Spot air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide a spot air-conditioning system that supplies air-conditioned air to only workers and accordingly reduces power consumption while using a bulk supply branch system spot air-conditioning device.SOLUTION: A spot air-conditioning system comprises: a portable transmitter which is attached to a person who works in an air-conditioning managed area and transmits a specific radio wave; receivers which are installed in the vicinity of a plurality of blowout ports and receives the radio wave transmitted by the portable transmitter; shutter units which can open and close the plurality of blowout ports, respectively; and operation units for operating the shutter units. The receivers installed in the vicinity of the plurality of blowout ports can detect an intensity of the radio wave transmitted by the portable transmitter. Each of the operation units for operating the corresponding shutter part operates the shutter part so as to open the corresponding blowout port when the intensity of the radio wave detected by the receivers exceed a preset intensity, and operate the shutter part so as to close the blowout port when the intensity of the radio wave is equal to or lower than the preset intensity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a spot air conditioning system that controls the supply state of conditioned air in spot air conditioning, which locally supplies conditioned air to people (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "workers" or "operators") engaged in work or other tasks in buildings with relatively large spaces such as factories and agricultural greenhouses. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional spot air conditioning systems are configured to deliver air conditioned by an air conditioner to a designated location through an air supply duct, which then branches off to supply air to workers (using a batch supply / branch system) (see Patent Document 1). However, these systems have problems, such as high power consumption due to wasted operating time, and various measures have been taken to reduce power consumption. For example, some systems have been configured to supply outside air directly when the outside temperature is lower than the indoor temperature by installing temperature sensors on both sides and switching based on the temperature difference (see Patent Document 1, cited above). Another system has been configured to install a nozzle that sprays mist in the summer, quickly achieving a temperature effect with the mist and cool air (see Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-113224 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-033221 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-164380 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 cited above takes in outside air when the outside temperature is lower than the indoor temperature, and the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 utilizes the drop in temperature caused by the evaporation of mist. These technologies are based on the premise that conditioned air or outside air is blown out to a specific location, and the air used for air conditioning is always supplied from the outlet of the air supply duct.

[0005] However, with the recent development of various automated devices, the tasks that one worker should be responsible for are changing, and the environment in which workers work continuously in the same location is also changing. In other words, workers often monitor the operation status of automated devices or perform only the parts that require manual work, so workers move around frequently and the number of workers is on a drastic decline. This is not limited to mechanical device assembly factories, but also applies to various manufacturing sites and agricultural work in agricultural greenhouses.

[0006] In such a situation, even if conditioned air is to be supplied only to workers in a building having a relatively large space, it has become necessary to supply conditioned air locally to workers detected by a human presence sensor, as in a person-tracking spot air-conditioning system (see Patent Document 3).However, in an environment where multiple workers are working in a building, this type of person-tracking spot air-conditioning system requires as many air-conditioning systems as there are workers, which inevitably makes the system expensive overall.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and its purpose is to provide a spot air conditioning system that supplies conditioned air only to workers, while still using the conventional bulk supply branching method of air conditioning systems, thereby reducing power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Therefore, the spot air conditioning system of the present invention is a spot air conditioning system that supplies air to be used for air conditioning and discharges it individually into an air-conditioning controlled area from multiple air outlets, and is equipped with one or more human presence sensors installed near each of the multiple air outlets to detect people working in the air-conditioning controlled area, shutter units that enable each of the multiple air outlets to be opened and closed, and operating units that operate each shutter unit, and is characterized in that each operating unit that operates the shutter unit operates the shutter unit to open the air outlet when the detection value detected by one or more of the human presence sensors exceeds a predetermined intensity, and operates the shutter unit to close the air outlet when the detection value is equal to or less than the predetermined intensity.

[0009] According to the above configuration, while conditioned air (air used for air conditioning) is supplied using a batch supply / branch system, individual outlets can be opened in a limited manner by operating a shutter only when a worker is detected nearby, allowing conditioned air to be supplied only to a specific area. In this configuration, by using a pyroelectric infrared sensor using a pyroelectric element, for example, as the motion sensor, the presence of a nearby worker can be detected based on the temperature change of the pyroelectric element caused by infrared rays emitted by the worker. By setting a threshold for the magnitude of the current (or voltage) generated by the pyroelectric element, the intensity of the detection value detected by the pyroelectric infrared sensor can be set, and the shutter can be operated to open the outlet when the current exceeds the threshold and close the outlet when the intensity is below the threshold. An actuator can be used as the operating unit to operate the shutter.

[0010] In the above configuration, one or more human presence sensors are installed near each air outlet, so the range for detecting workers can be adjusted as needed. That is, if it is necessary to detect workers in a specific direction (relatively limited directions) depending on the conditions of the air-conditioning controlled area, it is sufficient to install one human presence sensor facing that specific direction, and if it is necessary to detect workers in a wide-angle direction (relatively wide directions), multiple human presence sensors are installed in multiple different directions.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention provides spot air conditioning in which air to be used for air conditioning is supplied and discharged individually into an air-conditioning controlled area from multiple air outlets, the system comprising: a portable transmitter worn by a person working in the air-conditioning controlled area and emitting specific radio waves; receivers installed near each of the multiple air outlets and receiving the radio waves emitted by the portable transmitter; shutter units that enable each of the multiple air outlets to be opened and closed; and operating units that operate each shutter unit, wherein each receiver installed near the multiple air outlets is capable of detecting the strength of the radio waves emitted by the portable transmitter, and each operating unit that operates the shutter unit to open and close the air outlet based on the strength of the radio waves detected by the receiver.

