JP7754471B2 - Air conditioning system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an air conditioning system.

Air conditioning systems that adjust the temperature, humidity, and other aspects of air indoors, such as in stores, are widely used. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional air conditioning system. The air conditioning system disclosed in this document comprises multiple open showcases (refrigerated cases) arranged within the store, multiple air conditioners, and a controller. The controller monitors the operating status of the refrigerated cases. If it is determined based on the operating status of the refrigerated cases that there is a large amount of cold air leaking from the refrigerated cases, the controller controls the operation of the air conditioners to eliminate the drop in temperature near the refrigerated cases.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-304657

Cold air leaking from refrigerated cases tends to stagnate mainly on the floor of a store. On the other hand, condensation can form on areas facing the refrigerated cases, such as the ceiling, depending on the operating conditions of the refrigerated cases and other factors. It is difficult to prevent condensation by controlling the operation of air conditioners based on cold air leaking from the refrigerated cases.

The present invention was conceived in light of the above circumstances, and its objective is to provide an air conditioning system that can reduce condensation on the ceiling.

The air conditioning system provided by the present invention comprises a first measurement unit that measures a first temperature that correlates with the surface temperature of the ceiling, a second measurement unit that measures the temperature and humidity of the air near the ceiling, a blower unit that agitates the air near the ceiling, and a control unit that controls the blower unit based on the first measurement data measured by the first measurement unit and the second measurement data measured by the second measurement unit.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first measurement unit includes a non-contact temperature sensor.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a target object having a facing surface is placed facing the ceiling, and the first measurement unit measures the temperature of the facing surface.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a measurement unit having the first measurement unit, the second measurement unit, and a first communication unit, and a blower unit having the blower unit, the control unit, and a second communication unit that communicates wirelessly with the first communication unit.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of measurement units, each having the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit, and a first communication unit that performs wireless communication using a first protocol and a second protocol; a plurality of air blowing units, each having the air blowing unit and a second communication unit that performs wireless communication with the first communication unit using the second protocol; and a control unit having the control unit and a third communication unit that performs wireless communication with the first communication unit using the first protocol.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of measurement units, each having the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit, and a first communication unit that performs wireless communication using a first protocol and a second protocol; a blower unit having the blower unit and a second communication unit that performs wireless communication using the second protocol with the first communication unit; and a control unit having the control unit and a third communication unit that performs wireless communication using the first protocol with the first communication unit, wherein the blower unit has a drive unit that sets the blowing direction so as to scan the area in which the plurality of measurement units are arranged.

This invention can reduce condensation on ceilings and other surfaces.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic layout diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a graph showing control of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic layout diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic layout diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a look-up table of an air conditioning system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic layout diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a system configuration diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic layout diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a system configuration diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a control unit of an air conditioning system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a sequence diagram of an air conditioning system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a sequence diagram of an air conditioning system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic layout diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an air blower unit of an air conditioning system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a table showing air blowing control of an air conditioning system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a system configuration diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a graph showing control of an air conditioning system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Below, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Terms such as "first," "second," and "third" used in this disclosure are used merely as labels and are not necessarily intended to assign any order to their objects.

First Embodiment
1 to 4 show an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioning system A1 is a system for preventing condensation on a ceiling CL by stirring the air near the ceiling CL through control based on the temperature of the ceiling CL and the open air in a store or other indoor space. The ceiling CL is not limited to a store ceiling CL, but may be a ceiling CL installed in various indoor spaces, such as a warehouse or office. In this embodiment, the area of the ceiling CL where the air conditioning system A1 aims to prevent condensation is an area located directly above a target object 9, such as a refrigerated case. The target object 9 is an object, such as a refrigerated case, located indoors in a store or other indoor space, and may be, for example, an object that is installed relatively close to the ceiling CL or that may affect the temperature and other conditions of the ceiling CL.

As shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioning system A1 of this embodiment includes a first measurement unit 11, a second measurement unit 12, a blower unit 21, a control unit 31, and a power supply unit 41.

[First measuring section 11]
The first measuring unit 11 measures a first temperature that is correlated with the surface temperature of the ceiling CL. The first temperature may be the surface temperature of the ceiling CL itself, or may be a temperature that is correlated with the temperature of the ceiling CL due to exposure to the same atmosphere as the ceiling CL, or may be a temperature that is correlated with the temperature of the ceiling CL due to heat transfer such as radiation or heat transfer occurring between the two.

The specific configuration of the first measurement unit 11 is not limited in any way. The first measurement unit 11 may be any of a variety of conventionally known sensors, such as a contact temperature sensor or a non-contact temperature sensor. Examples of contact temperature sensors include thermocouples and thermistors. Examples of non-contact temperature sensors include radiation temperature sensors that convert thermal radiation, such as infrared rays, into an electrical signal or electromotive force. In the air conditioning system A1, the first measurement unit 11 is preferably installed on the ceiling CL and uses a contact temperature sensor that measures the surface temperature of the ceiling CL as the first measurement temperature. The first measurement unit 11 outputs first measurement data that includes information about the measured first temperature.

[Second measuring section 12]
The second measuring unit 12 measures the temperature and humidity of the air near the ceiling CL. The air near the ceiling CL is air that exists in an area that can be affected by the surface temperature of the ceiling CL and that can stagnate along the ceiling CL.

