JP2004037344A - Timer and air conditioner comprising the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air conditioner in which a troublesome operation for setting a timer operation is eliminated, and a comfortable air-conditioned space is provided by a simple operation. <P>SOLUTION: A control part of an indoor unit or a remote controller is provided with a clock function. The time data about user's arbitrary operation of an operation stop switch to operate or stop the air conditioner is stored. The time during which the air conditioner is operated or stopped is stored as an operation time zone data. Thus, an automatic timer operation which is based on the time data for operation of the operation stop switch by the user is realized. Since the stored time data can be updated with user's operation of the operation stop switch and is stored, the troublesome operation for setting a timer operation is eliminated, for realizing a comfortable air-conditioned space with a simple operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an air conditioner having a clock function and capable of performing a timer operation based on time setting.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the conventional air conditioner, in addition to the operation start and operation stop functions for the user to arbitrarily start and stop the operation, a clock is provided to at least one control unit of the indoor unit of the air conditioner or the remote controller. A timer operation for automatically starting and stopping the operation of the air conditioner has been provided with a function.
[0003]
When the timer operation means is performed, the user sets the current time and the operation start time data or the stop time data for operating the air conditioner in any of the control units in advance by the user. Had to be kept.
[0004]
This setting will be described from the setting of the current time. For example, when setting with the remote control, first, an operation switch arranged on the remote control is operated to set the function of the remote control to the current time setting mode. And operate the operation switch of the function of increasing or decreasing the numerical value arranged on the remote controller, displaying the time data in accordance with the current time, and operating the operation switch again. By releasing the setting mode of the current time, the displayed time data is stored as the current time, and the setting of the time data of the current time is completed.
[0005]
Once the setting of the current time is completed, once the setting is completed, the current time is counted by the clock function built in the remote controller, so that the set time data and the actual time are used. There was no need to modify the settings unless there was a significant shift.
[0006]
Next, by operating an operation switch provided on the remote controller, the function of the remote controller is changed to a setting mode in which the timer operation of the air conditioner is performed. By operating an operation switch of a function for increasing or decreasing the set numerical value, at least one of time data of operation start or time data of stop is set, and the timer operation means by the remote control is set. Is performed, and the mode is returned to the normal mode function in which normal remote control can be performed.
[0007]
Then, by operating an operation switch provided on the remote controller to execute the timer operation means of the air conditioner to set the timer operation mode, the air conditioner is started at the time of the operation or the operation is started. At the time of the stop, the automatic operation by the timer operation for starting and stopping the operation has been executable.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in recent years, in the indoor unit, of course, the number of operation switches provided on the remote controller is in a decreasing direction. Depending on how one operation switch is operated, such as pressing, pressing multiple times, or simultaneously pressing with another operation switch, the functions of the operation switch are multi-functionalized so that it looks refreshing. However, unless complicated operations are performed, it becomes impossible to set the time data of the operation start of the timer operation means or the time data of the operation stop of the timer operation means. This has given a feeling of annoyance of operation, and improvement has been desired.
[0009]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that eliminates the troublesome operation of setting the timer operation means and realizes a comfortable air-conditioned space with a simple operation.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An invention according to claim 1 is a timer device having a clock function for automatically starting and stopping operation of a device based on time data of an operation start time and an operation end time. A timer operation means for automatically starting and stopping the operation of the device based on time data of the time when the device was started and stopped by manually operating the device. is there.
[0011]
The invention according to claim 2 is the device according to claim 1, wherein the user manually operates the operation stop switch to start and stop operation of the device, and time data of the device. Is stored in the control unit of the timer device.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the setting operation of turning on / off the timer operation of the timer operation means is enabled at least from the time when the current time is input to the clock function. It is characterized by the following.
[0013]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioner having a timer function that has a clock function and can automatically start and stop the operation, a user operates a stop switch to operate the air conditioner. A first timer operating means for automatically starting and stopping the operation based on the time data of the time when the operation was started and stopped is provided.
[0014]
The invention according to claim 5 is the vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the user manually operates the operation stop switch to start and stop the operation of the device, and the time data of the air and the air. The time period in which the harmony device was operated is stored in the control unit of the air conditioning device.
