Air-conditioned furniture
By using a control device to adjust blower settings based on pressure differences and air temperature, the air-conditioned furniture maintains consistent air conditioning capacity and thermal stability.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2019111024
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2019-06-14
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2039-06-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing air-conditioned furniture experiences fluctuations in air conditioning effect due to pressure differences between indoor and air-conditioning air paths, and temperature variations of the conditioned air, making it difficult to maintain consistent air conditioning capacity.
The air-conditioned furniture incorporates a control device that adjusts the opening degree of a shutter and the rotation speed of a fan in the blower device based on pressure differences and air temperature, ensuring consistent air supply and maintaining air conditioning capacity.
This solution effectively maintains air conditioning capacity regardless of pressure differences and air temperature fluctuations, providing a stable thermal environment.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to air-conditioned furniture. [Background technology]
[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes an air-conditioned chair that takes in air blown out from the floor of a building into an air circulation section inside the chair and blows the air out from the seat and backrest surfaces to the outside, thereby providing the seated person with the air-conditioning effect. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-85292 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] In the air-conditioned chair of Patent Document 1, the cover covering the wheel portion is brought into contact with the floor surface, so that the conditioned air blown out from the floor is supplied to the air circulation section inside the cover and the chair. However, when the pressure difference between the air supply chamber under the floor and the indoor space above the floor fluctuates, the amount of conditioned air supplied to the air circulation section fluctuates. This causes the air conditioning effect to fluctuate. In addition, the air conditioning effect fluctuates when the temperature of the conditioned air fluctuates. In other words, it is difficult to maintain the air conditioning effect.
[0005] In consideration of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide air-conditioning furniture that can maintain its air-conditioning capacity regardless of the pressure difference between the indoor space and the air-conditioning air path or the temperature of the air-conditioning air. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] One aspectThe air-conditioned furniture comprises a furniture body to be installed in an indoor space, an air chamber provided in the furniture body, a first supply port that supplies conditioned air to the air chamber from an air-conditioned air path of a building which is pressurized higher than the indoor space, an outlet port that blows the conditioned air from the air chamber to the indoor space, a first blower device provided at the first supply port and equipped with a shutter and a fan for opening and closing the first supply port, and a control device that adjusts the opening degree of the shutter and the rotation speed of the fan based on at least one of the pressure difference between the indoor space and the air-conditioned air path and the temperature of the conditioned air to control the amount of air blown by the first blower device.
[0007] One aspect In the air-conditioned furniture, conditioned air is blown out from the air-conditioned air path of the building through an air chamber of the air-conditioned furniture into an indoor space. The conditioned air is supplied to the air chamber from a first supply port provided with a first blower. At this time, a control device controls the amount of air blown by the first blower based on at least one of the pressure difference between the indoor space and the air-conditioned air path and the temperature of the conditioned air.
[0008] For example, when the pressure difference between the indoor space and the air-conditioned air path is small, it becomes more difficult for the air-conditioned air to be supplied from the air-conditioned air path to the air chamber compared to when the pressure difference is large. In this case, the control device increases the amount of air sent by the first blower, thereby maintaining the air-conditioning capacity.
[0009] As another example, when the temperature of the conditioned air is high, the "cooling" capacity of the same amount of conditioned air is lower than when the temperature is low. In this case, the control device increases the amount of air sent by the first blower to increase the amount of conditioned air supplied to the air chamber. This allows the cooling capacity to be maintained.
[0010] As another example, when the temperature of the conditioned air is low, the "heating" capacity of the same amount of conditioned air is lower than when the temperature is high. In this case, the control device increases the amount of air sent by the first blower to increase the amount of conditioned air supplied to the air chamber. This allows the heating capacity to be maintained.
[0011] In this way, One aspect In this air-conditioning furniture, the air-conditioning capacity can be maintained regardless of the pressure difference between the indoor space and the air-conditioning air path or the temperature of the air-conditioning air. Claim 1 The air-conditioned furniture includes a furniture body to be installed in an indoor space, an air chamber provided in the furniture body, a first supply port that supplies conditioned air to the air chamber from an air-conditioned air path of a building that is pressurized higher than the indoor space, an air outlet that blows the conditioned air from the air chamber to the indoor space, a first blower provided in the first supply port, a second supply port that supplies indoor air from the indoor space to the air chamber, a second blower provided in the second supply port, and a control device that controls the amount of air blown by the first blower and the amount of air blown by the second blower based on at least one of a pressure difference between the indoor space and the air-conditioned air path and a temperature of the conditioned air, thereby mixing the conditioned air and the indoor air in the air chamber, thereby adjusting the temperature of the air blown out from the air outlet. The control device controls the air volume by the first blower device and the air volume by the second blower device based on an operation table in which the air volume by the first blower device and the air volume by the second blower device are defined for each specified range of the pressure difference and each specified range of the temperature. One embodiment of air-conditioned furniture comprises a furniture body to be installed in an indoor space, an air chamber provided in the furniture body, a first supply port that supplies conditioned air to the air chamber from an air-conditioned air path of a building which is pressurized higher than the indoor space, an outlet port that blows the conditioned air from the air chamber to the indoor space, a first blower provided in the first supply port, and a control device that controls the amount of air blown by the first blower based on at least one of the pressure difference between the indoor space and the air-conditioned air path and the temperature of the conditioned air, wherein the control device controls the amount of air blown by the first blower based on an operating table in which the air blowing amount is defined for at least one of a predetermined range of the pressure difference and a predetermined range of the temperature. One aspect of the air-conditioned furniture is The control device controls the air volume by the first blower device and the air volume by the second blower device based on an operating table in which the air volume by the first blower device and the air volume by the second blower device are defined for at least one of the specified range of the pressure difference and the specified range of the temperature. One aspect of the air-conditioned furniture isThe control device controls the air volume by the first blower device and the air volume by the second blower device based on an operating table in which the air volume by the first blower device and the air volume by the second blower device are defined for each specified range of the pressure difference and each specified range of the temperature.
