Heater control device, heater control method, and heating device

Abstract

To minimize the possibility that a user feels reduction of a temperature caused by a heater being turned off with reduction of power consumption achieved when two or more heaters are operated.SOLUTION: A heater control device performs on / off control of two or more heaters and has: a heater group comprising two or more heaters; and heater switching means which selectively performs on / off control of the heaters constituting the heater group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heater control device, a heater control method, and a heating device.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a heater control device and a heater control method suitable for use in controlling heaters in various devices (apparatus) equipped with two or more electrically powered heating elements (in this specification and claims, "electrically powered heating elements" will be referred to simply as "heaters" as appropriate).

[0003] More specifically, the present invention relates to a heating device having two or more heaters in a housing. [Background technology]

[0004] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, heating devices equipped with two or more heaters that are controlled by turning current on (ON) / off (OFF) (when the heater is on, current is passed through the heater and the heater generates heat, and when the heater is off, current is not passed through the heater and the heater does not generate heat) have been known.

[0005] In such heating devices, a heater control device controls the on / off of a plurality of heaters to adjust the indoor or outdoor heating temperature of the heating device.

[0006] Also known as a heater control device is one that controls the on / off of a plurality of heaters individually.

[0007] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional heating device equipped with a conventional heater control device that controls the on / off of multiple heaters individually.

[0008] This conventional heating device 1000 includes a housing 1002 and four heaters, namely, a first heater 1004, a second heater 1006, a third heater 1008, and a fourth heater 1010, as multiple heaters.

[0009] These four heaters, the first heater 1004, the second heater 1006, the third heater 1008 and the fourth heater 1010, each have a power consumption of, for example, 300 watts (W), with the first heater 1004 being positioned above and the second heater 1006 being positioned below, near the inner surface 1002La of the left side wall 1002L of the housing 1002, while the third heater 1008 being positioned above and the fourth heater 1010 being positioned below, near the inner surface 1002Ra of the right side wall 1002R of the housing 1002.

[0010] Furthermore, the heating device 1000 is equipped with a heater control device 1012, which is constructed using, for example, a computer system, as a heater control means for controlling the on / off of these four heaters: the first heater 1004, the second heater 1006, the third heater 1008, and the fourth heater 1010.

[0011] That is, the first heater 1004, the second heater 1006, the third heater 1008, and the fourth heater 1010 are each controlled to be turned on or off by the heater control device 1012.

[0012] In addition, in the heating device 1000, when the first heater 1004, the second heater 1006, the third heater 1008, and the fourth heater 1010 are on and the heating temperature reaches a target temperature (the target temperature is a temperature set by the user as a target heating temperature), the second heater 1006 is fixedly set in advance as the heater that is controlled to be turned off first, separately and independently from the other heaters.

[0013] An air inlet 1014 is provided on the lower end 1002B side of the housing 1002 to take air into the housing 1002 from the outside.

[0014] On the other hand, an air outlet 1016 for discharging air inside the housing 1002 to the outside is provided on the side of the upper end 1002T of the housing 1002.

[0015] In the above-described configuration, in the heating device 1000, when electricity is applied to any one (single) or two or more of the first heater 1004, second heater 1006, third heater 1008, and fourth heater 1010 to generate heat, the air in the vicinity of the heater that generated the heat inside the housing 1002 is heated, the density of the air decreases, and the air inside the housing 1002 rises.

[0016] As a result, air is taken into the housing 1002 through the air inlet 1014 located on the side of the lower end 1002B of the housing 1002.

[0017] The air taken into the housing 1002 rises within the housing 1002, and as it passes near the heater that has generated heat, it is heated and rises further, and is then released to the outside of the heating device 1000 through the air outlet 1016 located on the upper end 1002T side of the housing 1002, thereby heating the area around where the heating device 1000 is placed.

[0018] When operating such a conventional heating device 1000, as shown in FIG. 2(a), the heater control device 1012 generally turns on all four heaters, the first heater 1004, the second heater 1006, the third heater 1008, and the fourth heater 1010, to generate heat and rapidly increase the surface temperature (external shell temperature) of the housing 1002 using a power consumption of 300W x 4 = 1200W until the temperature (target temperature) set by the user as the heating temperature target is reached.

[0019] At this time, the first heater 1004, the second heater 1006, the third heater 1008, and the fourth heater 1010 are all on and energized to generate heat, so that the left side wall 1002L and the right side wall 1002R of the housing 1002 are heated evenly and without unevenness, and as a result, the entire housing 1002 is heated evenly and without unevenness.

[0020] Thereafter, when the heating temperature reaches the target temperature, in order to maintain the heating temperature at the target temperature, as shown in FIG. 2(b), the second heater 1006, which is pre-set as the heater to be controlled to turn off first among the first heater 1004, the second heater 1006, the third heater 1008 and the fourth heater 1010, is turned off to cut off the power supply and stop the second heater 1006 from generating heat.

[0021] As a result, the first heater 1004, the third heater 1008, and the fourth heater 1010 are on while the second heater 1006 is off, resulting in a power consumption of 300W x 3 = 900W, which is lower than the power consumption when the first heater 1004, the second heater 1006, the third heater 1008, and the fourth heater 1010 are all on, and the heat generation amount of the heating device 1000 as a whole is reduced, preventing the heating temperature from exceeding the target temperature and maintaining the heating temperature at the target temperature.

[0022] Here, if the first heater 1004, the third heater 1008, and the fourth heater 1010 are on while the second heater 1006 remains off for a long period of time, and the heating temperature becomes lower than the target temperature, the second heater 1006 is turned on, and as shown in Figure 2(a), the first heater 1004, the second heater 1006, the third heater 1008, and the fourth heater 1010 are all turned on to generate heat, and the heating temperature reaches the target temperature.

[0023] In other words, in the conventional heating device 1000, by repeating the operations shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), it is possible to maintain the heating temperature near the target temperature while reducing power consumption.

[0024] That is, in the conventional heating device 1000, by operating the heating device 1000 in the manner described above, it was possible to reduce power consumption and achieve energy savings while maintaining the heating temperature near the target temperature.

[0025] However, in conventional heating devices such as those described above, the heater that turns off when the heating temperature reaches the target temperature is fixedly set in advance (in the heating device 1000 described above, the second heater 1006 is fixedly set as the heater that turns off when the heating temperature reaches the target temperature), so the surface temperature of the part of the housing adjacent to that heater (in the heating device 1000 described above, this is the lower area A of the left side wall 1002L of the housing 1002 adjacent to the second heater 1006) drops, causing temperature unevenness and making the surface temperature (external shell temperature) of the housing 1002 non-uniform, which creates the problem that users of the heating device who are near that area (in the heating device 1000 described above, this is the lower area A) may feel the drop in heating temperature when the heater is turned off.

[0026] In addition, the prior art that the applicant of the present application knew at the time of filing the patent application is not an invention related to an invention publicly known in a literature, and therefore there is no prior art literature information to be described in the present specification. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0027] The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems of the conventional technology as described above, and its purpose is to provide a heater control device, heater control method, and heating device that, when operating two or more heaters, reduces power consumption while minimizing the risk of the user feeling a drop in temperature when the heaters are turned off. [Means for solving the problem]

[0028] In order to achieve the above object, the heater control device and heater control method of the present invention are configured such that, when turning on at least one of two or more heaters and turning off at least one of the heaters, the heaters to be turned on and the heaters to be turned off are not fixedly set, but each heater is alternately turned on and off.

[0029] Therefore, according to the heater control device and heater control method of the present invention, when at least one of two or more heaters is turned on and at least one of the heaters is turned off, the heater to be turned off is switched.

[0030] As a result, heaters located in specific positions will no longer be turned off, and the positions of the heaters that are turned off will fluctuate, making it less likely that temperature variations will occur when heaters are turned off depending on the heater's position, and making it possible to achieve a more uniform temperature.This reduces power consumption while minimizing the risk of users feeling a drop in temperature when the heater is turned off.

[0031] In addition, the heating device according to the present invention has two or more heaters arranged inside a housing, and the heater control device according to the present invention described above controls the on / off of these two or more heaters.

[0032] Therefore, according to the heating device of the present invention, when at least one of two or more heaters arranged in a housing is turned on and at least one of the two or more heaters is turned off, the heater to be turned off is switched.

[0033] As a result, it is no longer the case that only heaters located in specific positions in the housing are turned off; rather, the positions of the heaters that are turned off will fluctuate within the housing, making it less likely that temperature variations will occur in the surface temperature (external shell temperature) of the housing when the heaters are turned off depending on their positions, and making it possible to achieve a more uniform temperature.This reduces power consumption while minimizing the risk of users noticing a drop in the heating temperature when the heaters are turned off.

[0034] That is, the heater control device according to the present invention is a heater control device that controls the on / off of two or more heaters, and is configured to have a heater group consisting of two or more heaters, and heater switching means that selectively controls the on / off of the heaters that make up the heater group.

[0035] Furthermore, the heater control device according to the present invention is the heater control device according to the present invention described above, further comprising heating temperature detection means for detecting a heating temperature, target temperature setting means for setting a target temperature to be set as a target for the heating temperature, and determination means for comparing the heating temperature detected by the heating temperature detection means with the target temperature set by the target temperature setting means to determine whether the heating temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature, and the heater switching means selectively controls on / off of the heaters constituting the heater group when the determination means determines that the heating temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature.

