Blower system

Abstract

The objective is to provide a ventilation system that makes it easier to install the equipment by directing the air outlet towards the opening. [Solution] The blower system 1 comprises a main unit 11 and a detection device 4 (distance sensor 41). The main unit 11 has an outlet 11b, and blows air forward from the outlet 11b. The detection device 4 detects an opening 101 that opens the space 100 in which the main unit 11 is installed to the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a ventilation system.

Background Art

[0002] As related art, a blower is known that includes a fan for blowing air, a blower unit that can swing left and right having a motor for driving the fan, a control unit that controls the motor of the blower unit, and controls the left and right swinging of the blower unit (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The blower (ventilation system) shown in the related art above can be used, for example, for the purpose of ventilating a room. When ventilating a room, it is recommended to operate the blower while satisfying the installation condition of installing the device body with the air outlet facing an opening such as an open window or an open door in the room. However, when a user ventilates a room, it is difficult to install the device body with the air outlet facing the opening unless the user is conscious of the above installation condition. And if the device body is not installed with the air outlet facing the opening, there is a problem that the room cannot be sufficiently ventilated even when the blower is operated.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a ventilation system that makes it easier to install the device body with the air outlet facing the opening.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A blowing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a main unit and a detection device. The main unit has an outlet from which it blows air forward. The detection device detects an opening that opens the space in which the main unit is installed to the outside. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a blowing system that makes it easier to install the equipment body by directing the air outlet towards the opening. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the blower system according to Embodiment 1, as seen from the front. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1, seen from the rear. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the blower system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the blower system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of detecting an opening in a space using the blowing system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the use of the blower system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the blower system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the blower system according to Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (Embodiment 1) The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. The following embodiments are examples that embody this disclosure and are not intended to limit the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0010] [1] Configuration of the ventilation system First, the overall configuration of the air blowing system 1 according to this embodiment will be explained using Figures 1 to 4.

[0011] In this embodiment, for the sake of explanation, the vertical direction when the air blower system 1 is in a usable state is defined as the up-down direction D1. Furthermore, the left-right direction D2 is defined based on the direction when the air blower system 1 is viewed from the front, and the front-back direction D3 is defined with the front side of the air blower system 1 being the front and the rear side being the rear. However, these directional definitions are not intended to limit the direction of use (direction during use) of the air blower system 1.

[0012] The air blower system 1 is used when placed on an installation surface, such as the top surface of a desk or the floor surface of a living room in a house. The air blower system 1 is self-supporting on the installation surface when it is set in place. In other words, the air blower system 1 according to this embodiment is a self-supporting and portable device, and the user can freely carry the air blower system 1 and install it at any position on the installation surface.

[0013] In this embodiment, the air blowing system 1 is a circulator that generates an airflow with relatively high directional properties. However, the air blowing system 1 is not limited to a circulator, and may be, for example, a fan or the like.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the blower system 1 comprises a main unit 11, a base 12, a first arm 13, and a second arm 14. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the blower system 1 also comprises an airflow generating unit 2, a control unit 3, a detection device 4, an operating unit 5, and a sensor 7. In this embodiment, the blower system 1 is equipped with a remote controller 6 that allows for remote operation of the blower system 1. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the remote controller 6 is placed on the base 12, but it can be carried and used by the user as needed.

[0015] The main body 11 of the device is cylindrical with a length in the front-rear direction D3, and has a suction port 11a, a blowout port 11b, a front cover 111, a rear cover 112, and an intermediate member 113. Note that the main body 11 of the device can adopt various shapes, and for example, other shapes such as a rectangular tube shape may be used. Inside the main body 11 of the device, an air flow generation part 2 is accommodated.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the suction port 11a is formed across the rear bottom of the main body 11 of the device and the rear end of the side wall of the main body 11 of the device, and is circular when viewed in the front-rear direction D3. In the present embodiment, the suction port 11a is provided at the rear end of the rear cover 112. As shown in FIG. 1, the blowout port 11b is formed at the front bottom of the main body 11 of the device, and is circular when viewed in the front-rear direction D3. In the present embodiment, the blowout port 11b is provided at the front end of the front cover 111.

[0017] The front cover 111 is cylindrical with a length in the front-rear direction D3 and is arranged in front of the intermediate member 113. The opening at the front end of the front cover 111 functions as the blowout port 11b. Further, at the front end of the front cover 111, a front grill 111a is provided so as to cover the opening. The front grill 111a is constituted by combining a plurality of ribs 111b.

[0018] The plurality of ribs 111b are rod-shaped members having a length in the radial direction of the front grill 111a when viewed from the front, and are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. And as shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of ribs 111b have a shape that spirals counterclockwise when viewed from the front. Thereby, the air flow passing through the front grill 111a is collected near the central axis 11c of the main body 11 of the device, so that the air blowing system can blow out an air flow having relatively high straightness forward.

[0019] The rear cover 112 has a length in the front-rear direction D3 and is a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open front surface, and is disposed behind the intermediate member 113. The opening at the rear end portion of the rear cover 112 functions as a suction port 11a. Further, the rear cover 112 is configured by combining a plurality of ribs 112b with both the bottom portion and the side portions spaced apart from each other, and functions as a rear grill 112a.

[0020] At the bottom of the rear grill 112a, the plurality of ribs 112b are rod-shaped members having a length in the radial direction of the rear grill 112a when viewed from the rear, and are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. And at the bottom of the rear grill 112a, as shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of ribs 112b have a shape that spirals counterclockwise when viewed from the rear. Thereby, the swirling flow generated by the fan 21, which will be described later, sucking air is less likely to be obstructed by the plurality of ribs 112b, so that the pressure loss generated in the rear grill 112a can be reduced.