[0012] Claim 2 Air-conditioned furniture is Claim 1 The air-conditioned furniture described in is provided with an input device capable of setting the conditioning intensity of the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet, and the control device further controls the air volume blown by the first blowing device and the air volume blown by the second blowing device based on an operation table in which the air volume blown by the first blowing device and the air volume blown by the second blowing device are defined for each setting value of the input device.
[0013] Claim 2 In the air-conditioned furniture, the input device can be used to set the conditioning strength of the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet, allowing the user of the air-conditioned furniture to obtain a thermal environment with the desired air conditioning strength.
[0014] Claim 3 Air-conditioned furniture is Claim 1 or 2 In the air-conditioned furniture described in the above, the first air blowing device is provided with a shutter and a fan that can open and close the first supply port.
[0015] Claim 3 In the air-conditioned furniture, the first blower device is equipped with a shutter and a fan. By adjusting the opening of the shutter, the amount of conditioned air passing through the first supply port can be adjusted. Also, by adjusting the rotation speed of the fan, it is possible to save power while adjusting the amount of conditioned air passing through the first supply port. Furthermore, by adjusting the opening of the shutter and the rotation speed of the fan, it is possible to finely adjust the amount of conditioned air passing through the first supply port.
[0016] One aspect of the air-conditioned furniture isThe air conditioner is provided with a second supply port that supplies indoor air from the indoor space to the air chamber, and a second blower device provided at the second supply port, and the control device controls the air volume blown by the second blower device based on an operation table in which the air volume is defined for at least one of a specified range of the pressure difference and a specified range of the temperature.
[0017] One aspect In the air-conditioned furniture, the second blower supplies indoor air from the indoor space to the air chamber through the second supply port. Therefore, the conditioned air and the indoor air are mixed in the air chamber. This makes it easier to adjust the temperature of the air blown out from the air outlet compared to a configuration without the second blower and the second supply port. One aspect of the air-conditioned furniture is The control device controls the air volume by the first blower device and the air volume by the second blower device based on an operating table in which the air volume is defined for each specified range of the pressure difference and each specified range of the temperature. Effect of the Invention
[0018] According to the present invention, the air conditioning capacity can be maintained regardless of the pressure difference between the indoor space and the air-conditioning air path or the temperature of the air-conditioning air. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is an elevational cross-sectional view showing an air-conditioned furniture according to an embodiment of the present invention, an indoor space in which the air-conditioned furniture is installed, and an underfloor space below the indoor space. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1A is a partial elevational cross-sectional view of an air-conditioning furniture according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Diagram 3] (A) is an oblique view showing the state in which the opening is fully closed in the air blower device of the air-conditioned furniture according to an embodiment of the present invention, (B) is an oblique view showing the state in which the opening is half-open, and (C) is an oblique view showing the state in which the opening is fully open. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical connections of the air-conditioned furniture according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an input device in air-conditioned furniture according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] (A) is a table showing the setting values of the blower when the operation table of the air conditioner of the embodiment of the present invention is set to table A, (B) is a table showing the setting values of the blower when it is set to table B, (C) is a table showing the setting values of the blower when it is set to table C, and (D) is a table showing the setting values of the blower when it is set to table D. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Hereinafter, the air-conditioned furniture according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in each drawing are the same components. Also, the description of the configurations and reference numerals that are duplicated in each drawing may be omitted. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and can be implemented by making appropriate modifications, such as omitting configurations or replacing them with different configurations, within the scope of the purpose of the present invention.
[0021] <Air-conditioned furniture> As shown in Fig. 1, an air-conditioned furniture 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a furniture body 12, an air-conditioning device 30 (see Fig. 2(A)) formed integrally with the furniture body 12, an input device 50, and a control device 60. The air-conditioned furniture 10 is a chair-like piece of furniture that is installed in an indoor space V1 such as an office and can be sat on by users staying in the indoor space V1 during work, meetings, conversations, and the like.
