Air control system

Abstract

To provide an air control system that does not impair the comfort of people indoors even when the ventilation system is operating in exhaust mode while the air conditioning system is running. [Solution] The present invention provides an air control system 100 comprising: a ventilation device 10 having an exhaust function for exhausting indoor air to the outdoors; an air supply function for supplying outdoor air to the indoors; an air conditioning device 20 having at least one of a cooling function and a heating function, which adjusts the temperature of the indoor air based on a preset temperature; and a control unit 30 that, while the cooling or heating function of the air conditioning device, the air supply function of the air conditioning device, and the exhaust function of the ventilation device are in operation, acquires the temperature of the outdoor air and the set temperature, determines the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioning device, and instructs the air conditioning device on the temperature of the air to be blown out.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air control system composed of a ventilation device and air conditioning equipment.

Background Art

[0002] When ventilating with a ventilation device during the heating or cooling operation of air conditioning equipment indoors, outdoor air may enter the room, which may impair the comfort indoors. To solve this problem, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, it is conceivable to warm the outdoor air through the heat exchanger of the air conditioner and then introduce it so that the indoor temperature does not drop during heating by the exhaust of the range hood.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when the exhaust operation by the ventilation device is performed during the operation of the air conditioner, outdoor air may enter the room from the natural air intake or gaps in the building. In such a case, even if the outdoor air is temperature-controlled by the air conditioning equipment and then introduced into the room, the temperature of the indoor air is affected by the outdoor air entering from other places, and the comfort is impaired. For example, even if the outdoor air is warmed and introduced indoors during heating, it will be cooled by the outdoor air entering from the gaps in the building, etc., not only making the people indoors feel cold, but also there is a risk that the indoor temperature will not rise easily and they will feel uncomfortable.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been devised in view of such circumstances, and provides an air control system that does not impair the comfort of people indoors even when the exhaust operation of the ventilation device is performed during the operation of the air conditioning equipment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, an air control system is provided, comprising: a ventilation device having an exhaust function for exhausting indoor air to the outdoors; an air supply function for supplying outdoor air to the indoors; an air conditioning device having at least one of a cooling function and a heating function, which adjusts the temperature of the indoor air based on a preset temperature; and a control unit that, while the cooling or heating function of the air conditioning device, the air supply function of the air conditioning device, and the exhaust function of the ventilation device are in operation, acquires the temperature of the outdoor air and the set temperature, determines the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioning device, and instructs the air conditioning device on the temperature of the air to be blown out. According to this, by determining the temperature of the air blown into the room by the air conditioner based on the outdoor temperature and the set temperature of the air conditioner, it is possible to determine the temperature in accordance with the outdoor temperature and the set temperature even when air enters through gaps in the building, and it is possible to provide an air control system that does not impair the comfort of people inside the room even when the exhaust operation of the ventilation system is performed while the air conditioner is running.

[0007] To solve the above problems, an air control system is provided comprising: a ventilation device having an exhaust function for exhausting indoor air to the outdoors; an air supply function for supplying outdoor air to the indoors; an air conditioning unit having at least one of a cooling function and a heating function; and a control unit that, while the cooling or heating function of the air conditioning unit, the air supply function of the air conditioning unit, and the exhaust function of the ventilation device are in operation, acquires the exhaust volume of the ventilation device and the air supply volume of the air conditioning unit, determines the exhaust volume of the ventilation device and / or the air supply volume of the air conditioning unit so as to minimize the difference between the acquired exhaust volume and the air supply volume, and instructs the ventilation device to use the determined exhaust volume and / or the air conditioning unit to use the determined air supply volume. According to this, by determining the exhaust volume of the ventilation system and the supply volume of the air conditioning system so that they are equal, it is possible to minimize the intrusion of outside air through gaps in the building, etc., and to provide an air control system that does not impair the comfort of people inside the building even when the ventilation system is operating in exhaust mode while the air conditioning system is running.

[0008] Furthermore, the air conditioning equipment adjusts the temperature of the indoor air based on a preset temperature, and the control unit, while the cooling or heating function of the air conditioning equipment, the supply air function of the air conditioning equipment, and the exhaust function of the ventilation system are in operation, acquires the outdoor air temperature, the set temperature, the exhaust volume of the ventilation system, and the supply air volume of the air conditioning equipment. If the acquired supply air volume is equal to the maximum supply air volume provided by the air conditioning equipment, and the acquired exhaust air volume exceeds the acquired supply air volume, the control unit may be characterized by determining the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioning equipment based on the acquired outdoor air temperature and the set temperature. According to this, when the exhaust volume of the ventilation system exceeds the supply volume of the air conditioning system, the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioning system is determined based on the outdoor temperature and the set temperature of the air conditioning system. This allows the temperature to be determined in accordance with the outdoor temperature and the set temperature even when the amount of outdoor air entering through gaps in the building increases, and provides an air control system that does not impair the comfort of people inside the building even when the exhaust operation of the ventilation system is performed while the air conditioning system is running.

[0009] Furthermore, the control unit may be characterized in that, when the cooling function of the air conditioner, the supply air function of the air conditioner, and the exhaust function of the ventilation system are in operation, if the acquired outdoor air temperature is higher than the set temperature by a predetermined value or more, it will set the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioner to be lower than the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioner when the supply air function of the air conditioner and the exhaust function of the ventilation system are not in operation. Conversely, when the heating function of the air conditioner, the supply air function of the air conditioner, and the exhaust function of the ventilation system are in operation, if the acquired outdoor air temperature is lower than the set temperature by a predetermined value or more, it will set the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioner to be higher than the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioner when the supply air function of the air conditioner and the exhaust function of the ventilation system are not in operation. According to this, when the outdoor temperature is higher or lower than the set temperature by a predetermined value, that is, when the outdoor temperature deviates from the set temperature considered to be a comfortable temperature, the air conditioner determines the temperature of the air it blows into the room to be lower during cooling and higher during heating compared to normal cooling and heating operation. This provides an air control system that does not impair the comfort of people inside the room, even when the ventilation system is operating during the operation of the air conditioner and the amount of outside air entering through gaps in the building increases.