[0021] The intermediate member 113 is a flat cylindrical shape with a relatively short length in the thickness direction (front-rear direction D3), and houses the airflow generating unit 2. The intermediate member 113 is arranged to be coaxial with the axis of the fan 21 and the shaft portion of the motor 22, which will be described later. The front cover 111 is attached to the front end portion of the intermediate member 113 by screwing. The rear cover 112 is attached to the rear end portion of the intermediate member 113 by screwing.

[0022] In this way, the main body 11 of the device is assembled by attaching the front cover 111 and the rear cover 112 to the intermediate member 113 with screws. When performing maintenance work, the user can disassemble the main body 11 by removing the assembly screws that connect the intermediate member 113 and the front cover 111, and the assembly screws that connect the intermediate member 113 and the rear cover 112. Alternatively, the connection between the intermediate member 113 and the front cover 111 may be performed, for example, by fitting a boss provided on either the intermediate member 113 or the front cover 111 into a groove provided on the other, and then rotating either the intermediate member 113 or the front cover 111 to lock it in place. In this case, assembly screws are not required. In this case, when disassembling the intermediate member 113 and the front cover 111, the lock can be released by rotating either the intermediate member 113 or the front cover 111 in the opposite direction to how it was connected. Similarly, the connection between the intermediate member 113 and the rear cover 112 may be performed, for example, by fitting a boss provided on either the intermediate member 113 or the rear cover 112 into a groove provided on the other, and then rotating either the intermediate member 113 or the rear cover 112 to lock it in place. In this case, assembly screws are not required. Also, in this case, when disassembling the intermediate member 113 and the rear cover 112, the lock can be released by rotating either the intermediate member 113 or the rear cover 112 in the opposite direction to how it was connected.

[0023] The base 12 is a flat cylindrical shape with a relatively short length in the thickness direction (vertical direction D1), and is placed on the mounting surface with its lower surface in contact with the mounting surface. The base 12 can be of various shapes, for example, it may be a rectangular prism or other shape. The base 12 supports the first arm 13 and the second arm 14. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, a groove 12a is provided on the right side of the base 12 into which the lower end 13a of the first arm 13 fits. The first arm 13 is supported by the base 12 by inserting the lower end 13a of the first arm 13 into the groove 12a and fastening it with screws. Also, as shown in Figure 2, a groove 12b is provided on the left side of the base 12 into which the lower end 14a of the second arm 14 fits. The second arm 14 is supported by the base 12 by inserting the lower end 14a of the second arm 14 into the groove 12b and fastening it with screws.

[0024] The first arm 13 and the second arm 14 have a length in the vertical direction D1, and are curved plate-shaped with their intermediate portions in the vertical direction D1 bulging outward in the horizontal direction D2. Both the first arm 13 and the second arm 14 are supported by a base 12, and support the equipment body 11 with a gap in the vertical direction D1 from the upper surface of the base 12. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the right side of the intermediate member 113 of the equipment body 11 is attached to the upper end 13b of the first arm 13. Also, as shown in Figure 2, the left side of the intermediate member 113 of the equipment body 11 is attached to the upper end 14b of the second arm 14. Thus, the equipment body 11 is supported by the upper end 13b of the first arm 13 and the upper end 14b of the second arm 14.

[0025] The upper end 13b of the first arm 13 pivotably supports a shaft portion 113a (see Figure 3) provided on the right side of the intermediate member 113 of the main body of the equipment 11. The upper end 14b of the second arm 14 pivotably supports a shaft portion (not shown) provided on the left side of the intermediate member 113 of the main body of the equipment 11. As a result, the main body of the equipment 11 is supported by the first arm 13 and the second arm 14 so that it can pivot (swivel) around these shaft portions in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction when viewed from the axial direction.

[0026] As described above, the first arm 13 and the second arm 14 constitute part of the support block 10 that supports the device body 11 so that it can swivel. In addition, the base 12, excluding the bottom part that is installed on the mounting surface, is rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from the vertical direction D1. As this part rotates, the first arm 13 and the second arm 14 supported by the base 12, as well as the device body 11 supported by the first arm 13 and the second arm 14, also rotate. In other words, the base 12 also constitutes part of the support block 10 that supports the device body 11 so that it can swivel.

[0027] The airflow generating unit 2 generates airflow and blows it forward from the outlet 11b of the main unit 11 (in this case, the front cover 111). In other words, the main unit 11 has an outlet 11b and blows air forward from the outlet 11b. Specifically, the airflow generating unit 2 draws in air from the intake port 11a of the main unit 11 (in this case, the rear cover 112) and discharges the drawn-in air from the outlet 11b of the front cover 111, thereby blowing the generated airflow forward from the outlet 11b. As shown in Figure 3, the airflow generating unit 2 includes a fan 21, a motor 22, an ion generator 23, and a support member 24.

[0028] The fan 21 is configured to rotate around the central axis 11c of the main body 11 of the device. By rotating around the central axis 11c, the fan 21 generates an airflow forward. Specifically, as the fan 21 rotates circumferentially around the central axis 11c, air behind the fan 21 is drawn in while swirling in the opposite direction to the circumferential direction. As a result, a swirling flow (airflow) that swirls in the opposite direction to the circumferential direction is blown out in front of the fan 21.

[0029] Motor 22 drives fan 21. Specifically, fan 21 is attached to the shaft (not shown) of motor 22. When motor 22 operates and drives fan 21, fan 21 rotates around the central axis 11c.