[0022] An underfloor space V2 partitioned off by floor material F is formed beneath the indoor space V1. The underfloor space V2 serves as a conditioned air path for the building, and conditioned air whose temperature has been adjusted by an air conditioner 70 flows through the underfloor space V2. The conditioned air is blown out from the underfloor space V2 (from an outlet FW formed in the floor material F) into the indoor space V1, as indicated by arrow W in Fig. 1. The underfloor space V2 is at a positive pressure relative to the indoor space V1 (higher pressure than the indoor space V1) when the air conditioner 70 is operating.
[0023] <Furniture body> The furniture body 12 comprises a pair of opposing seat portions 14 and an annular arch portion 16 connecting the outer ends of these seat portions 14. The end of each seat portion 14 opposite the opposing side is referred to as the "outer end portion."
[0024] The seat portion 14 is formed with a seat surface 14A on which a person can sit. The seat surface 14A is a substantially horizontal surface, but can also be inclined as appropriate. In the arch portion 16, a backrest 16A is formed at the connection portion with each seat portion 14. The two backrests 16A are connected by a canopy 16B. The backrest 16A is formed as a concave surface when viewed from the seat surface 14A, but it may be a convex surface or a flat surface.
[0025] As shown in Figures 2(A) and (B), cushioning material 18 is disposed on the back side of seat surface 14A and backrest 16A. Cushioning material 18 is formed of two types of elastic materials 18A and 18B. Note that, of a pair of opposing seat parts 14, only one seat part 14 is shown in Figure 2(A), and the other seat part 14 is omitted, but the cushioning material 18 in the other seat part 14 and the air conditioning device 30 described later have the same configuration.
[0026] The elastic material 18A on the surface side of the cushioning 18 is made of a nonwoven fabric whose fibers run in a direction from the front side to the back side. Therefore, compared to using a nonwoven fabric whose fibers run along the direction of the seat surface 14A and the backrest 16A, it is easier to obtain a resilient force, to increase the thickness, and to ensure breathability.
[0027] On the other hand, elastic material 18B is a sheet material in which organic fibers are three-dimensionally entangled and gaps are formed between the organic fibers. Elastic material 18B has cushioning properties due to the elasticity of the organic fibers, and is more breathable than elastic material 18A due to the gaps between the organic fibers.
[0028] A cover material 20 is disposed on the surface of the cushion material 18. The cover material 20 is formed by weaving fibers and has breathability. The cover material 20 is disposed continuously across the seat surface 14A, the backrest 16A, and the canopy 16B.
[0029] <Air conditioner> The air conditioner 30 is a facility device that is incorporated into the furniture body 12 and adjusts the air environment around a seated person. The air conditioner 30 includes an air chamber 32, an air outlet 34, supply ports 36 (supply ports 36A, 36B, 36C), and an air blower 40 (air blowers 40A, 40B, 40C).
[0030] (Air chamber, air outlet) The air chamber 32 is a space formed behind the seat surface 14A and the backrest 16A in the furniture main body 12. The air outlet 34 is an opening in the furniture main body 12 for blowing air from the air chamber 32 to the outside of the furniture main body 12.
[0031] The air blown out from the air outlet 34 passes through the cushion material 18 located on the back of the seat surface 14A and the backrest 16A, and the covering material 20 located on the surface of the seat surface 14A and the backrest 16A, and is then blown out to the outside of the furniture body 12. In other words, the air outlet 34 is an air outlet that blows air toward the seated occupant (mainly the back, buttocks, and feet) from a position that contacts or is close to the seated occupant.
[0032] 2(A) and 2(B) are merely examples, and each of the openings may be made small. For example, the openings may be made of punched metal or a grating-like material having holes.
[0033] (Supply inlet) The supply port 36 is an opening in the furniture body 12 for blowing air toward the air chamber 32. Among the supply ports 36, the supply ports 36A and 36B are an example of a first supply port in the present invention, and are open to the underfloor space V2 of the building. That is, the supply ports 36A and 36B are formed at positions corresponding to the air outlet FW of the underfloor space V2. As described above, the underfloor space V2 is at a positive pressure relative to the indoor space. Therefore, temperature-adjusted air can be continuously supplied to the air chamber 32 from the supply ports 36A and 36B, respectively.
[0034] Among the supply ports 36, the supply port 36C is an example of a second supply port in the present invention, and is open to the indoor space V1 of the building. The indoor space V1 is set to be equal to or lower than the air chamber 32. Therefore, in order to supply air from the supply ports 36C to the air chamber 32, mechanical power (a blower device 40C described later) is required.
[0035] (Blower) The blower 40 is attached to the supply port 36 and is a mechanism for adjusting the amount of air supplied to the air chamber 32. The blowers 40 attached to the supply ports 36A, 36B, and 36C are referred to as blowers 40A, 40B, and 40C, respectively. Of these, the blowers 40A and 40B are an example of the first blower in the present invention, and the blower 40C is an example of the second blower in the present invention. In addition, in Figs. 2(A) and (B), the supply port 36 and the blower 40 are referred to as the supply ports 36A, 36B, and 36C and the blowers 40A, 40B, and 40C.