[0010] Furthermore, the control unit may be characterized by determining the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioner according to the difference between the acquired outdoor air temperature and the set temperature while the cooling or heating function of the air conditioner, the supply air function of the air conditioner, and the exhaust air function of the ventilation system are in operation. According to this, by determining the temperature of the air blown into the room by the air conditioner according to the difference between the outdoor temperature and the set temperature of the air conditioner, it is possible to determine the temperature in accordance with the outdoor temperature and the set temperature even if the amount of outdoor air entering through gaps in the building increases, and an air control system can be provided that does not impair the comfort of people inside the room even when the exhaust operation of the ventilation system is performed while the air conditioner is running. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] As described above, the present invention provides an air control system that does not impair the comfort of people indoors even when the exhaust operation of the ventilation system is performed while the air conditioning system is in operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the components of the air control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing the components of the air control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention installed in a house. [Figure 3] A block diagram of the air control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] A flowchart showing the processing flow of the air control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Flowchart (Modification 1) showing the processing flow of the air control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Block configuration diagram of the air control system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the processing flow of the air control system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Flowchart (Modification 1) showing the processing flow of the air control system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Block configuration diagram of the air control system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Flowchart (Part 1) showing the processing flow of the air control system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Flowchart (Part 2) showing the processing flow of the air control system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Flowchart (Modification 1, Part 1) showing the processing flow of the air control system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Flowchart (Modification 1, Part 2) showing the processing flow of the air control system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, each embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment> Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the air control system 100 in this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the air control system 100 includes a ventilation device 10, an air conditioning device 20, and a control unit 30. The control unit 30 is communicably connected to the ventilation device 10 and the air conditioning device 20. The communication may be either wired or wireless and is performed by a known method (for example, WiFi, etc.). In this embodiment, the control unit 30 is configured separately from the ventilation device 10 and the air conditioning device 20, but it may be configured to be included in either the ventilation device 10 or the air conditioning device 20.

[0014] The ventilation device 10 has an exhaust function for exhausting indoor air outdoors. In this specification, the ventilation device 10 has the exhaust function and is described as a range hood disposed in the kitchen of a house, but is not limited thereto, and may be a ventilation fan disposed in a living room or an office of a house. The ventilation device 10 includes a ventilation blower 11 for actually exhausting indoor air outdoors, an exhaust volume measurement unit 12 for measuring the exhaust volume of the air exhausted by the ventilation blower 11, and an exhaust air volume selection button 13 for a user to select the magnitude of the exhaust air volume. Although not shown in the drawings, the ventilation device 10 further includes a communication unit that communicates to transmit the exhaust volume measured by the exhaust volume measurement unit 12 and the selected value of the exhaust air volume selection button 13 to the control unit 30.

[0015] The ventilation blower 11 is preferably a sirocco fan with high static pressure, but is not particularly limited. The exhaust volume measurement unit 12 usually provides a wind speed meter (not shown) in the duct connecting the ventilation device 10 to the outdoors, and obtains the exhaust air volume based on the wind speed measured by the wind speed meter and the cross-sectional area of the duct, but the measurement method is not particularly limited. The exhaust air volume selection button 13 is a button for changing the rotation speed of the ventilation blower 11 and changing the ventilation volume, for example, strong, medium, weak, 24-hour ventilation volume (ventilation volume even less than weak), etc. Since the range hood has a high static pressure and a large exhaust volume, it not only captures oil fumes generated from cooking performed nearby and discharges them outdoors, but also has the ability to suck and move air from spaces other than the kitchen of the house.

[0016] The air conditioning device 20 is a so-called air conditioner that has only a cooling function for cooling the temperature of indoor air, or only a heating function for heating the temperature of indoor air, or both a cooling function and a heating function. The air conditioning device 20 blows out the air cooled by the cooling function or heated by the heating function from the air outlet to adjust the temperature of the indoor air. The air conditioning device 20 further has an air supply function for supplying outdoor air indoors. Although not shown in the drawings, the air conditioning device 20 further includes a communication unit that communicates to transmit the air supply volume measured by the air supply volume measurement unit 223 and the selected value of the air supply air volume selection button 234 to the control unit 30.

[0017] The air conditioning unit 20 consists of an indoor unit 21, an outdoor unit 22, and an operating terminal 23. The indoor unit 21 includes an indoor fan 211 for blowing air from an outlet and an indoor heat exchanger 212 for exchanging heat with indoor air. The outdoor unit 22 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 225 for exchanging heat with outdoor air and an air supply unit 221. When operating the cooling function, the air conditioning unit 20 circulates a refrigerant between the indoor heat exchanger 212 and the outdoor heat exchanger 225, and when operating the heating function, it circulates a heat transfer medium between the indoor heat exchanger 212 and the outdoor heat exchanger 225.

[0018] The air supply unit 221 includes an air supply fan 222 for actually supplying outdoor air indoors, an air supply volume measuring unit 223 for measuring the amount of air supplied by the air supply fan 222, and an air supply valve 224 that opens when the air supply function is activated. The air supply fan 222 is preferably a sirocco fan with high static pressure, but is not particularly limited. The air supply volume measuring unit 223 determines the amount of air supplied by a known method similar to that of the exhaust volume measuring unit 12. The operation terminal 23 includes a cooling function button 231 for activating the cooling function, a heating function button 232 for activating the heating function, an air supply volume selection button 234 for activating the air supply function, changing the rotation speed of the air supply fan 222, and changing the amount of air supplied, and a stop button 233 for stopping the cooling, heating, and air supply functions.

