GB2563754A

GB2563754A - Control device for temperature control system

Info

Publication number: GB2563754A
Application number: GB1812988.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yun Chung Je
Original assignee: Kyung Dong One Corp
Current assignee: Kyung Dong One Corp
Priority date: 2016-01-13
Filing date: 2016-12-21
Publication date: 2018-12-26
Anticipated expiration: 2036-12-21
Also published as: KR20170084858A; WO2017122946A1; CN108475079B; CN108475079A; RU2702285C1; GB2563754B; KR101959896B1; GB201812988D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control device for a temperature control system. The system may comprise: a charging unit charged by main power supplied from a main device, and supplying the power obtained by charging to an additional function unit; an input unit for generating an activation command corresponding to an operation by a user; and a control unit operating by main power, and controlling the charging unit and the additional function unit to be connected with each other when an activation command is input. According to the present invention, the control device for the temperature control system provides a user with an additional function, such as voice output, short-range radio communication, color display, and the like, thereby improving convenience of the user.

Description

DESCRIPTION

INVENTION TITLE

CONTROL DEVICE FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL.· SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[1] The present invention relates to a control device for a temperature control system, and more particularly, to a control device for a temperature control system capable of providing, additional functions such as WiFi communication, a voice output, and a. TFT LCD in addition to basic functions for controlling the temperature control system.

BACKGROUND ART

[2] A temperature control system includes various cooling/heating devices such as an air conditioner and a boiler for controlling a room temperature, ano a control device for controlling these devices. Generally, the cooling/heating devices (hereinafter, referred to as a "main device") are installed separately from a space in which a user mainly resides, such as a room ceiling, a utility room, ano the like. Therefore, in order to allow the user to easily operate the main device, a control device connected to the main device is separately provided. The control device is installed in a place where the user can easily operate the main device such as a wall of a room, so that the user may comfortably control the main device. That is, the user may operate the control device Installed on the wall of the room to turn on/off the power of the main device, or raise or lower the room temperature.

[3] The control device is connected to the main device by two DC power lines, receives power for operation from the main device, and communicates with the main device. The main device may be connected to a commercial power (e.g., AC 220 [Vj) to supply the power for an operation of the control device via the DC power lines. Also, the main device and the control device may perform mutual communication by adjusting a voltage of the DC power fines, [41 For example, it is assumed that, when a voltage of 10 [V] or more is received, from the control device (or main device), the main device (or control device) recognizes the voltage, as ’()' and performs communication, and when a voltage of less than 10 [V] is received from the control device (or main device), the main device (or control device) recognizes the voltage as T* and performs communication, wherein The control device is preset io operate at a DC voltage of 5 [V].

[5J At this time, the main device may alternately transmit voltages of 10 [V] or more and less than 10 [V] to the control device, and the control device may recognize a signal received from the main device using the received voltages. In addition, the control device may smooth the voltages received from the main device through a provided regulator and change the voltages to voltages of 5 [VJ necessary for a basic operation such as main device control.

[6] However, if more current is used in an operation of the control device than in the basic operation, a basic voltage transmitted from the main device is lowered. As a result, a communication error occurs or a voltage necessary for the basic operation of the control device may not be generated, in the preceding example, the main device transmits a voltage of 12 [V] to the control device to transmit a signal corresponding io '0'. However, if a large amount of current is used in the control device and the voltage of 12 [VJ drops to 9 [V], the control device may erroneously recognize '0' transmitted from the main device as T, and thus a communication error may occur. Also, in the preceding example, if a large amount of current is used in the control device and the basic voltage drops below 5 [VJ, the control device may not be able to perform even the basic operation properly. Accordingly, when the current used by the control device is greater than a certain current, there is a need to connect a separate power line to the control device or replace the main device, [7] Recently, with the development of wireless communication, in addition to a function of controlling power and/or a temperature of the main device (hereinafter referred to as a “main function"), the control device is increasingly provided with a function of consuming higher power than the main function such as a color display (e.g., a TFT LCD or the like), wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or the like), and a voice output (hereinafter referred to as an "additional function"). As a result, the above-mentioned problems are further increased.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[8] The present invention is directed to a control device for a temperature control system capable, of using additional functions such as wireless communication, a voice output, a TFT LCD, and the like without connecting a separate power or changing a main device.

TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[9] According to an aspect of the present invention, a control device for a temperature control system includes: a charging unit configured to provide a charging power charged with power supplied from a main device connected to the control device; a main power unit configured to supply a main power using the power supplied from the main device; an additional function unit operated by selectively using the charging power and the main power; and a control unit configured to operate through the main power and control the additional function unit to operate using the charging power when a preset event occurs.