[0036] As shown in Figures 3(A) to (C), blower 40 (blower 40A, 40B, 40C) includes a cylindrical main body 42, an opening plate 44 having an opening 44A formed therein and arranged so that the in-plane direction is approximately perpendicular to the cylindrical axis direction of main body 42, an opening / closing plate 46 serving as a shutter that can open and close opening 44A, and a fan 48.
[0037] The opening / closing plate 46 can be rotated in an in-plane direction by a power source such as a motor (not shown), and can open and close the opening 44A. Note that Fig. 3(A) shows the opening 44A in a fully closed state, Fig. 3(B) shows the opening 44A in a half-open state, and Fig. 3(C) shows the opening 44A in a fully open state. Note that the opening / closing plate 46 in each of the blowers 40A, 40B, and 40C can be individually controlled by the control device 60 to an opening / closing amount.
[0038] Fan 48 is rotatable by a power source such as a motor (not shown), and can pass air from the outside (OUT direction in FIG. 3(A)) to the inside (IN direction) of opening 44A. The rotation amount of each of fans 48 in blowers 40A, 40B, and 40C can be individually controlled by control device 60.
[0039] In this manner, the opening / closing plate 46 and the fan 48 are controlled by the control device 60, and the amount of air passing through the inside of the opening 44A can be controlled.
[0040] 2(A), by attaching blowers 40A and 40B to supply ports 36A and 36B, respectively, it is possible to adjust the amount of conditioned air supplied from the building's conditioned air path (underfloor space V2) to air chamber 32. Similarly, by attaching blower 40C to supply port 36C, it is possible to adjust the amount of indoor air supplied to air chamber 32.
[0041] In the following description, the opening / closing plate 46 and the fan 48 in the blower 40A will be referred to as the opening / closing plate 46A and the fan 48A, respectively. Similarly, the opening / closing plate 46 and the fan 48 in the blower 40B will be referred to as the opening / closing plate 46B and the fan 48B, respectively, and the opening / closing plate 46 and the fan 48 in the blower 40C will be referred to as the opening / closing plate 46C and the fan 48C, respectively.
[0042] <Input device> The input device 50 is an electronic device that sets the conditioning intensity of the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet 34 (see Figs. 2(A) and (B)). As shown in Fig. 1, the input device 50 is provided in a mobile terminal carried by a user of the air-conditioned furniture 10. The user can use the mobile terminal as the input device 50 by operating the mobile terminal.
[0043] When using a mobile terminal as the input device 50, the user can transmit an electrical signal to the control device 60, which will be described later, by selecting a display menu displayed on the display screen as shown in Fig. 5. The input device 50 may be provided in the air-conditioned furniture 10.
[0044] The display menu displayed on the display screen includes, for example, a seat selection button 52, a power button 54, and a mode selection button 56.
[0045] The seat selection button 52 is a button for selecting the air-conditioned furniture 10 to be controlled. The seat selection button 52 is provided when a plurality of air-conditioned furniture 10 is installed in the indoor space V1.
[0046] The power button 54 is a button for selecting whether to start or stop the operation of the air conditioner 30 in the air-conditioned furniture 10 selected by the seat selection button 52. When the power button 54 is used to select whether to stop the operation of the air conditioner 30, the opening / closing plate 46 is fully closed (see FIG. 3(A)), and the fan 48 stops rotating.
[0047] The mode selection button 56 is a button for setting the conditioning strength of the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet 34 (see Figs. 2(A) and (B)). In this embodiment, any operation mode can be selected from four modes: "low", "weak", "medium", and "strong".
[0048] <Control device> As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 60 is electrically connected to the air conditioner 30, the input device 50, a differential pressure gauge 62 that measures the differential pressure between the indoor space V1 and the underfloor space V2, a thermometer 64 that measures the temperature of the indoor space V1, and a thermometer 66 that measures the temperature of the conditioned air.
[0049] Regarding the connection between the control device 60 and the air conditioner 30 in more detail, as shown in FIG. 4, the control device 60 is electrically connected, either wired or wirelessly, to the opening / closing plate 46A and the fan 48A in the blower device 40A, the opening / closing plate 46A and the fan 48A in the blower device 40B, and the opening / closing plate 46C and the fan 48C in the blower device 40C.
[0050] Based on both the pressure difference between the indoor space V1 and the air-conditioning air path (underfloor space V2) measured by the differential pressure gauge 62 and the temperature of the air-conditioning air measured by the thermometer 66, the control device 60 controls the air volume of the first blower device (the blower devices 40A and 40B) and the air volume of the second blower device (the blower device 40C).
[0051] Also, based on the set value of the input device 50, the control device 60 controls the air volume of the first blower device (the blower devices 40A and 40B) and the air volume of the second blower device (the blower device 40C).