[0036] Furthermore, the heater control device according to the present invention is a heater control device that controls the on / off of two or more heaters, and includes a control object setting means for setting, for a heater group consisting of two or more heaters, individual heaters and combinations of heaters that have a predetermined power consumption as control objects, and a control object switching means for selectively controlling the on / off of two or more control objects when there are two or more control objects set by the control object setting means.

[0037] Furthermore, a heater control device according to the present invention is the heater control device according to the present invention described above, further comprising heating temperature detection means for detecting a heating temperature, target temperature setting means for setting a target temperature to be set as a target for the heating temperature, and determination means for comparing the heating temperature detected by the heating temperature detection means with the target temperature set by the target temperature setting means to determine whether the heating temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature, and the controlled object switching means selectively controls on / off of the two or more controlled objects when the determination means determines that the heating temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature.

[0038] Furthermore, the heater control device according to the present invention is a heater control device that controls the on / off of two or more heaters, and includes: a control object setting means for setting, for a heater group consisting of two or more heaters, individual heaters and combinations of heaters that have a predetermined power consumption as control objects; a control object switching means for selectively controlling the on / off of two or more control objects when there are two or more control objects set by the control object setting means; and a heater switching means for selectively controlling the on / off of heaters that make up the control objects that are controlled on by the control object switching means.

[0039] Furthermore, a heater control device according to the present invention is the heater control device according to the present invention described above, further comprising heating temperature detection means for detecting a heating temperature, target temperature setting means for setting a target temperature to be set as a target for the heating temperature, and determination means for comparing the heating temperature detected by the heating temperature detection means with the target temperature set by the target temperature setting means to determine whether the heating temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature, wherein the controlled object switching means, when it is determined by the determination means that the heating temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature, selectively controls on / off the two or more controlled objects, and the heater switching means, when it is determined by the determination means that the heating temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature, selectively controls on / off the heaters constituting the controlled objects that are turned on by the controlled object switching means.

[0040] In addition, the heater control method according to the present invention is a heater control method for controlling the on / off of two or more heaters, in which, for a heater group consisting of two or more heaters, the heaters constituting the heater group are selectively controlled to be on / off.

[0041] Furthermore, the heater control method according to the present invention is the heater control method according to the present invention described above, further comprising the steps of comparing a heating temperature with a target temperature set as a target for the heating temperature, determining whether the heating temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature, and selectively controlling on / off of heaters constituting the heater group when it is determined that the heating temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature.

[0042] Furthermore, the heater control method according to the present invention is a heater control method for controlling the on / off of two or more heaters, in which, for a heater group consisting of two or more heaters, individual heaters and combinations of heaters that have a predetermined power consumption are set as control targets, and when there are two or more control targets set, the two or more control targets are selectively controlled on / off.

[0043] Furthermore, the heater control method according to the present invention is the heater control method according to the present invention described above, further comprising the steps of comparing a heating temperature with a target temperature set as a target for the heating temperature, determining whether the heating temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature, and selectively controlling on / off of the two or more controlled objects when it is determined that the heating temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature.

[0044] Furthermore, the heater control method according to the present invention is a heater control method for controlling the on / off of two or more heaters, in which, for a heater group consisting of two or more heaters, individual heaters and combinations of heaters that have a preset power consumption are set as control targets, and when there are two or more set control targets, the two or more control targets are selectively controlled on / off, and heaters that make up the control targets to be controlled on are selectively controlled on / off.

[0045] Furthermore, the heater control method according to the present invention is the heater control method according to the present invention described above, further comprising the steps of: comparing a heating temperature with a target temperature set as a target for the heating temperature; determining whether the heating temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature; selectively controlling on / off of the two or more controlled objects when it is determined that the heating temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature; and selectively controlling on / off of heaters constituting the controlled objects to be turned on when it is determined that the heating temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature.

[0046] Furthermore, a heating device according to the present invention is a heating device in which two or more heaters are arranged inside a housing, and includes a housing, a heater group consisting of two or more heaters arranged inside the housing, and a heater control device that controls the heater group, wherein the heater control device is any one of the heater control devices according to the present invention described above.

[0047] Furthermore, the heating device according to the present invention is the heating device according to the present invention described above, further comprising a timer device which sets operating conditions for the heater group for each of a plurality of time periods into which 24 hours a day are divided, and controls the heater group based on the operating conditions set for each of the time periods.

[0048] Furthermore, the heating device according to the present invention is the heating device according to the present invention described above, further comprising a lighting device for visually indicating the operating status.

[0049] Furthermore, the heating device according to the present invention is the heating device according to the present invention described above, further comprising an illuminance sensor for detecting a preset illuminance, and when the illuminance sensor detects the preset illuminance, the lighting device emits light in a preset color at the preset illuminance.

[0050] Furthermore, the heating device according to the present invention is the heating device according to the present invention described above, further comprising a power plug with a built-in temperature sensor, warning display means for displaying a warning, and warning sound generating means for generating a warning sound, wherein the temperature sensor detects the temperature of the power plug, and the warning display means displays a warning and / or the warning sound generating means generates a warning sound depending on the temperature of the power plug detected by the temperature sensor.

[0051] Furthermore, the heating device according to the present invention is the heating device according to the present invention described above, wherein some or all of the heater group is turned off depending on the temperature of the power plug detected by the temperature sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0052] As the present invention is configured as described above, it has the excellent effect of reducing power consumption when two or more heaters are operated, while minimizing the risk of the user feeling a drop in temperature when the heaters are turned off. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a conventional heating device equipped with a conventional heater control device that controls the on / off of a plurality of heaters individually. [Figure 2] Figures 2(a) and 2(b) are explanatory diagrams that schematically show the operating states of the heating device shown in Figure 1. Figure 2(a) is an explanatory diagram that schematically shows a state in which all four heaters are turned on. Figure 2(b) is an explanatory diagram that schematically shows a state in which three of the four heaters are turned on and one is turned off. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an example of an embodiment of a heating device according to the present invention, which is equipped with a heater control device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the main parts of the heating device shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 5(a), 5(b), 5(c), and 5(d) are explanatory diagrams that schematically show an example of the power consumption of a plurality of heaters arranged in the heating device shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the entire system controlled by a timer device constructed using a computer system in the heating device shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the detailed functional configuration of the heater control unit in the heating device shown in FIG. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram that schematically illustrates an example of an operation example of the heating device shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram that schematically illustrates an example of an operation example of the heating device shown in FIG. [Figure 10] 10(a), 10(b), 10(c), and 10(d) are explanatory diagrams that schematically show an example of the operation of the heating device shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the heating device shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the operation panel unit disposed in the heating device shown in FIG. 3, showing an example of the display state in the initial state displayed on the display unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the operation panel unit provided in the heating device shown in FIG. 3, showing an example of the display state when setting a timer program on the display unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the operation panel unit provided in the heating device shown in FIG. 3, showing an example of the display state during timer program operation on the display unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a remote controller for remotely controlling the heating device shown in FIG. 3, in which the display section shows an example of the display state when setting a timer program. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a remote controller for remotely controlling the heating device shown in FIG. 3, in which the display section shows an example of the display state during timer program operation. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a smartphone, which is a type of mobile communication terminal for remotely controlling the heating device shown in FIG. 3, and shows an example of the display state when setting a timer program on the display unit. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a smartphone, which is a type of mobile communication terminal for remotely controlling the heating device shown in FIG. 3, and shows an example of the display state when a timer program is running on the display unit. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a smartphone, which is a type of mobile communication terminal for remotely controlling the heating device shown in FIG. 3, in which the display shows an example of the display state during timer program operation. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a smartphone, which is a type of mobile communication terminal for remotely controlling the heating device shown in FIG. 3, in which the display shows an example of the display state during timer program operation. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation example of the heating device shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a heater control device, a heater control method, and a heating device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] (I) Description of the overall configuration of the heater control device according to the present invention and the heating device according to the present invention

[0056] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an example of an embodiment of a heating device according to the present invention, which is equipped with a heater control device according to the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the configuration of the main parts of the heating device shown in FIG.

[0058] 5(a), (b), (c), and (d) are explanatory diagrams that schematically show an example of the power consumption of a plurality of heaters arranged in the heating device shown in FIG.

[0059] Furthermore, FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the entire system controlled by a timer device constructed using a computer system in the heating device shown in FIG.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the detailed functional configuration of the heater control unit in the heating device shown in FIG.

[0061] The heating device 10 according to this embodiment of the present invention supplies power to four heaters, namely, a first heater 32a, a second heater 32b, a third heater 32c, and a fourth heater 32d (see FIG. 2), which are multiple heaters that make up the heater unit 24, via a power cord (not shown), and operates the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d to generate heat (heat), thereby providing heating.

[0062] More specifically, this heating device 10 is configured to have a housing 12 having an approximately rectangular cylindrical shape inside which various components such as a heater unit 24 described later are arranged, an operation panel unit 14 arranged on the upper end 12b side of one side end 12a of the housing 12, caster mounting plates 16 arranged at the four corners of the lower end 12c of the housing 12, and casters 18 arranged on the underside 16a of the caster mounting plate 16.