[0019] The control unit 30 includes a communication unit (not shown) that communicates with the communication units of the ventilation device 10 and the air conditioning unit 20, and a microcomputer that calculates the temperature of the air blown out from the outlet of the air conditioning unit 20 based on the exhaust volume of the ventilation device 10 and the supply volume of the air conditioning unit 20. The control method of the control unit 30 executed by this microcomputer will be explained with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 4 and 5. In the flowcharts, S indicates a step.

[0020] In Figure 4, in S100, the control unit 30 activates the heating function of the air conditioning unit 20, the supply air function of the air conditioning unit 20, and the exhaust function of the ventilation device 10. Note that the cooling function may be used instead of the heating function. In S102, while these three functions are operating, the control unit 30 obtains, via communication, the exhaust volume measured by the exhaust volume measuring unit 12 of the ventilation device 10 and the supply air volume measured by the supply air volume measuring unit 223 of the air conditioning unit 20, and compares the two. Note that the exhaust volume obtained by the control unit 30 here may be the theoretical value of the exhaust volume selected by the exhaust air volume selection button 13 of the ventilation device 10. Similarly, the supply air volume obtained by the control unit 30 here may be the theoretical value of the supply air volume selected by the supply air volume selection button 234 of the operation terminal 23 of the air conditioning device 20. In this case, the exhaust volume measuring unit 12 and the supply air volume measuring unit 223 may be omitted.

[0021] In S104, the control unit 30 calculates and determines the temperature of the air blown out from the outlet of the air conditioning unit 20 based on the difference between the exhaust volume and the supply volume. For example, if the control unit 30 sets the temperature of the blown air to Td0 when the exhaust volume > supply volume during heating, then when the difference between the exhaust volume and supply volume becomes larger and the exhaust volume >> supply volume, the control unit 30 determines the temperature of the blown air to be higher than Td0 (Td1 > Td0). The larger the difference between the exhaust volume and supply volume, the greater the negative pressure inside the building, so that more cold outside air enters the building through natural air inlets and gaps. Therefore, during heating, the control unit 30 sets the temperature of the blown air to be higher Td1 compared to when the difference between the exhaust volume and supply volume is small. Conversely, during cooling, a larger amount of warm air enters the building, so the control unit 30 sets the temperature of the blown air to be lower Td1 compared to when the difference between the exhaust volume and supply volume is small.

[0022] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 30 determines the temperature of the blown air Td0 when the exhaust volume < supply volume during heating. When the difference between the exhaust volume and supply volume becomes larger and exhaust volume << supply volume, the control unit 30 determines the temperature of the blown air Td1 to be higher than temperature Td0 (Td1 > Td0). The larger the difference between the exhaust volume and supply volume, the greater the positive pressure inside the building, so more warm air leaks out from the building's natural air inlets and gaps to the outside. Therefore, during heating, the control unit 30 raises the temperature of the blown air Td1 compared to when the difference between the exhaust volume and supply volume is small. Conversely, during cooling, more cold air leaks out to the outside, so the control unit 30 lowers the temperature of the blown air Td1 compared to when the difference between the exhaust volume and supply volume is small. Once the control unit 30 has determined the temperature of the blown air, it instructs the air conditioning equipment 20 to set the temperature of the blown air.

[0023] The control unit 30 executes S102 and S104 when all functions of the air conditioning equipment 20 (heating and supply air) and the ventilation device 10 (exhaust air) are in operation. Therefore, in S106, it checks whether the user has given an instruction to terminate any of the heating, supply air, or ventilation functions. If there is no instruction, the control unit 30 repeats S102 and S104. If there is an instruction, in S108, it instructs the air conditioning equipment 20 and the ventilation device 10 to terminate the function for which the termination instruction was given. In this way, by determining the temperature of the air blown into the room by the air conditioning equipment 20 according to the difference between the exhaust volume of the ventilation device 10 and the supply volume of the air conditioning equipment 20, it is possible to provide an air control system 100 that does not impair the comfort of people in the room even when the ventilation device 10 is operating for exhaust air while the air conditioning equipment 20 is in operation.

[0024] Referring to Figure 5, a modified example of the control unit 30, Part 1, will be described. In S200, the control unit 30 activates the heating function of the air conditioning equipment 20, the air supply function of the air conditioning equipment 20, and the exhaust function of the ventilation device 10. In S202, while these three functions are operating, the control unit 30 acquires the exhaust volume measured by the exhaust volume measuring unit 12 of the ventilation device 10 and the supply volume measured by the air supply volume measuring unit 223 of the air conditioning equipment 20 via communication and compares the two.

[0025] In S204, the control unit 30 checks whether the acquired exhaust volume is greater than the supply volume by a predetermined value or more. If the acquired exhaust volume is greater than the supply volume by a predetermined value or more, in S206, the control unit 30 determines that the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioner 20 is higher than the temperature t1 of the air blown out by the air conditioner 20 when the supply air function of the air conditioner 20 and the exhaust air function of the ventilation device 10 are not operating (this temperature is called the discharge temperature during normal cooling and heating operation). In other words, the discharge temperature during normal cooling and heating operation is the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioner 20 under normal conditions in an environment where there is no supply air function or ventilation function.

