Sensor units, air conditioning control systems, air conditioning equipment

Abstract

To achieve multi-functions or higher functions of an air conditioning facility using a temperature sensor and an air quality sensor preferably.SOLUTION: A thermostat 43 for an air conditioning facility includes a sensor unit 50. The sensor unit 50 has: a control board 60 mounted with a temperature sensor 75 and an air quality sensor 76; and a housing 80 which houses the control board 60. Natural convection easily occurs in a first space part S1, where the air quality sensor 76 is disposed in an internal space IC of the housing 80, compared to a second space part S2 where the temperature sensor is disposed in the internal space IS. A peripheral wall part 83 formed so as to be arranged along an outer periphery of the control board 60 in the housing 80 is provided with multiple vent holes 85. Air in a habitable room can be taken into the internal space IC through those vent holes 85. All of the vent holes 85 are formed on two wall parts, located close to the air quality sensor 76, of four wall parts forming the peripheral wall part 83.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor unit, an air conditioning control system, and an air conditioning facility. [Background technology]

[0002] In buildings such as houses and vehicles such as automobiles, comfort is improved by adjusting the indoor temperature using air conditioning equipment. In recent years, there has been growing concern about the health effects of fine particles (particulate matter) such as PM2.5 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene, and there is an increasing need for indoor air purification. As for the above-mentioned air conditioning equipment, in order to contribute to the purification of indoor air, for example, a particulate sensor (air quality sensor) is used to monitor the cleanliness of the air and air conditioning control is performed according to the cleanliness of the air (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-51697 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, the inventor of the present application has devised a sensor unit that aggregates sensing-related configurations such as a temperature sensor and an air quality sensor equipped in an air conditioning facility in order to realize multi-functionality and high functionality of the air conditioning facility using an air quality sensor. Aggregating sensing-related configurations in this manner is preferable in order to realize product management in a factory and simplification of installation work at a construction site. However, since the preferable use environment for the temperature sensor and the air quality sensor may differ, there is room for further improvement in improving the reliability of the detection results of each sensor while allowing the sensors to coexist in the above-mentioned sensor unit. In other words, there is room for improvement in the configuration in order to realize multi-functionality or high functionality of the air conditioning facility by mounting a temperature sensor and an air quality sensor.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and a main object of the present invention is to preferably realize multi-functional or high-performance air conditioning equipment using a temperature sensor and an air quality sensor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Means for solving the above problems will be described below.

[0007] First means: A sensor unit (sensor unit 50) applied to an air conditioning facility (air conditioning facility 30), a temperature sensor (temperature sensor 75) and an air quality sensor (air quality sensor 76); A housing (housing 80) that houses the temperature sensor and the air quality sensor. Equipped with In a first region (first space S1) in the internal space of the housing in which the air quality sensor is disposed, natural convection is more likely to occur than in a second region (second space S2) in the internal space in which the temperature sensor is disposed, The sensor unit has an air vent (air vent 85) formed in a portion of the housing that forms the first area.

[0008] The temperature sensor may drop in temperature due to direct contact with the air outside the housing that flows in through the ventilation hole. This will upset the temperature offset and hinder efforts to improve detection accuracy. In contrast, if the air quality sensor is placed in a location where it is not exposed to air taken in from outside the housing, it will be difficult to improve the accuracy of the detection results. In other words, although the temperature sensor and the air quality sensor have similar conditions of use in that they both need to take in air from outside the housing and exchange the air appropriately, the desirable placement when considering the air flow is in the opposite relationship.

[0009] Here, according to the configuration shown in the first means, natural convection is more likely to occur in the first region where the air quality sensor is disposed than in the second region where the temperature sensor is disposed. By providing an air vent in the first region where natural convection is more likely to occur, the exchange of air between inside and outside the housing is promoted through the air vent. Since the air quality sensor is disposed in the first region, the air flowing in from the air vent is more likely to hit the air quality sensor. This allows the function of detecting air quality to be preferably exercised. In contrast, the temperature sensor is disposed in the second region away from the air vent and where natural convection is less likely to occur. This makes it possible to prevent the air flowing in from the air vent from hitting the temperature sensor or to prevent a strong air flow from occurring near the temperature sensor. This makes it possible to dispel the concerns about the detection accuracy described above. In this way, by solving the problems caused by the integration of the temperature sensor and the air quality sensor, it is possible to promote the unitization of the sensing configuration and preferably realize the multi-function or high-function of the air conditioning equipment using the temperature sensor and the air quality sensor. Incidentally, accommodating the temperature sensor and the air quality sensor in a single housing as a unit is preferable in terms of simplifying product management in factories and installation work at construction sites.

[0010] Incidentally, the statement in the first means that "in the first region (first space S1) in the internal space of the housing where the air quality sensor is arranged, natural convection is more likely to occur than in the second region (second space S2) in the internal space where the temperature sensor is arranged" can also be changed to "in the first region (first area E1) in the internal space of the housing where the air quality sensor is arranged, natural convection is more likely to occur than in the second region (third area E3) in which the temperature sensor is arranged, due to the temperature difference between a specific portion (part of the control board 60) in the first region and other portions of the first region."

[0011] The configuration shown in the first means can also be described as "a sensor unit (sensor unit 50) to be applied to an air conditioning system (air conditioning system 30), comprising a temperature sensor (temperature sensor 75) and an air quality sensor (air quality sensor 76), and a housing (housing 80) that houses the temperature sensor and the air quality sensor, the internal space of the housing including area A and area B in which natural convection is more likely to occur than in area A, an air vent (air vent 85) being formed in a portion of the housing that forms area B, the temperature sensor being disposed in area A, and the air quality sensor being disposed in area B."

[0012] Second means: The portion of the first area surrounding the air quality sensor (e.g., the first area E1 and the second area E2 of the control board 60) is configured to be hotter than other portions of the first area (e.g., the portion near the ceiling portion 81 of the housing 80).

