Electric fan

Abstract

To provide an electric fan capable of appropriately setting a timer operation time and an initial air volume during start of timer operation according to a use environment, to improve comfortability.SOLUTION: An electric fan 100 according to the present disclosure comprises: an electric fan body 10 having a blower fan 1; a temperature detection unit 20 that detects an ambient temperature around the electric fan body 10; and a control unit 30 that has a timer operation function of allowing the blower fan 1 to operate for a timer operation time, and sets a timer operation time and an initial air volume of the blower fan based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 20 during start of timer operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electric fan. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional electric fans are known that have a timer operation function that is used when going to bed. In this timer operation, the fan continues to operate at a preset air volume for a preset timer operation time, and automatically stops after the timer operation time has elapsed. For example, in the electric fan described in Patent Document 1, the initial air volume at the start of timer operation is set by the user using an air volume adjustment switch, and the timer operation time is set by the user using a timer time setting switch. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-74189 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the electric fan described in Patent Document 1, the timer operation time and the initial air volume are manually set by the user, and therefore the timer operation time and the initial air volume may not be set appropriately according to the usage environment. For this reason, if the initial air volume is too strong or the timer operation time is too long, the body may become too cold, and if the initial air volume is too weak or the timer operation time is too short, the user may feel hot while sleeping.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an electric fan that can appropriately set the timer operation time and initial airflow at the start of timer operation to suit the usage environment, thereby improving comfort. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electric fan according to the present disclosure includes an electric fan body having a blower fan, a temperature detection unit that detects an atmospheric temperature around the electric fan body, and a control unit that has a timer operation function that operates the blower fan for a timer operation time and sets the timer operation time and an initial air volume of the blower fan based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit at the start of the timer operation. The control unit sets an air volume determination time based on the timer operation time, and when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit falls by a predetermined value or more from the time when the timer operation started before the air volume determination time has elapsed after the timer operation started, the control unit reduces the air volume of the blower fan, and when the air volume determination time has elapsed after the timer operation started, the control unit reduces the air volume of the blower fan. .

[0007] The electric fan according to the present disclosure includes an electric fan body having a blower fan, a temperature detection unit that detects the body temperature of a user, and a control unit that has a timer operation function that operates the blower fan for a timer operation time, and that sets the timer operation time and an initial air volume of the blower fan based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit at the start of the timer operation. The control unit sets an air volume determination time based on the timer operation time, and when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit falls by a predetermined value or more from the time when the timer operation started before the air volume determination time has elapsed after the timer operation started, the control unit reduces the air volume of the blower fan, and when the air volume determination time has elapsed after the timer operation started, the control unit reduces the air volume of the blower fan. . Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the electric fan of the present disclosure, when the timer operation starts, the timer operation time and the initial air volume of the blower fan are set based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit. This allows the timer operation time and the initial air volume to be appropriately set according to the usage environment, improving comfort. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a simplified configuration of an electric fan according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing functions of an electric fan according to embodiment 1. FIG. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electric fan according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electric fan according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electric fan according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a timing chart showing an example of an operation of the electric fan according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]5 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the detected temperature of the electric fan and a timer operation time and an initial air volume according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between a timer operation time and an air volume judgment time of the electric fan according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electric fan according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electric fan according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the electric fan according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0011] Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is a simplified diagram showing the configuration of an electric fan 100 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the electric fan 100 includes a fan main body 10, a temperature detection unit 20 that detects the ambient temperature around the electric fan main body 10, and a control unit 30 that controls the operation of the electric fan 100.

[0012] The fan body 10 comprises a blower fan 1, a fan drive motor 2 that drives the blower fan 1, a neck piece 3 that supports the blower fan 1 so that it can swing freely, a support pole 4 that supports the neck piece 3, a base 5 that is provided at the bottom of the support pole 4 and supports the support pole 4, and a cover 6 that encases and protects the blower fan 1.

[0013] The electric fan body 10 is provided with an operation unit 7 that accepts operations from a user, and a display unit 8 that displays information related to the state of the electric fan 100. In this embodiment, the operation unit 7 and the display unit 8 are provided on the base 5.

[0014] In this embodiment, the operation unit 7 has an on / off switch for switching the operation of the electric fan 100 on and off, and an operation mode switch for switching between a normal mode and a sleep mode. In this embodiment, in the sleep mode, a timer operation is performed to operate the blower fan 1 for a timer operation time.

[0015] Display unit 8 is configured with, for example, a liquid crystal display. Note that display unit 8 only needs to be able to display information relating to the state of electric fan 100, and may be, for example, a light-emitting body such as an LED instead of a liquid crystal display.

