JP7246564B2 - air conditioning system - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system for air conditioning a room.

Conventionally, there has been proposed an air conditioner in which a thermal image sensor attached to the main body detects the indoor temperature (see, for example, Patent Document 1). An air conditioning system in which a plurality of air conditioners are connected to a communication network has also been proposed (see Patent Document 2, for example). In a conventional air conditioning system, a sensor transmits thermal image data generated by detecting temperature to a device such as a personal computer, and the device determines the control contents to be performed by each air conditioner and to the relevant content. In a conventional air conditioning system, each air conditioner is associated with the space controlled by each air conditioner by recognizing the space and objects with a camera.

JP 2012-42197 A WO2018/051479

In the prior art, when an air conditioner is to be controlled based on the results obtained by a sensor that detects temperature, it is necessary to attach the sensor to the air conditioner. In other words, with the conventional technology, it is difficult to control an air conditioner that does not support attachment of the sensor based on the results obtained by the sensor.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an air conditioner that controls each of a plurality of air conditioners that do not support attachment of a sensor that detects temperature based on the results obtained by the sensor. Aim to get the system.

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the air conditioning system according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of air conditioners installed on the wall or the ceiling, and a communication network with the plurality of air conditioners on the wall or the ceiling. and an air conditioning support device to be connected. The air conditioning support device includes a thermal image sensor that detects temperature, receives information related to the operating status of some or all of the plurality of air conditioners from some or all of the plurality of air conditioners, and a support-side communication unit that transmits a command to perform air conditioning to part or all of the air conditioner; a storage unit that stores information obtained by the thermal image sensor and information received by the support-side communication unit; a processing unit for generating commands based on information obtained by the image sensor and information received by the supporting communication unit. Each of the plurality of air conditioners has an air conditioning side communication section that communicates with the support side communication section. The support-side communication unit is connected to a plurality of air-conditioning-side communication units via a communication network, and communicates with at least one air-conditioning-side communication unit of the plurality of air conditioners. The air conditioning support device is installed in one room. No air conditioning support device other than the air conditioning support device is installed in the room. The processor detects a person based on the heat distribution of the thermal image obtained by the thermal image sensor.

The air conditioning system according to the present disclosure has the effect of being able to control each of a plurality of air conditioners that do not support attachment of a sensor that detects temperature based on the results obtained by the sensor.

A diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. The figure which shows the example in which the 1st air conditioner which the air conditioning system which concerns on embodiment has, a 2nd air conditioner, a 3rd air conditioner, and a 4th air conditioner are installed in a ceiling. The figure which shows the structure of the air conditioning support apparatus which the air conditioning system which concerns on embodiment has. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a floor surface of a room air-conditioned by the air-conditioning system according to the embodiment; 4 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of an operation procedure of one of the air conditioning support devices included in the air conditioning system according to the embodiment; 4 is a flow chart showing a part of another example of the operation procedure of the air conditioning support device included in the air conditioning system according to the embodiment. 8 is a flow chart showing a part of still another example of the operation procedure of the air conditioning support device included in the air conditioning system according to the embodiment; 8 is a flow chart showing a part of still another example of the operation procedure of the air conditioning support device included in the air conditioning system according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a processor in which at least a part of a thermal image sensor, support-side communication unit, and processing unit of the air conditioning support device of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment is realized by the processor; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a processing circuit when at least a part of a thermal image sensor, a support-side communication unit, and a processing unit of an air conditioning support device of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment are realized by the processing circuit;

Below, an air conditioning system according to an embodiment will be described in detail based on the drawings.

Embodiment.
First, the configuration of the air conditioning system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 1 according to an embodiment. The air conditioning system 1 includes a first air conditioner 2a, a second air conditioner 2b, a third air conditioner 2c, and a fourth air conditioner 2d installed on the ceiling of a room where air conditioning is performed. have. The first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d are examples of a plurality of air conditioners. Each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d is an indoor unit.

FIG. 2 shows that the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d included in the air conditioning system 1 according to the embodiment are attached to the ceiling C. It is a figure which shows the example installed. As shown in FIG. 2, when the ceiling C is divided into four areas of the same size, the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the second air conditioner 2c. Each of the four air conditioners 2d is installed in one of the four areas. Each of the four areas is the area demarcated by solid lines on the ceiling C in FIG. Multiple air conditioners are not installed in any of the four areas. Each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d is installed in the center of one of the four areas.

Some or all of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d are installed on the wall of the room where air conditioning is performed. good too. The wall is the inner wall of the room.

For example, the wind direction of each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d is set vertically downward. For example, the air volume of each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d is set to the maximum capacity.

The air conditioning system 1 includes a first outdoor unit 3a corresponding to the first air conditioner 2a, a second outdoor unit 3b corresponding to the second air conditioner 2b, and a third air conditioner 2c. It further has a corresponding third outdoor unit 3c and a fourth outdoor unit 3d corresponding to the fourth air conditioner 2d. The first outdoor unit 3a, the second outdoor unit 3b, the third outdoor unit 3c, and the fourth outdoor unit 3d are installed outside the room where air conditioning is performed. First air conditioner 2a, second air conditioner 2b, third air conditioner 2c, fourth air conditioner 2d, first outdoor unit 3a, second outdoor unit 3b, third outdoor The unit 3c and the fourth outdoor unit 3d air-condition the room.

