AU2018311770A1

AU2018311770A1 - Sensor unit and air conditioner

Info

Publication number: AU2018311770A1
Application number: AU2018311770A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Kousuke TSUBOI; Tetsuya Yamashita
Original assignee: Daikin Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Daikin Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2017-07-31
Filing date: 2018-07-19
Publication date: 2020-03-05
Also published as: CN110945375A; CN110945375B; WO2019026638A1

Abstract

This sensor unit (1) comprises a radar (40), a substrate (41) on which the radar (40) is mounted, a cover member (12) that covers the radar (40) and the substrate (41), and an attachment member (13) for attaching the substrate (41) to the cover member (12) such that a transmission/reception surface (40a) of the radar (40) is set apart from the cover member (12) across a prescribed gap.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE OF INVENTION: SENSOR UNIT AND AIR CONDITIONER

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001]

The present invention relates to a sensor unit and an air conditioner.

BACKGROUND ART [0002]

A conventional sensor unit includes a casing and a Doppler sensor disposed such that a sensor surface is spaced at a predetermined interval from the casing (see Patent Literature 1) . In this sensor unit, the distance between the casing and the sensor surface of the Doppler sensor is determined so as to reduce the influence of a reflected wave emitted from the Doppler sensor and reflected by the casing on the detection accuracy of the Doppler sensor.

[0003]

A conventional air conditioner includes an indoor unit which incorporates a Doppler sensor that detects biological information (see, for example, WO 2016/181546 Al (Patent Literature 2)). [0004]

The air conditioner includes a controller that controls the Doppler sensor, and transmits biological information detected by the Doppler sensor to the outside through a communication interface connected to the controller. As a result, detection information of the Doppler sensor can be used outside.

CITATION LIST

PATENT LITERATURE [0005]

Patent Literature 1: JP 2002-286833 A

Patent Literature 2: WO 2016/181546 Al

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEMS [0006]

In the conventional sensor unit described above, a structure for attaching the Doppler sensor to the casing is not sufficientlyconsidered. Therefore, in the conventional sensor unit described above, the distance between the casing and the sensor surface of the Doppler sensor may fluctuate due to vibration or the like, and detection accuracy of the Doppler sensor may lower.

[0007]

The conventional air conditioner described above has the problem that when the controller of the indoor unit fails, the conventional air conditioner cannot transmit detection information of the Doppler sensor to the outside.

[0008]

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sensor unit including a radar as a sensor, capable of preventing detection accuracy of the radar from lowering.

[0009]

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can transmit detection information of a radar to the outside even if an control unit of an indoor unit fails . SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS [0010]

A sensor unit according to an aspect of the present invention includes a radar, a board on which the radar is mounted, a cover member that covers the radar and the board, and an attachment member that is configured to attach the board to the cover member such that a transmission and reception surface of the radar is disposed so as to be spaced at a predetermined interval from the cover member.

[0011]

According to the sensor unit configured as described above, the board on which the radar is mounted is attached to the cover member with the attachment member such that the transmission and reception surface of the radar is disposed so as to be spaced at the predetermined interval from the cover member. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the radar can be prevented from lowering by keeping the predetermined interval between the radar and the cover member to an optimal distance.

[0012]

In one embodiment, the transmission and reception surface of the radar and a portion of the cover member facing the radar are parallel to each other.

[0013]

In the above embodiment, since a radio wave emitted from the transmission and reception surface of the radar enters the cover member perpendicularly, it is possible to prevent the radio wave from being refracted by the cover member and to prevent the propagation direction of the radio wave from being disturbed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the detection accuracy of the radar from lowering due to the cover member.

[0014]

In one embodiment, the sensor unit includes a detection range widening portion that widens a detection range of the radar.

[0015]

In the above embodiment, since the detection range widening portion widens the detection range of the radar, an object to be detected in a wide range can be detected.

[0016]

In one embodiment, the detection range widening portion is provided in the cover member.

[0017]

In the above embodiment, since the detection range widening portion (for example, a diffraction grating) is provided in the cover member, the attachment member can maintain the relative position between the detection range widening portion and the transmission and reception surface of the radar. Therefore, since the positional relationship between the transmission and reception surface of the radar and the detection range widening portion is prevented from being disturbed and the propagation direction of the radio wave is prevented from being disturbed, a desired detection range can be obtained.