[0052] <Control Method> The control method of the blower devices 40A, 40B, and 40C by the control device 60 will be described. The control device 60 intermittently acquires information from the differential pressure gauge 62 and the thermometer 66. Specifically, the differential pressure gauge 62 intermittently measures (acquires) the pressure difference between the indoor space V1 and the air-conditioning air path (underfloor space V2) ( "pressure difference information") and transmits this pressure difference information to the control device 60. Also, the thermometer 66 intermittently measures (acquires) the temperature of the air-conditioning air supplied from the air conditioner 70 ( "temperature information") and transmits this temperature information to the control device 60.
[0053] The control device 60 selects an "operation table" for the air conditioner 30 based on the acquired "pressure difference information" and "temperature information". Also, based on the selected operation table, the control device 60 controls the blowers 40A, 40B, and 40C. As an example, the operation tables are classified into Table A, Table B, Table C, and Table D shown in Figs. 6(A) to (D). The classification of Tables A to D is determined by the following conditions. Tables A to D are classifications for cooling.
[0054] Table A: Pressure difference is 0 Pa or more and less than 15 Pa, and temperature is 18°C or more and less than 20°C Table B: Pressure difference is 15 Pa or more and less than 36 Pa, and temperature is 18°C or more and less than 20°C Table C: Pressure difference is 0 Pa or more but less than 15 Pa, and temperature is 20°C or more Table D: Pressure difference information is 15 Pa or more but less than 36 Pa, and temperature is 20°C or more
[0055] Any method can be used to classify the operation tables, but in this embodiment, tables A and B are set when the set temperature of the conditioned air is less than 20°C. On the other hand, tables C and D are set when the set temperature of the conditioned air is 20°C or higher. When tables A and B are set, the set temperature of the conditioned air is lower than when tables C and D are set. For this reason, tables A and B are set when the "cooling capacity depending on the temperature of the conditioned air" is high.
[0056] Furthermore, tables A and C are set when the pressure difference between the indoor space V1 and the underfloor space V2 is less than 15 Pa. On the other hand, tables B and D are set when the pressure difference between the indoor space V1 and the underfloor space V2 is 15 Pa or more. When tables B and D are set, the pressure difference between the indoor space V1 and the underfloor space V2 is larger than when tables A and C are set, and conditioned air is more likely to be blown up from the underfloor space V2 into the indoor space V1. For this reason, tables B and D are set when the "cooling capacity due to the pressure difference between the indoor space V1 and the underfloor space V2" is high.
[0057] The temperature of the conditioned air supplied from the air conditioner 70 is set by a temperature setting program built into the control device 60 or another device, by a user of the indoor space V1, or by the building management center, depending on the temperature of the indoor space V1 measured by the thermometer 64 (see Figure 1).
[0058] The control device 60 constantly acquires information input by the user to the input device 50, in addition to information measured by the differential pressure gauge 62 and the thermometer 66. Specifically, information specifying the air-conditioned furniture 10 to be controlled ("control target information") is acquired by information input to the seat selection button 52 of the input device 50 shown in FIG. 5. Also, information specifying whether to start or stop the operation of the air-conditioned device 30 in the air-conditioned furniture 10 to be controlled ("power source information") is acquired by information input to the power button 54. Furthermore, information specifying which operation mode the air-conditioned device 30 should be set to, "low", "low", "medium", or "high", is acquired by information input to the mode selection button 56 ("operation mode information").
[0059] Based on the acquired "control target information," "power supply information," and "operation mode information," the control device 60 starts the operation of the air conditioner 30 in the air-conditioned furniture 10 that is the target of control and sets the "operation mode." Alternatively, the control device 60 sets the "operation mode" of the air conditioner 30 that is in operation. Alternatively, the control device 60 stops the operation of the air conditioner 30 that is in operation.
[0060] The setting values of the air blowers 40A, 40B, 40C in the operation modes "low", "weak", "medium" and "strong" are determined for each of the tables A, B, C and D shown in Figs. 6(A) to 6(D).
[0061] 6(A) to 6(D) indicates that the opening 44A is fully closed by the opening / closing plate 46C. The descriptions "1 / 3" and "2 / 3" in each of these figures indicate the opening ratio of the opening 44A by each opening / closing plate 46 (opening / closing plates 46A, 46B, 46C) (the ratio to the opening area when the opening 44A is fully open (see FIG. 3(C))). The description "fully open" in each of these figures indicates that the opening 44A is fully open. The opening ratio of the opening / closing plate 46 is not limited to "close", "1 / 3", "2 / 3", and "fully open", and can be set as appropriate.
[0062] 6(A)-(D), the notation "OFF" indicates that each of the fans 48 (fans 48A, 48B, 48C) is stopped. Note that even when the fans 48A and 48B are stopped, conditioned air flows from the underfloor space V2 to the air chamber 32 due to the pressure difference between the indoor space V1 and the underfloor space V2. The notation "weak" in each of these figures indicates that each of the fans 48 is operating at low intensity. Similarly, the notation "medium" in each of these figures indicates that each of the fans 48 is operating at medium intensity. The notation "strong" in each of these figures indicates that each of the fans 48 is operating at strong intensity.