[0026] Normally, during cooling operation, the air conditioning unit 20 compares the indoor temperature with the set temperature for cooling operation. If the indoor temperature > set temperature, it blows out air at a temperature lower than the set temperature. During heating operation, it compares the indoor temperature with the set temperature for heating operation. If the indoor temperature < set temperature, it blows out air at a temperature higher than the set temperature. The predetermined value is a value that can be appropriately determined by the user or at the time of shipment. If the control unit 30 sets the predetermined value to a small value, it will execute the next step (S206) even if the difference between the exhaust volume and the supply volume is small. If it sets the predetermined value to a large value, it will tolerate a small difference between the exhaust volume and the supply volume and maintain the normal discharge temperature during cooling and heating operation, and will execute the next step when the difference becomes large.

[0027] If the acquired exhaust volume is greater than the supply air volume by a predetermined value or more, in S206, the control unit 30 decides to raise the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioner 20 compared to the normal cooling / heating outlet temperature t1, and instructs the air conditioner 20 to blow out air at that temperature. Conversely, during cooling, the control unit 30 decides to lower the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioner 20 compared to the normal cooling / heating outlet temperature t1. If the acquired exhaust volume is not greater than the supply air volume by a predetermined value or more, in S212, the control unit 30 decides to raise the temperature of the air conditioner 20 to blow out air at the normal cooling / heating outlet temperature t1, and instructs it to do so.

[0028] In S208, the control unit 30 checks whether the user has given an instruction to terminate one of the heating, supply, or ventilation functions. If there is no instruction, the control unit 30 repeats S202 to S206 or S212. If an instruction is given, in S210, it instructs the air conditioning equipment 20 or ventilation device 10 to terminate the function for which termination was requested. In this way, when the exhaust volume of the ventilation device 10 is greater than the supply volume of the air conditioning equipment 20 by a predetermined value or more, that is, when the indoor environment becomes negatively pressurized and a considerable amount of outside air enters through gaps in the building, the air control system 100 can be provided that does not impair the comfort of people inside the building even when the exhaust operation of the ventilation device 10 is performed while the air conditioning equipment 20 is running, by determining the temperature of the air blown into the room by the air conditioning equipment 20 to be lower during cooling and higher during heating compared to normal cooling and heating operation.

[0029] In this way, the control unit 30 of the air control system 100 acquires the exhaust volume of the ventilation device 10 and the supply volume of the air conditioner 20 while the cooling or heating function of the air conditioner 20, the supply air function of the air conditioner 20, and the exhaust function of the ventilation device 10 are in operation. Based on the acquired exhaust and supply volumes, it determines the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioner 20 and instructs the air conditioner 20 to use the determined temperature of the air it blows out. This makes it possible to determine the temperature in accordance with the outside air entering through gaps in the building, and to provide an air control system 100 that does not impair the comfort of people inside the building even when the ventilation device 10 is operating for exhaust while the air conditioner 20 is running.

[0030] <Second Example> The air control system 100A in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. To avoid duplication, the same reference numerals will be used for components identical to those in the above embodiment, and the description will be simplified. As shown in Figure 6, the air control system 100A comprises a ventilation device 10A, an air conditioning unit 20A, and a control unit 30A. The control unit 30A is communicated with the ventilation device 10A and the air conditioning unit 20A. Communication is performed by either wired or wireless methods, which are well known.

[0031] The ventilation device 10A has an exhaust function that exhausts indoor air to the outdoors. The ventilation device 10A includes a ventilation fan 11 for actually exhausting indoor air to the outdoors, and an exhaust air volume selection button 13 for the user to select the size of the exhaust air volume.

[0032] Air conditioning unit 20A is a so-called air conditioner that has either a cooling function to cool the indoor air temperature, a heating function to heat the indoor air temperature, or both cooling and heating functions, and adjusts the temperature of the indoor air based on a preset temperature. Air conditioning unit 20A blows out air cooled by the cooling function or heated air heated by the heating function from the outlet, and adjusts the temperature of the indoor air to match the preferred temperature usually set by the user. Air conditioning unit 20A stores the preset temperature in memory. Air conditioning unit 20A also has an air supply function that supplies outdoor air into the building.

[0033] The air conditioning unit 20A consists of an indoor unit 21A, an outdoor unit 22A, and an operating terminal 23. The indoor unit 21A includes an indoor blower 211 for blowing air from an outlet, an indoor heat exchanger 212 for exchanging heat with indoor air, and an indoor temperature information acquisition unit 213 for acquiring indoor temperature information. The outdoor unit 22A includes an outdoor heat exchanger 225 for exchanging heat with outdoor air, an outdoor temperature information acquisition unit 226 for acquiring outdoor temperature information, and an air supply unit 221A. The air supply unit 221A includes an air supply blower 222 for actually supplying outdoor air indoors, and an air supply valve 224 that opens when the air supply function is activated.

[0034] The indoor temperature information acquisition unit 213 acquires the temperature from a temperature sensor that measures the air temperature in the room where the air conditioning unit 20A is installed. The temperature sensor may be attached to the air conditioning unit 20A or may be installed separately in the room. The outdoor temperature information acquisition unit 226 acquires the temperature from a temperature sensor that measures the air temperature outside the house HS where the air control system 100A is installed. The outdoor temperature information acquisition unit 226 may also be connected to the internet to acquire local temperature information as outdoor temperature information.

[0035] The control unit 30A includes a communication unit (not shown) that communicates with the ventilation device 10A and the air conditioning unit 20A, and a microcomputer that acquires the outdoor air temperature from the outdoor temperature information acquisition unit 226 of the air conditioning unit 20A and the set temperature stored in the memory of the air conditioning unit 20A, and calculates the temperature of the air blown out from the outlet of the air conditioning unit 20A. The control method of the control unit 30A executed by this microcomputer will be explained with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 7 and 8.

[0036] In Figure 7, in S400, the control unit 30A activates the heating function of the air conditioning unit 20A, the air supply function of the air conditioning unit 20A, and the exhaust function of the ventilation device 10A. In S402, while these three functions are operating, the control unit 30A acquires outdoor air temperature information from the outdoor temperature information acquisition unit 226 and the set temperature stored in the air conditioning unit 20A via communication, and compares the two.

