JP2013002717A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air conditioner, which allows a plurality of correlative operation modes to be set, while determining mutual influences that arise when setting the plurality of correlative operation modes of the air conditioner.SOLUTION: A remote controller 1 includes an operation display part 11 with a display screen 11x and a touch panel 11y and a control means of controlling the display screen 11x based upon operation information of the touch panel 11y. When changing one of the plurality of correlative operation modes of the air conditioner, a user presses a priority setting button 11f of the remote controller 1. When recognizing that the priority setting button 11f is pressed, the control means displays on the display screen 11x an operation mode setting screen for representing influences that arise on other operation modes owing to a change of one operation mode.

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation input method for an air conditioner and control by the method.

  In a conventional air conditioner, a user operates a remote controller to realize an intended air conditioning environment, and sets operating conditions such as a set temperature, indoor humidity, air volume, and wind direction. These operating conditions are set by selecting numerical values (high, medium, weak, up, down, left, right, etc.) representing a predetermined degree and state in the air volume and direction by numerical values if the temperature is set or indoor humidity. It was.

  In the operation condition setting method as described above, it may be difficult to realize an air conditioning environment that reflects the intention of the user. For example, when the user returns home on a midwinter day, if you want to operate the air conditioner so that the room temperature rises rapidly and want to avoid drying the room at the same time, just set the temperature higher. The intended air conditioning environment cannot be realized, and the room humidity needs to be set. In such a case, it is troublesome for the user to set both the set temperature and the room humidity, and setting the set temperature and the room humidity according to the intention is difficult for the user to grasp sensuously. Is.

  Therefore, two specific operating conditions are displayed in the vertical and horizontal directions on the display unit of the remote controller, and the intention notation area expressing the air conditioning environment intended by the user is associated with the values of the two operating conditions. There has been proposed an air conditioner including a remote controller that displays the image (for example, Patent Document 1).

  The air conditioner described in Patent Literature 1 displays temperature, which is an operating condition related to air conditioning, on the horizontal axis and humidity on the vertical axis on the liquid crystal display device of the remote controller, and corresponds to the respective coordinates, An intention notation area expressing the air conditioning environment intended by the user in words such as “refreshing”, “comfortable”, “sultry”, “cold”, and the like is displayed. The user operates the remote controller to select an intention notation area close to the current intention. The remote controller transmits operating conditions (set temperature, indoor humidity, air volume, wind direction, etc.) corresponding to the selected intention to the air conditioner. The air conditioner performs an air conditioning operation based on the received operation condition.

  In the air conditioner described above, the user is only required to select an intention notation area close to the current intention without replacing the numerical values such as the set temperature and the room humidity with operating conditions. It is possible to accurately perform the air-conditioning operation that becomes an air-conditioning environment, and it is not necessary to perform troublesome setting work.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-259948 (pages 3 to 4, FIG. 1)

  In recent years, air conditioners have been proposed that have a plurality of operation modes in addition to operating conditions related to normal air conditioning control. This operation mode affects other operation modes by changing each execution level. For example, the operation speed is reduced by reducing the rotational speed of the compressor provided in the outdoor unit. Energy-saving operation mode, low-speed indoor fan rotation in the indoor unit, quiet mode to suppress noise in the indoor unit, compression and indoor fan rotation speed are temporarily increased to a predetermined value, the room temperature reaches the set temperature Such as a rapid operation mode for shortening the time required for the operation. Here, each execution level is, for example, the degree of increase or decrease in power consumption in the energy saving operation mode, the level of noise generated in the air conditioner in the silent mode, or the room temperature in the rapid operation mode. It means the degree of length of time until the temperature is reached.

  Generally, the start / stop of the operation mode and the execution level thereof can be set by a user operating a remote controller or an air conditioner body. However, in the conventional air conditioners including those described in Patent Document 1, for example, when the user has an intention of “I want to perform energy saving operation but want to quickly set the room temperature to the set temperature”, rapid operation is performed. Since the user is not provided with information on how much the mode execution level should be set to achieve energy-saving operation, what effect does it have on other operation modes when one operation mode is set? There was a problem that it was difficult to grasp whether it was affected.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and when setting a plurality of correlated operation modes provided in the air conditioner, the operation mode can be set while grasping the influence on each other. It aims at providing the air conditioner which can be performed.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an air conditioner of the present invention includes a display device including a display unit, an operation unit, and a control unit that controls the display unit based on operation information of the operation unit. is there. This air conditioner is provided with a plurality of operation modes, each of the plurality of operation modes has a plurality of execution levels, and the correlation in which the execution level of one operation mode changes also changes the execution level of the other operation mode. In addition, the execution level of a plurality of operation modes is displayed on the display means. And a control means displays the operation mode setting screen showing the change of the execution level of another operation mode on a display means, when the execution level of one operation mode is changed by selection of the operation means.

