air conditioner

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner capable of reducing useless worries and inquiries.SOLUTION: An air conditioner 100 includes a display part 40, a body part 10, a cover member 11, a detection part S1, and a control part 60. The display part 40 displays maintenance information. The body part 10 has the display part 40. The cover member 11 covers the display part 40 in the state of engaging with the body part 10. The detection part S1 detects the disengagement of the cover member 11 from the body part 10. The control part 60 performs control to enable the display of the display part 40 on condition that the detection part S1 detects the disengagement of the cover member 11 from the body part 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] The air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 lights up a light-emitting diode provided as a filter replacement sign when the cumulative operating time reaches a predetermined time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-281134 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, in the case of an air conditioner installed on the wall of a hospital room, if the light from the light-emitting diode that indicates when a part needs to be replaced is caught in the eyes of a hospitalized patient, it can cause unnecessary worry for the patient or lead to inquiries about the unit being installed on the wall of a hospital room.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can reduce unnecessary worries and inquiries. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The air conditioner of the present invention comprises a display unit, a main body unit, a covering member, a detection unit, and a control unit. The display unit displays maintenance information. The main body unit has the display unit. The covering member covers the display unit while engaged with the main body unit. The detection unit detects that the covering member has been disengaged from the main body unit. The control unit controls the display unit to enable display on the condition that the detection unit detects that the covering member has been disengaged from the main body unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, an air conditioner is provided that can reduce unnecessary worries and inquiries. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the air conditioner as seen from another direction. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an operation mode lamp. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the air conditioner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated. In the drawings, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis, which are orthogonal to each other, are shown. The X-axis and the Y-axis are parallel to the horizontal plane, and the Z-axis is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0010] First, the external appearance of an air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the air conditioner 100. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the air conditioner 100 seen from another direction. The air conditioner 100 is a device such as an air purifier or an ion generator.

[0011] 1 and 2, the air conditioner 100 is a wall-mounted type and includes a main body 10 and a front cover 11. The main body 10 has the functions of deodorizing, collecting dust, and generating ions.

[0012] The main body 10 is formed in a box shape with an opening on the front side. The front cover 11 is formed in a roughly rectangular plate shape and engages with the main body 10 while covering the opening of the main body 10. The front cover 11 is an example of a "covering member." The "covering member" may be any panel that constitutes the outer surface, and the front cover 11 is preferred for ease of work.

[0013] The front cover 11 engages with the main body 10 at two locations, for example, on the left and right sides. When the engagement of the front cover 11 with the main body 10 is released, the front cover 11 is removed from the main body 10. A structure that makes it impossible to release the engagement without a special tool is preferable. The engagement of the front cover 11 may be like that of a door with one side pivoted. The main body 10 and the front cover 11 may be locked in the state in which the main body 10 and the front cover 11 are engaged with each other.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, a first air inlet 21 and an illuminance sensor 30 are provided on the top surface of the main body 10. A second air inlet 22 is provided on the right side surface of the main body 10. As shown in Fig. 2, a third air inlet 23 and a blue operation mode lamp L1 are provided on the left side surface of the main body 10. An air outlet 24 and a blue ion sign L2 are provided on the bottom surface of the main body 10.

[0015] The main body 10 has an operation panel 40 and a cover detachment detection switch S1. When the front cover 11 covers the opening of the main body 10, the operation panel 40 and the cover detachment detection switch S1 are covered by the front cover 11. In other words, the front cover 11 covers the operation panel 40 and the cover detachment detection switch S1 while engaged with the main body 10. The cover detachment detection switch S1 corresponds to an example of a "detection unit."

[0016] Next, the operation mode lamp L1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the operation mode lamp L1.

[0017] 3, the operation mode lamp L1 includes a silent lamp L11, a standard lamp L12, and a strong lamp L13. The silent lamp L11, the standard lamp L12, and the strong lamp L13 each emit blue light.

[0018] Next, the operation panel 40 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the operation panel 40.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 4, the operation panel 40 includes, on the same surface, an operation mode switching button S2, an illuminance sensor setting switch S3, an ion sign setting switch S4, and a unit replacement lamp L3.

[0020] The operation mode switching button S2 is a push button for setting the operation mode to one of "quiet," "standard," and "strong." In conjunction with the pressing of the operation mode switching button S2, the lighting state of the operation mode lamp L1 changes.

[0021] The illuminance sensor setting switch S3 is a slide switch for setting one of "sensitivity: high," "sensitivity: standard," "sensitivity: low," and "sensor off." The ion sign setting switch S4 is a slide switch for setting the illumination of the ion sign L2 "on / off."