[0030] The ion generator 23 has a pair of electrodes (not shown) and generates ions by a discharge caused by generating a high voltage between the pair of electrodes. The ion generator 23 is positioned behind the fan 21 and offset upward from the central axis 11c. Therefore, the ion generator 23 is positioned where the airflow generated by the air drawn in by the fan 21 passes through. The ion generator 23 then generates ions in the air drawn in by the fan 21. As a result, the blowing system is able to blow out an airflow containing ions.

[0031] The support member 24 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the intermediate member 113 and supports the motor 22. As already mentioned, the fan 21 is attached to the shaft of the motor 22. Therefore, the support member 24 supports the fan 21 via the motor 22. In addition, the motor 22 supports the ion generator 23 on its upper side. Therefore, the support member 24 supports the ion generator 23 via the motor 22.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 5 is located on the upper surface of the base 12. The control unit 5 includes a plurality of buttons, each of which can be pressed by the user. In this embodiment, the control unit 5 has a power button 51, an airflow button 52, a first airflow direction button 53, a second airflow direction button 54, and a display unit 55.

[0033] The power button 51 accepts the operation to start and stop the blower system. The airflow button 52 accepts the operation to switch the airflow of the fan 21. In this embodiment, each time the airflow button 52 is pressed, the airflow of the fan 21 increases by one level. When the airflow button 52 is pressed when the airflow of the fan 21 has reached its upper limit, the airflow of the fan 21 returns to its lower limit.

[0034] The first airflow direction button 53 accepts an operation to change the direction of the air outlet 11b in the vertical direction D1. In this embodiment, each time the first airflow direction button 53 is pressed, the direction of the air outlet 11b changes by a preset angle (for example, 10 degrees) along the vertical direction D1. The second airflow direction button 54 accepts an operation to change the direction of the air outlet 11b in the left-right direction D2. In this embodiment, each time the second airflow direction button 54 is pressed, the direction of the air outlet 11b changes by a preset angle (for example, 10 degrees) along the left-right direction D2.

[0035] The display unit 55 is, for example, a 7-segment LED (Light-Emitting Diode) display capable of displaying two-digit numbers, and displays various information such as the airflow rate of the fan 21, the operating mode currently in use, the timer setting time, or the angle of the air outlet 11b.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, the remote controller 6 includes a plurality of buttons that can be pressed by the user. In this embodiment, the remote controller 6 has a power button 61, a first airflow button 62, a second airflow button 63, a first airflow direction button 64, a second airflow direction button 65, a mode switching button 66, and a timer setting button 67.

[0037] The power button 61 accepts the operation to start and stop the blower system. The first airflow button 62 accepts the operation to increase the airflow of the fan 21. The second airflow button 63 accepts the operation to decrease the airflow of the fan 21.

[0038] The first airflow direction button 64 accepts an operation to change the direction of the air outlet 11b in the vertical direction D1. In this embodiment, each time the first airflow direction button 64 is pressed, the direction of the air outlet 11b changes by a preset angle (for example, 10 degrees) along the vertical direction D1. The second airflow direction button 65 accepts an operation to change the direction of the air outlet 11b in the left-right direction D2. In this embodiment, each time the second airflow direction button 65 is pressed, the direction of the air outlet 11b changes by a preset angle (for example, 10 degrees) along the left-right direction D2.

[0039] The mode switching button 66 accepts an operation to switch the operating mode. In this embodiment, the operating modes include a continuous operation mode and a ventilation operation mode. The continuous operation mode is a mode in which the fan 21 is operated continuously. The ventilation operation mode is a mode in which the fan 21 is operated with the outlet 11b of the main unit 11 directed toward the opening 101 (see Figure 6) of the space 100 (see Figure 6) to ventilate the space 100. Details of the operation of the blower system 1 in the ventilation operation mode will be explained in "[2] Operation". Note that the operating modes may include operating modes other than the continuous operation mode and the ventilation operation mode. In this embodiment, the operating mode is switched each time the mode switching button 66 is pressed.

[0040] The timer setting button 67 accepts the operation of setting the operating time until the operation of the blower system is stopped. In this embodiment, when the timer setting button 67 is pressed, the system enters a state where it accepts input of the operating time. In this state, each time the first airflow button 62 is pressed, the operating time increases by one hour, and each time the second airflow button 63 is pressed, the operating time decreases by one hour. Then, when the timer setting button 67 is pressed again, the operating time is set. From there, the blower system measures the operating time and continues to operate until the set operating time is reached. When the set operating time is reached, the blower system stops operating.

[0041] The control unit 3 primarily consists of a computer system comprising one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and one or more memories such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and performs various processes (information processing). Specifically, the control unit 3 realizes its function as a control unit 3 by executing programs stored in one or more memories on one or more processors. The control unit 3 controls the blower system by controlling the main unit 11 in response to inputs received, for example, from the operation unit 5 or the remote controller 6.

[0042] The control unit 3 has the function of performing oscillation control of the main unit 11. In this embodiment, the control unit 3 performs oscillation control of the airflow generating unit 2, for example, when the clothes drying mode is executed. The control unit 3 changes the direction of the air outlet 11b by controlling the oscillation of the main unit 11. In this embodiment, oscillation control of the main unit 11 is achieved by the swinging of the main unit 11 that houses the airflow generating unit 2 and the rotation of the base 12 that supports the main unit 11.

