JP6079746B2 - Air conditioner remote controller - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote controller for an air conditioner.

  Conventionally, many remote controllers used for remote control of an air conditioner use a battery as a power source. As described above, among remote controllers using batteries, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-79805), Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-154869), and Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 243692), some have a function of notifying the user of battery replacement.

  However, in the remote controller disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, which has a function of performing notification for prompting battery replacement, a battery voltage is detected and a signal is output in order to determine whether or not battery replacement is necessary. Battery detection circuit for detecting and monitoring the remaining capacity of the battery, or a power supply voltage measuring means for measuring the power supply voltage and a battery exhaustion determining means for determining a drop in the power supply voltage according to the output state of the power supply voltage measuring means Such an additional circuit or additional means is required. Since an additional cost for providing such an additional circuit and additional means is generated, a remote controller having a notification function that prompts battery replacement tends to be expensive.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive remote controller having a notification function that prompts battery replacement.

A remote controller for an air conditioner according to a first aspect of the present invention operates by using a battery storage unit that stores a battery in a replaceable manner, and a battery stored in the battery storage unit as a power source. and a microcomputer to execute a specific command for instructing the microcomputer, after a voltage applied from the power source is configured to be reset when it is below the reset voltage, the reset is performed, the specific When the reset is performed again by executing the command, a notification for prompting battery replacement is given.

  In the remote controller of the first aspect, the reset function provided for the microcomputer is used, and when the reset is performed due to the execution of the specific command, a notification for prompting battery replacement is performed. There is no need to add an additional circuit or additional means such as a voltage detection unit for detecting the voltage of the battery that has dropped to a state that requires battery replacement.

A remote controller for an air conditioner according to a second aspect of the present invention operates by using a battery storage unit that stores batteries in a replaceable manner and a battery stored in the battery storage unit as a power source. a microcomputer that executes a specific command for instructing, and a nonvolatile memory for storing a predetermined flag indicating the execution of a specific command immediately after the reset of the microcomputer, the microcomputer, the voltage supplied from the power supply reset voltage It is configured to be reset when the following conditions are met, and when returning from reset, the specific flag of the non-volatile memory recognizes whether the previous reset is due to the execution of a specific command, and the specific command is executed it is when a reset has been performed immediately before the thing that is, performing notification prompting battery replacement Than is.

  In the remote controller of the second aspect, since the predetermined flag is stored in the non-volatile memory, even if the microcomputer is reset, the storage of the predetermined flag is retained and the microcomputer is reset by execution of the specific command. I can confirm. Therefore, in a conventional remote controller having a non-volatile memory, a configuration for confirming that the cause of reset is caused by execution of a specific command can be realized at low cost.

A remote controller for an air conditioner according to a third aspect of the present invention operates by using a battery storage unit that stores a replaceable battery and a battery stored in the battery storage unit as a power source. And a non-volatile memory for storing a predetermined flag indicating the execution of the specific command immediately after the microcomputer is reset. The microcomputer has a voltage applied from the power supply as a reset voltage. It is configured to be reset when the following condition is met, and only when a specific command is executed immediately after the reset, the predetermined flag is stored in the non-volatile memory, and when returning from the reset, the predetermined flag of the non-volatile memory is used. Recognizing whether the reset is due to the execution of a specific command When the reset is performed by being executed, it performs a notification prompting battery replacement.

  In the remote controller according to the third aspect, the predetermined flag is stored only when the specific command is executed immediately after the microcomputer is reset. Therefore, the repetition operation of storing and erasing the predetermined flag in the non-volatile memory is reduced to be non-volatile. The life of the memory can be extended.

  In the remote controller of the air conditioner according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the remote controller according to the second aspect or the third aspect, the microcomputer stores a predetermined flag in the nonvolatile memory by a trigger of a specific command after reset. The predetermined flag is deleted when a predetermined time elapses from the trigger.

  In the remote controller of the fourth aspect, the predetermined flag is erased when a predetermined time has elapsed from the trigger of the specific command after reset. Therefore, after the predetermined flag is erased, the reset is caused by factors other than a decrease in battery voltage. Since the notification for prompting the battery replacement is not performed even if it is applied, the risk of erroneously informing the prompt for the battery replacement can be reduced.

  A remote controller for an air conditioner according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the remote controller according to the fourth aspect, further comprising a display device that displays the contents transmitted from the microcomputer, and the microcomputer is displayed on the screen of the display device. The display prompts the user to replace the battery.

  In the remote controller of the fifth aspect, the display device displays a message prompting the user to replace the battery, so that the user of the air conditioner using the remote controller confirms that the battery needs to be replaced. Can be made.

  The remote controller for an air conditioner according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the remote controller according to the fifth aspect, wherein the display device has a backlight, and the microcomputer has the same timing as when the backlight is turned off. The predetermined flag of the nonvolatile memory is erased at an earlier timing.