[10] In an example embodiment, the control device may further include an input unit configured to generate and output a charging power mode signai corresponding to a user's operation, wherein the control unit is configured to control the additional function unit to operate using the charging power when the charging power mode signai is input.

[11] In an example embodiment, the control unit may be configured to control the additional function unit to operate using the main power when an operation corresponding to the charging power mode signai is completed.

[12] In an example embodiment, the control unit may be configured to control the additional function unit to operate using the charging power when a charging power mode signal is received from the main device.

[131 In an example embodiment, the control unit may be configured to control the additional function unit to operate using the main power when an operation corresponding to the charging power mode signal is completed.

[14j In an example embodiment, the control unit may be configured to control the additional function unit to operate using the charging power when a current used by the additional function unit is equal to or greater than a preset threshold current. 115] In an example embodiment, the control unit may be configured to control the additional function unit io operate using the main power when the current used by the additional function unit is less than the threshold current.

[16] in an example embodiment, wherein the control unit may be configured to control the additional function unit to operate using tlie main power when the state where the current used by the additional function unit is less than the threshold current is maintained for a predetermi ned time or more.

[17] Γη an example embodiment, the control device may further include a main power monitoring unit configured to monitor the power supplied from the main device and control connection between the charging unit and the main device.

[18] in an example embodiment, the main power monitoring unit may be configured to disconnect the charging unit and the main device from each other when a voltage of the main power is equal to or lower than a preset threshold voltage.

[19] In an example embodiment, the main power monitoring unit may he configured to connect the charging unit with the main device when the voltage of the main power exceeds the threshold voltage, [20] In an example embodiment, the main power monitoring unit may be configured to connect the charging unit with the main device when the state where the voltage of the main power exceeds the threshold voltage is maintained for a predetermined time or more.

[21] In an example embodiment, the main power monitoring unit may be configured to disconnect the charging unit and the main device from each other when a voltage received from the main device is equal to or lower than a preset threshold voltage.

[22] In aft example embodiment, the main power monitoring unit may be configured to connect the charging unit with the main device when the voltage received from the main device exceeds the threshold voltage.

[23] In an example embodiment, the main power monitoring unit may be configured to connect the charging unit with the main device when the state where the voltage received from the main device exceeds the threshold voltage is maintained for a predetermined time or more.

[24] in an example embodiment, the additional function unit may include at least one of a color display, a speaker, and a wireless communication unit.

[25] In an example embodiment, a voltage of the charging power may exceed a voltage of the main power.

[26] In an example embodiment, the main device may he connected to the control device by two DC power lines.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[27] The present invention may provide a control device for a temperature control system capable of using additional, functions such as wireless communication, a voice output, and a TFT LCD without connecting a separate power or changing a main device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[28] FIG. I is a configuration diagram of a temperature control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[29] FIG. 2 is a block, diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[301 FIG. 3 is a view of an exemplary use of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[31 ] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a power usage method of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[321 FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a charging method of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

MODE OF THE INVENTION

[331 Smee the present invention may have diverse modified embodiments, preferred embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and are described in the detailed description. However, this does not limit the present invention within specific embodiments and it should be understood that the present invention covers all the modifications, equivalents, and replacements within the idea and technical scope of the present invention.

[34] In the description of the present invention, certain detailed explanations of the related art are omitted when it is deemed that they may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention. In addition, numeral figures (e.g., 1, 2, and the like) used during describing the specification are just identification symbols for distinguishing one element from another element. Further, in the specification, if it is described that one component is "connected" or "accesses" the other component, it. is understood that the one component may be directly connected to or may directly access the other component hut unless explicitly described to the contrary, another component, may be "connected" or "access” between the components. In addition, terms including "unit", "er”, "or”, "module", and the like disclosed in the specification mean a unit that, processes ai least one function or operation and this may be implemented by hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software.

[35] Moreover, it is intended io clarify that components in the specification arc distinguished in terms of primary functions of the components. That is, two or more components to be described below may be provided to be combined io one component or one component may be provided to be divided into two or more components for each more subdivided function, in addition, each of the respective components to be described below may additionally perform some or ail functions among functions which other components take charge of in addition to a primary function which each component takes charge of and some functions among the primary functions which the respective components take charge of are exclusively charged by other components to be performed, of course.