[0012] According to the above configuration, it is also assumed that conditioned air is discharged from the outlets using a batch supply branch system, and conditioned air can be supplied only through limited outlets by opening and closing the outlets. That is, a receiver is installed at the outlets, and this receiver receives radio waves transmitted from a portable transmitter worn by a worker and detects the presence of the worker based on the strength of the radio waves. Only when a worker is present can the outlet where the receiver is installed be opened, thereby supplying conditioned air to the worker.

[0013] Here, if the portable transmitter is a small transmitter that intermittently emits radio waves in a specific frequency band at low output, it can be attached to the personal belongings of workers working in the air-conditioned area. By attaching a small transmitter to a personal item that workers should use or wear while working, air conditioning failures caused by forgetting to attach the transmitter can be prevented. Here, the personal belongings can be, for example, a helmet, uniform, or work belt. In the case of workers doing agricultural work, agricultural work clothes and work tools can be selected.

[0014] In the invention having the above configuration, the receiver can be configured to simultaneously receive radio waves transmitted from one or more of the portable transmitters and to be able to individually detect the strength of the received radio waves.

[0015] With the above configuration, even when multiple workers are working close to each other, it is possible to obtain position information (distance information) for each worker, and therefore the opening and closing of the air outlet can be controlled solely by the strength of the radio waves emitted from each transmitter, preventing erroneous operation due to the summation of the strength of the radio waves from multiple transmitters. In this case, an individual ID is assigned to each transmitter. By assigning an ID to each transmitter, it becomes possible to individually receive the emitted radio waves and detect the strength of the radio waves.

[0016] The air outlets can be installed at appropriate intervals within the air-conditioned area. By installing multiple air outlets within the range of movement of workers moving through the air-conditioned area and adjusting the distance between them, conditioned air can be supplied appropriately according to the conditions of the air-conditioned area. That is, when a worker works between adjacent air outlets, the adjacent air outlets can be opened simultaneously to supply conditioned air to the worker from multiple air outlets. When a worker works near a specific air outlet, only that single air outlet can be opened to supply conditioned air from that air outlet. This allows the worker's working environment to be maintained optimally with conditioned air supplied from the minimum number of air outlets necessary.

[0017] In the invention configured to use the portable transmitter described above, the invention may further include a processing device that processes the received information received by the receiver, and the processing device may be configured to use the strength of the radio waves received from the portable transmitter for each receiver installed at a plurality of air outlets as an input value, and to output a signal to the operation unit to open the air outlet when the strength exceeds a predetermined value, and to output a signal to the operation unit to close the air outlet when the strength is equal to or less than the predetermined value.

[0018] According to the above configuration, the processing device can process information (such as radio wave intensity and ID information) received by receivers installed near each air outlet. Among the processes performed by this processing device, determining whether the shutter section is operated on the operating unit (opening or closing the air outlet) enables centralized management without setting a threshold for the strength of the received radio waves for each receiver or operating unit. That is, by inputting the strength (sensitivity) of the received radio waves to the processing device as an output current (or output voltage), the receiver can determine the strength using the current value (or voltage value) as an input value, compare it with the threshold for the strength of the received radio waves, and then output an operating signal to the operating unit.

[0019] In this case, the position information of the installed receiver (air outlet where the receiver is installed) and the position information of the operation unit are matched by the processing device, and based on the input value of the radio wave strength input for each receiver, a desired operation signal can be output to the operation unit that is to operate the opening and closing of the air outlet where the receiver is installed. Note that since the information output from each receiver includes other information received by the receiver, by simultaneously outputting the ID of the portable transmitter to the processing device, it becomes possible for the processing device to process the information as information for each portable transmitter.

[0020] In an invention configured in this manner, the processing device may be configured to calculate changes in the position of the portable transmitters from changes in the strength of the radio waves received by each portable transmitter at each receiver installed at multiple air outlets, and to calculate the movement trajectory of a person working within the air-conditioning controlled area based on the movement state and time information of the portable transmitter, and to store the movement trajectory.

[0021] According to the above configuration, the processing device can calculate the position of the receiver, changes in the strength of the received radio waves, and changes in the position of the portable transmitter that is the source of the emitted radio waves based on the reception information of the receiver acquired to determine whether the air outlet is open or closed.By associating this calculation result with time information (time), it is possible to calculate the trajectory of the movement of the worker carrying the portable transmitter.

[0022] In this configuration, the original purpose is to detect the worker's work range according to the worker's movement status and use it to set the air conditioning control area or work area, but at the same time, by associating the position with time information (time), it becomes possible to detect temporal changes in position as movement, and by detecting this over the entire range during the management period, it is possible to obtain the worker's movement trajectory. By recording this movement trajectory for a certain period of time (for example, by storing it in a storage means), it becomes possible to analyze the worker's movement status (behavior pattern), and it can also be used to improve work efficiency and the worker's flow line.

[0023] In each of the inventions configured as described above, a controller may be provided, and the controller may be configured to calculate a load factor based on the input of output information output from the processing device to the operation unit, and to control the output of an air supply device that supplies air to be used for air conditioning based on the calculation result. Also, the apparatus may further include an air conditioner, and the air to be used for air conditioning may be cooled or warmed after being temperature-adjusted.