  In the remote controller of the sixth aspect, since the battery is often replaced after the backlight is turned off, by erasing the predetermined flag at the same timing or earlier than the timing when the backlight is turned off, When the battery is replaced with a new battery, it is possible to reduce the risk of performing a notification to promptly replace the battery.

  The remote controller for an air conditioner according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the remote controller according to the sixth aspect, wherein the microcomputer further triggers a specific command in a state where a predetermined flag of the nonvolatile memory is stored. In this case, the timing for erasing the predetermined flag is changed to elapse of a predetermined time from the latest trigger.

  In the remote controller of the seventh aspect, since the timing for erasing the predetermined flag is changed when a predetermined time has elapsed from the latest trigger, it is possible to detect battery depletion that can be reset by executing a specific command multiple times. , Variations in battery consumption detection will spread.

  In the remote controller of the air conditioner according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the remote controller according to the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect, the microcomputer transmits a signal to the air conditioner according to a specific command and The light is turned on.

  In the remote controller of the eighth aspect, battery consumption can be detected from the battery voltage drop due to relatively large power consumption due to signal transmission and backlight lighting, and determination of whether or not battery replacement is necessary Becomes easier.

  Other problems include the following. That is, when the battery is depleted, there may be cases where signals cannot be transmitted depending on the degree of voltage drop. However, if there is no new battery at hand, there may be a situation where it is desired to reliably stop the operation of the air conditioner before obtaining a new battery. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a remote controller that can reliably stop the operation of the air conditioner even when the battery is exhausted and needs to be replaced. Peripheral techniques for solving such problems will be described from the ninth viewpoint.

  A remote controller of an air conditioner according to a ninth aspect of the present invention includes a battery storage unit that stores a battery in a replaceable manner, a determination unit that determines whether or not battery replacement is necessary, a display device having a backlight, and the battery A microcomputer that operates with the battery stored in the storage unit as a power source and that can execute a stop command for instructing the air conditioner to stop operation. The microcomputer needs to be replaced by the determination unit. If it is determined, the stop command is executed without turning on the backlight, and a signal for instructing the air conditioner to stop operation is transmitted.

  In the remote controller of the ninth aspect, the stop command is executed without turning on the backlight, and a signal for instructing the operation stop is transmitted to the air conditioner, so that the power for turning on the backlight is reduced. The battery voltage drop can be prevented, and the reliability of transmission of a signal instructing operation stop is improved. As a result, the user convenience can be improved by reliably stopping the operation of the air conditioner in a situation where the power supply voltage is lowered.

  The remote controller for an air conditioner according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the remote controller according to the ninth aspect, wherein at least the determination unit determines that battery replacement is necessary, and transmits an operation stop to the air conditioner. A signal having a shorter signal length than a signal to be transmitted for instructing a predetermined operation by executing another command is used as the instruction signal.

  In the remote controller of the tenth aspect, since the signal length of the signal for instructing operation stop is short, the power for transmitting the signal instructing operation stop can be suppressed, and even in the situation where the power supply voltage is lowered , The certainty of transmission of a signal instructing operation stop is improved.

  In the remote controller of the air conditioner according to the first aspect of the present invention, the manufacturing cost of the remote controller having a notification function for prompting battery replacement can be suppressed.

  In the remote controller of the air conditioner according to the second aspect of the present invention, a configuration for confirming that the cause of the reset is caused by the execution of a specific command can be realized at low cost.

  In the remote controller of the air conditioner according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to extend the life of the nonvolatile memory and reduce the maintenance cost of the remote controller.

  In the remote controller of the air conditioner according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user is inconvenienced by erroneous notification of battery replacement.

  In the remote controller of the air conditioner according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it becomes easy for the user to distinguish between an operation failure due to battery replacement and an operation failure due to failure.

  In the remote controller of the air conditioner according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, misreporting of notification for prompting battery replacement is reduced, and convenience is improved.

  In the remote controller of the air conditioner according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to increase the number of cases in which notification for prompting battery replacement can be made.

  In the remote controller of the air conditioner according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the accuracy of determining whether or not battery replacement is necessary is improved.

The perspective view for demonstrating an air conditioner provided with a remote controller. The top view of a remote controller. The rear view of a remote controller in the state where the lid of the battery storage part was removed. The block diagram for demonstrating the internal circuit of a remote controller. The timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement of a remote controller when an old battery is used. The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of a remote controller when an old battery is used. The timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement of the remote controller to which peripheral technology was applied. The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the remote controller to which peripheral technology was applied.