[0018]

An air conditioner according to an aspect of the present invention includes an indoor unit that includes an indoor control unit, and a sensor unit that is connected to the indoor control unit, in which the sensor unit includes a radar that is configured to detect biological information, a radar control unit that controls the radar, and a wireless communication unit that is controlled by the radar control unit and wirelessly transmits a signal representing the biological information detected by the radar.

[0019]

Here, examples of the biological information detected by the radar include biological information such as a heartbeat, respiration, or body movement of a human body.

[0020]

The air conditioner configured as described above includes the radar control unit that controls the radar. The radar control unit is provided separately from the indoor control unit that controls the indoor unit. The radar control unit controls the wireless communication unit so that the wireless communication unit wirelessly transmits the signal representing the biological information detected by the radar. Therefore, even if the indoor control unit of the indoor unit fails, the radar control unit can control the radar, and the wireless communication unit can wirelessly transmit detection information of the radar to the outside .

[0021]

In addition, the air conditioner according to one embodiment includes a communication status indicator that displays a communication status of the wireless communication unit of the sensor unit.

[0022]

According to the above embodiment, since the communication status indicator displays the communication status of the wireless communication unit of the sensor unit, a user can visually recognize the communication status and convenience is improved. [0023]

The air conditioner according to one embodiment includes a detection status indicator that displays a detection status of the radar of the sensor unit.

[0024]

According to the above embodiment, since the detection status indicator displays the detection status of the radar of the sensor unit, a user can visually recognize the detection status of the radar and convenience is improved. For example, in a case where the sensor unit is separate from the indoor unit, it is possible to direct the radar in an optimal direction while checking the detection status of the radar displayed on the detection status indicator when the sensor unit is installed.

[0025]

In addition, in the air conditioner according to one embodiment, the sensor unit is separate from the indoor unit.

[0026]

According to the above embodiment, by separating the sensor unit on which the radar is mounted from the indoor unit, the radar is not affected by vibration caused by rotation of a fan or louver operation of the indoor unit. Therefore, detection accuracy of the radar can be further improved as compared to a case where an indoor unit incorporates a radar. By controlling operation of the indoor unit on the basis of accurate biological information detected by the radar mounted on the sensor unit separate from the indoor unit, optimal air conditioning control is possible.

Furthermore, since the sensor unit is separate from the indoor unit, the degree of freedom of installation is widened, and the sensor unit can be installed such that the detection direction of the radar having a relatively narrow detection range is directed to the optimal direction.

[0027]

In addition, in the air conditioner according to one embodiment, the indoor unit and the sensor unit are connected by wiring, and the indoor control unit of the indoor unit and the radar control unit of the sensor unit communicate with each other through the wiring.

[0028]

According to the above embodiment, the indoor unit and the sensor unit are connected via the wiring, and the indoor control unit of the indoor unit and the radar control unit of the sensor unit communicate with each other through the wiring. Therefore, since responsiveness is further improved as compared a case in wireless communication or the like. In addition, since it is only necessary to connect the wiring at the time of installation, there is no troublesome connection setting for wireless communication or the like.

[0029]

In the air conditioner according to one embodiment, the sensor unit is supplied with power from the indoor unit through a power source line included in the wiring.

[0030]

According to the above embodiment, by supplying power from the indoor unit to the sensor unit through the power source line included in the wiring, it is not necessary to prepare a power source outlet for the sensor unit.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION [0031]

As is clear from the above, according to the sensor unit of the present invention, the board on which the radar is mounted is attached to the cover member with the attachment member such that the transmission and reception surface of the radar is disposed so as to be spaced at a predetermined interval from the cover member. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the radar can be prevented from lowering.

[0032]

The air conditioner according to the present invention includes the radar control unit that controls the radar provided separately from the indoor control unit that controls the indoor unit, and the radar control unit controls the wireless communication unit so that the wireless communication unit wirelessly transmits a signal representing a physical quantity detected by the radar. Therefore, the air conditioner can be provided capable of transmitting detection information of the radar to the outside even if the control unit of the indoor unit fails .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0033]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sensor unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sensor unit.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cover member.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the sensor unit.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG.