[0024] In this configuration, the controller uses output information (e.g., the total number of opening signals) output from the control device as input values ​​to calculate the total supply volume of conditioned air supplied to the air-conditioned area from the air outlets. The controller then calculates a load factor from this total supply volume of conditioned air and controls the air supply device or air conditioning device (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as an air conditioner, etc.) to operate at a low load. Here, the load factor indicates the ratio of demand to the supply capacity of the air conditioner, etc. Therefore, if the load factor calculated over a certain period (e.g., 10 minutes or 1 hour) is low, the air conditioner, etc. is operating unnecessarily, and its output (power consumption) is reduced. Conversely, if the load factor is high, the air conditioner, etc. is operating at a low capacity, and its output (power consumption) is increased to supply the appropriate amount of conditioned air. Note that the output control of the air conditioner, etc., controls the operating status of the air supply fan, which is used exclusively for supplying air, as well as the outdoor unit compressor or cooling fan. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, a spot air conditioning system using a batch supply branching method is used, and conditioned air is supplied to workers from the branched terminal outlets. By opening and closing the outlets and limiting the opening to a location where a worker is present, conditioned air can be supplied only to that worker. By limiting the supply of conditioned air in this way, the amount of conditioned air to be supplied can be reduced, allowing the air conditioning system to be made smaller and more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced power consumption.

[0026] In particular, in a spot air conditioning system that is configured to have a controller installed in the air conditioning unit, it is possible to calculate the load factor and then adjust the output of the unit according to that load factor, which makes it possible to further reduce power consumption even when installing an air conditioning unit with the same output.

[0027] Furthermore, the spot air conditioning system of the present invention is originally designed to detect the position of a worker according to the worker's movement status, but as a secondary function, it can also obtain the worker's movement trajectory, and by analyzing the distance traveled by the worker within a certain period of time (for example, an entire day), the worker's movement status (behavioral pattern) can be obtained, which can be used to evaluate the worker's work efficiency and also has the effect of being used to improve the worker's movement lines, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a spot air-conditioning system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a shutter structure around the air outlet. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a detection area of ​​a pyroelectric infrared sensor. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a processing apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a controller in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a usage mode of an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <Overall structure> FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the state of a factory when a spot air-conditioning system according to the present invention is installed. Because this is a conceptual diagram, the number and arrangement of lines and processing equipment within the factory are shown as appropriate. As illustrated in this diagram, the spot air-conditioning system includes an air supply duct 1 for supplying conditioned air collectively above work lines B1 and B2 installed inside factory A, and a branch duct 2 branching off from this air supply duct 1, at the end of which an air outlet 3 is provided. The air-conditioning device (air conditioner) 4 may be an air supply device with only a blowing function, but an air conditioner is shown here as an example. Therefore, it is assumed to be composed of an indoor unit 41 and an outdoor unit 42. The indoor unit 41 has an air supply fan for supplying conditioned air and is connected to the air supply duct 1 to supply conditioned air to the designated air outlet 3. The outdoor unit 42 has a compressor and fan for heat exchange.

[0030] A spot air conditioning system configured in this way is a bulk supply and branch type, and does not condition the entire interior of factory A, but rather supplies conditioned air to a portion of the air conditioning control area (here, the entire interior of factory A) to perform localized air conditioning control. Note that the figure shows an example in which air supply duct 1 and branch duct 2 are placed above work lines B1 and B2, and air outlet 3 discharges conditioned air downward, but it is also possible to place air supply duct 1 on the floor and provide branch duct 2 that branches off horizontally or upward, and discharge conditioned air from the air outlet horizontally or upward.

[0031] First Embodiment As shown in the conceptual diagram of Fig. 1, the first embodiment of the present invention employs a batch supply branching system and manages the opening and closing of the air outlets 3, thereby supplying conditioned air from necessary air outlets 3 and stopping the supply of conditioned air from unnecessary air outlets 3. A necessary air outlet 3 is an air outlet 3 around which workers X and Y are working, and an unnecessary air outlet 3 is an air outlet 3 around which workers X and Y are not working. The following description will be given with reference to Fig. 2.

[0032] Figure 2 is a simplified version of the configuration shown in the image above, with some parts omitted, and Figure 2(a) shows a side view of one row of work line B, and Figure 2(b) shows a plan view. Note that the shaded area in the figure represents the area through which conditioned air is circulating. Here, the air-conditioning controlled area E is the space when work line B is in one row, and three workers (shown as X, Y, and Z) are shown as an example. Also, the air supply duct 1 is positioned above, and the air outlet 3 opens downward.

[0033] 2(a), in this embodiment, conditioned air is sent all at once and branched at appropriate locations to supply the conditioned air, so the conditioned air is sent through an air supply duct 1 connected to an indoor unit 41 of an air conditioner 4, branched into branch ducts 21, 22...25 (five branches are shown in the figure), and discharged from a plurality of air outlets 31, 32...35 (five are shown in the figure). Note that if the temperature of the conditioned air is not adjusted, the indoor unit 41 will be installed as a standalone air blower.

[0034] Pyroelectric infrared sensors 51, 52, and 55, which function as human sensors, are provided near the tip of each air outlet 31, 32, and 35. These pyroelectric infrared sensors 51-55 are installed facing the locations where workers X, Y, and Z are likely to be working, and detect workers X, Y, and Z over a wide angle according to the field of view (FOV) of the sensors 51-55. Each pyroelectric infrared sensor 51-55 has a pyroelectric element, and the temperature of the pyroelectric element changes due to infrared rays emitted by a person, allowing detection of a pyroelectric current based on the appearance of a surface charge on the pyroelectric element. Therefore, each pyroelectric infrared sensor 51-55 can individually receive infrared rays emitted by workers X, Y, and Z, and detects the presence of workers X, Y, and Z when the temperature of the pyroelectric element changes. Furthermore, the pyroelectric elements used in the pyroelectric infrared sensors 51-55 detect the current value (or voltage value) of the pyrocurrent generated by the pyroelectric effect, and the intensity of the detected value can be set by setting a specific threshold for the magnitude of the detected value. Therefore, by setting a predetermined threshold in advance, if the threshold is exceeded, it is assumed that a worker X, Y, or Z is approaching, and the air outlets 31-35 at that location are opened. If the threshold is below this threshold, it is assumed that a worker X, Y, or Z is not present, and the air outlets 31-35 at that location are closed. The air outlets 31-35 are operated in this case by operating a shutter, as described below.

