air conditioning unit

Abstract

An air conditioner 1 has an air conditioning target area R including a first area A and a second area B and blows air to an air conditioning target P, the air conditioner comprising a first detection unit 8A that detects the air conditioning target P in the first area A, a first nozzle 5A having the first area A as an air blowing range, a first air flow direction change unit that changes the orientation of the first nozzle 5A, and a second detection unit 8B that detects the air conditioning target P in the second area B, wherein the first air flow direction change unit changes the orientation of the first nozzle 5A on the basis of the detection result of the air conditioning target P detected by the second detection unit 8B.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] In factories, offices, etc., spot air conditioners are used. Spot air conditioners focus more on adjusting the temperature around the object to be air-conditioned (such as people, objects, etc.) than on adjusting the room temperature of the entire room, and it is required to locally blow air onto the object to be air-conditioned.

[0003] Regarding spot air conditioner devices that track the object to be air-conditioned, various studies have been conducted. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-240339 (Patent Document 1) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-50586 (Patent Document 2) disclose spot air conditioner devices that rotate an air outlet toward a person detected by a human detection sensor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, with the technology of Patent Document 1, the person could not be tracked unless a person entered the air-conditioning target area of the spot air conditioner device. Also, with the technology of Patent Document 2, since a plurality of air outlets are independently controlled, there were cases where the air conditioning was interrupted when moving from the target area of one air outlet to the target area of another air outlet.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to realize an air conditioning system in which nozzles provided in multiple areas work together to provide continuous air conditioning to an object that moves across these areas. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The air conditioning device according to the present invention has an air conditioning target area including a first region and a second region, and blows air onto an object to be air-conditioned, comprising: a first detection unit for detecting an object to be air-conditioned in the first region; a first nozzle that sets the first region as the air-blowing range; a first airflow direction changing unit for changing the direction of the first nozzle; and a second detection unit for detecting an object to be air-conditioned in the second region. When there is no object to be air-conditioned in the first region, and there is an object to be air-conditioned in the second region, and the object to be air-conditioned is moving from the second region toward the first region, The first wind direction changing unit is detected by the second detection unit. The relevant Based on the detection results of the objects to be air-conditioned 、 The method is characterized by changing the orientation of the first nozzle.

[0008] With this configuration, the direction of the nozzle in a given area can be controlled based on the detection results of the object to be air-conditioned in other areas of that area. This allows the nozzle direction to be controlled in advance before the object to be air-conditioned enters that area. As a result, continuous air conditioning can be provided to the object to be air-conditioned as it moves across areas.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer through the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the area near the nozzle of the air conditioning device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the area near the nozzle of an air conditioning device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the air conditioning system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Below, an example will be described in which the air conditioning system according to the present invention is applied to an air conditioning system 1 installed in a factory workshop R.

[0012] [Air conditioning system configuration] The air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment mainly comprises a blower 2, a duct 3, a bellows pipe 4, a nozzle 5, a wind direction changing unit 6, a wind volume changing unit 7, a detection unit 8, and a control unit 9 (Figures 1 to 4).

[0013] The blower 2, duct 3, bellows pipe 4, and nozzle 5 form the airflow path in the air conditioning unit 1. Specifically, the nozzle 5 is connected to the blower 2 via the duct 3 and bellows pipe 4. The blower 2 blows, for example, conditioned air. The air supplied from the blower 2 passes through the duct 3, bellows pipe 4, and nozzle 5 and is blown towards a worker P (an example of an object to be air-conditioned) working in a workroom R.

[0014] Workroom R is the area to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning system 1. Workroom R has multiple regions (region A, region B). The air conditioning system 1 is equipped with a blower 2 and a duct 3 as equipment common to multiple regions. In addition, the air conditioning system 1 has a set of bellows pipe 4, nozzle 5, airflow direction change unit 6, airflow volume change unit 7, detection unit 8, and control unit 9 for each region. One region approximately coincides with the airflow range of the nozzle 5 provided for that region. The airflow range can be determined by the output of the blower 2, the shape of the nozzle 5, etc.

[0015] The blower 2 in this embodiment is a known ceiling-mounted duct-type package air conditioner. The outlet of the blower 2 is connected to the duct 3. The blower 2 supplies conditioned air to the duct 3. The operation of the blower 2 is controlled by the blower control unit 21.