[0015]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the operation by the first timer operating means is started by the user by operating the operation stop switch. It is characterized in that the data is started a predetermined time before.
[0016]
The invention according to claim 7 is the vehicle according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, in addition to the first timer operation means, the user determines in advance an operation start time and an operation end time. A second timer operating means for setting respective time data and automatically starting and stopping the operation is provided.
[0017]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the one of the fourth to seventh aspects, the operation during the first timer operation and the operation during the second timer operation are different from each other. It is characterized by being notified by a notifying means such as display.
[0018]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the one of the fourth to eighth aspects, the execution operation of the first timer operation unit and the execution operation of the second timer operation unit are respectively different switches, Alternatively, the timer operation means is executed by any of different execution operations, and the other timer operation means is not executed while any one of the timer operation means is being executed.
[0019]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the air conditioner according to any one of the fourth to ninth aspects, wherein the first timer operating means and the second timer operating means include an indoor radiator of the air conditioner, or And a control unit built in any one of the remote controllers.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0021]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a timer device having a built-in automatic timer operation unit (hereinafter, referred to as a first timer operation unit) according to the present invention provided as an example in a hot water circulation type floor heater 100 of an air conditioner. is there.
[0022]
The hot water circulating floor heater 100 connects a heat source device 1 installed outdoors and an indoor radiator 2 arranged on the indoor floor surface with an incoming pipe 3 through which hot water flows and a return pipe 4. It is composed.
[0023]
The heat source device 1 includes a burner 13 that burns fuel such as gas, a heat exchange pipe 10 that collects heat of the burner 13 to generate hot water, and a circulation pump 11 that circulates the hot water to the indoor radiator 2. A hot water valve 12 for shutting off the circulation of the hot water is connected by a pipe and contained therein.
[0024]
Further, a heat source controller 14 for controlling the operation of the burner 13 and the circulation pump 11 and communicating with the radiator controller 21 is built in.
[0025]
Further, the indoor radiator 2 has a built-in heat radiating pipe 20, and the radiator control unit 21 has a display operating unit and a control unit mounted on the indoor wall surface, and has a built-in clock function to control the indoor temperature. An indoor temperature sensor 22 to be detected is provided, and is connected to the heat source controller 14 incorporated in the heat source 1 via the communication wiring 5.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 2, when the front door 23 of the radiator control unit 21 is opened, a display unit 30 such as a liquid crystal and an operation unit 31 provided with a plurality of push button switches are provided on the surface. The control unit 50 includes a room temperature sensor 22, a clock function, a storage device, and timer operation means.
[0027]
Here, a description will be given of a timer operation means (hereinafter, referred to as a second timer operation means) for setting and starting the operation start time and the operation end time so far. First, the current time adjustment switch 40 is operated. Then, the radiator control unit 21 is set to the current time setting mode, and the plus (+) switch 41 and the minus (-) switch 42 are operated to set the current time.
[0028]
Then, the time setting switch 43 is operated to complete the input setting of the current time.
[0029]
Next, the on / off switch 44 is operated to set the on / off time setting mode of the second timer operating means, and the plus (+) switch 41 and the minus (-) switch 42 are operated to provide the hot water circulation type floor. The desired operation start time of the heater 100 is adjusted, and the time determination switch 43 is operated to complete the input setting of the operation start time.
[0030]
As for the input setting of the operation end time, the cutoff time setting switch 45 is operated to set the cutoff time setting mode of the second timer operating means, and the same operation as described above is performed to complete the input setting.
[0031]
The radiator control unit 21 is provided with two second timer operation means, timer 1 and timer 2, for setting and starting the operation start time and the operation end time in advance. The operation can be started and ended twice a day by the second timer operating means.
[0032]
The input setting of the on time and the off time of the timer 1 and the timer 2 is distinguished by whether or not the on time setting switch 44 and the off time setting switch 45 are operated for about 2 seconds or more. ing.
[0033]
In order to set the operation start time and the operation end time in advance and execute the second timer operation means to execute the operation, the second timer operation means is operated by operating the timer on / off switch 46 for the second timer operation means. Is executed, and when the second timer operating means is executed, the displays of the timer 1 and the timer 2 on the display unit 30 are turned on.