The air conditioning system 1 further includes an air conditioning support device 4 installed on the ceiling C of the room where air conditioning is performed. That is, the air conditioning support device 4 is installed in one room. No air conditioning support device other than the air conditioning support device 4 is installed in the room. A first air conditioner 2a, a second air conditioner 2b, a third air conditioner 2c, a fourth air conditioner 2d, and an air conditioning support device 4 are arranged in the room. The air conditioning support device 4 is a device that controls operations of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d. The air conditioning support device 4 is connected by a communication network 5 to each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d.

As shown in FIG. 2, the air-conditioning support device 4 is the same from each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d. installed at a distance of Specifically, the air conditioning support device 4 is installed in the center of the ceiling C. As shown in FIG. The air conditioning support device 4 may be arranged on the wall. The wall is the inner wall of the room in which air conditioning is performed. In any case, the air conditioning support device 4 is the same distance away from each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d. position.

The first air conditioner 2 a has an air conditioning side communication section 21 a that communicates with the air conditioning support device 4 . The second air conditioner 2 b has an air conditioning side communication section 21 b that communicates with the air conditioning support device 4 . The third air conditioner 2 c has an air conditioning side communication section 21 c that communicates with the air conditioning support device 4 . The fourth air conditioner 2 d has an air conditioning side communication section 21 d that communicates with the air conditioning support device 4 .

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning support device 4 included in the air conditioning system 1 according to the embodiment. The air conditioning support device 4 has a thermal image sensor 41 that detects temperature. Specifically, the thermal image sensor 41 detects the temperature of the room in which the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d are installed. detect. The air conditioning support device 4 includes a support side communication unit 42 that communicates with each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d. have more.

Specifically, the support-side communication unit 42 communicates with each of the air-conditioning-side communication unit 21a, the air-conditioning-side communication unit 21b, the air-conditioning-side communication unit 21c, and the air-conditioning-side communication unit 21d. Furthermore, the support-side communication unit 42 is connected to each of the air-conditioning-side communication unit 21a, the air-conditioning-side communication unit 21b, the air-conditioning-side communication unit 21c, and the air-conditioning-side communication unit 21d via the communication network 5, 5, it communicates with the air conditioning side communication unit 21a, the air conditioning side communication unit 21b, the air conditioning side communication unit 21c, and the air conditioning side communication unit 21d.

The support-side communication unit 42 communicates with at least one of the air-conditioning-side communication unit 21a, the air-conditioning-side communication unit 21b, the air-conditioning-side communication unit 21c, and the air-conditioning-side communication unit 21d to perform the first air conditioner 2a, second air conditioner 2b, third air conditioner 2c, and fourth air conditioner 2d from part or all of the first air conditioner 2a, second air conditioner 2b, third receives information related to the operating status of some or all of the first air conditioner 2c and the fourth air conditioner 2d. The operation status is the temperature of the room where the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d are installed, and the humidity of the room. , the air volume of each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d. The support-side communication unit 42 performs air conditioning for part or all of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d. It also has the ability to send commands.

The air conditioning support device 4 further has a storage unit 43 that stores information obtained by the thermal image sensor 41 and information received by the support communication unit 42 . An example of the storage unit 43 is a semiconductor memory. The air conditioning support device 4 further has a processing unit 44 that analyzes the information obtained by the thermal image sensor 41 and the information received by the support communication unit 42 to generate the above command. The processing unit 44 also has a function of detecting a person based on the heat distribution of the thermal image obtained by the thermal image sensor 41 . The processing unit 44 determines which part of the room is controlled by each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d. It also has functions.

For example, the air conditioning support device 4 is configured to perform cooling to one of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d. let you drive. In this case, the storage unit 43 stores information that associates an area whose temperature detected by the thermal image sensor 41 is a predetermined cooling reference temperature with the one air conditioner that is performing cooling operation. .

The thermal image sensor 41 detects the room temperature before the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d operate. good. In that case, based on the temperature detected by the thermal image sensor 41, the air conditioning support device 4 controls the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2c. One of the air conditioners 2d of 1 is caused to perform heating operation. The storage unit 43 stores information that associates an area whose temperature detected by the thermal image sensor 41 is a predetermined heating reference temperature with the one air conditioner that is performing the heating operation.

When the thermal image sensor 41 detects the room temperature before the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d operate, the air Based on the temperature detected by the thermal image sensor 41, the air conditioning support device 4 controls the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner. 2d may determine whether to perform a cooling operation or a heating operation.

The storage unit 43 may store calendar information indicating details of the operation of the air conditioner for each month. In that case, based on the calendar information and the current month stored in the storage unit 43, the air conditioning support device 4 selects the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, and the third air conditioner. It may be determined whether each of the air conditioner 2c and the fourth air conditioner 2d is to be in cooling operation or in heating operation.