[0016] The duct 3 is arranged above the working chamber R. A plurality of openings 31 are provided in the middle of the duct 3. One end of the bellows tube 4 is connected to each of the plurality of openings 31. A nozzle 5 is connected to the other end of the bellows tube 4. That is, the air conditioner 1 has a plurality of nozzles 5 connected to the blower 2 via the duct 3 and the bellows tube 4. These plurality of nozzles 5 function as a plurality of air outlets for blowing air into the working chamber R. Note that both the duct 3 and the bellows tube 4 can use members that have been conventionally used in the field of air conditioning equipment.

[0017] The nozzle 5 has a tubular nozzle body 51, a support shaft 52 extending inside the nozzle body 51, and a support frame 53 connecting the nozzle body 51 and the support shaft 52 (Figs. 2 and 3). The support shaft 52 is connected to the wind direction changing unit 6. By changing the posture of the support shaft 52 by the wind direction changing unit 6, the direction of the nozzle 5 is changed.

[0018] The wind direction changing unit 6 is configured to be able to change the direction of the nozzle 5 at least in two axes. The wind direction changing unit 6 in the present embodiment has a first servo motor 61 and a second servo motor 62 (examples of at least two driving devices) (Figs. 2 and 3). Both the first servo motor 61 and the second servo motor 62 are provided inside the bellows tube 4. A first frame 63 is provided so as to extend downward from the opening 31. The first servo motor 61 is supported by the first frame 63. A second frame 64 is attached to the drive shaft of the first servo motor 61. The second servo motor 62 is supported by the second frame 64. The support shaft 52 of the nozzle 5 is attached to the drive shaft of the second servo motor 62.

[0019] By driving the first servo motor 61, the second frame 64 and the second servo motor 62 rotate about the first axis X1. Also, by driving the second servo motor 62, the support shaft 52 rotates about the second axis X2. Through the above operations, the orientation of the nozzle 5 can be changed with two axes, the first axis X1 and the second axis X2. With this configuration, it becomes possible to freely control the orientation of the nozzle 5 within a hemispherical range centered on the opening 31, and the nozzle 5 can accurately track the operator P.

[0020] The air volume changing unit 7 is configured to be able to change the air volume of the air blown out from the nozzle 5. In the present embodiment, it has a shutter unit 71 provided at the opening 31 as the air volume changing unit 7. The shutter unit 71 is provided inside the bellows tube 4.

[0021] The shutter unit 71 includes a fixed plate 72, a movable plate 73, and a third servo motor 74. The fixed plate 72 is a disk-shaped member provided with a plurality of fan-shaped ventilation holes, and is fixedly provided at the opening 31. The movable plate 73 is a disk-shaped member provided with a plurality of fan-shaped ventilation holes, and is provided rotatably with respect to the center of the fixed plate 72. Here, the plurality of ventilation holes of the fixed plate 72 and the plurality of ventilation holes of the movable plate 73 are provided so as to be able to have an overlapping positional relationship. When the movable plate 73 is rotated with respect to the fixed plate 72, the relative positional relationship between the ventilation holes of the fixed plate 72 and the ventilation holes of the movable plate 73 is changed, and the opening area (opening region) of the opening 31 can be changed. That is, it is possible to change the opening area (opening region) of the opening 31 between a first state in which the ventilation holes of the fixed plate 72 and the ventilation holes of the movable plate 73 substantially coincide and the opening area is maximized, and a second state in which the ventilation holes of the fixed plate 72 are blocked by the movable plate 73 and there is no opening. With this configuration, the air volume of the air blown out from the nozzle 5 can be changed.

[0022] The third servo motor 74 is mounted on the first frame 63. The movable plate 73 is connected to the drive shaft of the third servo motor 74. That is, by driving the third servo motor 74, the movable plate 73 rotates relative to the fixed plate 72, and the opening area (opening region) of the opening 31 can be changed.

[0023] The detection unit 8 is a device capable of detecting worker P. In this embodiment, the detection unit 8 has a first camera 81 and a second camera 82. The first camera 81 is attached to the tip of the nozzle 5. The first camera 81 is configured to have a field of view of the direction the nozzle 5 is facing, that is, the direction in which the air is blown out from the nozzle 5. The second camera 82 is attached to the upper part of the corresponding area. The second camera 82 is configured to have a field of view of most of the corresponding area.

