hood 10 and the air conditioning unit 20 is such that the range hood 10 is located diagonally to the front and right (in the direction of the dotted arrow) from the perspective of the air conditioning unit 20. When the air conditioning unit 20 adjusts the direction of the airflow of the louvers 23 based on this positional relationship, the control unit 30 controls the louvers 23 to face in this direction.

[0022] Furthermore, in the case of Figure (B), the positional relationship between the range hood 10 and the air conditioning unit 20 is such that the range hood 10 is located diagonally to the front and right (in the direction of the dotted arrow) from the perspective of the air conditioning unit 20. However, since they are separated by a wall and the door DR serves as an air passage, the range hood 10 is virtually located in the front and straight ahead (in the direction of the dashed-dotted arrow) from the perspective of the air conditioning unit 20. In this positional relationship, when the air conditioning unit 20 is installed, the louvers 23 are set to blow air towards the range hood 10. The air blown out by the air conditioning unit 20 first flows in the front and straight ahead (in the direction of the dashed-dotted arrow), passes through the door DR, and is then pulled in the direction of the double-dotted-dotted arrow by the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 and moves towards the range hood 10.

[0023] Referring to Figure 4, the processing flow of the control unit 30 (modification example 1) will be described. In S100, the control unit 30 detects that the air conditioning equipment 20 has started operation. In S102, the control unit 30 checks whether the air conditioning equipment 20 is set (mode) to cooperate with the range hood 10. In order to distinguish between when cooperation between the range hood 10 and the air conditioning equipment 20 is necessary and when it is not, the air conditioning equipment 20 is configured so that such mode switching can be performed by the user. Alternatively, for example, such mode switching may be configured so that when a person detection means is installed in the kitchen KC or in the space located between the kitchen KC and the living room LV, it is determined that cooperation is necessary and the mode is switched.

[0024] If the air conditioning unit 20 is not configured to cooperate with the range hood 10, the process proceeds to S128 and the following steps are not performed. If the unit is configured to cooperate, the control unit 30 starts detection using the first sensor 11 of the range hood 10 in S104. In this embodiment, the first sensor 11 is a temperature sensor and detects the indoor temperature near the range hood 10. However, the first sensor 11 may also be a humidity sensor, in which case it detects the humidity near the range hood 10. In the modified example 1, the air conditioning unit 20 does not need to have a second sensor 21.

[0025] In S106, the control unit 30 acquires the first detected value detected by the first sensor 11, i.e., the indoor temperature (or humidity) near the range hood 10, and checks whether the temperature is outside a predetermined range. If the temperature (or humidity) is not outside the predetermined range, i.e., if the air is in a comfortable state, the process proceeds to S128 and the following steps are not performed. The predetermined range refers to the range of temperature and humidity that is comfortable for people, and generally, in summer, the temperature is around 25 to 28 degrees Celsius and the humidity is around 45 to 60 percent, and in winter, the temperature is around 18 to 22 degrees Celsius and the humidity is around 55 to 65 percent, and this can be set according to preference as appropriate. The predetermined range may also be pre-set at the time of shipment.

[0026] If the first detected value is outside a predetermined range, that is, if a person feels uncomfortable in the area where the range hood 10 is installed, the control unit 30, in S108, coordinates the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 with the functions of the air conditioning unit 20. Coordinating the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 with the functions of the air conditioning unit 20 means controlling the range hood 10, which has a large exhaust capacity, and the air blown out by the air conditioning unit 20, or the air in the living room LV which is assumed to be in a comfortable state, to move towards the kitchen space KC. For example, if the first detected value is outside a predetermined range, the control unit 30 may start the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 if it is not operating, increase the exhaust airflow of the exhaust function 13 if it is small, enhance the functions of the air conditioning unit 20, or adjust the direction of the louvers 23 to make it easier for air to flow towards the kitchen space. Furthermore, in the enhanced air conditioning unit 20, when the airflow setting has options of "low," "medium," "high," and "maximum," it is preferable to select an airflow of "medium" or higher, and more preferably "high" or higher.