After associating the one area whose temperature is detected by the thermal image sensor 41 with the one air conditioner, the air conditioning support device 4 connects the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the second 3 air conditioners 2c and 4th air conditioners 2d, another air conditioner different from the above one air conditioner and another area different from the above one area in the room When associating with , the following operations may be performed. That is, the air conditioning support device 4 may cause the other one air conditioner to perform an operation different from the operation of the one air conditioner. Furthermore, the air conditioning support device 4 is installed in any one of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d. Each time the air conditioner associated with one area changes, the newly associated air conditioner may be caused to operate differently from the operation of the air conditioner associated last. .

After associating the one area whose temperature is detected by the thermal image sensor 41 with the one air conditioner, the air conditioning support device 4 associates the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the second 3 air conditioners 2c and 4th air conditioners 2d, another air conditioner different from the above one air conditioner and another area different from the above one area in the room , the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d may be stopped for a predetermined time.

After associating the one area whose temperature is detected by the thermal image sensor 41 with the one air conditioner, the air conditioning support device 4 associates the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the second 3 air conditioners 2c and 4th air conditioners 2d, another air conditioner different from the above one air conditioner and another area different from the above one area in the room Before associating with, the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d are caused to perform the blowing operation for a predetermined time. good.

Next, operation of the air conditioning system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a floor surface of a room air-conditioned by the air-conditioning system 1 according to the embodiment. The room is a room in which the air conditioning support device 4 is installed. As shown in FIG. 4, a situation is assumed in which the shape of the floor is square and the floor is divided into 64 blocks 401, . The shape of each of the 64 blocks 401, . . . , 464 is square, and the size of each of the 64 blocks 401, . The air conditioning support device 4 perceives the floor surface as the 64 blocks 401, . . . , 464 described above.

When the air conditioning support device 4 detects a person in any of the 64 blocks 401, . For some or all of 2c and fourth air conditioner 2d, a command is generated to perform one or more of start of operation, change of temperature, and change of air volume, for example. For example, the air conditioning support device 4 includes the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d for each of a plurality of situations. Information indicating the operation to be performed by is set in advance.

Next, the air conditioning support device 4 divides each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d into 64 blocks 401, . , 464 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of one operation procedure of the air conditioning support device 4 included in the air conditioning system 1 according to the embodiment. The air conditioning support device 4 commands only the first air conditioner 2a to perform the cooling operation through the communication network 5. FIG. Only the first air conditioner 2a performs cooling operation (S1). In FIG. 5, the operation of step S1 is indicated by the phrase "only one air conditioner is in cooling operation".

The air conditioning support device 4 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the first air conditioner 2a was instructed to perform the cooling operation (S2). When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the predetermined time has not passed (No in S2), it performs the operation of step S2.

When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in S2), the thermal image sensor 41 detects the temperature of the room, and the 64 blocks 401, . The block whose temperature is the preset cooling reference temperature is recognized as the control area of the first air conditioner 2a (S3). That is, in step S3, the air-conditioning support device 4 associates the block whose detected temperature is the cooling reference temperature among the 64 blocks 401, . . . , 464 with the first air conditioner 2a. A block is an example of an area. In FIG. 5, the operation of step S3 is indicated by the phrase "recognize a block whose temperature is the cooling reference temperature as a control area of one air conditioner". The air conditioning support device 4 stores the recognized items in the storage unit 43 .

After performing the operation of step S3, the air conditioning support device 4 instructs the first air conditioner 2a to stop operating. The first air conditioner 2a stops operating (S4). In FIG. 5, the operation of step S4 is indicated by the phrase "one air conditioner stops". This completes the operation of associating the first air conditioner 2a with the control target block of the first air conditioner 2a.

When the operation of associating the first air conditioner 2a with the blocks to be controlled of the first air conditioner 2a is completed, the air conditioning support device 4 follows the procedure of the flowchart of FIG. 2b and the control target block of the second air conditioner 2b. At that time, the first air conditioner 2a in the above description using FIG. 5 is replaced with the second air conditioner 2b.

Similarly, the air conditioning support device 4 performs the operation of associating the third air conditioner 2c with the blocks to be controlled of the third air conditioner 2c, the fourth air conditioner 2d and the fourth air conditioner and the operation of associating with the block to be controlled by the machine 2d. As a result, the air conditioning support device 4 divides each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d into 64 blocks 401, . . , 464.

For example, when cooling operation is performed in winter, it may not be possible to properly distinguish the difference between the temperature of any one of the 64 blocks 401, . be. In that case, when the air conditioning support device 4 operates according to the procedure of the flowchart of FIG. It is not possible to properly associate each of the machines 2d with any one of the 64 blocks 401, .

Therefore, the air conditioning support device 4, according to the procedure of the flowchart of FIG. Each may be associated with any one of the 64 blocks 401,...,464. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing part of another example of the operation procedure of the air conditioning support device 4 included in the air conditioning system 1 according to the embodiment. Before operating the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d, the air conditioning support device 4 uses the thermal image sensor 41 to determine the room temperature. is detected (S11).