[0063] Therefore, the user can easily move the heating device 10 to a desired location by using the casters 18.

[0064] The operation panel unit 14 is configured to have a display unit 14a (see Figures 12, 13 and 14) with various display areas and an operation unit 14b (see Figures 12, 13 and 14) on which various operators are arranged.

[0065] The detailed configuration, operation, and effects of the display section 14a and operation section 14b of the operation panel section 14 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

[0066] Here, an air inlet grill 20 having an air inlet 20a for taking air into the housing 12 from the outside is disposed on the side of the lower end 12c of the housing 12.

[0067] On the other hand, an air outlet grill 22 having an air outlet 22a for discharging air inside the housing 12 to the outside is disposed on the upper end 12b side of the housing 12.

[0068] Inside the housing 12, there are disposed a heater unit 24 and a temperature sensor 26 disposed near the air inlet grill 20 to detect the temperature.

[0069] This temperature sensor 26 outputs a voltage corresponding to the detected temperature to a temperature detection unit 48 (see Figure 6), and the temperature detection unit 48 converts the voltage input from the temperature sensor 26 into temperature information and outputs it to a control unit 42 (see Figure 6) and a heater control unit 50 (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0070] Such temperature information acquisition processing is repeatedly executed at preset time intervals (for example, every minute), and the control unit 42 stores the temperature information in the memory device 44 (see FIG. 6).

[0071] The memory device 44 stores temperature information from the current time up to 24 hours ago, which is updated sequentially.

[0072] The heater unit 24 is arranged at a predetermined distance G from the inner surface 12La of the left side wall 12L and the inner surface 12Ra of the right side wall 12R of the housing 12, and an air flow path 28 is formed between the air inlet grill 20, the heater unit 24, and the air outlet grill 22, allowing air to flow in the vertical direction.

[0073] In more detail, the heater unit 24 is configured to have a pair of left and right heat sinks 30L and 30R arranged opposite each other and extending in the vertical direction, and four heaters, for example, a first heater 32a, a second heater 32b, a third heater 32c, and a fourth heater 32d, each of which is configured by a sheath heater or the like, as heating elements that are on / off controlled by a heater control unit 50 (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0074] Here, these four heaters, the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c and the fourth heater 32d, are respectively attached to a left heat sink 30L arranged along the vicinity of the inner surface 12La of the left side wall 12L of the housing 12 and a right heat sink 30R arranged along the vicinity of the inner surface 12Ra of the right side wall 12R of the housing 12.

[0075] Specifically, the first heater 32a and the second heater 32b are arranged such that the first heater 32a is disposed on the upper side of the left heat dissipation plate 30L, and the second heater 32b is disposed on the lower side of the left heat dissipation plate 30L.

[0076] As for the third heater 32c and the fourth heater 32d, the third heater 32c is disposed on the upper side of the right heat dissipation plate 30R, and the fourth heater 32d is disposed on the lower side of the right heat dissipation plate 30R.

[0077] Furthermore, a plurality of partition plates 34 are arranged between the left heat dissipation plate 30L and the right heat dissipation plate 30R, and these partition plates 34 connect the left heat dissipation plate 30L and the right heat dissipation plate 30R, forming the heater unit 24 integrally.

[0078] The power consumption of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c and the fourth heater 32d may be set appropriately depending on design conditions and the like.

[0079] For example, the power consumption of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d may be set to the same power consumption across the board.

[0080] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d may all be set to the same power consumption of 300W.

[0081] Alternatively, some of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d may have the same power consumption, and the remaining heaters may have different power consumptions.

[0082] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the power consumption of the first heater 32a may be set to 300 W, the power consumption of the second heater 32b to 450 W, the power consumption of the third heater 32c to 300 W, and the power consumption of the fourth heater 32d to 450 W; alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5(c), the power consumption of the first heater 32a may be set to 300 W, the power consumption of the second heater 32b to 400 W, the power consumption of the third heater 32c to 300 W, and the power consumption of the fourth heater 32d to 500 W.

[0083] Furthermore, the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d may be set to different power consumptions.

[0084] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(d), the power consumption of the first heater 32a may be set to 300 W, the power consumption of the second heater 32b to 450 W, the power consumption of the third heater 32c to 250 W, and the power consumption of the fourth heater 32d to 500 W.

[0085] In short, in the present invention, the power consumption of each of the multiple heaters (corresponding to the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d in this embodiment) may be set to any desired power consumption as appropriate depending on design conditions, etc.

[0086] In order to prevent unevenness in the surface temperature (external temperature) of the housing 12 and to achieve uniformity when the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d are all turned on for heating, it is preferable to match the total power consumption obtained by adding up the power consumption of the first heater 32a and the second heater 32b arranged on the left heat sink 30L with the total power consumption obtained by adding up the power consumption of the third heater 32c and the fourth heater 32d arranged on the right heat sink 30R.

[0087] Furthermore, at a position above the lower end 12c of the side end 12a on one side of the housing 12, a lighting device 38 is provided, which is composed of, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp, and allows the user to visually recognize the operating status of the heating device 10 by the light emission state, light emission color, etc.

[0088] A control unit 42 (see FIG. 6) performs various controls on this lighting device 38, such as turning it on and off, controlling the color of light emitted when it is turned on, and controlling the illuminance when it is turned on.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 6, the heating device 10 is configured to control the entire operation, including on / off control of the power supply to the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d, using a timer device 40 constructed by a computer system.

[0090] In this embodiment, the timer device 40 is configured to include a control unit 42, a memory device 44, a timer control unit 46, a temperature detection unit 48, a heater control unit 50, an operation panel unit 14, a remote controller 52, and a smartphone 54 as an example of a mobile communication terminal.

[0091] Here, the control unit 42 includes a central processing unit (CPU) that controls the execution of all preset processes.

[0092] A memory device 44 is connected to this control unit 42. The memory device 44 is configured to include, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) in which various programs such as a timer program (described later) executed by the control unit 42 are stored, and a random access memory (RAM) as a working area in which various buffers and registers necessary for the control unit 42 to execute the various programs are set.

[0093] Such a memory device 44 is configured to have a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM, and is configured to be able to retain the stored contents, which are various setting information such as stored timer programs, even when the power to the heating device 10 is cut off (OFF).

[0094] The timer program is a program that is set in advance as a program for automatically operating the heating device 10 by the timer device 40.

[0095] When the power is turned on (ON) to the heating device 10, various setting information such as the timer program stored in the memory device 44 is read into the control unit 42 and processed.

[0096] Also connected to the control unit 42 is a timer control unit 46 that counts time and manages the time within the timer device 40 .

[0097] Furthermore, the control unit 42 is connected to a heater control unit 50 that manages the on / off control of each of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d in accordance with the target temperature (target temperature) set as the heating temperature by the timer program and the heating temperature detected by the temperature sensor 26 (in this embodiment, "heating temperature" means the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 26, as will be explained later).

[0098] That is, the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d that constitute the heater unit 24 are connected to the heater control unit 50, and when an ON signal is output from the heater control unit 50, output control is performed to turn on the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d and supply electricity, and when an OFF signal is output from the heater control unit 50, output control is performed to turn off the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d and stop supplying electricity.

[0099] The detailed functional configuration of the heater control unit 50 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0100] Furthermore, the control unit 42 is connected to an operation panel unit 14 having a display unit 14a and an operation unit 14b by wired communication.

[0101] When the user operates the various controls that make up the operation section 14b of the operation panel section 14, operation information indicating the operation is output from the operation panel section 14 to the control section 42, and the control section 42 outputs display control information to the display section 14a to control the display area of ​​the display section 14a of the operation panel section 14 in accordance with the operation information.

[0102] Furthermore, the control unit 42 is connected to a remote controller 52 having a display unit 52a corresponding to the display unit 14a of the operation panel unit 14 and an operation unit 52b corresponding to the operation unit 14b of the operation panel unit 14 via wireless communication such as infrared communication rather than wired communication.

[0103] Furthermore, the control unit 42 has a display unit 54a corresponding to the display unit 14a of the operation panel unit 14, and a smartphone 54 having an operation unit 54b corresponding to the operation unit 14b of the operation panel unit 14, and is connected to the smartphone 54 via a wireless network rather than via wired communication.

[0104] The control unit 42 is also connected to a lighting device 38 for visually informing the user of the operating status of the heating device 10, etc.

[0105] Furthermore, the control unit 42 is connected to a server 56 via a wireless network, and the control unit 42 and the server 56 exchange information as appropriate.

[0106] Similarly, the smartphone 54 is connected to the server 56 via a wireless network, and the smartphone 54 and the server 56 exchange information as appropriate.

[0107] (II) Explanation of the functional configuration of the heater control unit

[0108] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the detailed functional configuration of the heater control unit 50.

[0109] The heater control unit 50 is configured to include a control target setting unit 50a, a control target switching unit 50b, and a control target heater switching unit 50c.

[0110] The heater control section 50 constitutes a heater control device according to the present invention and also implements a heater control method according to the present invention.

[0111] (II-1) Explanation of the control target setting section

[0112] The control target setting unit 50a sets a control target, which is a group of heaters to be controlled on / off, among the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d, depending on the maximum power consumption during operation (described later).