[0024] The first camera 81, located at the tip of the nozzle 5, tracks the worker P. Even if the worker P moves within the area, the first camera 81 can keep the worker P within its field of view. However, the first camera 81 has a blind spot on the opposite side of the nozzle outlet. On the other hand, the second camera 82 has fewer blind spots, but depending on the relationship between the field of view of the second camera 82 and the size of the area, it may be difficult to capture the entire area within its field of view. It is also possible to configure the system to have multiple second cameras 82 for a single area.

[0025] In this way, a detection unit 8 is realized that minimizes blind spots by combining a first camera 81 that tracks the worker P and changes direction, and a second camera 82 that provides an overhead view of at least a portion of the corresponding area. In this embodiment, the range that can be detected by the detection unit 8 in each area is larger than the range of that area.

[0026] In the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment, the airflow direction is controlled by the airflow direction changing unit 6, the airflow rate is controlled by the airflow rate changing unit 7, and the output of the blower 2 is controlled according to the state of the object to be air-conditioned detected by the first camera 81 and the second camera 82. The specific control method will be described later.

[0027] The control unit 9 performs calculation processing to control the airflow direction changing unit 6 and the airflow rate changing unit 7. The control unit 9 is electrically connected to the airflow direction changing unit 6 (first servo motor 61 and second servo motor 62), the airflow rate changing unit 7 (third servo motor 74), and the detection unit 8 (first camera 81 and second camera 82) (Figure 4). The control unit 9 may receive signals representing various parameters, such as images captured by the first camera 81 and the second camera 82 (examples of detection results by the detection device), the control amounts of the first servo motor 61 and the second servo motor 62 (correlated with the direction of the nozzle outlet 5), and the control amount of the third servo motor 74 (correlated with the airflow rate of the air blown out from the nozzle 5).

[0028] In this embodiment, multiple control units 9 are provided, each corresponding to a different region. These multiple control units 9 are electrically connected to one another. Furthermore, each control unit 9 is also electrically connected to a blower control unit 21 that controls the blower 2.

[0029] [Control of air conditioning systems] (1) Control of each nozzle individually The control unit 9 performs calculations to determine the position of worker P based on the images captured by the first camera 81 and the second camera 82. Specific examples of such calculations include calculations to recognize specific markers (images, colors, etc.) worn by worker P, calculations to recognize moving objects within the field of view, and face recognition. The control unit 9 then operates the airflow direction change unit 6 (first servo motor 61 and second servo motor 62) so that the nozzle outlet of the nozzle 5 is directed towards the identified position of worker P. In other words, the airflow direction change unit 6 can control the direction of the nozzle 5 corresponding to a region (in other words, the airflow range of the nozzle 5) based on the detection result of worker P in that region.

[0030] Furthermore, if a second worker (referred to as "second worker Q" to distinguish it from the first worker P, but not shown in the diagram) enters a region while nozzle 5 is controlling it to track a first worker P within that region, tracking of the first worker P, which was the target of tracking first, will be prioritized, and tracking of the second worker Q will not be performed. The system may also be configured so that tracking of the second worker Q begins only after the first worker P, who was the target of tracking first, leaves the region or otherwise can no longer be recognized.

[0031] Furthermore, the control unit 9 can perform calculations to estimate the distance from the nozzle outlet of the nozzle 5 to the worker P based on the images captured by the first camera 81 and the second camera 82. Specifically, it estimates the distance from the nozzle outlet of the nozzle 5 to the worker P based on the size of the worker P in the captured image. Then, based on the estimated distance to the worker P, it controls the airflow rate change unit 7 (third servo motor 74) to blow out an appropriate amount of air from the nozzle 5. When the worker P is not present in the captured image, the airflow rate change unit 7 sets the opening 31 to the second state, preventing air from being blown out of the nozzle 5. In other words, the airflow rate change unit 7 can change the amount of air blown out from the nozzle 5 corresponding to a given area (in other words, the blowing range of the nozzle 5) based on the detection result of the worker P in that area.

[0032] (2) Interlocking control of multiple nozzles The control unit 9 can detect worker P based on images captured by the first camera 81 and the second camera 82, and then perform calculations to predict worker P's movements a few seconds later. For example, it can predict worker P's future path based on the change in worker P's position in a series of continuously captured images.

