JP2015025616A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air conditioner capable of easily making setting as to whether to receive a remote operation depending on a user using the air conditioner in a configuration in which a hand operation and the remote operation can be received.SOLUTION: An air conditioner according to an embodiment includes: a control unit 20 (operation receiving means) that can receive a hand operation by a remote controller (hand operation means) for operating an indoor unit 2 and a remote operation by a portable terminal 6 (remote control means) or the like for operating the indoor unit 2 indoors or outdoors; a communication adapter 5 (communication means) communicably connecting the indoor unit 2 to the portable terminal 6 so as to be able to receive the remote operation; and an operation switch 15 (operation switch, setting means) for making setting as to whether to use the remote operation. The operation switch 15 is provided on the indoor unit 2 in a state in which a user can operate the operation switch 15.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an air conditioner.

  In recent years, for example, home appliances such as air conditioners have been proposed that can be operated from a remote location (hereinafter referred to as a remote operation) in addition to an operation by a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a local operation). (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-51376 A

However, if a remote operation is performed while the user is using the air conditioner, there is a risk that comfort may be reduced by changing the temperature setting or the like. Therefore, it is desirable that whether or not to use the remote operation can be set by a user using the air conditioner.
An object of the present embodiment is to provide an air conditioner that can easily set whether or not to accept a remote operation by a user using the air conditioner in a configuration that can accept a hand operation and a remote operation. .

  The air conditioner of the embodiment includes a hand operation by a hand operation means for operating the air conditioner from the room through the indoor unit, and a distant operation by a distant operation means for operating the air conditioner from the room and the outdoors through the indoor unit. Operation accepting means that can accept operations, communication means that enables communication between the indoor unit and the distant operation means so as to accept distant operations, and settings for setting whether to use the distant operations And the setting means is provided in the indoor unit in a state operable by the user.

The figure which shows typically the environment where the air conditioner of one Embodiment is installed The perspective view which looked at the indoor unit of one embodiment from the lower part The figure which shows an example of the monitor display part of the indoor unit of one Embodiment The figure which shows an example of the operation switch and unit display part of the indoor unit of one Embodiment The figure which shows typically the electric constitution of the indoor unit of one Embodiment The figure 1 which shows typically the electric constitution of the indoor unit of other embodiment The figure 2 which shows typically the electric constitution of the indoor unit of other embodiment FIG. 3 schematically showing the electrical configuration of an indoor unit according to another embodiment

(One embodiment)
Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.
As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 of the embodiment includes an indoor unit 2 and an outdoor unit 3 connected to the indoor unit 2. As is well known, the air conditioner 1 performs a cooling operation, a heating operation, or the like based on a set temperature or the like set by a user. The indoor unit 2 is provided in a room such as a living room of a residence, for example, and the operation state, temperature setting, and the like of the air conditioner 1 are changed by an operation from the remote controller 4 as a hand operating means. In the present embodiment, two-way communication using infrared rays is performed between the indoor unit 2 and the remote controller 4. Hereinafter, operating the air conditioner 1 from the remote controller 4 through the indoor unit 2 in the room is referred to as hand operation. Here, “indoor” means a range in which operation by the remote controller 4 is possible. Therefore, “indoor” includes, in addition to the room in the strict sense where the indoor unit 2 is provided, a range in which the indoor unit 2 can be operated, such as just outside the door of a living room, a veranda, and the like. Specifically, the range in which the infrared rays of the remote controller 4 reach is also included.

  The indoor unit 2 is provided with a communication adapter 5 as a communication means. The communication adapter 5 is a device for performing near field communication with the mobile terminal 6 and an access point 8 for connecting to an external network 7 and has a module structure that can be attached to and detached from the indoor unit 2. doing. Specifically, the communication adapter 5 can be detached from the indoor unit 2 by opening the front decorative plate 2a (see FIG. 2) of the indoor unit 2. In addition, short-distance communication via the communication adapter 5 is performed by a wireless communication method, and Bluetooth (registered trademark; hereinafter referred to as BT for convenience) is employed. Other methods such as a wireless LAN may be adopted.

The mobile terminal 6 is assumed to be, for example, a mobile phone, a smart phone, or a tablet PC. As is well known, the portable terminal 6 can execute various application programs and the like, and has an input function such as a touch panel and a microphone for inputting operations, a liquid crystal display for displaying various information, and a display such as a speaker. It has functions. And in this embodiment, the portable terminal 6 functions as a remote operation means for operating the air conditioner 1 far.
Specifically, when the air conditioner 1 is operated from the portable terminal 6 or the outside, a wide range communication (for example, 3G communication or LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication) is performed with the network 7, and the server 8 or the like. The air conditioner 1 is operated based on the information (IP address or the like) registered in. Moreover, the portable terminal 6 can operate the air conditioner 1 via the network 7 by performing wide-area communication even from inside the room. The air conditioner 1 can also be directly operated from the portable terminal 6 without using the access point 8.