[0027] For example, if the first sensor 11 detects 30 degrees while the cooling function 24 is operating in the living room LV and the exhaust function 13 is activated, the control unit 30 may change the airflow of the exhaust function 13 from "low" to "medium" and control it to lower the temperature of the air blown out from the outlet of the cooling function 24 and increase the airflow. Alternatively, for example, if the first sensor 11 detects 15 degrees while the heating function 25 is operating in the living room LV and the exhaust function 13 is activated, the control unit 30 may change the airflow of the exhaust function 13 from zero to "low" and control it to raise the temperature of the air blown out from the outlet of the heating function 25 and increase the airflow. When there are three levels of airflow for the exhaust function 13 to be selected during activation, "medium" is preferred, and "high" is more preferred. When there are two levels, "low" and "high", "high" is preferred. The airflow of the exhaust function 13 may also be determined according to the detection results of a human detection means installed in the kitchen or in the space between the kitchen KC and the living room LV. It is preferable that the system operates at the first airflow rate when a person is detected, and at the second airflow rate, which is greater than the first airflow rate, when no person is detected. For example, if the exhaust function 13 has airflow settings of "low," "medium," and "high," the first airflow rate may be set to "medium" and the second airflow rate to "high."

[0028] Similarly, if the first sensor 11 is a humidity sensor, and the first sensor 11 detects 70 percent humidity while the dehumidification function 26 is operating in the living room LV, and the exhaust function 13 is activated, the control unit 30 may change the airflow of the exhaust function 13 from "low" to "medium" to lower the humidity of the air blown out from the outlet of the dehumidification function 26 and increase the airflow. Also, for example, if the first sensor 11 detects 50 percent humidity while the humidification function 27 is operating in the living room LV, and the exhaust function 13 is activated, the control unit 30 may change the airflow of the exhaust function 13 from zero to "low" to raise the humidity of the air blown out from the outlet of the humidification function 27 and increase the airflow.

[0029] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the air conditioning equipment 20 is already in operation, but this is not the only assumption. For example, the control unit 30 may start the functions of the air conditioning equipment 20 after the range hood 10 is already in operation. Alternatively, the control unit 30 may start operation when both the range hood 10 and the air conditioning equipment 20 are in operation, or when neither is in operation, and control them to coordinate the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 and the functions of the air conditioning equipment 20. Furthermore, since the circulation function 14 causes less heat loss due to exhaust than the exhaust function 13, it is preferable to operate the circulation function 14 instead of the exhaust function 13.

[0030] In S110, the control unit 30 obtains a preset positional relationship between the range hood 10 and the air conditioner 20 from the louver control unit 22, which controls the louver 23 of the air conditioner 20, and controls the louver control unit 22 to adjust the direction in which the air is blown out by the louver 23 based on that positional relationship. As a result, the louver 23 changes its orientation in S112. In this way, by adjusting the direction of the air blown out by the air conditioner 20 using the louver 23, the range hood 10 can more efficiently move that air and distribute it throughout the room.

[0031] In S114, the control unit 30 obtains information from the determination unit 12 regarding whether or not cooking is being performed. If cooking is being performed, in S116 and S118, the control unit 30 compares the exhaust airflow from the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 when the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 and the functions of the air conditioning equipment 20 are linked, with the exhaust airflow from the exhaust function 13 according to the cooking state determined by the determination unit 12. If the former is greater than the latter, in S120, the control unit 30 controls the operation to use the exhaust airflow from the exhaust function 13 when they are linked.

[0032] Conversely, if the latter is greater than (or equal to) the former, the control unit 30 controls the exhaust function 13 in S130 to operate at the exhaust airflow rate corresponding to the cooking state determined by the determination unit 12. That is, when the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 and the functions of the air conditioning equipment 20 are linked, and the determination unit 12 determines that cooking is taking place, the control unit 30 controls the exhaust function 13 to operate at the larger of the two exhaust airflow rates, i.e., to operate the exhaust function 13 at the airflow rate indicating the larger airflow rate. As a result, when cooking is being performed while the functions of both are linked, the exhaust airflow rate from the linked exhaust function 13 is compared with the exhaust airflow rate of the exhaust function 13 according to the cooking state, and the exhaust function 13 is operated at the larger airflow rate. This allows the range hood 10 to draw in and move the air blown out by the air conditioning equipment 20 while also providing sufficient exhaust for cooking. If cooking is not taking place, the process in S120 is performed. If cooking is not taking place, the circulation function 14 may also be operated.