[0043] Specifically, as previously described, the main body of the device 11 is oscillating clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from the axial direction, around the shafts provided on the right and left sides of the intermediate member 113, respectively. The drive unit 31 of the control unit 3 controls a first motor (not shown) that generates a driving force to rotate these shafts, and by rotating the main body of the device 11 around these shafts, it performs oscillation control to change the direction of the air outlet 11b in the vertical direction. Furthermore, as previously described, the base 12 is rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from the vertical direction D1, except for the bottom part that is installed on the mounting surface. The drive unit 31 of the control unit 3 controls a second motor (not shown) that generates a driving force to rotate this part, and by rotating the base 12, it indirectly rotates the main body of the device 11, performing oscillation control to change the direction of the air outlet 11b in the horizontal direction.

[0044] Furthermore, in the oscillation control, the control unit 3 can more precisely change the direction of the air outlet 11b by simultaneously rotating the main unit 11 and the base 12. For example, the control unit 3 can change the direction of the air outlet 11b diagonally, making a predetermined angle with respect to the up-down direction D1 and the left-right direction D2 when viewed from the front-rear direction D3. Alternatively, for example, the control unit 3 can change the direction of the air outlet 11b in a curved manner when viewed from the front-rear direction D3.

[0045] As described above, the control unit 3 can control the oscillation by appropriately combining the rotation of the main unit 11 and the rotation of the base 12. This allows the control unit 3 to change the direction of the air outlet 11b so that it forms a straight line, a diagonal line, or a curve when viewed from the front-to-back direction D3.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6, the detection device 4 detects an opening 101 that opens the space 100 in which the main unit 11 is installed to the outside. Here, the space 100 is, for example, a room in a facility, as shown in Figure 6. The opening 101 is, for example, a part that connects the room to the outside, and includes a window installed in the wall 102 or ceiling 103 of the room, or a door installed in the wall of the room. In other words, the opening 101 is, for example, an open window or door, or a doorway that is always open. The outside can be anywhere outside the space 100, and may be an indoor space such as an adjacent room or corridor, or an outdoor space. For example, if there is a window or door between the space 100 and the outside, and the window or door is open, the detection device 4 will detect the window or door as an opening 101, and the detection result of the detection device 4 will be "Opening 101 present". On the other hand, if the window or door is closed, the detection device 4 cannot detect the presence of the opening 101, and the detection result of the detection device 4 will be "Opening 101 absent".

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detection of the opening 101 by the detection device 4 is not limited to detecting the presence or absence of the opening 101 in the space 101 as described above. For example, the detection device 4 only needs to detect at least one of the following: the presence or absence of the opening 101 in the space 100, the number of openings 101, the orientation of the openings 101, and the position of the openings 101. Here, "orientation of the opening" includes, for example, the relative orientation with respect to the equipment body 11. Also, here, "position of the opening" includes, for example, the relative position with respect to the equipment body 11. In addition, the detection device 4 may also be able to detect the size or shape of the opening 101.

[0048] In this embodiment, the detection device 4 includes a distance sensor 41 positioned on the main body 11 to detect the distance to an object, and detects the opening 101 based on the distance detected by the distance sensor 41. The distance sensor 41 may be a TOF (Time Of Flight) sensor that uses light such as infrared light or laser light as a medium, a TOF sensor that uses ultrasound as a medium, or a TOF sensor that uses radio waves such as millimeter waves as a medium. In this embodiment, the distance sensor 41 is a TOF sensor that uses laser light as a medium.

[0049] The distance sensor 41 is positioned on the main unit 11 or base 12 with the laser light emitting part and the laser light receiving part facing the same direction as the air outlet 11b. The distance sensor 41 emits a laser beam forward and detects the distance from the object in front of it to the distance sensor 41 based on the time it takes to receive the reflected light reflected from the object. For example, when the distance sensor 41 is used in a room (space 100), the objects would be the walls 102, ceiling 103 of the room, or furniture and other fixtures in the room.

[0050] If there is an opening 101 in the room, the laser beam emitted from the distance sensor 41 passes through the opening 101 and heads out of space 100. In this case, if there are no objects such as walls outside space 100, the distance to the object will be approximately infinite, and the distance sensor 41 will not receive reflected light. In this case, the distance sensor 41 will not receive reflected light from the object, or if it does receive light, it will only receive ambient light or light other than reflected light, so the intensity of the received light will be very small. In this case, the distance sensor 41 will normally output a detection result of error or unmeasurable (outside the specification range of the distance sensor 41).

[0051] In this embodiment, the detection device 4 uses the specifications of the distance sensor 41 described above to detect the presence of an opening 101 in space 100 when the distance sensor 41 outputs a detection result indicating an error or inability to measure.

[0052] Furthermore, if an object such as a wall exists outside the space 100 but near the opening 101, the distance sensor 41 receives reflected light from that object. In this case, the distance sensor 41 does not output an error or measurement impossible detection result, but detects the distance to the object. If the detected distance is longer than the threshold distance, it is possible to detect that the opening 101 exists in the space 100.

[0053] The threshold distance may be set in advance by the user, for example, by considering the maximum distance from the distance sensor 41 to the wall of space 100 within space 100. If a distance exceeding the threshold distance set in this way is detected, it is possible to consider that reflected light is being received from an object outside space 100, that is, that an opening 101 exists in space 100.

[0054] For example, the threshold distance may be set by the user by operating the control unit 5 or remote controller 6 and inputting a numerical value. Alternatively, the threshold distance may be set by the control unit 3 based on the shape or size of the space 100, for example, when the user inputs the shape or size of the space 100 by operating the control unit 5 or remote controller 6. Furthermore, if the blower system 1 has a communication function that allows connection to a network such as the internet, the threshold distance can also be set using a mobile device such as a smartphone owned by the user.

