air conditioning unit

The air conditioner addresses pet discomfort by adjusting temperature and minimizing noise through a blower and direction control system, providing a comfortable environment for both humans and pets.

JP7716239B2Active Publication Date: 2025-07-31SHARP KK
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021098933
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-06-14
Publication Date
2025-07-31
Estimated Expiration
2041-06-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing air conditioners fail to accommodate the temperature preferences of pets and can disturb them with driving sounds when air direction changes.

Method used

An air conditioner with a blower mechanism, wind direction changing mechanism, and control unit that adjusts air properties and direction based on different modes to cater to both human and pet preferences, minimizing driving noise.

Benefits of technology

The air conditioner ensures comfortable conditions for both humans and pets by adjusting temperature and reducing noise disturbances.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide an air-conditioning device capable of suppressing driving noise.SOLUTION: An air-conditioning device 95 comprises an air blowing mechanism 53, an air direction changing mechanism 58, a property adjusting mechanism 11, and a control part 56. The control part 56 receives a first mode and a second mode. The control part 56 controls the air blowing mechanism 53, the air direction changing mechanism 58 and the property adjusting mechanism 11 based upon the first control signal in the first mode. The control part 56 controls the air blowing mechanism 53, the air direction changing mechanism 58 and the property adjusting mechanism 11 based upon the second control signal in the second mode. The first control signal includes a signal for controlling the air direction changing mechanism 58 to change a direction in which air is blown with a first change speed. The second control signal includes a signal for controlling the air direction changing mechanism 58 to change the direction in which the air is blown to a predetermined direction toward an object region among a plurality of regions included in a space with a second change speed. The second change speed is slower than the first change speed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] An air conditioner capable of detecting a pet in a room is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1). The air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 includes an indoor heat exchanger, an air cleaner, a detection unit, and a control unit. The indoor heat exchanger performs heat exchange on the air in the room. The air cleaner can switch its air cleaning ability. The detection unit detects a person and a pet in the room. When the detection unit detects that only a pet is in the room, the control unit increases the air cleaning ability of the air cleaner more than when the detection unit detects that a person is in the room.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1, the temperature of the air becomes a predetermined temperature in all of a plurality of regions included in the space. When an animal such as a pet stays in the room for a long time, the animal may want to spend time at a temperature different from the predetermined temperature. As a result, the animal could not spend comfortably in the room. In addition, the animal may be surprised by the driving sound when the direction of blowing air is changed.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an air conditioner capable of suppressing driving sound.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, an air conditioner includes a blower mechanism, a wind direction changing mechanism, a property adjusting mechanism, and a control unit. The blower mechanism blows air. The wind direction changing mechanism changes the direction in which the air is blown. The property adjusting mechanism adjusts the properties of the air. The control unit receives a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the control unit controls the blower mechanism, the wind direction changing mechanism, and the property adjusting mechanism based on a first control signal. In the second mode, the control unit controls the blower mechanism, the wind direction changing mechanism, and the property adjusting mechanism based on a second control signal. The first control signal includes a signal for controlling the wind direction changing mechanism to change the direction in which the air is blown at a first change speed. The second control signal includes a signal for controlling the wind direction changing mechanism to change the direction in which the air is blown at a second change speed in a predetermined direction toward a target area among a plurality of areas included in the space. The second change speed is slower than the first change speed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the air conditioner of the present invention, driving noise can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description will not be repeated.

[0010] Referring to FIG. 1, an air conditioning system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system 200 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 200 includes an air conditioner 95 and an operating device 210. In the present embodiment, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis orthogonal to each other are shown in the figure. The Z-axis is parallel to the vertical direction, and the X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0011] First, the air conditioner 95 will be described. The air conditioner 95 adjusts the properties of air. The properties of air include, for example, the temperature of air. Specifically, the air conditioner 95 includes an indoor unit 5 and an outdoor unit 10. The indoor unit 5 is connected to the outdoor unit 10 by piping. The outdoor unit 10 is installed outside the room. Then, a medium circulates between the indoor unit 5 and the outdoor unit 10 through the piping. The outdoor unit 10 includes a fan, a compressor 11, a heat exchanger, and various components such as a four-way valve. The compressor 11 is an example of a "property adjustment mechanism".

[0012] Specifically, the indoor unit 5 has a control device 90. The control device 90 has a control unit 56 and a communication unit 59. The control unit 56 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 56 controls each element of the air conditioner 95.