[0016] The temperature detection unit 20 is configured, for example, by a thermistor. In this embodiment, the temperature detection unit 20 is provided on the support pole 4. Note that the temperature detection unit 20 only needs to be able to detect the ambient temperature around the electric fan body 10, and may be provided on another part of the electric fan body 10 instead of the support pole 4. For example, the temperature detection unit 20 may be provided on the base 5 or the neckpiece 3. Also, an indoor air temperature detection unit that is provided in a room where the electric fan 100 is installed and detects the indoor air temperature may be used as the temperature detection unit 20.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing functions of electric fan 100 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 2, operation information input by operation unit 7 and temperature information detected by temperature detection unit 20 are input to control unit 30. Based on these input pieces of information, control unit 30 controls the operation of fan motor drive unit 40, which drives fan drive motor 2.

[0018] The control unit 30 includes a CPU for overall control, a ROM for recording programs and the like, a RAM as a recording means, and a timer circuit. The control unit 30 includes an operation mode determination unit 31, a timer control unit 32, and an air volume control unit 33 as its functions.

[0019] The operation mode determination unit 31 determines whether the operation mode is to be normal mode or sleep mode, based on the operation information input by the operation unit 7. The timer control unit 32 sets a timer operation time based on the temperature information input from the temperature detection unit 20. The timer control unit 32 also counts the elapsed time of the timer operation. The air volume control unit 33 sets the air volume of the blower fan 1 based on the temperature information input from the temperature detection unit 20. The air volume control unit 33 controls the operation of the blower fan 1 by controlling the operation of the fan motor drive unit 40.

[0020] Next, the operation of electric fan 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Figures 3 to 5 are flow charts showing the operation of electric fan 100 according to embodiment 1.

[0021] In step S1, when the sleep mode switch of the operation unit 7 is pressed, the control unit 30 decides to operate the electric fan 100 in the sleep mode. This causes a timer operation to be performed in which the blower fan 1 is operated for a timer operation time.

[0022] In step S2, control unit 30 sets the timer operation time and the initial air volume of blower fan 1 based on the detected temperature at the start of timer operation detected by temperature detection unit 20. Control unit 30 also drives blower fan 1 at the set initial air volume. Note that in this embodiment, the start of timer operation refers to the timing at which it is decided to operate in sleep mode in step S1, or the timing at which blower fan 1 is driven in step S2. In other words, the detected temperature at the start of timer operation refers to the temperature detected by temperature detection unit 20 at the timing of step S1 or step S2.

[0023] In step S3, the control unit 30 sets an air volume determination time T1 and an air volume determination time T2 based on the timer operation time set in step S2. The air volume determination time T1 and the air volume determination time T2 are shorter than the timer operation time. The air volume determination time T1 is also shorter than the air volume determination time T2. In this embodiment, 1 / 6 of the timer operation time is set as the air volume determination time T1, and 1 / 2 of the timer operation time is set as the air volume determination time T2.

[0024] In step S4, the control unit 30 judges whether the elapsed time of the timer operation has passed the air volume judgment time T1. In this embodiment, the elapsed time of the timer operation is the elapsed time from the timing of step S1 or step S2. If the elapsed time of the timer operation has not passed the air volume judgment time T1, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0025] In step S5, the control unit 30 calculates a temperature difference t between the detected temperature at the start of the timer operation and the current detected temperature, which is detected by the temperature detection unit 20. The temperature difference t is calculated by the following formula (1).

[0026] Temperature difference t = Detected temperature when timer starts - Current detected temperature (1)

[0027] For example, if the current detected temperature is 28°C and the detected temperature at the start of the timer operation is 30°C, the temperature difference t is calculated as 2°C.

[0028] In step S5, the control unit 30 determines whether the temperature difference t is 1° C. or more, that is, whether the current detected temperature is lower than the detected temperature at the start of the timer operation by 1° C. or more. If the temperature difference t is 1° C. or more, the process proceeds to step S6, and if the temperature difference t is less than 1° C., the process returns to step S4.

[0029] In step S6, the control unit 30 determines whether the air volume reduction flag is set, i.e., whether or not control to reduce the air volume has been performed previously. If the air volume reduction flag is set, the process returns to step S4 without doing anything, and if the air volume reduction flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0030] In step S7, if the air volume is not the minimum notch, the control unit 30 reduces the air volume by one notch, and if the air volume is the minimum notch, the control unit 30 leaves the air volume at the minimum notch and proceeds to step S8. Here, the notch means the stage of the air volume. For example, in a case where there are three stages of air volume, strong, medium, and weak, if the current air volume is strong, the air volume is changed from strong to medium by reducing the air volume by one notch.