  Thus, the portable terminal 6 can operate the air conditioner 1 through the indoor unit 2 from inside and outside the room. And in this embodiment, operation by the portable terminal 6 is called remote operation. In other words, even if the operation is performed from the room, when the air conditioner 1 is operated from the portable terminal 6 instead of the remote controller 4, the operation corresponds to a “far operation”. For convenience, it is referred to as a “portable terminal”. For example, it is fixedly or portablely installed in a room or residence such as a personal computer, or connected by a wired communication system such as a wired LAN. Even if it exists, if it can operate the air conditioner 1, it is contained in a remote operation means.

The air conditioner 1, the communication adapter 5, the portable terminal 6, the access point 8, and the like constitute a home appliance network 100.
Next, the details of the indoor unit 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the indoor unit 2 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped body, a front decorative plate 2a is provided on the front side, and a monitor display unit 10 and a unit display unit 11 are provided on the lower side and the front side. Is provided. Among these, the monitor display unit 10 is for monitoring and displaying the operation mode, power consumption, and the like of the air conditioner 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the monitor display unit 10 displays the power consumption, the set temperature, the electricity charge, etc. in the display area 10a together with units such as “kW”, “° C.” or “yen”. In the display area 10b, the power saving operation state is displayed by the characters "eco", and the operation state (in this embodiment, three types of heating operation, dehumidifying operation, and cooling operation) can be identified in the display area 10c. To display. In addition, the display mode and display items in the monitor display unit 10 are examples, and are not limited thereto.

  The unit display unit 11 is for displaying the operating state of the air conditioner 1 and initializes the window member 12 for performing infrared communication with the remote controller 4 and the settings of the air conditioner 1. A reset button 13 and the like are provided. Further, the unit display section 11 is provided with a status display section 14, which is an “running” lamp indicating that the air conditioner 1 is being operated, a “timer” lamp indicating that a timer is being reserved, an air “Empty clean” lamp that indicates that it is in a clean operation, “clean” lamp that indicates that it is in a clean operation, “dash” lamp that indicates that it is in a dash operation (rapid operation), and cleaning time for filters, etc. A “care” lamp or the like is provided to indicate a measure of being. In addition, the display mode and display item in the unit display part 11 are examples, and are not limited to this.

  In addition, the unit display unit 11 is provided with an operation switch 15 for setting whether or not to accept a remote operation in relation to the present embodiment. The operation switch 15 is configured by a slide-type switch, and FIG. 4 shows a state in which the operation switch 15 is set to “ON”, that is, to receive a remote operation. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation switch 15 is provided in the indoor unit 2 so that the user can operate it. More specifically, the operation switch 15 is provided at a position below the indoor unit 2 and exposed to the outside of the indoor unit 2. The operation switch 15 constitutes setting means together with the control unit 20 and the like.

In addition, the unit display unit 11 is provided with a setting lamp 16 that indicates the setting state of the operation switch 15. This setting lamp 16 visually informs the user that it is set to accept a remote operation by turning on when the operation switch 15 is “ON”. In FIG. 4, the lighting state is schematically hatched. Is shown. As shown in FIG. 2, the setting lamp 16 is provided at a lower portion of the indoor unit 2 and exposed to the outside of the indoor unit 2 so that the user can visually recognize the setting lamp 16. The setting lamp 16 constitutes notification means.
Next, the electrical configuration of the indoor unit 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the indoor unit 2 includes a control unit 20 configured by a microcomputer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control unit 20 controls the entire indoor unit 2 according to a program stored in a ROM or the like.