.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a Doppler sensor and a sensor mounting board.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the sensor unit.

FIG. 8 is a view of a sensor unit according to a second embodiment, similar to FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is an external view of an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the air conditioner.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a sensor unit of the air conditioner.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the sensor unit of the air conditioner in a state where a conical casing is removed.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the sensor unit of the air conditioner.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an air conditioner according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0034]

Hereinafter, a sensor unit and an air conditioner according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] [First embodiment]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sensor unit 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sensor unit 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0036]

With reference to FIG. 1, the sensor unit 1 includes a unit body 10, a fixed support 2 0 which supports the unit body 10, and a truncated cone-shaped installation portion 3 0 to which the lower end of the fixed support 20 is fixed.

[0037]

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the unit body 10 includes a conical casing 11 and a cover member 12 which covers the front of the casing 11.

[0038]

With reference to FIG. 2, the sensor unit 1 further includes a Doppler sensor (Doppler radar which is an example of a radar)

40, a sensor mounting board (board) 41, a control board 50, an indicator 51, an operation unit 52, and a wireless module 53 . The sensor unit 1 accommodates, in an internal space covered by the casing 11 and the cover member 12, the Doppler sensor 40, the sensor mounting board 41, the control board 50, the indicator 51, the operation unit 52, and the wireless module 53.

[0039]

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cover member 12, and FIG. 4 is a front view of the sensor unit 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 4.

[0040]

With reference to FIG. 3 , the cover member 12 has a disk shape and is made of a material that transmits a radio wave, such as polycarbonate or ABS resin. Four studs (attachment members) 13 are erected on one surface 12a of the cover member 12. With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the cover member 12 is attached to the casing 11 so as to cover the Doppler sensor 40 and the sensor mounting board 41.

[0041]

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, the fixed support 2 0 includes a universal joint 21 incorporating a harness and provided at the upper end thereof. The universal joint 21 is fixed to the casing 11 with a metal fitting, not illustrated. The universal joint 21 is an example of a mechanism that can change the detection range of the Doppler sensor 40.

[0042]

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, the installation portion 30 includes a truncated cone-shaped bottom cover 31 which has an open bottom, and a bottom plate 32 which covers the bottom cover

31. A hole into which the lower end of the fixed support 20 can be inserted is formed in the bottom cover 31. The fixed support 20 is fitted into the hole and fixed to the bottom cover 31. The sensor unit 1 is installed on a wall or a pillar at the installation portion 30.

[0043]

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the Doppler sensor 40 and the sensor mounting board 41.

[0044]

With reference to FIG. 6, the Doppler sensor 40 includes a flat plate-shaped sensor surface (transmission and reception surface) 40a. On the sensor surface 40a, a transmitting antenna (not illustrated) for transmitting a radio wave and a receiving antenna (not illustrated) for receiving a radio wave are provided. The frequency of the radio wave (transmitted radio wave) transmitted from the transmitting antenna is a frequency in the microwave band.

[0045]

The Doppler sensor 40 is disposed on the center of the sensor mounting board 41. The sensor mounting board 41 is electrically connected to the Doppler sensor 40 with a plurality of connector terminals 42 . Through holes 43 are provided at four corners of the sensor mounting board 41. By inserting a screw, not illustrated, through the through hole 43 and screwing the screw with the stud 13 of the cover member 12, the sensor mounting board 41 is attached to the cover member 12. With reference to FIG. 5, the sensor mounting board 41 is attached to the cover member 12 such that the sensor surface 4 0a of the Doppler sensor 4 0 is disposed so as to be spaced at a predetermined interval from the cover member

12. The sensor surface 40a of the Doppler sensor 40 and a portion of the cover member 12 facing the Doppler sensor 40 are parallel to each other.

[0046]

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, the indicator 51, the operation unit 52, and the wireless module 53 are mounted on the control board 50. The control board 50 is connected to the sensor mounting board 41 by wiring 60. The control board 50 is connected to an external device 62 such as a power source or an indoor unit of an air conditioner by a wire harness 61 inserted through the fixed support 20. The control board 50 is attached to the casing 11 with a metal fitting, not illustrated.

[0047]

FIG. 7 is a top view of the sensor unit 1.