<Outline of air conditioner configuration>
In the description of the remote controller according to the embodiment of the present invention, first, an air conditioner to which a control signal is transmitted from the remote controller will be briefly described. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 2 attached to an indoor wall W and an outdoor unit 3 installed outside the room. The indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3 are connected by a collective communication pipe 4 that collects refrigerant pipes, humidification hoses, transmission lines, communication lines, and the like. The air conditioner 1 includes a refrigerant circuit to perform heat exchange and perform indoor air conditioning. The refrigerant circuit (not shown) includes, for example, an indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit 2 (functions as an evaporator during cooling / condenser during heating), and a compressor and outdoor heat exchanger of the outdoor unit 3. A condenser pipe (which functions as a condenser during cooling and an evaporator during heating) and an expansion valve are connected by a refrigerant pipe in the collective connection pipe 4.

  Moreover, since the indoor unit 2 is attached to a place with a high wall W, a remote controller 10 for operating the air conditioner 1 is provided. The indoor unit 2 receives an instruction from the remote controller 10 and receives an electrical component box (not shown) that houses an indoor control device (not shown) for controlling indoor equipment such as an indoor fan motor (not shown). The outdoor unit 3 has an electrical component box (not shown) for storing an outdoor control device (not shown) for controlling outdoor equipment such as an outdoor fan motor (not shown). Is provided. The indoor control device of the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor control device of the outdoor unit 3 are connected by a transmission line passing through the collective connection pipe 4. The indoor control device of the indoor unit 2 processes a control signal transmitted / received to / from the remote controller 10.

(1) Appearance of Remote Controller 10 FIG. 2 is a plan view of the remote controller, and FIG. 3 is a rear view of the remote controller. FIG. 3 shows the state of the rear surface of the remote controller with the lid of the battery compartment removed. A liquid crystal display screen 25 a and operation buttons 12 are arranged on the front surface of the remote controller 10. In the operation button 12, an operation / stop button 12 a for switching between operation start and operation stop of the air conditioner 1 is provided. The remote controller 10 is configured to transmit electromagnetic waves from the distal end portion 10a.

  A battery storage unit 13 is provided on the back side of the remote controller 10. The battery storage unit 13 can store two AA batteries 100. The battery 100 may be a primary battery or a secondary battery. Here, as a result of use, the battery 100 whose voltage has dropped to such an extent that it needs to be replaced is called an old battery. A primary battery in a state from an unused primary battery to an old battery is called a new battery. In addition, a secondary battery in a state from a fully charged state or a state close to full charge to an old battery is referred to as a new battery. Furthermore, the battery 100 that has been consumed so that the voltage is lower than that of the old battery and the remote controller 10 does not operate at all is referred to as an empty battery.

  The battery housing part 13 is provided with a first terminal 13 a connected to the positive electrode 101 of the battery 100 and a second terminal 13 b connected to the negative electrode 102 of the battery 100. When the battery 100 is fitted in the battery housing part 13, the positive electrode 101 is connected to the first terminal 13a and the negative electrode 102 is connected to the second terminal 13b.

(2) Internal Circuit of Remote Controller 10 The remote controller 10 includes an internal circuit 20 shown in FIG. An internal circuit 20 of the remote controller 10 includes a microcomputer 21, a reset circuit 22, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) 23, an operation unit 24, a display device 25, a transmission unit 26, and a reception unit. 27. The microcomputer 21, the reset circuit 22, the EEPROM 23, the operation unit 24, the display device 25, the transmission unit 26, and the reception unit 27 operate using the battery 100 stored in the battery storage unit 13 as a power source.

  The microcomputer 21 mainly performs processing of control signals transmitted / received to / from the indoor unit 2 and processing for displaying information. The microcomputer 21 has a built-in oscillator, for example, and has a timer function. Here, the case where the oscillator and timer functions are built in the microcomputer 21 is described as an example, but the oscillator and timer functions may be externally attached to the microcomputer 21.

  The reset circuit 22 is a circuit for resetting the microcomputer 21, and for example, resets the microcomputer 21 when it is desired to initialize the remote controller 10 or when the battery 100 is replaced. For this reason, the reset circuit 22 has a function of transmitting a reset signal when the power supply voltage becomes lower than a preset threshold voltage. The reset circuit 22 has been conventionally provided for resetting the microcomputer 21, but the remote controller 10 is used for notifying the user of battery replacement.

  The EEPROM 23 stores a predetermined flag indicating execution of the specific command when the specific command is executed. The predetermined flag is stored at the trigger timing of the specific command. In the following description, as a specific command, a command for transmitting a control signal to the indoor unit 2 when the operation button 12 is pressed, particularly a command for transmitting a switching signal for driving / stopping when the operation / stop button 12a is pressed is given as an example. I will explain.