At this time, the control unit 20 communicates with the remote controller 4 via the infrared transmission / reception unit 21 and receives an operation (hand operation, temperature setting or operation setting operation) from the remote control 4. And the control part 20 controls the ventilation fan 24 and the louver 25 (refer also FIG. 2) so that the room | chamber interior may become preset temperature based on the presence or absence of a person acquired by the human sensitive sensor 22 or the room temperature sensor 23, room temperature, etc. To do. At this time, the control unit 20 displays the operation state, the room temperature, and the like on the monitor display unit 10 and the unit display unit 11.
Further, the control unit 20 receives a remote operation from the mobile terminal 6 via the communication adapter 5. Specifically, when the user inputs an operation for increasing the set temperature, for example, to the mobile terminal 6, command information corresponding to the operation is transmitted from the mobile terminal 6, and the command information is received by the communication adapter 5. Thus, the user operation is notified to the control unit 20. That is, the control unit 20 constitutes an operation accepting unit that can accept both a hand operation from the remote controller 4 and a remote operation from the portable terminal 6.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 and the communication adapter 5 are connected by two power lines (+5 V, GND) and two signal lines (for transmission and reception). The power supply line (+ 5V) for supplying power to the communication adapter 5 is provided with an operation switch 15 for opening and closing the power supply line (that is, interrupting power supply). The operation switch 15 is a slide type switch as described above, and the power line is closed (power supply state) in the “ON” state shown in FIG. 4 and the power line is opened in the “OFF” state ( Power off state). In order to simplify the explanation, illustration is omitted in FIG. 5, but in reality, power is supplied to both the control unit 20 and the communication adapter 5 from a power supply circuit that generates power such as + 5V. The operation switch 15 is disposed on the power supply line from the power supply circuit to the communication adapter 5.

  The control unit 20 is configured to be able to grasp the setting state of the operation switch 15. For example, a pull-down resistor is provided on the power supply line from the operation switch 15 to the communication adapter 5 and the power supply line is connected to a general-purpose IO input or the like of the control unit 20 to set the operation switch 15 (a status signal in FIG. ). Accordingly, when the operation switch 15 is “ON”, the signal level of the general-purpose IO input becomes + 5V, whereas when the operation switch 15 is “OFF”, the signal level of the general-purpose IO input becomes GND. Thus, the setting state of the operation switch 15 can be grasped. The control unit 20 controls lighting / extinguishing of the setting lamp 16 based on the setting state of the operation switch 15.

Next, the operation and effect of the above configuration will be described.
Although the air conditioner 1 can accept both the hand operation and the remote operation as described above, when the user uses the air conditioner 1 indoors, the set temperature and the operating state are set by the remote operation from the outside. If this change is made, the user's comfort may be reduced. For example, even though the user uses the air conditioner 1 indoors, another user who does not know it may stop driving from the outside. Therefore, it is desirable that whether or not to use the remote operation can be set by a user who uses the air conditioner 1 through the indoor unit 2.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the operation switch 15 is provided in the indoor unit 2 so that the user can operate it. Thereby, in the air conditioner 1 that can accept the hand operation and the remote operation, whether or not the remote operation is used by a user using the indoor unit 2 such as a user currently using the indoor unit 2 is determined. Can be set. In addition, it is possible to prevent the operating state and the like from being changed from the outside in a state not intended by the user.
At this time, since the indoor unit 2 is generally installed near the ceiling of the room, if the operation switch 15 is provided on the upper side of the indoor unit 2, the user's hand does not reach and a stepping platform is required for each operation. Etc. are required. Therefore, by providing the operation switch 15 in the lower part of the indoor unit 2, the operation switch 15 can be operated without using a step or the like, and can be easily operated.

Further, since the operation switch 15 is installed in a state exposed from the indoor unit 2 to the outside, the operation switch 15 can be easily set without disassembling the indoor unit 2 or requiring a special operation. Can be operated.
Moreover, since the indoor unit 2 is generally installed near the ceiling as described above, if the operation switch 15 is provided in the upper part, the operation switch 15 may not be directly visible. In that case, although it may not be possible to grasp whether it is set to “ON” or “OFF”, since the operation switch 15 can be visually observed by providing the operation switch 15 in the lower part, which setting state is set? Can be grasped. That is, visibility can be improved.

  Although the setting state can be grasped by visually observing the operation switch 15, it is necessary to approach the indoor unit 2 for that purpose. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the setting lamp 16 is provided, and the lighting state of the setting lamp 16 is controlled based on the setting state of the operation switch 15, so that the setting state as to whether or not the remote operation can be used is visually determined by the user. To inform. Thereby, even from a position away from the indoor unit 2, the setting state can be grasped by turning on / off the setting lamp 16, and it can be easily recognized whether or not the remote operation is available. Further, since the setting lamp 16 is disposed on the unit display unit 11 provided on the lower side and the front side of the indoor unit 2, the user can view the indoor unit 2 from any position as long as it is visible. The setting state can be recognized.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the operation switch 15 is arrange | positioned in series with the power wire (+ 5V). When the remote operation is not used, if power is supplied to the communication adapter 5, power consumption increases unnecessarily. Therefore, the operation switch 15 is provided in series with the power line, and the ON / OFF of the operation switch 15 and the power supply to the communication adapter 5 are linked, that is, communication is performed when remote operation is not used. By cutting off the power supply to the adapter 5, wasteful power consumption can be reduced. In addition, since the power supply can be switched intermittently only by operating the operation switch 15, user settings can be simplified and the number of circuit components can be reduced.