[0033] Here, we will explain the control when worker P is moving from the second region B to the first region A, in the case of the first region A and the second region B, which are adjacent to each other (Figure 1). In the initial state, worker P is in the second region B, and the second detection unit 8B, which is provided in the second region B, detects worker P. At this time, the airflow direction change unit 6B, which is provided in the second region B, is controlled so that the second nozzle 5B, which is provided in the second region B, tracks worker P, and the airflow change unit 7B is controlled so that an appropriate amount of air is blown out from the second nozzle 5B. At this time, there is no person in the first region A, so no air is blown out from the first nozzle 5A, which is provided in the first region A.

[0034] The second control unit 9B, which corresponds to the second region B, predicts the movements of worker P and predicts that worker P will enter the first region A. At this time, the entry position E when worker P enters the first region A is predicted. The second control unit 9B, which corresponds to the second region B, transmits information to the first control unit 9A, which corresponds to the first region A, that worker P is expected to enter the first region A from entry position E. Upon receiving this, the first control unit 9A directs the first nozzle 5A, which corresponds to the first region A, towards the predicted entry position E.

[0035] Furthermore, the first control unit 9A controls the airflow change unit 7 corresponding to the first area A so that the airflow from the first nozzle 5A starts blowing air when the worker P enters the first area A. Since the range that the first detection unit 8A can detect is larger than the range of the first area A, the first detection unit 8A can detect the worker P before the worker P enters the first area A. Therefore, the timing of starting the airflow from the first nozzle 5A can be synchronized with the entry of the worker P. As a result, even if the worker P leaves the second area B and can no longer receive airflow from the second nozzle 5B, they can still receive airflow from the first nozzle 5A in the first area A. In other words, continuous airflow is achieved, and the comfort of the worker P is less likely to be compromised. In addition, the airflow from the second nozzle 5B is stopped at the same time as the airflow from the first nozzle 5A starts blowing air.

[0036] In other words, when worker P is moving from the second region B towards the first region A, the air blown out from the first nozzle 5A is controlled based on the predicted entry position of worker P into the first region A, which is determined based on the detection result of the second detection unit 8B corresponding to the second region B, and the timing at which worker P actually enters the first region A, which is determined based on the detection result of the first detection unit 8A corresponding to the first region A. That is, the airflow direction of the first nozzle 5A corresponding to the first region A is controlled based on the detection results of worker P by the first detection unit 8A corresponding to the first region A and the second detection unit 8B corresponding to the second region B.

[0037] (3) Control of the blower Each of the control units 9 corresponding to multiple regions (each set's control unit 9) transmits the control state of the airflow change unit 7 (the control amount of the third servo motor 74, or the airflow of the nozzle 5 calculated from that control amount) to the blower control unit 21. Based on the information received from the multiple control units 9, the blower control unit 21 calculates the total airflow of the nozzles 5 in all regions and controls the output of the blower 2 so that the total airflow can be supplied. This allows the output of the blower 2 to be controlled to a level necessary and sufficient to maintain the comfort of the worker P, thereby contributing to energy saving.

[0038] [Other Embodiments] Finally, other embodiments of the air conditioning system according to the present invention will be described. Note that the configurations disclosed in each of the following embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no inconsistencies arise.

[0039] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the blower 2 is a ceiling-mounted duct-type package air conditioner was described as an example. However, a configuration in which air is supplied using a blower that does not have an air conditioning function is also possible.

[0040] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which worker P is the object to be air-conditioned was described as an example. In addition to people, objects that move on their own, such as animals or machinery, or items that are transported by a belt conveyor belt, etc. (raw materials, semi-finished products, finished products, etc.) may also be used as objects to be air-conditioned.

[0041] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the nozzle 5 is connected to the blower 2 via the duct 3 and the bellows pipe 4 was described as an example. The manner in which the blower and the nozzle are connected is not limited.

[0042] In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the airflow direction changing unit 6 has a first servo motor 61 and a second servo motor 62. The direction of the nozzle may be changed in three or more axes, or devices other than servo motors may be used.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the airflow adjustment unit 7 was described as having a shutter unit 71 with a fixed plate 72, a movable plate 73, and a third servo motor 74. The airflow adjustment unit may also use a device such as an adjustment valve.

[0044] In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the detection unit 8 has a first camera 81 and a second camera 82. The detection unit may also be configured to utilize sensors such as infrared sensors, infrared arrays, infrared cameras, ultrasonic sensors, RFID tags, beacons, wireless LANs, magnetic fields, and CO2 concentration sensors. Furthermore, the number of individual devices constituting the detection device is not limited; a single device may be used to detect air-conditioned objects within an area, or multiple devices may cooperate to detect air-conditioned objects within an area.