[0033] In S122, the control unit 30 detects the temperature using the first sensor 11 and acquires the first detected value in S124, checking whether the temperature is outside a predetermined range. If the temperature is outside the predetermined range, the process returns to S114, and the process from S114 to S124 is repeated as long as the temperature remains outside the predetermined range. When the temperature is no longer outside the predetermined range, it means that the air quality around the range hood 10 has improved, and in S126, the control unit 30 terminates the coordination between the range hood 10 and the air conditioning equipment 20. In S128, the control unit 30 checks whether the setting (mode) for the air conditioning equipment 20 to coordinate with the range hood 10 has been turned OFF. If it is not OFF, the process returns to S104 and the above process is repeated; if it is OFF, the process ends.

[0034] In this way, when the air quality around the range hood 10 is outside a predetermined range, the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10, which has a large exhaust capacity, is linked with the functions of the air conditioning equipment 20. As a result, the range hood 10 can draw in and move the air that has been conditioned and blown out by the air conditioning equipment 20, distributing it throughout the room. This reduces unevenness in the air quality in the indoor space at an early stage, providing an air control system 100 that makes it possible to live comfortably anywhere in the room.

[0035] Furthermore, after linking the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 with the functions of the air conditioning unit 20, the control unit 30 acquires the first detection value detected by the first sensor 11. If the first detection value is not outside a predetermined range, the control unit terminates the linking of the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 with the functions of the air conditioning unit 20. This is energy-saving because the linking is only performed when necessary.

[0036] Referring to Figure 5, the processing flow of the control unit 30 (modified example 2) will be explained. In S200, the control unit 30 detects that the air conditioning equipment 20 has started operation. In S202, the control unit 30 checks whether the air conditioning equipment 20 is set (in mode) to cooperate with the range hood 10.

[0037] If the air conditioning unit 20 is not configured to cooperate with the range hood 10, the process proceeds to S228 and the following steps are not performed. If the unit is configured to cooperate, the control unit 30 starts detection using the first sensor 11 and second sensor 21 of the range hood 10 in S204. In this embodiment, the first sensor 11 and second sensor 21 are temperature sensors that detect the indoor temperature near the range hood 10 and the temperature of living rooms and other rooms. However, the first sensor 11 and second sensor 21 may also be humidity sensors.

[0038] In S206, the control unit 30 acquires the first detection value detected by the first sensor 11, i.e., the indoor temperature near the range hood 10 (kitchen KC), and the second detection value detected by the second sensor 21, i.e., the living room temperature (living LV), and checks whether the difference between the two temperatures is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. If the difference is not greater than or equal to the predetermined value, that is, if there is little temperature unevenness in the space and the air is in a comfortable state, the process proceeds to S228 and the following processing is not performed. The predetermined value refers to the maximum allowable temperature difference (humidity difference) within a single space or a space connected by a door DR, such as kitchen KC and living LV, and can be set as desired. The predetermined value may be pre-set at the time of shipment.

[0039] If the difference between the first detected value and the second detected value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, that is, if the temperature difference between the location where the range hood 10 is installed and the location where the air conditioning unit 20 is installed is greater than or equal to a predetermined value and it is considered that there is a large temperature unevenness, the control unit 30 will link the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 and the function of the air conditioning unit 20 in S208. Linking the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 and the function of the air conditioning unit 20 means controlling the range hood 10, which has a large exhaust capacity, and the air blown out by the air conditioning unit 20, or the air in the living room LV which is assumed to be in a comfortable state, to move towards the kitchen space KC using the functions of the range hood 10 and the air conditioning unit 20 which have a large exhaust capacity. For example, if the first detected value and the second detected value are greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control unit 30 may start the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 if it is not operating, and may control it to increase the exhaust airflow of the exhaust function 13 if it is small. Furthermore, the control unit 30 may enhance the functions of the air conditioning equipment 20 or adjust the direction of the louvers 23 to facilitate airflow towards the kitchen space.

[0040] In S210, the control unit 30 obtains a preset positional relationship between the range hood 10 and the air conditioning unit 20 from the louver control unit 22, which controls the louver 23 of the air conditioning unit 20, and controls the louver control unit 22 to adjust the direction in which the air is blown out by the louver 23 based on that positional relationship. As a result, the louver 23 changes its orientation in S212. In this way, by adjusting the direction of the air blown out by the air conditioning unit 20 using the louver 23, the range hood 10 can more efficiently move that air and distribute it throughout the room.