[0048]

The indicator 51 is an LED light guide body that guides light emitted from an LED mounted on the front surface of the control board 50 to the outside, and displays various information such as the detection status of the Doppler sensor 40 and the communication status of the wireless module 53. With reference to FIGS. 4 and 7, the indicator 51 is partially inserted into an opening provided in the upper part of the casing 11, and can be visually recognized from the outside of the casing 11.

[0049]

The operation unit 52 is a push button switch which enables the sensor unit 1 or the wireless module 53 to be activated and deactivated. With reference to FIGS. 4 and 7, the operation unit 52 is partially inserted into an opening provided in the upper part of the casing 11, and can be operated from the outside of the casing

11.

[0050]

With reference to FIG. 5, the wireless module 53 is mounted on the control board 50, and is electrically connected to the control board 50 by a connector terminal. The wireless module 53 transmits sensor information detected by the Doppler sensor 4 0 to a management server, not illustrated, or the like. Examples of the sensor information include biological information such as a heartbeat, respiration, or body movement of a human body.

[0051]

According to the sensor unit 1 configured as described above, the sensor mounting board 41 on which the Doppler sensor 40 is mounted is attached to the cover member 12 with the studs 13 such that the sensor surface 40a of the Doppler sensor 40 is disposed so as to be spaced at a predetermined interval from the cover member

12. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the Doppler sensor 40 can be prevented from lowering by keeping the predetermined interval between the Doppler sensor 4 0 and the cover member 12 to an optimal distance. Here, the optimal distance corresponds the distance between the sensor surface 40a of the Doppler sensor 40 and the cover member 12 in a state where the detection accuracy is good, and is determined depending on the material and thickness of the cover member 12 and the frequency of the transmitted radio wave .

[0052]

In the above embodiment, since a radio wave emitted from the sensor surface 4 0a of the Doppler sensor 4 0 enters the cover member 12 perpendicularly, it is possible to prevent the radio wave from being refracted by the cover member 12 and to prevent the propagation direction of the radio wave from being disturbed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the detection accuracy of the Doppler sensor 40 from lowering due to the cover member 12.

[0053] [Second embodiment]

A sensor unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention has a configuration identical to that of the sensor unit according to the first embodiment except for a cover member 12. FIG. 8 is a view of the sensor unit according to the second embodiment, similar to FIG. 4. In FIG. 8, components identical to those in FIGS. 1 to 7 are denoted by identical reference signs.

[0054]

With reference to FIG. 8, the cover member 12 of the sensor unit according to the second embodiment is provided with a detection range widening portion 70 that widens the detection range of the Doppler sensor 40. The detection range widening portion 70 is a deflecting element such as a diffraction grating or a prism. [0055]

In the above embodiment, since the detection range widening portion 70 widens the detection range of the Doppler sensor 40, an object to be detected in a wide range can be detected.

[0056]

In the above embodiment, since the detection range widening portion 70 (for example, a diffraction grating) is provided in the cover member 12, the stud 13 can maintain the relative position between the detection range widening portion 70 and the sensor surface 40a of the Doppler sensor 40. Therefore, since the positional relationship between the sensor surface 40a of the Doppler sensor 40 and the detection range widening portion 70 is prevented from being disturbed and the propagation direction of a radio wave is prevented from being disturbed, a desired detection range can be obtained.

[0057] [Third embodiment]

A sensor unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention has a configuration identical to that of the sensor unit according to the first embodiment except that the sensor unit according to the third embodiment includes a single member having the function of the sensor mounting board 41 and the function of the control board 50 according to the first embodiment, and will be described with reference to FIG. 1. Specifically, the sensor unit according to the third embodiment includes a board on which the Doppler sensor 40 is mounted and attached to the stud 13 of the cover member 12. The board includes the operation unit 52, the indicator 51, and the wireless module 53. .

[0058]

The third embodiment exhibits operational effects identical to those of the first embodiment.

[0059]

The present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred first to third embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to a specific embodiment, and various changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

[0060]

For example, in each of the first to third embodiments, the stud 13 is provided integrally with the cover member 12 . However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a stud 13 and a cover member 12 may be separate.

[0061]

In each of the first to third embodiments, the frequency of the transmitted radio wave of the Doppler sensor 4 0 is the frequency in the microwave band. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the frequency of the transmitted radio wave of the Doppler sensor 40 may be a frequency in the millimeter-wave band.