[0063] "Weak intensity," "medium intensity," and "strong intensity" are each defined by the number of rotations of fan 48 per unit time, with the number of rotations of fan 48 being higher at "medium intensity" compared to "weak intensity," and the number of rotations of fan 48 being higher at "strong intensity" compared to "medium intensity."
[0064] For example, in table A shown in Fig. 6(A), when the operation mode is "mild", opening / closing plate 46A in blower 40A opens opening 44A to 1 / 3 of the opening area in the fully open state, and fan 48A stops. Also, opening / closing plate 46B in blower 40B opens opening 44A to 1 / 3 of the opening area in the fully open state, and fan 48B stops. Furthermore, opening / closing plate 46C in blower 40C fully closes opening 44A, and fan 48C stops.
[0065] In addition, in table A, when the operation mode is "weak," the opening / closing plate 46A in the blower 40A opens the opening 44A to 2 / 3 of the opening area in the fully open state, and the fan 48A stops. In addition, the opening / closing plate 46B in the blower 40B opens the opening 44A to 2 / 3 of the opening area in the fully open state, and the fan 48B stops. Furthermore, the opening / closing plate 46C in the blower 40C opens the opening 44A fully, and the fan 48C operates at a low intensity.
[0066] Furthermore, in table A, when the operation mode is "medium," the opening / closing plate 46A of the blower 40A opens the opening 44A fully, and the fan 48A stops. Also, the opening / closing plate 46B of the blower 40B opens the opening 44A fully, and the fan 48B operates at low intensity. Furthermore, the opening / closing plate 46C of the blower 40C opens the opening 44A fully, and the fan 48C operates at medium intensity.
[0067] Furthermore, in table A, when the operation mode is "strong," the opening / closing plate 46A in the blower 40A opens the opening 44A fully, and the fan 48A operates at low intensity. The opening / closing plate 46B in the blower 40B opens the opening 44A fully, and the fan 48B operates at low intensity. The opening / closing plate 46C in the blower 40C opens the opening 44A fully, and the fan 48C operates at high intensity.
[0068] The setting values of the blowers 40A, 40B, and 40C in each operation mode in tables B, C, and D are as shown in Figs. 6(B), (C), and (D), respectively, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.
[0069] <Actions and Effects> In the air-conditioned furniture 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 2(A) and (B), conditioned air is blown out from the building's air-conditioned air path (underfloor space V2) through the air chamber 32 of the air-conditioned furniture 10 into the indoor space V1.
[0070] The conditioned air is supplied to the air chamber 32 from supply ports 36A and 36B, which are examples of first supply ports. At this time, a control device 60 shown in FIG. 4 controls the amount of air sent by a first blower (at least one of blower 40A and blower 40B) based on the "pressure difference between the indoor space V1 and the underfloor space V2" measured by a differential pressure gauge 62 and the "temperature of the conditioned air" measured by a thermometer 66.
[0071] As an example, when the pressure difference between the indoor space V1 and the underfloor space V2 is small (when the pressure difference is 0 or more and less than 15 Pa), it becomes more difficult to supply conditioned air from the underfloor space V2 to the air chamber 32 compared to when the pressure difference is large (when the pressure difference is 15 or more and less than 36 Pa). In this case, the control device 60 increases the amount of air blown by the first blower (at least one of the blower 40A and the blower 40B).
[0072] Specifically, when the temperature of the conditioned air is between 18°C or higher and less than 20°C, if the pressure difference between the indoor space V1 and the underfloor space V2 changes from 15 Pa or higher to less than 15 Pa, the control device 60 switches the operation table of the air conditioning unit 30 from table B shown in Figure 6(B) to table A shown in Figure 6(A).
[0073] At this time, for example, if the operation mode input by the input device 50 is "medium," the opening / closing plate 46A of the blower 40A is changed from a state in which the opening 44A is opened 2 / 3 to a fully open state. Also, the opening / closing plate 46B of the blower 40B is switched from a state in which the opening 44A is opened 2 / 3 to a fully open state. Furthermore, the fan 48B of the blower 40B is switched from a stopped state to a low-intensity operating state.
[0074] This increases the amount of air sent by the first air blowing device (air blowing device 40A and air blowing device 40B), thereby making it possible to maintain the cooling capacity.
[0075] Even when the operation mode input by the input device 50 is "mild," "weak," or "strong," the amount of air sent by the first blower (at least one of blower 40A and blower 40B) is controlled based on the set values in each of tables A and B. When the temperature of the conditioned air is 20°C or higher, the amount of air sent by the first blower (at least one of blower 40A and blower 40B) is controlled based on the set values in each of tables C and D.