The specific configuration of the second measurement unit 12 is not limited in any way, and it includes a sensor capable of measuring temperature and humidity. A sensor capable of measuring temperature and humidity may be used, or the second measurement unit 12 may be configured to include both a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. The temperature sensor may be any of the various temperature sensors listed as examples for use in the first measurement unit 11. Examples of humidity sensors include polymer capacitance sensors and polymer resistance sensors, and various conventionally known sensors may be used. The second measurement unit 12 may be installed on the ceiling CL, or at a location a predetermined distance from the ceiling CL, as long as it can measure the temperature and humidity of the air near the ceiling CL. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the second measurement unit 12 is installed at a location away from the ceiling CL. The second measurement unit 12 outputs second measurement data including information on the measured temperature and humidity of the air near the ceiling CL.

[Blower section 21]
The blower 21 agitates the air near the ceiling CL. The specific configuration of the blower 21 is not limited in any way, and for example, the blower 21 generates wind by rotating the blades 211. The blower 21 incorporates a motor (not shown) that drives the blades 211. The motor is capable of changing its rotation speed in response to instructions from the control unit 31. The blower 21 may be installed on the ceiling CL or at a position a predetermined distance away from the ceiling CL, as long as it is capable of agitating the air near the ceiling CL. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the blower 21 is installed at a position away from the ceiling CL.

[Control unit 31]
The control unit 31 receives the first measurement data from the first measurement unit 11 and the second measurement data from the second measurement unit 12, and outputs instructions for controlling the driving of the blower unit 21. The specific configuration of the control unit 31 is not limited in any way, and may include, for example, a CPU, a memory, an A/D converter, a D/A converter, an interface, etc.

For example, the first measurement data and the second measurement data are sent to the blower unit 21 as voltage data. The blower unit 21 converts this voltage data into a digital signal using an A/D converter. The CPU determines the drive conditions for the blower unit 21 based on the first measurement data and the second measurement data, for example, in accordance with control conditions stored in memory. Then, it outputs a control command including the drive conditions (rotation speed, etc.) for the blower unit 21.

The installation location of the control unit 31 is not limited in any way. In the example shown in Figure 1, the control unit 31 is installed on the ceiling CL with the CPU and other components housed in a case. In this example, the second measurement unit 12 and the air blower 21 are attached to the lower part of the control unit 31 in the figure. The first measurement unit 11 and the second measurement unit 12 may be installed outside or inside the case, as long as they are able to perform the functions described above.

[Power supply section 41]
The power supply unit 41 supplies the power necessary for the operation of the first measurement unit 11, the second measurement unit 12, the blower unit 21, the control unit 31, and the control unit 31. The power supply unit 41 has a voltage transformation function and a D/A conversion function for converting, for example, commercial AC power input from an external source into DC power suitable for the operation of the first measurement unit 11, the second measurement unit 12, the blower unit 21, the control unit 31, and the control unit 31. Alternatively, the power supply unit 41 may be formed of a rechargeable battery. In FIG. 1, the power supply unit 41 is, for example, built into the case of the control unit 31, but it may also be a separate structure from the control unit 31.

Next, an example of the operation of air conditioning system A1 will be described below. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of air conditioning system A1, and Figure 4 is a graph showing the operating state.

When the air conditioning control process of air conditioning system A1 begins, first, the control unit 31 receives the second measurement data from the second measurement unit 12. The control unit 31 calculates the dew point temperature of the air near the ceiling CL based on the temperature and humidity contained in the second measurement data (step S1). The dew point temperature may be calculated using a conventionally known formula, or may be obtained from a lookup table that is pre-stored in the memory of the control unit 31 and lists the correspondence between temperature and humidity and dew point temperature.

Next, the control unit 31 receives the first measurement data from the first measurement unit 11. Note that the first measurement data may be received together with the second measurement data before completion of step S1. The control unit 31 acquires the surface temperature of the ceiling CL based on the first temperature included in the first measurement data. The method for acquiring the surface temperature of the ceiling CL based on the first temperature is not limited in any way. When the ceiling CL is directly measured by the first measurement unit 11, as in this embodiment, the first temperature may be the surface temperature of the ceiling CL. Furthermore, the surface temperature may be acquired using a calculation formula, a lookup table, or the like, based on the correlation between the first temperature and the surface temperature of the ceiling CL. Then, the control unit 31 calculates the temperature difference ΔT from the dew point temperature (step S2).

Next, the control unit 31 compares the temperature difference ΔT with the threshold value SL1 (step S3). In this embodiment, the control unit 31 has two threshold values SL1 and SL2, which are stored in advance in memory, for example. As shown in FIG. 4, the threshold value SL2 is greater than the threshold value SL1. If the temperature difference ΔT is smaller than the threshold value SL1 (step S3: Yes), the control unit 31 sends a control command to the air blower unit 21 to drive and control the air blower unit 21 at the first rotation speed R1 (step S4). In the example shown in FIG. 4, the temperature difference ΔT becomes smaller than the threshold value SL1 at time t1, so the rotation speed of the air blower unit 21 increases from 0 to the first rotation speed R1. On the other hand, if the temperature difference ΔT is not smaller than the threshold value SL1 (step S3: No), the control unit 31 maintains the rotation speed of the air blower unit 21 at its current value. In the example shown in FIG. 4, this state occurs before time t1, and the rotation speed is maintained at 0.

Next, the control unit 31 compares the temperature difference ΔT with the threshold value SL2 (step S5). If the temperature difference ΔT is smaller than the threshold value SL2 (step S5: Yes), the control unit 31 sends a control command to the air blower unit 21 to drive and control the air blower unit 21 at the second rotation speed R2 (step S6). The second rotation speed R2 is greater than the first rotation speed R1. In the example shown in FIG. 4, at time t2, the temperature difference ΔT becomes smaller than the threshold value SL2, and the rotation speed of the air blower unit 21 increases from the first rotation speed R1 to the second rotation speed R2. On the other hand, if the temperature difference ΔT is not smaller than the threshold value SL2 (step S3: No), the control unit 31 maintains the rotation speed of the air blower unit 21 at its current value.