  According to the air conditioner of the present invention configured as described above, if the execution level of one operation mode is changed, how the execution level of another operation mode is affected is displayed on the operation mode setting screen. Because it is displayed on the means, the user of the air conditioner can make the setting while grasping the relationship between each operation mode when setting each operation mode, and can control the air conditioning more according to his intention. realizable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a remote control external view of the air conditioner which is an Example of this invention, (A) is the state figure which closed the opening-and-closing lid, (B) is the state figure which opened the opening-and-closing lid, (C) is explanatory drawing of a display means. It is. It is a principal part block diagram in the remote control of the air conditioner which is an Example of this invention. It is operation explanatory drawing of the display means in the remote control of the air conditioner which is an Example of this invention, (A)-(F) represents the operation procedure. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the display means in the remote control of the air conditioner which is an Example of this invention, (A) And (B) is a state explanatory drawing at the time of performing operation different from FIG. FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory diagram when the operation mode setting unit of the display unit is different from that in FIG. 3 in the remote controller of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention, and (A) to (F) show the operation procedure. It is operation explanatory drawing at the time of the operation mode setting in the remote control of the air conditioner which is the other Example of this invention, (A)-(G) represents the operation procedure.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. As an example, a remote controller of an air conditioner composed of one indoor unit and one outdoor unit will be described as an example of a display device. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the remote controller 1 of this embodiment has a housing 16 formed of a resin material in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box, and an infrared light emitting diode is disposed at one end (upper end) in the longitudinal direction of the housing 16. And a transmission unit 14 described later composed of a cover made of a resin material or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, an operation display unit 11 is provided on the upper end side, and an open / close lid 17 is provided on the lower end side on the front surface of the housing 16. As shown in FIG. 1 (B), the lower end portion 17a of the opening / closing lid 17 is pivotally supported by the lower end of the housing 16 and can be opened and closed by rotating around this, and the housing with the opening / closing lid 17 opened. An operation key 12 is arranged at 16.

  As shown in FIG. 1C, the operation display unit 11 includes a touch screen 11y which is an operation means provided on the front surface and a display screen 11x which is a display means including a liquid crystal display which displays a screen corresponding to the touch panel 11y. It consists of Specifically, the display screen 11x displays setting items related to the air conditioning operation such as the set temperature, operation mode, and air volume, and instruction contents such as operation start and setting start, and each operation button on the touch panel 11y displays the display position. Are arranged to correspond to the various buttons (11b to 11f) described below. The central portion of the display screen 11x is a central display portion 11a on which images for selecting numerical values and conditions at the time of various settings are displayed.

  The temperature setting button 11b is a button for selecting and determining a set temperature that becomes a target room temperature during air-conditioning operation. When the temperature setting button 11b is pressed, as shown in FIG. 3 (B), a setting button 11a1 composed of two buttons of up / down is displayed on the central display portion 11a. The user presses the setting button 11a1, displays the desired setting temperature on the temperature setting button 11b, and determines the setting temperature by pressing the temperature setting button 11b again.

  The air conditioning mode setting button 11c is a button for selecting and determining an air conditioning mode such as cooling / heating / dehumidification. When the air conditioning mode setting button 11c is pressed, the setting button 11a1 is displayed on the central display portion 11a as shown in FIG. The user presses the setting button 11a1, displays the desired air conditioning mode on the air conditioning mode setting button 11c, and determines the air conditioning mode by pressing the air conditioning mode setting button 11c again.

  The air volume / wind direction setting button 11d is, for example, “strong”, “medium”, “weak”, “automatic” such as the blowout intensity of the conditioned air supplied to the room from the outlet of the indoor unit, “left / right swing”, “up / down swing” This is a button for selecting and determining the air-conditioning air blowing direction, such as “stop” and “automatic”. Each time the air volume / wind direction setting button 11d is pressed, the state is alternately switched between a state where the air volume is set and a state where the air direction is set. Change. When the air volume / wind direction setting button 11d is pressed to set the air volume, the setting button 11a1 is displayed on the central display portion 11a as shown in FIG. The user presses the setting button 11a1, displays the desired air volume on the air volume / wind direction setting button 11d, and determines the air volume by pressing the air volume / air direction setting button 11d again. When the air volume / wind direction setting button 11d is pressed to set the wind direction, the user presses the setting button 11a1 to display the desired blowing direction on the air volume / wind direction setting button 11d and displays the air volume / wind direction. The wind direction is determined by pressing the setting button 11d again.

  As for the temperature setting button 11b, the air conditioning mode setting button 11c, and the air volume / winding direction setting button 11d described above, the display of each setting button may change each time the setting button is pressed. In the case of the air conditioning mode setting button 11c, the display of the air conditioning mode setting button 11c may be changed in the order of “cooling” → “heating” → “dehumidification” → “automatic” each time the button is pressed.