  The operation unit 24 includes the operation button 12 illustrated in FIG. 2, and outputs a signal indicating an operation instructed by the operation button 12 to the microcomputer 21. Usually, a signal output from the operation unit 24 serves as a trigger for a specific command.

  The display device 25 includes a liquid crystal display screen 25a and a backlight 25b. The display device 25 is configured to receive light from a backlight 25b disposed on the back side of the liquid crystal display screen 25a in order to make the display on the liquid crystal display screen 25a easier to see. For example, when stopping the operation, a signal for displaying the display content of the operation stop is output from the microcomputer 21 to the display device 25. Upon receiving such a signal, the display device 25 displays the operation stop on the liquid crystal display screen 25a and lights the backlight 25b.

  The transmission unit 26 receives a control signal command from the microcomputer 21 and transmits the control signal to the indoor unit 2 using, for example, an infrared LED (not shown). In order to start the circuit including the infrared LED in this way, the transmission unit 26 sends a control signal to the indoor unit 2 when the voltage of the battery 100 decreases and only a voltage lower than the threshold voltage is applied from the power source. Cannot send. Not only when the control signal is transmitted by infrared rays, but also when the control signal is transmitted from the remote controller 10 to the indoor unit 2 by another method, for example, by electromagnetic waves, it becomes impossible when the power supply voltage falls below the threshold voltage. Become.

  The receiving unit 27 receives a control signal from the indoor unit 2 by, for example, an infrared light receiving module (not shown). The receiving unit 27 transmits a command based on the control signal received from the indoor unit 2 to the microcomputer 21. Similarly to the transmission unit 26, the reception unit 27 cannot receive a control signal from the indoor unit 2 when the voltage of the battery 100 decreases and only a voltage lower than the threshold voltage is applied from the power source.

(3) Notification Operation for Encouraging Battery Replacement The notification operation for prompting battery replacement in the remote controller 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In the following description, it is assumed that the power supply voltage VDD is 3V and the reset voltage Vr is 1.8V. In FIG. 6, “RET” means returning to a state of waiting for the operation button 12 to be pressed.

  The microcomputer 21 has a function of writing the microcomputer reset check flag Fc. The microcomputer reset checked flag Fc is “0” when the microcomputer 21 is reset, and “1” when the signal SW due to the pressing of the operation button 12 immediately after the reset is “L”. Returned to

(3-1) When a new battery 100 is inserted Immediately after a new battery 100 is inserted into the remote controller 10 and the power is turned on, the reset signal Rs is output from the reset circuit 22 to reset the microcomputer 21. Done. Time t1 in FIG. 5 is a time when the remote controller 10 recovers from the reset state immediately after the power is turned on. At this time, the microcomputer 21 sets the microcomputer reset check flag Fc to “0”. Then, time t2 in FIG. 5 is a time point when the operation button 12, for example, the run / stop button 12a is pushed down immediately after the reset.

  Since the microcomputer reset check flag Fc is “0” at the time t2 when the operation / stop button 12a is pressed, the microcomputer 21 sets the reset flag Fr of the EEPROM 23 to “ON”. The microcomputer 21 counts 5 seconds from the rise of the reset flag Fr of the EEPROM 23 by a built-in timer, and turns the reset flag Fr to “OFF” when 5 seconds have elapsed from the rise (time t3). . For example, even if a temperature adjustment button as another operation button 12 is pressed between the time when the reset flag Fr rises and the time t3, the voltage of the battery 100 is insufficient and the microcomputer 21 is reset. Since there is no notification, the operation for notifying the user of battery replacement is not performed.

(3-2) When the old battery 100 is inserted At time t11, when the battery 100 is out of date, the signal SW due to depression of the run / stop button 12a of the operation unit 24 becomes “L”. Yes (step S1 in FIG. 6).

  Unless the reset is forcibly reset, the remote controller 10 is normally operated without being reset, so the microcomputer reset check flag Fc is “1”. At this time, since the microcomputer reset check flag Fc is “1” at time t11, the microcomputer 21 determines that Fc = 1 in step S2 of FIG. 6 and waits for the operation button 12 to be pressed. Return to the current state (RET).

  However, when the operation / stop button 12a is pressed at time t11, the microcomputer 21 executes a command for causing the transmission unit 26 to transmit a control signal for starting operation and turns on the backlight 25b of the display device 25. (Step S3), a command for causing the liquid crystal display screen 25a to display the operation start instruction is executed. However, the operation of the operation unit 24, the microcomputer 21, the transmission unit 26, and the display device 25 causes the voltage of the battery 100 to drop. At time t12, the reset circuit 22 detects a voltage lower than the reset voltage Vr, thereby resetting. A reset signal Rs is transmitted from the circuit 22 to the microcomputer 21, and the microcomputer 21 is reset. Therefore, a control signal for starting operation is not transmitted to the indoor unit 2. Then, when the microcomputer 21 recovers from the reset, the microcomputer reset check flag Fc is changed to “1” (time t13).