(Other embodiments)
The configuration shown in the embodiment is an example, and the configuration can be appropriately modified or expanded without being limited thereto.
In the embodiment, the example in which the operation switch 15 is provided at a position below the indoor unit 2 and exposed from the housing of the indoor unit 2 has been described. You may provide in a housing | casing, such as the position which opened not only the exposed state but the front decorative board 2a.

  In the embodiment, an example in which power supply is interrupted by the operation switch 15 has been shown. However, as shown in FIG. 6, power supply is not interrupted, and the setting state of the operation switch 15 is used as a status signal as in the embodiment. It is good also as a structure which grasps | ascertains the setting state of whether to use remote operation by inputting into a general purpose IO input. That is, even if a function for interrupting power supply is not provided, any configuration that can set whether or not to use a remote operation may be used. In this case, the setting lamp 16 may be turned on / off based on the status signal.

In the embodiment, the example in which the operation switch 15 and the communication adapter 5 are different structures has been described. However, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the operation switch 15 and the communication adapter 5 are one structure. May be. That is, a setting function for determining whether or not to use a remote operation may be provided in one structure that can be attached to and detached from the indoor unit 2. Thus, for example, a remote operation function and a setting function for determining whether or not to use the remote operation can be provided for an installed air conditioner, such as retrofitting the communication adapter 5 after purchase.
In this case, the setting state can be grasped on the control unit 20 side by outputting a status signal from the communication adapter side. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which interrupts power supply like one Embodiment, In that case, unnecessary power consumption can be reduced.

Further, the operation switch 15 is preferably arranged so that the user can easily operate it. Specifically, an opening or the like may be provided in the housing of the communication adapter 5 so that the operation switch 15 can be operated without disassembling the communication adapter 5. Thereby, the operation | work at the time of attachment can be performed efficiently. In addition, it does not necessarily need to be opened, and any structure may be used as long as the operation switch 15 can be operated from the outside of the structure.
Furthermore, when the communication adapter 5 is attached to the indoor unit 2, the user can operate the position where the opening is exposed to the outside of the indoor unit 2 or the opening is on the front side when the front decorative plate 2a is opened. It is good to make it a possible position. Thereby, it is possible to set whether or not to use the remote operation without disassembling the indoor unit 2 or the like.

In the embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the power supply is intermittently connected by the operation switch 15 has been shown. However, as shown in FIG. 8, an energization switching unit 30 is provided on the communication adapter 5 side, and the communication adapter is based on the input status signal. You may make it control power supply by 5 side. That is, it is good also as a structure which inputs a status signal with respect to the communication adapter 5 from the indoor unit side. Thereby, even if it is the indoor unit 2 which does not have a function which controls power supply, a power supply can be interrupted | blocked according to whether remote operation is utilized, and useless power consumption can be reduced. .
In the embodiment, an example in which the setting lamp 16 is provided in the indoor unit 2 has been described. However, the remote controller 4 may notify the setting state. That is, the notification unit may be provided in the hand operation unit. Thereby, the user can confirm the setting state at hand.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  In the drawings, 1 is an air conditioner, 2 is an indoor unit, 4 is a remote control (hand operation means), 5 is a communication adapter (communication means), 6 is a portable terminal (distant operation means), and 15 is an operation switch (setting means). , 16 is a setting lamp (notification means), and 20 is a control unit (operation receiving means, setting means).

Claims (7)

It is possible to accept a hand operation by a hand operation means for operating the air conditioner from the room through the indoor unit and a remote operation by a distant operation means for operating the air conditioner through the indoor unit from inside or outside the room. Operation accepting means;
A communication means for enabling communication between the indoor unit and the remote operation means in order to be able to accept the remote operation;
Setting means for setting whether to use the remote operation,
The air conditioner is characterized in that the setting means is provided in the indoor unit in a state operable by a user.   2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein when the setting unit is in a setting state in which the remote operation is not used, power supply to the communication unit is cut off.   The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising notification means for notifying a user of a setting state as to whether or not to use the remote operation.   The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein the notification means is provided in the hand operation means. The communication means is provided in a structure detachable from the indoor unit,
The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit is housed in the structure integrally with the communication unit.   6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein when the setting unit is in a setting state in which the remote operation is not used, power supply to the communication unit is cut off. The setting unit includes an operation unit that can be operated by a user from the outside of the structure.
The air conditioner according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the structure is attached to the indoor unit in a state in which the user can operate the operation means.

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