[0013] If the area around the air quality sensor in the first area becomes hotter than other areas in the first area, natural convection is more likely to occur near the air quality sensor. In other words, stagnation of the air flow near the air quality sensor can be suppressed. This is preferable for realizing a configuration in which air taken in through the vent is delivered to the air quality sensor.

[0014] Third means: The housing contains a control board (control board 60) on which various components including the temperature sensor and the air quality sensor are mounted, The various components are arranged so that the temperature of the control board in the vicinity of the air quality sensor is higher than that of the control board in the vicinity of the temperature sensor.

[0015] By configuring the temperature of the area around the air quality sensor to be high by arranging the various components mounted on the control board, a configuration for generating natural convection in the first area can be easily realized. In addition, since natural convection can be generated by utilizing the heat of the control board (various components), no energy is wasted in generating natural convection.

[0016] Fourth Means: The control board is provided with a plurality of heat generating components (such as first type components such as PS65, LDO66, MCU68, etc.) that generate heat when energized as the various components, By making the number of heat-generating components arranged in the first region greater than the number of heat-generating components arranged in the second region, the natural convection is made more likely to occur in the first region.

[0017] If more heat-generating components are arranged in the first region, natural convection can be easily generated in the first region. On the other hand, since there are fewer heat-generating components arranged in the second region compared to the first region, the occurrence of natural convection can be suppressed. This is preferable in order to avoid the occurrence of strong air flow near the temperature sensor. For example, it is preferable to arrange non-heat-generating components (e.g., second-class components such as connector 61, switch 63, LED 73, etc.) that do not generate heat or have a heat value of almost zero in the second region, and arrange no heat-generating components in the second region.

[0018] Incidentally, the statement in this means that "The control board is equipped with a plurality of heat-generating components (e.g., first-class components such as PS65, LDO 66, MCU 68, etc.) that generate heat when current is applied thereto as the various components" can also be read as "The control board is equipped with a plurality of heat-generating components (e.g., first-class components such as PS65, LDO 66, MCU 68, etc.) that generate heat when current is applied thereto and that generate a heat amount per unit time that is greater than a reference amount as the various components."

[0019] Fifth Means: A plurality of heat generating components that generate different amounts of heat when energized are mounted on the control board as the various components, The plurality of heat generating components are arranged so that the proportion of heat generating components that generate more heat increases toward the air quality sensor, and the proportion of heat generating components that generate less heat increases toward the temperature sensor.

[0020] If the proportion of heat generating components that generate more heat increases (and the proportion of heat generating components that generate less heat decreases) toward the air quality sensor, and the proportion of heat generating components that generate less heat increases (and the proportion of heat generating components that generate more heat decreases) toward the temperature sensor, natural convection can be made easier to generate in the first region, while natural convection can be made less likely to generate in the second region.

[0021] Sixth Means: The various components arranged in the first area include a regulator and a microcomputer, and the various components arranged in the second area include a connector and a switch.

[0022] Regulators and microcomputers generate more heat than connectors and switches. Therefore, by arranging the regulator and microcomputer in the first area and the connector and switch in the second area, the technical idea shown in the third means can be suitably realized.

[0023] The seventh means is a rectangular control board. The air quality sensor and the temperature sensor are disposed at diagonally opposite corners of the control board.

[0024] According to the seventh aspect, the distance between the air quality sensor and the temperature sensor can be increased, so that when natural convection is generated in the first area, the effect of the natural convection can be reduced on the temperature sensor in the second area.

[0025] Eighth Means: The housing contains a control board (control board 60) on which various components including the temperature sensor and the air quality sensor are mounted, the temperature sensor and the air quality sensor are disposed on one surface of the control board, The housing is provided with a facing portion (ceiling portion 81) facing the one plate surface of the control board, The temperature difference between the control board and the facing portion in the first region is configured to be larger than the temperature difference between the control board and the facing portion in the second region.

[0026] By configuring the temperature difference between the control board and the opposing portion to be relatively large in the first region and relatively small in the second region, natural convection can be made easier to generate in the first region while natural convection can be made less likely to occur in the second region.

[0027] Ninth Means: The temperature difference in the first region and the distance between the control board and the opposing portion in the first region are specified so that the natural convection occurring between the opposing portion and the control board in the first region is a laminar flow.

[0028] If the natural convection occurring in the first region is laminar, the effect of the natural convection on the second region can be reduced compared to when the natural convection occurring in the first region is turbulent.

[0029] Tenth Means: A sensor unit (sensor unit 50) applied to an air conditioning facility (air conditioning facility 30), A control board (control board 60) on which a plurality of components including a temperature sensor (temperature sensor 75) and an air quality sensor (air quality sensor 76) are mounted; A housing (housing 80) that houses the control board; Equipped with the various components are arranged such that a portion of the control board surrounding the air quality sensor has a higher temperature than a portion of the control board surrounding the temperature sensor; An air vent (air vent 85) is formed in a wall portion of the housing that is in the vicinity of the air quality sensor.

[0030] According to the configuration shown in the tenth means, natural convection is more likely to occur in the area in the internal space of the housing where the air quality sensor is disposed than in the area where the temperature sensor is disposed. By providing an air vent near the air quality sensor, i.e., in the area where natural convection is more likely to occur, air outside the housing flows in / out through the air vent. The air flowing in from the air vent is more likely to hit the air quality sensor. This allows the function of detecting air quality to be preferably exercised. On the other hand, the temperature sensor is disposed away from the air vent and in an area where natural convection is less likely to occur. This makes it possible to prevent the air flowing in from the air vent from hitting the temperature sensor or to prevent a strong air flow from occurring near the temperature sensor. This makes it possible to dispel the concerns about the detection accuracy described above. In this way, by solving the problems caused by the integration of the temperature sensor and the air quality sensor, it is possible to promote unitization and preferably realize multi-functionality or high functionality of air conditioning equipment using the air quality sensor. Incidentally, accommodating the temperature sensor and the air quality sensor in a single housing as a unit is preferable in terms of simplifying product management in factories and installation work at construction sites.