[0013] The communication unit 59 performs wireless communication with the operating device 210. For example, the communication unit 59 communicates with each other via a network. The network includes, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), and a public telephone network. Specifically, the communication unit 59 includes, for example, a network interface controller (NIC) that communicates according to a predetermined communication protocol, or communication conforming to a communication standard based on WiFi. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, the TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) protocol suite (that is, the Internet protocol suite).

[0014] Also, the communication unit 59 may include, for example, a wireless communication module that performs wireless communication. Specifically, the communication unit 59 is, for example, a wireless communication module that performs short-range wireless communication. Short-range wireless communication is, for example, wireless communication with a communication distance of about several meters to several tens of meters. Short-range wireless communication is, for example, communication conforming to a communication standard based on infrared communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or ZigBee (registered trademark). Communication conforming to the communication standard based on Bluetooth (registered trademark) is, for example, BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy).

[0015] Subsequently, referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the configuration of the indoor unit 5 will be described. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view showing the indoor unit 5. FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing the indoor unit 5 with the air guide panel 54Aa removed. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 2B, the indoor unit 5 includes a cabinet 50, a filter 51, and an air conditioning unit 91. The air conditioning unit 91 includes a fan 53, an air deflector 54A, and a heat exchanger 52. The fan 53 is an example of a "blowing mechanism". The air deflector 54A is an example of a "wind direction changing mechanism".

[0016] The shape of the cabinet 50 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped. Specifically, the cabinet 50 has an upper surface 50a, a lower surface 50b, a front surface 50c, a rear surface 50d, a right side surface 50e, and a left side surface 50f. The rear surface 50d is attached to the side wall of the room.

[0017] The back surface 50d is disposed opposite to the front surface 50c. The first direction D1 indicates the direction from the back surface 50d toward the front surface 50c. And the back surface 50d is disposed on the opposite side of the first direction D1 inside the cabinet 50. The first direction D1 is the positive direction of the X-axis.

[0018] The left side surface 50f is disposed opposite to the right side surface 50e. The second direction D2 indicates the direction from the right side surface 50e toward the left side surface 50f. And the left side surface 50f is disposed on the second direction D2 side inside the cabinet 50. The second direction D2 is the positive direction of the Y-axis.

[0019] The upper surface 50a is disposed opposite to the lower surface 50b. The third direction D3 indicates the direction from the lower surface 50b toward the upper surface 50a. And the upper surface 50a is disposed on the third direction D3 side inside the cabinet 50. The third direction D3 is the positive direction of the Z-axis.

[0020] The cabinet 50 further has a suction port P1A, an air outlet P2, and a flow passage G. The suction port P1A is formed on the upper surface 50a of the cabinet 50. The air outlet P2 is formed on the lower surface 50b of the cabinet 50. And inside the cabinet 50, a flow passage G leading from the suction port P1A to the air outlet P2 is formed.

[0021] Air flows through the flow passage G. The fan 53 and the heat exchanger 52 are disposed in the flow passage G.

[0022] The fan 53 blows air. Specifically, during operation, the fan 53 sucks air from the outside into the flow passage G through the suction port P1A, and blows the sucked air from the flow passage G to the outside through the air outlet P2. The fan 53 is, for example, a cross-flow fan. The cross-flow fan is, for example, an impeller in the shape of a substantially cylindrical body.

[0023] The wind direction plate 54A changes the direction in which air is blown. Specifically, the wind direction plate 54A includes a wind guiding panel 54Aa, a horizontal louver 54Ab, and a plurality of vertical louvers 54Ac. The wind direction plate 54A is disposed at the air outlet P2. The wind direction plate 54A moves to be in, for example, any one of a plurality of states.

[0024] The heat exchanger 52 adjusts the properties of the air. Specifically, the heat exchanger 52 performs heat exchange. In detail, the heat exchanger 52 transfers thermal energy between the air flowing through the flow passage G and the medium supplied from the outdoor unit 10. For example, the air flowing through the flow passage G is cooled by a refrigerant, and the temperature of the air flowing through the flow passage G becomes the cooling temperature. The cooling temperature is, for example, 20°C.

[0025] The filter 51 is disposed at the suction port P1A. The filter 51 collects dust in the indoor air. Specifically, the filter 51 collects dust from the air passing through the suction port P1A.