[0035] 2(b), the branch ducts 2 can be configured to branch off on both sides of a single air supply duct 1. That is, since it is generally considered that workers X, Y, and Z will work separately on both sides of work line B, when the air supply duct 1 is arranged above work line B, it is arranged in the center along the longitudinal direction of work line B, and branch ducts 21a, 21b, ... 25b are provided on both sides, with air outlets 31a, 31b, ... 35b provided at the end of each.

[0036] The pyroelectric infrared sensors 51a, 51b, ..., 55b described above are installed near the tips of the air outlets 31a-35b configured in this manner, making it possible to comprehensively detect the range in which the workers X, Y, Z move on both sides of the work line B. As shown in Fig. 2(b), when the pyroelectric infrared sensors 51a-55b at the locations where the workers X, Y, Z approach within the FOV (field of view) range of the individual pyroelectric infrared sensors 51a-55b detect the workers X, Y, Z, the air outlets 31a-35b open.

[0037] In the example shown in this figure, pyroelectric infrared sensor 51b detects worker X, pyroelectric infrared sensor 52a detects worker Y, and pyroelectric infrared sensor 54a detects worker Z. As a result, of the air outlets 31a to 35b, only three air outlets 31b, 32a, and 34a are open, and the other air outlets are kept closed.

[0038] Here, the shutter that opens and closes the air outlet 3 will be described. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the periphery of the air outlet 3 provided at the end of the branch duct 2. The configuration shown in this figure is configured such that an intermediate-mounted shutter structure 6 is provided between the branch duct 2 and the air outlet (a pipe member that functions as an air outlet) 3. This shutter structure 6 is configured so that a circular plate-shaped shutter 61 rotates inside a pipe-shaped main body 60. In this example, the circular plate-shaped shutter 61 has approximately the same outer diameter and shape as the inner diameter of the pipe of the main body 60, and this shutter 61 is rotatable around a rotation axis 62. The circular plate-shaped shutter 61 is in an open state when the surface of the circular plate-shaped shutter 61 is parallel to the center line of the main body 60 (as shown in the figure), and in a closed state when the surface is perpendicular to the center line of the main body 60.

[0039] The rotating shaft 62 that rotates the shutter unit 61 is operated by an operating unit 7 attached to the outside of the main body 60. Inside the operating unit 7, there is an actuator (motor) 71 for rotating the rotating shaft 62 and an electromagnetic switch 72 for turning the motor 71 on and off. Therefore, turning the electromagnetic switch 72 on and off drives the rotating shaft 62, rotates the shutter unit 61, and opens the air outlet 3. To ensure smooth rotation of the shutter unit 61, the electromagnetic switch 72 is preferably designed to have a delay process that prevents chattering. Chattering can be prevented by installing an on-delay timer, for example. In this case, by setting the on-delay timer to a range of 0.1 to 0.5 seconds, it is possible to start the opening and closing operation within 0.5 seconds. In order to close the air outlet 3 when no rotational drive is applied to the rotary shaft 62 (when the electromagnetic switch 72 is OFF), the shutter unit 61 can be configured to bias the rotary shaft 62 to a closed state using, for example, a torsion coil spring or the like. When the drive for closing (both opening and closing drive) is performed by forward and reverse rotation of the motor 71, the electromagnetic switch 72 may be configured as a selector switch that is operated by a separate relay.

[0040] A pyroelectric infrared sensor 5 is also installed outside the tip of the air outlet 3, and the ON / OFF state of an electromagnetic switch 72 provided on the operating unit 7 is determined according to the magnitude of the detection value of this pyroelectric infrared sensor 5. That is, as described above, when the pyroelectric infrared sensor 5 detects a worker, if the detection value exceeds a threshold, a predetermined voltage is output, enabling the electromagnetic switch 72 to be activated (turned ON). Therefore, if the detection value by the pyroelectric infrared sensor 5 is smaller than the threshold, the rated voltage is not output as the detection value, and the electromagnetic switch 72 does not activate (it remains in the OFF state). Note that a power source is required to operate the motor 71, but the power supply is omitted from the description here.

[0041] In such a configuration, as shown in Fig. 4, the installation interval and detection direction are adjusted in advance depending on the area that can be detected by each pyroelectric infrared sensor 5. That is, unless the FOV (field of view α) of the pyroelectric infrared sensor 5 can be adjusted, the FOV (field of view α) is generally determined individually depending on the installation state of the pyroelectric element.

[0042] Therefore, when detecting a worker near the center of the direction of air supply from the air outlet 3, the pyroelectric infrared sensor 5 is installed so that it is oriented along the axial direction F of the air outlet 3, as shown in Figure 4(a). This allows the FOV (field of view α) of the pyroelectric infrared sensor 5 to be arranged symmetrically about the axial line F of the air outlet 3.