The air conditioning support device 4 determines whether or not the temperature detected by the thermal image sensor 41 is equal to or higher than the preset indoor reference temperature (S12). When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the temperature detected by the thermal image sensor 41 is equal to or higher than the indoor standard temperature (Yes in S12), only the first air conditioner 2a is cooled through the communication network 5. order to do Only the first air conditioner 2a performs cooling operation (S13). In FIG. 6, the operation of step S13 is indicated by the phrase "only one air conditioner is in cooling operation".

The air conditioning support device 4 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the first air conditioner 2a was instructed to perform the cooling operation (S14). When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in S14), it performs the operation of step S14.

When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in S14), the thermal image sensor 41 detects the temperature of the room, and the 64 blocks 401, . The block whose temperature is the preset cooling reference temperature is recognized as the control area of the first air conditioner 2a (S15). That is, in step S15, the air-conditioning support device 4 associates with the first air conditioner 2a those blocks whose detected temperature is the cooling reference temperature among the 64 blocks 401, . . . , 464. In FIG. 6, the operation of step S15 is indicated by the phrase "recognize a block whose temperature is the cooling reference temperature as a control area of one air conditioner". The air conditioning support device 4 stores the recognized items in the storage unit 43 .

After performing the operation of step S15, the air conditioning support device 4 instructs the first air conditioner 2a to stop operating. The first air conditioner 2a stops operating (S16). In FIG. 6, the operation of step S16 is indicated by the phrase "one air conditioner stops". This completes the operation of associating the first air conditioner 2a with the control target block of the first air conditioner 2a.

When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the temperature detected by the thermal image sensor 41 is lower than the indoor standard temperature (No in S12), it performs heating operation only for the first air conditioner 2a through the communication network 5. order to do Only the first air conditioner 2a performs heating operation (S17). In FIG. 6, the operation of step S17 is indicated by the phrase "only one air conditioner is in heating operation".

The air conditioning support device 4 determines whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first air conditioner 2a was instructed to perform the heating operation (S18). When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in S18), it performs the operation of step S18.

When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the predetermined time has passed (Yes in S18), the thermal image sensor 41 detects the temperature of the room, and the 64 blocks 401, . The block whose temperature is the preset heating reference temperature is recognized as the control area of the first air conditioner 2a (S19). That is, in step S19, the air-conditioning support device 4 associates the block whose detected temperature is the heating reference temperature among the 64 blocks 401, . . . , 464 with the first air conditioner 2a. In FIG. 6, the operation of step S19 is indicated by the phrase "recognize a block whose temperature is the heating reference temperature as a control area of one air conditioner". The air conditioning support device 4 stores the recognized items in the storage unit 43 .

After performing the operation of step S19, the air conditioning support device 4 instructs the first air conditioner 2a to stop operating. The first air conditioner 2a stops operating (S20). In FIG. 6, the operation of step S20 is indicated by the phrase "one air conditioner stops". This completes the operation of associating the first air conditioner 2a with the control target block of the first air conditioner 2a.

When the operation of associating the first air conditioner 2a with the blocks to be controlled of the first air conditioner 2a is completed, the air conditioning support device 4 follows the procedure of the flowchart of FIG. 2b and the control target block of the second air conditioner 2b. At that time, the first air conditioner 2a in the above description using FIG. 6 is replaced with the second air conditioner 2b. When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the temperature detected by the thermal image sensor 41 is equal to or higher than the indoor reference temperature (Yes in S12), the operations from step S13 onward are performed. When the air-conditioning support device 4 determines that the temperature detected by the thermal image sensor 41 is lower than the indoor standard temperature (No in S12), the operations after step S17 are performed.

Similarly, the air conditioning support device 4 performs the operation of associating the third air conditioner 2c with the blocks to be controlled of the third air conditioner 2c, the fourth air conditioner 2d and the fourth air conditioner and the operation of associating with the block to be controlled by the machine 2d. As a result, the air conditioning support device 4 divides each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d into 64 blocks 401, . . , 464.

The air conditioning support device 4 operates each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d according to the procedure of the flowchart of FIG. It may be associated with any one of the 64 blocks 401, . . . , 464. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a part of still another example of the operation procedure of the air conditioning support device 4 included in the air conditioning system 1 according to the embodiment.

The air conditioning support device 4 determines whether the current month is any month from May to September (S21). When the air-conditioning support device 4 determines that the current month is any month from May to September (Yes in S21), only the first air conditioner 2a is cooled through the communication network 5. Order to drive. Only the first air conditioner 2a performs cooling operation (S22). In FIG. 7, the operation of step S22 is indicated by the phrase "only one air conditioner is in cooling operation".

The air conditioning support device 4 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the first air conditioner 2a was instructed to perform the cooling operation (S23). When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the predetermined time has not passed (No in S23), it performs the operation of step S23.