[0026] Subsequently, referring to FIG. 3, the room 100 in which the indoor unit 5 is disposed will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the room 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the room 100 has a plurality of wall surfaces 111, a floor 112, and a ceiling. A space 114 is defined by the plurality of wall surfaces 111, the floor 112, and the ceiling.

[0027] The space 114 is a three-dimensional space. Specifically, the space 114 includes a plurality of regions. For example, the plurality of regions each have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with the same volume as each other. For example, the plurality of regions are regions of N rows × M columns × S stages. At least one of N, M, and S represents an integer of 2 or more. The plurality of regions are arranged in order from the first row to the Nth row in the first direction (the positive direction of the X axis) D1, in order from the first column to the Mth column in the second direction (the positive direction of the Y axis) D2, and in order from the first stage to the Sth stage in the third direction (the positive direction of the Z axis) D3.

[0028] The indoor unit 5 is installed at the upper part of the wall surface 111 on the side opposite to the first direction D1 among the plurality of wall surfaces 111. For example, the indoor unit 5 is arranged in the area of the first row, second column, and third stage. Also, furniture or household appliances are arranged in the space 114. For example, a bed is arranged in the area of the first row, first column, and first stage. A TV is arranged in the area of the third row, first column, and first stage.

[0029] In the space 114, there are a dog PC and a user HA. The dog PC is an example of a pet. The dog PC eats, exercises, defecates, or sleeps in the space 114. The user HA eats, exercises, or sleeps in the space 114. Specifically, the dog PC and the user HA exist in any one of the areas within the area of N rows × M columns × S stages.

[0030] Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 4, the operating device 210 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the operating device 210. As shown in FIG. 4, the operating device 210 is, for example, a tablet terminal or a smartphone. The operating device 210 is held by the user HA.

[0031] Specifically, the operating device 210 includes a storage unit 211, a control unit 212, a communication unit 213, and an operation unit 214.

[0032] The storage unit 211 is an example of a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium that records programs. Specifically, the storage unit 211 includes a storage device and stores application programs (hereinafter, may be referred to as "application AP"), computer programs, and data. Specifically, the storage unit 211 includes a main storage device such as a semiconductor memory and an auxiliary storage device such as a semiconductor memory, a solid-state drive, and / or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 211 may include a removable medium.

[0033] The application AP is, for example, a computer program that causes the operation unit 214 to display a plurality of operation buttons. In the embodiment, the application AP is downloaded from the server 250 to the operation device 210 and installed. The server 250 includes a control unit 251 and a storage unit 252. The control unit 251 includes a processor such as a CPU. The storage unit 252 is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium that records programs. Specifically, the storage unit 252 includes a storage device and stores the application AP, computer programs, and data. Specifically, the storage unit 252 includes a main storage device such as a semiconductor memory, and an auxiliary storage device such as a semiconductor memory, a solid state drive, and / or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 252 may include a removable medium.

[0034] The control unit 212 includes a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 212 controls each element of the operation device 210. Specifically, the control unit 212 controls the communication unit 213 and the operation unit 214 by executing the computer programs and the application AP stored in the storage unit 211.

[0035] The operation unit 214 is, for example, a touch panel. Specifically, the operation unit 214 includes a touch detection unit and a display unit. The display unit is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electro-luminescence display. The touch detection unit is, for example, a touch sensor. The touch detection unit is disposed, for example, on the display surface of the display unit.

[0036] Specifically, the operation unit 214 receives the instruction information S1. For example, when the user HA touches a predetermined button (for example, the enter button), the operation unit 214 receives the instruction information S1. The instruction information S1 indicates an instruction from the user HA.

[0037] The indication information S1 preferably includes target set values for the properties of the air. The target set values include, for example, the target temperature value of the air (e.g., 26 °C). The target set values are arbitrary numerical values, which can be selected by the user HA or preset in advance.

[0038] Also, the indication information S1 may indicate a second mode including information specifying a target area among a plurality of areas included in the space 114, or a first mode not including information specifying a target area. The target area is included in the space 114. The target area is, for example, the area of the first stage in the second row and the second column. The target area is an arbitrary area, which can be selected by the user HA or preset in advance.

[0039] The communication unit 213 performs wireless communication with the indoor unit 5. The communication unit 213 includes, for example, a network interface controller (NIC) that communicates according to a predetermined communication protocol, or communication conforming to a communication standard using WiFi. Also, the communication unit 213 may include a wireless communication module that performs wireless communication. Specifically, the communication unit 213 transmits the indication information S1 to the indoor unit 5.