[0076] As another example, when the temperature of the conditioned air is high (20° C. or higher), the cooling capacity of the same amount of conditioned air is lower than when the temperature is low (18° C. or higher and lower than 20° C.). In this case, the control device 60 increases the amount of air sent by the first blower (at least one of the blowers 40A and 40B) to increase the amount of conditioned air supplied to the air chamber 32.
[0077] Specifically, the pressure difference between the indoor space V1 and the underfloor space V2 is less than 15 Pa. When the temperature of the conditioned air switches from below 20° C. to 20° C. or higher, the control device 60 switches the operation table of the air conditioner 30 from table A shown in FIG. 6(A) to table C shown in FIG. 6(C).
[0078] At this time, for example, if the operation mode input by the input device 50 is "medium," the operation state of the fan 48A is switched from the stopped state to medium intensity while the opening / closing plate 46A of the blower 40A keeps the opening 44A fully open. Also, the operation state of the fan 48B is switched from low intensity to medium intensity while the opening / closing plate 46B of the blower 40B keeps the opening 44A fully open.
[0079] This increases the amount of air sent by the first air blowing device (air blowing device 40A and air blowing device 40B), thereby making it possible to maintain the cooling capacity.
[0080] Even when the operation mode input by the input device 50 is set to "weak," "weak," or "strong," the amount of air sent by the first blower (at least one of blower 40A and blower 40B) is controlled based on the set values in each of tables A and C. When the pressure difference between the indoor space V1 and the underfloor space V2 is 15 Pa or more, the amount of air sent by the first blower (at least one of blower 40A and blower 40B) is controlled based on the set values in each of tables B and D.
[0081] In this way, in the air-conditioning furniture 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the air-conditioning capacity can be maintained regardless of the pressure difference between the indoor space V1 and the air-conditioning air path (underfloor space V2) or the temperature of the air-conditioning air.
[0082] In addition, in the air-conditioned furniture 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioning intensity of the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet 34 can be set by the input device 50 shown in Figs. 1 and 5. Specifically, the user of the air-conditioned furniture 10 can switch the operation mode for each of tables A, B, C, and D by operating the mode selection button 56 shown in Fig. 5.
[0083] For example, when the operation table of the air conditioner 30 is set to table A, the user can operate the mode selection button 56 to switch to any operation mode (any operation mode in table A, see FIG. 6(A)). By switching the operation mode, the operation states of the opening / closing plates 46A, 46B, 46C and the fans 48A, 48B, 48C in the air blowers 40A, 40B, 40C are appropriately switched. This allows the user of the air-conditioned furniture 10 to obtain a thermal environment with any air conditioning intensity.
[0084] Moreover, in the air-conditioned furniture 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first air blowing device (air blowing device 40A and air blowing device 40B) is equipped with opening / closing plates 46A, 46B as shutters and fans 48A, 48B, respectively.
[0085] By adjusting the opening degree of the opening / closing plates 46A, 46B, the amount of conditioned air passing through the first supply ports (supply ports 36A, 36B) can be adjusted. Also, by adjusting the rotation speed of the fans 48A, 48B, it is possible to save power while adjusting the amount of conditioned air passing through the supply ports 36A, 36B. Furthermore, by adjusting the opening degree of the opening / closing plates 46A, 46B and the rotation speed of the fans 48A, 48B, the amount of conditioned air passing through the supply ports 36A, 36B can be finely adjusted.
[0086] Moreover, in the air-conditioned furniture 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, indoor air is supplied from the indoor space V1 to the air chamber 32 via the supply port 36C by the air blower 40C as the second air blower. Therefore, the conditioned air and the indoor air are mixed in the air chamber 32. This makes it easier to adjust the temperature of the air blown out from the air outlet compared to a configuration without the air blower 40C and the supply port 36C.
[0087] In the air-conditioned furniture 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the pressure difference between the indoor space V1 and the air-conditioned air path (underfloor space V2) is classified into two cases: "0 Pa or more and less than 15 Pa" and "15 Pa or more and less than 36 Pa". The temperature of the air-conditioned air supplied from the air conditioner 70 is also classified into two cases: "18°C or more and less than 20°C" and "20°C or more". Furthermore, four operation tables, tables A, B, C, and D, are provided as a control method of the control device 60 according to these case classifications. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this.
[0088] As an example, the pressure difference threshold is not limited to 15 Pa and 36 Pa. It can be changed appropriately depending on the region, season, etc. Similarly, the temperature threshold is not limited to 18°C and 20°C.
[0089] As another example, the classification of pressure difference is not limited to two cases. For example, it may be classified into three or more cases. Similarly, temperature may be classified into three or more cases. For example, if pressure difference is classified into three cases and temperature is classified into three cases, nine operation tables can be provided. Subdividing the classification increases the effect of maintaining cooling capacity.
[0090] As another example, the pressure difference between the indoor space V1 and the underfloor space V2 does not necessarily have to be measured. That is, an operation table may be created using only the temperature of the conditioned air supplied from the air conditioner 70. Similarly, the temperature of the conditioned air supplied from the air conditioner 70 does not necessarily have to be measured. In this case, an operation table is created using only the pressure difference between the indoor space V1 and the underfloor space V2.