[0034]
Then, when the second timer operation means is executed, the control unit 50 incorporated in the radiator control unit 21 sets the current time set as the operation start time or the operation end time. When it is determined that the operation start time has come, the operation of the hot water circulating floor heater 100 is started, and it is determined that the operation end time has come. In this case, the operation of the hot water circulating floor heater 100 is controlled to end.
[0035]
On the other hand, based on the time data of the time when the user of the present invention operates the operation stop switch to start and stop the operation of the hot water circulating floor heater 100, the operation is automatically started and stopped based on the time data. In the first timer operating means, the current time setting switch 40 is first operated to set the radiator control unit 21 to the current time setting mode, and the plus (+) switch 41 and the minus ( -) The current time is adjusted by operating the switch 42, and the time setting switch 43 is operated to complete the input setting of the current time.
[0036]
Next, by operating the timer on / off switch 47 for the first timer operation means of the automatic timer operation, the first timer operation means is executed, and the first timer operation means is executed. Then, the display of the timer 1 and the timer 2 on the display unit 30 blinks.
[0037]
In this way, by making the display on the display unit 30 different between the first timer operating means and the second timer operating means, the user can determine which timer operating means is executed at a glance. You can check if you are.
[0038]
Here, the operation of the timer on / off switch 47 for the first timer operation means does not become effective until the input setting of the current time is completed. The reason is that until the input setting of the current time is completed, the time data of the current time is unknown time data, so that if the time data remains as the unknown time data, If the operation of the timer on / off switch 47 for the first timer operation means is enabled in spite of the state, the first timer operation means uses the time when the user operates the operation stop switch 49. Since the time data is stored in a storage device (not shown) of the control unit 50, the time data is stored as the unknown time data, and the time data of the current time is input and set later. This is because the operation start and operation stop at the operation time desired by the user are not performed.
[0039]
Then, when the timer on / off switch 47 for the first timer operation means is operated to execute the first timer operation means, first, from this time, the time when the user operates the operation stop switch 49 is started. The time data and the operating time zone data of the main-circulation-type floor heater 100 are stored in the storage device.
[0040]
As a method of storing the time data, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, while the first timer operating means is being executed, the user operates the operation stop switch 49 so that the hot water circulating floor can be operated. First, the time data at which the heater 100 was operated is stored in the storage device.
[0041]
Further, the time period during which the hot water circulating floor heater 100 is operated is defined as operating (1), and the time period during which the heater is stopped is defined as stopping (0), and the operating time period data is stored. Regarding the storage data of the operation time zone data, the operation state is confirmed and stored every 10 minutes, for example, because of the memory capacity of the storage device.
[0042]
For example, at the start of the operation of the main hot water circulating floor heater 100 at 7:00 in the morning shown in FIG. 3, first, the user operates the operation stop switch 49 to operate the main hot water circulating floor heater 100. The time data of the time thus performed is stored as the operation start time in the storage device of the control unit 50, and the operation time zone data is stored as the operation (1) every 10 minutes.
[0043]
In addition, at the end of the operation of the main hot water circulating floor heater 100 at 9:30 in the morning, the time data of the time when the user operates the operation stop switch 49 to stop the main hot water circulating floor heater 100. Is stored in the storage device as the operation end time, and the operation time zone data is stored as stopped (0) every 10 minutes.
[0044]
Further, time data for 24 hours from the time when the first timer operation means timer on / off switch 47 is operated, and operation time zone data of the hot water circulating floor heater 100 are stored. After the time data for the 24 hours is stored, each time the operation stop switch 49 is operated, the stored time data and the operation time zone data are updated. I have.
[0045]
In addition, the user operates the operation stop switch 49, and the operation start and operation end time data and operation time zone data stored in the storage device are reset to the first timer operation means time data reset. By operating the switch 48, the data is erased.
[0046]
Then, if the operation of the timer on / off switch 47 for the first timer operating means is not performed and the first timer operating means is kept being executed, the time data stored in the storage device, and 24 hours ago, the user operates the operation stop switch 49 to start the operation of the hot water circulation floor heater 100 according to the operation time zone data and the clock function for counting the current time. The operation is performed at the time when the operation is stopped.