[0037] In S404, the control unit 30A calculates and determines the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioner 20A based on the difference between the acquired outdoor air temperature and the set temperature. For example, if the control unit 30A determines the temperature of the blown air to be Td0 when the outdoor air temperature is less than the set temperature during heating, then when the difference between the outdoor air temperature and the set temperature becomes larger and outdoor air temperature << set temperature, the control unit 30A determines the temperature of the blown air to be higher than Td0 (Td1>Td0). The larger the difference between the outdoor air temperature and the set temperature, the larger the temperature difference with the indoor air through natural air inlets and gaps in the building. Therefore, during heating, the control unit 30A sets the temperature of the blown air to be higher Td1 compared to when the difference between the outdoor air temperature and the set temperature is small. Conversely, during cooling, the temperature difference with the indoor air also increases due to the warm air, so the control unit 30A sets the temperature of the blown air to be lower Td1 compared to when the difference between the outdoor air temperature and the set temperature is small. Once the control unit 30A has determined the temperature of the air to be blown out, it instructs the air conditioning unit 20A to blow out the air at that temperature. Furthermore, the heating function (or cooling function) may be stopped once the indoor temperature measured by the indoor temperature information acquisition unit 213 reaches the set temperature.

[0038] The control unit 30A executes S402 and S404 when all functions of the air conditioning unit 20A (heating and supply air) and the ventilation device 10A (exhaust air) are in operation. Therefore, in S406, it checks whether the user has given an instruction to terminate any of the heating, supply air, or ventilation functions. If there is no instruction, the control unit 30A repeats S402 and S404. If there is an instruction, in S408, it instructs the air conditioning unit 20A and the ventilation device 10A to terminate the function for which termination was requested. In this way, by determining the temperature of the air blown into the room by the air conditioning unit 20A according to the difference between the outdoor temperature and the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 20A, the temperature can be determined in accordance with the outdoor temperature and the set temperature even if outside air enters through gaps in the building or if there is significant heat conduction to the outside through parts with poor insulation such as windows. This provides an air control system 100A that does not impair the comfort of people inside the room even when the ventilation device 10A is operating in exhaust mode while the air conditioning unit 20A is running.

[0039] Referring to Figure 8, a modified example 1 of the control unit 30A will be described. In S500, the control unit 30A activates the heating function of the air conditioning unit 20A, the air supply function of the air conditioning unit 20A, and the exhaust function of the ventilation device 10A. In S502, while these three functions are operating, the control unit 30A acquires outdoor air temperature information from the outdoor temperature information acquisition unit 226 and the set temperature stored in the air conditioning unit 20A via communication, and compares the two.

[0040] In S504, the control unit 30A checks whether the acquired outdoor air temperature is lower than the set temperature by a predetermined value or more. If the acquired outdoor temperature is lower than the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 20A by a predetermined value or more, in S506, the control unit 30A acquires, via communication, the estimated exhaust volume from the selection value of the exhaust air volume selection button 13 of the ventilation device 10A and the estimated supply air volume from the selection value of the supply air volume selection button 234 of the air conditioning unit 20A, and compares the two.

[0041] In S508, the control unit 30A checks whether the obtained exhaust gas volume is greater than a predetermined value or more than the intake air volume. When the obtained exhaust gas volume is not greater than a predetermined value or more than the intake air volume, in S518, the control unit 30A determines the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioner 20A when the intake air function in the air conditioner 20A and the exhaust function in the ventilation device 10A are not operating, that is, a temperature t2 higher than the temperature t1 blown out during normal heating and cooling operation. When the obtained exhaust gas volume is greater than a predetermined value or more than the intake air volume, in S510, the control unit 30A determines the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioner 20A to be a temperature t3 even higher than the higher temperature t2. Also, when the obtained outdoor temperature is not lower than a predetermined value or more than the set temperature of the air conditioner 20A, in S516, the control unit 30A determines the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioner 20A to be the temperature t1 blown out during normal heating and cooling operation (t1 < t2 < t3). When the cooling function in the air conditioner 20A is operating, conversely, the temperature is determined so that t1 > t2 > t3. When the indoor temperature measured by the indoor temperature information acquisition unit 213 reaches the set temperature, the heating function (or cooling function) may be stopped.

[0042] Thus, based on two indicators, namely, the degree of deviation between the outdoor temperature and the indoor set temperature and the degree of deviation between the exhaust gas volume and the intake air volume, when the degree of deviation is not large in either indicator, the control unit 30A sets the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioner 20A to the temperature t1 blown out during normal heating and cooling operation. When the degree of deviation is large in either indicator, during heating, the temperature is set to a temperature t2 higher than the temperature t1 blown out during normal heating and cooling operation, or during cooling, the temperature is set to a temperature t2 lower than the temperature t1 blown out during normal heating and cooling operation. When the degree of deviation is large in both indicators, during heating, the temperature is set to an even higher temperature t3, or during cooling, the temperature is set to an even lower temperature t3.

[0043] According to this, when the outdoor temperature is higher or lower than the set temperature by a predetermined value, that is, when the outdoor temperature deviates from the set temperature considered to be a comfortable temperature, or when the exhaust volume and supply volume deviate, the air conditioner 20A determines the temperature of the air it blows into the room to be lower during cooling and higher during heating compared to normal cooling and heating operation. Furthermore, when the outdoor temperature deviates from the set temperature, and when the exhaust volume and supply volume deviate, the air conditioner 20A determines the temperature of the air it blows into the room to be even lower during cooling and even higher during heating. This provides an air control system 100A that does not impair the comfort of people inside the room, even when the ventilation device 10A is operating during the operation of the air conditioner 20A, increasing the amount of outdoor air entering through gaps in the building, etc., or when the outdoor temperature deviates from the set temperature. Note that S512 and S514 are the same as S406 and S408 respectively, so their explanations are omitted.