[0022] The unit replacement lamp L3 is an indicator lamp for displaying maintenance information indicating when the ion generating unit should be replaced. The maintenance information is not limited to information regarding when to replace a part, but may also be information regarding when to clean the part, or information regarding a malfunction or breakdown such as a malfunction.

[0023] The operation mode switching button S2, the illuminance sensor setting switch S3, and the ion sign setting switch S4 are examples of an "operation unit" that accepts manual operation. The unit replacement lamp L3 is an example of a "display unit." The operation panel 40 is an example of an "operation unit" and a "display unit."

[0024] Next, the circuit configuration of the air conditioner 100 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the air conditioner 100.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 5, the air conditioner 100 further includes a blower fan 50, a discharge unit 51, a control unit 60, and a storage unit .

[0026] The blower fan 50 draws in ambient air through the first to third suction ports 21 to 23, and blows out harmonious air from the outlet 24. The rotation speed of the blower fan 50 changes depending on the switching of the operation mode.

[0027] The discharge section 51 includes an ion generating unit for generating discharge factors. Examples of discharge factors include ions or active species. The ions include positive ions (e.g., H + (H2O) m (m is any integer)) or negative ions (e.g., O2 - (H2O) n (n is any integer)) or a combination thereof. Examples of active species include hydroxyl radical (·OH), hydrogen radical (·H), oxygen radical (·O), hydroperoxy radical (·HO2), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), or ozone (O3).

[0028] The memory unit 70 includes a storage device such as a semiconductor memory and stores data and computer programs. The control unit 60 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor of the control unit 60 controls each component of the air conditioner 100 by executing the computer programs stored in the memory unit 70.

[0029] The air conditioner 100 starts operating when the AC cord (not shown) is connected to an outlet with the front cover 11 engaged with the main body 10. The air conditioner 100 stops all operation when the AC cord is unplugged from the outlet.

[0030] When a maintenance technician disengages the front cover 11 from the main body 10 while the AC cord is plugged into an outlet, the cover detachment detection switch S1 detects the disengagement. When the cover detachment detection switch S1 detects the disengagement, the control unit 60 controls the unit replacement lamp L3 to be enabled. Furthermore, when the cover detachment detection switch S1 detects the disengagement, the control unit 60 controls the operation mode switching button S2, the illuminance sensor setting switch S3, and the ion sign setting switch S4 to be enabled. Furthermore, when the cover detachment detection switch S1 detects the disengagement, the control unit 60 controls the blower fan 50 and the discharge unit 51 to stop. In the case of a component malfunction or failure, the control unit 60 controls the blower fan 50 and the discharge unit 51 to stop even if the cover detachment detection switch S1 does not detect the disengagement.

[0031] When the illuminance sensor setting switch S3 is set to an option other than "sensor off," the air conditioner 100 switches operation depending on the brightness of the room detected by the illuminance sensor 30. For example, when the room is bright, the air conditioner 100 operates in the operation mode set by the operation mode switching button S2. The operation mode lamp L1 is normally lit. The ion sign L2 is also normally lit. When the room is dark, the control unit 60 switches the operation mode to "quiet." The operation mode lamp L1 is lit slightly dimly. The ion sign L2 is turned off.

[0032] When the illuminance sensor setting switch S3 is set to "sensor off," the air conditioner 100 is not linked to the brightness of the room and operates in the operation mode set by the operation mode switching button S2.

[0033] The control unit 60 counts the cumulative operating time of the air conditioner 100 and controls the unit replacement lamp L3 so that its illumination state changes depending on the length of the cumulative operating time. Specifically, the control unit 60 turns off the unit replacement lamp L3 if the cumulative operating time is less than 17,500 hours. The control unit 60 causes the unit replacement lamp L3 to slowly flash in red if the cumulative operating time is equal to or greater than 17,500 hours but less than 19,000 hours. The control unit 60 causes the unit replacement lamp L3 to rapidly flash in red if the cumulative operating time is equal to or greater than 19,000 hours. In this way, the control unit 60 causes the unit replacement lamp L3 to flash, thereby notifying maintenance personnel that it is time to replace the ion generating unit. The control unit 60 may also control the illumination state of the indicator lamp to change depending on the performance level, which indicates the amount of ions generated by the ion generating unit, to notify them of the timing for cleaning.