[0062]

In each of the first to third embodiments, for example, the Doppler sensor 40 may be a frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FM-CW) Doppler radar or another type of Doppler radar.

[0063]

In each of the first to third embodiments, the Doppler radar is used as an example of the radar; however, for example, another radar may be used. Here, examples of the other radar include a pulse radar, a continuous wave (CW) radar, and a FM-CW radar.

[0064] [Fourth embodiment]

[0065]

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment includes an indoor unit 100, a sensor unit 200 separate from the indoor unit 100, and an outdoor unit, not illustrated, connected to the indoor unit 100.

[0066]

The indoor unit 100 is installed on the upper side of a wall surface 1001 in a room, and is connected to an outlet 1002 provided on the identical wall surface 1001 through a power source cable 1010 .

[0067]

The sensor unit 200 is installed at a location lower than the indoor unit 100 on the wall surface 1001. The sensor unit 200 is connected to the indoor unit 100 through a cable 1020 . The cable 1020 is an example of wiring. Note that the sensor unit 200 is not necessarily installed on the wall surface, and for example, may be installed on the ceiling.

[0068]

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the air conditioner. In FIG.

10, components identical to those in FIG. 9 are denoted by identical reference signs.

[0069]

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the indoor unit 100 includes a power source unit 1101 and an indoor control unit 1102 which controls a fan (not illustrated) and the like.

[0070]

The sensor unit 200 includes a Doppler sensor 1201 as an example of a radar, a sensor control unit 1202 which controls the Doppler sensor 1201, and a wireless communication unit 1203. The sensor control unit 1202 transmits a control signal for controlling operation of the indoor unit 100 according to biological information detected by the Doppler sensor 1201. The sensor control unit 1202 is an example of a radar control unit.

[0071]

The wireless communication unit 1203 uses WiFi (registered trademark), which is a wireless LAN standard, as an example of a communication standard, and communicates with a personal digital assistant (for example, a smartphone) , a server, or the like via a wireless adapter, not illustrated. Note that another communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used in lieu of WiFi. For example, the wireless communication unit 1203 may directly communicate with a personal digital assistant.

[0072]

A frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FM-CW) Doppler radar is used as the Doppler sensor 1201.

[0073]

The Doppler sensor 1201 emits a frequency-modulated microwave (or millimeter wave) to a human body. When the distance between the human body and the Doppler sensor 1201 changes, the reflected wave reflected by the human body changes due to the Doppler effect. The Doppler sensor 1201 receives the reflected wave from the human body and the sensor control unit 1202 processes the signal of the received reflected wave . As a result, biological information such as a heartbeat, respiration, or body movement of the human body is detected.

[0074]

The cable 1020 connecting the indoor unit 100 and the sensor unit 200 includes a signal line 1020a and a power source line 1020b. The sensor control unit 1202 is connected to the indoor control unit 1102 through the signal line 1020a. The sensor unit 200 is supplied with power from the power source unit 1101 of the indoor unit 100 through the power source line 1020b.

[0075]

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the sensor unit 200.

[0076]

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the sensor unit 200 includes a unit body 1210, a fixed support 1220 which supports the unit body 1210, and a truncated cone-shaped installation portion 1230 to which the lower end of the fixed support 1220 is fixed.

[0077]

The unit body 1210 includes a conical casing 1211 and a cover member 1212 which covers the front of the casing 1211.

[0078]

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the sensor unit 200 in a state where the conical casing 1211 is removed. In FIG. 12, components identical to those in FIG. 11 are denoted by identical reference signs.

[0079]

As illustrated in FIG. 12, a universal joint 1221 incorporating a harness is provided at the upper end of the fixed support 1220. The universal joint 1221 is fixed to the casing 1211 with a metal fitting, not illustrated. The universal joint 1221 is an example of a mechanism that can change the detection range of the Doppler sensor 1201.

[0080]

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the sensor unit 200. In FIG. 13, components identical to those in FIGS. 11 and 12 are denoted by identical reference signs.