  At time t13, since the microcomputer 21 is reset, the normal operation instruction is not given from the remote controller 10 to the indoor unit 2, so that the user suspiciously presses down the operation / stop button 12a again (time t14). ).

  If the run / stop button 12a is pressed again at time t14 (step S1), the microcomputer reset check flag Fc is “0” at time t14, and the process proceeds from step S2 to step S4.

  At time t15, the microcomputer 21 resets the microcomputer reset check flag Fc to “1” (step S4), the reset flag Fr of the EEPROM 23 is set to “ON” (step S5), and the microcomputer 21 Proceed to step S5. Even in step S5, the microcomputer 21 causes the transmission unit 26 to transmit the operation start control signal and turns on the backlight 25b of the display device 25 to cause the liquid crystal display screen 25a to display the operation start instruction. An attempt is made (step S6). However, due to the voltage drop of the battery 100, the operation start instruction is not transmitted to the indoor unit 2, and at time t <b> 16, the reset circuit 22 detects a voltage lower than the reset voltage Vr again. The reset signal Rs is transmitted again to the computer 21, and the microcomputer 21 is reset for the second time within 5 seconds (while the backlight 25b is lit) after the operation / stop button 12a is pressed again.

  At time t17 after recovery from the second reset, the reset flag Fr of the EEPROM 23 is “ON”, so that the microcomputer 21 recognizes that the microcomputer 21 has been reset while the backlight is lit. (Step S7). The determination in step S7 can be made because it is possible to recognize whether or not the immediately preceding reset is due to execution of a specific command by the reset flag Fr of the EEPROM 23 when returning from reset.

  Therefore, after resetting again by the second press of the run / stop button 12a, the microcomputer 21 displays on the liquid crystal display screen 25a on the liquid crystal display screen 25a the message “Please replace the battery” ( (See FIG. 2) to notify the user of battery replacement (step S8). When the liquid crystal display screen 25a is displayed, the microcomputer 21 instructs the display device 25 not to turn on the backlight 25b. This is because when the backlight 25b is turned on, the power of the battery 100 is consumed, so that there is a possibility that a problem such as the display of the liquid crystal display screen 25a not being performed may occur.

  The depressing of the run / stop button 12 a again serves as a trigger for starting the timer of the microcomputer 21 for setting the reset flag Fr of the EEPROM 23 to “OFF”. The reset flag Fr of the EEPROM 23 is set to “OFF” at the time when the backlight 25b is turned off (time t18) after 5 seconds have elapsed from the time t14 (almost simultaneously with the time t15) (step S9).

  In the operation of the remote controller 10 shown in FIG. 5, the reset is performed again at time t16 before 5 seconds have elapsed after the operation / stop button 12a is pressed again (while the backlight 25b is lit). . However, depending on the degree of the voltage drop of battery 100, this reset may not be performed. In such a case, for example, the operation button 12 related to temperature setting may be pressed before 5 seconds elapses after the operation / stop button 12a is pressed again. In some cases, the operation button 12 is pushed down and reset. Therefore, in step S7, when the microcomputer 21 is not reset while the backlight 25b is lit (before 5 seconds have elapsed since the operation / stop button 12a is pressed again), the process proceeds to step S10. It is determined whether or not the operation button 12 is pressed while the backlight 25b is lit. In such a situation, when the operation button 12 is depressed while the backlight 25b is lit, the microcomputer 21 turns on the reset flag Fr of the EEPROM 23 (step S11), and the reset flag along with the operation thereof. The count of the timer of the microcomputer 21 for turning OFF Fr is started by pressing the operation button 12 while the backlight 25b is lit (step S12). Even in such a situation, if the operation button 12 is not depressed while the backlight 25b is lit, the process proceeds from step S10 to step S13, and 5 seconds have elapsed since the depression of the run / stop button 12a again. When the backlight 25b is turned off, the reset flag Fr is set to “OFF” and the process returns to a state of waiting for the operation button 12 to be depressed (RET).

  In this way, by repeating the loop of steps S6, S7, S10, S11, and S12, even if the battery 100 is exhausted to the extent that resetting is not performed by pressing the operation button 12 once, the operation button 12 can be operated multiple times. There may be a case where the reset is applied by pushing down, and in such a case, a notification for urging battery replacement can be performed.

(3-3) When battery replacement is performed At time t21, replacement with a new battery 100 is performed. At time t21, the reset is performed by the first reset signal Rs, and the situation is the same as that at time t1 already described. Accordingly, the operations at times t22 and t23 when the operation button 12 after being reset is pressed are the same as those at the times t2 and t3 described above.