[0041] In S214, the control unit 30 obtains information from the determination unit 12 regarding whether or not cooking is being performed. If cooking is being performed, in S216 and S218, the control unit 30 compares the exhaust airflow from the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 when the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 and the functions of the air conditioning equipment 20 are linked, with the exhaust airflow from the exhaust function 13 according to the cooking state determined by the determination unit 12. If the former is greater than the latter, in S220, the control unit 30 controls the operation to use the exhaust airflow from the exhaust function 13 when they are linked.

[0042] Conversely, if the latter is greater than (or equal to) the former, the control unit 30 controls the exhaust function 13 in S230 to operate at the exhaust airflow rate corresponding to the cooking state determined by the determination unit 12. That is, if the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 and the functions of the air conditioning equipment 20 are linked and the determination unit 12 determines that cooking is taking place, the control unit 30 controls the exhaust function 13 to operate at the larger airflow rate. In this way, when cooking is performed while linking the functions of both, the exhaust airflow rate from the linked exhaust function 13 is compared with the exhaust airflow rate of the exhaust function 13 according to the cooking state, and the exhaust function 13 is operated at the larger airflow rate. This allows the range hood 10 to draw in and move the air blown out by the air conditioning equipment 20 while also providing sufficient exhaust for cooking. If cooking is not taking place, the process in S220 is performed. If cooking is not taking place, the circulation function 14 may also be operated.

[0043] In S222, the control unit 30 detects the temperature using the first sensor 11 and the second sensor 21, and in S224, it obtains the first detected value detected by the first sensor 11 and the second detected value detected by the second sensor 21, and checks whether the difference between these temperatures is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. If the difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, it returns to S214, and repeats the process from S214 to S224 as long as the temperature is outside the predetermined range. When the temperature is no longer outside the predetermined range, it means that the air condition around the range hood 10 has improved, and in S226, the control unit 30 terminates the cooperation between the range hood 10 and the air conditioning equipment 20. In S228, the control unit 30 checks whether the setting (mode) for the air conditioning equipment 20 to cooperate with the range hood 10 has been turned OFF. If it is not OFF, it returns to S202 and repeats the above process, and if it is OFF, it terminates the process.

[0044] In this way, when there is a difference of a predetermined value or more between the air condition around the air conditioner 20 and the air condition around the range hood 10, the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10, which has a large exhaust capacity, is linked with the functions of the air conditioner 20. As a result, the range hood 10 draws in the air that is conditioned and blown out by the air conditioner 20, moving it and distributing it throughout the room. This reduces unevenness in the air condition of the indoor space at an early stage, providing an air control system 100 that makes it possible to live comfortably anywhere in the room.

[0045] Furthermore, after linking the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 with the functions of the air conditioning equipment 20, the control unit 30 acquires the first detection value detected by the first sensor 11 and the second detection value detected by the second sensor 21. If the difference between the first detection value and the second detection value is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 30 terminates the linking of the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 with the functions of the air conditioning equipment 20. This is energy-saving because the linking is only performed when necessary.

[0046] Referring to Figure 6, the processing flow of the control unit 30 (modified example 3) will be described. In S300, the control unit 30 detects that the air conditioning equipment 20 has started operation. In S302, the control unit 30 checks whether the air conditioning equipment 20 is set (mode) to cooperate with the range hood 10.

[0047] If the air conditioning unit 20 is not configured to cooperate with the range hood 10, the process proceeds to S324 and the following steps are not performed. If the unit is configured to cooperate, the control unit 30 starts detection using the first sensor 11 of the range hood 10 in S304. In this embodiment, the first sensor 11 is a temperature sensor and detects the indoor temperature near the range hood 10. In the modified example 3, the air conditioning unit 20 does not need to have a second sensor 21.

[0048] In S306, the control unit 30 acquires the first detected value detected by the first sensor 11, i.e., the indoor temperature near the range hood 10, and checks whether that temperature is outside a predetermined range. If the temperature is not outside the predetermined range, i.e., if the air is in a comfortable condition, the process proceeds to S324 and the following steps are not performed.

[0049] If the first detected value is outside a predetermined range, that is, if a person feels uncomfortable in the location where the range hood 10 is installed, the control unit 30, in S308, coordinates the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 with the functions of the air conditioning equipment 20.

[0050] In S310, the control unit 30 obtains a preset positional relationship between the range hood 10 and the air conditioner 20 from the louver control unit 22, which controls the louver 23 of the air conditioner 20, and controls the louver control unit 22 to adjust the direction in which the air is blown out by the louver 23 based on that positional relationship. As a result, the louver 23 changes its orientation in S312. In this way, by adjusting the direction of the air blown out by the air conditioner 20 using the louver 23, the range hood 10 can more efficiently move that air and distribute it throughout the room.