  The operation button 11e is a button for instructing start / stop of the operation of the air conditioner, and is displayed as “operation” when the air conditioner is stopped, and is displayed as “stop” although not shown while the air conditioner is operating. The

  The priority setting button 11f is a button for setting a plurality of correlated operation modes, and will be described in detail later. When the priority setting button 11f is pressed, as shown in FIG. The operation mode setting screen 110 is displayed, and the operation mode execution level can be set on the operation mode setting screen 110. The priority setting button 11f includes a return button 11g for canceling or completing the operation mode setting and a release button 11h for canceling or canceling the execution level of the set operation mode when setting the operation mode. Become.

  The operation key 12 is an auxiliary key provided to realize some functions among various setting buttons provided on the touch panel 11y of the operation display unit 11, and assumes that the touch panel 11y is difficult to operate. The minimum setting key is provided so that the set temperature and operation mode can be set. In addition to these, a timer operation setting key, a reset key for returning the remote controller 1 to the initial state, and the like are also provided.

  Next, the configuration of the main part of the remote controller 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the remote controller 1 includes a storage unit 13, a transmission unit 14, and a control unit 15 that controls them, in addition to the operation display unit 11 and the operation keys 12 described above. The operation display unit 11 includes a display screen 11x and a touch panel 11y.

  The storage unit 13 stores control codes corresponding to the operation display unit 11 and the operation keys 12, various data, programs, and the like.

The control means 15 reads a control code corresponding to the operation display unit 11 and the operation key 12 operated by the user from the storage unit 13, generates a transmission code from the control code, and outputs the transmission code to the transmission unit 14. Further, a display screen corresponding to the operation content is displayed on the display screen 11 x of the operation display unit 11.
The transmission unit 14 transmits an infrared signal based on the transmission code input from the control means 15 to the air conditioner.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, a method for setting a plurality of correlated operation modes provided in the air conditioner in the air conditioner remote control 1 of the present invention will be described in detail, and one operation mode will be described. The effect by displaying the influence on other operation modes by the change of will be described. In the following description, as a plurality of correlated operation modes provided in the air conditioner, an energy saving operation mode in which the rotation speed of the compressor provided in the outdoor unit is reduced and power consumption is reduced, and the indoor fan of the indoor unit Silent mode to reduce the noise of the indoor unit and rapid operation to shorten the time for the room temperature to reach the set temperature by temporarily increasing the compression and the rotation speed of the indoor fan to a predetermined value It is assumed that there are three operation modes: mode.

  Moreover, in the following description, the case where the air conditioner is performing a cooling operation at a set temperature: 26 ° C. is taken as an example, and the control means 15 does not change the set temperature even if each operation mode is changed. It will be described as being controlled. In addition, when the air conditioner is stopped, only the operation button 11e and the current time are displayed on the operation display unit 11 of the remote controller 1.

  In order to start the operation of the air conditioner, the user presses the operation button 11e of the operation display unit 11 as shown in FIG. When the operation button 11e is pressed, the control unit 15 transmits an operation start signal to the air conditioner, and displays the temperature setting button 11b, the operation mode button 11c, and the air volume / wind direction setting button 11d together with the current setting state. It is displayed on the screen 11x. Further, the control means 15 displays the priority setting button 11f and changes the display of the operation button 11e to “stop” as shown in FIG. When the operation button 11e is pressed and the air conditioner starts operation, the control means 15 does not display anything on the central display unit 11a.

  When the user starts the operation of the air conditioner, the user presses the temperature setting button 11b, the operation mode button 11c, and the air volume / air direction setting button 11d, and performs various settings so as to achieve an intended air conditioning environment. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3B, the control means 15 displays a setting button 11a1 on the central display portion 11a. In addition, the control means 15 produces | generates the transmission code corresponding to the set content, and outputs it to the transmission part 14, and the transmission part 14 transmits the infrared signal based on the input transmission code to an air conditioner.

  When the user wants to start one of a plurality of operation modes or change the setting of the operation mode currently being executed during operation of the air conditioner, as shown in FIG. The button 11f is pressed.

  When the priority setting button 11f is pressed, as shown in FIG. 3C, the control means 15 displays the air volume / wind direction setting button 11d as the air volume display 11d1 indicating the current air volume, and displays the priority setting button 11f. Is changed to the display of the return button 11g and the release button 11h, the display of the operation button 11e is changed to the display of the setting button 11e1, and the operation mode setting screen 110 is displayed on the central display portion 11a.