[0113] Here, the maximum power consumption during operation means the power consumption pattern designated as the maximum power consumption (maximum power consumption) when two or more heaters are operated appropriately, from among the power consumption patterns for each of the two or more heaters individually and the combination of the two or more heaters, when there are two or more heaters.

[0114] As described below, the user can set this maximum power consumption during operation to various values ​​arbitrarily specified according to the power consumption of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d by operating the operation unit 14b of the operation panel unit 14, the operation unit 52b of the remote controller 52, or the operation unit 54b of the smartphone 54.

[0115] In other words, the control target setting unit 50a sets a group of heaters, consisting of the heaters to be controlled to be turned on / off among the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d, as the control target so that the maximum power consumption during operation is set to the value arbitrarily specified by the user.

[0116] When setting the above-mentioned control target, if there is only one (single) heater or combination of heaters that consumes the same amount of power, the control target setting unit 50a sets the heater that constitutes the one (single) heater or combination of heaters as the control target.

[0117] On the other hand, when setting the above-mentioned control targets, if there are two or more heaters or combinations of heaters that consume the same amount of power, the control target setting unit 50a sets each of the heaters that make up the two or more heaters or combinations of heaters as control targets.

[0118] Specifically, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 5(b) in which the power consumption of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d is controlled on or off individually, there are eight power consumption patterns for each of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d individually and in combination: 300W, 450W, 600W, 750W, 900W, 1050W, 1200W, and 1500W.

[0119] Therefore, in the case where the power consumption of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d is the example shown in Figure 5(b), it is possible to set any one of eight patterns, namely, 300W, 450W, 600W, 750W, 900W, 1050W, 1200W, and 1500W, as the maximum power consumption during operation.

[0120] Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 5(b), the control target setting unit 50a sets the control target in the following manner according to the set maximum operating power consumption.

[0121] a: Maximum power consumption during operation is 300W

[0122] Two (plural) control targets are set: one control target consisting of only the first heater 32a and the other control target consisting of only the third heater 32c.

[0123] b: Maximum power consumption during operation is 450W

[0124] Two (a plurality of) control targets are set: one control target consisting of only the second heater 32b and the other control target consisting of only the fourth heater 32d.

[0125] c: Maximum power consumption during operation is 600W

[0126] One (single) control target is set, which is composed of the first heater 32a and the third heater 32c.

[0127] d: Maximum power consumption during operation is 750W

[0128] Four (multiple) control objects are set: a control object consisting of the first heater 32a and the second heater 32b, a control object consisting of the first heater 32a and the fourth heater 32d, a control object consisting of the second heater 32b and the third heater 32c, and a control object consisting of the third heater 32c and the fourth heater 32d.

[0129] e: Maximum power consumption during operation is 900W

[0130] One (single) control target is set, which is composed of the second heater 32b and the fourth heater 32d.

[0131] f: Maximum power consumption during operation is 1050W

[0132] Two (plural) control targets are set: one control target consisting of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, and the third heater 32c, and the other control target consisting of the first heater 32a, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d.

[0133] g: When the maximum power consumption during operation is 1200W

[0134] Two (plural) control targets are set: one control target consisting of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b and the fourth heater 32d, and the other control target consisting of the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c and the fourth heater 32d.

[0135] h: Maximum power consumption during operation is 1500W

[0136] One (single) control target is set, which is composed of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d.

[0137] In this way, the control target setting unit 50a makes it possible to set one or more control targets as control targets with an arbitrarily set maximum operating power consumption, thereby allowing the user to operate the heating device 10 appropriately at the desired maximum operating power consumption or at a power consumption lower than the maximum operating power consumption.

[0138] That is, in the heating device 10, the maximum power consumption during operation is set, and the control targets are set to consist of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d, either individually or in combination, so that the maximum power consumption during operation of the heating device 10 can be selectively controlled.

[0139] In other words, the user can arbitrarily set the maximum power consumption (maximum power consumption) at which the heating device 10 is desired to be operated as the maximum power consumption during operation of the heating device 10, and as will be described later, the heating device 10 can be automatically operated at the maximum power consumption during operation or at a power consumption lower than the maximum power consumption during operation.

[0140] As a result, in conventional heating devices, the power consumption is set to a fixed amount, and if the power consumption is too high, the breaker will trip, making it necessary to turn off other electrical equipment before use.However, with heating device 10, the user can freely and appropriately set the maximum power consumption during operation, eliminating the risk of the breaker tripping and the need to turn off other electrical equipment.

[0141] (II-2) Explanation of the control target switching unit

[0142] Next, when heating device 10 is operated to heat, if there are multiple control objects set by control object setting unit 50a, control object switching unit 50b controls the control objects to be on / off controlled by switching them at predetermined time intervals (this "time interval" may be set arbitrarily depending on design conditions, etc., and may also be set arbitrarily by the user by operating operation unit 14b, operation unit 52b, operation unit 54b, etc.) in a predetermined order (this "order" may be set arbitrarily depending on design conditions, etc., and may also be set arbitrarily by the user by operating operation unit 14b, operation unit 52b, operation unit 54b, etc.) for the multiple control objects, according to predetermined conditions (this "condition" may be set arbitrarily depending on design conditions, etc., and may also be set arbitrarily by the user by operating operation unit 14b, operation unit 52b, operation unit 54b, etc.).

[0143] It should be noted that if the controlled object setting unit 50a has set one controlled object, the controlled object switching unit 50b does not switch the controlled object when the heating device 10 is operated to heat.

[0144] Specifically, for example, when the maximum power consumption during operation shown in "g" described in (II-1) above is 1200 W, the control object setting unit 50a sets two (multiple) control objects: "a control object consisting of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, and the fourth heater 32d" (first control object) and "a control object consisting of the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d" (second control object).

[0145] When the heating device 10 is operated to heat, if the above-mentioned preset condition is set to "switch the control object and heat until the heating temperature reaches the target temperature," the control object switching unit 50b alternately switches the control object to be on / off controlled between the first control object and the second control object in a preset order at preset time intervals (for example, 1 second or 10 minutes) until the heating temperature reaches the target temperature.

[0146] That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the controlled object switching unit 50b switches the heater, which is the controlled object to be controlled to be on / off controlled, at preset time intervals (for example, 1 second or 10 minutes) in a preset order, for example, "first controlled object → second controlled object → first controlled object → second controlled object → first controlled object → ..." until the heating temperature reaches the target temperature.

[0147] Furthermore, for example, when the maximum power consumption during operation shown in "d" above as explained in (II-1) is 750 W, the control object setting unit 50a sets four (multiple) control objects: "a control object consisting of the first heater 32a and the second heater 32b" (first control object), "a control object consisting of the first heater 32a and the fourth heater 32d" (second control object), "a control object consisting of the second heater 32b and the third heater 32c" (third control object), and "a control object consisting of the third heater 32c and the fourth heater 32d" (fourth control object).

[0148] When the heating device 10 is operated to heat, if the above-mentioned preset condition is set to "switch the controlled object to heat until the heating temperature reaches the target temperature," the controlled object switching unit 50b alternately switches the controlled object to be on / off controlled between the first controlled object, the second controlled object, the third controlled object, and the fourth controlled object in a preset order at preset time intervals (for example, 1 second or 10 minutes) until the heating temperature reaches the target temperature.

[0149] That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the controlled object switching unit 50b switches the heater, which is the controlled object to be controlled to be on / off controlled, at preset time intervals (for example, 1 second or 10 minutes) in a preset order, for example, "first controlled object → second controlled object → third controlled object → fourth controlled object → first controlled object → second controlled object → third controlled object → fourth controlled object → first controlled object → ..." until the heating temperature reaches the target temperature.

[0150] Furthermore, for example, when the maximum power consumption indicated by "h" described above in (II-1) is 1500 W, the control object setting unit 50a sets "one (single) control object consisting of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d."

[0151] In the case of "h" above, since the controlled object set by the controlled object setting unit 50a is a single controlled object, the controlled object switching unit 50b does not switch the heater to be controlled.

[0152] Therefore, the above-described controlled object switching unit 50b can switch between controlled objects having different heater arrangements to be on / off controlled.

[0153] As a result, only heaters located in specific positions are no longer controlled to be on / off, and the positions of heaters that are turned off will fluctuate, making it less likely that uneven heating temperatures will occur when heaters are turned off depending on the heater's location, making it possible to achieve a more uniform heating temperature, and minimizing the risk of users feeling a drop in heating temperature when the heater is turned off.

[0154] In the above example, the time intervals for switching the control object in the control object switching unit 50b are exemplified as 1 second or 10 minutes, but it goes without saying that the time intervals for switching the control object are not limited to 1 second or 10 minutes, and may be longer or shorter than 1 second or 10 minutes.

[0155] However, the shorter the time interval for switching the controlled object, in other words, the faster the speed at which the controlled object is switched, the faster the position of the heater that is turned off will change, which is more preferable because it makes it possible to maintain a more uniform surface temperature (external temperature) of the housing 12 and to heat the indoors and outdoors more uniformly.