[0031] In step S8, the control unit 30 sets the air volume reduction completed flag, and the process returns to step S4.

[0032] In step S4, if the elapsed time of the timer operation has exceeded the air volume determination time T1, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0033] In step S9, the control unit 30 determines whether the temperature difference t is less than 0° C., that is, whether the current detected temperature is higher than the detected temperature at the start of the timer operation. If the temperature difference t is less than 0° C. in step S9, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0034] In step S10, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the air volume reduction flag is set. If the air volume reduction flag is set, the process proceeds to step S11, and if the air volume reduction flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S14 without doing anything.

[0035] In step S11, the control unit 30 increases the airflow rate by one notch, and then the process proceeds to step S14.

[0036] In step S9, if the temperature difference t is equal to or greater than 0° C., the process proceeds to step S12.

[0037] In step S12, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the air volume reduction flag is set. If the air volume reduction flag is set, the process proceeds to step S14 without doing anything, and if the air volume reduction flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0038] In step S13, if the air volume is not at the minimum notch, the control unit 30 reduces the air volume by one notch, and if the air volume is at the minimum notch, the control unit 30 leaves the air volume at the minimum notch and proceeds to step S14.

[0039] In step S14, the control unit 30 clears the air volume reduced flag, that is, cancels the air volume reduced state, and proceeds to step S15.

[0040] In step S15, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the elapsed time of the timer operation has passed the air volume determination time T2. If the elapsed time of the timer operation has not passed the air volume determination time T2, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0041] In step S16, the control unit 30 determines whether the temperature difference t is equal to or greater than 2° C. If the temperature difference t is equal to or greater than 2° C., the process proceeds to step S17, and if the temperature difference t is less than 2° C., the process returns to step S15.

[0042] In step S17, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the air volume reduction flag is set. If the air volume reduction flag is set, the process returns to step S15 without doing anything, and if the air volume reduction flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0043] In step S18, if the air volume is not at the minimum notch, the control unit 30 reduces the air volume by one notch, and if the air volume is at the minimum notch, the control unit 30 leaves the air volume at the minimum notch and proceeds to step S19.

[0044] In step S19, the control unit 30 sets the air volume reduction completed flag, and the process returns to step S15.

[0045] In step S15, if the elapsed time of the timer operation has exceeded the air volume determination time T2, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0046] In step S20, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the temperature difference t is less than 0° C. In step S20, if the temperature difference t is less than 0° C., the process proceeds to step S21.

[0047] In step S21, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the air volume reduction flag is set. If the air volume reduction flag is set, the process proceeds to step S22, and if the air volume reduction flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S25 without doing anything.

[0048] In step S22, the control unit 30 increases the airflow rate by one notch, and then proceeds to step S25.

[0049] In step S20, if the temperature difference t is equal to or greater than 0° C., the process proceeds to step S23.

[0050] In step S23, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the air volume reduction flag is set. If the air volume reduction flag is set, the process proceeds to step S25 without doing anything, and if the air volume reduction flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0051] In step S24, if the air volume is not at the minimum notch, the control unit 30 reduces the air volume by one notch, and if the air volume is at the minimum notch, the control unit 30 leaves the air volume at the minimum notch and proceeds to step S25.

[0052] In step S25, the control unit 30 clears the air volume reduction completed flag, and proceeds to step S26.

[0053] In step S26, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the elapsed time of the timer operation has exceeded the timer operation time. If the elapsed time of the timer operation has not exceeded the timer operation time, the process proceeds to step S27.

[0054] In step S27, the control unit 30 determines whether the temperature difference t is equal to or greater than 3° C. If the temperature difference t is equal to or greater than 3° C., the process proceeds to step S28, and if the temperature difference t is less than 3° C., the process returns to step S26.

[0055] In step S28, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the air volume reduction flag is set. If the air volume reduction flag is set, the process returns to step S26 without doing anything, and if the air volume reduction flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S29.

[0056] In step S29, if the air volume is not at the minimum notch, the control unit 30 reduces the air volume by one notch, and if the air volume is at the minimum notch, the control unit 30 leaves the air volume at the minimum notch and proceeds to step S30.

[0057] In step S30, the control unit 30 sets the air volume reduction completed flag, and the process returns to step S26.