[361 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will he described in detail.

p/J

[381 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a temperature control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[391 Referring to FIG. 1, the temperature control system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a main device 100, a user device 200, and a control device 300. [401 The main device 100 may include a cooiingZheating device and an air conditioner used in a home or a public building. For example, the main device 100 may include a boiler, an air conditioner, and/or a fan heater. The main device 100 is connected to the control device 300 bv two DC power lines, and may supply a preset power to the control device 300 and may communicate with the control device .300 at the same time. Therefore, the main device 100 may receive a signal corresponding to a user's operation from the control device 300 and control an output and/or power state and the like.

[41] For example, a user may operate the control device 300 to raise a room temperature, the control device 300 may generate a signal corresponding to a user's operation and transmit the signal to the main device 100 through a power line, and the main device 100 may perform an operation to increase the room temperature through the signal received from the control device 300. As another example, a user may operate the control device 300 to turn on or off the power of the main device 100, the control device 300 may transmit a signai corresponding to a user’s operation and transmit the signal to the main device 100 through a power line, and the main device 100 may be turned on or off through the signal received from the control device 300.

[42] The user device 200 may be connected to the temperature control device 300 to control the temperature control device 300. For example, the user device 200 may he a remote controller using infrared and/or a terminal supporting short-range communication such as Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth, ZigBee, WiFi, and a wireless LAN. Also, the user device 200 may be connected to the temperature control device 300 through the Internet to control the temperature control device 300 remotely. This is because the temperature control device 300 may he connected to the Internet in a wired or wireless manner.

[43] A user may operate the user device 200 to control the temperature control device 300, the user device 200 may generate a signal corresponding to a user's operation and transmit (he signal to the connected temperature control device .300, and the temperature control device 300 may perform an operation corresponding to the signai received through the user device '200. Accordingly, the user may control the operation of the main device 100 even in a remote place by operating the user device 200.

[44j The control device 300 may he connected to the main device 100 via a power line, and may receive power and communicate with the main device 100 at the same time. That is, the control device 300 may receive power from the main device 100 via the power line, and rnay exchange various signals with the main device 100. The control device 300 may generate a signal corresponding to a user's operation and transmit the generated signal to the main device 100, Accordingly, the main device 100 may perform an operation corresponding to the user’s operation. In addition, the control device 300 may display the signal received from the main device 100 on a screen and provide visual information to a user. An operation of controlling a temperature of the main device 100 and displaying a current operating state of the main device 100 corresponds to a main function of the control device 300.

[45] Meanwhile, the control device 300 may perform additional, functions such as communication with the user device 200 connected via a wireless communication network, outputting the current operating state of the main device 100 by a voice, driving a color display, and the like in addition io the main function. These additional functions are relatively higher in power consumption than the main function. Since the main device 100 may be set to transmit power corresponding to operations of the main function of the control device 300, the control device 300 needs to have a separate power in order to operate the additional functions using the power supplied from the main device 300. Hereinafter, the operations of the control device 300 will be described in more detail w’ith reference io FIG. 2.

[46] [47] FIG, 2 is a block diagram of the control device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[48] Referring to FIG. 2, the control device 300 may include a control unit 310, a main function unit 320, an input unit 330. a charging unit 340, a first switch unit 350, an additional function unit 360, a second switch unit 370. a main power unit 380, a main power monitoring unit 385, and a third switch unit 390.

[49] Power supplied from the main device 100 may be input to the main power unit 380, The main power unit 380 may include a regulator. Accordingly, the power supplied from the main device 100 may be smoothed to a voltage required for a main function in the main power unit 380 (hereinafter referred to as a 'main voltage’).

[50] The main function unit 320 may perform a mam function of the control device 300 with the main voltage input from the main power unit 380. For example, the control device 300 may detect a room temperature using a temperature sensor (not shown) and display room temperature information. The room temperature information may be displayed through a monochrome display (not shown), not a color display (not shown), The main function unit 320 may include the temperature sensor, the monochrome display, the backlight LED of the monochrome display, and the like.

[51 j The power supplied from the main device 100 may be input to a communication unit 380. The communication unit 380 may determine a voltage supplied from the main device 100 and recognize a signal transmitted from the main device 100. For example, it Is assumed that, when a communication unit 395 recognizes a voltage of 10 [V] or more, the voltage is preset to be '0', and when the communication unit 395 recognizes a voltage of less than 10 [V], the voltage is preset to be Here, when the voltage supplied from the main device 100 Is determined to be 12 [V], the communication unit 395 may recognize a signal corresponding to 'O', and when the voltage supplied from the main device 100 is determined to be 8 [V], the communication unit 395 may recognize a signal corresponding to T, The communication unit 395 may output the recognized signals to the control unit 310.