[0043] In contrast to the above, when detecting workers over a wide angle (on both sides of the air outlet 3), as shown in Figure 4(b), this can be achieved by installing the same multiple sensors 5 (two in the figure) at an angle to each other around the axial direction F of the air outlet 3. In this way, by detecting different directions depending on the FOV (field of view angle α) of the multiple pyroelectric infrared sensors 5, it is possible to accommodate a wide-angle detection area β.

[0044] In addition, as shown in Figure 4(a), a configuration in which a single pyroelectric infrared sensor 5 is installed is assumed in a case in which there is an air outlet 3 with a similar structure in an adjacent position, and as shown in Figure 4(b), a configuration in which multiple pyroelectric infrared sensors 5 are installed is assumed in a case in which there is no air outlet 3 with a similar structure on either side (or either one) of the adjacent sides (such as the end of a work line).

[0045] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment described above. Figure 5 is a diagram showing modified parts in this embodiment based on Figure 2 showing the first embodiment.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 5, in this embodiment, instead of the human sensors (pyroelectric infrared sensors) 51, 52, ..., 55 in the first embodiment, a receiver is installed, and each worker X, Y, Z carries a portable transmitter 50. The portable transmitter 50 can be made compact by intermittently emitting low-power radio waves in a specific frequency band, and the workers X, Y, Z can carry the transmitter 50 as long as it does not interfere with their work. The workers X, Y, Z can carry the transmitter 50, for example, by fixing it to their helmets or by fixing it to their name tags (such as authentication cards).

[0047] In this embodiment, the relationship between the transmitter 50 and the receivers 51-55 is similar to the relationship between the human sensors (pyroelectric infrared sensors) 51-55 and the workers X, Y, and Z in the first embodiment. That is, although the receivers 51-55 do not have an FOV (field of view), they can receive radio waves from all directions and are therefore able to receive the radio waves emitted from the transmitter 50. Then, the distance to the transmitter 50 (i.e., workers X, Y, and Z) can be detected based on the strength of the received radio waves.

[0048] The radio waves used in the portable transmitter 50 can be in any frequency band. For example, in addition to the 2.4 GHz used in Bluetooth (registered trademark), 920 MHz or ultra-wideband radio waves of 8.5 GHz to 9.5 GHz can also be used. The output may be in the range of 1 dB to 8 dB, but is not limited to this. The output may be adjusted to an extent that the radio wave intensity received by the receivers 51 to 55 can be determined. Once the received radio wave intensity is determined, the operating unit 7 can be configured to be operated according to that intensity. The shutter structure 6 and the operating unit 7 can be configured in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0049] Therefore, by installing receivers 51-55 near the air outlets 31-35 formed at the ends of branch ducts 21-25 branching off from air supply duct 1, each of transmitters 51-55 can receive the radio waves emitted from transmitter 50. When any of receivers 51-55 receives a strong radio wave, it is possible to detect the presence of transmitter 50 (worker X, Y, Z) nearby, and localized air conditioning can be achieved by opening the air outlet 31-35 at the position where the radio wave was received. In this case, by setting a threshold value for the strength of the received radio wave, it is possible to determine which of the air outlets 31-35 to open.

[0050] 5(b), in the case where three workers X, Y, and Z are working on both sides of work line B, workers Y and Z working on one side of work line B are carrying receivers 50 near air outlets 32a and 34a, respectively, and receivers 52a and 54a receive strong radio waves from transmitter 50, causing air outlets 32a and 34a to open. Meanwhile, worker X working on the other side of work line B is working in a position midway between two air outlets 31b and 32b, and is able to receive signals from both receivers 51b and 52b, causing both air outlets 31b and 32b to open and perform air conditioning.

[0051] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is an advanced modification of the second embodiment, in which data received by the individual receivers 51-55 shown in Fig. 5(a) (receivers 51a-55b in Fig. 5(b)) is processed by a processing device, and the opening and closing of the air outlets 31-35 (31a-35b) is controlled by outputting an operation signal to the operation unit 7. The processing configuration of such a processing device is shown in Fig. 6.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 6, the processing device 8 is configured to include an input unit 81, a storage unit 82, a processing unit (arithmetic unit) 83, and an output unit 84. The input unit 81 receives a plurality of receivers 51 to 55 installed at the respective air outlets. nThe position information and reception information of the receivers 51 to 55 are input, and the processed control signals are sent again to the individual receivers 51 to 55 via the output unit 84. n The input reception information is recorded in the storage unit 82 and input to the processing unit (arithmetic unit) 83, where the opening and closing of the air outlet (operation of the operation unit) is determined by comparing the received radio wave strength with a threshold value. The threshold value for the received radio wave strength is determined in advance and stored in the storage unit, and is read out and compared with the input information. The processing unit (arithmetic unit) 83 also stores the received radio wave strength and the threshold value for the received radio wave strength. n This is executed when a signal is input from the receiver 51 to 5 n If no radio wave is received, the processing is not performed assuming that there is no input signal, and the individual receivers 51 to 5 n When the transmitter 50 is a type that transmits radio waves intermittently, the receivers 51 to 5 n are input to the processing device 8 at the timing when radio waves are intermittently received.

[0053] Here, a plurality of receivers 51 to 5 n The first receiver 51 to the nth receiver 5 n Individual numbers are assigned as receivers, and information is processed for each individual number. n The receivers 51 to 55 output control signals individually. n individual receivers 51-5 n The operation units 71 to 7 are located near the air outlets where the air is installed and operate to open and close the air outlets. n It is directly connected to receivers 51-5 n The control signal received by the operation units 71 to 7 n In this way, the processing device 8 outputs the signals to the individual receivers 51 to 55. n By inputting and outputting signals for each receiver, a control signal based on specific received information can be output individually, and the output control signal controls the receivers 51 to 5 n The operation units 71 to 7 n Since only the air outlet is operated, opening and closing can be controlled for each air outlet.