[0044] Furthermore, while the cooling or heating function of the air conditioning unit 20A, the supply air function of the air conditioning unit 20A, and the exhaust function of the ventilation device 10A are in operation, the system acquires the temperature of the outdoor air and the set temperature, and determines the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioning unit 20A. This allows the system to determine the temperature in accordance with the outdoor temperature and the set temperature, even if outside air enters through gaps in the building or if there is significant heat conduction to the outside through areas with poor insulation, such as windows. This provides an air control system 100A that does not impair the comfort of people inside the building even when the exhaust operation of the ventilation device 10A is performed while the air conditioning unit 20A is in operation.

[0045] <Third Example> The air control system 100B in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 13. To avoid duplication, the same reference numerals will be used for components identical to those in the above embodiment, and the description will be simplified. As shown in Figure 9, the air control system 100B comprises a ventilation device 10 which is a range hood, an air conditioning unit 20B, and a control unit 30B. The control unit 30B is communicated with the ventilation device 10 and the air conditioning unit 20B. Communication is performed by either wired or wireless methods, which are well known.

[0046] The air conditioning unit 20B is a so-called air conditioner that has either a cooling function to cool the indoor air temperature, a heating function to heat the indoor air temperature, or both cooling and heating functions, and adjusts the temperature of the indoor air based on a preset temperature. The air conditioning unit 20B blows out air cooled by the cooling function or heated by the heating function from the outlet, and adjusts the temperature of the indoor air to match the preferred temperature usually set by the user. The air conditioning unit 20B stores the preset temperature in memory. The air conditioning unit 20B also has an air supply function that supplies outdoor air into the building.

[0047] The air conditioning unit 20B consists of an indoor unit 21B, an outdoor unit 22B, and an operating terminal 23. The indoor unit 21B includes an indoor blower 211 for blowing air from an outlet, an indoor heat exchanger 212 for exchanging heat with indoor air, and an indoor temperature information acquisition unit 213 for acquiring indoor temperature information. The outdoor unit 22B includes an outdoor heat exchanger 225 for exchanging heat with outdoor air, an outdoor temperature information acquisition unit 226 for acquiring outdoor temperature information, and an air supply unit 221.

[0048] The control unit 30B includes a communication unit (not shown) that communicates with the ventilation device 10 and the air conditioning equipment 20B, and a microcomputer that acquires the exhaust volume from the exhaust volume measuring unit 12 of the ventilation device 10 and the supply air volume from the supply air volume measuring unit 223 of the air conditioning equipment 20B, and determines the exhaust volume of the ventilation device 10 and / or the supply air volume of the air conditioning equipment 20B so as to minimize the difference between the acquired exhaust volume and supply air volume. The control method of the control unit 30B executed by this microcomputer will be explained with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 10 to 13.

[0049] In Figure 10, the control unit 30B activates the heating function of the air conditioning unit 20B, the air supply function of the air conditioning unit 20B, and the exhaust function of the ventilation device 10 in S600. In S602, the control unit 30B checks whether cooking is taking place near the ventilation device 10. Whether cooking is taking place can be determined by receiving a signal from the stove indicating that a heat source is being used, or by using an infrared sensor, an oil smoke sensor, a camera that images the top surface of the stove, etc. If cooking is not taking place, refer to Figure 11 and proceed as described later.

[0050] If cooking is in progress, in S604, the control unit 30B obtains the exhaust volume measured by the exhaust volume measuring unit 12 of the ventilation device 10 and the supply air volume measured by the supply air volume measuring unit 223 of the air conditioning equipment 20B via communication and compares the two. In S606, the control unit 30B checks whether the obtained exhaust volume is greater than the supply air volume. If the obtained exhaust volume is greater than the supply air volume, in S608, the control unit 30B increases the rotation speed of the supply air blower 222 and increases the supply air volume so that the difference between the supply air volume of the air conditioning equipment 20B and the exhaust volume of the ventilation device 10 becomes smaller.

[0051] Next, in S610, the control unit 30B obtains the exhaust volume measured by the exhaust volume measuring unit 12 of the ventilation device 10 and the supply air volume measured by the supply air volume measuring unit 223 of the air conditioning equipment 20B via communication and compares the two. In S612, the control unit 30B checks whether the obtained supply air volume is approximately equal to the maximum supply air volume of the air conditioning equipment 20B's supply air capacity, and whether the exhaust volume is greater than the supply air volume. That is, if the supply air volume is increased to the maximum supply air volume of the air conditioning equipment 20B but the exhaust volume still exceeds the supply air volume, in S614, the control unit 30B obtains the outdoor air temperature information from the outdoor temperature information acquisition unit 226 and the set temperature stored in the air conditioning equipment 20B via communication and compares the two.

[0052] In S616, the control unit 30B checks whether the acquired outdoor air temperature is lower than the set temperature by a predetermined value or more. If the acquired outdoor temperature is lower than the set temperature of the air conditioner 20B by a predetermined value or more, in S618, the control unit 30B determines the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioner 20B to be a temperature t2 that is higher than the normal cooling / heating outlet temperature t1. If the acquired outdoor temperature is not lower than the set temperature of the air conditioner 20B by a predetermined value or more, in S626, the control unit 30B determines the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioner 20B to be the normal cooling / heating outlet temperature t1.