[52] Meanwhile, a user may operate the input unit 330 to set the room temperature, and the input unit 330 may generate a signai corresponding to a user's operation and output the signai to the control unit 310. The control unit 310 may control the communication unit 395 so that the signal received from the input unit 330 may be transmitted to the main device 100. The communication unit 395 may change the voltage supplied from the main device 100 under the control of the control unit 310. The communication unit 395 may transmit a signai corresponding to the control of the control unit 310 to the. main device 100. The operation of the communication unit 395 to transmit the signal to the main device 100 is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, and thus, a detailed description thereof will not be given herein.

[53] Accordingly, the main device 100 may perform an operation corresponding to a user's operation with respect to the input, unit 330. For example, when a user operates the input unit 330 to maintain the room temperature at 18 degrees, the input unit 330 may generate and output a signal corresponding to the user’s operation, and the control unit 310 may generate temperature setting information and transmit the temperature setting information to the main device 100 (through the communication unit 395) when the signal is input. Therefore, the main device 100 may be operated such that the room temperature is maintained at 18 degrees according to the received temperature setting information. According to the above-described method, the control device 300 may control an output ofthe main device 100 so as to correspond to a temperature set by the user.

[54] As described above, the input unit 330 may output the signai corresponding to the user's operation to the control unit 310, The input unit 330 may include a key pad, a touch pad, and the like, may generate signals for power on/off, temperature control, and/or additional function activation according to the user’s operation, and may output the signals to the control unit 310.

[55 j A main power may be supplied to the control unit 310, the main function unit 320, the input unit 330, and/or the additional function unit 360 so that the main function of the control device 300 mav be oerfonned.

V A

[56] .Also, the power supplied from the main device 100 may be supplied to the charging unit 340 so that the charging unit 340 is charged. The charging unit 340 may include components capable of charging and supplying power such as a rechargeable battery, a charging circuit, and the like. The charging unit 340 may supply power (hereinafter referred to as a 'charging power') charged to the additional function unit .360 by the control unit 310. The charging power supplied from the charging unit. 340 to the additional function unit 360 may be power higher than the main power. For example, it is assumed that a current required for a main function to operate normally is 100 [mA], and a current required for an additional function to operate normally is 300 [mA]. A current ofthe charging power supplied from the charging unit 340 to the additional function unit 360 may correspond to 300 [mA] [57] The additional function unit 360 may include at least, one of a wireless communication unit (not. shown), a speaker (not shown), and a color display (not shown). For example, the additional function may be at least one of a voice output function through the speaker (not shown) arul a color output function through the color display. The additional function may further include a wireless communication function such as an NFC function, a Bluetooth communication function, a ZigBee communication function, and a WiFi communication function.

[58] The additional function unit 360 may be operated using the mam voltage supplied from the main power unit 380 or a charging voltage supplied from the charging unit 340. The main voltage or the charging voltage may be selectively supplied to the additional function unit 360 under the control of the control unit 310. First, it is assumed that the main voltage is supplied to the additional function unit 360. Hereinafter, a case where the additional function unit 360 is operated by the main voltage is referred to as a 'main power mode'. In the main power mode, the additional function unit 360 may perform a limited operation. For example, it is assumed that the additional function unit 360 includes a wireless communication module. Since the wireless communication module does not use a large amount of current when receiving data, the wireless communication module may operate normally in the main power mode. Further, the speaker (not shown) of the additional function unit 360 may be activated hi the main power mode to maintain a standby state (without outputting a voice). In addition, the color display (not shown) of the additional function unit 360 may be activated in the main power mode to maintain the standby state (without outputting an image).

[59] In the main power mode, the first switch unit 350 may connect the main power unit 380 with the additional function unit 360 in an activated state. In the main power mode, the second switch unit 370 may not connect the charging unit 340 with the additional function unit 360 in a deactivated state, [60] The control unit 310 may activate the second switch unit 370 and deactivate the first switch unit 350 to connect the charging unit 340 with the additional function unit .360 ’when a preset event occurs. Hereinafter, a case where the additional function unit 360 is operated by a charging voltage is referred to as a 'charging power mode'.