[0081]

As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, a sensor mounting board 1214 on which the Doppler sensor 1201 is mounted is fixed to the cover member 1212 through four studs 1213 (only one of them is illustrated in FIG. 13) erected on the back side of the cover member 1212. A unit control board 1215 is fixed to a metal fitting, not illustrated. The unit control board 1215 includes the sensor control unit 12 02 (illustrated in FIG. 10) . The sensor mounting board 1214 and the unit control board 1215 are connected through wiring (not illustrated).

[0082]

A wireless module which is the wireless communication unit 1203 is mounted on the back side of the unit control board 1215.

[0083]

A push button switch 1218 and a light guide 1217 are mounted on the upper side on the front surface of the unit control board 1215. The light guide 1217 guides light emitted from light-emitting diodes LED1, LED2 mounted on the front surface of the unit control board 1215 to the outside.

[0084]

The light guide 1217 includes a communication status indicator 1217a that is lit by light emitted from the light-emitting diode LED1, and a detection status indicator 1217b that is lit by light emitted from the light-emitting diode LED2 . The communication status indicator 1217a displays the communication status of the wireless communication unit 1203, and the detection status indicator 1217b displays the detection status of the Doppler sensor 1201. The communication status indicator 1217a and the detection status indicator 1217b of the light guide 1217 are inserted into openings provided in the upper part of the casing 1211, and can be visually recognized from outside. [0085]

Activation and deactivation of the sensor unit 200 and the wireless communication unit 1203 are set by using the push button switch 1218. The push button switch 1218 is partially inserted into an opening provided in the upper part of the casing 1211 and can be operated from outside.

[0086]

The installation portion 1230 includes a truncated cone-shaped bottom cover 1203a that has an open bottom, and a bottom plate 1203b that covers the bottom cover 1203a. The cable 1020 (illustrated in FIG. 9) is inserted through the fixed support 1220 via the installation portion 1230, and a front end of the cable 1020 is connected to the unit control board 1215 through the universal joint 1221.

[0087]

The air conditioner having the above configuration includes the sensor control unit 1202 which controls the Doppler sensor 1201 and is provided separately from the indoor control unit 1102 that controls the indoor unit 100. The sensor control unit 1202 controls the wireless communication unit 1203, and a signal representing biological information detected by the Doppler sensor 1201 is wirelessly transmitted. Therefore, even if the indoor control unit 1102 of the indoor unit 100 fails, the sensor control unit 1202 can control the Doppler sensor 1201, and the wireless communication unit 1203 can wirelessly transmit the detection information of the Doppler sensor 1201 to the outside.

[0088]

The communication status indicator 1217a displays the communication status of the wireless communication unit 1203 of the sensor unit 200. Therefore, a user can visually recognize the communication status. Accordingly, convenience is improved. Here, for example, the communication status indicator 1217a blinks or changes the color thereof to indicate the communication status (on or off of communication, radio wave intensity, communication speed, connection mode, or the like) of the wireless communication unit 1203.

[0089]

The detection status indicator 1217b displays the detection status of the Doppler sensor 1201 of the sensor unit 2 0 0 . Therefore, the user can visually recognize the detection status of the Doppler sensor 1201. Accordingly, convenience is improved. For example, in a case where the sensor unit 200 is separate from the indoor unit 100, it is possible to direct the Doppler sensor 1201 in an optimal direction while checking the detection status of the Doppler sensor 1201 displayed on the detection status indicator 1217b when the sensor unit 200 is installed. Here, for example, the detection status indicator 1217b blinks or changes the color thereof to indicate the detection status of the Doppler sensor 1201.

[0090]

Note that in this embodiment, the detection status indicator 1217b and the detection status indicator 1217b are lit by the light-emitting diodes LED1, LED2; however, the detection status indicator and the detection status indicator are not limited to them, and for example, a liquid crystal display element may be used.

[0091]

The sensor unit 200 on which the Doppler sensor 1201 is mounted is separated from the indoor unit 100. Accordingly, the Doppler sensor 12 01 is not affected by vibration caused by rotation of the fan (not illustrated) of the indoor unit 100 or operation of the louver (not illustrated) of the indoor unit 100. Therefore, detection accuracy of the Doppler sensor 1201 can be further improved as compared to a case where an indoor unit 10 0 incorporates a Doppler sensor.