[0053] Furthermore, if the exhaust volume obtained in S606 is not greater than the supply volume, the control unit 30B reduces the rotation speed of the supply air blower 222 in S624 so that the difference between the supply volume of the air conditioning unit 20B and the exhaust volume of the ventilation device 10 becomes smaller, thereby reducing the supply volume and skipping S608 to S618 or S626. Also, if the supply volume is not the maximum supply volume or the exhaust volume exceeds the supply volume in S612, the control unit 30B skips to S620 and does not perform temperature comparison or determination. In other words, in this embodiment, the control unit 30B determines the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioning unit 20B only if the supply volume has been increased to the maximum supply volume of the air conditioning unit 20B but the exhaust volume still exceeds the supply volume.

[0054] If cooking is not in progress, the flow shown in Figure 11 is executed. The difference compared to when cooking is in progress is in S654 and S666. When cooking is in progress, the supply air volume is changed to reduce the difference between the supply air volume and the exhaust air volume (S608, S624), but when cooking is not in progress, the exhaust air volume is changed to reduce the difference between the supply air volume and the exhaust air volume. That is, the control unit 30B checks whether the exhaust air volume obtained in S652 is greater than the supply air volume, and if the exhaust air volume is greater than the supply air volume, in S654, the rotation speed of the ventilation fan 11 is reduced to reduce the exhaust air volume so that the difference between the supply air volume of the air conditioning equipment 20B and the exhaust air volume of the ventilation device 10 is reduced. Also, if the exhaust air volume is not greater than the supply air volume, in S666, the control unit 30B increases the rotation speed of the ventilation fan 11 to increase the exhaust air volume so that the difference between the supply air volume and the exhaust air volume is reduced.

[0055] This is because, when cooking is in progress, the range hood is often operated at an airflow rate appropriate for the cooking process (for example, when stir-frying over high heat, the exhaust airflow of the range hood is set to "high"), prioritizing the exhaust function of the ventilation device 10, which is a range hood that captures oil fumes, etc. When cooking is not in progress, there are no such constraints, and the maximum exhaust airflow of the ventilation device 10 is usually greater than the maximum supply airflow of the air conditioning unit 20B, making it easier to adjust to reduce the difference between the supply airflow and the exhaust airflow. Note that in S650 to S668, except for S654 and S666 mentioned above, the explanation is omitted as they are the same as S604 to S618, S624, and S626. Also, S620 and S622 are the same as S406 and S408 respectively, so the explanation is omitted.

[0056] As described above, by having the control unit 30B determine the exhaust volume of the ventilation device 10 and the supply volume of the air conditioning equipment 20B so that they are equal, it is possible to minimize the intrusion of outside air through gaps in the building or the leakage of indoor air, thereby providing an air control system 100B that does not impair the comfort of people inside the building.

[0057] Furthermore, if the exhaust volume of the ventilation device 10 exceeds the supply volume of the air conditioning device 20B, the control unit 30B determines the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioning device 20B based on the outdoor temperature and the set temperature of the air conditioning device 20B. This allows the temperature to be determined in accordance with the outdoor temperature and the set temperature, even if the amount of outdoor air entering through gaps in the building increases or if there is significant heat conduction to the outside through areas with poor insulation, such as windows, thereby providing an air control system 100B that does not impair the comfort of people inside the building.

[0058] Furthermore, when the control unit 30B determines the temperature of the air blown into the room by the air conditioner 20B to be lower during cooling and higher during heating compared to normal cooling and heating operation, if the outdoor temperature is higher or lower than the set temperature by a predetermined value or more, i.e., the outdoor temperature deviates from the set temperature which is considered a comfortable temperature, the control unit 30B can provide an air control system 100B that does not impair the comfort of people inside the room, even when the ventilation device 10 is operating for exhaust during the operation of the air conditioner 20B and heat enters through gaps in the building or when there is significant heat conduction to the outside through parts with poor insulation such as windows.

[0059] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, a modified example of the control unit 30B will be described. At S700, the control unit 30B activates the heating function of the air conditioning unit 20B, the air supply function of the air conditioning unit 20B, and the exhaust function of the ventilation device 10. At S702, the control unit 30B checks whether cooking is taking place near the ventilation device 10.

[0060] If cooking is in progress, in S704, the control unit 30B obtains the exhaust volume measured by the exhaust volume measuring unit 12 of the ventilation device 10 and the supply air volume measured by the supply air volume measuring unit 223 of the air conditioning equipment 20B via communication and compares the two. In S706, the control unit 30B checks whether the obtained exhaust volume is greater than the supply air volume. If the obtained exhaust volume is greater than the supply air volume, in S708, the control unit 30B increases the supply air volume by increasing the rotation speed of the supply air blower 222, decreases the exhaust volume by decreasing the rotation speed of the ventilation blower 11, or does both, so that the difference between the supply air volume of the air conditioning equipment 20B and the exhaust volume of the ventilation device 10 becomes smaller.

[0061] Next, in S710, the control unit 30B obtains the exhaust volume measured by the exhaust volume measuring unit 12 of the ventilation device 10 and the supply air volume measured by the supply air volume measuring unit 223 of the air conditioning equipment 20B via communication and compares the two. In S712, the control unit 30B checks whether the obtained supply air volume is approximately equal to the maximum supply air volume of the air conditioning equipment 20B's supply air capacity, and whether the exhaust volume is greater than the supply air volume. That is, if the supply air volume is increased to the maximum supply air volume of the air conditioning equipment 20B but the exhaust volume still exceeds the supply air volume, in S714, the control unit 30B obtains the outdoor air temperature information from the outdoor temperature information acquisition unit 226 and the set temperature stored in the air conditioning equipment 20B via communication and compares the two.