[0055] The following describes an example of the operation of the detection device 4 in detecting the opening 101, using Figure 5. In the example shown in Figure 5, the control unit 3 controls the oscillation of the main unit 11, that is, the direction of the air outlet 11b is changed, while the detection device 4 detects the opening 101. In Figure 5, the arrows shown in front of the air outlet 11b represent the laser beam emitted from the distance sensor 41 and the reflected light reflected from the object. The direction in which the laser beam is emitted is approximately the same as the direction of the air outlet 11b.

[0056] Here, the direction of the air outlet 11b is changed to the left-right direction D2, but the direction of the air outlet 11b may also be changed to the up-down direction D1, or the direction of the air outlet 11b may be changed to both the up-down direction D1 and the left-right direction D2.

[0057] Furthermore, while the range of movement of the air outlet 11b in the left-right direction D2 is approximately 90 degrees, the range of movement may be narrower or wider than 90 degrees. For example, if the range of movement of the air outlet 11b in the left-right direction D2 is 360 degrees, it is possible to detect the opening 101 around the entire circumference of the space 100 as viewed from the up-down direction D1.

[0058] In the example shown in Figure 5, the orientation of the air outlet 11b changes from being approximately 45 degrees to the left with respect to the front-to-back direction D3 (leftward), to being directed towards the front-to-back direction D3 (forward), and finally to being approximately 45 degrees to the right with respect to the front-to-back direction D3 (rightward).

[0059] If the direction of the air outlet 11b is either leftward or rightward, the laser light emitted by the distance sensor 41 is reflected by the wall 102, and the distance sensor 41 receives the reflected light. In this case, the detection device 4 detects that the opening 101 does not exist because the distance sensor 41 detects a distance shorter than the threshold distance.

[0060] On the other hand, if the direction of the air outlet 11b is forward, the laser light emitted by the distance sensor 41 does not reflect off the wall 102 but passes through the opening 101 and travels outside the space 100, and the distance sensor 41 does not receive any reflected light. In this case, the detection device 4 detects the existence of the opening 101 because the distance sensor 41 outputs a detection result of error or inability to measure, or detects a distance longer than the threshold distance.

[0061] As described above, by controlling the oscillation of the main unit 11 and detecting the opening 101 with the detection device 4, it is possible to determine the exact location of the opening 101 within the space 100.

[0062] Here, the air blowing system 1 further includes a space identification processing unit 42 that identifies at least one of the size and shape of the space 100 based on the detection result of the detection device 4, as shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, the detection device 4 includes the space identification processing unit 42. Specifically, the space identification processing unit 42 can detect the position of the wall 102 and the position of the opening 101 within the space 100 by detecting the distance to the target object using the distance sensor 41 while controlling the oscillation of the main unit 11. Furthermore, when the direction of the air outlet 11b is changed in the left-right direction D2, the detection result of the distance sensor 41 changes significantly at the boundary between the wall 102 and the opening 101. By utilizing this, the space identification processing unit 42 can detect the position of the boundary using the distance sensor 41. For this reason, the space identification processing unit 42 can detect the width of the opening 101 in the left-right direction D2 by detecting the position of the boundary between each of the walls 102 on both sides of the opening 101 and the opening 101 using the distance sensor 41. The spatial identification processing unit 42 can also detect the width of the wall 102 in the left-right direction D2 using a similar method.

[0063] Furthermore, by changing the orientation of the air outlet 11b in the vertical direction D1, the spatial identification processing unit 42 can also detect the width of the opening 101 in the vertical direction D1 and the width of the wall 102 in the vertical direction D1. Moreover, by changing the orientation of the air outlet 11b in both the vertical direction D1 and the left-right direction D2, the spatial identification processing unit 42 can detect the contour of the opening 101 and the contour of the wall 102, thereby enabling the spatial identification processing unit 42 to detect the shape of the opening 101 and the shape of the wall 102.

[0064] As described above, the space identification processing unit 42 can identify the position, size, and shape of the opening 101, as well as the position, size, and shape of the wall 102, based on the detection results of the distance sensor 41, and thus it is possible to identify the size and shape of the space 100. Once the size and shape of the space 100 can be identified, for example, in the ventilation process described later, the direction of the air outlet 11b or the airflow rate of the fan 21 can be set according to the size or shape of the space 100. In this case, there is an advantage that the ventilation of the space 100 can be performed more efficiently compared to when the size and shape of the space 100 are not considered.

[0065] Incidentally, if there are multiple openings 101 in the space 100, the detection device 4 may detect multiple openings 101. In such cases, that is, if there are multiple openings 101 detected, the detection device 4 may identify the opening 101 that satisfies priority conditions among the multiple openings 101. Here, "identifying an opening 101" means, for example, identifying the opening 101 to which the air outlet 11b will be directed in the ventilation process described later. The priority conditions may include, for example, the condition that the opening 101 is the largest in size, or the condition that the distance to the opening 101 is the shortest.

[0066] For example, the detection device 4 may identify the opening 101 with the largest size among the multiple openings 101 it has detected, or it may identify the opening 101 that is closest to the user. This allows for the identification of an opening 101 suitable for ventilation treatment, as described later, and has the advantage of making it easier to ventilate the space 100 more efficiently compared to randomly selecting any of the openings 101.