  The operation mode setting screen 110 includes three coordinate axes 111 corresponding to the execution level of each operation mode, and a level setting button 112 that displays the current execution level of each operation mode and is associated with the operation button of the touch panel 11y. Displayed in the radar chart. The three coordinate axes 111 are displayed in a radial pattern with the origins of the respective axes collectively displayed at the center of the operation mode setting screen 110. The energy saving coordinate axes 111a corresponding to the execution levels of the energy saving operation modes are respectively executed. The silent coordinate axis 111b corresponding to the level and the rapid coordinate axis 111c corresponding to the execution level of the rapid operation mode are set.

  The scale of the coordinate axis 111 corresponds to the execution level of each operation mode, and each scale 1 to 3 corresponds to the execution levels 1 to 3. In FIG. 3C, numbers are given to the coordinate scales, but this is for the purpose of explaining this embodiment, and these numbers are not displayed on the actual operation mode setting screen 110. Also good.

  The energy saving effect increases as the execution level increases from level 1 to 3 on the energy saving coordinate axis 111a, and the noise generated from the indoor unit decreases as the level increases from level 1 to 3 on the silent coordinate axis 111b (the noise reduction effect increases). Thus, in the rapid coordinate axis 111c, the time for the room temperature to reach the set temperature decreases as the level increases from level 1 to 3.

  In the operation mode setting screen 110, each operation mode is displayed in a shortened manner, the energy saving operation mode is displayed as “energy saving”, the silent mode is displayed as “silent”, and the rapid operation mode is displayed as “rapid”. Further, the level setting buttons 112 are all in the initial state (when the air conditioner is operated for the first time after installation or when the operation of the air conditioner that has been stopped is started), as shown in FIG. The coordinate level 111 is set at the execution level: 2 position.

  When the user wants to change the execution level of each operation mode, the user touches the level setting button 112 and moves the level setting button 112 along each coordinate axis 111 as it is. For example, if it is desired to reduce the noise of the indoor unit from the initial state shown in FIG. 3C, that is, to increase the execution level of the silent mode, as shown in FIG. 3D, on the silent coordinate axis 111b. A finger is brought into contact with the level setting button 112 displayed on the scale 2, and the level setting button 112 is moved from the scale 2 to the scale 3. This operation increases the execution level of the silent mode from 2 to 3. At this time, the air volume display of the air volume display section 11d1 changes from the state of FIG. 3C to the state of FIG. 3D, and displays that the air volume has been reduced by reducing the black portions.

  Increasing the silent mode execution level means reducing the number of rotations of the indoor fan of the indoor unit. Therefore, if it is intended to maintain the room temperature at the set temperature: 26 ° C., it is necessary to increase the amount of refrigerant flowing to the indoor heat exchanger by increasing the rotational speed of the compressor provided in the outdoor unit. Power consumption will increase and energy saving will decrease. Further, since the conditioned air supplied to the room is reduced by lowering the rotational speed of the indoor fan, it takes a long time to return the room temperature once raised to 26 ° C., which is the set temperature.

  Therefore, when the user operates the level setting button 112 on the silent coordinate axis 111b to increase the execution level of the silent mode from 2 to 3, the control means 15 rapidly decreases the execution level of the energy saving operation mode. It is displayed on the operation mode setting screen 110 that the execution level of the operation mode is lowered. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3D, when the execution level of the silent mode is increased from 2 to 3, the control unit 15 interlocks with the level on the energy saving coordinate axis 111a and the rapid coordinate axis 111c. The display position of the setting button 112 is moved, and the position of the level setting button 112 on the energy saving coordinate axis 111a is changed from 2 to 1, that is, the execution level of the energy saving operation mode is lowered from 2 to 1, and the level on the rapid coordinate axis 111c The operation mode setting screen 110 displays that the position of the setting button 112 is changed from 2 to 1, that is, the execution level of the rapid operation mode is lowered from 2 to 1.

  As described above, if the execution level of one operation mode is changed, how the execution level of another operation mode is affected is displayed on the operation mode setting screen 110, so that the user can set the operation mode. In this case, the setting can be performed while grasping the relationship between the operation modes. Therefore, for example, if the user is highly energy-saving, even if he wants to use the rapid operation mode or the silent mode, he can set the execution level of each operation mode while considering the energy-saving effect. Each operation mode can be set according to the user's intention.

  If the user sets the execution level of the silent mode as shown in FIG. 3 (D) and confirms the influence on the other operation modes and determines that this is sufficient, as shown in FIG. 3 (E). Then, the setting button 11e1 is pressed to confirm the setting. As shown in FIG. 3 (F), the control means 15 that has recognized the pressing of the setting button 11e1 operates the display of the return button 11g and the release button 11h as the priority setting button 11f and the display of the setting button 11e1. While returning to the display of the button 11e, the control signal corresponding to the set execution level of each operation mode is generated and transmitted to the air conditioner via the transmission unit 14.