[0092]

By causing the sensor control unit 1202 (transmission unit) to transmit a control signal according to accurate biological information detected by the Doppler sensor 1201 mounted on the sensor unit 200 separate from the indoor unit 100, operation of the indoor unit 100 is controlled. Accordingly, optimal air conditioning control is possible.

[0093]

Furthermore, since the sensor unit 200 is separate from the indoor unit 100, the degree of freedom of installation is widened. Therefore, the sensor unit 200 can be installed such that the detection direction of the Doppler sensor 1201 having a relatively narrow detection range is directed to the optimal direction.

[0094]

The indoor unit 100 and the sensor unit 200 are connected through the cable 1020 (wiring) , and the indoor control unit 1102 of the indoor unit 100 and the sensor control unit 1202 of the sensor unit 200 communicate with each other through the signal line 1020a included in the cable 1020 (wiring). Therefore, responsiveness is further improved as compared a case in wireless communication or the like. In addition, since it is only necessary to connect the cable 1020 at the time of installation, there is no troublesome connection setting for wireless communication or the like.

[0095]

By supplying power from the indoor unit 100 to the sensor unit 200 through the power source line 1020b included in the cable 102 0 (wiring) , it is not necessary to prepare a power source outlet for the sensor unit 200.

[0096]

In the sensor unit 200, the universal joint 1221 supports the unit body 1210 on which the Doppler sensor 1201 is mounted such that the unit body 1210 can rotate. Therefore, the detection direction of the Doppler sensor 1201 can be directed in a more optimal direction.

[0097]

In the fourth embodiment, the FM-CW Doppler sensor 1201 is used as an example of the radar. However, the radar is not limited to this. For example, a pulse radar, a continuous wave (CW) radar, a FM-CW radar, or another Doppler radar except for a FM-CW Doppler radar may be used.

[0098] [Fifth embodiment]

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an air conditioner according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioner according to the fifth embodiment has a configuration identical to that of the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment except that a sensor unit 4 00 is mounted in an indoor unit 300, and components identical to those in the fourth embodiment are denoted by identical reference signs.

[0099]

As illustrated in FIG. 14, in the air conditioner according to the fifth embodiment, the indoor unit 300 includes the power source unit 1101, the indoor control unit 1102 which controls a fan (not illustrated) and the like, and incorporates the sensor unit 400. This sensor unit 400 includes the Doppler sensor 1201, the sensor control unit 1202 which controls the Doppler sensor 1201, and the wireless communication unit 12 03 . The sensor control unit 1202 transmits a control signal for controlling operation of the indoor unit 100 according to biological information detected by the Doppler sensor 1201.

[0100]

The indoor unit 300 includes a communication status indicator (not illustrated) which displays the communication status of the wireless communication unit 12 03 of the sensor unit 400, and a detection status indicator (not illustrated) which displays the detection status of the Doppler sensor 1201 of the sensor unit 400.

[0101]

The air conditioner according to the fifth embodiment has effects similar to those of the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment.

[0102] [Sixth embodiment]

A sensor unit of an air conditioner according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention has a configuration identical to that of the sensor unit 200 according to the fourth embodiment except for an image sensor, and will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13.

[0103]

The sensor unit of the air conditioner according to the sixth embodiment includes the Doppler sensor 1201, the sensor control unit 1202, and an image sensor. The sensor control unit 1202 controls the Doppler sensor 1201 and the image sensor.

[0104]

The air conditioner having the above configuration includes the image sensor that detects a physical quantity different from a physical quantity detected by the Doppler sensor 1201 (biological information such as a heartbeat, respiration, or body movement of a human body) . Therefore, each of the Doppler sensor 1201 and the image sensor makes up for shortcomings of the other, and therefore it is possible to accurately determine the situation inside the room.

[0105]

Unlike the Doppler sensor 1201, the image sensor can detect the number of people in the room or identify an individual by using face recognition or the like according to a captured image. [0106]

However, the image sensor has a lower detection capability (or cannot detect) an object in the dark, or cannot detect an object if there is a shield. In contrast, the Doppler sensor 1201 can detect biological information such as a heartbeat, respiration, or body movement of a human body even in the dark, and can detect the biological information even if there is a shield as long as the shield is made of a material that transmits a microwave (or a millimeter wave).