The above series of control operations is executed at predetermined intervals using a timer in the CPU of the control unit 31, such as by timer interrupt processing. There are no limitations on the number of thresholds and rotation speeds mentioned above, and they may be three or more. Alternatively, the rotation speed may be configured to change continuously in inverse proportion to the temperature difference ΔT without using a threshold.

Next, we will explain the operation of air conditioning system A1.

According to this embodiment, the surface temperature of the ceiling CL is obtained based on the first temperature (first measurement data) measured by the first measurement unit 11, and the dew-point temperature of the air near the ceiling CL is obtained based on the temperature and humidity (second measurement data) measured by the second measurement unit 12. The air blower 21 is then controlled based on the surface temperature and dew-point temperature. This makes it possible to prevent the surface temperature and dew-point temperature from coinciding, thereby reducing condensation on the ceiling CL.

For example, if a refrigerated case is installed as the target object 9 directly below the ceiling CL in a store, the surface temperature of the ceiling CL is easily affected by radiant heat between the opposing surface 91 of the target object 9 and the floor FL near the target object 9. To maintain the appropriate product condition, the refrigerated case is operated to maintain a constant internal temperature throughout the day. Therefore, the surface temperature of the ceiling CL also fluctuates little over time. Meanwhile, the air temperature inside a store in winter is heated by heating during store hours and gradually drops during store hours. Assuming a constant air humidity, the dew point temperature rises as the air temperature rises, and drops as the air temperature drops. As shown in Figure 4, when the store is still closed, the air temperature inside the store is low, so the dew point temperature is low, and the temperature difference ΔT with the surface temperature of the ceiling CL is sufficiently greater than the thresholds SL1 and SL2. Subsequently, when the store begins preparations for opening and heating operation begins, the air temperature inside the store rises, and the dew point temperature of the air near the ceiling CL gradually rises. Then, at time t1, the temperature difference ΔT reaches the threshold value SL1. If this state is left unchecked, the air near the ceiling CL will be cooled by the ceiling CL, increasing the risk of condensation. The control unit 31 detects this state and controls the air blower 21 to blow air at the first rotation speed R1. This prevents the air near the ceiling CL from stagnating and being cooled by the ceiling CL. Furthermore, at time t2, the dew point temperature rises further due to the heating operation, causing the temperature difference ΔT to reach the threshold value SL2. If this state is left unchecked, the risk of condensation will be even greater than it was at time t1. The control unit 31 detects this state and controls the air blower 21 to blow air at the second rotation speed R2, which is higher than the first rotation speed R1. This prevents the air near the ceiling CL from being cooled by the ceiling CL, even when the dew point temperature has risen. This more reliably reduces condensation on the ceiling CL.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first measurement unit 11 is provided on the ceiling CL (or near the ceiling CL) and measures the surface temperature of the ceiling CL as the first measurement temperature. For this reason, a contact-type temperature sensor such as a thermocouple or thermistor can be used as the first measurement unit 11, which is advantageous in reducing the system configuration costs of the air conditioning system A1.

Figures 5 to 19 show other embodiments of the present invention. In these figures, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the above embodiment.

Second Embodiment
5 shows an air conditioning system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioning system A2 of this embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in the arrangement of the first measuring unit 11, the second measuring unit 12, the blower unit 21, and the control unit 31.

In this embodiment, the first measurement unit 11 is provided at a position away from the ceiling CL. Specifically, the first measurement unit 11 is located between the facing surface 91 of the target object 9 and the ceiling CL. In the illustrated example, the control unit 31 (the case described above) is installed on the facing surface 91 of the target object 9, and the first measurement unit 11 is installed on the top surface of the control unit 31 (case). The second measurement unit 12 and the blower unit 21 are also installed on the top surface of the control unit 31 (case).

In this embodiment, a non-contact temperature sensor such as a radiation temperature sensor is used as the first measurement unit 11. When a non-contact temperature sensor is used as the first measurement unit 11, it is possible to measure the surface temperature of the ceiling CL as the first temperature even if the first measurement unit 11 is installed at a location away from the ceiling CL.

This embodiment also makes it possible to reduce condensation on the ceiling CL. Furthermore, the components of the air conditioning system A2, including the first measurement unit 11, can be placed at a desired location away from the ceiling CL. For example, by placing the air conditioning system A2 on the opposing surface 91 of the target object 9, the air conditioning system A2 becomes less visible to customers in the store compared to when the first measurement unit 11 is placed on the ceiling CL, which has the advantage of making it possible to reduce condensation while improving the layout of the store.

Third Embodiment
6 shows an air conditioning system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioning system A3 of this embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in the arrangement of the first measurement unit 11.

In this embodiment, the first measurement unit 11 is installed on the facing surface 91 of the target object 9. The control unit 31 is also installed on the facing surface 91, and the second measurement unit 12 and the air blower 21 are installed on the top surface of the control unit 31 (case). In this case, a contact-type temperature sensor is used as the first measurement unit 11, and the surface temperature of the facing surface 91 is measured as the first temperature. As described above, due to radiant heat between the ceiling CL and the facing surface 91 of the target object 9, the surface temperature of the ceiling CL is predominantly influenced by the surface temperature of the facing surface 91. For this reason, there is a high correlation between the surface temperature of the ceiling CL and the surface temperature of the facing surface 91. The control unit 31 obtains the surface temperature of the ceiling CL from the first temperature included in the first measurement data output from the first measurement unit 11. There are no particular limitations on the method for determining the surface temperature of the ceiling CL from the first temperature (the surface temperature of the facing surface 91), and calculation formulas, lookup tables, etc. can be used as appropriate.