[0058] In step S26, if the elapsed time of the timer operation has exceeded the timer operation time, the process proceeds to step S31.

[0059] In step S31, the control unit 30 clears the air volume reduction completed flag, and the process proceeds to step S32.

[0060] In step S32, the control unit 30 ends the sleep mode and stops the operation of the electric fan 100, that is, stops the driving of the blower fan 1.

[0061] Next, a specific example of the operation of the electric fan 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 8. Fig. 6 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the electric fan 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the detected temperature of the electric fan 100 according to the first embodiment and the timer operation time and the initial air volume. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the timer operation time and the air volume determination time of the electric fan 100 according to the first embodiment. Here, an example is shown in which the electric fan 100 has three air volumes: strong, medium, and weak.

[0062] In the example shown in Fig. 6, timer operation in sleep mode starts when the temperature detected by temperature detection unit 20 is 30°C. Since the detected temperature at the start of timer operation is 30°C, the timer operation time is set to 6 hours and the initial air volume of blower fan 1 is set to strong, as shown in Fig. 7. Furthermore, since the timer operation time is set to 6 hours, air volume judgment time T1 is set to 1 hour and air volume judgment time T2 is set to 3 hours, as shown in Fig. 8.

[0063] During the time from the start of timer operation to less than air volume judgment time T1 (1 hour), the temperature difference t is less than 1°C, meaning that the detected temperature has not dropped by 1°C or more compared to the detected temperature at the start of timer operation, so the air volume does not change and the initial air volume remains strong. Then, when air volume judgment time T1 has elapsed, the temperature difference t is 0°C or more, meaning that the detected temperature is below the detected temperature at the start of timer operation, and the air volume reduced flag has not been set, meaning that no control to reduce the air volume has been performed between the start of timer operation and air volume judgment time T1, so the air volume is reduced by one notch to medium.

[0064] Furthermore, 1 hour and 30 minutes after the timer operation starts, the temperature difference t is 2°C or more, that is, the detected temperature is 2°C or more lower than the detected temperature at the start of the timer operation. Because the airflow reduction flag is not set between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes after the start of the timer operation, the airflow is reduced by one notch to low before the airflow judgment time T2 (3 hours).

[0065] Also, when the air volume determination time T2 has elapsed, the temperature difference t is less than 0°C, that is, the detected temperature is higher than the detected temperature when the timer started. Since control to reduce the air volume is performed between the air volume determination time T1 and the air volume determination time T2, that is, the air volume reduced flag is set, the air volume increases by one notch to medium.

[0066] Furthermore, four hours after the timer operation starts, the temperature difference t becomes 3°C or more, and since the airflow reduction flag has not been set between three and four hours after the timer operation starts, the airflow is reduced by one notch to weak.

[0067] When the timer operation time (6 hours) has elapsed, the timer operation ends and the operation of the electric fan 100 stops.

[0068] According to the electric fan 100 of the first embodiment, the electric fan 10 includes an electric fan body 10 having a blower fan 1, a temperature detection unit 20 for detecting the ambient temperature around the electric fan body 10, and a control unit 30 having a function of timer operation for operating the blower fan 1 for a timer operation time, and setting the timer operation time and the initial air volume of the blower fan 1 based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 20 at the start of the timer operation. This allows the timer operation time and the initial air volume to be appropriately set according to the usage environment at the start of the timer operation. This prevents the user's body from getting too cold due to the initial air volume being too strong or the timer operation time being too long, and prevents the user from feeling uncomfortable while sleeping due to the initial air volume being too weak or the timer operation time being too short, thereby improving comfort. In addition, the user does not need to manually set the timer operation time and the initial air volume, improving convenience.

[0069] Furthermore, according to electric fan 100 of the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, control unit 30 sets the timer operation time and the initial air volume to be larger when the temperature detected by temperature detection unit 20 is high than when the temperature detected by temperature detection unit 20 is low. This makes it possible to appropriately set the timer operation time and the initial air volume according to the usage environment.

[0070] Furthermore, according to electric fan 100 of the first embodiment, control unit 30 sets the air volume judgment time based on the timer operation time, and when the air volume judgment time has elapsed since the timer operation started, reduces the air volume of blower fan 1. This allows the air volume to be reduced in accordance with the drop in body temperature while sleeping, preventing the body from becoming too cold.