  However, when the user mistakenly replaces the old battery 100, the operation after the time t14 is repeated by pressing the operation button 12. As a result, even when the user mistakenly replaces the old battery 100, the remote controller 10 can make a notification that prompts the user to replace the battery.

(4) Features (4-1)
As described above, the microcomputer 21 of the remote controller 10 operates using the battery 100 stored in the battery storage unit 13 as a power source. The microcomputer 21 executes a specific command for instructing the air conditioner 1 to perform a predetermined operation by pressing the operation button 12. The remote controller 10 is configured so that the microcomputer 21 is reset by a reset signal Rs of the reset circuit 22 when the voltage supplied from the power supply becomes equal to or lower than the reset voltage. In the above description, when the operation / stop button 12a is pressed, the microcomputer 21 executes a command (an example of a specific command) that causes the transmission unit 26 to transmit an operation start control signal, and the liquid crystal display screen 25a and the backlight. A command (an example of a specific command) that causes display related to an instruction to start operation is executed by 25b. One or more specific commands may be executed by the microcomputer 21. In the above embodiment, the command executed by the microcomputer 21 when the operation button 12 is pressed is the specific command. When the microcomputer 21 is reset by executing a specific command, the microcomputer 21 notifies that the battery should be replaced.

  The remote controller 10 uses a reset function provided for the microcomputer 21 to notify the user that the battery should be replaced when a reset is performed by executing a specific command. Therefore, the battery needs to be replaced. There is no need to add an additional circuit or additional means such as a voltage detection unit for detecting the voltage of the battery 100 that has dropped to the state. The above-described reset circuit 22 is a circuit that has been conventionally provided for resetting the microcomputer 21, and is not a circuit newly added to determine whether or not battery replacement is necessary. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the remote controller 10 having a notification function for prompting battery replacement can be suppressed, and the remote controller 10 can be provided at a low cost. In the above embodiment, the reset circuit 22 is described as an example provided outside the microcomputer 21, but the external reset circuit 22 is omitted when the microcomputer 21 has a built-in reset function. be able to.

(4-2)
The EEPROM 23 (an example of a nonvolatile memory) is configured to be able to store a reset flag Fr. The reset flag Fr is an example of a predetermined flag indicating execution of a specific command immediately after the microcomputer 21 is reset. As shown in step S7 of FIG. 6, the microcomputer 21 recognizes whether or not the previous reset is due to the execution of a specific command by the reset flag Fr of the EEPROM 23 when returning from the reset. Since the reset flag Fr is stored in the EEPROM 23, it can be confirmed that even if the microcomputer 21 is reset, the memory of the reset flag Fr in the EEPROM 23 is retained and the microcomputer 21 is reset by executing a specific command. Therefore, in the conventional remote controller 10 having the EEPROM 23, a configuration for confirming that the cause of the reset is the execution of the specific command can be realized at a low cost.

(4-3)
For example, as shown at time t15 in FIG. 5, the microcomputer 21 turns on the reset flag Fr in the EEPROM 23 only when a specific command is executed immediately after reset. For example, at time t11, the reset flag Fr is kept OFF in the EEPROM 23. As described above, the reset flag Fr is stored only when the operation button 12 is pushed down and the specific command is executed immediately after the microcomputer 21 is reset. Therefore, every time the operation button 12 is pushed down, the reset flag Fr is set. Compared with the case of storing, the processing can be performed by storing (ON) and erasing (OFF) a very small number of times. As a result, repeated operations of storing and erasing the reset flag Fr in the EEPROM 23 can be reduced, the life of the EEPROM 23 can be extended, and the maintenance cost of the remote controller 10 can be reduced.

(4-4)
The microcomputer 21 stores a reset flag Fr in the EEPROM 23 as a trigger in response to the depression of the operation / stop button 12a after reset at time t14 in FIG. 5 and turns it on for 5 seconds (predetermined time). The reset flag Fr is erased (turned off) when e.g.

  Since the reset flag Fr is cleared when a predetermined time of 5 seconds elapses after the trigger of the specific command corresponding to the depression of the operation / stop button 12a after the reset, the battery voltage decreases after the reset flag Fr is erased. Even if the reset is applied due to a factor other than the above, notification for prompting battery replacement is not performed. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the risk of erroneously displaying a notification that prompts battery replacement, and to reduce the possibility of inconvenience to the user.

(4-5)
The microcomputer 21 is configured so as to be able to display the content for prompting battery replacement on the liquid crystal display screen 25a of the display device 25. For example, at time t17 in FIG. 5 when the voltage of the battery 100 decreases and the battery needs to be replaced, the display device 25 displays the content for prompting battery replacement as shown in FIG. As a result, since the user of the air conditioner 1 using the remote controller 10 can be surely confirmed that the battery needs to be replaced, it is possible to discriminate between a malfunction due to battery replacement and a malfunction due to failure. It becomes easy for the user.