[0156] (II-3) Explanation of the heater switching section of the control object configuration

[0157] The controlled object configuration heater switching unit 50c switches the control object configuration heater for the single controlled object when the controlled object set by the controlled object setting unit 50a is single, or for the controlled object switched as the object of on / off control by the controlled object switching unit 50b when the controlled object set by the controlled object setting unit 50a is multiple, in response to a preset condition (this "condition" may be set arbitrarily depending on design conditions, etc., or may be set arbitrarily by the user by operating the operation unit 14b, operation unit 52b, operation unit 54b, etc.). In this way, on / off control is performed to selectively switch on and off the heaters constituting the controlled object at a predetermined time interval (this "time interval" may be set arbitrarily depending on the design conditions, etc., or may be set arbitrarily by the user by operating operation unit 14b, operation unit 52b, operation unit 54b, etc.) and in a predetermined order (this "order" may be set arbitrarily depending on the design conditions, etc., or may be set arbitrarily by the user by operating operation unit 14b, operation unit 52b, operation unit 54b, etc.).

[0158] Specifically, for example, in the case where the power consumption of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d is the example shown in Figure 5(a), the power consumption when the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d are all controlled to be on is 1200 W.

[0159] In the example shown in Figure 5(a), when the maximum power consumption during operation is set to 1200 W, the control object setting unit 50a sets "one (single) control object consisting of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d" as the control object.

[0160] The above-mentioned preset condition is assumed to be set as follows: "After the heating temperature reaches the target temperature, heating will be performed at a power consumption of 900 W, which is lower than the maximum power consumption of 1200 W during operation."

[0161] In this case, first, all heaters constituting the controlled objects (first heater 32a, second heater 32b, third heater 32c, and fourth heater 32d) are controlled to be on until the heating temperature reaches the target temperature.

[0162] Then, when the heating temperature reaches the target temperature, based on the preset condition described above that "After the heating temperature reaches the target temperature, heating will be performed at 900W, which is lower than the maximum power consumption of 1200W during operation," the controlled object heater switching unit 50c performs on / off control to selectively switch on and off the first heater 32a, second heater 32b, third heater 32c, and fourth heater 32d that constitute the controlled object at preset time intervals and in a preset order so that the power consumption is 900W.

[0163] More specifically, from a state in which all heaters constituting the control targets, that is, the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d, are controlled to be on, one heater is selected from all heaters constituting the control targets in a predetermined order (for example, "FIG. 10(a) → FIG. 10(b) → FIG. 10(c) → FIG. 10(d) → FIG. 10(a) → FIG. 10(b) → FIG. 10(c) → FIG. 10(d) → FIG. 10(a) → ...") at predetermined time intervals (for example, 1 second or 10 seconds), as shown in Figures 10(a)(b)(c)(d), and the heater to be turned off is switched by switching it to off control, thereby changing the position of the heater that is turned off within the housing 12.

[0164] FIG. 10(a) shows a state in which the first heater 32a is turned on, the second heater 32b is turned on, the third heater 32c is turned on, and the fourth heater 32d is turned off.

[0165] FIG. 10(b) shows a state in which the first heater 32a is turned off, the second heater 32b is turned on, the third heater 32c is turned on, and the fourth heater 32d is turned on.

[0166] Furthermore, FIG. 10(c) shows a state in which the first heater 32a is turned on, the second heater 32b is turned off, the third heater 32c is turned on, and the fourth heater 32d is turned on.

[0167] Furthermore, FIG. 10(d) shows a state in which the first heater 32a is turned on, the second heater 32b is turned on, the third heater 32c is turned off, and the fourth heater 32d is turned on.

[0168] Therefore, by controlling the heater switching unit 50c as described above, heating can be performed with a power consumption of 900W, which is lower than the maximum power consumption of 1200W during operation.

[0169] At this time, one of the first heater 32a, second heater 32b, third heater 32c, and fourth heater 32d, which are arranged at different positions within the housing 12, is turned off, and the heaters to be turned off are switched on and off in sequence.

[0170] As a result, heaters located in specific positions will no longer be turned off, and the positions of the heaters that are turned off will fluctuate, making it less likely that unevenness in the heating temperature will occur when heaters are turned off depending on the heater's position, and making it possible to achieve a more uniform temperature.This reduces power consumption while minimizing the risk of users feeling a drop in the heating temperature when the heater is turned off.

[0171] In the above example, the time interval for selectively switching on and off in the controlled heater switching unit 50c is exemplified as 1 second or 10 seconds, but it goes without saying that the time interval for selectively switching on and off is not limited to 1 second or 10 seconds, and may be longer or shorter than 1 second or 10 seconds.

[0172] However, the shorter the time interval for selectively switching on and off, in other words, the faster the speed at which the heater is selectively switched on and off, the faster the position of the heater that is turned off will change, which is more preferable because it makes it possible to maintain a more uniform surface temperature (external temperature) of the housing 12 and to heat the indoors and outdoors more uniformly.

[0173] (III) Description of the overall operation of the heater control device and the heating device equipped with the heater control device according to the present invention

[0174] In the heating device 10 described above in (I), (II), (II-1), (II-2) and (II-3), when the first heater 32a or the second heater 32b constituting the heater unit 24 is turned on and energized to generate heat, the left heat sink 30L to which the first heater 32a or the second heater 32b is attached is heated, and when the third heater 32c or the fourth heater 32d constituting the heater unit 24 is turned on and energized to generate heat, the right heat sink 30R to which the third heater 32c or the fourth heater 32d is attached is heated.

[0175] When the left heat sink 30L and the right heat sink 30R are heated in this manner, the multiple partition plates 34 connecting the left heat sink 30L and the right heat sink 30R are also heated by thermal conduction, causing the entire heater unit 24 to heat up and generate heat.

[0176] Here, the heater control unit 50 controls whether or not the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d are energized, that is, controls the on / off state of the heaters.

[0177] That is, in this heating device 10, the control method in the heater control unit 50 described above in (II), (II-1), (II-2), and (II-3) selectively controls the supply of electricity to the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d, and by increasing or decreasing the number of heaters to be energized, the heat generation temperature of the heater unit 24 can be adjusted (output controlled).

[0178] The maximum number of heaters that are energized is four (when all of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d are energized), and the minimum is zero (when none of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d are energized).

[0179] As described above, when the heater unit 24 generates heat, the air in the vicinity of the heater unit 24 inside the housing 12 is heated, the density of the air decreases, and the air in the air flow path 28 rises.

[0180] As a result, air is taken into the housing 12 through the air inlet 20a of the air inlet grill 20 located on the lower end 12c side of the housing 12, and the temperature of the taken-in air is measured by a temperature sensor 26 provided near the air inlet grill 20.

[0181] The air taken into the housing 12 rises within the air flow path 28, and as it passes near the heater unit 24, it is heated and rises further, and is then released to the outside of the heating device 10 through the air outlet 22a of the air outlet grill 22, thereby heating the area around where the heating device 10 is placed.

[0182] Here, in this heating device 10, the temperature detected by temperature sensor 26 is close to the temperature of the air near the surface of the location where heating device 10 is placed (for example, the floor if indoors, or the ground if outdoors), so the temperature measured by temperature sensor 26 is taken as the ambient temperature of the location where heating device 10 is placed, and is used as the heating temperature indicating the operating status of the heating device 10 (the heating temperature is the room temperature of the room where heating device 10 is placed if heating device 10 is placed indoors, and is the outside air temperature around the placed heating device 10 if heating device 10 is placed outdoors).

[0183] In the heating device 10, the heating temperature measured by the temperature sensor 26, which indicates the operating status of the heating device 10, is compared with a target temperature, which is a desired temperature that has been set in advance by the timer device 40 as an operating condition for targeting the heating temperature (the operation of setting the target temperature by the timer device 40 will be described later), and the control unit 42 controls the heater control unit 50 using a feedback control technique such as PDI control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller), to adjust the heat generation temperature (output control) when heating the heater unit 24 to generate heat so that the heating temperature measured by the temperature sensor 26, which indicates the operating status of the heating device 10, matches the target temperature, which is the desired temperature that has been set in advance by the timer device 40 as an operating condition.

[0184] In this specification and the claims, the "heating temperature that indicates the operating status of the heating device 10 measured by the temperature sensor 26" will be referred to simply as the "heating temperature" as appropriate, and the "target temperature that is the desired temperature that is preset by the timer device 40 as an operating condition for targeting the heating temperature" will be referred to simply as the "target temperature" as appropriate.

[0185] (IV) Description of the procedure for the heating system according to the present invention

[0186] FIG. 11 shows a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing procedure performed by the heating device 10 described above.

[0187] Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, an example of a processing procedure when the heating device 10 operates in accordance with a timer program (described later) and in accordance with set parameters (parameters include, for example, the maximum power consumption during operation and a condition such as "after the heating temperature reaches the target temperature, heating will be performed at 900 W, which is lower than the maximum power consumption during operation of 1200 W").

[0188] In this heating device 10, when power is turned on, the processing procedure shown in the flowchart in FIG. 11 is executed until the power is turned off, and the heating device 10 is automatically operated according to a timer program.

[0189] That is, when the power is turned on to the heating device 10, various initial settings are first made, including the setting of various parameters including the maximum power consumption during operation and the target temperature set by a timer program created by the user by operating the operation unit 14b, etc., and conditions such as "After the heating temperature reaches the target temperature, heating is performed with power consumption lower than the maximum power consumption during operation" (step S1102).