[0031] The temperature sensor and the air quality sensor are disposed on one surface of the control board, The housing is provided with a facing portion (ceiling portion 81) facing the one plate surface of the control board, The temperature difference between the opposing portion and a portion of the control board surrounding the air quality sensor is configured to be larger than the temperature difference between the opposing portion and a portion of the control board surrounding the temperature sensor.

[0032] The temperature difference between the control board and the facing portion becomes relatively large on the air quality sensor side, and the temperature difference between the control board and the facing portion becomes relatively small on the temperature sensor side. With this configuration, it is possible to make it easier for natural convection to occur on the air quality sensor side, while making it difficult for natural convection to occur on the temperature sensor side. This makes it possible to preferably exert the effect shown in the tenth aspect.

[0033] Twelfth Means: An air conditioning control system that includes the sensor unit and controls an air conditioning device (air conditioning device 40) based on information from the sensor unit.

[0034] By utilizing the air quality sensor, it is possible to suitably realize multi-functionality or high functionality of air conditioning equipment.

[0035] 13. An air conditioning facility comprising the air conditioning control system and the air conditioning device (air conditioning device 40) controlled by the air conditioning control system.

[0036] By utilizing the air quality sensor, it is possible to suitably realize multi-functionality or high functionality of air conditioning equipment.

[0037] In addition, with regard to the thirteenth and fourteenth means, it is preferable to have as the above-mentioned ventilation openings a first ventilation opening provided at a position close to the air quality sensor and a second ventilation opening provided at a position far from the air quality sensor, and to configure the first ventilation opening to be on the lower side and the second ventilation opening to be on the upper side when the air conditioning control system is installed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a building and an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a sensor unit provided in the thermostat. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the sensor unit. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram comparing the heat generation amounts of various parts. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing areas set on a control board. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the temperature of a control board. [Figure 7] Schematic diagram showing air flow when a temperature difference occurs. [Figure 8] Schematic diagram showing the principle of natural convection. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the generation conditions of a laminar flow and the generation conditions of a turbulent flow. [Figure 10] FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram showing a control board in a second embodiment, and FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the sensor unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] <First embodiment> An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the present invention is embodied in an air conditioning system installed in a building. Note that "air conditioning" in this embodiment refers to adjusting the state of air, such as temperature, humidity, cleanliness, etc., by cooling / heating, dehumidification / humidification, and ventilation.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning equipment 30 installed in the building 10 includes an air conditioning unit 40 installed indoors (machine room 34), an outdoor unit 41 installed outdoors, an air conditioning controller 42 that controls the air conditioning unit 40 and the outdoor unit 41, a thermostat 43 for adjusting temperature, heat exchange piping 44 that connects the air conditioning unit 40 and the outdoor unit 41, intake ducts 45-47 that take in air for air conditioning into the air conditioning unit 40, supply ducts 48, 49 that supply the conditioned air to rooms 21, 22, etc. of the building 10, and an exhaust duct (not shown) that exhausts air to the outdoors.

[0041] The interior space (indoor space IS) of the building 10 has a plurality of rooms, and each room is provided with the above-mentioned intake port of the intake duct and the supply port of the supply duct. For example, the room 21 has the intake port 45a provided in the intake duct 45 and the supply port 48a provided in the supply duct 48, and the room 22 has the intake port 46a provided in the intake duct 46 and the supply port 49a provided in the supply duct 49. The building 10 shown in this embodiment is a highly airtight and highly insulated house, and the entire building is air-conditioned by the air conditioning equipment 30 (air conditioner 40) (so-called whole-building air conditioning). In addition, the above-mentioned thermostat 43 is provided in each room 22, 23, and temperature can be adjusted for each room. In this embodiment, an air conditioning control system is constructed by the thermostat 43 and the air conditioning controller 42.

[0042] The intake duct 47 extends to the outdoors, and the intake port 47a of the intake duct 47 is disposed in the outdoor space OS. The air conditioner 40 is capable of taking in not only indoor air but also outdoor air as air for air conditioning. A dust collection filter is disposed in the intake port 47a, which prevents dirt, dust, etc. from being taken into the indoors through the intake duct 47. By replacing a portion of the conditioned air circulating indoors with outside air, a decrease in the cleanliness of the conditioned air being circulated is prevented. Note that ventilation by the air conditioner 30 may be performed not only in combination with heating / cooling and dehumidification / humidification, but also in combination with air blowing.

[0043] Here, the modes (ventilation modes) for taking in outside air by the air conditioning equipment 30 include a normal ventilation mode, a weak ventilation mode in which the amount of outside air taken in per unit time is less than that in the normal ventilation mode, and a stop mode in which ventilation is stopped according to a stop instruction from the user. While the air conditioning equipment 30 is in operation, either the normal ventilation mode or the weak ventilation mode is basically set as the ventilation mode. In addition, there are automatic switching in which the air conditioning controller 42 monitors the air condition (cleanliness) and automatically switches based on the monitoring results, and manual switching in which the mode is switched based on a user instruction.

[0044] Here, we will provide a supplementary explanation of the configuration for monitoring the air condition in each of the living rooms 22, 23. The thermostat 43 disposed in each of the living rooms 22, 23 includes a sensor unit and a cover 43a (see FIG. 1) that covers the sensor unit. A number of openings are formed in the cover 43a, and the air in the living room flows into the cover 43a through these openings.

[0045] 2, the sensor unit 50 has a rectangular control board 60 on which a temperature sensor 75 and an air quality sensor 76 are mounted, and a rectangular parallelepiped housing 80 that houses the control board 60. Air from the room flows into the cover 43a through an opening in the cover 43a, and some of the air hits the housing 80, so that the temperature of the housing 80 is the same or nearly the same as the temperature of the room.