[0071] Furthermore, according to electric fan 100 of the first embodiment, when the air volume determination time has elapsed since the start of timer operation and the temperature detected by temperature detection unit 20 is higher than the temperature detected by temperature detection unit 20 at the start of timer operation, control unit 30 increases or maintains the air volume of blower fan 1. In other words, when the detected temperature becomes higher than the temperature detected at the start of timer operation, the air volume does not decrease even if the air volume determination time has elapsed since the start of timer operation, so that discomfort during a sleep caused by heat when the room temperature rises at night can be suppressed.

[0072] Furthermore, according to electric fan 100 of the first embodiment, if the temperature detected by temperature detection unit 20 drops by a predetermined value or more from the time when timer operation started before the air volume judgment time has elapsed since timer operation started, control unit 30 reduces the air volume of blower fan 1. This makes it possible to prevent the body from becoming too cold when the room temperature drops at night.

[0073] Moreover, electric fan 100 of the first embodiment includes operation unit 7 that can switch between normal mode and sleep mode, and control unit 30 starts timer operation when the operation unit 7 switches to the sleep mode. This allows the timer operation control of the present disclosure to be executed at the timing desired by the user.

[0074] A modification of the first embodiment will be described.

[0075] In the first embodiment, the temperature detection unit 20 that detects the ambient temperature around the electric fan body 10 is used to set the timer operation time and the initial air volume, and to control the air volume during timer operation. However, instead of the temperature detection unit 20 that detects the ambient temperature around the electric fan body 10, the temperature detection unit 20 that detects the body temperature of the user may be used to set the timer operation time and the initial air volume, and to control the air volume during timer operation. The temperature detection unit 20 that detects the body temperature of the user is, for example, a skin temperature sensor such as an infrared sensor that is installed in the electric fan body 10 and detects the skin temperature of the user. Also, a biosensor worn by the user may be used as the temperature detection unit 20 that detects the body temperature of the user.

[0076] The electric fan 100 of the above modification includes an electric fan body 10 having a blower fan 1, a temperature detection unit 20 for detecting the body temperature of the user, and a control unit 30 having a function of timer operation for operating the blower fan 1 for a timer operation time, and setting the timer operation time and the initial air volume of the blower fan 1 based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 20 at the start of the timer operation. As a result, as in the first embodiment, the timer operation time and the initial air volume can be appropriately set according to the usage environment at the start of the timer operation, thereby improving comfort. Also, compared to the first embodiment, the air volume can be controlled with higher accuracy in response to changes in body temperature.

[0077] In the first embodiment, the control unit 30 increases or maintains the air volume of the blower fan 1 when the air volume determination time has elapsed since the start of the timer operation and the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 20 is higher than the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 20 at the start of the timer operation. However, the control unit 30 may increase or maintain the air volume of the blower fan 1 when the air volume determination time has elapsed since the start of the timer operation and the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 20 is higher than a predetermined temperature. In the first embodiment, this predetermined temperature is the detected temperature at the start of the timer operation, but it may be, for example, a temperature obtained by adding a predetermined value to the detected temperature at the start of the timer operation, or a temperature obtained by adding a predetermined value to the minimum detected temperature during the timer operation.

[0078] In the first embodiment, the control unit 30 starts timer operation when the sleep mode is switched to by the operation unit 7. However, a brightness detection unit that detects the brightness around the electric fan body 10, such as an illuminance sensor that detects the amount of light in a room, may be provided, and the control unit 30 may start timer operation in the sleep mode when the brightness detected by the brightness detection unit decreases.

[0079] In addition, in the first embodiment, the timer operation time and the initial air volume are set based on the detected temperature, but the configuration may be such that the user can set them through the operation unit 7. The air volume judgment time and the threshold value to be compared with the temperature difference t may also be configured to be set by the user through the operation unit 7.

[0080] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the blower fan 1 has three air volume levels, but the air volume may also have two air volume levels, or four or more air volume levels.

[0081] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, an example in which two air volume judgment times are set has been described, but three or more air volume judgment times may be set.

[0082] In addition, in embodiment 1, the operation of the electric fan 100 is stopped when the elapsed time of the timer operation exceeds the timer operation time, but the operation may be continued if the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 20 when the timer operation time has elapsed is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, such as 28°C.

[0083] Embodiment 2 The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the air volume during timer operation is controlled based on the amount of change per unit time in the temperature detected by temperature detection unit 20. Note that the configuration of electric fan 100 is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] The operation of electric fan 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figures 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the operation of electric fan 100 according to the second embodiment.

[0085] The processes from step S101 to step S103 are similar to steps S1 to S3 in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0086] In step S104, the control unit 30 monitors the count time of the one-hour timer and determines whether or not one hour has elapsed. If one hour has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S105, and if the count time of the one-hour timer is less than one hour, the process proceeds to step S115 without doing anything.