[0054] Furthermore, transmitters 501 to 500 that emit radio waves m The first to mth transmitters may be individually identifiable by ID or the like. m The radio waves emitted from receivers 51-5 n When the radio wave is received by the receiver 51, it is received as an transmitted radio wave for each individual ID, etc., and the receiver 51 to 5 n The intensity of the signal is output to the processing device 8 together with information such as the ID.

[0055] In such a configuration, the receivers 51 to 5 n Transmitters 501 to 50 m When receiving radio waves, the source of the radio waves can be identified, and when the identified source data is input to the processing device 8, it can be stored together with the time information at the time of input by the storage unit 82. By processing the source information, receiver information, and time information in a comprehensive manner, the source of the radio waves can be identified by the transmitters 501 to 50. m It is possible to detect the movement status of workers who carry the device. Furthermore, by combining the movement status of each worker, it becomes possible to analyze the worker's movement status (behavioral pattern), which can be used to improve work efficiency and worker movement lines within air-conditioned areas.

[0056] On the other hand, individual receivers 51-5 n The control signal obtained after the determination is output via the output unit 84 and stored in the memory unit 82, thereby accumulating the open / closed state of the air outlets. By periodically reading out this accumulated data, the air conditioning state within the air-conditioning controlled area can be detected. That is, the total amount of conditioned air being supplied within the air-conditioning controlled area can be calculated based on the number of air outlets that are open and the time that they are open. Since the supply amount of conditioned air varies depending on the number of workers and the degree of concentration or dispersion of the work locations, the operating state of the air conditioner 4 can be controlled according to the amount of change. Information for this purpose may be output to the controller 9.

[0057] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. This embodiment is configured by adding a controller 9 to the third embodiment. The controller 9 controls the operating state of the air conditioner 4, and the air conditioner 4 may be a device having only a blowing function as described above, or may be an air conditioner in which the temperature is adjusted by an indoor unit 41 and an outdoor unit 42 as in the example given above. There is no particular limitation here.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 7, this embodiment is configured to include an operation controller 9 for controlling the air conditioner 4. This operation controller 9 includes an input unit 91, to which information processed by the processing device 8 described above (third embodiment) is input. The input information is mainly information related to the amount of conditioned air supplied within a predetermined time. The predetermined time is a time that is arbitrarily set in units of minutes or tens of minutes, and the amount of conditioned air supplied is calculated based on the number of air outlets that are open during the predetermined time and the total number of opening times.

[0059] The information input to the operation control controller 9 is input to a processing unit (calculation unit) 92, which determines the device output of the air conditioner 4 and outputs a control signal to the air conditioner 4 via an output unit 93. That is, the load factor of the air conditioner 4 is further calculated from the supply amount of the conditioned air value calculated by the processing device 8, and a control signal is output to change the device output of the air conditioner 4 so as to achieve the desired load factor.

[0060] Here, the load factor refers to the ratio of the demand to the supply capacity of the air conditioner 4. The load factor can be set arbitrarily within the range of approximately 75% to 100%, and the set value can be, for example, 80%, taking into account a margin for the supply of conditioned air. Using this set value, the demand for conditioned air (total supply volume, etc.) for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 minutes) is calculated, and this is calculated as a ratio to the supply capacity to calculate the load factor. If the load factor is 75%, the supply capacity is greater than the demand, so a control signal is output to suppress the device output. This allows the supply capacity to be reduced so that the load factor is 80%. On the other hand, if the load factor exceeds 90%, a control signal is output to increase the device output in order to increase the supply capacity.

[0061] Note that when the air conditioner 4 is an air conditioner (having an indoor unit 41 and an outdoor unit 42), the demand naturally depends on the set temperature of the conditioned air, so the demand when calculating the load factor is calculated based on the energy required to adjust the conditioned air to the set temperature and the total supply amount to be supplied, etc. In this case, output control for the outdoor unit 42 mainly involves controlling the operating state of the compressor or fan, or both.

[0062] In this way, the operating state of the air conditioner 4 can be controlled at an appropriate load factor depending on the amount of conditioned air supplied, thereby avoiding operation with excessive device output and maintaining power consumption at the minimum required level.

[0063] <Usage> Next, a description will be given of how the above-described embodiment is used. FIG. 8 is a simplified plan view of the image diagram shown in FIG. 1. Note that the air conditioners 4 are modified to be disposed on both sides of the air-conditioning controlled area E. Also, conditioned air is assumed to circulate in the shaded area in the figure. In this usage mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 8(a), it is assumed that two work lines B1 and B2 are set up in a square room (air-conditioning controlled area E). It is assumed that a total of six workers, X1 to X3 and Y1 to Y3, are working in this air-conditioning controlled area E, with three workers on each line B1 and B2. To detect the workers X1 to X3 and Y1 to Y3, a human presence sensor (pyroelectric infrared sensor) may be used (first embodiment), or a transceiver may be used (second to fourth embodiments).

[0064] As shown in Fig. 8(a), conditioned air is supplied to each of lines B1 and B2 from an individual air conditioner (blower) 4, and is sent by air supply ducts 1a and 1b in the longitudinal direction of lines B1 and B2. Branch ducts 2a1 to 2a10, 2b1 to 2b10 are symmetrically arranged in air supply ducts 1a and 1b, respectively, and outlets 3a1 to 3b10 are provided at the ends of these branch ducts 2a1 to 2b10 so as to be able to open and close, respectively. Opening and closing of outlets 3a1 to 3b10 is performed by electric shutters, and operation of the electric shutters opens and closes outlets 3a1 to 3b10.

