air conditioning unit

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner that enables remote control by using a remote controller with a learning function while suppressing an increase in a product cost.SOLUTION: An air conditioner includes: a transmission section 14 that transmits an infrared ray signal for instructing an operation of a body 1 to the outside of the body 1; a reception section 15 that receives the infrared ray signal transmitted from remote control means; and a control section 40. The control section 40 has: an infrared ray signal registration mode; and a remote control mode and a remote control prohibition mode either of which is selectively set. In the case where the remote control prohibition mode is set and at the same time the infrared ray signal registration mode is executed, after the infrared ray signal registration mode is finished, the remote control mode is set. Due to this structure, without providing an auxiliary remote controller, the infrared ray signal is transmitted from the body 1, so as to enable the remote control means to store the infrared ray signal. Thus while an increase in a product cost is suppressed, remote control by using the remote control means with a learning function is enabled.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a remotely controlled air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is an air conditioner that includes an attached remote control that outputs an operation signal for the main body and a remote control signal receiving unit that is provided in the main body and receives the operation signal, and that can be remotely controlled from the remote control (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] There is also known a remote control with a learning function that includes a light receiving section for receiving infrared signals from a remote control attached to another device, in addition to a light emitting section for transmitting infrared rays toward the device to be operated (for example, Patent Document 2).The remote control with a learning function can add functions to the remote control attached to the other device by transmitting infrared rays from the target remote control toward the light receiving section and registering the infrared signal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-35985 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-56821 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Remote controls with learning functions are convenient because they can register the infrared signals of multiple devices, allowing them to operate multiple devices with a single device. However, to register the infrared signals, a remote control that comes with the device is required, and devices that do not have a remote control cannot be operated. However, including a remote control with the device increases the cost of the product.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an air conditioner that can be remotely controlled using a remote controller with a learning function while suppressing increases in product costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention comprises a main body and a transmitter that transmits an infrared signal that instructs an operation of the main body to the outside of the main body; a receiving unit for receiving an infrared signal transmitted from a remote control means; a control unit, the control unit has an infrared signal registration mode; the infrared signal registration mode is a mode executed when an infrared signal transmitted from the transmission unit is stored in the remote control means, the control unit has a remote operation mode that allows operation of the main body from the remote operation means and a remote operation prohibited mode that prohibits operation of the main body from the remote operation means, and selectively sets either the remote operation mode or the remote operation prohibited mode; In the air conditioner, if the infrared signal registration mode is executed while the remote operation prohibition mode is set, the remote operation mode is set when the infrared signal registration mode ends. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] By configuring as described above, an air conditioner can be obtained that can be remotely controlled by a remote control means with a learning function while suppressing increases in production costs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 3 is a detailed view of an operation unit and a display unit of the humidifier of the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4]1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described below, showing the operation of the present invention.

[0011] The present invention provides an air conditioner equipped with a transmitter that transmits infrared signals to the outside of the main unit to instruct the operation of the main unit, a receiver that receives infrared signals transmitted from a remote control, and a controller. The controller has an infrared signal registration mode, which is executed when the infrared signal transmitted from the transmitter is stored in the remote control. In other words, infrared signals can be transmitted from the main unit without the need for an attached remote control, allowing the infrared signals to be stored in the remote control. This enables remote operation using a remote control with a learning function while suppressing increases in product costs.

[0012] The receiver is located in a position where it can receive the infrared signal transmitted by the transmitter, and the control unit performs self-diagnosis to check for malfunctions in the transmitter or receiver in the infrared signal registration mode. By locating the receiver in a position where it can receive the infrared signal transmitted by the transmitter, it becomes possible to perform self-diagnosis using the infrared signal when the transmitter transmits the infrared signal.

[0013] The device also includes a display unit that displays the operation of the main body, and the control unit, during self-diagnosis, displays a first display on the display unit only when it instructs the transmitter unit to transmit an infrared signal and the receiver unit receives the infrared signal, and the first display includes an indication of the operation of the main body instructed by the infrared signal transmitted by the transmitter unit. By displaying the first display, the user can be informed that the transmitter unit and the receiver unit are operating normally. Furthermore, since the first display includes an indication of the operation of the main body instructed by the infrared signal transmitted by the transmitter unit, the user can register the infrared signal to the remote control means while checking the operation of the main body instructed by the infrared signal.