[0091] That is, an operation table may be provided based on at least one of the "pressure difference between the indoor space V1 and the underfloor space V2" and the "temperature of the conditioned air supplied from the air conditioner 70." In either case, the cooling capacity can be maintained more effectively than in the case where an operation table is not provided.
[0092] In addition, in the air-conditioned furniture 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the amount of air sent by the second air blower (air blower 40C) is controlled in addition to the amount of air sent by the first air blower (air blower 40A, 40B), but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the amount of air sent by the second air blower (air blower 40C) does not have to be controlled. Even if the amount of air sent by the second air blower (air blower 40C) is not controlled, the amount of air sent by the air blowers 40A and 40B is controlled, so that the cooling capacity can be maintained.
[0093] In addition, in the air-conditioned furniture 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the air volume of the air blowers 40A, 40B, and 40C is controlled based on the "operation mode" inputted by the input device 50 in addition to the "operation table", but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the input device 50 may be omitted, and control based on the operation mode may not be performed. Even without control based on the operation mode, the effect of maintaining the cooling capacity can be obtained by control based on the operation table.
[0094] In the air-conditioned furniture 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the air blower 40 is provided with the opening / closing plate 46 and the fan 48, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the air blower 40 may be configured to include only either the opening / closing plate 46 or the fan 48 and controlled by the control device 60. Even in a configuration in which only either the opening / closing plate 46 or the fan 48 is provided, the amount of air blown by the air blower 40 can be adjusted.
[0095] In the above embodiment, the air conditioner 30 is operated in "cooling" mode, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the air conditioner 30 can also be operated in "heating" mode. In the operation table for operating the air conditioner 30 in "heating" mode, the airflow rate of the blowers 40A and 40B is increased when the temperature of the conditioned air supplied from the air conditioner 70 is low, compared to when the temperature is high. This makes it possible to maintain the heating capacity.
[0096] In the above embodiment, the case where the air blown out from the air chamber 32 formed on the back side of the seat surface 14A and the backrest 16A shown in Fig. 2(A) is controlled has been described, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, air may be blown out from an air chamber formed in the canopy 16B and controlled. By controlling the air blown out from the air chamber of the canopy 16B in addition to the air blown out from the air chamber 32, the temperature control effect for each user can be improved.
[0097] Although the air-conditioned furniture 10 is configured to include the seat 14A, the backrest 16A, and the canopy 16B, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the air-conditioning device 30 can also be applied to chairs, sofas, etc. that do not include the canopy 16B. Furthermore, the air-conditioning device 30 can also be applied to beds, etc. that do not include the backrest 16A.
[0098] Also, in the above embodiment, the air-conditioning air path is formed in the under-floor space V2, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this. For example, a duct arranged in the under-floor space V2 may be used as the air-conditioning air path, or a duct arranged inside the building wall or inside the wall may be used as the air-conditioning air path. Thus, the present invention can be implemented in various modes.
Explanation of Signs
[0099] 12 Furniture main body 32 Air chamber V1 Indoor space 34 Air outlet 36A Supply port (first supply port) 36B Supply port (first supply port) 36C Supply port (second supply port) 40A Blower (first blower) 40B Blower (first blower) 40C Blower (second blower) 46A Opening / closing plate (shutter) 46B Opening / closing plate (shutter) 48A Fan 48B Fan 50 Input device 60 Control device V2 Under-floor space (air-conditioning air path)
Claims
1. A furniture body installed in an indoor space, an air chamber provided in the furniture body, a first supply port for supplying conditioned air from a conditioned air path of a building maintained at a higher pressure than the indoor space to the air chamber, a blowout port for blowing out the conditioned air from the air chamber into the indoor space, a first blower provided at the first supply port, a second supply port for supplying indoor air from the indoor space to the air chamber, a second blower provided at the second supply port, a control device that controls the air volume blown by the first blower and the air volume blown by the second blower based on at least one of the pressure difference between the indoor space and the conditioned air path and the temperature of the conditioned air, and mixes the conditioned air and the indoor air in the air chamber to adjust the temperature of the air blown out from the blowout port, comprising, the control device, controls the air volume blown by the first blower and the air volume blown by the second blower based on an operation table in which the air volume blown by the first blower and the air volume blown by the second blower are determined for each predetermined range of the pressure difference and for each predetermined range of the temperature, an air-conditioning furniture.
2. comprising an input device capable of setting the air-conditioning intensity of the conditioned air blown out from the blowout port, the control device further controls the air volume blown by the first blower and the air volume blown by the second blower based on an operation table in which the air volume blown by the first blower and the air volume blown by the second blower are determined for each set value of the input device, the air-conditioning furniture according to Claim 1.
3. The air-conditioning furniture according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the first blower includes a shutter capable of opening and closing the first supply port and a fan.
Citation Information
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