[61 ] For example, the control unit 310 may control the additional function unit 360 to operate in the charging power mode according fo the user's operation with respect to the input unit 330. The user may operate the input unit 330 so that a current set temperature is output by a voice. The speaker (not shown) may not be able to normally output a voice with the main power. When the speaker (not shown) outputs a voice, a large amount of current is used, so that a voltage of the main power may be lowered to a preset voltage or lower. Accordingly, the. control unit 310 may output an activation signal fo the second swatch unit 370 so that the additional function unit 360 operates in the charging power mode through a signal received from the input unit 330. Also, the control unit 310 mav output a deactivation signal to the first switch unit 350 so that the additional function unit 360 operates in the charging power mode through the signai received from the input unit 330. The second switch unit 370 may connect the charging unit 340 with the additional function unit 360 by inputting the activation signal. The first switch unit 350 may-release the connection between the main power unit 380 and the additional function unit 360 by' inputting the deactivation signal.

[62] Although the speaker (not shown) among various functions included m the additional function unit 360 has been described as an example in the above-described example, this is merely an example. Even when the color display (not shown) outputs an image, a large amount of current is used as in a case where the speaker (not shown) outputs a voice so that the same operation as in the above-described example may be performed. Also, since a large amount of current is used even when the wireless communication unit (not shown) (e.g,, a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth module, etc.) transmits data to the user device 200, the same operation as in the above-described example may be performed. Accordingly, when a preset operation is performed, such as when a large amount of current is used in the additional function unit 360, the control unit 310 may control the additional function unit 360 to operate in the charging power mode. Hereinafter, a signal for causing the additional function unit 360 to operate in the charging power mode will be referred to as a 'charging power mode signal’.

[63] As another example, the control unit 310 may control the additional function unit 360 to operate in the charging power mode according to charging power mode information received from the main device 100. The main device 100 may transmit charging power mode information (e.g., information for notifying that power of the main device 100 is turned on/off) for a current operating slate io the control unit 310. When the charging power mode information for the current operating state of the .main device 100 is input, the control unit 310 may output a voice through the sneaker (not shown), output an image through the color disolay inot shown), or transmit the charging power mode information to the user device 200 connected through a wireless communication network, in order to inform a user of the charging power mode information. The control unit .310 may output the activation Signal to the second switch unit 370 so that the additional function unit 360 operates in the charging power mode. In addition, the control unit 310 may output the deactivation signal to the first switch unit 350. The second switch unit 370 may connect the charging unit 340 with the additional function unit 360 by inputting the activation signal. The first switch unit 350 may release the connection between the main power unit 380 and the additional function unit 360 by inputting the deactivation signai.

[64J As another example, the control unit 310 may control the additional function unit 360 ίο operate in the charging power mode according to the charging power mode information received from the user device 200. The user device 200 may transmit the charging power mode signai to the wireless communication module of the additional function module 360 to transmit information about the current set temperature to the user device 200 according to a user's operation. As described above, the wireless communication module may normally receive signals from the. user device 200 even in the main power mode. Accordingly, the control unit 310 may control the additional function unit 360 to operate in the charging power mode in order to transmit the information about the current set temperature to the user device 200 according to the charging power mode signal. This is because a large amount of current may be used for the wireless communication module to transmit data to the user device 200. Here, the control unit 3.10 may output an activation signal to the second switch unit 370 so that the additional function unit 360 operates in the charging power mode. Also, the control unit 310 may output an activation signal to the second switch unit 350 so that the additional function unit 360 ooerates in

Gs A the charging power mode. The second switch unit 370 may connect the charging unit 340 with the additional function unit 360 by inputting the activation signal. The first switch unit 350 may release the connection between the main power unit 380 and the additional function unit 360 by inputting the deactivation signal.

[65] As another example, the-control unit 310 may monitor a current used by the additional function unit 360 and control the additional function unit 360 to operate in the charging power mode. The control unit 310 may outout an activation command to the second switch unit 370 when the current used by the additional function unit 360 is equal to or greater than a preset threshold current. lit addition, the control unit 310 may output a deactivation command· to the first switch unit 350 when the current, used by the additional function, unit 360 is equal to or greater than-the threshold current. The second switch unit 370 may connect the charging unit 340 with the additional function unit 360 by inputting the activation signai. The first switch unit 350 may release the connection between the main power unit 380 and the additional function unit 360 by inputting the deactivation signal.