[0087] In step S105, the control unit 30 clears the count time of the one-hour timer, and the process proceeds to step S106.

[0088] In step S106, the control unit 30 calculates the gradient α of the change in the detected temperature over time. The gradient α is calculated by the following formula (2).

[0089] Slope α = (previous detected temperature - current detected temperature) / 1 hour (2)

[0090] For example, if the currently detected temperature is 28° C. and the previously detected temperature one hour ago was 29° C., the slope α is calculated as +1. Note that the currently detected temperature is the current detected temperature in step S106, and the previously detected temperature is the temperature detected one time before in step S106. Furthermore, if the process of step S106 is the first one after the start of the timer operation, the detected temperature at the start of the timer operation, i.e., the detected temperature at the timing of step S101 or step S102, is used as the previously detected temperature.

[0091] In step S107, the control unit 30 determines whether the slope α is +2 or more, that is, whether the temperature has dropped by 2° C. or more in one hour from the previous detected temperature. If the slope α is +2 or more, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0092] In step S108, if the air volume is two or more notches higher than the minimum notch, control unit 30 reduces the air volume by two notches, and if the air volume is the minimum notch or one notch higher than the minimum notch, control unit 30 sets the air volume to the minimum notch and proceeds to step S109.

[0093] In step S109, the control unit 30 sets the air volume reduction completed flag, and proceeds to step S115.

[0094] In step S107, if the slope α is less than +2, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0095] In step S110, the control unit 30 determines whether the slope α is +1 or more, that is, whether the temperature has dropped by 1° C. or more in one hour since the previous detected temperature. If the slope α is +1 or more, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0096] In step S111, if the air volume is not at the minimum notch, the control unit 30 reduces the air volume by one notch, and if the air volume is at the minimum notch, the control unit 30 leaves the air volume at the minimum notch and proceeds to step S112.

[0097] In step S112, the control unit 30 sets an air volume reduction completed flag, and proceeds to step S115.

[0098] In step S110, if the slope α is less than +1, the process proceeds to step S113.

[0099] In step S113, the control unit 30 determines whether the slope α is -1 or less, that is, whether the temperature has risen by 1° C. or more in one hour since the previous detected temperature. If the slope α is -1 or less, the process proceeds to step S114.

[0100] In step S114, if the air volume is not the maximum notch, the control unit 30 increases it by one notch, and if the air volume is the maximum notch, it leaves it at the maximum notch, and proceeds to step S115.

[0101] In step S113, if the slope α is greater than −1, nothing is done and the process proceeds to step S115.

[0102] In step S115, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the air volume determination time T1 lapse flag is set, that is, whether or not control at the time when the air volume determination time T1 has lapsed has been previously performed. If the air volume determination time T1 lapse flag is set, that is, if control at the time when the air volume determination time T1 has lapsed has already been performed, the process proceeds to step S121. If the air volume determination time T1 lapse flag is not set, that is, if control at the time when the air volume determination time T1 has lapsed has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S116.

[0103] In step S116, the control unit 30 determines whether the elapsed time of the timer operation has passed the air volume determination time T1. If the elapsed time of the timer operation has passed the air volume determination time T1, the process proceeds to step S117, and if the elapsed time of the timer operation has not passed the air volume determination time T1, the process returns to step S104.

[0104] In step S117, the control unit 30 sets an air volume determination time T1 lapse flag, and the process proceeds to step S118.

[0105] In step S118, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the air volume reduction flag is set. If the air volume reduction flag is set, the process proceeds to step S119, and if the air volume reduction flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S120.

[0106] In step S119, the control unit 30 clears the air volume reduction completed flag, and the process returns to step S104.

[0107] In step S120, if the air volume is not at the minimum notch, the control unit 30 reduces the air volume by one notch, and if the air volume is at the minimum notch, the control unit 30 leaves the air volume at the minimum notch and returns to step S104.

[0108] In step S121, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the air volume determination time T2 lapse flag is set, that is, whether or not control at the time when the air volume determination time T2 has lapsed has been previously performed. If the air volume determination time T2 lapse flag is set, that is, if control at the time when the air volume determination time T2 has lapsed has already been performed, the process proceeds to step S127. If the air volume determination time T2 lapse flag is not set, that is, if control at the time when the air volume determination time T2 has lapsed has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S122.