  If the user presses the return button 11g in the state of FIG. 3E, the control means 15 returns the display position of the level setting button 112 on the silent coordinate axis 111b to the original state. The display on the operation display unit 11 is returned to the state shown in FIG. If the user presses the release button 11h in the state of FIGS. 3C to 3E, the control means 15 cancels the state of setting the operation mode and displays the display on the operation display unit 11 in FIG. Return to the state of A).

  The storage unit 13 stores a table that associates the execution level of each operation mode with the control parameters (for example, rotation of the compressor and the indoor fan) of the device provided in the air conditioner. If the execution level of each operation mode is set, the means 15 accesses the storage unit 13 to read out a control parameter corresponding to the set content from this table, and generates a control signal based on this.

  In the embodiment described above, the case where the execution level of the silent mode is changed has been described. However, when the execution level of another operation mode is changed, for example, as shown in FIG. When the level is increased from 2 to 3, it is necessary to increase the indoor fan rotation speed of the indoor unit, so the noise caused by this increases, but the increase in power consumption by increasing the indoor fan rotation speed is the air conditioner The control means 15 moves the level setting button 112 on the silent coordinate axis 111b from 2 to 1 and displays the level setting button 112 on the energy saving coordinate axis 111a. Display in the same position.

  In the above description, the set temperature has not been changed. However, for example, when the execution level of the energy saving operation mode is increased from 2 to 3, the compressor speed of the outdoor unit is reduced and the speed of the indoor fan is reduced. In this case, it may be difficult to realize the set temperature. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 4B, the control means 15 changes the level setting button 112 on the silent coordinate axis 111b from 2 to 3, and the level setting button 112 on the rapid coordinate axis 111c from 2 to 1. In addition, the display is moved and displayed, and the set temperature displayed on the temperature setting button 11b is increased (for example, from 26 ° C. to 28 ° C.), and a control signal for changing the set temperature to the indoor unit is displayed. You may make it transmit.

  Moreover, although the case where the operation mode setting screen 110 is configured by the coordinate axis 111 and the level setting button 112 has been described, other display forms, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, correspond to the execution level of each operation mode. The operation mode setting screen 120 including the operation bar 121 may be used.

  Since the operation display unit 11 shown in FIG. 5 is the same as the operation method, operation principle, effect, etc. described with reference to FIG. 3 except for the operation mode setting screen 120, detailed description thereof will be omitted. The operation mode setting screen 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5C and 5D. The operation mode setting screen 120 includes three operation bars 121 corresponding to the execution levels of the respective operation modes.

  As shown in FIG. 5C, the three operation bars 121 are displayed in a bar graph shape side by side on the operation mode setting screen 120, and each corresponds to the execution level of the energy saving operation mode. An energy saving operation bar 121a, a silent operation bar 121b corresponding to the execution level of the silent mode, and a rapid operation bar 121c corresponding to the execution level of the rapid operation mode are provided.

  Each operation bar 121 is divided into four blocks, and an operation button of the touch panel 11y is assigned to each block. Each block corresponds to the execution level of the corresponding operation mode, and each block 1 to 4 corresponds to the execution level 1 to 4. In FIG. 5C, each block is given a number, but this is for the purpose of explanation of this embodiment, and this number may not be displayed on the actual operation mode setting screen 120. Good.

  In the energy saving operation bar 121a, the energy saving effect increases as the execution level increases from level 1 to 4, and in the silent operation bar 121b, the noise generated from the indoor unit decreases as the level increases from level 1 to 4 (the noise reduction effect is reduced). In the rapid operation bar 121c, the time for the room temperature to reach the set temperature becomes shorter as the level increases from level 1 to 4.

  In the operation mode setting screen 120, each operation mode is displayed in a shortened manner, the energy saving operation mode is displayed as “energy saving”, the silent mode is displayed as “silent”, and the rapid operation mode is displayed as “rapid”. In the operation bar 121, the execution level can be changed by placing a finger on the block and sliding the finger. Then, the display below the block in contact with the finger is switched from white to gray, and the gray state indicates that the execution level is selected. In the initial state (when the air conditioner is first operated after installation or when the stopped air conditioner is started), as shown in FIG. Since the level is set at 2, the blocks below the block corresponding to the execution level 2 are displayed in gray in each block.

  When the user wants to change the execution level of each operation mode, the user presses the block of the operation bar 121 with a finger. For example, if it is desired to reduce the noise of the indoor unit from the initial state shown in FIG. 5C, that is, to increase the execution level of the silent mode, as shown in FIG. Press block 4. This operation increases the execution level of the silent mode from 2 to 4. At this time, the air volume display of the air volume display section 11d1 changes from the state shown in FIG. 5C to the state shown in FIG. 5D, indicating that the air volume has been reduced by reducing the black portions.