When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in S23), the thermal image sensor 41 detects the temperature of the room, and the 64 blocks 401, . The block whose temperature is the preset cooling reference temperature is recognized as the control area of the first air conditioner 2a (S24). That is, in step S24, the air-conditioning support device 4 associates the block whose detected temperature is the cooling reference temperature among the 64 blocks 401, . . . , 464 with the first air conditioner 2a. In FIG. 7, the operation of step S24 is indicated by the phrase "recognize a block whose temperature is the cooling reference temperature as a control area of one air conditioner". The air conditioning support device 4 stores the recognized items in the storage unit 43 .

After performing the operation of step S24, the air conditioning support device 4 instructs the first air conditioner 2a to stop operating. The first air conditioner 2a stops operating (S25). In FIG. 7, the operation of step S25 is indicated by the phrase "one air conditioner stops". This completes the operation of associating the first air conditioner 2a with the control target block of the first air conditioner 2a.

When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the current month is not any month from May to September (No in S21), only the first air conditioner 2a is heated through the communication network 5. order to do Only the first air conditioner 2a performs heating operation (S26). In FIG. 7, the operation of step S26 is indicated by the phrase "only one air conditioner is in heating operation".

The air conditioning support device 4 determines whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first air conditioner 2a was instructed to perform the heating operation (S27). When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in S27), it performs the operation of step S27.

When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in S27), the thermal image sensor 41 detects the temperature of the room, and the 64 blocks 401, . The block whose temperature is the preset heating reference temperature is recognized as the control area of the first air conditioner 2a (S28). That is, in step S28, the air-conditioning support device 4 associates the block whose detected temperature is the heating reference temperature among the 64 blocks 401, . . . , 464 with the first air conditioner 2a. In FIG. 7, the operation of step S28 is indicated by the phrase "recognize a block whose temperature is the heating reference temperature as a control area of one air conditioner". The air conditioning support device 4 stores the recognized items in the storage unit 43 .

After performing the operation of step S28, the air conditioning support device 4 instructs the first air conditioner 2a to stop operating. The first air conditioner 2a stops operating (S29). In FIG. 7, the operation of step S29 is indicated by the phrase "one air conditioner stops". This completes the operation of associating the first air conditioner 2a with the control target block of the first air conditioner 2a.

When the operation of associating the first air conditioner 2a with the blocks to be controlled of the first air conditioner 2a is completed, the air conditioning support device 4 follows the procedure of the flowchart of FIG. 2b and the control target block of the second air conditioner 2b. At that time, the first air conditioner 2a in the above description using FIG. 7 is replaced with the second air conditioner 2b. When the air-conditioning support device 4 determines that the current month is any month from May to September (Yes in S21), the operations after step S22 are performed. When the air-conditioning support device 4 determines that the current month is not any month from May to September (No in S21), the operations after step S26 are performed.

Similarly, the air conditioning support device 4 performs the operation of associating the third air conditioner 2c with the blocks to be controlled of the third air conditioner 2c, the fourth air conditioner 2d and the fourth air conditioner and the operation of associating with the block to be controlled by the machine 2d. As a result, the air conditioning support device 4 divides each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d into 64 blocks 401, . . , 464.

5 to 7, the first air conditioner 2a performs the cooling operation, and the first air conditioner 2a and the blocks to be controlled of the first air conditioner 2a , the first air conditioner 2a stops, and the second air conditioner 2b performs the cooling operation. In this case, there is no difference between the temperature of the block to be controlled by the first air conditioner 2a and the temperature of the block to be controlled by the second air conditioner 2b, and the air conditioning support device 4 operates as the second air conditioner. There is a possibility that the block to be controlled by the machine 2b is misidentified.

Therefore, the air conditioning support device 4, according to the procedure of the flowchart of FIG. Each may be associated with any one of the 64 blocks 401,...,464. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a part of still another example of the operation procedure of the air conditioning support device 4 included in the air conditioning system 1 according to the embodiment. Before operating the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d, the air conditioning support device 4 uses the thermal image sensor 41 to determine the room temperature. is detected (S31).

The air conditioning support device 4 determines whether or not the temperature detected by the thermal image sensor 41 is equal to or higher than the preset indoor reference temperature (S32). When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the temperature detected by the thermal image sensor 41 is equal to or higher than the indoor reference temperature (Yes in S32), only the first air conditioner 2a is cooled through the communication network 5. order to do Only the first air conditioner 2a performs cooling operation (S33). In FIG. 8, the operation of step S33 is indicated by the phrase "only one air conditioner is in cooling operation".

The air conditioning support device 4 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the first air conditioner 2a was instructed to perform the cooling operation (S34). When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the predetermined time has not passed (No in S34), it performs the operation of step S34.

When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in S34), the thermal image sensor 41 detects the temperature of the room, and the 64 blocks 401, . The block whose temperature is the preset cooling reference temperature is recognized as the control area of the first air conditioner 2a (S35). That is, in step S35, the air-conditioning support device 4 associates with the first air conditioner 2a those blocks whose detected temperature is the cooling reference temperature among the 64 blocks 401, . . . , 464. In FIG. 8, the operation of step S35 is indicated by the phrase "recognize a block whose temperature is the cooling reference temperature as a control area of one air conditioner". The air conditioning support device 4 stores the recognized items in the storage unit 43 .