[0045] In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the control unit 9 performs all calculation processing related to control. However, independent control units may be provided for the airflow direction change unit and the airflow volume change unit. The detection unit may perform calculation processing to determine the distance to the object to be air-conditioned and other related matters. Furthermore, a control unit may be provided that aggregates and executes calculation processing related to the airflow direction change unit, airflow volume change unit, detection unit, and blower corresponding to multiple regions.

[0046] The present invention is not limited to a configuration in which the number of nozzles, detection units, airflow direction changing units, and airflow rate changing units is the same.

[0047] In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the distance from the tip of the nozzle 5 to the worker P is estimated and the airflow is controlled based on that distance. A configuration in which the airflow is controlled based on information other than distance is also possible.

[0048] In the air conditioning system according to the present invention, two adjacent areas in the area to be air-conditioned may be arranged with an overlapping portion, adjacent to each other with a boundary line in between, or spaced apart from each other.

[0049] When two adjacent areas have an overlapping portion, air can be blown from each of the two adjacent nozzles into that overlapping portion. In this case, air can be supplied to multiple objects to be air-conditioned simultaneously. For example, this specification is suitable for areas within an air-conditioned area where the density of objects to be air-conditioned is high.

[0050] When two or more areas are separated from each other, there will be areas within the air-conditioned area that are not reached by the air blown from the nozzles. However, by assigning areas where there are no or very few objects to be air-conditioned to the areas where the air blown from the nozzles does not reach, the number of nozzles and detection units can be reduced, leading to a reduction in equipment and operating costs.

[0051] In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the airflow direction of the first nozzle 5A corresponding to the first region A is controlled based on the detection results of the worker P by the first detection unit 8A corresponding to the first region A and the second detection unit 8B corresponding to the second region B. The airflow direction of the nozzle corresponding to the first region A may also be controlled based solely on the detection results of the air-conditioned object by the detection unit corresponding to the second region B. In the above example, instead of controlling the timing of starting to blow air from the first nozzle 5A based on the detection results of the first detection unit 8A, the configuration may be such that air is blown from the first nozzle 5A when the first nozzle 5A is directed towards the entry position E predicted based on the detection results of the second detection unit 8B, regardless of the detection results of the first detection unit 8A. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the timing of worker P entering the first region A is predicted based on the detection results of the second detection unit 8B, and the timing of starting to blow air from the first nozzle 5A is controlled.

[0052] With regard to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects, and it should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, other embodiments modified without departing from the spirit of the invention are naturally included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1:Air conditioner 2: Blower 3: Duct 4: Bellows tube 5: Nozzle 6: Wind direction changing section 7: Airflow adjustment section 8: Detection area 9: Control Unit A: First domain B: Second Domain

Claims

1. An air conditioning system having an air-conditioning area that includes a first region and a second region, and blowing air onto an object to be air-conditioned, A first detection unit for detecting an object to be air-conditioned within the first region, A first nozzle whose airflow range is the first region, A first airflow direction changing unit that changes the direction of the first nozzle, It comprises a second detection unit for detecting an object to be air-conditioned within the second region, When there is no object to be air-conditioned in the first region, and there is an object to be air-conditioned in the second region, and the object to be air-conditioned is moving from the second region toward the first region, An air conditioning system characterized in that the first airflow direction changing unit changes the direction of the first nozzle based on the detection result of the air-conditioned object detected by the second detection unit.

2. The air conditioning device according to claim 1, further comprising a second nozzle that sets the second region as the air blowing range, and a second airflow direction changing unit that changes the direction of the second nozzle.

3. The range that can be detected by the first detection unit is greater than the range from which air can be blown out from the first nozzle. The air conditioning device according to claim 2, characterized in that the range that can be detected by the second detection unit is greater than the range from which air can be blown out from the second nozzle.

4. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit is capable of tracking the object to be air-conditioned.

5. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit is one or more sensors that provide an overview of the region, and any point in the region is included in the detection range of at least one of the sensors.

6. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first region and the second region are arranged so as to have an overlapping portion.

7. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first region and the second region are arranged adjacent to each other with a boundary line in between.

8. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first region and the second region are spaced apart from each other.

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