[0051] In S314, the control unit 30 obtains information from the determination unit 12 regarding whether or not cooking is being performed. If cooking is being performed, the control unit 30 activates the exhaust function 13 in S316. On the other hand, if cooking is not being performed, the control unit 30 activates the circulation function 14 in S326. In this way, when the functions of both the range hood 10 and the air conditioning equipment 20 are linked, heat loss can be minimized by activating the exhaust function 13 when cooking is being performed and the circulation function 14 when cooking is not being performed.

[0052] In S318, the control unit 30 detects the temperature using the first sensor 11 and acquires the first detected value in S320 to check whether the temperature is outside a predetermined range. If the temperature is outside the predetermined range, the process returns to S314 and repeats steps S314 to S320 as long as the temperature remains outside the predetermined range. When the temperature is no longer outside the predetermined range, it means that the air quality around the range hood 10 has improved, and in S322, the control unit 30 terminates the coordination between the range hood 10 and the air conditioning equipment 20. In S324, the control unit 30 checks whether the setting (mode) for the air conditioning equipment 20 to coordinate with the range hood 10 has been turned OFF. If it is not OFF, the process returns to S304 and repeats the above process; if it is OFF, the process terminates.

[0053] In this way, when the air quality around the range hood 10 is outside a predetermined range, the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10, which has a large exhaust capacity, is linked with the functions of the air conditioning equipment 20. As a result, the range hood 10 can draw in and move the air that has been conditioned and blown out by the air conditioning equipment 20, distributing it throughout the room. This reduces unevenness in the air quality in the indoor space at an early stage, providing an air control system 100 that makes it possible to live comfortably anywhere in the room.

[0054] Furthermore, after linking the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 with the functions of the air conditioning unit 20, the control unit 30 acquires the first detection value detected by the first sensor 11. If the first detection value is not outside a predetermined range, the control unit terminates the linking of the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 with the functions of the air conditioning unit 20. This is energy-saving because the linking is only performed when necessary.

[0055] Referring to Figure 7, the processing flow of the control unit 30 (modified example 4) will be described. In S400, the control unit 30 detects that the air conditioning equipment 20 has started operation. In S402, the control unit 30 checks whether the air conditioning equipment 20 is set (mode) to cooperate with the range hood 10.

[0056] If the air conditioning unit 20 is not configured to cooperate with the range hood 10, the process proceeds to S424 and the following steps are not performed. If the unit is configured to cooperate, the control unit 30 starts detection in S404 using the first sensor 11 of the range hood 10 and the second sensor 21 of the air conditioning unit 20. In this embodiment, the first sensor 11 is a temperature sensor and detects the indoor temperature near the range hood 10.

[0057] In S406, the control unit 30 obtains the first detection value detected by the first sensor 11, i.e., the indoor temperature near the range hood 10, and the second detection value detected by the second sensor 21, i.e., the room temperature, and checks whether the difference between the two temperatures is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. If the difference is not greater than or equal to the predetermined value, that is, if there is little temperature unevenness in the space and the air is in a comfortable state, the process proceeds to S424 and the following processing is not performed.

[0058] If the difference is greater than a predetermined value, that is, if the temperature difference between the location where the range hood 10 is installed and the location where the air conditioning equipment 20 is installed is greater than a predetermined value and it is considered that there is a large temperature unevenness, the control unit 30 will coordinate the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 with the functions of the air conditioning equipment 20 in S408.

[0059] In S410, the control unit 30 obtains a preset positional relationship between the range hood 10 and the air conditioner 20 from the louver control unit 22, which controls the louver 23 of the air conditioner 20, and controls the louver control unit 22 to adjust the direction in which the air is blown out by the louver 23 based on that positional relationship. As a result, the louver 23 changes its orientation in S412. In this way, by adjusting the direction of the air blown out by the air conditioner 20 using the louver 23, the range hood 10 can more efficiently move that air and distribute it throughout the room.

[0060] In S414, the control unit 30 obtains information from the determination unit 12 regarding whether or not cooking is being performed. If cooking is being performed, the control unit 30 activates the exhaust function 13 in S416. On the other hand, if cooking is not being performed, the control unit 30 activates the circulation function 14 in S426. In this way, by coordinating the functions of both the range hood 10 and the air conditioning equipment 20, heat loss can be minimized by activating the exhaust function 13 when cooking is being performed and the circulation function 14 when cooking is not being performed.