[0065] In the above configuration, for example, among the workers X1 to X3 working on the first work line B1, the first worker X1 works between the first air outlet 3a1 and the second air outlet 3a2, but is close to the second air outlet 3a2, and the human presence sensor or receiver installed at the second air outlet 3a2 may exceed the threshold and detect the first worker X1's presence, so only the second air outlet 3a2 is opened to supply conditioned air to the first worker X1.

[0066] Similarly, the second worker X2 is detected by a motion sensor or receiver installed at the fourth air outlet 3a4, and only that air outlet 3a4 is opened, while the third worker X3 opens the sixth air outlet 3a6. The same applies to workers Y1 to Y3 working on the second work line B2.

[0067] Here, in the case of a second worker Y2 working on the second work line B2, who is positioned between the seventh outlet 3b7 and the eighth outlet 3b8, the detection values ​​of both motion sensors or receivers may exceed the thresholds. In such a case, opening both outlets 3b7 and 3b8 makes it possible to supply conditioned air suitable for the worker Y2. Note that if the amount of conditioned air supplied can reach an intermediate position and the system is configured to include a processing device 8 (third or fourth embodiment), it may be possible to open only one of the outlets (3b7 in the above example) by presetting the system to select only one of the outlets, for example, to prioritize the side closer to the air conditioner 4.

[0068] 8(a) is an example in which the length of each side of the air-conditioning controlled area E is assumed to be 20 m, and the individual air outlets 3a1-3a10, 3b1-3b10 are spaced approximately 4 m apart from each other. In such a case, it is likely that workers X1-X3, Y1-Y3 will work in positions intermediate between the individual air outlets 3a1-3a10, 3b1-3b10, and it is therefore conceivable that in rare cases, all of workers X1-X3, Y1-Y3 will be supplied with conditioned air from the two air outlets on either side of them.

[0069] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8(b), additional air outlets 3c1, 3c2,..., 3c8, 3d1, 3d2,..., 3d8 are provided between the air outlets 3a1-3a10 and 3b1-3b10, respectively, so that the distance between adjacent air outlets can be reduced to approximately 2 m. When the distance is reduced in this manner, as shown in the figure, workers X1-X3 and Y1-Y3 will be working near one of the air outlets, and will be able to receive conditioned air from only one of the air outlets. Note that the distance between such air outlets is not limited to the above numerical values ​​and can be set arbitrarily, taking into consideration the size of the air-conditioning controlled area E, the type of work, the number of workers, and other factors.

[0070] Here, we will briefly explain the air conditioning efficiency of the spot air conditioning system in the above-mentioned usage mode. Assuming that air conditioning is performed in an air conditioning control area E as shown in Figure 8(a), in this case, if the entire room (air conditioning control area E) with a side length of 20 m is to be air-conditioned, the air conditioning efficiency (cooling efficiency) for the air conditioning control area E is 100%. 2 The required cooling capacity is 120kW (heat load 300W / m 2 ) or more, and when selecting an air conditioning unit, the required power is 44 horsepower. 2 This would require a large capacity for air conditioning for six workers X1 to X3, Y1 to Y3 working in the same room.

[0071] In contrast, when spot air conditioning is adopted, assuming that 10 air outlets 3a1 to 3a10 are provided at appropriate intervals as shown in FIG. 8(a), the air flow rate from all the air outlets 3 is approximately 15 m / min. 3 (Outlet diameter 200mm (cross-sectional area 0.0314m) 3 ), and a wind speed of 8 m / s), the total blowing capacity is 150 m / min per line (10 outlets). 3 Therefore, a 20 horsepower air conditioning unit must be selected, and for two lines, a total of 40 horsepower air conditioning units are required.

[0072] For both of the above air conditioning efficiencies, if we assume that conditioned air is supplied from only a limited number of outlets, the volume of conditioned air that should be supplied from each outlet is the same as above, approximately 15 m per minute. 3 If three outlets can be selected on one line, the total supply capacity will be approximately 45 m per minute. 3 Therefore, a 5 horsepower air conditioning unit can be selected, and even two lines can be air-conditioned using a 10 horsepower air conditioning unit.

[0073] According to the calculations for air conditioning efficiency as described above, the air conditioning unit to be used can be reduced in size by approximately 1 / 4, from 44 horsepower to 10 horsepower. It is clear that the use of such a small air conditioning unit will result in a reduction in power consumption.

[0074] <Summary> As illustrated in the above embodiment, the present invention supplies conditioned air to workers from terminal outlets branched by spot air conditioners using a batch supply branch system, thereby enabling a reduction in power consumption compared to temperature control of the entire air-conditioned area. Furthermore, because the outlets are opened only in areas where workers are present, the total amount of conditioned air released from the spot air conditioners can be reduced, allowing for a more compact and energy-efficient air conditioner. As a result, power consumption can naturally be reduced.

[0075] Furthermore, in the case of an embodiment in which a controller is provided, if the load factor is calculated and the device output is adjusted according to that load factor, the amount of time the air conditioning device is operated more than necessary can be reduced, making it possible to further reduce power consumption.