[0040] Subsequently, referring to FIG. 5, the air conditioner 95 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the air conditioner 95. As shown in FIG. 5, the indoor unit 5 further includes a storage unit 57, a drive unit 58, and a temperature sensor 70. The drive unit 58 is an example of a "wind direction changing mechanism". The temperature sensor 70 is an example of a "detection unit".

[0041] The temperature sensor 70 detects the properties of the air in the space 114. Specifically, the temperature sensor 70 detects the temperature of the air in the space 114. The temperature sensor 70 is arranged, for example, in the cabinet 50.

[0042] The drive unit 58 drives the wind direction plate 54A. The wind direction plate 54A assumes any one of a plurality of states. Specifically, the wind direction plate 54A assumes any one of the states from the first state to the thirteenth state. More specifically, when the operation stops, the wind direction plate 54A assumes the first state. The first state indicates a state in which the air outlet P2 is closed.

[0043] On the other hand, when operating, the wind direction plate 54A assumes any one of the states from the second state to the thirteenth state. Each of the second state to the thirteenth state indicates a state in which the air outlet P2 is open. Specifically, the second state indicates a state in which air is blown toward the area of the first row, first column, and first stage. The third state indicates a state in which air is blown toward the area of the first row, second column, and first stage. The fourth state indicates a state in which air is blown toward the area of the first row, third column, and first stage. The fifth state indicates a state in which air is blown toward the area of the second row, first column, and first stage. The sixth state indicates a state in which air is blown toward the area of the second row, second column, and first stage. The seventh state indicates a state in which air is blown toward the area of the second row, third column, and first stage. The eighth state indicates a state in which air is blown toward the area of the third row, first column, and first stage. The ninth state indicates a state in which air is blown toward the area of the third row, second column, and first stage. The tenth state indicates a state in which air is blown toward the area of the third row, third column, and first stage. The eleventh state indicates a state in which air is blown toward the area of the third row, first column, and third stage. The twelfth state indicates a state in which air is blown toward the area of the third row, second column, and third stage. The thirteenth state indicates a state in which air is blown toward the area of the third row, third column, and third stage.

[0044] The communication unit 59 receives the instruction information S1 from the operation device 210.

[0045] The storage unit 57 is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium that records a program. Specifically, the storage unit 57 includes a storage device and stores an application program (hereinafter, may be referred to as "application BP"), a computer program, and data. Specifically, the storage unit 57 includes a main storage device such as a semiconductor memory, and an auxiliary storage device such as a semiconductor memory, a solid state drive, and / or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 211 may include a removable medium.

[0046] Specifically, it is preferable that the storage unit 57 stores a first control table. The first control table is used when the instruction information S1 indicates a first mode that does not include information specifying the target area.

[0047] The first control table shows the relationship between the instruction information S1 and the first control signal S2. Specifically, the first control table shows the relationship between the detection result of the temperature sensor 70 (for example, the initial temperature value), the set property (for example, the target set value), the control method of the fan 53 (for example, the rotation speed, the angular acceleration), the control method of the drive unit 58 (for example, the state of the wind direction plate 54A), and the control method of the compressor 11 (for example, the rotation speed, the expansion valve opening degree, the valve switching).

[0048] The control unit 56 receives the first mode. In the first mode, the control unit 56 controls the fan 53, the drive unit 58, and the compressor 11 based on the first control signal S2. Specifically, when receiving the first mode, the control unit 56 creates the first control signal S2 based on the first control table. The first control signal S2 includes a signal S23 for controlling the compressor 11, a signal S21 for controlling the fan 53, and a signal S22 for controlling the drive unit 58.

[0049] The signal S22 for controlling the drive unit 58 includes a signal for controlling the wind direction plate 54A to change the direction of blowing air at the first change speed. Specifically, the control unit 56 controls the wind direction plate 54A to blow air at the cooling temperature toward the area of the third row, first column, and third stage. Next, the control unit 56 controls the wind direction plate 54A to blow air at the cooling temperature toward the area of the third row, second column, and third stage. Next, the control unit 56 controls the wind direction plate 54A to blow air at the cooling temperature toward the area of the third row, third column, and third stage.