[0190] When the process of step S1102 is completed, the process proceeds to step S1104, where the control target setting unit 50a sets a control target in accordance with the maximum operating power consumption set in step S1102.

[0191] When the process of step S1104 is completed, the process proceeds to step S1106, where it is determined whether the number of control targets set in the process of step S1104 is one (single) or two or more (multiple).

[0192] If it is determined in the determination process of step S1106 that there is one (single) control object set in the process of S1104, the process proceeds to step S1108, and the control object set in the process of S1104 is controlled to be turned on and energized.

[0193] When the process of step S1108 is completed, the process proceeds to step S1110, where it is determined whether the heating temperature measured by temperature sensor 26 is equal to or higher than the target temperature set in S1102.

[0194] If it is determined in the determination process of step S1110 that the heating temperature measured by temperature sensor 26 is not equal to or higher than the target temperature set in S1102 (No), the process returns to the process of step S1108 and the above-described processes are repeated.

[0195] On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process of step S1110 that the heating temperature measured by temperature sensor 26 is equal to or higher than the target temperature set in S1102 (Yes), the process proceeds to the process of step S1112.

[0196] In the processing of step S1112, the heater switching unit 50c constituting the controlled object selectively switches the heater constituting the controlled object on and off at preset time intervals according to preset conditions such as "After the heating temperature reaches the target temperature, heating is performed at 900 W, which is lower than the maximum power consumption of 1200 W during operation."

[0197] After the process of step S1112 is completed, the process proceeds to step S1114, where it is determined whether the heating temperature measured by temperature sensor 26 is equal to or higher than the target temperature set in S1102.

[0198] If it is determined in the determination process of step S1114 that the heating temperature measured by temperature sensor 26 is equal to or higher than the target temperature set in S1102 (Yes), the process returns to step S1112 and the process is repeated.

[0199] On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process of step S1114 that the heating temperature measured by temperature sensor 26 is not equal to or higher than the target temperature set in S1102 (No), the process returns to step S1108 and the process is repeated.

[0200] Furthermore, if it is determined in the judgment process of step S1106 that the number of control objects set in the process of S1104 is two or more, the process proceeds to step S1116, and the control object switching unit 50b selectively switches the two or more control objects set in the process of S1104 at predetermined time intervals while performing ON control.

[0201] After the process of step S1116 is completed, the process proceeds to step S1118, where it is determined whether the heating temperature measured by temperature sensor 26 is equal to or higher than the target temperature set in S1102.

[0202] If it is determined in the determination process of step S1118 that the heating temperature measured by temperature sensor 26 is not equal to or higher than the target temperature set in S1102 (No), the process returns to step S1116 and repeats the process.

[0203] On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process of step S1118 that the heating temperature measured by temperature sensor 26 is equal to or higher than the target temperature set in S1102 (Yes), the process proceeds to the process of step S1120.

[0204] In the processing of step S1120, the heater switching unit 50c for the controlled object selectively switches on and off the heater that constitutes the controlled object and that was controlled to be on in the processing of step S1118 immediately before the processing of step S1120, at preset time intervals, in accordance with preset conditions such as "after the heating temperature reaches the target temperature, heating will be performed at 900 W, which is lower than the maximum power consumption of 1200 W during operation."

[0205] After the process of step S1120 is completed, the process proceeds to step S1122, where it is determined whether the heating temperature measured by temperature sensor 26 is equal to or higher than the target temperature set in S1102.

[0206] The predetermined time interval when performing ON control while selectively switching two or more control objects in step S1116 and the predetermined time interval when performing control to selectively switch on and off the heaters that constitute the control objects in step S1120 may be the same or different.

[0207] If it is determined in the determination process of step S1122 that the heating temperature measured by temperature sensor 26 is equal to or higher than the target temperature set in S1102 (Yes), the process returns to step S1120 and the process is repeated.

[0208] On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process of step S1122 that the heating temperature measured by temperature sensor 26 is not equal to or higher than the target temperature set in S1102 (No), the process returns to step S1116 and repeats the process.

[0209] Therefore, in the heating device 10, by performing the above-mentioned processing procedure, one or more control objects are set as control objects with arbitrarily set maximum operating power consumption, thereby allowing the user to operate the heating device 10 appropriately with the desired maximum operating power consumption.

[0210] In other words, the user can operate the heating device 10 according to the maximum operating power consumption specified by the user, which includes the maximum power consumption of the heating device 10, which is the sum of the power consumptions of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the second heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d, regardless of the maximum power consumption of the heating device 10. This makes it possible to automatically operate the heating device 10 at the maximum power consumption or at a power consumption lower than the maximum power consumption.

[0211] Furthermore, by performing the above-described processing procedure, the heating device 10 can switch between control targets having different heater arrangements to perform on / off control on the control targets.

[0212] As a result, only heaters located in specific positions are no longer controlled to be on / off, and the positions of heaters that are turned off will fluctuate, making it less likely that uneven heating temperatures will occur when heaters are turned off depending on the heater's location, making it possible to achieve a more uniform heating temperature, and minimizing the risk of users feeling a drop in heating temperature when the heater is turned off.

[0213] Furthermore, in the heating device 10, by performing the above-mentioned processing procedure, the heaters that constitute the controlled objects can be switched on and off, so heating can be performed with power consumption that is lower than the maximum power consumption during operation, and since only heaters located in specific positions are no longer turned off, and the positions of the heaters that are turned off vary, temperature unevenness in the heating temperature that occurs when heaters are turned off depending on the heater's position is less likely to occur, and it is possible to achieve uniformity, thereby reducing power consumption while minimizing the risk of users feeling a drop in the heating temperature when the heater is turned off.

[0214] (V) Description of the operation of the lighting device in the heating system according to the present invention

[0215] In the heating device 10, the control unit 42 performs various controls such as turning on / off the lighting device 38, controlling the color of light emitted when the lighting device 38 is turned on, and controlling the illuminance when the lighting device 38 is turned on.

[0216] More specifically, the control unit 42 controls the lighting device 38 so that the power supply status of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d, the heating status of the heating device 10, etc. are expressed by the color and brightness of the lighting provided by the lighting device 38.

[0217] Specifically, when at least one of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d is on, i.e., when power is being supplied, the control unit 42 controls the lighting device 38 to emit light, for example, in orange, and changes the illuminance of the orange light emitted depending on the number of heaters to which power is being supplied to the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d.

[0218] That is, when the heater is energized to consume the maximum power during operation, the illuminance of the orange light is increased, while when the heater is energized to consume less power than the maximum power during operation, the illuminance of the orange light is decreased, making it easier for the user to visually understand the current operating state of the heating device 10.

[0219] When lighting the lighting device 38, the light may be emitted so that the light flickers like a candle flame.

[0220] Furthermore, the housing 12 of the heating device 10 is heated and remains hot immediately after the power is turned off, which is dangerous as it may cause burns to the user if the user touches it.

[0221] For this reason, the lighting device 38 may be illuminated, for example, in red, for a predetermined time interval (for example, the time it takes for the temperature of the housing 12 to drop to a temperature that will not cause burns to the user when touching it) after the power to the heating device 10 is turned off, to alert the user that the housing 12 is hot.

[0222] Alternatively, when the user turns off the indoor lights and goes to sleep, the lighting device 38 may be used as a foot lamp by emitting white light at a low illuminance.

[0223] That is, the illumination by the illumination device 38 is switched from the illumination indicating the operating state of the heating device 10 to the illumination of a foot lamp, and the illumination is reduced to emit white light.

[0224] In addition, the heating device 10 may be equipped with an illuminance sensor that detects illuminance, and when the illuminance sensor detects a preset illuminance (for example, an illuminance that is too dark for humans to see objects), the lighting device 38 may be made to emit light in a preset color (for example, white) at the preset illuminance (for example, an illuminance that is dimly bright enough for humans to see objects), thereby functioning as a foot lamp.

[0225] (VI) Detailed explanation of the configuration and operation of the operation panel and display of the timer device in the heating device according to the present invention

[0226] Here, FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the operation panel unit disposed in the heating device shown in FIG. 3, and the display unit shows an example of the display state in the initial state.

[0227] The display section 14a and operation section 14b of the operation panel section 14 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0228] As will be described in detail later, the display unit 14a of the operation panel unit 14 displays the target temperature for each time period, with one hour as the unit time, for a 24-hour day, as well as the off settings for the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d, all in a graph, either for the entire 24-hour day or in 12-hour units, which are the two halves of the 24-hour day.

[0229] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the entire 24 hours of a day are displayed in a graph all at once.

[0230] That is, the display unit 14a of the operation panel unit 14 displays a graph of the target temperature set for each time period, with one hour as the unit time for a 24-hour day, as well as the off settings of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d. Therefore, the user can check the target temperature setting status for each time period, the off settings of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d, etc., simply by glancing at the display unit 14a of the operation panel unit 14.

[0231] Furthermore, while visually checking the graph displayed on the display unit 14a, the user can operate the operation unit 14b of the operation panel unit 14 in a manner similar to editing the graph display, thereby changing the target temperature setting for each time period, turning off the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d, and so on. This makes it easier for the user to visually check the operating status of the target temperature setting for each time period and allows the user to intuitively confirm this, thereby enabling the user to set the target temperature for each time period easily, reliably, and without error.