[0109] In step S122, the control unit 30 determines whether the elapsed time of the timer operation has passed the air volume determination time T2. If the elapsed time of the timer operation has passed the air volume determination time T2, the process proceeds to step S123, and if the elapsed time of the timer operation has not passed the air volume determination time T2, the process returns to step S104.

[0110] In step S123, the control unit 30 sets an air volume determination time T2 lapse flag, and proceeds to step S124.

[0111] In step S124, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the air volume reduction flag is set. If the air volume reduction flag is set, the process proceeds to step S125, and if the air volume reduction flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S126.

[0112] In step S125, the control unit 30 clears the air volume reduction completed flag, and the process returns to step S104.

[0113] In step S126, if the air volume is not at the minimum notch, the control unit 30 reduces the air volume by one notch, and if the air volume is at the minimum notch, the control unit 30 leaves the air volume at the minimum notch and returns to step S104.

[0114] In step S127, the control unit 30 determines whether the elapsed time of the timer operation has exceeded the timer operation time. If the elapsed time of the timer operation has exceeded the timer operation time, the process proceeds to step S128, and if the elapsed time of the timer operation has not exceeded the timer operation time, the process returns to step S104 and the timer operation continues.

[0115] In step S128, the control unit 30 clears all flags, and the process proceeds to step S129.

[0116] In step S129, control unit 30 ends the sleep mode and stops the operation of electric fan 100, that is, stops driving blower fan 1.

[0117] Next, a specific example of the operation of electric fan 100 according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of electric fan 100 according to embodiment 2. Fig. 11 shows an example in which electric fan 100 has three airflow notches: strong, medium, and weak.

[0118] In the example shown in Fig. 11, timer operation in sleep mode is started when the temperature detected by temperature detection unit 20 is 30° C. Since the detected temperature at the start of timer operation is 30° C., similarly to the first embodiment, the timer operation time is set to 6 hours and the initial air volume of blower fan 1 is set to strong from Fig. 7, and the air volume judgment time T1 is set to 1 hour and the air volume judgment time T2 is set to 3 hours from Fig. 8.

[0119] The detected temperature one hour after the timer operation starts is 27°C, which is 3°C lower than the detected temperature of 30°C when the timer operation starts. In other words, the slope α = (30°C - 27°C) / 1 hour = 3, and the slope α from the start of the timer operation to the time one hour has passed is +2 or more. Therefore, since the initial airflow is strong and is two notches higher than the lowest notch, weak, the airflow is reduced by two notches from strong to weak, and the airflow reduced flag is set. Also, when the airflow determination time T1 (one hour) has passed, the airflow reduced flag is set, meaning that control to reduce the airflow has already been performed, so the airflow remains weak and the airflow reduced flag is cleared.

[0120] Furthermore, the detected temperature two hours after the timer started is 28.5°C, which is 1.5°C higher than the 27°C detected after one hour. In other words, the slope α = (27°C - 28.5°C) / 1 hour = -1.5, and the slope α between the time one hour has passed and the time two hours have passed is less than -1. Therefore, two hours after the timer started, the airflow increases by one notch, changing from weak to medium.

[0121] Furthermore, when the air volume judgment time T2 (3 hours) has elapsed, the air volume reduced flag is not set, meaning that no control to reduce the air volume has been performed since the previous air volume judgment time T1, and therefore the air volume is reduced by one notch from medium to weak.

[0122] Furthermore, the detected temperature four hours after the timer started is 26°C, which is 2°C lower than the 28°C detected after three hours. In other words, the slope α = (28°C - 26°C) / 1 hour = 2, and the slope α between three hours and four hours is +2 or more. However, since the current airflow is at the lowest notch, weak, the airflow does not decrease and remains weak.

[0123] Furthermore, between 4 hours and 6 hours after the timer operation starts, the temperature fluctuates between 25.5°C and 26°C, with a maximum fluctuation of 0.5°C per hour. Therefore, the slope α is greater than -1 and less than +1, so the airflow remains weak without any change. Then, when the timer operation time (6 hours) has elapsed, the timer operation ends and the operation of electric fan 100 stops.

[0124] According to electric fan 100 of the second embodiment, control unit 30 controls the air volume of blower fan 1 based on the amount of change per unit time in the temperature detected by temperature detection unit 20. This makes it possible to control the air volume of blower fan 1 according to the rate of temperature change, thereby improving comfort.

[0125] Furthermore, according to electric fan 100 of the second embodiment, control unit 30 reduces the airflow rate of blower fan 1 by a larger amount when the amount of decrease per unit time of the temperature detected by temperature detection unit 20 is large than when the amount of decrease per unit time is small. This causes the airflow rate of blower fan 1 to decrease significantly when the temperature drops suddenly, making it possible to prevent the body from becoming too cold when the room temperature drops suddenly at night.