[0014] Furthermore, in the infrared signal registration mode, the control unit does not instruct the transmitting unit to transmit an infrared signal while the receiving unit is receiving an infrared signal. If the transmitting unit is instructed to transmit an infrared signal while the receiving unit is receiving an infrared signal transmitted from, for example, a remote control unit, the receiving unit will receive the infrared signal even if the transmitting unit is malfunctioning and unable to transmit an infrared signal, leading to a self-diagnosis that the transmitting unit and the receiving unit are normal. By not instructing the transmitting unit to transmit an infrared signal while the receiving unit is receiving an infrared signal, it is possible to prevent a misdiagnosis in the self-diagnosis.

[0015] The control unit also includes a determination unit that determines whether the infrared signal received by the receiving unit is a valid signal instructing an operation of the main unit, and in the infrared signal registration mode, when the receiving unit receives an infrared signal after the transmitting unit has completed transmitting the infrared signal, or when the receiving unit receives an infrared signal without instructing the transmitting unit to transmit an infrared signal, the determination unit determines whether the infrared signal is a valid signal, and when it determines that the infrared signal is a valid infrared signal, displays a second display on the display unit that indicates the operation of the main unit instructed by the infrared signal received by the receiving unit. This allows the user to determine whether the infrared signal has been correctly registered by checking the second display.

[0016] Furthermore, the control unit does not instruct the transmitting unit to transmit an infrared signal while the first display or the second display is being displayed. Because both the first display and the second display are displayed on the display unit, if the first display and the second display are displayed simultaneously, it is impossible to determine which display is causing the main body operation indicated by each display, and it is impossible to determine whether the infrared signal has been correctly registered with the remote control means. Furthermore, if the transmitting unit is instructed to transmit an infrared signal while the first display is being displayed and the first display is overlapping, it is impossible to determine which display is causing the main body operation indicated by each display, and it is impossible to determine whether the desired infrared signal has been sent to the remote control means. By displaying each display individually, it is possible to determine whether the infrared signal has been correctly registered with the remote control means and whether the desired infrared signal has been sent.

[0017] The control unit has a remote operation mode that enables operation of the main body from the remote control means, and a remote operation prohibited mode that prohibits operation of the main body from the remote control means, and selectively sets either the remote operation mode or the remote operation prohibited mode, and sets the remote operation mode when the infrared signal registration mode ends while the remote operation prohibited mode is set. Since the user's use of the infrared signal registration mode is considered to indicate an intention to perform remote operation, the remote operation mode is set when the infrared signal registration mode ends, eliminating the need for the user to select the remote operation mode and improving convenience. [Example]

[0018] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a humidifier will be used as an example of an air conditioning device.

[0019] Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a humidifier of this embodiment, Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of the humidifier of this embodiment, and Fig. 3 is a detailed diagram of the operation unit and display unit of the humidifier of this embodiment. The top surface of the humidifier main body 1 is provided with an operation unit 2 equipped with a number of switches for instructing the operation of the humidifier, a display unit 3 that displays the operating status, and an outlet 4 from which humidified air is blown out.

[0020] The back of main body 1 is provided with an intake port 5 for drawing indoor air into main body 1. Furthermore, at the bottom of main body 1, there is a water tank section 7 that receives water from water supply tank 6 and stores a certain amount of water, and a water-absorbent vaporization filter 8 is disposed within this water tank section 7, with water tank section 7 and vaporization filter 8 constituting humidification means 9 that generates humidified air. Part of vaporization filter 8 is immersed in the water within water tank section 7, and becomes moist by absorbing this water.

[0021] A blower 12 consisting of a fan 10 and a motor 11 is provided above the vaporization filter 8, and by driving this blower 12, air is sent along the air passage from the intake port 5 to the outlet port 4. Further, upstream of the vaporization filter 8 in the air passage, a heater 13 is provided for heating the air introduced from the intake port 5 to turn it into warm air, and upstream of the heater 13, a main body temperature detection means 25 for detecting the temperature inside the main body 1 is arranged.

[0022] The humidifier can be remotely controlled by storing infrared signals instructing the operation of the main body 1 in a remote control unit (not shown) with a learning function (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as the remote control unit). The types of operations of the main body 1 that can be instructed from the remote control unit may be more limited than the types of operations of the main body 1 that can be instructed from the operation unit 2. The humidifier includes a transmitter 14 that transmits infrared signals to the outside of the main body 1 and a receiver 15 that receives infrared signals transmitted from the remote control unit. The receiver 15 is positioned so that it can receive the infrared signals transmitted from the transmitter 14. In this embodiment, the transmitter 14 and the receiver 15 are arranged next to the 7-segment display 30, and the receiver 15 directly receives the infrared signals transmitted from the transmitter 14. Furthermore, a plate (not shown) coated with IR-transmitting paint is disposed on the front of the transmitter 14 and the receiver 15. The arrangement of the transmitter 14 and the receiver 15 is not limited to this embodiment, and may be any arrangement as long as the receiver 15 can receive the infrared signals transmitted from the transmitter 14. For example, an infrared signal transmitted from the transmitting unit 14 may be reflected and received by the receiving unit 15 .