After performing the operation of step S35, the air conditioning support device 4 instructs the first air conditioner 2a to stop operating. The first air conditioner 2a stops operating (S36). In FIG. 8, the operation of step S36 is indicated by the phrase "one air conditioner stops". This completes the operation of associating the first air conditioner 2a with the control target block of the first air conditioner 2a.

After performing the operation of step S36, the air conditioning support device 4 commands only the second air conditioner 2b to perform the heating operation via the communication network 5. FIG. Only the second air conditioner 2b performs heating operation (S37). In FIG. 8, the operation of step S37 is indicated by the phrase "only one other air conditioner is in heating operation".

The air conditioning support device 4 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the second air conditioner 2b was instructed to perform the heating operation (S38). When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in S38), it performs the operation of step S38.

When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in S38), the thermal image sensor 41 detects the temperature of the room, and the 64 blocks 401, . The block whose temperature is the preset heating reference temperature is recognized as the control area of the second air conditioner 2b (S39). That is, in step S39, the air conditioning support device 4 associates the block whose detected temperature is the heating reference temperature among the 64 blocks 401, . . . , 464 with the second air conditioner 2b. In FIG. 8, the operation of step S39 is indicated by the phrase "recognize a block whose temperature is the heating reference temperature as a control area of another air conditioner". The air conditioning support device 4 stores the recognized items in the storage unit 43 .

After performing the operation of step S39, the air conditioning support device 4 instructs the second air conditioner 2b to stop operating. The second air conditioner 2b stops operating (S40). In FIG. 8, the operation of step S40 is indicated by the phrase "another air conditioner is stopped". This completes the operation of associating the second air conditioner 2b with the control target block of the second air conditioner 2b.

Although not shown in FIG. 8, after performing the operation of step S40, the air conditioning support device 4 instructs only the third air conditioner 2c to perform the cooling operation via the communication network 5. That is, after the operation of step S40 is performed, the air conditioning system 1 performs the operations from step S33 to step S40. At that time, the first air conditioner 2a in the above description using FIG. 8 is replaced with the third air conditioner 2c, and the second air conditioner 2b in the above description using FIG. It is replaced with the fourth air conditioner 2d.

When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the temperature detected by the thermal image sensor 41 is lower than the indoor standard temperature (No in S32), the air conditioning support device 4 performs the heating operation only for the first air conditioner 2a through the communication network 5. order to do Only the first air conditioner 2a performs heating operation (S41). In FIG. 8, the operation of step S41 is indicated by the phrase "only one air conditioner is in heating operation".

The air conditioning support device 4 determines whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first air conditioner 2a was commanded to perform the heating operation (S42). When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in S42), it performs the operation of step S42.

When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in S42), the thermal image sensor 41 detects the temperature of the room, and the 64 blocks 401, . The block whose temperature is the preset heating reference temperature is recognized as the control area of the first air conditioner 2a (S43). That is, in step S43, the air-conditioning support device 4 associates the block whose detected temperature is the heating reference temperature among the 64 blocks 401, . . . , 464 with the first air conditioner 2a. In FIG. 8, the operation of step S43 is indicated by the phrase "recognize a block whose temperature is the heating reference temperature as a control area of one air conditioner". The air conditioning support device 4 stores the recognized items in the storage unit 43 .

After performing the operation of step S43, the air conditioning support device 4 instructs the first air conditioner 2a to stop operating. The first air conditioner 2a stops operating (S44). In FIG. 8, the operation of step S44 is indicated by the phrase "one air conditioner stops". This completes the operation of associating the first air conditioner 2a with the control target block of the first air conditioner 2a.

After performing the operation of step S44, the air conditioning support device 4 instructs only the second air conditioner 2b to perform the cooling operation via the communication network 5. FIG. Only the second air conditioner 2b performs cooling operation (S45). In FIG. 8, the operation of step S45 is indicated by the phrase "only one other air conditioner is in cooling operation".

The air conditioning support device 4 determines whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the second air conditioner 2b was commanded to perform the cooling operation (S46). When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in S46), it performs the operation of step S46.

When the air conditioning support device 4 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in S46), the thermal image sensor 41 detects the temperature of the room, and the 64 blocks 401, . The block whose temperature is the preset cooling reference temperature is recognized as the control area of the second air conditioner 2b (S47). That is, in step S47, the air conditioning support device 4 associates the blocks whose detected temperature is the cooling reference temperature among the 64 blocks 401, . . . , 464 with the second air conditioner 2b. In FIG. 8, the operation of step S47 is indicated by the phrase "recognize a block whose temperature is the cooling reference temperature as a control area of another air conditioner". The air conditioning support device 4 stores the recognized items in the storage unit 43 .

After performing the operation of step S47, the air conditioning support device 4 instructs the second air conditioner 2b to stop operating. The second air conditioner 2b stops operating (S48). In FIG. 8, the operation of step S48 is indicated by the phrase "another air conditioner is stopped". This completes the operation of associating the second air conditioner 2b with the control target block of the second air conditioner 2b.