[0232] The various display areas and various controls provided on the display section 14a and the operation section 14b of the operation panel section 14 will be described below.

[0233] First, the display unit 14a of the operation panel unit 14 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal panel.

[0234] The upper display area of ​​the display unit 14a is provided with a bar graph display unit 60 having a temperature display scale 62 on one of the intersecting vertical axes and a time display scale 64 on the other intersecting horizontal axis.

[0235] In this embodiment, the time display scale 64 on the vertical axis and the temperature display scale 62 on the horizontal axis are perpendicular to each other.

[0236] Here, the temperature display scale 62 located on the vertical axis of the bar graph display unit 60 has a heater off scale marking "OFF" at the origin position (the intersection of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis) indicating the off setting of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d (power supply to the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d is stopped), and temperature scales indicating temperatures of "5°C," "10°C," "12°C," "14°C," "16°C," "18°C," "20°C," "22°C," "24°C," "26°C," "28°C," and "30°C" are arranged in ascending order from the heater off scale upward.

[0237] On the other hand, the time display scale 64 located on the horizontal axis of the bar graph display unit 60 has a time scale indicating the time of "midnight" at the origin position, and from the time scale of "midnight" to the right, time scales indicating the times of "1 o'clock," "2 o'clock," "3 o'clock," "4 o'clock," "5 o'clock," "6 o'clock," "7 o'clock," "8 o'clock," "9 o'clock," "10 o'clock," "11 o'clock," "12 o'clock," "13 o'clock," "14 o'clock," "15 o'clock," "16 o'clock," "17 o'clock," "18 o'clock," "19 o'clock," "20 o'clock," "21 o'clock," "22 o'clock," and "23 o'clock" are arranged in chronological order.

[0238] Here, the time scale at midnight indicates a one-hour period from midnight to 1 o'clock, the time scale at 1 o'clock indicates a one-hour period from 1 o'clock to 2 o'clock, and so on for each time scale after the 2 o'clock mark.

[0239] The temperature scales of the temperature display scale 62 and the time scales of the time display scale 64 are set so that their display modes can be changed by lighting, blinking, turning off, or changing the lighting color.

[0240] At each intersection of each temperature scale (except for the heater-off scale) on the temperature display scale 62 and each time scale on the time display scale 64, there is provided a temperature display segment 66 whose display mode can be changed by lighting, blinking, turning off, or changing the lighting color.

[0241] In addition, such temperature display segments 66 are also arranged at each intersection of the temperature scale position corresponding to 11°C between 10°C and 12°C and each time mark on the time display scale 64, and the same is true for each temperature scale position between 12°C and 14°C, etc.

[0242] That is, the temperature display segments 66 are arranged independently at 1°C intervals in the temperature range of 10°C or higher.

[0243] In addition, at each intersection of the heater-off scale on the temperature display scale 62 and each hour scale on the time display scale 64, there is provided a heater-off display segment 67 whose display mode can be changed by lighting, blinking, turning off, or changing the lighting color.

[0244] At the leftmost position below the bar graph display section 60, a timer program display section 68 is provided which shows the type of timer program that is preset as a program for automatically operating the heating device 10 by the timer device 40.

[0245] In this embodiment, two types of timer programs, "timer program 1 (P1)" and "timer program 2 (P2)", can be set.

[0246] When operating according to a timer program in the timer device 40 described below, only the timer program selected to automatically operate the heating device 10 (either timer program 1 (P1) or timer program 2 (P2)) is displayed.

[0247] Further, on the right side of the timer program display section 68, a timer operation display section 70 is provided which indicates that automatic operation by either timer program 1 or timer program 2 is in progress.

[0248] Furthermore, on the right side of the timer operation display section 70, a clock display section 72 is provided that displays the current time and a time selected by the user.

[0249] In addition, below the timer program display section 68 and the timer operation display section 70, there is provided a maximum operating power consumption display section 74 that displays the maximum operating power consumption set by operating the operation section 14b, which will be described later.

[0250] On the other hand, below the clock display section 72, there is provided a heating temperature display section 76 that displays the heating temperature measured by the temperature sensor 26 or the temperature selected by the user.

[0251] Next, we will explain the various operators provided on the operation section 14b of the operation panel section 14. In this embodiment, these various operators are configured as push button switches, and by operating these operators, various parameters that configure the timer program, such as the maximum power consumption during operation, are set.

[0252] The various controls that make up the operation unit 14b are arranged below the display unit 14a, and from left to right are a power switch 80, a timer switch 82, a setting switch 84, a back switch 86, a forward switch 88, a high switch 90, a low switch 92, a decision switch 94, and a maximum operating power consumption setting mode switch 96 used to set the maximum operating power consumption.

[0253] Here, in the heating device 10, every time the power switch 80 provided on the operation section 14b of the operation panel section 14 is pressed, the power is switched between on (power application) and off (power interruption).

[0254] When the power switch 80 is pressed to turn on the power, normal operation begins without using the timer device 40, controlling the output of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 26 becomes the temperature shown on the heating temperature display unit 76.

[0255] In normal operation without using this timer device 40, the temperature shown on the temperature display 76 increases by 1°C each time the high switch 90 is pressed, while the temperature shown on the temperature display 76 decreases by 1°C each time the low switch 92 is pressed.

[0256] During normal operation without using such a timer device 40, pressing the timer switch 82 causes the timer operation display unit 70 to light up and display, and the selected timer program is displayed on the timer program display unit 68, and automatic operation begins using the timer program controlled 24 hours a day by the timer device 40.

[0257] In the timer device 40, multiple timer programs can be stored in the memory device 44, and in this embodiment, as described above, two sets of timer programs, timer program 1 (P1) and timer program 2 (P2), can be stored in the memory device 44.

[0258] In the heating device 10, either the timer program 1 (P1) or the timer program 2 (P2) can be selected for automatic operation.

[0259] Each time the timer switch 48 is pressed, the mode switches in a cyclical manner as follows: "Timer program operation using timer program 1 (P1)" → "Timer program operation using timer program 2 (P2)" → "Normal operation without using timer device 40" → "Timer program operation using timer program 1 (P1)" → "Timer program operation using timer program 2 (P2)" → "Normal operation without using timer device 40" → ...".

[0260] (VII) Explanation of the method for setting a timer program using the timer device in the heating device according to the present invention

[0261] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the operation panel unit provided in the heating device shown in FIG. 3, and the display unit shows an example of the display state when a timer program is set.

[0262] With reference to FIG. 13, a method for setting a timer program in the timer device 40 will be described. Before setting a timer program in the timer device 40, the current time is first set in the timer control unit 46 of the timer device 40.

[0263] Here, various methods can be used as appropriate to set the current time in the timer control unit 46 of the timer device 40, such as a method in which the user manually sets the current time by operating an operator (not shown) for setting the current time provided on the operation unit 14b of the operation panel unit 14, a method in which information about the current time set in the remote controller 52 is transferred from the remote controller 52 to the timer control unit 46 via wireless communication, a method in which information about the current time set in the smartphone 54 is directly transferred from the smartphone 54 to the timer control unit 46 via wireless communication, a method in which information about the current time set in the smartphone 54 is transferred from the smartphone 54 to the timer control unit 46 via wireless communication via a network, or a method in which the timer control unit 46 of the timer device 40 obtains current time information from the server 56 via a network.

[0264] The method of setting the current time in the timer control unit 46 of the timer device 40 described above can be any conventionally known technique, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0265] Here, as shown in FIG. 13, when the setting switch 84 is pressed while the heating device 10 is in automatic operation based on a timer program (timer program 1 or timer program 2) (the example shown in FIG. 13 shows automatic operation based on timer program 1), the display on the timer operation display unit 70 goes out and disappears, and the process proceeds to setting the timer program currently in automatic operation (the example shown in FIG. 13 is timer program 1).

[0266] At this time, the bar graph display section 60 displays the setting of the timer program currently in automatic operation (the example shown in FIG. 13 is timer program 1) in the form of a bar graph.

[0267] Specifically, when a temperature is set for the time period indicated by each time scale on the time display scale 64, all of the temperature display segments 66 corresponding to the temperature scale for the time period indicated by that time scale are lit up and displayed in the form of a bar graph up to the position of the temperature display segment 66 corresponding to the temperature set for the time period indicated by that time scale, and the heater off display segment 67 is turned off.

[0268] On the other hand, if no temperature is set for the time period indicated by each time scale on the time display scale 64, all temperature display segments 66 corresponding to the time period indicated by that time scale are turned off, and the heater off display segment 67 is turned on.

[0269] To explain more specifically with reference to Figure 13, if a temperature of 20°C is set for the time period indicated by the 9 o'clock time mark on the time display scale 64, all of the temperature display segments 66 corresponding to each temperature mark in the time period from 9 o'clock to 10 o'clock in which a temperature of 20°C is set (i.e., the temperature display segments 66 corresponding to 5°C to 20°C) will be lit up, and the other temperature display segments 66 will be turned off to display a bar graph, and the heater off display segment 67 will be turned off.

[0270] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, if no temperature is set for the time period indicated by the 11 o'clock time mark on the time display scale 64, all of the temperature display segments 66 corresponding to the time period indicated by the 11 o'clock time mark are turned off, and the heater off display segment 67 is turned on.