[0061] In S418, the control unit 30 detects the temperature using the first sensor 11 and the second sensor 21, and in S420, it obtains the first detected value detected by the first sensor 11 and the second detected value detected by the second sensor 21, and checks whether the difference between these temperatures is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. If the difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the process returns to S414, and as long as it is outside the predetermined range, the process from S414 to S420 is repeated. When the temperature is no longer outside the predetermined range, it means that the air condition around the range hood 10 has improved, and in S422, the control unit 30 terminates the cooperation between the range hood 10 and the air conditioning equipment 20. In S424, the control unit 30 checks whether the setting (mode) for the air conditioning equipment 20 to cooperate with the range hood 10 has been turned OFF. If it is not OFF, the process returns to S404, and the above process is repeated, and if it is OFF, the process ends.

[0062] In this way, when there is a difference of a predetermined value or more between the air condition around the air conditioner 20 and the air condition around the range hood 10, the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10, which has a large exhaust capacity, is linked with the functions of the air conditioner 20. As a result, the range hood 10 draws in the air that is conditioned and blown out by the air conditioner 20, moving it and distributing it throughout the room. This reduces unevenness in the air condition of the indoor space at an early stage, providing an air control system 100 that makes it possible to live comfortably anywhere in the room.

[0063] Furthermore, after linking the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 with the functions of the air conditioning equipment 20, the control unit 30 acquires the first detection value detected by the first sensor 11 and the second detection value detected by the second sensor 21. If the difference between the first detection value and the second detection value is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 30 terminates the linking of the exhaust function 13 of the range hood 10 with the functions of the air conditioning equipment 20. This is energy-saving because the linking is only performed when necessary.

[0064] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments, and can be implemented in configurations that do not depart from the content described in each claim. In other words, although the present invention is illustrated and described in particular with respect to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the embodiments described above in terms of quantity and other detailed configurations without departing from the scope of the technical idea and objectives of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 100 Air control system 10 Range Hood 11. First Sensor 12 Judgment section 13. Exhaust function 14. Air supply function 20 Air conditioning equipment 21 Second Sensor 22 Louver control unit 23 Louvers 24 Cooling function 25 Heating function 26. Dehumidification function 27 Humidification function 30 Control Unit KC Kitchen LV Living DR Door

Claims

1. A range hood having an exhaust function that exhausts the intake air to the outside, and equipped with a first sensor that detects the air quality, An air conditioning device having at least one of the following functions: cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and humidifying. A control unit that controls the operation of the exhaust function of the range hood and the functions of the air conditioning equipment, Equipped with, The control unit, The first detection value detected by the first sensor is acquired, If the first detected value is outside a predetermined range, the exhaust function of the range hood is started if it is not operating, and if it is operating, the exhaust airflow of the exhaust function is controlled to be increased, and the exhaust function of the range hood is coordinated with the functions of the air conditioning equipment. Air control system.

2. The air control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit, after linking the exhaust function of the range hood with the functions of the air conditioning equipment, acquires a first detection value detected by the first sensor, and if the first detection value is not outside a predetermined range, terminates the linking of the exhaust function of the range hood with the functions of the air conditioning equipment.

3. The aforementioned air conditioning equipment has louvers that define the direction in which air is blown out. The air control system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the control unit adjusts the direction in which the air is blown out of the louvers based on the positional relationship between the range hood and the air conditioning equipment.

4. The range hood further includes a circulation function that returns the drawn-in air to the room, and a determination unit that determines whether or not cooking is taking place nearby. The air control system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, when the control unit coordinates the exhaust function of the range hood with the functions of the air conditioning equipment, the control unit operates the exhaust function when it determines that cooking is being performed, and operates the circulation function when it determines that cooking is not being performed.

5. The range hood further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not cooking is being done nearby and determines the exhaust airflow of the exhaust function according to the cooking state. The air control system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, when the control unit is coordinating the exhaust function of the range hood with the functions of the air conditioning equipment and the determination unit determines that cooking is being performed, the control unit compares the exhaust airflow from the exhaust function when the exhaust function of the range hood and the functions of the air conditioning equipment are coordinating with the exhaust airflow from the exhaust function according to the cooking state determined by the determination unit, and operates the exhaust function with the airflow that shows the larger airflow.

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