[0107] [Seventh embodiment]

An air conditioner according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention has a configuration identical to that of the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment except for an image sensor and a pyroelectric sensor of a sensor unit, and will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13.

[0108]

The air conditioner according to the seventh embodiment includes the image sensor and the pyroelectric sensor that detect physical quantities different from the physical quantity detected by the Doppler sensor 1201 (biological information such as a heartbeat, respiration, or body movement of a human body). Therefore, each of the Doppler sensor 1201, the image sensor, and the pyroelectric sensor makes up for shortcomings of the others, and therefore it is possible to accurately determine the situation in the room.

[0109]

A pyroelectric sensor which is an example of an infrared sensor can detect a change in a wider range of infrared light than the Doppler sensor 1201 and the image sensor do.

[0110]

In each of the fourth, sixth, and seventh embodiments, the air conditioner in which the indoor unit 100 and the sensor unit 200 are connected by the cable 1020 has been described. However, for example, the present invention may be applied to an air conditioner in which an indoor unit and a sensor unit are wirelessly connected.

[0111]

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to the first to seventh embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, an appropriate combination of the contents described in the first to seventh embodiments may be used as one embodiment of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST [0112]

I Sensor unit

Unit body

II Casing

Cover member

Stud (Attachment member)

Fixed support

Universal joint

Installation portion

Bottom cover

Bottom plate

Doppler sensor (Radar)

40a Sensor surface (Transmission and reception surface)

Sensor mounting board

Connector terminal

Through hole

Control board

Indicator

Operation unit

Wireless module

Wiring

Wire harness

External device

Detection range widening portion

100, 300

Indoor unit

200, 400 Sensor unit

1001 Wall surface

1002 Outlet

1010 Power source cable

1020 Cable

1020a Signal line

1020b Power source line

1101 Power source unit

1102 Indoor control unit

1201 Doppler sensor (Radar)

1202 Sensor control unit (Radar control unit)

1203 Wireless communication unit

1210 Unit body

1211 Casing

1212 Cover member

1213 Stud

1214 Sensor mounting board

1215 Unit control board

1217 Light guide

1217a Communication status indicator

1217b Detection status indicator

1218 Push button switch

1220 Fixed support

1221 Universal joint

1230 Installation portion

LED1, LED2 Light-emitting diode

Claims

1. A sensor unit (1) comprising:

a radar (40);

a board (41) on which the radar (40) is mounted;

a cover member (12) that covers the radar (40) and the board (41); and an attachment member (13) that is configured to attach the board (41) to the cover member (12) such that a transmission and reception surface (40a) of the radar (40) is disposed so as to be spaced at a predetermined interval from the cover member (12).

2. The sensor unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein the transmission and reception surface (40a) of the radar (4 0) and a portion of the cover member (12) facing the radar (40) are parallel to each other.

3. The sensor unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2 further comprising a detection range widening portion (70) that widens a detection range of the radar (40).

4. The sensor unit (1) according to claim 3, wherein the detection range widening portion (70) is provided in the cover member (12).

5. An air conditioner comprising:

an indoor unit (100, 300) that includes an indoor control unit (1102); and a sensor unit (200, 400) that is connected to the indoor control unit (1102), wherein the sensor unit (200, 400) includes a radar (1201) that is configured to detect biological information, a radar control unit (1202) that controls the radar (1201), and a wireless communication unit (1203) that is controlled by the radar control unit (1202) and wirelessly transmits a signal representing the biological information detected by the radar (1201).

6 . The air conditioner according to claim 5 further comprising a communication status indicator (1217a) that displays a communication status of the wireless communication unit (1203) of the sensor unit (200, 400).

7. The air conditioner according to claim 5 or 6 further comprising a detection status indicator (1217b) that displays a detection status of the radar (12 01) of the sensor unit (200, 400) .

8. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the sensor unit (200) is separate from the indoor unit (100).

9. The air conditioner according to claim 8, wherein the indoor unit (100) and the sensor unit (200) are connected by wiring (1020), and the indoor control unit (1102) of the indoor unit (100) and the radar control unit (1202) of the sensor unit (200) communicate with each other through the wiring (1020).

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the sensor unit (200) is supplied with power from the indoor unit (100) through a power source line (1020b) included in the wiring (1020).