[0062] In S716, the control unit 30B calculates and determines the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioner 20B based on the difference between the acquired outdoor air temperature and the set temperature. For example, if the control unit 30B determines the temperature of the blown air to be Td0 when the outdoor air temperature is less than the set temperature during heating, then when the difference between the outdoor air temperature and the set temperature becomes larger and outdoor air temperature << set temperature, the control unit 30B determines the temperature of the blown air to be higher than Td0 (Td1 > Td0). The larger the difference between the outdoor air temperature and the set temperature, the larger the temperature difference with the indoor air through natural air inlets and gaps in the building. Therefore, during heating, the control unit 30B sets the temperature of the blown air to be higher Td1 compared to when the difference between the outdoor air temperature and the set temperature is small. Conversely, during cooling, the temperature difference with the indoor air also increases due to the warm air, so the control unit 30B sets the temperature of the blown air to be lower Td1 compared to when the difference between the outdoor air temperature and the set temperature is small. Once the control unit 30B has determined the temperature of the air to be blown out, it instructs the air conditioning unit 20B to blow out the air at that temperature. Furthermore, the heating function (or cooling function) may be stopped once the indoor temperature measured by the indoor temperature information acquisition unit 213 reaches the set temperature.

[0063] If cooking is not in progress, the flow shown in Figure 13 will be executed. Steps S750 to S764 are the same as S704 to S716 and S722, so their explanation is omitted. Also, steps S718 and S720 are the same as S406 and S408, respectively, so their explanations are omitted.

[0064] As described above, by having the control unit 30B determine the exhaust volume of the ventilation device 10 and the supply volume of the air conditioning equipment 20B so that they are equal, it is possible to minimize the intrusion of outside air through gaps in the building or the leakage of indoor air, thereby providing an air control system 100B that does not impair the comfort of people inside the building.

[0065] Furthermore, the control unit 30B determines the temperature of the air blown into the room by the air conditioner 20B according to the difference between the outdoor temperature and the set temperature of the air conditioner 20B. This allows the temperature to be determined in accordance with the outdoor temperature and the set temperature, even when outside air enters through gaps in the building, increasing the amount of outside air, or when there is significant heat conduction to the outside through areas with poor insulation, such as windows. This provides an air control system 100B that does not impair the comfort of people inside the room.

[0066] 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]

[0067] 100 Air control system 10 Ventilation system 11. Ventilation fan (exhaust function) 12. Displacement measurement section 13. Exhaust airflow selection button 20 Air conditioning equipment 21 Indoor unit 211 Indoor Blower 212 Indoor heat exchangers (cooling and heating functions) 213 Indoor temperature information acquisition section 22 Outdoor unit 221 Air supply section 222 Air supply fan (air supply function) 223 Supply air amount measurement section 224 Air supply valve 225 Outdoor heat exchanger (cooling function, heating function) 226 Outdoor temperature information acquisition section 23 Operating terminal 231 Cooling function button 232 Heating function button 233 Stop button 234 Air intake volume selection button 30 Control Unit HS house

Claims

1. A ventilation system having an exhaust function that exhausts indoor air to the outside, An air conditioning device having an air supply function that brings outdoor air into the building, and at least one of the functions of cooling and heating, which adjusts the temperature of the indoor air based on a preset temperature, A control unit that, while the cooling or heating function of the air conditioning equipment, the supply air function of the air conditioning equipment, and the exhaust function of the ventilation device are in operation, acquires the temperature of the outdoor air and the set temperature, determines the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioning equipment, and instructs the air conditioning equipment on the temperature of the air to be blown out, An air control system equipped with [specific features / features].

2. A ventilation system having an exhaust function that exhausts indoor air to the outside, An air conditioning device having an air supply function that brings outdoor air into the building, and at least one of the functions of cooling and heating, A control unit that, while the cooling or heating function of the air conditioning equipment, the supply air function of the air conditioning equipment, and the exhaust function of the ventilation device are in operation, acquires the exhaust volume of the ventilation device and the supply air volume of the air conditioning equipment, determines the exhaust volume of the ventilation device and / or the supply air volume of the air conditioning equipment so as to minimize the difference between the acquired exhaust volume and the supply air volume, and instructs the ventilation device to use the determined exhaust volume and / or the air conditioning equipment to use the determined supply air volume, An air control system equipped with [specific features / features].

3. The aforementioned air conditioning equipment adjusts the temperature of the indoor air based on a preset temperature. The control unit, While the cooling or heating function of the air conditioning equipment, the supply air function of the air conditioning equipment, and the exhaust air function of the ventilation device are in operation, the temperature of the outdoor air, the set temperature, the exhaust volume of the ventilation device, and the supply air volume of the air conditioning equipment are acquired. If the acquired supply air volume is equal to the maximum supply air volume provided by the air conditioning unit, and the acquired exhaust air volume exceeds the acquired supply air volume, the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioning unit is determined based on the acquired outdoor air temperature and the set temperature. The air control system according to feature 2.

4. The control unit, When the cooling function of the air conditioning unit, the supply air function of the air conditioning unit, and the exhaust air function of the ventilation device are in operation, if the acquired outdoor air temperature is higher than the set temperature by a predetermined value or more, the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioning unit is set lower than the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioning unit when the supply air function of the air conditioning unit and the exhaust air function of the ventilation device are not in operation. When the heating function of the air conditioning unit, the air supply function of the air conditioning unit, and the exhaust function of the ventilation device are in operation, if the acquired outdoor air temperature is lower than the set temperature by a predetermined value or more, the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioning unit is set higher than the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioning unit when the air supply function of the air conditioning unit and the exhaust function of the ventilation device are not in operation. The air control system according to claim 1 or 3, characterized by the above.

5. The control unit determines the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioning unit according to the difference between the acquired outdoor air temperature and the set temperature while the cooling or heating function of the air conditioning unit, the air supply function of the air conditioning unit, and the exhaust function of the ventilation device are in operation. The air control system according to claim 1 or 3, characterized by the above.

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