[0067] Sensor 7 detects the degree of contamination in the space 100 where the main unit 11 of the equipment is installed. Here, "degree of contamination" refers to the degree of content of pollutants in space 100, such as carbon dioxide, dust, or odors. Sensor 7 may include, for example, a CO2 sensor that detects the concentration of carbon dioxide in space 100, a dust sensor that detects the concentration of dust in space 100, or an odor sensor that detects the concentration of odorous substances in space 100. The detection results of sensor 7 are used, for example, to determine whether space 100 has been sufficiently ventilated by ventilation treatment described later.

[0068] Here, the control unit 3 performs specific processing according to the detection result of the detection device 4 for the opening 101 in the space 100. Specifically, the control unit 3 performs different specific processing depending on whether the detection device 4 detects the opening 101 or not. In this embodiment, the specific processing includes ventilation processing and notification processing.

[0069] The ventilation process is performed when the detection device 4 detects the opening 101. The ventilation process involves controlling the oscillation of the main unit 11 to direct the outlet 11b toward the opening 101, and controlling the airflow generation unit 2 to blow air from the outlet 11b toward the opening 101.

[0070] Specifically, the control unit 3 first controls the oscillation of the main unit 11 to direct the air outlet 11b toward the opening 101 detected by the detection device 4. If the air outlet 11b is already facing the opening 101 at the time the ventilation process is executed, the control unit 3 does not perform the oscillation control. Next, the control unit 3 controls the motor 22 to drive the fan 21 to generate airflow and expel the airflow from the air outlet 11b toward the opening 101. If the fan 21 is already running at the time the ventilation process is executed, the control unit 3 maintains control of the motor 22.

[0071] When the control unit 3 performs the ventilation process, the blower system 1 drives the fan 21 to draw in air from the intake port 11a into the space 100 and discharge the drawn-in air from the outlet port 11b toward the opening 101. As a result, as shown in Figure 6, a path is formed for the airflow AC1 that flows from outside the opening 101, passes near the ceiling 103 of the space 100, passes through the main unit 11 of the blower system 1 installed in the space 100, and flows out of the opening 101. With the formation of this airflow AC1 path, the air inside the space 100 is driven out of the space 100, and fresh air from outside the space 100 is drawn into the space 100, making it easier to ventilate the space 100 efficiently.

[0072] As described above, the ventilation process causes the air supply system 1 to automatically discharge airflow from the outlet 11b towards the opening 101, which has the advantage that the space 100 can be efficiently ventilated without the user having to be conscious of the installation position of the main unit 11.

[0073] The notification process is performed when the detection device 4 cannot detect the opening 101. The notification process is a process that notifies that the opening 101 cannot be detected. Here, the case in which the detection device 4 cannot detect the opening 101 includes, for example, when a window or door is closed, or when the opening 101 does not exist in the space 100. Furthermore, the case in which the detection device 4 cannot detect the opening 101 also includes, for example, when the opening 101 does not exist within the movement range of the air outlet 11b during oscillation control of the air outlet 11b.

[0074] Specifically, the control unit 3 controls the display unit 55 of the operation unit 5 to display an indication on the display unit 55 that the opening 101 cannot be detected. Furthermore, if the device body 11 has a built-in speaker, the control unit 3 may control the speaker to output an audio signal from the speaker indicating that the opening 101 cannot be detected. Also, if the device body 11 has a built-in buzzer, the control unit 3 may control the buzzer to output a notification sound from the buzzer indicating that the opening 101 cannot be detected. Additionally, if the air blowing system 1 has a communication function that allows connection to a network such as the internet, the system may display an indication that the opening 101 cannot be detected on the display of a mobile device such as a smartphone owned by the user. The mobile device's speaker may also output an audio signal indicating that the opening 101 cannot be detected.

[0075] Furthermore, if, before the detection device 4 performs the process of detecting the opening 101, the user has previously provided input indicating the existence of an opening 101 in the space 100, the control unit 3 may provide the following notification. That is, the control unit 3 may provide a notification prompting the user to change the installation location of the main unit 11. The reason why the opening 101 cannot be detected despite its existence in the space 100 is that the opening 101 may not be within the range of movement of the air outlet 11b. The control unit 3 may also provide a notification prompting the user to create an opening 101, such as by opening a window or door. The reason why the opening 101 cannot be detected despite the existence of a window or door in the space 100 is that the window or door may be closed.

[0076] [2] Operation The operation of the ventilation system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 7. The operation of the ventilation system 1 shown below is performed, for example, when a user performs an operation to execute the ventilation operation mode using the operation unit 5 or the remote controller 6. In this embodiment, the operation of the ventilation system 1 described below is performed when a user performs an operation to execute the ventilation operation mode by pressing the mode switching button 66 on the remote controller 6. If the ventilation system 1 has a communication function that can connect to a network such as the Internet, the user may perform an operation to execute the ventilation operation mode using a mobile terminal such as a smartphone that the user possesses.

[0077] <Step S1> First, the detection device 4 detects the opening 101 in the space 100. Here, the detection device 4 detects the opening 101 while the control unit 3 controls the oscillation of the main unit 11, that is, while changing the direction of the air outlet 11b.

[0078] <Step S2> If the detection device 4 detects the opening 101 (step S2: Yes), the control unit 3 executes step S3. On the other hand, if the detection device 4 cannot detect the opening 101, the control unit 3 executes step S5.

[0079] <Step S3> The control unit 3 performs ventilation as a specific process. Here, the control unit 3 controls the oscillation of the main unit 11 to direct the air outlet 11b toward the opening 101 detected by the detection device 4. Then, the control unit 3 controls the motor 22 to drive the fan 21 to generate airflow and expel the airflow from the air outlet 11b toward the opening 101.