[0126] Furthermore, according to electric fan 100 of the second embodiment, when the amount of rise per unit time of the temperature detected by temperature detection unit 20 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, control unit 30 increases the air volume of blower fan 1. As a result, when the room temperature rises at night, the air volume of blower fan 1 increases, making it possible to prevent discomfort caused by the heat when sleeping.

[0127] In the second embodiment, an example in which the slope α is calculated every hour has been described, but the slope α may be calculated at intervals other than every hour. For example, if the slope α is calculated every 30 minutes, it is possible to deal with more rapid temperature changes compared to the case in which the slope α is calculated every hour. Also, the system may be configured so that the user can set the time interval for calculating the slope α via the operation unit 7.

[0128] As in the first embodiment, the temperature detection unit 20 may be a temperature detection unit 20 that detects the ambient temperature around the electric fan body 10, or a temperature detection unit 20 that detects the body temperature of the user.

[0129] Also, similar to embodiment 1, the control unit 30 may start timer operation in the sleep mode not only when the operation unit 7 switches to the sleep mode, but also when the brightness detected by the brightness detection unit decreases.

[0130] Similarly to the first embodiment, the timer operation time and the initial air volume may be configured to be set by the user through the operation unit 7. The air volume determination time and the threshold value to be compared with the slope α may also be configured to be set by the user through the operation unit 7.

[0131] Also, similarly to the first embodiment, the air volume of the blower fan 1 may have two stages instead of three stages, or may have four or more stages.

[0132] Also, similarly to the first embodiment, three or more air volume judgment times may be set instead of two.

[0133] Furthermore, similarly to the first embodiment, when the elapsed time of the timer operation has passed the timer operation time, if the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 20 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the operation may be continued. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1 blower fan, 2 fan drive motor, 3 neck piece, 4 support, 5 base, 6 cover, 7 operation unit, 8 display unit, 10 fan body, 20 temperature detection unit, 30 control unit, 31 operation mode determination unit, 32 timer control unit, 33 air volume control unit, 40 fan motor drive unit, 100 fan.

Claims

1. A fan body having a blower fan; A temperature detection unit that detects an ambient temperature around the electric fan body; a control unit that has a timer operation function for operating the blower fan for a timer operation time, and that sets the timer operation time and an initial air volume of the blower fan based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit at the start of the timer operation, The control unit sets an air volume judgment time based on the timer operation time, and if the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit drops by more than a predetermined value from the time when the timer operation started before the air volume judgment time has elapsed after the timer operation started, the control unit reduces the air volume of the blower fan, and if the air volume judgment time has elapsed after the timer operation started, the control unit reduces the air volume of the blower fan.

2. A fan body having a blower fan; A temperature detection unit that detects the body temperature of a user; a control unit that has a timer operation function for operating the blower fan for a timer operation time, and that sets the timer operation time and an initial air volume of the blower fan based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit at the start of the timer operation, The control unit sets an air volume judgment time based on the timer operation time, and if the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit drops by more than a predetermined value from the time when the timer operation started before the air volume judgment time has elapsed after the timer operation started, the control unit reduces the air volume of the blower fan, and if the air volume judgment time has elapsed after the timer operation started, the control unit reduces the air volume of the blower fan.

3. The electric fan according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit increases the value of the timer operation time and the value of the initial air volume when the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit is high compared to when the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit is low.

4. The electric fan according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit increases or maintains the air volume of the blower fan when the air volume determination time has elapsed since the timer operation was started and the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit is higher than a predetermined temperature.

5. The electric fan according to claim 4 , wherein the predetermined temperature is a temperature detected by the temperature detection unit at the start of the timer operation.

6. The electric fan according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls an air volume of the blower fan based on an amount of change per unit time in the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit.

7. The electric fan according to claim 6, wherein the control unit reduces the air volume of the blower fan by a larger amount when the amount of decrease per unit time of the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit is large than when the amount of decrease is small.

8. The electric fan according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the control unit increases an air volume of the blower fan when an increase in the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit per unit time is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

9. Equipped with an operation unit that can switch between normal mode and sleep mode, The electric fan according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit starts the timer operation when the mode is switched to the sleep mode by the operation unit.

10. A brightness detection unit is provided to detect the brightness around the electric fan body, The electric fan according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit starts the timer operation when the brightness detected by the brightness detection unit decreases.

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