[0023] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the humidifier of this embodiment. Instructions regarding the operation of the main body 1 are input to a control unit 40, which controls the operation of the main body 1, from an operation unit 2 and a receiving unit 15. The operation unit 2 is provided with various switches operated by the user, and in this embodiment, it includes an operation switch 20 that instructs the start and stop of operation of the main body 1, a humidity setting switch 21 that sets the target humidity in the room, an on timer switch 22 that sets the on timer of the main body 1, and an off timer switch 23 that sets the off timer of the main body 1. Furthermore, information from various detection means is input to the control unit 40. In this embodiment, the various detection means include an internal body temperature detection means 25 that detects the temperature inside the main body 1 and a humidity detection means 26 that detects the humidity of the indoor air. The various switches and detection means are not limited to those of this embodiment, and other switches and detection means may be provided.

[0024] The control unit 40 also includes a determination unit 41 that determines whether the infrared signal received by the receiving unit 15 is a valid signal that instructs the main body 1 to operate.

[0025] The output side of the control unit 40 is connected to the blower 12, heater 13, display unit 3, and transmitter 14. Based on input instructions and information related to operation, the control unit 40 sets the rotation speed of the blower 12 and the output of the heater 13 to perform humidification operation. The display unit 3 is made up of a 7-segment display unit 30, an LED display unit 31, and a dot light-emitting unit 32. The 7-segment display unit 30 displays the indoor air humidity detected by the humidity detection means 26, and the LED display unit 31, which has multiple LEDs, lights up an LED corresponding to the operation of the main unit 1 selected by the operation unit 2 and the receiver 15. The dot light-emitting unit 32 will be described later.

[0026] The operation of the above-mentioned humidifier will now be described. When an instruction to start operation is given from operation switch 20 or remote control means, the humidifier drives blower 12, drawing indoor air into main body 1 through intake port 5. The drawn-in air becomes warm air as it passes through heater 13, and the warm air becomes humidified air as it passes through evaporative filter 8, and the humidified air is released into the room through outlet 4. Control unit 40 performs humidification operation based on input instructions related to the operation of main body 1 and information from various detection means, and brings the indoor humidity close to the set target humidity.

[0027] The control unit 40 also has an infrared signal registration mode. The infrared signal registration mode is executed when an infrared signal instructing the operation of the main unit 1, transmitted from the transmission unit 14, is stored in the remote control means, and is executed by performing a predetermined switch operation while the main unit 1 is not operating. In this embodiment, the predetermined switch operation is a long press of the off timer switch 23.

[0028] Generally, infrared signals are registered in the remote control by transmitting them from a remote controller attached to the device. Therefore, a remote controller attached to the device is required to register the infrared signal. However, the humidifier of this embodiment can transmit infrared signals from the main unit 1 by executing the infrared signal registration mode, so that infrared signals can be stored in the remote control even if the main unit 1 does not have a remote controller attached.

[0029] Furthermore, the control unit 40 has a remote operation mode and a remote operation prohibited mode. Either the remote operation mode or the remote operation prohibited mode can be selectively set, allowing the user to select whether or not remote operation of the main unit 1 is possible. The remote operation mode is a mode that allows operation of the main unit 1 from a remote control means, while the remote operation prohibited mode is a mode that prohibits operation of the main unit 1 from a remote control means. Modes are switched by operating a predetermined switch, and in this embodiment, the mode can be switched by pressing and holding the on timer switch 22.

[0030] Next, we will explain how to register an infrared signal in the remote control unit. First, press and hold the OFF timer switch 23 to enter the infrared signal registration mode. At this time, the control unit 40 can enter the infrared signal registration mode regardless of whether the remote control mode or the remote control prohibited mode is set. Then, select the operation of the main unit 1 you want to store in the remote control unit and transmit an infrared signal instructing that operation to the outside of the main unit 1. For example, to store an infrared signal instructing the remote control unit to start operation, operate the operation switch 20 to select the instruction to start operation of the main unit 1, and then press the ON timer switch 22. Pressing the ON timer switch 22 transmits an infrared signal from the transmitter 14 to the outside of the main unit 1 instructing the main unit 1 to start operation. The remote control unit receives and stores this infrared signal, allowing the remote control unit to transmit an infrared signal instructing the main unit 1 to start operation. This eliminates the need for an attached remote control, suppresses product costs, and enables remote operation using a remote control unit with a learning function.