(4-6)
The microcomputer 21 turns off the reset flag Fr when 5 seconds, which is the same timing as when the backlight 25b is turned off, has elapsed. Since the battery is often replaced after the backlight is turned off, the battery is mistakenly replaced when the battery is replaced with a new one by turning off the reset flag Fr at the same timing as the backlight 25b is turned off. It is possible to reduce the risk of performing notification for prompting replacement, and the convenience for the user is improved. In the above embodiment, the time until the reset flag Fr is turned off is 5 seconds from the trigger and is the same as the time until the backlight 25b is turned off. However, for example, the time until the reset flag Fr is turned off is The reset flag Fr of the EEPROM 23 may be turned off at a timing earlier than the timing at which the backlight 25b is turned off within 4 seconds.

(4-7)
When the microcomputer 21 determines that step S10 shown in FIG. 6 is performed and the reset flag Fr is ON, and there is a trigger for a specific command accompanying the depression of the operation button 12. The timing at which the reset flag Fr is turned ON is changed when 5 seconds have elapsed from the latest trigger (step S13). With this configuration, it is possible to detect battery depletion that can be reset by executing a specific command multiple times, increasing the number of cases in which battery variation detection variations are widened and notifications that prompt battery replacement can be made. it can.

(4-8)
The microcomputer 21 is configured to transmit a signal to the air conditioner 1 and turn on the backlight 25b in accordance with a specific command accompanying the depression of the operation button 12. Therefore, battery consumption can be detected from the battery voltage drop due to the relatively large amount of power consumed when the backlight 2b of the remote controller 10 is turned on, making it easy to determine whether or not to replace the battery. The accuracy of determining whether or not replacement is necessary is improved.

(5) Modification (5-1) Modification 1A
In the embodiment described above, the EEPROM 23 is described as an example of the nonvolatile memory, but the nonvolatile memory that can be used in the present invention is not limited to the EEPROM. Examples of non-volatile memory other than EEPROM include flash memory, ferroelectric memory, and resistance change memory.

(5-2) Modification 1B
Although the case where the reset circuit 22 is provided as an external circuit of the microcomputer 21 has been described in the above embodiment, the reset circuit 22 does not have to be an external circuit. Some microcomputers have a built-in reset circuit, and in a microcomputer having such a reset circuit, an external reset circuit is omitted by using the built-in reset circuit. You can also.

(5-2) Modification 1C
In the above embodiment, the case where the notification for prompting the battery replacement is performed by displaying on the liquid crystal display screen 25a has been described. However, the notification for prompting the battery replacement is not limited to the display on the liquid crystal display screen 25a. In addition, for example, functions such as a voice for prompting battery replacement, a beep sound, and vibration can be provided. Moreover, you may make it transmit the control signal which notifies the indoor unit 2 from the remote controller 10. FIG.

<Other peripheral technologies>
(6) Description of Peripheral Technology Peripheral technologies related to battery replacement of the remote controller 10 having the configuration shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. Although the operation up to time t17 shown in FIG. 7 is as described above, the microcomputer 21 outputs a backlight lighting prohibiting signal Hb that prohibits lighting of the backlight 25b, together with a display prompting battery replacement. (Step S20). Further, before step S3 in which the backlight 25b is turned on, the display device 25 determines whether or not to turn on the backlight 25b by using the backlight lighting inhibition signal Hb.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the backlight 25b is not turned on when the message “Please replace the battery” is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 25a has been described. This is a signal for prohibiting the lighting process of the backlight 25b when the button is depressed.

  At time t18 in FIG. 7, the run / stop button 12a is pressed again (step S1). At this time, the microcomputer reset check flag Fc is “1” because the operation / stop button 12a after being reset is pressed (time t14), so the process proceeds from step S2 to step S21. In step S21, since the backlight lighting prohibition signal Hb is “prohibited” at time t17, the lighting of the backlight 25b is prohibited. And the microcomputer 21 transmits the control signal which instruct | indicates a stop to the indoor unit 2 from the transmission part 26 in the state in which the backlight 25b was prohibited.

  At this time, the microcomputer 21 transmits an instruction to the display device 25 to prevent the backlight 25b from being turned on and to maintain the message “Please replace the battery” on the liquid crystal display screen 25a. Alternatively, in the state where the backlight lighting prohibition signal Hb is “prohibited”, the control signal is not sent from the microcomputer 21 to the display device 25. Therefore, after time t18, the backlight 25b is not turned on and the message “Please replace the battery” is still displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 25a.

  As a result, at time t18, even if the run / stop button 12a is pressed, the power supply voltage VDD does not fall below the threshold voltage, so that the reset by the reset circuit 22 is not performed. Since the reset is not performed, the operation of the indoor unit 2 is stopped by a control signal sent from the remote controller 10.