Figure 7 shows an example of a reference table pre-stored in the memory of the control unit 31. The left column lists the surface temperature of the opposing surface 91, and the right column lists the surface temperature of the ceiling CL corresponding to the surface temperature of the opposing surface 91. This temperature correspondence is obtained in advance, for example, before installing the air conditioning system A3, by measuring the surface temperature of the opposing surface 91 and the surface temperature of the ceiling CL at various times or under various conditions. The temperature correspondence obtained from this pre-measurement is then stored in memory as reference data. In the example shown, if the surface temperature of the opposing surface 91 is 10°C, the surface temperature of the ceiling CL is estimated to be 15°C. Also, if the surface temperature of the opposing surface 91 is 8°C, the surface temperature of the ceiling CL is estimated to be 13°C.

This embodiment also reduces condensation on the ceiling CL. Furthermore, since there is a high correlation between the surface temperature of the ceiling CL and the surface temperature of the opposing surface 91 of the target object 9, it is possible to appropriately estimate the surface temperature of the ceiling CL by measuring the surface temperature of the opposing surface 91 as the first temperature using the first measurement unit 11. Furthermore, by installing the first measurement unit 11 on the opposing surface 91, there is an advantage in that the first measurement unit 11 is less visible to customers in the store than when the first measurement unit 11 is installed on the ceiling CL. Furthermore, since a contact-type temperature sensor can be used as the first measurement unit 11, this is advantageous in reducing the system configuration costs of the air conditioning system A3.

Fourth Embodiment
8 and 9 show an air conditioning system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioning system A4 of this embodiment is composed of a measurement unit MU and an air blower unit FU.

[Measurement unit MU]
As shown in Fig. 8 , the measurement unit MU is installed on the ceiling CL. As shown in Fig. 9 , the measurement unit MU has a first measurement unit 11, a second measurement unit 12, a first control unit 13, a first power supply unit 14, and a first communication unit 18. The first measurement unit 11 and the second measurement unit 12 may have the same configurations as the first measurement unit 11 and the second measurement unit 12 in the above-described embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8 , when the first measurement unit 11 is placed in a position in contact with the ceiling CL within the measurement unit MU, it is preferable to use a contact-type temperature sensor as the first measurement unit 11.

[First control unit 13]
The first control unit 13 controls the operations of the first measurement unit 11, the second measurement unit 12, and the first communication unit 18. The first control unit 13 includes, for example, a CPU, a memory, an A/D converter, a D/A converter, an interface, etc. The first control unit 13 receives the first measurement data from the first measurement unit 11 and the second measurement data from the second measurement unit 12, and issues commands to the first communication unit 18 to perform wireless communication.

[First power supply section 14]
The first power supply unit 14 supplies power for operating the first measuring unit 11, the second measuring unit 12, the first control unit 13, and the first communication unit 18. The first power supply unit 14 has a voltage transformation function and a D/A conversion function for converting, for example, commercial AC power input from an external source into DC power or the like suitable for operating the first measuring unit 11, the second measuring unit 12, the first control unit 13, and the first communication unit 18. Alternatively, the first power supply unit 14 may be formed of a rechargeable battery. In FIG. 8 , the first power supply unit 14 is built into the case described above together with the first control unit 13, etc., but it may also be arranged outside the case.

[First communication unit 18]
The first communication unit 18 is configured to transmit the first measurement data from the first measurement unit 11 and the second measurement data from the second measurement unit 12 via wireless communication. The communication frequency of the wireless communication of the first communication unit 18 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include the 920 MHz band, the 2.4 GHz band, and the 5 GHz band. Specific examples of the communication standard of the wireless communication of the first communication unit 18 are also not particularly limited, and examples thereof include Bluetooth (registered trademark) including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Zigbee (registered trademark), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The wireless communication of the first communication unit 18 is not limited to communication using radio waves, and may also use, for example, infrared communication or optical communication.

[Blower unit FU]
As shown in Fig. 8, the measurement unit MU is installed on the opposing surface 91 of the target object 9. As shown in Fig. 9, the air blowing unit FU has an air blowing section 21, a second control section 23, a second power supply section 24, and a second communication section 28. The air blowing section 21 may have the same configuration as the air blowing section 21 in the above-described embodiment, as appropriate.

[Second control unit 23]
The second control unit 23 controls the operation of the blower unit 21 and the second communication unit 28. The second control unit 23 corresponds to the control unit of the present invention. The second control unit 23 includes, for example, a CPU, a memory, an A/D converter, a D/A converter, and an interface. The second control unit 23 controls the operation of the blower unit 21 based on the first measurement data and the second measurement data received from the measurement unit MU by the second communication unit 28. The second control unit 23 performs operation control similar to the operation control of the blower unit 21 performed by the control unit 31 in the air conditioning system A1 described above.

[Second power supply section 24]
The second power supply unit 24 supplies power for operating the blower unit 21, the second control unit 23, and the second communication unit 28. The second power supply unit 24 has a transformer function and a D/A conversion function for converting, for example, commercial AC power input from an external source into DC power or the like suitable for operating the blower unit 21, the second control unit 23, and the second communication unit 28. Alternatively, the second power supply unit 24 may be formed of a rechargeable battery. In FIG. 8 , the first power supply unit 14 is built into the case described above together with the second control unit 23, etc., but it may also be arranged outside the case.