[0076] <Modifications, etc.> Although the embodiments of the present invention are as described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Therefore, the elements constituting the above embodiments may be modified or other elements may be added. For example, in the embodiments (second to fourth) using a transceiver, the receiver does not simply receive radio waves, but can distinguish and receive radio waves of multiple different frequencies within a specific frequency band, and when receiving one or more radio waves simultaneously, can individually detect the strength of the radio waves. This is to prevent radio wave interference caused by multiple portable transmitters when multiple workers are working close together, and to determine whether or not conditioned air needs to be supplied to each of the multiple workers individually.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, all of the multiple air outlets 3a1 to 3b10 (see FIG. 8(a)) are operated to open and close using shutters, but this may be limited to only some of them. That is, as an air outlet that can be partially opened and closed, it opens and closes in response to the detection of a worker by a motion sensor or the like, as described above, while the other air outlets constantly discharge conditioned air. In this configuration, for example, if there is a situation where a worker frequently works at a specific location on the work line, the air outlet near that location can be kept open at all times. Even if such a location does not exist, the air outlet near the center of the work line can be kept open at all times, and the surrounding areas can be divided so that the air outlets are kept open at all times and the shutters are operated for those areas.

[0078] Furthermore, in the third or fourth embodiment, the data stored in the memory unit 82 of the processing device 8 or the memory unit 94 of the controller 9 can be output to an external processing device online, or can be output to a storage medium. Furthermore, a network can be constructed so that the data is stored on a cloud server. Note that, although the air conditioner 4 (indoor unit 41) is a floor-standing type in the above embodiment, a ceiling-suspended type may also be used. Various signals can be transmitted and received between the receiver and the processing device via wires or wirelessly. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 Air supply duct 2, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 2a1~2a10, 2b1~2b10 Branch duct 3,31,32,33,34,35,3a1~3a10,3b1~3b10,3c1~3c8,3d1~3d8 Air outlet 4 Air conditioner 5,51,52,53,54,55 Pyroelectric infrared sensor or receiver 6. Shutter structure 7 Control section 8 Processing equipment 9 Controller (operation control controller) 41 Indoor unit 42 Outdoor unit 50 Transmitter 60 Main body of shutter structure 61 Shutter section 62 Rotation axis 71 Motor 72 Electromagnetic Switch 81,91 Input section 82,94 Storage part 83,92 Processing unit (arithmetic unit) 84, 93 Output section α Pyroelectric infrared sensor FOV (field of view) β Detection area Factory A B1, B2 work line E. Air-conditioning controlled area X,Y,Z,X1,X2,X3,Y1,Y2,Y3 Operator

Claims

1. In spot air conditioning, the air used for air conditioning is sent and individually discharged from multiple air outlets into the air-conditioned area. The system comprises a portable transmitter that is worn by a person working in the air-conditioning controlled area and transmits specific radio waves, a receiver that is installed near each of the plurality of air outlets and receives the radio waves transmitted by the portable transmitter, a shutter unit that enables each of the plurality of air outlets to be opened and closed, an operation unit that operates each shutter unit, a processing device that processes received information received by the receiver, and a controller, Each receiver installed near the plurality of air outlets is capable of detecting the strength of radio waves transmitted by the portable transmitter, each operating unit for operating the shutter unit operates the shutter unit so as to open or close the air outlet based on the intensity of the radio wave detected by the receiver, The processing device receives, as an input value, the strength of radio waves from a portable transmitter received by each receiver installed at a plurality of air outlets, and outputs a signal to the operation unit to open the air outlet when the strength exceeds a predetermined value, and outputs a signal to the operation unit to close the air outlet when the strength is equal to or less than the predetermined value, The controller calculates the load rate based on the input of output information output by the processing device to the operation unit, and controls the output of the air supply device that supplies the air used for air conditioning based on the calculation results.

2. The spot air conditioning system described in claim 1, wherein the processing device calculates changes in the position of the portable transmitter from changes in the strength of the radio waves received by each portable transmitter at each receiver installed at multiple air outlets, and calculates the movement trajectory of a person working within the air conditioning controlled area based on the movement status and time information of the portable transmitter, and stores the movement trajectory.

3. In spot air conditioning, the air used for air conditioning is sent and individually discharged from multiple air outlets into the air-conditioned area. The system comprises a portable transmitter worn by a person working in the air-conditioning controlled area and transmitting a specific radio wave, a receiver installed near each of the plurality of air outlets and receiving the radio wave transmitted by the portable transmitter, a shutter unit that enables each of the plurality of air outlets to be opened and closed, an operation unit that operates each shutter unit, a processing device that processes received information received by the receiver, an air conditioner, and a controller, Each receiver installed near the plurality of air outlets is capable of detecting the strength of radio waves transmitted by the portable transmitter, each operating unit for operating the shutter unit operates the shutter unit so as to open or close the air outlet based on the intensity of the radio wave detected by the receiver, The processing device receives, as an input value, the strength of radio waves from a portable transmitter received by each receiver installed at a plurality of air outlets, and outputs a signal to the operation unit to open the air outlet when the strength exceeds a predetermined value, and outputs a signal to the operation unit to close the air outlet when the strength is equal to or less than the predetermined value, A spot air conditioning system characterized in that the controller calculates a load rate based on input of output information output by the processing device to the operation unit, and controls the output of the air conditioning device based on the calculation results.

4. The spot air conditioning system described in claim 3, wherein the processing device calculates changes in the position of the portable transmitters from changes in the strength of the radio waves received by each portable transmitter at each receiver installed at a plurality of air outlets, and calculates the movement trajectory of a person working within the air conditioning controlled area based on the movement state and time information of the portable transmitter, and stores the movement trajectory.

5. A spot air conditioning system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the receiver simultaneously receives radio waves emitted by one or more of the portable transmitters and is capable of individually detecting the strength of the received radio waves.

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