[0031] After the infrared signal registration is complete, press and hold the off timer switch 23 again to end the infrared signal registration mode. The infrared signal registration mode also ends if a predetermined time has elapsed without any valid switch operation.

[0032] In this case, when the infrared signal registration mode ends while the remote operation prohibition mode is set, the remote operation mode may be set. Since the user's use of the infrared signal registration mode is considered to indicate an intention to perform remote operation, the remote operation mode is set when the infrared signal registration mode ends, eliminating the need to select the remote operation mode and improving convenience. When the remote operation mode is selected, the dot light-emitting unit 32 lights up, indicating that the remote operation mode has been selected. Note that the above switch operation is an example, and other switches may also be used for operation.

[0033] In order to perform remote control using a remote control unit with a learning function, the remote control unit must transmit valid infrared signals that instruct the operation of the main unit 1, and the receiver 15 must be able to receive those signals normally. Furthermore, in the infrared signal registration mode, the transmitter 14 must be able to transmit infrared signals normally. Therefore, in the infrared signal registration mode, the control unit 40 can perform self-diagnosis to determine whether there are any malfunctions in the transmitter 14 and receiver 15 of the main unit 1, and valid signal determination to determine whether the infrared signal transmitted from the remote control unit is valid. The self-diagnosis and valid signal determination will be described below.

[0034] First, we will explain self-diagnosis. If the transmitter 14 or receiver 15 malfunctions, the transmitter 14 cannot transmit infrared signals to the remote control means, and the receiver 15 cannot receive infrared signals from the remote control means. However, because infrared rays are invisible, it is difficult for the user to notice a malfunction in the transmitter 14 or receiver 15. Therefore, a malfunction is determined by self-diagnosis.

[0035] Self-diagnosis is performed when on-timer switch 22 is pressed to transmit an infrared signal. Specifically, control unit 40 instructs transmitter 14 to transmit an infrared signal, and determines whether transmitter 14 or receiver 15 has failed based on whether receiver 15 has received the infrared signal. Because receiver 15 is positioned so that it can receive signals from transmitter 14, when an infrared signal is transmitted from transmitter 14, self-diagnosis can be performed using the infrared signal.

[0036] Furthermore, in the self-diagnosis, the transmitter 14 is instructed to transmit an infrared signal and only when the receiver 15 receives the infrared signal is a first display displayed on the display 3. By displaying the first display, the user can be informed that the transmitter 14 and receiver 15 are normal. The first display may also include a display indicating the operation of the main body 1 instructed by the infrared signal transmitted by the transmitter 14. This allows the user to register the infrared signal to the remote control means while checking the operation of the main body 1 instructed by the infrared signal.

[0037] An example of the first display will now be described with reference to FIG. 3 . In this embodiment, the first display is composed of a display indicating the operation of the main unit 1 instructed by the infrared signal displayed on the 7-segment display unit 30 and the LED display unit 31, and a blinking dot light-emitting unit 32, and is displayed for three seconds. The display indicating the operation of the main unit 1 instructed by the infrared signal is displayed on the 7-segment display unit 30 if the LED display unit 31 does not have an LED corresponding to that operation. For example, if the LED display unit 31 has an LED corresponding to that operation, "On" lights up on the 7-segment display unit 30, and if the LED display unit 31 has an LED corresponding to that operation, it is displayed on both the 7-segment display unit 30 and the LED display unit 31. For example, if the set humidity is instructed to be 60%, "--" lights up on the 7-segment display unit 30, and the LED to the left of the "60%" notation on the LED display unit 31 lights up.

[0038] Note that the first display is not made when the transmitter 14 is instructed to transmit an infrared signal and the receiver 15 does not receive the infrared signal. At this time, the display unit 3 may make a display different from the first display by turning on or off the dot light-emitting units 32, or may turn off all displays.