[Second communication unit 28]
The second communication unit 28 is for receiving the first measurement data and the second measurement data transmitted by wireless communication from the first communication unit 18 of the measurement unit MU. The communication frequency, communication standard, etc. of the wireless communication of the second communication unit 28 are not limited in any way, and the communication frequency, communication standard, etc. of the first communication unit 18 are adopted. Furthermore, like the first communication unit 18, the wireless communication of the second communication unit 28 is not limited to communication using radio waves, and may use, for example, infrared communication or optical communication.

This embodiment also reduces condensation on the ceiling CL. Furthermore, the measurement unit MU does not have an air blower 21. The air blower 21 includes a motor and other components, making it a larger and heavier component than the first measurement unit 11 and second measurement unit 12. This makes it possible to install only the compact and lightweight measurement unit MU on the ceiling CL, minimizing the aesthetic impact of the ceiling CL and reducing the weight burden on the ceiling CL.

The first measurement unit 11, second measurement unit 12, first communication unit 18, etc. may be housed separately in individual cases, with magnets attached to each case. The first measurement unit 11, second measurement unit 12, and first communication unit 18 may be detachably attached to, for example, a metal shelf using these magnets. The individual cases for the first measurement unit 11, second measurement unit 12, and first communication unit 18 do not house the first control unit 13 or first power supply unit 14. This has the advantage that each case is relatively lightweight and can be easily attached to any location. The first measurement unit 11 and second measurement unit 12 may be housed in the same case or in separate cases.

Fifth Embodiment
10 to 12 show an air conditioning system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioning system A5 of this embodiment is composed of a measurement unit MU and a blower unit FU. The air conditioning system A5 includes multiple measurement units MU, multiple blower units FU, and a control unit CU. The measurement unit MU has a similar configuration to the measurement unit MU shown in FIG. 9 , for example, except for the points described below. The blower unit FU has a similar configuration to the blower unit FU shown in FIG. 9 , for example, except for the points described below. In the illustrated example, the number of measurement units MU and the number of blower units FU are the same, and they may be described separately as measurement units MU1, MU2, ... MUn and blower units FU1, FU2, ... FUn.

[Measurement unit MU]
10 , multiple measurement units MU are arranged spaced apart from one another on a ceiling CL, for example. Each measurement unit MU is arranged directly above a plurality of target objects 9. Note that the measurement unit MU may be built into a lighting fixture (not shown) installed on the ceiling CL. Also, the measurement unit MU may be built into a relay device for wireless communication, etc.

[First communication unit 18]
In this embodiment, the first communication unit 18 of the blower unit FU performs wireless communication using a first protocol and a second protocol. The communication frequency of the wireless communication using the first protocol is not particularly limited, and examples include the 920 MHz band, the 2.4 GHz band, and the 5 GHz band. Specific examples of the first protocol are also not particularly limited, and examples include Bluetooth (registered trademark) including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee (registered trademark), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11 , multiple measurement units MU and a control unit CU, each having a first communication unit 18, form a communication network Cn1, which is a mesh network. Since the first protocol is used to transfer various data between multiple blower units FU as described below, a protocol that can build a mesh network while ensuring the transfer speed and reliability required for such data transfer is selected.

The communication frequency of wireless communication using the second protocol is not limited in any way, and examples include the 920 MHz band, the 2.4 GHz band, and the 5 GHz band. Specific examples of the second protocol are also not particularly limited, and examples include Bluetooth (registered trademark) including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Zigbee (registered trademark), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11 , a measurement unit MU having a first communication unit 18 and a corresponding air blower unit FU form a communication network Cn2. The second protocol is used to transfer data with the air blower unit FU, and is selected, for example, as BLE or Wi-Fi. The communication unit performing the communication function using the first protocol and the communication unit performing the communication function using the second protocol may be configured as an integrated unit, or may be separate communication units connected to each other via SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) communication.

[First control unit 13]
The first control unit 13 controls wireless communication using the first protocol and the second protocol by the first communication unit 18. The specific control content will be described later.

[Blower unit FU]
The plurality of air blowing units FU are individually installed on the opposing surfaces 91 of the plurality of target objects 9. That is, the plurality of air blowing units FU are individually arranged directly below the plurality of measurement units MU in correspondence therewith.

[Second communication unit 28]
The second communication unit 28 of this embodiment performs wireless communication using the second protocol with the first communication unit 18 of the corresponding measurement unit MU. The communication frequency, communication standard, etc. of the wireless communication of the second communication unit 28 are not limited in any way, and the communication frequency, communication standard, etc. of the wireless communication using the second protocol of the first communication unit 18 are adopted. Furthermore, like the first communication unit 18, the wireless communication of the second communication unit 28 is not limited to communication using radio waves, and may use, for example, infrared communication or optical communication.

[Second control unit 23]
When the second communication unit 28 receives a control command from the control unit CU via the first communication unit 18 of the measurement unit MU, the second control unit 23 controls the airflow of the air blower 21 in accordance with the control command. The control command is, for example, a command that specifies the rotation speed of the blades 211 of the air blower 21.

[Control unit CU]
The control unit CU receives first and second measurement data from the plurality of blower units FU and transmits control commands determined based on the data to the plurality of blower units FU. Furthermore, if the measurement unit MU is built into a lighting fixture, the control unit CU may perform various controls of the lighting fixture, such as turning it on and off, dimming, and adjusting its color. The location where the control unit CU is installed is not limited, and it may be located, for example, in the back yard of a store. As shown in FIG. 12 , the control unit CU includes a third control unit 33, a third power supply unit 34, and a third communication unit 38.