[0050] And, for example, when the detection result detected by the temperature sensor 70 becomes equal to or lower than the target temperature value, the operation of the drive unit 58, the fan 53, and the compressor 11 is stopped. On the other hand, when the detection result detected by the temperature sensor 70 exceeds the target temperature value, the drive unit 58, the fan 53, and the compressor 11 are operated. As a result, by mixing the air in all areas from the first row, first column, and first stage to the third row, third column, and third stage, the temperature of the air becomes the target temperature value in all areas from the first row, first column, and first stage to the third row, third column, and third stage. Therefore, the user HA and the dog PC can spend time at the target temperature value no matter which area within the area of N rows × M columns × S stages they are in.

[0051] Also, for example, when the user HA wants to change the target temperature value of the air in the room 100, the user HA causes the communication unit 59 to receive the instruction information S1. For example, when the user HA is eating, the target temperature value is lowered. Also, when the user HA is sleeping, the target temperature value is raised. Therefore, the user HA and the dog PC can spend a comfortable time in the room 100.

[0052] Next, referring to FIG. 6, the case where the dog PC exists in the space 114 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the room 100. In the space 114, the dog PC exists. Note that the user HA does not exist in the space 114. For example, the user HA has gone out to work. That is, the user HA is out for a long time. The dog PC eats, exercises, defecates, or sleeps in the space 114. Specifically, the dog PC exists in any one of the regions of the N-row × M-column × S-stage region. The dog PC freely moves to any one of the regions of the N-row × M-column × S-stage region.

[0053] The communication unit 59 receives the instruction information S1 from the operation device 210. When the instruction information S1 indicates the second mode including information specifying the target area, the target setting value indicated by the instruction information S1 preferably indicates the property corresponding to the dog PC. Specifically, the target setting value preferably indicates the property preferred by the dog PC.

[0054] The control unit 56 accepts the second mode. In the second mode, the control unit 56 controls the fan 53, the drive unit 58, and the compressor 11 based on the second control signal S2. Specifically, when accepting the second mode, the control unit 56 creates the second control signal S2. The second control signal S2 includes a signal S23 for controlling the compressor 11, a signal S21 for controlling the fan 53, and a signal S22 for controlling the drive unit 58.

[0055] The signal S22 for controlling the drive unit 58 includes a signal for controlling the drive unit 58 so as to change the air blowing direction to a predetermined direction toward the target area among the plurality of areas included in the space 114 at a second change speed. The second change speed is slower than the first change speed. Specifically, for example, the control unit 56 creates a signal S22 corresponding to the area of the second row, second column, and first stage, and controls the drive unit 58 so that the wind direction plate 54A is in the sixth state. In other words, the control unit 56 moves the wind direction plate 54A at the second change speed so as to blow air toward the target area among the plurality of areas included in the space 114.

[0056] As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, according to the present embodiment, the drive unit 58 is controlled to change at a second change speed in a predetermined direction toward the target area. The second change speed is slower than the first change speed. As a result, the driving sound of the drive unit 58 becomes smaller. Therefore, an animal such as a dog PC can stay comfortably in the room 100 without being bothered by the driving sound of the drive unit 58.

[0057] More specifically, the second control signal S2 further includes a signal for controlling the drive unit 58 so as to change the direction in which air is blown at a second change speed according to the difference between the property detected by the temperature sensor 70 and the set property. For example, when the difference between the property detected by the temperature sensor 70 and the set property is large, the direction in which air is blown is changed at a slower second change speed. On the other hand, when the difference between the property detected by the temperature sensor 70 and the set property is small, the direction in which air is blown is changed at a faster second change speed. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the difference between the property of the air in the target area (for example, the area in the first stage of the second row and the second column) and the property of the air outside the target area.

[0058] More specifically, the storage unit 57 preferably further stores a second control table. The second control table is used when the instruction information S1 indicates a second mode including information specifying the target area.

[0059] The second control table shows the relationship between the instruction information S1 and the third control signal S2. Specifically, the second control table shows the detection result of the temperature sensor 70 (for example, the initial temperature value), the set property (for example, the target set value), the position of the target area in the space 114 (for example, the area in the first stage of the second row and the second column), the control method of the fan 53 (for example, the rotation speed, the angular acceleration), the control method of the drive unit 58 (for example, the state of the wind direction plate 54A), and the control method of the compressor 11 (for example, the rotation speed, the expansion valve opening degree, the valve switching).

[0060] In the second mode, the control unit 56 controls the fan 53, the drive unit 58, and the compressor 11 based on the second control signal S2, and then controls the fan 53, the drive unit 58, and the compressor 11 based on the third control signal S2.