[0047]
However, in the automatic operation start of the main water circulation type floor heater 100 by the first timer operation means, the user operates the operation stop switch 49 to start the operation of the hot water circulation type floor heater 100. For example, control is performed such that the operation is started 30 minutes before the time data of the specified time.
[0048]
It is assumed that the time at which the user starts using the room in which the hot water circulating floor heater 100 is laid is the time of the time data stored in the storage device. This is because it takes time until the room can be heated to some extent after the vessel 100 starts operating.
[0049]
In addition, when the automatic operation of the main water circulation type floor heater 100 is started by the first timer operating means, the time data to be stored in the storage device is the time when the user operates the operation stop switch 49. The reason why the time data 30 minutes before the data is not used is that, for example, when the stopped time period between the previously operated driving time period and the driving time period to be operated later is extremely short, the memory is stored. It is possible that the time data of the operation end time of the previous operation to be stored in the device and the operation start time of the subsequent operation may fluctuate, or in the case of a short stop time, the operation in the future, The controllability of the first timer operating means, such as controlling the subsequent operation as a continuous operation, and if the time data is used by another control means, the control means can easily use the time data. It is to keep and stored as data.
[0050]
In addition, at the time of the automatic operation termination of the main hot water circulation type floor heater 100 by the first timer operation means, the operation termination is performed by the time data stored in the storage device.
[0051]
In this way, the user operates the operation stop switch 49 to store the time data of the time when the hot water circulating floor heater 100 is started and stopped, so that the automatic operation is performed based on the time data. Operation start and operation stop can be performed.
[0052]
When the operation of the timer on / off switch 47 for the first timer operating means is performed and the execution of the first timer operating means is canceled, the first timer operating means is interrupted, and The stored time data and operation time zone data are kept stored, and the timer on / off switch 47 for the first timer operation means is operated again, and the first timer operation means is restarted. The operation is performed based on the time data and the operation time zone data stored in the storage device.
[0053]
By the way, as described above, during execution of the first timer operation means, the time data and the operation time zone data continue even after storing time data for 24 hours, and the user's It is assumed that the operation is updated by operating the operation stop switch 49.
[0054]
For example, when the user operates the operation stop switch 49 and the time data of the operation start time and the operation end time of the first timer operation means is stored as shown in FIG. If the operation stop switch 49 is operated and the operation is started at 6:00 in the morning, the operation started at 6:00 in the morning is stored in the storage device as time data of a new operation start time. At the same time, the operation time zone data is stored during the operation (1).
[0055]
Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the time data of 7:00 in the morning of the operation start time stored in the storage device shown in FIG. 3 is obtained when the current time becomes 7:00 in the morning. Before the time data of 7:00 in the morning, it is confirmed that the operation time zone data is in operation (1), and is erased as the time data during operation of the main water circulation type floor heater 100. You.
[0056]
Similarly, when the user operates the operation stop switch 49 at 9:00 in the morning to terminate the operation of the main water circulation type floor heater 100, the time data of 9:00 in the morning is newly added. In addition to storing the operation end time in the storage device, the operation time zone data is stored as stopped (0), and the operation end time data at 9:30 in the morning shown in FIG. 3 is deleted.
[0057]
In this way, by storing the operation start time data, the operation stop data, and the operation time zone data in the storage device of the control unit 50, the user operates the operation stop switch 49. Then, the time data and the driving time zone data stored in the storage device can be updated.
[0058]
In the present embodiment, the radiator control unit 21 to be mounted on the wall is described as including the automatic timer operation means of the present invention. However, the radiator control unit 21 may operate the air conditioner by circulating a refrigerant, for example. For example, when the control unit of the indoor unit is separated into a control unit such as a wireless remote controller that performs remote control, such as an air conditioner that performs the remote control, it is preferable to provide the wireless remote control in terms of operability. Although it is convenient, in consideration of the case where the wireless remote controller is lost or placed in a place where the transmission radio wave does not reach, it is preferable to provide the wireless remote controller in the control unit of the indoor unit.