[Third control unit 33]
The third control unit 33 generates a control command for controlling the airflow of the corresponding air blowing unit FU based on the first measurement data and the second measurement data from the plurality of measurement units MU. The third control unit 33 corresponds to the control unit of the present invention. The specific configuration of the third control unit 33 is not limited in any way, and may include, for example, a CPU, a memory, an A/D converter, a D/A converter, an interface, etc.

In the above example, the third control unit 33 generates a control command to control the airflow of the air blower unit FU, but this is not limiting. For example, the third control unit 33 may store a control command in advance that specifies the rotation speed of the air blower unit FU, etc.

The third power supply unit 34 supplies power for operating the third control unit 33 and the third communication unit 38. The third power supply unit 34 has a voltage transformation function and a D/A conversion function, for example, to convert commercial AC power input from an external source into DC power or the like suitable for operating the third control unit 33 and the third communication unit 38. Alternatively, the third power supply unit 34 may be configured as a rechargeable battery.

[Third communication unit 38]
The third communication unit 38 performs wireless communication using the first protocol with the first communication units 18 of the multiple measurement units MU, and forms a communication network Cn1 together with the first communication units 18 of the multiple measurement units MU. The communication frequency, communication standard, etc. of the wireless communication of the third communication unit 38 are not limited in any way, and the communication frequency, communication standard, etc. of the wireless communication using the first protocol of the first communication unit 18 are adopted.

In this embodiment, the first communication units 18 of the multiple measurement units MU, the second communication units 28 of the multiple air blowing units FU, and the third communication unit 38 of the control unit CU are assigned an identification ID (unique address) that identifies their own device. Data and commands transferred over communication networks Cn1 and Cn2 contain the identification ID. The first communication unit 18, second communication unit 28, and third communication unit 38 use the identification ID to determine whether the data or command is addressed to their own device.

If the control unit CU also performs various controls of the lighting fixtures described above, commands for various controls of the lighting fixtures and statuses indicating the status of the lighting fixtures are sent and received between the control unit CU and the measurement unit MU. For this reason, it is preferable to make the first protocol between the third communication unit 38 of the control unit CU and the first communication unit 18 of the measurement unit MU different from the second protocol between the first communication unit 18 of the measurement unit MU and the second communication unit 28 of the blower unit FU, so that a protocol appropriate for the amount of data transferred can be adopted.

When a command is sent from the first communication unit 18 of the measurement unit MU to the second communication unit 28 of the blower unit FU, the first control unit 13 performs a command conversion process. This process enables commands transferred from the third communication unit 38 of the control unit CU using the first protocol to be sent using the second protocol. Transmission and reception of first measurement data, second measurement data, commands, etc. is performed between the first communication unit 18 of the measurement unit MU and the third communication unit 38 of the control unit CU.

The first communication unit 18 of the measurement unit MU performs processing to acquire the first measurement data and the second measurement data based on commands sent from the third communication unit 38 of the control unit CU. The third communication unit 38 of the control unit CU periodically sends measurement data acquisition commands to each measurement unit MU using timer interrupt processing or the like.

The third communication unit 38 of the control unit CU performs control operations based on the first measurement data and second measurement data obtained from the first communication unit 18 of each measurement unit MU. Specific control operation content is similar to the control operations described with reference to, for example, Figures 3 and 4. That is, the control unit CU sends an airflow control command instructing the rotation speed to each airflow unit FU. The airflow control command is transferred between the multiple measurement units MU via wireless communication using the first protocol. Of the multiple measurement units MU, the one whose identification ID in the airflow control command corresponds to its own device converts the airflow control command into data that can be transmitted using the second protocol and transmits it to the corresponding airflow unit FU.

The second communication unit 28 of the blower unit FU controls the motor of the blade unit 211 to drive, for example, at the first rotation speed R1 or the second rotation speed R2 in response to the received blower control command.

In the air conditioning system A5 described above, an example was shown in which the third communication unit 38 and the first communication unit 18, and the first communication unit 18 and the second communication unit 28 each send and receive data via wireless communication, but instead, they may be connected to each other via a wire, allowing wired communication.

Next, an example of the operation of air conditioning system A5 will be described below with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Figures 13 and 14 are sequence diagrams showing an example of the operation of air conditioning system A5.

First, the control unit CU transmits a data request command via wireless communication (communication network Cn1) based on the first protocol (step S11). The measurement unit MU (MU1) that receives the data request command transfers the data request command to the next measurement unit MU (MU2...MUn) (step S12). In this example, the measurement unit MU1 is the measurement unit MU installed closest to the control unit CU.

The measurement unit MU also performs measurements using the first measurement unit 11 and the second measurement unit 12, and transmits measurement data including the first measurement data and the second measurement data to the control unit CU via the communication network Cn1 (step S13). Each measurement unit MU sequentially transfers a data request command and transmits the measurement data. Because such transfer of data request commands occurs over a relatively short distance, a wireless communication method with a short reach, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), can be used as the first protocol.

When the measurement unit MUn receives the transferred data request command, the measurement unit MUn transmits the measurement data (step S14). The measurement data from the measurement unit MUn is transferred between multiple measurement units MU over the communication network Cn1, and is then transmitted from the measurement unit MU1 to the control unit CU (step S15).

The control unit CU receives measurement data from multiple measurement units MU and performs the determination process of steps S1 to S6 in Figure 3 based on the first measurement data and second measurement data for each measurement unit MU. It then sends an air blow control command Dt to the air blower units FU that are determined to require air blow control (step S3: Yes, step S5: Yes). Figure 14 shows the case where it is determined that air blower units FU1 and FUn require air blow control.