[0046] When the thermostat 43 is installed (fixed) on a wall or the like in a predetermined orientation, the mounting surface 60a of the control board 60 on which various components such as the temperature sensor 75 and the air quality sensor 76 are mounted faces upward. The control board 60 is fixed to the bottom 82 of the housing 80, and a certain amount of space is secured between the ceiling 81 of the housing 80 and the control board 60 (mounting surface 60a).

[0047] One of the temperature sensor 75 and the air quality sensor 76 is disposed in one of the four corners of the control board 60, and the other is disposed in the other corner diagonally opposite the corner. This is a device to increase the distance between the temperature sensor 75 and the air quality sensor 76. A peripheral wall 83 formed in the housing 80 along the outer periphery of the control board 60 is formed with a plurality of ventilation holes 85, so that the air from the living room that flows into the thermostat 43 through the opening in the cover 43a can be taken in through these ventilation holes 85. All of the ventilation holes 85 are formed in two of the four walls constituting the peripheral wall 83 of the housing 80 that are close to the air quality sensor 76, and no ventilation holes are formed in the other two walls that are close to the temperature sensor 75.

[0048] The ventilation openings 85 are roughly divided into a lower ventilation opening 86 located near (at the same height as) the air quality sensor 76, and an upper ventilation opening 87 located above the lower ventilation opening 86. Although details will be described later, air in the living room is supplied to the internal space IC of the housing 80 through the lower ventilation opening 86, and air in the internal space IC is exhausted through the upper ventilation opening 87.

[0049] Next, the electrical configuration of the control board 60 will be further described with reference to Fig. 3. The control board 60 is provided with a connector 61 that connects the control board 60 to an external power supply, a polyswitch 63, an RSC64 (RECTIFY·SMOOTHING CIRCUIT) that is a conversion unit that converts the power supplied from the external power supply through the polyswitch 63 from AC power to DC power, a P / S65 (POWER SUPPLY) that is a stable supply unit for realizing a stable supply of the DC power converted by the RSC64, and a power supply unit 62 that has an LDO64 (LOW DROP OUT) that is a regulator that drops the voltage of the power from the P / S65 to a predetermined voltage. The control board 60 is further provided with an MCU 68 as a control unit, a WD 71 (WATCHDOG) as a monitoring unit that monitors whether the MCU 68 is operating normally, a switch 72 as an operation unit operated by the user, an LED 73 as an information display unit whose display changes in response to operation, the temperature sensor 75, and the air quality sensor 76, and is configured so that power whose voltage has been reduced by the LDO 64 is supplied from the power supply unit 62 to the MCU 68 etc.

[0050] The temperature sensor 75 and the air quality sensor 76 are connected to the MCU 68, which acquires detection information from these sensors 75, 76 and executes processing related to temperature adjustment, etc. based on the acquired detection information. The detection information is also transmitted to the air conditioning controller 42, which switches the ventilation mode, etc., based on this detection information.

[0051] More specifically, the air quality sensor 76 includes a PM sensor 76a that is a particulate sensor capable of detecting particulate matter in the air (e.g., PM2.5), a VOC sensor 76b that is capable of detecting volatile organic compounds in the air (e.g., toluene and xylene), and a CO2 sensor 76c that is capable of detecting the carbon dioxide concentration in the air, and the state of the air in each room can be grasped based on this information. For example, when the ventilation mode is in the weak ventilation mode or the stop mode, if the carbon dioxide concentration in the room becomes higher than the reference concentration or the concentration of volatile organic compounds becomes higher than the reference concentration, the ventilation mode is switched to the normal ventilation mode. Also, when the ventilation mode is in the normal mode, if the amount of particulate matter in the air in the room becomes higher than the reference amount, the ventilation mode is switched to the weak ventilation mode or the stop mode.

[0052] Here, the temperature sensor 75 may be lowered by being directly hit by the air flowing in from outside the housing 80 or by being continuously exposed to the air flow. This causes the temperature offset to be disturbed, which hinders the improvement of the detection accuracy. In contrast, if the air quality sensor 76 is placed in a place where it is not hit by the air flowing in from outside the housing 80, it becomes difficult to improve the accuracy of the detection result. In other words, although the temperature sensor 75 and the air quality sensor 76 have the same prerequisite use conditions in that they need to take in air from outside the housing 80 and replace the air appropriately, the desirable arrangement when considering the air flow is inversely related. In this embodiment, one of the features is that the air flow is made different around the temperature sensor 75 and around the air quality sensor 76, thereby enabling the temperature sensor 75 and the air quality sensor 76 to coexist in the internal space IC of the housing 80. Specifically, one of the features is that the air flow is controlled by utilizing the heat generated in the control board 60 (more specifically, the components) by devising the arrangement of various components mounted on the control board 60. Hereinafter, the relationship between the amount of heat generated by each component and its arrangement will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0053] As described above, in addition to the temperature sensor 75 and the air quality sensor 76 (PM sensor 76a, VOC sensor 76b, CO2 sensor 76c), various components such as the connector 61, polyswitch 63, RSC 64, P / S 65, LDO 66, MCU 68, WD 71, switch 72, LED 73, etc. are arranged on the control board 60. These components are broadly classified into first-class components that generate a heat amount equal to or greater than a reference heat amount (the minimum heat amount that can generate natural convection, which will be described later), and second-class components that generate a heat amount below the reference heat amount. The first-class components correspond to "heat-generating components," and the second-class components correspond to "non-heat-generating components" that do not generate heat or generate almost zero heat.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 4, for the P / S 65 and LDO 66, the heat generation temperature is high and the heat generation amount far exceeds the reference heat generation amount. For the VOC sensor 76b and the CO2 sensor 76c, the heat generation temperature is lower than the LDO 66, etc., but the heat generation amount exceeds the reference heat generation amount. The MCU 68 is not configured to operate continuously like the LDO 66, etc., but is configured to enter a sleep state in which power consumption is suppressed when not in operation. However, when in operation, the heat generation temperature is high and the heat generation amount exceeds the reference heat generation amount. All of the P / S 65, LDO 66, MCU 68, VOC sensor 76b, and CO2 sensor 76c are classified as Type 1 components.