(7) Modification (7-1) Modification 2A
In the above description, the case where the lighting of the backlight 25b is only prohibited by the backlight lighting prohibiting signal Hb has been described. However, the transmission is performed when the operation / stop button 12a is pressed by the backlight lighting prohibiting signal Hb. The control signal may be configured to be shortened.

  A case will be described in which the indoor unit 2 can receive two types of control signals for accepting operation stop: a first control signal having a long signal length and a second control signal having a short signal length. When the indoor unit 2 has the above-described configuration, the remote controller 10 can be configured to command the second control signal to be transmitted from the microcomputer 21 to the transmission unit 26 by the backlight lighting inhibition signal Hb. .

(7-2) Modification 2B
In the modified example 2A, when the indoor unit 2 supports two types of control signals for accepting operation stop: a first control signal with a long signal length and a second control signal with a short signal length. The case where the control signal for instructing the operation stop is switched to the second control signal having a short signal length by the backlight lighting prohibiting signal Hb has been described. However, the first operation for instructing a predetermined operation by executing another command is described. A configuration in which the signal length of the second control signal is shorter than that of the three control signals may be used. In such a configuration, since switching is not necessary, the indoor unit 2 and the remote controller 10 do not have to have the function of transmitting and receiving the first control signal described in Modification 2B.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Air conditioner 2 Indoor unit 3 Outdoor unit 10 Remote controller 12 Operation button 13 Battery storage part 21 Microcomputer 22 Reset circuit 23 EEPROM (example of non-volatile memory)
24 operation unit 25 display device 25a liquid crystal display screen 25b backlight 26 transmission unit 27 reception unit

JP-A-2005-79805 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-154869 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-243692

Claims (8)

A battery storage section (13) for storing the battery in a replaceable manner;
A microcomputer (21) that operates using a battery stored in the battery storage unit as a power source and executes a specific command for instructing the air conditioner (1) to perform a predetermined operation;
The microcomputer is configured to be reset when a voltage supplied from the power source becomes equal to or lower than a reset voltage . After the reset is performed , the reset is performed again by executing the specific command. A remote controller for an air conditioner that sometimes notifies the user to replace the battery. A battery storage section (13) for storing the battery in a replaceable manner;
A microcomputer (21) that operates using the battery stored in the battery storage unit as a power source and executes a specific command for instructing the air conditioner (1) to perform a predetermined operation;
A non-volatile memory (23) for storing a predetermined flag indicating execution of the specific command immediately after resetting the microcomputer ;
With
The microcomputer is configured to be reset when a voltage applied from the power source becomes equal to or lower than a reset voltage. When the microcomputer recovers from a reset, the previous reset is performed by the predetermined flag in the nonvolatile memory. A remote controller for an air conditioner that recognizes whether or not the operation is performed, and performs a notification that prompts battery replacement when a previous reset is performed by executing the specific command . A battery storage section (13) for storing the battery in a replaceable manner;
A microcomputer (21) that operates using the battery stored in the battery storage unit as a power source and executes a specific command for instructing the air conditioner (1) to perform a predetermined operation;
A non-volatile memory (23) for storing a predetermined flag indicating execution of the specific command immediately after resetting the microcomputer;
With
The microcomputer is configured to be reset when a voltage supplied from the power source becomes a reset voltage or less, and only when the specific command is executed immediately after the reset, the predetermined flag is stored in the nonvolatile memory. Is stored, and when returning from reset, the predetermined flag of the non-volatile memory recognizes whether or not the previous reset is due to execution of the specific command, and the reset is performed by executing the specific command. A remote controller for an air conditioner that, when performed, notifies the user of battery replacement . The microcomputer stores the predetermined flag in the nonvolatile memory by a trigger of the specific command after reset, and erases the predetermined flag when a predetermined time has elapsed from the trigger.
The remote controller of the air conditioner of Claim 2 or Claim 3. A display device (25) for displaying contents transmitted from the microcomputer;
The microcomputer displays a content prompting battery replacement on the screen of the display device.
The remote controller of the air conditioner of Claim 4. The display device has a backlight (25b),
The microcomputer erases the predetermined flag of the nonvolatile memory at the same timing or earlier than the timing at which the backlight is turned off.
The remote controller of the air conditioner of Claim 5. In the state in which the predetermined flag of the non-volatile memory is stored, and the microcomputer further erases the predetermined flag when the specific command is triggered, the predetermined time elapses from the latest trigger. Change when
The remote controller of the air conditioner of Claim 6. The microcomputer transmits a signal to the air conditioner according to the specific command and turns on the backlight.
The remote controller of the air conditioner of Claim 6 or Claim 7.

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