[66] Thereafter, the control unit 310 may determine whether or not the charging power mode is released. For example, the control unit 310 may release the charging power mode when the operation of the additional function unit 360 is completed according to the user's operation with respect to the input unit 330. The control unit 310 may release the charging power mode when a voice output of the speaker (not shown) is completed, an image output of the color display (not shown) is completed, or data transmission to the user device 200 is completed. As another example, when the operation of the additional function unit 360 according to a signai received from the mam device 100 is completed, the control unit 3.10 may release the charging power mode. As another example, when the operation of the additional function unit 360 according to a signal received from the user device 200 is completed, the control unit 310 may release the charging power mode. As another example, the control unit 310 may release the charging power mode when a current used by the additional function unit 360 is less than a threshold current. The control unit 310 may release the charging power mode when the state where the current used by the additional, function unit 360 is less than the threshold current is maintained for a predetermined time or more. The current used by the additional function unit 360 may instantaneously become less than the threshold current and again become the threshold current or more.

[67] The controller 310 may output an activation command to the first switch unit 350 and a deactivation command to the second switch unit 370 in order to release the charging power mode. The first switch unit 350 may connect the main power unit 380 with the additional function unit 360 by inputting the activation command. The second switch unit 370 may release the connection between, the charging unit 340 and the additional function unit 360 by inputting the deactivation signal. Thereby, the additional function unit 360 may operate again in the mam power mode. .

[68] Meanwhile, the power supplied from the main device 100 may be input to the charging unit 340 so that the charging unit 340 is charged. The charging unit 340 may be supplied with power through the main power monitoring unit 385 or the main power unit 380. The charging unit 340 may also be connected fo the main power monitoring unit 38-5 or the-main power unit 380 through the third switch unit 390.

[691 The main power monitoring unit 385 may monitor the power supplied from the main device 100 to prevent the charging unit 340 from using excessive power and lowering the voltage of the main power. For example, the main power monitoring unit 385 may monitor the voltage of the main power output, from the main power unit 380. The main power monitoring unit 385 may output a deactivation command to the third switch unit 390 so that the charging unit 340 may not consume power when the voltage of the mam power is lower than a preset threshold voltage. The third switch unit 390 is deactivated and may disconnect the main power monitoring unit 385 and the charging unit 340 from each other. When the threshold voltage is preset to 4.5 [Vj, the main power monitoring unit 385 may deactivate the third switch unit 390 when the main power is 4.5 [V] or less.

[70] As another example, the main power monitoring unit 385 may monitor the voltage supplied from the main power supply 100. The main pow’er monitoring unit 385 may be deactivated so that the charging unit 340 may not consume power when the voltage supplied from the main device 100 is equal to or lower than a preset threshold voltage. This is fo allow tire main power unit 380 to smooth the voltage supplied from the main device 100 to output a constant main power. However, when the voltage supplied from the main device 100 is equal to or lower than the threshold voltage due to the power used by the charging unit 340, the main power unit 380 may not be able to output a constant main power. Therefore, the main power monitoring unit 385 may output a deactivation command to the third switch unit 390 when the voltage supplied from the main device 100 is equal to or lower than a preset threshold voltage. In this ease., the threshold voltage may be set. to a value equal to or greater than the main voltage. The third switch unit 390 may disconnect the main power monitoring unit 385 and the charging unit 340 from each other according to the deactivation command.

[71 ] The charging unit 340 may not perform the charging operation by the above operation.

[72] Thereafter, when the voltage and/or main voltage supplied from the main device 100 exceeds a preset threshold voltage, the main power monitoring unit 385 may output the activation command to the third switch unit 390 so that the charging unit 340 may perform the charging operation again. The main power monitoring unit 385 may output the activation command io tire third switch unit 390 when the state where the 'voltage suuulied from the main device' and/or the 'main voltage' exceeds the threshold voltage is maintained for a predetermined time or more. This is because the voltage and/or the main voltage supplied from the main device 100 may instantaneously exceed the threshold voltage and again become equal to or lower than the threshold voltage.

[73] In the above description, the main power monitoring unit 385 monitors the voltage and/or the main voltage supplied from the main device 100 to control the third switch. However, the operation of the main power monitoring unit 385 may also he performed by the control unit 310. In this ease, the control unit 310 may he connected to the third switch unit 390. Also, the controller 310 may be connected to a power line connected to the main device 100, Accordingly, the main power monitoring unit 385 may be a logical component having a function of controlling ’whether the charging unit 340 Is charged or not from among functions of the control unit 310, which is not a separate component.

[74] As described above, the control device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention may provide additional functions such as wireless communication, a voice output, a TFT LCD, etc. to which a large amount of current is used by using the charging unit 340, without connecting a separate power or changing the main device. Also, the control device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention may monitor the voltage supplied from the main device 100 to prevent the charging unit 340 from using excessive power to deteriorate a main function.