[0061] The third control signal S2 includes a signal S23 for controlling the compressor 11, a signal S21 for controlling the fan 53, and a signal S22 for controlling the drive unit 58. The signal S23 for controlling the compressor 11 further includes a signal for controlling the compressor 11 so as to adjust the properties of the air to the set properties.

[0062] Specifically, the control unit 56 receives a signal indicating an initial temperature value (for example, 30° C.) from the temperature sensor 70. Based on the initial temperature value and the target temperature value, the control unit 56 creates the signal S23 and operates the compressor 11. In other words, the control unit 56 blows the air whose properties have been adjusted by the heat exchanger 52 toward the target area among the plurality of areas included in the space 114.

[0063] More specifically, the control unit 56 blows the cooled air toward the area of the first stage, second row, and second column. That is, the air passes through the area of the second stage, first row, and second column and reaches the area of the first stage, second row, and second column. As a result, the temperature of the air existing in the areas of the first stage, second row, and second column and the second stage, first row, and second column indicates approximately the target temperature value.

[0064] Also, for example, before the user HA goes out, the user HA causes the communication unit 59 to receive the instruction information S1 including the information designating the target area. As a result, even when the user HA is not in the room 100, an animal such as the dog PC can live comfortably in the room 100.

[0065] Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 7, an air conditioning method by the air conditioning system 200 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the air conditioning method by the air conditioning system 200.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7, in step S101, the communication unit 59 determines whether or not it has received the instruction information S1 from the operation device 210. If the communication unit 59 determines in step S101 that it has not received the instruction information S1 from the operation device 210, the process returns to step S101.

[0067] On the one hand, when the communication unit 59 determines in step S101 that it has received the instruction information S1 from the operating device 210, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0068] Next, in step S102, the control unit 56 determines whether it is in the first mode or the second mode. If the control unit 56 determines in step S102 that it is in the first mode, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0069] Next, in step S103, the control unit 56 controls the fan 53, the drive unit 58, and the compressor 11 based on the first control signal S2 in the first mode. The air deflector 54A changes the direction in which air is blown at the first change speed. Then, the air conditioning method ends.

[0070] On the other hand, if the control unit 56 determines in step S102 that it is in the second mode, the process proceeds to step S104. Next, in step S104, the control unit 56 controls the fan 53, the drive unit 58, and the compressor 11 based on the second control signal S2 in the second mode. The air deflector 54A changes the direction in which air is blown at the second change speed in a predetermined direction toward the target area among the plurality of areas included in the space 114.

[0071] Next, in step S105, the control unit 56 controls the fan 53, the drive unit 58, and the compressor 11 based on the third control signal S2. Then, the air conditioning method ends.

[0072] More specifically, when the difference between the property detected by the temperature sensor 70 and the set property is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the control unit 56 controls the fan 53, the drive unit 58, and the compressor 11 based on the fourth control signal S2 before controlling them based on the second control signal S2.

[0073] The fourth control signal S2 includes a signal S23 for controlling the compressor 11, a signal S21 for controlling the fan 53, and a signal S22 for controlling the drive unit 58. The signal S22 for controlling the drive unit 58 includes a signal for controlling the drive unit 58 to blow air to a region away from the target region.

[0074] Specifically, when the set property is equal to or higher than the first predetermined temperature, the fourth control signal S2 further includes a signal for controlling the drive unit 58 to blow air downward from a predetermined direction. The first predetermined temperature is a high temperature, for example, 28°C. Specifically, the control unit 56 controls the air deflector 54A to blow high-temperature air toward the region of the first row, second column, and first stage. That is, the air passes through the region of the first row, second column, and second stage and reaches the region of the first row, second column, and first stage. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the difference between the properties of the air in the target region (for example, the region of the second row, second column, and first stage) and the properties of the air outside the target region.

[0075] Also, when the difference between the initial temperature and the first predetermined temperature is large (for example, 3°C or more), the period of blowing air toward the region of the first row, second column, and first stage is long, and when the difference between the initial temperature and the first predetermined temperature is small, the period of blowing air toward the region of the first row, second column, and first stage may be short.