  Increasing the silent mode execution level means reducing the number of rotations of the indoor fan of the indoor unit. Therefore, if it is intended to maintain the room temperature at the set temperature: 26 ° C., it is necessary to increase the amount of refrigerant flowing to the indoor heat exchanger by increasing the rotational speed of the compressor provided in the outdoor unit. Power consumption will increase and energy saving will decrease. Further, since the conditioned air supplied to the room is reduced by lowering the rotational speed of the indoor fan, it takes a long time to return the room temperature once raised to 26 ° C., which is the set temperature.

  Therefore, when the block of the silent operation bar 121b is pressed and the execution level of the silent mode is increased from 2 to 4, the control unit 15 decreases the execution level of the energy saving operation mode and the execution level of the rapid operation mode. Is displayed on the operation mode setting screen 120. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5 (D), when the execution level of the silent mode is increased from 2 to 4, the control means 15 is linked to the gray of the energy saving operation bar 121a and the quick operation bar 121c. The operation mode setting screen 120 displays that the color block is 1, that is, the execution level of the energy saving operation mode and the execution level of the rapid operation mode are lowered from 2 to 1.

  Next, a second embodiment of the air conditioner remote control according to the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the basic components of the remote controller and the principle and method for displaying the mutual influence when the execution level of the operation mode is set are the same as those in the first embodiment. The detailed explanation is omitted. The difference from the first embodiment is that the touch panel is not provided on the front surface of the display screen, and the execution level setting of the operation mode is performed with the operation keys.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the remote controller 2 of the present embodiment has a housing 23 formed of a resin material in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box, and an infrared light emitting diode is disposed at one end (upper end) in the longitudinal direction of the housing 23. And a transmitter 14 composed of a cover made of a resin material or the like.

  On the front surface of the housing 23, a display screen 21 as display means is provided on the upper end side, and operation keys 22 as operation means are provided on the lower end side. The display screen 21 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays a set operation mode related to the air conditioning operation and contents instructed by the user. A temperature display unit 21b for displaying the air conditioner, an air conditioning mode display unit 21c for displaying an operation mode such as cooling or heating, and an air volume / wind direction display for displaying the blowing intensity and blowing direction of the conditioned air supplied to the room from the outlet of the indoor unit The part 21d is a state display part 21a for displaying numerical values and conditions at the time of various settings.

  The operation key 22 is used by the user to perform various settings and instructions when operating the air conditioner. The operation key 22a, the priority setting key 22b, the selection key 22c, the adjustment key 22d, the decision key 22e, and the return key. It consists of a key 22f and a timer key 22g.

  The operation key 22a is a key for instructing operation start / stop of the air conditioner. The priority setting key 22b is a key for setting the operation mode, and when the priority setting key 22b is pressed, the operation mode setting screen 210 is displayed on the state display unit 21a. The details will be described later.

  The selection key 22c is composed of two keys, ascending and descending, for selecting an operating condition to be set. The adjustment key 22d is composed of two keys, plus (+) and minus (−), for changing the operating condition to be set selected by the selection key 22c.

  The enter key 22e is for confirming the contents set by operating the selection key 22c and the adjustment key 22d. The return key 22f is used to cancel the contents set by operating the selection key 22c and the adjustment key 22d to return to the original state. The timer key 22g is for performing timer operation setting of the air conditioner.

  Next, the operation mode setting method in the remote controller 2 of the air conditioner of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, as in the first embodiment, the air conditioner is assumed to have three operation modes, that is, an energy saving operation mode, a silent mode, and a rapid operation mode, as operation modes. The configuration of the main part of the remote controller 2 is the same as that of the remote controller 1 described in the first embodiment. The air conditioner is described as an example in which the cooling operation is performed at a set temperature: 26 ° C., and the control means 15 of the remote controller 2 is described as the set temperature does not change even if each operation mode is changed. .

  In order to start the operation of the air conditioner, the user presses the operation key 22a as shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, the operation key 22 to be pressed is displayed in gray for convenience of explanation. When the operation key 22a is pressed, the control means 15 transmits an operation start signal to the air conditioner, and also displays the current display on the temperature display unit 21b, the air conditioning mode display unit 21c, and the air volume / wind direction display unit 21d on the display screen 21. Display the settings. Here, the set temperature is “26 ° C.”, the operation mode is “cooling”, and the air volume is “automatic”. When the operation key 22a is pressed and the air conditioner starts operation, the control means displays nothing on the state display unit 21a. When the air conditioner is stopped, only the current time is displayed on the display screen 21 of the remote controller 2.