[0055] In contrast, the connector 61, RSC 64, WD 71, switches 63 and 72, LED 73, temperature sensor 75, and PM sensor 76a all have long energization times and operating times, but their heat generation temperatures are low and their heat generation amounts are below the reference heat generation amount. The connector 61, RSC 64, WD 71, switches 63 and 72, LED 73, temperature sensor 75, and PM sensor 76a all fall under the category of second-class components.

[0056] 5, the control board 60 (more specifically, the mounting surface 60a) is divided into multiple areas in a diagonal direction connecting both corners where the temperature sensor 75 and the air quality sensor 76 are disposed. Specifically, the corner where the air quality sensor 76 is disposed is the first area E1, and in order of proximity to the first area E1, the areas are the second area E2, the third area E3, and the fourth area E4. The fourth area E4 is the area farthest from the first area E1 and is the corner where the temperature sensor 75 is disposed.

[0057] In the second area E2, the first-class components are arranged so as to surround the air quality sensor 76. Although some second-class components such as the RSC 64 are arranged in the second area E2 (see FIG. 4), most of them are first-class components, and most of the second-class components are arranged in the third area E3. On the other hand, no first-class components are arranged in the third area E3, and all the components arranged in the third area E3 are second-class components. In other words, it can be said that the area around the temperature sensor 75 is an area where first-class components are not arranged, and the first-class components are concentrated around the air quality sensor 76. It can also be said that the number of first-class components arranged in the first area E1 and the second area E2 is greater than the number of second-class components, and the number of second-class components arranged in the third area E3 and the fourth area E4 is greater than the number of first-class components.

[0058] By arranging the first type components that generate a large amount of heat on the air quality sensor 76 side and arranging the second type components that generate a small amount of heat on the temperature sensor 75 side, the following temperature difference is generated on the control board 60. That is, as shown in Fig. 6, a temperature difference is generated such that the temperature around the air quality sensor 76 (first area E1 and second area E2) is higher than the temperature around the temperature sensor 75 (part of the third area E3 and the fourth area E4). The temperature around the temperature sensor 75 is approximately the same as the room temperature of the room in which the thermostat 43 is installed.

[0059] Next, the air flow in the internal space IC of the housing 80 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7(a) is a schematic diagram showing the sensor unit 50 immediately after the air conditioning equipment 30 (thermostat 43) is turned on, and Fig. 7(b) is a schematic diagram showing the sensor unit 50 a certain amount of time has passed since the air conditioning equipment 30 (thermostat 43) was turned on.

[0060] When the air conditioning equipment 30 is powered on, power supply to the control board 60 begins. This causes the various components disposed on the control board 60 to generate heat. However, immediately after power supply begins, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the temperature of each component has barely increased, so the temperature of the control board 60 is approximately the same as the temperature of the room. The temperature of the ceiling 81 of the housing 80 is also approximately the same as the temperature of the room, so the temperature difference between the control board 60 and the ceiling 81 of the housing 80 is zero or nearly zero at every point.

[0061] When a certain amount of time has passed since the start of power supply, a temperature difference occurs in the control board 60, as shown in Fig. 7(b). Specifically, the temperature of the control board 60 does not rise much around the temperature sensor 75, and the temperature difference with the ceiling 81 remains zero or almost zero. In contrast, the temperature of the control board 60 rises significantly around the air quality sensor 76. This increases the temperature difference between the peripheral portion of the air quality sensor 76 and the ceiling 81. This temperature difference causes natural convection in the internal space IC of the housing 80. Specifically, a flow occurs in which air heated near the control board 60 rises toward the ceiling 81 and then falls toward the control board 60 (see Fig. 8).

[0062] Such an air flow is generated in a position close to the wall portion where the ventilation opening 85 is formed in the peripheral wall portion 83, and the air inside and outside the housing 80 is exchanged (ventilated) as if induced by the air flow. Specifically, the air outside the housing 80 flows into the internal space IC through the lower ventilation opening 86, and the air in the internal space IC flows out of the housing 80 through the upper ventilation opening 87.

[0063] When there is a temperature difference between a pair of flat plates spaced apart from each other, such as the control board 60 and the ceiling 81 (so-called vertical plate model), the mode of natural convection occurring between these flat plates can be determined by the Rayleigh number Ra, which is a dimensionless number that characterizes heat transfer in natural convection. Specifically, the Rayleigh number Ra is defined by the following formula using six parameters: (1) gravitational acceleration g, (2) volume expansion coefficient α, (3) temperature difference ΔT between the control board 60 and the ceiling 81, (4) distance L between the control board 60 and the ceiling 81, (5) thermal diffusion coefficient k, and (6) kinetic viscosity coefficient v. That is, Ra=gαΔTL^3 / kv.

[0064] In the vertical plate model, natural convection (laminar flow) occurs when the Rayleigh number Ra exceeds 10^8, and transitions from laminar flow to turbulent flow when the Rayleigh number Ra exceeds 10^9. It is undesirable for a large air flow to occur around the temperature sensor 75 due to the influence of the natural convection occurring around the air quality sensor 76. In this embodiment, due to such circumstances, the above temperature difference ΔT and distance L are specified so that the natural convection occurring around the air quality sensor 76 becomes laminar flow, thereby suppressing the influence on the periphery of the temperature sensor 75.

[0065] Specifically, the temperature difference ΔT and the distance L are specified assuming that the temperature of the room in which the thermostat 43 is disposed is 20°. When the temperature of the room is assumed to be 20°, the gravitational acceleration g is 9.8 m / s^2, the volume expansion coefficient α is 3.41×10^-3, the thermal diffusion coefficient is 2×10^-5, and the dynamic viscosity coefficient v is 1.5×10^-5. If the Rayleigh number Ra is 10^8 to 10^9 (laminar flow section), the relationship between the temperature difference ΔT and the distance L is as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 9. For example, when the temperature difference ΔT is in the range of 0° to 60°, the distance L can be set to 0.15<distance L<0.3 to make the natural convection laminar. In this embodiment, the temperature difference ΔT is in the range of 20° to 30°, so the distance L between the control board 60 and the ceiling part 81 is set to 0.15.