[0076] Also, when the set property is equal to or lower than the second predetermined temperature, the fourth control signal S2 further includes a signal for controlling the drive unit 58 to blow air upward from a predetermined direction. The second predetermined temperature is a low temperature, for example, 22°C. Specifically, the control unit 56 controls the air deflector �4A to blow low-temperature air toward the region of the third row, second column, and third stage. That is, the air passes through the region of the second row, second column, and third stage and reaches the region of the third row, second column, and third stage. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the difference between the properties of the air in the target region (for example, the region of the second row, second column, and first stage) and the properties of the air outside the target region.

[0077] Further, when the difference between the initial temperature and the second predetermined temperature is large (for example, when it is 3°C or more), the period of blowing air toward the region in the third row, second column, and third stage may be long, and when the difference between the initial temperature and the second predetermined temperature is small, the period of blowing air toward the region in the third row, second column, and third stage may be short.

[0078] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist thereof. Also, by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the above embodiments, various inventions can be formed. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Further, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The drawings are schematically shown mainly for each component for easy understanding, and the thickness, length, number, interval, etc. of each illustrated component are different from the actual ones for convenience of drawing creation. Also, the speed, material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are examples and are not particularly limited, and various changes can be made without substantially departing from the configuration of the present invention.

[0079] (1) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, in this embodiment, the air conditioner 95 adjusts the temperature of the air as a property of the air, but the present invention is not limited to this. The air conditioner 95 may adjust the humidity of the air as a property of the air, may adjust the content of substances in the air (for example, plasma cluster ions), may adjust the temperature and humidity of the air, or may adjust the temperature of the air and the content of substances in the air.

[0080] (2) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, in this embodiment, the pet is a dog PC, but the present invention is not limited to this. The pet may be a cat, a bird, a reptile, or an amphibian.

[0081] (3) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, in the present embodiment, the plurality of regions included in the space 114 each had a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having the same volume as each other, but the present invention is not limited to this. The plurality of regions may each have a substantially spherical shape. Also, the plurality of regions may have different volumes from each other. That is, the target region may be a part of the regions within the space 114.

[0082] (4) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, in the present embodiment, the operating device 210 was a tablet terminal or a smartphone, but the present invention is not limited to this. The operating device 210 may be a remote control dedicated to the air conditioner 95.

Industrial Applicability

[0083] The present invention provides an air conditioner and has industrial applicability.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0084] 11 Heat exchanger (property adjustment mechanism) 53 Fan (air blowing mechanism) 54A Wind direction plate 56 Control unit 58 Driving unit (wind direction changing mechanism) 95 Air conditioner

Claims

1. A blower mechanism for blowing air, A wind direction changing mechanism for changing the direction of blowing the air, A property adjusting mechanism for adjusting the properties of the air, A control unit for receiving a first mode and a second mode, A detection unit for detecting the properties of the air in the space, and comprising, The control unit, In the first mode, controls the blower mechanism, the wind direction changing mechanism, and the property adjusting mechanism based on a first control signal, In the second mode, after controlling the blower mechanism, the wind direction changing mechanism, and the property adjusting mechanism based on a second control signal, controls the blower mechanism, the wind direction changing mechanism, and the property adjusting mechanism based on a third control signal, The first control signal includes a signal for controlling the wind direction changing mechanism to change the direction of blowing the air at a first change speed, The second control signal includes a signal for controlling the wind direction changing mechanism to change the direction of blowing the air at a second change speed in a predetermined direction toward a target region among a plurality of regions included in the space, The third control signal further includes a signal for controlling the property adjusting mechanism to adjust the properties of the air to a set property, The second change speed is slower than the first change speed, When the difference between the property detected by the detection unit and the set property is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the control unit controls the blower mechanism, the wind direction changing mechanism, and the property adjusting mechanism based on a fourth control signal before controlling the blower mechanism, the wind direction changing mechanism, and the property adjusting mechanism based on the second control signal, The fourth control signal includes a signal for controlling the wind direction changing mechanism to blow the air to a region away from the target region, an air conditioning device.

2. When the set property is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature, the fourth control signal further includes a signal for controlling the wind direction changing mechanism to blow the air downward from the predetermined direction, the air conditioning device according to claim 1.

3. When the set property is equal to or lower than a second predetermined temperature, the fourth control signal further includes a signal for controlling the wind direction changing mechanism to blow the air upward from the predetermined direction, the air conditioning device according to claim 1.

4. The second control signal further includes a signal for controlling the wind direction changing mechanism to change the direction of blowing the air at the second change speed according to the difference between the property detected by the detection unit and the set property, the air conditioning device according to claim 1.

Citation Information

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