  When the user starts the operation of the air conditioner, the user operates the operation keys 22 to perform various settings so as to achieve an intended air conditioning environment. For example, if the user presses the selection key 22c to change the set temperature, the control means 15 blinks the display on the temperature display unit 21b to indicate that the set temperature can be changed. In this state, the user can raise or lower the set temperature by pressing the adjustment key 22d. If the set temperature reaches the intended set temperature, the setting is confirmed by pressing the enter key 22e. When it is desired to set operating conditions other than the set temperature, the selection key 22c is pressed to blink the desired display area, and then the adjustment key 22d is pressed to make various settings. The control unit 15 transmits a control signal corresponding to the set content to the air conditioner via the transmission unit 14.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (B), when the user wants to start one of a plurality of operation modes existing during operation of the air conditioner or to change the setting of the operation mode currently being executed. The person presses the priority setting key 22b.

  When the priority setting key 22b is pressed, the control means 15 changes the display of the air volume / wind direction display section 21d to the air volume display indicating the current air volume, as shown in FIG. 6C, and the state display section 21a. The operation mode setting screen 210 is displayed.

  The operation mode setting screen 210 includes three coordinate axes 211 corresponding to the execution level of each operation mode, a level display point 212 for displaying the current execution level of each operation mode, and a cancel instruction unit 213 for canceling the setting contents. Become. The three coordinate axes 211 are displayed in a radial pattern with the origins of the respective axes collectively displayed at the center of the operation mode setting screen 210. The energy-saving coordinate axes 211a corresponding to the execution levels of the energy-saving operation modes are respectively executed. The silent coordinate axis 211b corresponding to the level and the rapid coordinate axis 211c corresponding to the execution level of the rapid operation mode are set.

  The scale of the coordinate axis 211 corresponds to the execution level of each operation mode, and each scale 1 to 3 corresponds to the execution levels 1 to 3. In FIG. 6C, numerals are attached to the coordinate scales, but this is for the purpose of explaining this embodiment, and these numbers are not displayed on the actual operation mode setting screen 210. Also good. Further, all the level display points 212 are displayed in gray.

  As for the execution level, the energy saving effect increases as the energy saving coordinate axis 211a increases from level 1 to 3, and the noise generated from the indoor unit decreases as the level increases from level 1 to 3 on the silent coordinate axis 211b (the noise reduction effect increases). Thus, in the rapid coordinate axis 211c, the time for the room temperature to reach the set temperature decreases as the level increases from level 1 to 3.

  In the operation mode setting screen 210, each operation mode is displayed in a shortened manner, the energy saving operation mode is displayed as “energy saving”, the silent mode is displayed as “silent”, and the rapid operation mode is displayed as “rapid”. In the initial state (when the air conditioner is first operated after installation or when the operation of the air conditioner that has been stopped is started), the execution levels of all modes are set to “2”. As shown in FIG. 6 (C), the level display point 212 is displayed at the execution level: 2 on all the coordinate axes 211.

  When the user wants to change the execution level of each operation mode, the user operates the selection key 22c to select the operation mode to be changed. For example, if it is desired to reduce the noise of the indoor unit from the initial state shown in FIG. 6C, that is, to increase the execution level of the silent mode, the selection key 22c is operated as shown in FIG. 6D. Then, “Silent” on the operation mode setting screen 210 is selected. The fact that “silent” has been selected is displayed because the display location of “silent” has been changed from white to gray, and the level display point 212 on the silent coordinate axis 211b has been changed from gray to black. The

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6E, the user operates the adjustment key 22d to move the level display point 212 on the silent coordinate axis 211b from the scale 2 to the scale 3. Then, as shown in FIG. 6 (F), when the user presses the enter key 22e, the control means 15 increases the execution level of the silent mode from 2 to 3, and as shown in FIG. 6 (G). Then, the gray color of the “silent” display location on the operation mode setting screen 210 is returned to white, and the level display point 212 on the silent coordinate axis 211b is changed from black to gray to indicate that the setting is completed to the user. To do. In the above operation, the air volume display of the air volume / wind direction display section 21d has changed from the state of FIG. 6C to the state of FIG. 6E, and the air volume has been reduced by reducing the blackened portion. Is displayed.

  If the user depresses the return key 22f in the state of FIG. 6F, the control means 15 returns the display position of the level display point 212 on the changed silent coordinate axis 211b to the original state. The display on the display screen 21 is returned to the state shown in FIG. 6C to 6F, when the user presses the selection key 22c, selects the cancel instruction unit 213, and presses the decision key 22e, the control unit 15 sets the operation mode. The state is canceled and the display on the display screen 21 is returned to the state shown in FIG.

  Increasing the silent mode execution level means reducing the number of rotations of the indoor fan of the indoor unit. Therefore, if it is intended to maintain the room temperature at the set temperature: 26 ° C., it is necessary to increase the amount of refrigerant flowing to the indoor heat exchanger by increasing the rotational speed of the compressor provided in the outdoor unit. Power consumption will increase and energy saving will decrease. Further, since the conditioned air supplied to the room is reduced by lowering the rotational speed of the indoor fan, it takes a long time to return the room temperature once raised to 26 ° C., which is the set temperature.