The control unit CU transmits an air blowing control command Dt to the air blowing unit FU1 (step S16). MU1 recognizes that the identification ID included in this air blowing control command Dt indicates that the command is addressed to the air blowing unit FU1. The measurement unit MU1 then converts the air blowing control command Dt into an air blowing control command Du that can be transmitted via wireless communication (communication network Cn2) using the second protocol, and transfers the air blowing control command Du to the air blowing unit FU1 (step S17). Having received the air blowing control command Du, the air blowing unit FU1 controls the motor rotation speed of the blades 211 of the air blowing section 21 based on the air blowing control command Du (step S18).

The control unit CU also transmits an airflow control command Et to the airflow unit FUn (step S19). MU1 recognizes the ID included in this airflow control command Et and forwards it to the next measurement unit MU (step S20). When the measurement unit MUn receives the airflow control command Et, it recognizes that the ID included in the airflow control command Et indicates that the command is addressed to the airflow unit FUn. The measurement unit MUc then converts the airflow control command Et into an airflow control command Eu that can be transmitted via wireless communication (communication network Cn2) using the second protocol, and forwards the airflow control command Eu to the airflow unit FUn (step S21). The airflow unit FUn, which has received the airflow control command Eu, controls the motor rotation speed of the blades 211 of the airflow section 21 based on the airflow control command Eu (step S22).

This embodiment also makes it possible to reduce condensation on the ceiling CL. Furthermore, based on measurement data from multiple measurement units MU placed apart from one another on the ceiling CL, it is possible to individually control the blowing operation of each of the blower units FU installed individually on multiple target objects 9 using a single control unit CU. This makes it possible to prevent condensation over a wider area of the ceiling CL in, for example, a large store.

Sixth Embodiment
15 and 16 show an air conditioning system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioning system A6 of this embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in that a plurality of measurement units MU constitute a measurement unit group MUG and in the configuration of the air blower unit FU.

Air conditioning system A6 has multiple measurement unit groups MUG, each consisting of multiple measurement units MU. Figure 15 shows one of the multiple measurement unit groups MUG. This measurement unit group MUG is made up of multiple measurement units MU1, MU2, and MU3. The multiple measurement units MU1, MU2, and MU3 are installed at positions separated from each other on the ceiling CL. A target object 9 is installed directly below each measurement unit MU.

[Measuring Unit Group MUG]
The measurement unit MU has the same configuration as the system configuration diagram shown in Fig. 9. The first communication unit 18 of each measurement unit MU is assigned an identification ID (unique address) for identifying the device itself. A group table for identifying measurement units MU belonging to the same measurement unit group MUG is stored in the memory provided in the third control unit 33 of the control unit CU. Specifically, the group table pairs a group number, which is a number for identifying a measurement unit group MUG, with the identification ID of a measurement unit MU belonging to the same group number.

[Blower unit FU]
In this embodiment, one air blower unit FU is provided for each measurement unit group MUG. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , the air blower unit FU includes a blower section 21, a second control section 23, a second power supply section 24, and a second communication section 28. The air blower section 21 includes a blade section 211 and a drive section 212. The blade section 211 includes an impeller or the like that generates airflow and a motor that rotates the impeller or the like. The drive section 212 sets the air blowing direction of the blade section 211. In this embodiment, the drive section 212 sets the air blowing direction of the blade section 211 so that the air from the blade section 211 scans the area of the measurement unit group MUG. The specific configuration of the drive section 212 is not limited in any way, and it may be configured to oscillate the blade section 211 by including, for example, a drive source such as a motor and a drive mechanism such as gears.

The measurement data acquisition flow in the air conditioning system A6 is similar to steps S11 to S15 in Figure 13. The air flow control process is similar to the process shown in Figure 3, for example, and is sent from the control unit CU to each measurement unit group MUG according to the command transmission flow shown in Figure 14.

For example, in the measurement unit group MUG shown in FIG. 15, if only the measurement data of measurement unit MU1 indicates a risk of condensation, the control unit CU sends an airflow control command to this measurement unit group MUG, and this airflow control command is forwarded to the airflow unit FU. By controlling the blade section 211 and drive section 212, the airflow unit FU may selectively blow air toward the location where measurement unit MU1 is installed, or may constantly oscillate to blow air across the entire measurement unit group MUG. Depending on the configuration settings and air volume selection, the airflow unit FU can blow air to a location approximately 5 to 10 meters away. This allows it to blow air toward measurement units MU installed in relatively distant locations.

Figure 17 shows a reference table used when selectively controlling airflow toward a measurement unit MU where condensation is likely to occur. The driver 212 of the air blower 21 is configured to be able to change the airflow direction from the air blower unit FU to one of three directions (angles): upward (0° angle), upper left (60° angle), or upper right (-60° angle). Each air blower unit FU controls the airflow direction to be set in one of these directions according to an airflow control command from the control unit CU.

In this control mode, the airflow control command may include a wind direction command that specifies the airflow direction. As shown in FIG. 17, the wind direction command is set to, for example, 00, 01, 02, etc., with each value corresponding to an upward direction (angle 0°), an upper left direction (angle 60°), and an upper right direction (angle -60°).

This embodiment also makes it possible to reduce condensation on the ceiling CL. Furthermore, by installing one air blower unit FU for one measurement unit group MUG made up of multiple measurement units MU, it is possible to reduce condensation on the ceiling CL in the area where the measurement unit group MUG is installed. Therefore, the number of air blower units FU can be reduced, making it possible to achieve more efficient measures against condensation.