[0080] <Step S4> During ventilation, the control unit 3 compares the level of contamination indicated by the sensor 7's detection result with a preset threshold. As long as the level of contamination exceeds the threshold (step S4: No), the control unit 3 continues the ventilation process. On the other hand, when the level of contamination falls below the threshold (step S4: Yes), the control unit 3 stops the ventilation process. In this case, the control unit 3 may automatically stop the operation of the blower system 1, or it may continue the operation of the blower system 1 in the operating state it was in before the ventilation process was executed.

[0081] Furthermore, when stopping the ventilation process, the control unit 3 may, for example, display an indication on the display unit 55 of the operation unit 5 that the ventilation process is complete, or, if the main unit 11 has a built-in speaker, it may output an audio message from the speaker indicating that the ventilation process is complete. Also, if the main unit 11 has a built-in buzzer, the control unit 3 may control the buzzer to output a notification sound from the buzzer indicating that the ventilation process is complete. In addition, if the ventilation system 1 has a communication function that allows it to connect to a network such as the internet, it may, for example, display an indication that the ventilation process is complete on the display of a mobile terminal such as a smartphone owned by the user. It may also output an audio message from the speaker of the mobile terminal indicating that the ventilation process is complete.

[0082] <Step S5> The control unit 3 performs a notification process as a specific process. Here, the control unit 3 controls the display unit 55 to display an indication on the display unit 55 that the opening 101 cannot be detected. If the device body 11 has a built-in speaker, the control unit 3 may also control the speaker to output an audio signal from the speaker indicating that the opening 101 cannot be detected. If the device body 11 has a built-in buzzer, the control unit 3 may also control the buzzer to output a notification sound from the buzzer indicating that the opening 101 cannot be detected.

[0083] [3] Advantages The advantages of the blower system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. As described above, the blower system 1 according to this embodiment can detect the opening 101 in the space 100 in which the equipment body 11 is installed using the detection device 4. Therefore, by referring to the detection result of the detection device 4, it is easier to install the equipment body 11 with the air outlet 11b facing the opening 101, which is an advantage.

[0084] For example, when the control unit 3 performs ventilation processing by referring to the detection result of the detection device 4, it can direct the air outlet 11b towards the opening 101 by controlling the oscillation of the main unit 11. Therefore, it is possible to direct the main unit 11 towards the air outlet 11b towards the opening 101 without the user having to move the main unit 11.

[0085] Furthermore, for example, if the user receives notification from the control unit 3 that there is no opening 101, they will be more likely to be aware of the installation condition of directing the air outlet 11b towards the opening 101 when performing ventilation. Then, the user will be more likely to move the device body 11 after opening a window or door, for example, and install the device body 11 with the air outlet 11b directed towards the opening 101.

[0086] (Embodiment 2) The blower system 1A according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 8. The blower system 1A according to this embodiment differs from the blower system 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that the detection device 4 has an image recognition device 43 instead of a distance sensor 41. In other words, in this embodiment, the explanation of points common to Embodiment 1 will be omitted as appropriate below.

[0087] The image recognition device 43 has an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor. The image recognition device 43 is installed on the main unit 11 or base 12 in a state where it can image the space 100 (in this case, the area in front of the air outlet 11b in the space 100). The image recognition device 43 images the space 100 and recognizes objects contained in the image by performing appropriate image recognition processing on the image. The image recognition processing may be, for example, a process using template matching or a process using AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this embodiment, the image recognition device 43 recognizes objects in the space 100, such as the opening 101, wall 102, or ceiling 103, contained in the image.

[0088] In other words, in this embodiment, the detection device 4 includes an image recognition device 43 that performs image recognition processing on an image of the space 100, and detects the opening 101 based on the image recognition result by the image recognition device 43. For example, if the captured image includes the opening 101, the detection device 4 detects that the opening 101 exists in the space 100. On the other hand, if the captured image does not include the opening 101, or if it includes a closed window or door, the detection device 4 detects that the opening 101 does not exist in the space 100.

[0089] Thus, in the blower system 1A according to this embodiment, the opening 101 is detected based on an image of the space 100 captured by the image recognition device 43. For this reason, in the blower system 1A according to this embodiment, the opening 101 can be detected over a relatively wide area within the space 100 without the control unit 3 controlling the oscillation of the main unit 11. Therefore, the blower system 1A according to this embodiment has the advantage of being able to reduce the processing time required to detect the opening 101 compared to the case in which a distance sensor 41 is used.

[0090] [Variation] The following lists some modifications of the embodiment. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0091] In embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the control unit 3 may adjust the airflow rate of the fan 21 according to the distance from the outlet 11b to the opening 101 while the ventilation process is being performed. For example, the control unit 3 may set the airflow rate of the fan 21 to be lower than the standard airflow rate the shorter the distance. Conversely, the control unit 3 may set the airflow rate of the fan 21 to be higher than the standard airflow rate the longer the distance. This has the advantage that it is possible to generate an airflow with an appropriate airflow rate according to the distance from the opening 101 to the outlet 11b, making it easier to efficiently ventilate the space 100.

[0092] In the above embodiment 1, the detection device 4 has one distance sensor 41, but it is not limited to this. For example, the detection device 4 may have multiple distance sensors 41. In this case, for example, by arranging the distance sensors 41 so that the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part face not only in front of the air outlet 11b but also to the side or rear, there is an advantage that blind spots are less likely to occur when detecting the opening 101.