[0066] In this embodiment, the space (first space S1) around the air quality sensor 76 in the internal space IC of the housing 80 is a space where the generation of natural convection is promoted by the temperature difference between the control board 60 and the ceiling 81, and the space (second space S2) around the temperature sensor 75 is a space (second space S2) where the generation of natural convection is suppressed and the influence of the flow of natural convection in the first space S1 is suppressed. In other words, in the first space S1 above the first area E1 and the second area E2 in the control board 60, ventilation is performed by generating natural convection, and in the second space S2 above the third area E3 and the fourth area E4, natural convection is suppressed to create a nearly windless state.

[0067] According to the first embodiment described above in detail, the following excellent effects can be expected.

[0068] The air flowing into the internal space IC of the housing 80 from the lower ventilation port 86 of the housing 80 hits the air quality sensor 76 located near the lower ventilation port 86. This allows the air quality sensor 76 to preferably perform the function of monitoring the air quality. On the other hand, the temperature sensor 75 is far away from the wall portion in which the lower ventilation port 86 and the upper ventilation port 87 are formed, and natural convection is unlikely to occur around the temperature sensor 75. This prevents the air flowing in from the ventilation port 85 from hitting the temperature sensor 75 or from causing a strong air flow near the temperature sensor 75. This eliminates the above-mentioned concerns about the detection accuracy. In this way, the problem caused by the integration of the temperature sensor 75 and the air quality sensor 76 is solved, and the unitization of the sensing configuration is promoted, and the air conditioning equipment 30 using the temperature sensor 75 and the air quality sensor 76 can be preferably realized as a multi-function or high-function air conditioner 30. Incidentally, constructing the sensor unit 50 by housing the temperature sensor 75 and the air quality sensor 76 in a single housing 80 is preferable in terms of realizing simplification of product management in a factory and installation work at a construction site.

[0069] A configuration for generating natural convection in the surrounding area can be easily realized by increasing the temperature of the surrounding area of ​​the air quality sensor 76 through the arrangement of various components mounted on the control board 60. In addition, since natural convection can be generated by utilizing the heat of the control board 60 (various components), no energy is wasted in generating natural convection.

[0070] The state of natural convection can change depending on the distance L between the control board 60 and the ceiling 81 and the temperature difference ΔT between the control board 60 and the ceiling 81. Although the distance L is a fixed value, the temperature difference ΔT is a variable value that causes some fluctuations. In other words, the state of natural convection changes as the temperature difference ΔT changes, and the range of influence of the natural convection may also change. Therefore, in this embodiment, the temperature sensor 75 and the air quality sensor 76 are arranged at diagonal corners of the control board 60 to ensure a distance between the two sensors 75, 76. This effectively prevents the influence of the conversion of natural convection generated in the first space S1 from reaching the temperature sensor 75 arranged in the second space S2.

[0071] A portion of the boundary of the first space S1 is defined by the peripheral wall portion 83. The air flow ascending / descending near the peripheral wall portion 83 follows the peripheral wall portion 83. This allows the ventilation function of taking in air through the lower ventilation port 86 formed in the peripheral wall portion 83 and discharging air through the upper ventilation port 87 to be optimally exhibited.

[0072] The MCU 68, which has a high temperature when it generates heat but is maintained in a sleep state where heat generation is suppressed for a long period of time, is placed in the second area E2. When the MCU 68 is operating, natural convection is likely to occur near the MCU 68, so if the MCU 68 were placed in the third area E3, there is a possibility that the natural convection would affect the temperature sensor 75. Thus, there is a technical significance in placing the MCU 68 in the second area E2.

[0073] <Second embodiment> In the first embodiment, the components provided on the control board 60 are classified into second-class components, which are non-heat generating components with a heat value of zero or nearly zero, and first-class components, which are heat generating components, and the first-class components are arranged to surround the air quality sensor 76. In this embodiment, the configuration relating to the arrangement of the components is different from that of the first embodiment. Below, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that a description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0074] 10(a), a temperature sensor 75 is disposed at one corner of a rectangular control board 60A, and an air quality sensor 76 is disposed at the other corner diagonally opposite the said corner. The control board 60A is divided into an area on the side where the air quality sensor 76 is disposed (air quality sensor side area EX) and an area on the side where the temperature sensor 75 is disposed (temperature sensor side area EY).

[0075] 10(b), the first type components, P / S 65, LDO 66, and MCU 68, are arranged in the air quality sensor side area EX, and the second type components, RSC 64, WD 71, switch 72, LED 73, and connector 61, are arranged in the temperature sensor side area EY. In this embodiment, the space between the air quality sensor side area EX and the ceiling 81 of the housing 80 corresponds to the first space S1, and the space between the temperature sensor side area EY and the ceiling 81 of the housing 80 corresponds to the second space S2.

[0076] Here, in the air quality sensor side area EX, the PM sensor 76a, the VOC sensor 76b, the CO2 sensor 76c, etc. are gathered at the corners of the control board 60A, which is similar to the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the heat generating components such as the P / S 65, the LDO 66, the MCU 68, etc. are not arranged in a group around the air quality sensor 76, but are arranged so as to be dispersed throughout the air quality sensor side area EX. More specifically, by arranging the heat generating components evenly in the air quality sensor side area EX, the overlap between the ranges affected by the heat of each component is reduced. This increases the area of ​​the air quality sensor side area EX while mitigating the unevenness (concentration) of the temperature distribution in the air quality sensor side area EX. It is preferable to prevent excessive concentration of heat sources while generating natural convection around the air quality sensor 76 in this way in order to suppress deterioration of various components due to heat. In other words, the arrangement shown in this embodiment makes it possible to utilize the heat generated by the control board 60A to monitor the air quality with the air quality sensor 76, while contributing to improving the durability of the sensor unit 50.