[76] FIG. 3 is a view of an exemplary use of the control device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[771 Referring to FIG, 3, the control device 300 may be installed in a place where a user can easily operate the main device 100 such as a wall of a room to control the main device 100, The control device 300 may detect a room temperature and output room temperature information to a screen. In addition, the user may perform a button input for setting the room temperature. For example, if the user wants the room temperature io be 26 degrees, the room temperature may be set to 26 degrees through the button input for temperature control and the set temperature information displayed on the screen. Accordingly, the control device 300 may transmit a signal for controlling the output of the main device 100 to the. main device 100 according to the temperature set by the user, [78] For example. It is assumed that the set temperature of the control device 300 is set to 18 degrees by a user. Here, the control device 300 may generate a signal for operating the main device .100 and transmit the signal to the main device 100, and the main device 100 may be activated by the signal to perform an operation for lowering a room temperature. Meanwhile, when the room temperature is lowered to 18 degrees or less, the control device 300 may generate a signal for stopping the operation of the main device 100 and transmit the signal to the main device 100. The main device 100 may be deactivated by the signal.

[79] The control device 300 may perform additional functions according to a user's operation. It is assumed that a user operates buttons to use the additional functions. The control device 300 may operate the additional functions using a rechargeable battery so that an additional function corresponding to the user’s operation may he normally operated. The control device 300 may transmit data to the user device 200 connected through a wireless communication network using the rechargeable battery. Also, the control device 300 may output a voice using the rechargeable battery. For example, when a user changes a set temperature, the control device 300 may output temperature information corresponding to the changed temperature by a voice using the rechargeable batters-. In addition, when a user presses a heatine button, a hot water button, and other buttons, the control device 300 may output a voice message informing the start and end of an operation corresponding to each button using the rechargeable battery.

[80] Furthermore, the control device 300 may he connected to the user device 200 through the wireless communication network so that the user may operate the user device 200 to use functions such as temperature control and power on/off control, set temperature change, sleep reservation, hot-water supply, and the like of the main device 100. Here, the control device 300 may transmit information indicating that an operation corresponding to the user’s operation has been normally performed to the user device 200 using the rechargeable battery.

[81] Also, the conlrordevice 300 uses the rechargeable battery to output-set temperature information and a power state, and room temperature information and/or a usage state of functions such as hot-water supply, heating, etc. of the main device 100 m various images using a color display device such as a TFT LCD. The control device 300 may display not only simple information such as text but also a temperature change in real time on a graph or output various kinds of usage state information in color and video so that a user can easily recognize the. usage state information.

[82] [83] HG. 4 is a flowchart of a power usage method of the control device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1841 The nower usage method of the control device 300 according fo an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail later below with reference to HG. 4. The operations to be described later below may be respectively performed by components of the control device 300 described with reference to HG. 2, However, the operations will be collectively referred to as being performed in the control device 300 for convenience of understanding and explanation. Therefore, a subject performing each operation performed later below may be omitted.

[85] In operation S410, additional functions are operated in a main power mode. 186] In operation S420, it is determined whether a preset event occurs and the additional functions are operated through a rechargeable battery included in the control device. 30. The preset event may correspond to ai least one of when a user operates an input device, when a. signai from the main device 100 is input, when a signai is input from the user device 200, and when a current used by an additional function device is equal fo or greater than a threshold current.

[87] In operation S430. if the additional functions of the control device 30 is to be operated with the rechargeable battery included in the control device 30, a first switch is deactivated and a second switch is activated. Accordingly, the. additional functions may be disconnected from a main power and connected to the rechargeable battery.

[881 In operation S440. the. additional functions are operated in a charging power mode.

[89] In operation S450, it is determined whether or not the charging power mode is released. For example, when an operation according to the preset event is completed, the charging power mode may be released. As another example, when a current used by an additional function unit is less than the threshold current, the charging power mode may be released. Here, the charging power mode may be released when the state where the current used by the additional function unit is less than the threshold current is maintained for a predetermined time or more.

[90] in operation S460, when it is determined that the charging power mode is released, the first switch is activated and the second switch is deactivated. Accordingly, the additional functions may be connected to the main power and may be disconnected from the rechargeable battery.

[911 In operation S470, the additional functions again operate in the main oower mode.

[92] [93] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a charging method of the control device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[94] The charging method of the control device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail later below with reference to HG. 5. The operations to be described later below may be respectively performed by the components of the control device 300 described with reference to FIG. 2. However, the operations will be collectively referred to as being performed in the control device 300 for convenience of understanding and explanation. Therefore, a subject performing each operation performed later below may be omitted.