[0093] Furthermore, in embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the control unit 3 can perform both ventilation processing and notification processing as specific processing, but is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 3 may be able to perform only ventilation processing as specific processing. In this embodiment, if the detection device 4 cannot detect the opening 101 of the space 100, the control unit 3 should stop the ventilation operation mode without performing notification processing. Alternatively, for example, the control unit 3 may be able to perform only notification processing as specific processing. In this embodiment, if the detection device 4 can detect the opening 101 of the space 100, the control unit 3 should not perform ventilation processing.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment 2, the detection device 4 of the blower system 1A may also have a distance sensor 41 in addition to the image recognition device 43. The detection device 4 may then detect the opening 101 based on the detection result from the distance sensor 41 and the detection result from the image recognition device 43. For example, the detection device 4 first detects the position of a window or door, etc. in the space 100 based on the detection result from the image recognition device 43. Then, the control unit 3 controls the oscillation of the main unit 11 to direct the air outlet 11b towards the window or door, etc., and then the distance sensor 41 may detect whether the window or door, etc. is open, that is, whether an opening 101 exists.

[0095] Furthermore, in the ventilation systems 1 and 1A, the sensor 7 is not an essential component and can be omitted as appropriate. In other words, the ventilation systems 1 and 1A do not need to have a function to automatically stop ventilation operation based on the detection results of the sensor 7. In this case, the user can stop ventilation operation by stopping the operation of the ventilation system 1 at their own discretion.

[0096] Furthermore, in embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the space identification processing unit 42 is included in the detection device 4, but this is not limited to that. For example, the space identification processing unit 42 may be included in the control unit 3. Also, in the air blowing systems 1 and 1A, the space identification processing unit 42 is not an essential component and can be omitted as appropriate. In other words, the air blowing systems 1 and 1A do not need to have the function of identifying at least one of the size and shape of the space 100 by the space identification processing unit 42.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 and 2, it is not essential for the blower system 1 and 1A to have at least some of its functions integrated into a single device, and the components of the blower system 1 and 1A may be distributed across multiple devices. For example, in the blower system 1 and 1A, the main body 11, the base 12, the first arm 13, and the second arm 14 may be configured as a single device, while the detection device 4 may be provided as a separate device.

[0098] [Notes on the invention] The following is an overview of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments. Note that each configuration and processing function described below can be selected and combined as desired.

[0099] <Note 1> A device body having an outlet and blowing air forward from the outlet, The device includes a detection device for detecting an opening that opens the space in which the main body of the device is installed to the outside, Ventilation system.

[0100] <Note 2> The system further comprises a control unit that performs specific processing according to the detection result of the opening by the detection device. The ventilation system described in Appendix 1.

[0101] <Note 3> The device further comprises a support block that supports the main body of the device so that it can swivel, The aforementioned specific processing includes, when the detection device detects the opening, a ventilation process that controls the drive unit that oscillates the main body of the equipment to direct the outlet towards the opening, and controls the main body of the equipment to blow the airflow from the outlet towards the opening. The ventilation system described in Appendix 2.

[0102] <Note 4> The aforementioned specific processing includes a notification process that notifies the detection of the inability to detect the opening if the detection device cannot detect the opening. The ventilation system described in Appendix 2 or 3.

[0103] <Note 5> The detection device includes a distance sensor placed on the main body of the device for detecting the distance to an object, and detects the opening based on the distance detected by the distance sensor. The ventilation system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4.

[0104] <Note 6> The system further includes a space identification processing unit that identifies at least one of the size and shape of the space based on the detection results of the detection device. The ventilation system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5.

[0105] <Note 7> The detection device includes an image recognition device that performs image recognition processing on an image of the space, and detects the opening based on the image recognition result of the image by the image recognition device. The ventilation system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 6.

[0106] <Note 8> If the detected opening is one of several openings, the detection device identifies the opening that satisfies the priority conditions among the multiple openings. The ventilation system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 7. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 1.1A ventilation system 11. Main unit of the device 11b Air outlet 3. Control Unit 31 Drive unit 4. Detection device 41 Distance Sensor 42 Spatial Identification Processing Unit 43 Image recognition device 100 space 101 Opening AC1 Airflow

Claims

1. A device body having an outlet and blowing air forward from the outlet, The device includes a detection device for detecting an opening that opens the space in which the main body of the device is installed to the outside, Ventilation system.

2. The system further comprises a control unit that performs specific processing according to the detection result of the opening by the detection device. The air blowing system according to claim 1.

3. The device further comprises a support block that supports the main body of the device so that it can swivel, The aforementioned specific processing includes, when the detection device detects the opening, a ventilation process that controls the drive unit that oscillates the main body of the equipment to direct the outlet towards the opening, and controls the main body of the equipment to blow the airflow from the outlet towards the opening. The air blowing system according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned specific processing includes a notification process that notifies the detection of the inability to detect the opening if the detection device cannot detect the opening. The air blowing system according to claim 2.

5. The detection device includes a distance sensor placed on the main body of the device for detecting the distance to an object, and detects the opening based on the distance detected by the distance sensor. The air blowing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The system further includes a space identification processing unit that identifies at least one of the size and shape of the space based on the detection results of the detection device. The air blowing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The detection device includes an image recognition device that performs image recognition processing on an image of the space, and detects the opening based on the image recognition result of the image by the image recognition device. The air blowing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. If the detected opening is one of several openings, the detection device identifies the opening that satisfies the priority conditions among the multiple openings. The air blowing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images