[0039] Furthermore, in the infrared signal registration mode, the control unit 40 may not instruct the transmitter 14 to transmit an infrared signal while the receiver 15 is receiving an infrared signal. While the receiver 15 is receiving an infrared signal, the control unit 40 may not accept an instruction to transmit an infrared signal from the operation unit 2, or may accept the instruction but not execute it. If a device that transmits an infrared signal (e.g., a remote control with a learning function or a remote control attached to another device) is operated around the main unit 1 during the infrared signal registration mode, and the transmitter 14 is instructed to transmit an infrared signal while the receiver 15 is receiving the infrared signal, even if the transmitter 14 is malfunctioning and unable to transmit an infrared signal, the receiver 15 will receive the infrared signal, leading to the self-diagnosis determining that the transmitter 14 and the receiver 15 are normal. By not instructing the transmitter 14 to transmit an infrared signal while the receiver 15 is receiving an infrared signal, a misdiagnosis in the self-diagnosis can be prevented.

[0040] Next, valid signal determination will be explained. When storing an infrared signal in the remote control means, there is a possibility that an incorrect infrared signal will be registered in the remote control means due to the operation of a remote control attached to another device nearby. In such a case, the registered infrared signal will not be able to operate the main unit 1. Therefore, when an infrared signal transmitted from the transmitter 14 is stored in the remote control means, the remote control means may transmit another infrared signal to confirm whether the stored infrared signal is correct. It is also conceivable that the user himself / herself may operate the remote control means to transmit an infrared signal and confirm whether the stored infrared signal is correct. Therefore, valid signal determination is performed to determine whether the infrared signal received by the receiver 15 is a valid signal.

[0041] In the valid signal determination, in the infrared signal registration mode, when the receiving unit 15 receives an infrared signal after the transmitting unit 14 has completed transmitting the infrared signal, or when the receiving unit 15 receives an infrared signal without instructing the transmitting unit 14 to transmit an infrared signal, the determination unit 41 determines whether the infrared signal is valid. If the determination is that the infrared signal is valid, the display unit 3 displays a second message indicating the operation of the main unit 1 instructed by the infrared signal received by the receiving unit 15. This allows the user to determine whether the infrared signal has been correctly registered by checking the second message.

[0042] An example of the second display will now be described with reference to FIG. 3 . In this embodiment, the second display is a display indicating the operation of the main unit 1 instructed by the infrared signal displayed on the 7-segment display unit 30 and the LED display unit 31, and is displayed for three seconds. If the LED display unit 31 does not have an LED corresponding to the operation, the display indicating the operation of the main unit 1 instructed by the infrared signal is displayed on the 7-segment display unit 30. For example, if the LED display unit 31 is configured to start operation, "On" flashes on the 7-segment display unit 30, and if the LED display unit 31 is configured to stop operation, "OF" flashes. On the other hand, if the LED display unit 31 has an LED corresponding to the operation, the display is displayed on both the 7-segment display unit 30 and the LED display unit 31. For example, if the humidity setting is to be set to 60%, "--" flashes on the 7-segment display unit 30, and the LED to the left of the "60%" notation on the LED display unit 31 flashes. Note that when the second display is displayed, the second display may be displayed alone or in combination with another display (such as the illumination of the dot light-emitting unit 32).

[0043] Furthermore, the second display is displayed on the display unit 3 in the same manner as the first display described above. Therefore, if the first display and the second display are displayed simultaneously, it is impossible to determine which display is causing the main body 1 to operate as indicated by each display, and it is impossible to determine whether the infrared signal was correctly registered with the remote control means. Furthermore, if an instruction to transmit an infrared signal is given to the transmitter 14 during the first display and the first display overlaps, it is impossible to determine which display is causing the main body 1 to operate as indicated by each display, and it is impossible to determine whether the desired infrared signal was successfully transmitted to the remote control means. Therefore, the control unit 40 may refrain from instructing the transmitter 14 to transmit an infrared signal while the first display or the second display is being displayed (for three seconds in this embodiment). This allows each display to be displayed independently, making it possible to determine whether the infrared signal was correctly registered with the remote control means and whether the desired infrared signal was successfully transmitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1 Main unit 3 Display section 14 Transmitter 15 Receiving unit 40 Control Unit 41 Judgment section

Claims

[Claim 1] The main body and a transmitter that transmits an infrared signal that instructs an operation of the main body to the outside of the main body; a receiving unit for receiving an infrared signal transmitted from a remote control means; a control unit, the control unit has an infrared signal registration mode; the infrared signal registration mode is a mode executed when an infrared signal transmitted from the transmission unit is stored in the remote control means, the control unit has a remote operation mode that allows operation of the main body from the remote operation means and a remote operation prohibited mode that prohibits operation of the main body from the remote operation means, and selectively sets either the remote operation mode or the remote operation prohibited mode; When the infrared signal registration mode is executed while the remote operation prohibition mode is set, the air conditioner sets the remote operation mode when the infrared signal registration mode ends.

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