[95] In operation S5I0, a rechargeable battery is charged using power supplied from the main body 100.

[96] In operation S520, the power supplied from the main device 100 is monitored. This is to prevent the charging unit 340 from using excessive power and lowering a voltage of a main power. For example, the control device 300 may determine whether or not the voltage of the main power (by which the power supplied from the main device 100 is smoothed and output) is equal to or lower than a threshold voltage. As another example, the control device 300 may determine whether the voltage supplied from the main device 100 is equal to or lower than the threshold voltage.

[97] In operation S530, as a result of the determination, when the voltage of the main power is equal to or lower than the threshold voltage or the voltage supplied from the main device 100 is equal io or lower than the threshold voltage, a third switch may be deactivated.

[98] In operation S540, the rechargeable battery may not perform the charging operation because power is not supplied from the main device 300 due to the deactivation of the third switch.

[99] In operation S550, when the voltage and/or a main voltage supplied from the main device 100 exceeds a preset threshold voltage, in operation S560, the third switch may be activated.

[100] Jn operation S570, the rechargeable battery may perform the charging operation because power is supplied from the main device 100 due to the activation of the third switch.

[101] [102] While the embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may he made therein without departing from the spirit arid scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS [Claim 1] A control device for a temperature control system comprising: a charging unit configured to provide a charging power charged with power supplied from a main device connected to the control device; a main power unit configured to supply a main power using the power supplied from the main device; an additional function unit operated by selectively using the charging power and the main power; and a control unit configured io operate through the main power and control the additional function unit to operate using the charging power when a preset event occurs. [Claim 2] The control device for a temperature control system of claim 1. further comprising an input, unit configured to generate and output a charging power mode signal corresponding to a user's operation, wherein the control unit is configured to control the additional function unit to operate using the charging power when the charging power mode signal is input. [Claim 3] The control device for a temperature control system of claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to control the additional function unit to operate using the main power when an operation corresponding to the charging power mode signal is completed. [Claim 41 The control device for a temperature control system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the additional function unit to operate using the charging power when a charging power mode signal is received from the main device. [Claim 5] The control device for a temperature control system of claim 4, wherein the control unit is configured to control the additional function unit to operate using the main power when an. operation corresponding to the charging power mode signal is completed. [Claim 6] The control device for a temperature control system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the additional function unit to operate using the charging power when a. current used by the additional function unit is equal to or greater than a preset threshold current. [Claim 7] The control device for a temperature control system of claim 6, wherein the control unit is configured to control the additional function unit to operate using the main power when the current used by the additional function unit is less than the threshold current. [Claim 8] The control device for a temperature control system of claim 7, wherein the control unit is configured to control tire additional function unit to operate using the main power when the state where tire current used by the additional function unit is less than the threshold current is maintained for a predetermined time or more. [Claim 91 The control device for a temperature control system of claim 1, further comprising a main power monitoring unit configured to monitor the power supplied from the main device and control connection between the charging unit and the main device. [Claim 10] The control device for a temperature control system of claim 9, wherein the main power monitoring unit is configured to disconnect the charging unit and the main device from each other when a voltage of the main pow'er is equal to or lower than a preset threshold voltage. [Claim Π] The control device for a temperature control system of claim 10, wherein the main power monitoring unit is configured to connect the charging unit with the main device when the voltage of the main power exceeds the threshold voltage. [Claim 12] The control device for a temperature control system of claim 11, wherein the main power monitoring unit is configured to connect the charging unit with the main device when the state where the voltage of the main power exceeds the threshold voltage is maintained for a predetermined time or more. [Claim 13] The control device for a temperature control system of claim 9, wherein the. main power monitoring unit is configured to disconnect the charging unit and the main device from each other when a voltage received from the main device is equal to or lower than a preset threshold voltage. [Claim 14] The control device for a temperature control system of claim 1.3, wherein the main power monitoring unit is configured to connect the charging unit with the main device when the voltage received from the main device exceeds the threshold voltage. [Claim 1..5] The control device for a temperature control system of claim 14, wherein the main power monitoring unit is configured to connect the charging, unit with the main device 'when the state where the voltage received from the main device exceeds the threshold voltage is maintained for a predetermined time or more. [Claim 16] The control device for a temperature control system of claim 1, wherein the additional function unit comprises ai least one of a color display, a speaker, and a wireless communication unit. [Claim 17] The control device for a temperature control system of claim 1, a voltage of the charging power exceeds a voltage of the main power. [Claim 18] The control device for a temperature control system of claim 1, wherein the main device is connected to the control device by two DC power lines.