[0059]
In addition, although the description has been given by taking the hot water circulating floor heater 100 as one example of the air conditioner as an example, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and a device that includes a timer operation unit and automatically starts and stops operation Alternatively, the automatic operation may be performed by providing the automatic timer operation means of the present invention.
[0060]
Further, any device that allows the timer operation means to start and end the operation regardless of day and night, using the above-described data of 24 hours ago as the data of 12 hours ago to execute the timer operation means It does not matter.
[0061]
For example, by providing the first timer operation means such as a rice cooker, rice cooking is automatically performed in synchronization with breakfast from 7:00 in the morning and dinner from 7:00 in the evening without setting a troublesome timer. It is also possible to make it.
[0062]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the timer operation is performed by providing the clock function and performing the automatic operation performed by the timer operation based on the time data of the operation start and the stop by the user operating the operation stop button. The trouble of setting can be eliminated.
[0063]
Furthermore, by starting the operation in the timer operation a predetermined time before the time data of the operation start, air conditioning can be performed at a time desired by the user, so that comfortable air conditioning can be performed by simple operation. It is possible to gain space.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a warm water circulation type floor heater incorporating an automatic timer operating means according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a radiator control unit including an automatic timer operation unit according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a time chart showing operation start and operation end time data and operation time zone data stored according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a time chart showing the update of the stored operation start and operation end time data and operation time zone data.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Heat source device 2 Indoor radiator 3 Outgoing pipe 4 Return pipe 5 Communication wiring 10 Heat exchange pipe 11 Circulation pump 12 Hot water valve 13 Burner 14 Heat source device control unit 20 Heat radiating pipe 21 Radiator control unit 22 Indoor temperature sensor 23 Front door 40 Current Time adjustment switch 41 Plus (+) switch 42 Minus (-) switch 43 Time determination switch 44 On time adjustment switch 45 Off time adjustment switch 46 Timer on / off switch 47 for second timer operation means 47 Timer on for first timer operation means / Off switch 48 time data reset switch 49 for first timer operation means operation stop switch 50 control unit 100 air conditioner

Claims (10)

A timer device having a clock function, which automatically starts and stops the operation of the device based on time data of the operation start time and the operation end time,
Timer operation means for automatically starting and stopping the device based on the time data of the time when the user started and stopped the device by manually operating the operation stop switch. A timer device characterized by the above-mentioned. The user manually operated the operation stop switch to start and stop the operation of the device, and time data of the time when the device was operated and the time period during which the device was operated were stored in the control unit of the timer device. The timer device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The timer device according to claim 1, wherein a setting operation of turning on / off the timer operation of the timer operation unit is enabled at least from a time point when a current time is input to the clock function. 4. In an air conditioner equipped with a timer function that has a clock function and can automatically start and stop operation,
A first timer operating means for automatically starting and stopping the operation based on the time data at the time when the user operates the stop switch to start and stop the operation of the air conditioner. An air conditioner provided with a timer device. The time data of the time when the user manually starts and stops the operation of the device by manually operating the operation stop switch, and the time period during which the air conditioner is operating is transmitted to the control unit of the air conditioning device. An air conditioner comprising the timer device according to claim 4, wherein the timer device is stored. The operation of the first timer operation means is started a predetermined time before the time data when the user operates the operation stop switch to start the operation. An air conditioner comprising the timer device according to claim 5. In addition to the first timer operation means, the user sets in advance time data of an operation start time and an operation end time, and performs a second operation to automatically start and stop the operation. An air conditioner provided with a timer device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising timer operation means. 8. The device according to claim 4, wherein the operation during the first timer operation and the operation during the second timer operation are notified by notification means such as different displays. 9. Air conditioner equipped with a timer device. The execution operation of the first timer operation means and the execution operation of the second timer operation means may be timer operation means executed by different switches or different execution operations, respectively. The air conditioner provided with a timer device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the other timer operation means is not executed while the operation means is being executed. 5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein the first timer operation unit and the second timer operation unit are provided in a control unit incorporated in either an indoor radiator of the air conditioner or a remote controller. An air conditioner comprising the timer device according to any one of claims 9 to 10.

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