Furthermore, as in the example described above, if there is a high risk of condensation occurring only in measurement unit MU1 of the multiple measurement units MU included in the measurement unit group MUG, condensation can be prevented by blowing air for a shorter period of time by controlling the air blowing unit FU to blow air only toward measurement unit MU1. Note that, as long as air is properly blown from the air blowing unit FU toward the measurement unit group MUG, the air blowing section 21 of the air blowing unit FU may be configured without the drive section 212.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17, the control unit CU sends a wind direction command, and the drive unit 212 is set so that the air blowing unit FU blows air in a direction corresponding to the wind direction command, making it easier to control the selective blowing of air toward multiple measurement units MU.

Seventh Embodiment
17 shows an air conditioning system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioning system A7 of this embodiment further includes an air conditioner 81 in addition to the configuration of the air conditioning system A5 shown in FIG.

The air conditioner 81 is used to set the temperature and humidity of the air inside the store to values that are comfortable for customers. Multiple air conditioners 81 may be installed in the same store. The air conditioner 81 is connected to the control unit CU via wired or wireless communication. The air conditioner 81 transmits data such as the operation ON/OFF status, operation mode (cooling, heating, etc.), and operation intensity to the control unit CU.

Figure 19 shows an example of temperature changes over a day in a store in which air conditioning system A7 is installed. Time t1 is store opening time, and time t3 is store closing time. The surface temperature of the ceiling CL is almost constant because the refrigerated cases are operated continuously day and night. Furthermore, humidity inside the store does not fluctuate significantly because ventilation is not performed frequently. On the other hand, the temperature inside the store is significantly affected by the operating status of the air conditioner 81. In other words, because the air conditioner 81 operates only during business hours (only times t1 to t3), the temperature changes significantly between business hours and other times. Specifically, there is a large change in temperature between time t1, immediately after opening time, and time t3, immediately after closing time.

The control unit CU acquires operating information from the air conditioner 81 and determines whether the period is one in which the temperature change in the store is large or small. For example, the measurement time intervals by the measurement unit MU are set shorter for the period P1, which is a predetermined time from time t1 when the air conditioner 81 starts operating (until time t3), and for the period P3, which is a predetermined time from time t3 when the store stops operating due to closing time (until time t4), than for the period P2, which is from time t2 to time t3, or the period from time t4 to time t1 the next day.

Based on the acquired operating information of the air conditioner 81, the control unit CU sets the transmission interval for data request commands to a predetermined time during periods P1 and P3. For example, during period P1, the control unit CU transmits data request commands at 5-minute intervals. On the other hand, during period P2, the control unit CU transmits data request commands at 30-minute intervals.

The lengths of periods P1 and P3 may be the same or different. During period P1, which occurs after operation starts, the temperature is forced to rise or fall due to the cooling and heating capabilities of the air conditioner 81, so the air temperature changes in a relatively short time. In contrast, during period P3, which occurs after operation stops, the temperature changes relatively slowly due to heat conduction from walls, etc. Therefore, it is desirable to make period P3 after operation stops longer than period P1 after operation starts, and to make the interval between sending data request commands relatively longer.

This embodiment also reduces condensation on the ceiling CL. Furthermore, by frequently measuring temperature during periods P1 and P2 when there are large temperature changes, and lengthening the measurement interval during periods P2 and other times when there are small temperature changes, it is possible to reduce the amount of data sent and received within the network.

Note that while an example has been described in which the control unit CU obtains operating information for the air conditioner 81 from the air conditioner 81, this is not limiting. For example, since store schedules such as opening and closing times are generally known, these times may be stored in the control unit CU, and the above-mentioned control may be performed according to the time.

The air conditioning system according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The specific configuration of each part of the air conditioning system according to the present invention can be freely designed and modified in various ways.

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7: air conditioning system 11: first measurement unit 12: second measurement unit 13: first control unit 14: first power supply unit 18: first communication unit 21: air blower unit 23: second control unit 24: second power supply unit 28: second communication unit 31: control unit 33: third control unit 34: third power supply unit 38: third communication unit 41: power supply unit 81: air conditioner 9: target object 91: opposing surface 211: blade unit 212: drive unit CL: ceiling CU: control unit Cn1: communication network Cn2: communication networks Dt, Du, Et, Eu: air blowing control command FL: floor FU, FU1, FU2, FUn, MU: measurement unit MUG : Measurement unit group MU1, MUc, MUn: Measurement units P1, P2, P3: Period R1: First rotation number R2: Second rotation number S1, S11, S12, S13, S14, S15, S16, S17, S18, S19, S2, S20, S21, S22, S3, S4, S5, S6: Steps SL1, SL2: Threshold value ΔT: Temperature difference

Claims (4)

a first measurement unit that measures a first temperature that is correlated with a surface temperature of the ceiling;
a second measuring unit that measures the temperature and humidity of the air near the ceiling;
A blower that mixes the air near the ceiling;
a control unit that controls the blower unit based on first measurement data measured by the first measurement unit and second measurement data measured by the second measurement unit;
Equipped with
a plurality of measurement units each including the first measurement unit, the second measurement unit, and a first communication unit that performs wireless communication using a first protocol and a second protocol;
a blower unit including the blower unit and a second communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the first communication unit using the second protocol;
a control unit having the control unit and a third communication unit that performs wireless communication with the first communication unit using the first protocol,
The air blowing unit has a driving unit that sets the air blowing direction so as to scan the area in which the plurality of measurement units are arranged. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the control unit calculates the dew point temperature of the air near the ceiling based on the first measurement data and the second measurement data, determines the temperature difference between the dew point temperature and the first measurement data, and controls the rotation speed of the blower motor of the blower unit based on the temperature difference. The air conditioning system according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit performs control in accordance with a result of comparing the temperature difference with a predetermined threshold value. The air conditioning system according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit controls the rotation speed of the blower motor so as to be inversely proportional to the temperature difference.