[0077] <Other embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the contents of the above-described embodiments, and may be implemented, for example, as follows. Each of the following configurations may be applied individually to each of the above-described embodiments, or may be applied to each of the above-described embodiments in combination in part or in whole. It is also possible to arbitrarily combine all or part of the various configurations shown in each of the above-described embodiments. In this case, it is preferable that the technical significance (effects to be exerted) of each of the configurations to be combined is guaranteed.

[0078] The arrangement of the various components on the control board 60 may be changed as desired, provided that a temperature difference can be secured between the area surrounding the air quality sensor 76 and the area surrounding the temperature sensor 75 on the control board 60 so as to promote the occurrence of natural convection in the first space S1 on the air quality sensor 76 side and suppress the occurrence of natural convection in the second space S2 on the temperature sensor 75 side.

[0079] For example, in each of the above embodiments, a second-type component that is a non-heat-generating component other than the air quality sensor 76, specifically the RSC 64, is arranged in the peripheral area of ​​the air quality sensor 76 (for example, the second area E2), but it is also possible to configure in such a way that no second-type component that is a non-heat-generating component is arranged in the peripheral area of ​​the air quality sensor 76. Also, it is also possible to arrange not only the second-type component that is a non-heat-generating component but also the first-type component that is a heat-generating component in the peripheral area of ​​the temperature sensor 75 (for example, the third area E3).

[0080] In the above embodiments, the various components arranged on the control board 60 are classified into second-type components that are non-heat generating components that do not generate heat or whose heat value is almost zero, and first-type components that are heat generating components, but the heat value that serves as the criterion for distinguishing between the first-type components and the second-type components does not necessarily have to be almost zero. The classification may be changed as desired as long as a component arrangement that can generate a temperature difference in the control board 60 such that the temperature near the air quality sensor 76 is higher than the temperature near the temperature sensor 75 can be realized. Furthermore, the various components arranged on the control board 60 may be classified into three or four categories based on the amount of heat generated.

[0081] In the first embodiment, the first type components, which are heat generating components, are arranged in the second area E2 close to the air quality sensor 76 so as to surround the air quality sensor 76. In other words, the first type components arranged in the second area E2 are arranged in the second area E2 regardless of the amount of heat they generate. This may be modified so that the first type components that generate more heat in the second area E2 are arranged closer to the air quality sensor 76. A similar idea may be applied to the entire control board 60, and the various components of the control board 60 may be arranged closer to the air quality sensor 76 so that the more heat they generate.

[0082] In each of the above embodiments, the ventilation openings 85 are formed in the peripheral wall portion 83 of the housing 80, but the arrangement of the ventilation openings 85 may be changed as desired as long as air is exhausted from within the housing 80 and air is taken in from the living room in the first space portion S1. For example, as shown in Fig. 11(a), a lower ventilation opening 86B may be formed in the peripheral wall portion 83B of the housing 80B, while an upper ventilation opening 87B may be formed in the ceiling portion 81B of the housing 80B (more specifically, the portion forming the first space portion S1).

[0083] In each of the above embodiments, the housing 80 is provided with the ceiling 81 as an opposing portion facing the control board 60 from above, and foreign matter (such as large dust particles that cannot be expelled by natural convection) is prevented from entering the internal space IC of the housing 80, but this is not limited to the above. For example, as shown in Fig. 11(b), the ceiling 81 may be omitted to open the housing 80C upward (an opening 84C may be formed).

[0084] In each of the above embodiments, no components are disposed between the air quality sensor 76 and two of the four walls constituting the peripheral wall 83 of the housing 80, but components may be disposed between the two walls and the air quality sensor 76. However, when such an arrangement is adopted, it is preferable that the components do not impede the flow of air flowing in from the lower ventilation port 86 toward the air quality sensor 76.

[0085] A communication component such as BLUETOOTH (registered trademark) may be disposed on the control board 60 shown in each of the above embodiments. Such a communication component may be in a non-operating state when not communicating. In other words, the temperature during heat generation will be somewhat high, but the operating time will be short. Therefore, the amount of heat generated per unit time is expected to be moderate or almost zero. In the case where the temperature becomes high even for a short period of time, it is possible that natural convection will be promoted in the vicinity of this component, so it is preferable to dispose this component in an area on the air quality sensor 76 side (e.g., the second area E2) like the MCU 68.

[0086] In the above embodiments, the control board 60 is rectangular, the temperature sensor 75 is disposed in one corner of the control board 60, and the air quality sensor 76 is disposed in the other corner diagonally opposite the first corner, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the temperature sensor 75 may be disposed near one side of the control board 60, and the air quality sensor 76 may be disposed on the other side that is paired with the first side.

[0087] It is sufficient that air can pass between the first space S1 and the second space S2, and this does not deny a configuration in which a partition wall having ventilation holes is provided at the boundary between the first space S1 and the second space S2.

[0088] A non-placement area for heat-generating components may be set on the control board 60 near the boundary between the area on the temperature sensor 75 side and the area on the air quality sensor 76 side, extending along the boundary, to suppress the transmission of heat from the area on the air quality sensor 76 side to the area on the temperature sensor 75 side.

[0089] The ceiling 81 of the housing 80 may be configured to be inclined downward toward the air quality sensor 76. With such a configuration, it is possible to suitably prevent the air that rises toward the ceiling 81 in the first space S1 from moving along the ceiling 81 toward the temperature sensor 75.