Although not shown in FIG. 8, after performing the operation of step S48, the air conditioning support device 4 commands only the third air conditioner 2c to perform the heating operation via the communication network 5. That is, after the operation of step S48 is performed, the air conditioning system 1 performs the operations from step S41 to step S48. At that time, the first air conditioner 2a in the above description using FIG. 8 is replaced with the third air conditioner 2c, and the second air conditioner 2b in the above description using FIG. It is replaced with the fourth air conditioner 2d. As a result, the air conditioning support device 4 divides each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d into 64 blocks 401, . . , 464.

When each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d is operated in order, cool air or warm air is supplied before each operation is performed. Each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d is arranged in order to suppress the expansion and generate a temperature difference in the room. The wind direction during operation may be set vertically downward. For example, when the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d are installed on the ceiling, cold air or warm air is used before each operation is performed. 1st air conditioner 2a, 2nd air conditioner 2b, 3rd air conditioner 2c, and 4th air conditioner 2d, in order to suppress the expansion of air conditioners and generate temperature differences in the room. The wind direction during operation may be set vertically downward. Even if the air volume during operation of each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d is set to the maximum capacity, good.

When each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d operates in order, the air conditioning support device 4 adjusts the temperature difference appropriately. In order to make the temperature of the room uniform in advance for the purpose of determining the Each time the association between any of the 64 blocks 401, ..., 464 and any of the blocks 401, . 4 air conditioners 2d may be stopped for a predetermined time.

When each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d operates in order, the air conditioning support device 4 adjusts the temperature difference appropriately. In order to make the temperature of the room uniform in advance for the purpose of determining the Each time the association between any of the 64 blocks 401, ..., 464 and any of the blocks 401, . 4 air conditioners 2d may be caused to operate for a predetermined period of time.

As described above, the air conditioning system 1 according to the embodiment includes the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d. , has an air conditioning support device 4 . The air conditioning support device 4 has a thermal image sensor 41 that detects temperature, and based on the results obtained by the thermal image sensor 41, the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c and the fourth air conditioner 2d. That is, each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d does not support attachment of a sensor for detecting temperature. Since the air conditioning support device 4 has a thermal image sensor 41 for detecting the temperature, based on the results obtained by the thermal image sensor 41, the first air conditioner 2a, the second Two air conditioners 2b, a third air conditioner 2c and a fourth air conditioner 2d can be controlled. That is, the air conditioning system 1 can control each of a plurality of air conditioners that do not support installation of a sensor for detecting temperature, based on the results obtained by the sensor.

The air conditioning system 1 communicates with each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d without using an external device such as a personal computer. A space controlled by each air conditioner can be associated. The air conditioning system 1 can monitor the operation statuses of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d without using an external device such as a personal computer. can be analyzed and control decisions can be made. As described above, the operating status includes the temperatures of the rooms in which the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d are installed, and the It includes part or all of the room humidity and the air volume of each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d.

FIG. 9 shows a processor 91 when at least part of the thermal image sensor 41, the support-side communication unit 42, and the processing unit 44 of the air conditioning support device 4 of the air conditioning system 1 according to the embodiment are implemented by the processor 91. It is a figure which shows. That is, at least part of the functions of the thermal image sensor 41 , the supporting communication unit 42 and the processing unit 44 may be implemented by the processor 91 executing programs stored in the memory 92 .

The processor 91 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing device, arithmetic device, microprocessor, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Memory 92 is also shown in FIG.

When at least some of the functions of the thermal image sensor 41, the support-side communication unit 42, and the processing unit 44 are realized by the processor 91, the at least some functions are performed by the processor 91 and software, firmware, or software and firmware It is realized by a combination of Software or firmware is written as a program and stored in memory 92 . The processor 91 implements at least part of the functions of the thermal image sensor 41 , the support communication unit 42 and the processing unit 44 by reading and executing programs stored in the memory 92 .

When at least part of the functions of the thermal image sensor 41, the support-side communication unit 42, and the processing unit 44 are realized by the processor 91, the air conditioning support device 4 includes the thermal image sensor 41, the support-side communication unit 42, and the processing unit 44. has a memory 92 for storing a program resulting in execution of at least some of the steps performed by . It can also be said that the program stored in the memory 92 causes the computer to execute at least part of the thermal image sensor 41 , the support side communication section 42 and the processing section 44 .

The memory 92 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). Alternatively, it may be a volatile semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or the like.

FIG. 10 shows processing when at least a part of the thermal image sensor 41, the support-side communication unit 42, and the processing unit 44 of the air conditioning support device 4 of the air conditioning system 1 according to the embodiment is realized by the processing circuit 93. FIG. 9 shows circuit 93; In other words, at least part of the thermal image sensor 41 , the support communication unit 42 and the processing unit 44 may be realized by the processing circuit 93 .

The processing circuit 93 is dedicated hardware. The processing circuit 93 is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. is.

A part of the thermal image sensor 41, the support side communication part 42, and the processing part 44 may be dedicated hardware separate from the rest.