[0034] According to this embodiment, control unit 60 normally remains unobtrusive and transmits maintenance information only to maintenance personnel at the timing of inspection. Because light may leak through front cover 11 and become noticeable, even when it is time to replace the ion generating unit, unit replacement lamp L3 is kept off while front cover 11 is engaged with main body 10, thereby reducing unnecessary worries and inquiries.

[0035] According to the embodiment, an air conditioner 100 is provided that can reduce unnecessary worries and inquiries.

[0036] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be omitted from all components shown in the embodiments. The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner for ease of understanding, and the number of each component shown may differ from the actual number due to the convenience of drawing. Furthermore, the components shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible without substantially departing from the effects of the present invention.

[0037] For example, in the embodiment, the control unit 60 turns off the unit replacement lamp L3 if the cumulative operating time is less than 17,500 hours, but this is not limited to this. The control unit 60 may also control the unit replacement lamp L3 to light up in blue, for example, if the cumulative operating time is less than 17,500 hours. This is effective in detecting any malfunction of the unit replacement lamp L3.

[0038] The control unit 60 may control the unit replacement lamp L3 to be forcibly turned on when a certain amount of time has elapsed after the cumulative operating time has reached a predetermined time, or when an operational abnormality or malfunction occurs, even if the cover detachment detection switch S1 does not detect disengagement. This is a measure to prevent forgetting maintenance during periodic inspections.

[0039] The control unit 60 may perform control so that the unit replacement lamp L3 can be displayed not only when the cover detachment detection switch S1 detects disengagement, but also when the release button is pressed. For example, the control unit 60 may recognize the operation mode switching button S2 as a release button for 10 seconds from the point when the engagement of the front cover 11 with the main body 10 is released.

[0040] In the embodiment, the unit replacement lamp L3 displays maintenance information indicating when it is time to replace the ion generating unit, but this is not limited to this. Instead of the unit replacement lamp L3, an indicator lamp that displays maintenance information indicating when it is time to replace the filter may be provided on the operation panel 40. [Industrial Applicability]

[0041] The present invention can be used in the field of air conditioners. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 10 Main body 11 Front cover (covering member) 40 Operation panel (operation section, display section) 50 Blower fan 51 Discharge section 60 Control Unit 100 Air conditioner L3 Unit replacement lamp (display) S1 Cover removal detection switch (detection part) S2 Operation mode switching button (operation part) S3 Illuminance sensor setting switch (operation part) S4 Ion sign setting switch (operation part)

Claims

1. a display unit that displays maintenance information for the parts; a main body having the display unit; a covering member that is displaceable between a covering state in which the covering member is engaged with the main body portion and covers the main body portion, and a non-covering state in which the covering member is disengaged from the main body portion and does not cover the main body portion; a detection unit that detects that the covering member has been released from engagement with the main body portion in the uncovered state; a control unit that controls the display unit; Equipped with The control unit When the covering member is disengaged from the main body and the component is in the uncovered state, and maintenance of the component is required, displaying the maintenance information on the display unit; When the covering member is disengaged from the main body portion and the main body portion is in the uncovered state, and maintenance of the component is not required, the display unit is not displayed. Air conditioner.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein the covering member includes a panel that forms an outer surface.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the maintenance information includes information indicating when the part should be cleaned or replaced.

4. the display unit includes an indicator lamp, The air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the indicator lamp so that a lighting state of the indicator lamp changes depending on a performance level or a length of a cumulative operation time.

5. The air conditioner of claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the indicator lamp to be forcibly turned on when a certain period of time has elapsed after the cumulative operating time has reached a predetermined time, or when an operational abnormality or malfunction occurs, even if the detection unit does not detect that the covering member has released from engagement with the main body portion in the uncovered state.

6. the main body further includes an operation unit that accepts manual operation, the operation unit is provided on the same surface as the display unit, the covering member further covers the operation unit in the covered state, The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit controls the operation unit to be enabled on the condition that the detection unit detects that the engagement of the covering member with the main body portion in the uncovered state of the covering member has been released.

7. the operation unit includes a release button, The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein the control unit performs control such that the display on the display unit is enabled on the condition that the release button has been pressed.

8. The main body further includes a blower fan, 8. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the blower fan to stop when the detection unit detects that the covering member has been disengaged from the main body portion in the uncovered state.

9. The air conditioner of claim 8, wherein the control unit controls the blower fan to stop in the event of an operational abnormality or failure of the component, even if the detection unit does not detect that the covering member has been disengaged from the main body portion in the uncovered state.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein the main body and the covering member are locked in the covering state of the covering member.

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