[0090] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the temperature of the ceiling 81 of the housing 80 is uniform, while the temperature difference is generated between the area of ​​the temperature sensor 75 side and the area of ​​the air quality sensor 76 side of the control board 60, thereby dividing the internal space IC into a space portion (first space portion S1) that promotes natural convection and a space portion (second space portion S2) that suppresses natural convection. This may be modified as follows. That is, the temperature difference between the area of ​​the temperature sensor 75 side and the area of ​​the air quality sensor 76 side of the control board 60 may be suppressed, while the temperature difference is generated between the area of ​​the temperature sensor 75 side and the area of ​​the air quality sensor 76 side of the ceiling 81 of the housing 80, thereby dividing the internal space IC into a space portion (first space portion S1) that promotes natural convection and a space portion (second space portion S2) that suppresses natural convection. For example, it is preferable to use a cooling means to cool the area of ​​the ceiling 81 on the air quality sensor 76 side.

[0091] In each of the above embodiments, a configuration was used in which natural convection was generated by utilizing the heat of the control board 60, but the configuration for generating natural convection in the first space S1 in which the air quality sensor 76 is disposed may be changed as follows. For example, as shown in Fig. 11(d), a configuration may be adopted in which a heater 88D is disposed in a ceiling part 81D of a housing 80D as heating means for heating a part of the ceiling part 81D, and the temperature of the part of the ceiling part 81D above the air quality sensor 76 is heated to a temperature higher than that of the control board 60.

[0092] In the above embodiments, the thermostat 43 is provided with the sensor unit 50, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the air conditioning controller 42 or the air conditioning device 40 may be provided with the sensor unit 50. The object of monitoring the temperature and air quality by the sensor unit 50 may also be arbitrary, and outdoor air may be monitored instead of or in addition to indoor air. When monitoring the temperature and air quality of outdoor air, it is preferable to switch the ventilation mode from normal ventilation mode to weak ventilation mode or stopped mode when the outdoor air quality falls below a standard, for example.

[0093] The sensor unit 50 shown in each of the above embodiments may be applied to other air conditioning equipment such as a room air conditioner, an air purifier, etc., instead of a central air conditioning system. The sensor unit 50 may also be applied to air conditioning equipment installed in vehicles such as cars, trains, and airplanes, in addition to air conditioning equipment for buildings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 30...air conditioning equipment, 40...air conditioning device, 42...air conditioning controller, 43...thermostat, 50...sensor unit, 60...control board, 61...connector, 62...power supply unit, 65...PS, 66...LDO, 68...MCU, 71...WD, 72...switch, 73...LED, 75...temperature sensor, 76...air quality sensor, 80...housing, 81...ceiling, 82...bottom, 83...peripheral wall, 85...vent, IC...internal space, S1...first space, S2...second space, E1...first area, E2...second area, E3...third area, E4...fourth area.

Claims

1. A sensor unit applied to an air conditioning facility, A temperature sensor and an air quality sensor; A housing for accommodating the temperature sensor and the air quality sensor. Equipped with a first region in the internal space of the housing in which the air quality sensor is disposed is more susceptible to natural convection than a second region in the internal space in which the temperature sensor is disposed; a vent hole is formed in a portion of the housing that forms the first region, The housing accommodates a common control board on which various components including the temperature sensor and the air quality sensor are mounted, the various components are arranged such that a portion of the control board surrounding the air quality sensor has a higher temperature than a portion of the control board surrounding the temperature sensor; The sensor unit has, as the vents, a lower vent located in the vicinity of the air quality sensor and an upper vent located above the lower vent.

2. The sensor unit according to claim 1 , wherein a portion of the first region surrounding the air quality sensor is configured to have a higher temperature than other portions of the first region.

3. The control board is provided with a plurality of heat generating components that generate heat when energized, as the various components.

3. The sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the number of heat-generating components arranged in the first region is greater than the number of heat-generating components arranged in the second region, thereby making it easier for natural convection to occur in the first region.

4. A plurality of heat generating components that generate different amounts of heat when energized are mounted on the control board as the various components, The sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of heat generating components are arranged so that the proportion of heat generating components that generate more heat increases toward the air quality sensor, and the proportion of heat generating components that generate less heat increases toward the temperature sensor.

5. 3. The sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the various components arranged in the first area include a regulator and a microcomputer, and the various components arranged in the second area include a connector and a switch.

6. The control board has a rectangular shape, 6. The sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the air quality sensor and the temperature sensor are disposed at diagonally opposite corners of the control board.

7. the temperature sensor and the air quality sensor are disposed on one of the surfaces of the control board facing upward, the housing is provided with a facing portion facing the one plate surface of the control board, 7. A sensor unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a temperature difference between the control board and the opposing portion in the first region is configured to be greater than a temperature difference between the control board and the opposing portion in the second region.

8. The sensor unit of claim 7, wherein the temperature difference in the first region and the distance between the control substrate and the opposing portion in the first region are specified so that the natural convection occurring between the opposing portion and the control substrate in the first region is a laminar flow.

9. A sensor unit applied to an air conditioning facility, A common control board on which a plurality of components including a temperature sensor and an air quality sensor are mounted; A housing that houses the control board; Equipped with the various components are arranged such that a portion of the control board surrounding the air quality sensor has a higher temperature than a portion of the control board surrounding the temperature sensor; An air vent is formed in a wall portion of the housing that is adjacent to the air quality sensor, The sensor unit has, as the vents, a lower vent located in the vicinity of the air quality sensor and an upper vent located above the lower vent.

10. the temperature sensor and the air quality sensor are disposed on one of the surfaces of the control board facing upward, the housing is provided with a facing portion facing the one plate surface of the control board, The sensor unit according to claim 9, wherein the temperature difference between the portion of the control board surrounding the air quality sensor and the opposing portion is configured to be greater than the temperature difference between the portion of the control board surrounding the temperature sensor and the opposing portion.

11. 11. An air conditioning control system comprising the sensor unit according to claim 1, and controlling an air conditioning device based on information from the sensor unit.

12. An air conditioning facility comprising the air conditioning control system according to claim 11 and the air conditioner controlled by the air conditioning control system.

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