  Therefore, when the user operates the operation key 22 to increase the silent mode execution level from 2 to 3, the control means 15 reduces the energy saving operation mode execution level and the rapid operation mode execution level. Decreasing is displayed on the operation mode setting screen 210. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6E and 6F, when the execution level of the silent mode is increased from 2 to 3, the control unit 15 displays a level on the energy saving coordinate axis 211a in conjunction with this. The display position of the point 212 is changed from 2 to 1, that is, the execution level of the energy saving operation mode is lowered from 2 to 1, and the display position of the level display point 212 on the rapid coordinate axis 211c is changed from 2 to 1, that is, the rapid operation The operation mode setting screen 210 displays that the mode execution level is lowered from 2 to 1.

  As described above, if the execution level of one operation mode is changed, how the execution level of another operation mode is affected is displayed on the operation mode setting screen 210, so that the user can set the operation mode. In this case, the setting can be performed while grasping the relationship between the operation modes. Therefore, for example, if the user is highly energy-saving, even if he wants to use the rapid operation mode or the silent mode, he can set the execution level of each operation mode while considering the energy-saving effect. Each operation mode can be set according to the user's intention.

  In the embodiment described above, the operation mode setting screen 210 has been described with respect to the case where the operation mode setting screen 210 includes the coordinate axes 211 and the level display points 212. However, other display forms such as those described with reference to FIG. The execution level display unit may be a bar graph corresponding to the execution level of the operation mode, and the selected execution level may be displayed as, for example, a gray color.

  As described above, since the air conditioner of the present invention displays on the display device by the operation mode setting screen how the other operation mode is affected if one operation mode is changed. When setting each operation mode, the user can perform the setting while grasping the relationship between the operation modes, and can realize air conditioning control more in line with his / her intention.

  In the two embodiments described above, the case where the operation mode provided in the air conditioner includes the energy saving operation mode, the silent mode, and the rapid operation mode has been described, but instead of or in addition to these. It is equipped with a negative ion generator and puts negative ions on the conditioned air and diffuses it into the room. It also has a fragrance generator that spreads the fragrance and spreads the fragrance component on the air-conditioned air and diffuses it into the room. Another operation mode such as “mode” may be used.

  Moreover, although the case where the display device is a remote control has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display device may be provided in a main body housing such as an air conditioner body, for example, a wind air conditioner, an air purifier, or a deodorizer. In addition, in an air conditioner including a plurality of indoor units and outdoor units, a central management device that manages these may be provided with a display device. In addition, when the display apparatus is provided in the air conditioner main body, the control means of the air conditioner main body may also serve as the control means of the display apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Remote control 2 Remote control 11 Operation display part 11a Center display part 11d1 Air volume display part 11f Priority setting button 11x Display screen 11y Touch panel 15 Control means 21 Display screen 21a Status display part 22 Operation key 22b Priority setting key 22c Selection key 22d Adjustment key 22e Determination Key 110 Operation mode setting screen 111 Coordinate axis 111a Energy saving coordinate axis 111b Silent coordinate axis 111c Rapid coordinate axis 112 Level setting button 120 Operation mode setting screen 121 Operation bar 121a Energy saving operation bar 121b Silent operation bar 121c Rapid operation bar 210 Operation mode setting screen 211 Coordinate axis 211a Energy saving Coordinate axis 211b Silent coordinate axis 211c Rapid coordinate axis 212 Level display point

Claims (5)

An air conditioner having a display device comprising display means, operation means, and control means for controlling the display means based on operation information of the operation means,
The air conditioner is provided with a plurality of operation modes,
Each of the operation modes has a plurality of execution levels, and when the execution level of one of the operation modes changes, the execution levels of the other operation modes also change.
The display means displays the execution level of a plurality of the operation modes,
The control means displays on the display means an operation mode setting screen representing a change in the execution level of another operation mode when the execution level of one operation mode is changed by the operation means. A featured air conditioner.   The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the operation means is a touch panel arranged corresponding to a display screen displayed on the display means.   The plurality of operation modes include an energy saving operation mode for increasing / decreasing power consumption in the air conditioner, a silent mode for increasing / decreasing a noise level generated in the air conditioner, and a set temperature when operating the air conditioner The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioner is a rapid operation mode in which a length of time until the room temperature reaches is set.   2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the operation mode setting screen is a radar chart in which the plurality of operation modes are used as axes and the coaxial origins are combined into a radial shape.   The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the operation mode setting screen is a bar graph displaying a ratio of the plurality of operation modes.

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