Some of the multiple functions of the thermal image sensor 41, the support-side communication unit 42, and the processing unit 44 are implemented by software or firmware, and the rest of the multiple functions are implemented by dedicated hardware. good too. In this way, the multiple functions of the thermal image sensor 41, the supporting communication unit 42, and the processing unit 44 can be realized by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

At least a part of the air conditioning side communication unit of each of the first air conditioner 2a, the second air conditioner 2b, the third air conditioner 2c, and the fourth air conditioner 2d is implemented by a processor. may be realized by processing circuitry. That is, at least part of each of the air-conditioning-side communication unit 21a, the air-conditioning-side communication unit 21b, the air-conditioning-side communication unit 21c, and the air-conditioning-side communication unit 21d may be realized by a processor, or may be realized by a processing circuit. may be

The configuration shown in the above embodiment is an example, and can be combined with another known technique, and part of the configuration can be omitted or changed without departing from the scope of the invention. It is possible.

1 Air Conditioning System 2a First Air Conditioner 2b Second Air Conditioner 2c Third Air Conditioner 2d Fourth Air Conditioner 3a First Outdoor Unit 3b Second Outdoor Unit , 3c third outdoor unit 3d fourth outdoor unit 4 air conditioning support device 5 communication network 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d air conditioning side communication unit 41 thermal image sensor 42 support side communication unit 43 storage unit 44 processing unit 91 processor 92 memory 93 processing circuit;

Claims (11)

a plurality of air conditioners installed on walls or ceilings;
An air conditioning support device connected to the plurality of air conditioners on the wall or the ceiling by a communication network,
The air conditioning support device is
a thermal image sensor that detects temperature;
receiving information related to the operating status of some or all of the plurality of air conditioners from some or all of the plurality of air conditioners, and performing air conditioning on some or all of the plurality of air conditioners a support-side communication unit that transmits a command for
a storage unit that stores information obtained by the thermal image sensor and information received by the support communication unit;
a processing unit that generates the command based on information obtained by the thermal image sensor and information received by the support communication unit ;
Each of the plurality of air conditioners has an air conditioning side communication unit that communicates with the support side communication unit,
The support-side communication unit is connected to the plurality of air-conditioning-side communication units via the communication network, and communicates with at least one air-conditioning-side communication unit of the plurality of air conditioners,
The air conditioning support device is installed in one room,
No air conditioning support device other than the air conditioning support device is installed in the room,
The processing unit detects a person based on the heat distribution of the thermal image obtained by the thermal image sensor.
air conditioning system. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit determines which part of the room each of the plurality of air conditioners controls. The air conditioning support device causes one of the plurality of air conditioners to perform a cooling operation,
2. The storage unit stores information that associates an area whose temperature detected by the thermal image sensor is a predetermined cooling reference temperature with the one air conditioner that is performing cooling operation. The air conditioning system according to . the thermal image sensor detects the temperature of the room before the plurality of air conditioners operate;
The air conditioning support device causes one of the plurality of air conditioners to perform a heating operation based on the temperature detected by the thermal image sensor,
2. The storage unit stores information that associates an area whose temperature detected by the thermal image sensor is a predetermined heating reference temperature with the one air conditioner that is performing heating operation. The air conditioning system according to . the thermal image sensor detects the temperature of the room before the plurality of air conditioners operate;
3. The air conditioning support device according to claim 2 , wherein the air conditioning support device determines whether to cause each of the plurality of air conditioners to perform cooling operation or heating operation based on the temperature detected by the thermal image sensor. air conditioning system. The storage unit stores calendar information indicating monthly operation details of the air conditioner,
The air conditioning support device determines whether to cause each of the plurality of air conditioners to perform cooling operation or heating operation based on the calendar information stored in the storage unit and the current month. The air conditioning system according to claim 2 . The air conditioning support device is
After associating the one area where the temperature is detected by the thermal image sensor with the one air conditioner, another one of the plurality of air conditioners and another area in the room When associating with, causing the other one air conditioner to perform another operation from the operation of the one air conditioner,
Every time the air conditioner that is associated with one area in the room among the plurality of air conditioners is changed, the air conditioner that is newly associated is the air conditioner that was last associated. 5. The air conditioning system according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein an operation other than the operation of the air conditioner is performed. The air conditioning system according to claim 2 , wherein the wind direction of each of the plurality of air conditioners is set vertically downward. The air conditioning system according to claim 2 , wherein the air volume of each of the plurality of air conditioners is set to the maximum capacity. After associating the one area whose temperature is detected by the thermal image sensor with the one air conditioner, the air conditioning support device associates another one of the plurality of air conditioners with the 5. The air conditioning system according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the plurality of air conditioners are stopped for a predetermined time before being associated with another area in the room. After associating the one area whose temperature is detected by the thermal image sensor with the one air conditioner, the air conditioning support device associates another one of the plurality of air conditioners with the 5. The air conditioning system according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the plurality of air conditioners are allowed to blow air for a predetermined time before being associated with another area in the room.

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