[0271] Here, when changing the temperature setting, the user presses the back switch 86 or the forward switch 88 to select the time scale of the time period for which the temperature setting is to be changed.

[0272] Each time the user presses the back switch 86, the time zone to be changed in the direction from the 11pm time scale toward the midnight time scale can be sequentially switched to the previous time zone, and each time the user presses the forward switch 88, the time zone to be changed in the direction from the midnight time scale toward the 11pm time scale can be sequentially switched to the next time zone.

[0273] When the user presses the back switch 86 or the forward switch 88, the selected time scale is displayed in a flashing manner, and all the temperature display segments 66 for the time period corresponding to that time scale are also displayed in a flashing manner, thereby improving the visibility of the time selected by the user.

[0274] In addition, when the user presses the back switch 86 or the forward switch 88, the time corresponding to the selected time scale is also displayed in a flashing manner on the clock display unit 72, further improving the visibility of the time selected by the user.

[0275] To explain this in more detail with reference to Figure 13, for example, when the user selects the time scale "23" by pressing the back switch 86 or the forward switch 88, "23:00" will flash on the clock display 72, the time scale "23" on the hour display scale 64 will flash, and the temperature display segment 66 corresponding to 5°C to 20°C located above the time scale "23" will also flash.

[0276] Therefore, the user can easily confirm, by simply glancing at the display unit 14a of the operation panel unit 14, that the time period selected for changing the temperature setting is the time period indicated by the 11:00 PM time scale.

[0277] Next, the user performs an operation to change the temperature for the selected time period to change the temperature setting, and this change operation is performed by the user pressing the high switch 90 or the low switch 92.

[0278] That is, each time the user presses the high switch 90, the temperature set for the selected time period increases by 1°C, and each time the user presses the low switch 92, the temperature set for the selected time period decreases by 1°C.

[0279] Each time the user presses the high switch 90 or the low switch, the flashing temperature display segment 66 and the heating temperature display 76 change.

[0280] That is, when the user presses the high switch 90 or the low switch, the temperature display segment 66 corresponding to the specified temperature flashes, and the display on the heating temperature display section 76 changes to the specified temperature.

[0281] To explain this in more detail with reference to Figure 13, for example, if the user selects the time scale "23" by pressing the back switch 86 or the forward switch 88, and then presses the high switch 90 twice, the blinking display of the temperature display segments 66 corresponding to 5°C to 20°C will change to the blinking display of the temperature display segments 66 corresponding to 5°C to 22°C, and the display of the heating temperature display section 76 will change from 20°C to 22°C.

[0282] On the other hand, for example, if the user selects the time scale "23" by pressing the back switch 86 or the forward switch 88, and then the user presses the low switch 92 twice, the flashing display of the temperature display segments 66 corresponding to 5°C to 20°C will change to the flashing display of the temperature display segments 66 corresponding to 5°C to 18°C, and the display of the heating temperature display section 76 will change from 20°C to 18°C.

[0283] In this embodiment, the lowest temperature setting is 5°C. If the low switch 92 is pressed further when the temperature is set to 5°C, the temperature display segment 66 is turned off, the heater off display segment 67 is switched to a flashing display, and the heater 32 is always set to off during the set time period regardless of the heating temperature (room temperature).

[0284] To set the maximum operating power consumption, the maximum operating power consumption setting mode switch 96 is pressed to set the maximum operating power consumption setting mode, and then the high switch 90 or low switch 92 is pressed to change the maximum operating power consumption.

[0285] Here, by pressing the high switch 90 in the maximum operating power consumption setting mode, the maximum operating power consumption can be set higher than the current value, while by pressing the low switch 90 in the maximum operating power consumption setting mode, the maximum operating power consumption can be set lower than the current value.

[0286] After changing the maximum operating power consumption in the maximum operating power consumption setting mode as described above, pressing the maximum operating power consumption setting mode switch 96 again ends the maximum operating power consumption setting mode and sets the changed value as the maximum operating power consumption.

[0287] As described above, the user changes the desired temperature setting for the desired time period or the maximum power consumption during operation, and then when the user presses the decision switch 94, the changed setting is reflected in the specified timer program (timer program 1 in the example shown in Figure 13), completing the timer program setting process.

[0288] In addition, the timer program that specified the changed settings and that was stored in the memory device 44 (in the example shown in Figure 13, this is timer program 1) is updated to a timer program that reflects the changed settings and stored.

[0289] (VIII) Description of the operation of the timer program by the timer device in the heating system according to the present invention

[0290] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the operation panel unit provided in the heating device shown in FIG. 3, and the display unit shows an example of the display state during timer program operation.

[0291] During automatic operation by the timer program, the timer operation display unit 70 lights up and is displayed as shown in FIG. 14, and the timer program display unit 68 lights up and displays the timer program in automatic operation (in the example shown in FIG. 14, this is timer program 1).

[0292] In addition, the clock display unit 72 displays the current time (in the example shown in FIG. 14, "16:08" is displayed), the maximum power consumption during operation display unit 74 displays the maximum power consumption during operation (in the example shown in FIG. 14, "1500 W" is displayed), and the heating temperature display unit 76 displays the current heating temperature at the current time (in the example shown in FIG. 14, "14°C" is displayed).

[0293] The current heating temperature is obtained by converting the voltage output by the temperature sensor 26 in accordance with the temperature detected by the temperature detector 48 into temperature information.

[0294] In the bar graph display unit 60, by changing the display mode of the temperature display segment 66 and the heater off display segment 67 by turning them on, blinking, or turning them off, or by changing the color of the light, the target temperature set for each hour as part of the timer program, the heating temperature at the current time, and the heating temperature history showing the operating conditions for the time period going back up to the past 24 hours from the current time are displayed.

[0295] Here, the display mode of the bar graph display unit 60 will be explained in detail. When displaying the target temperature set for each time period as a timer program, for the target temperature set for the time period of the time scale shown above the time scale corresponding to the current time, only the temperature display segment 66 corresponding to that target temperature (temperature display segment 66-1) is lit. On the other hand, for the target temperature set for the time period of the time scale shown above the time scale corresponding to a time other than the current time, all of the temperature display segments 66 located above the time scale are lit, and by changing the display mode of both, the visibility of the temperature set at the current time is improved.

[0296] Furthermore, with regard to the temperature display segments 66 in the time period of the time scale shown above the time scale corresponding to the current time, all temperature display segments 66 (temperature display segment 66-2) from the temperature display segment 66 immediately above the time scale corresponding to 5°C (temperature display segment 66-2) to the heating temperature at the current time (14°C in the example shown in Figure 6) are displayed in a flashing bar graph pattern.

[0297] Here, in the bar graph display unit 60, the history of the heating temperature for the time period going back 24 hours from the current time is displayed by lighting only the temperature display segment 66 (temperature display segment 66-3) for the heating temperature 24 hours ago corresponding to each time scale, and the history is displayed in the form of a line graph.

[0298] When displaying this heating temperature history as a line graph, the color of the temperature display segment 66 may be changed from that of other cases.

[0299] For example, when the temperature set as a timer program is displayed as a bar graph, the temperature display segment 66 is lit in red, whereas when the heating temperature history is displayed as a line graph, the temperature display segment 66 is lit in blue.

[0300] Furthermore, it is preferable that the heating temperature history be updated as needed and stored in the memory device 44 with the latest current temperature obtained in the time period corresponding to each scale time, and that the heating temperature stored in this memory device be read out and displayed.

[0301] (IX) Explanation of setting the timer program using the remote controller in the heating device according to the present invention

[0302] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a remote controller for remotely controlling the heating device shown in FIG. 3, and the display section shows an example of the display state when setting a timer program.

[0303] In the detailed description of the remote controller 52 below, the configurations and functions that are the same as or correspond to the configurations and functions of the various display areas and various operators on the display unit 14a and operation unit 14b of the operation panel unit 14 that were explained with reference to each of Figures 3 to 14 will be indicated by the same reference numerals as those used in each of Figures 3 to 14, and detailed description of those configurations and functions will be omitted.

[0304] Below, we will explain how to set a timer program using the remote controller 52. However, since the remote controller 52 is required to be small and lightweight, it is difficult to provide the display unit 52a with a large display area like the display unit 14a of the operation panel unit 14.

[0305] On the other hand, if too much information is to be displayed in a small display area, the display size becomes small and visibility deteriorates. Therefore, in display unit 52a of remote controller 52, instead of bar graph display unit 60 having time display scale 64 corresponding to 24-hour time periods on the horizontal axis, a bar graph display unit 100 having time display scale 104 corresponding to 12-hour time periods on the horizontal axis is provided, and the settings of the timer program set over 24 hours in a day are divided into 12 hours in the morning and 12 hours in the afternoon, and the bar graph display unit 100 displays the 12 hours in the morning and 12 hours in the afternoon by switching between them.

[0306] The time display scale 104 has a time scale indicating the time "midnight" at the origin position, and from the midnight time scale to the right, time scales indicating the times "1 o'clock," "2 o'clock," "3 o'clock," "4 o'clock," "5 o'clock," "6 o'clock," "7 o'clock," "8 o'clock," "9 o'clock," "10 o'clock," and "11 o'clock" are arranged in chronological order.

[0307] Moreover, in place of the temperature display scale 62, the bar graph display unit 100 is provided with a temperature display scale 102 in which "L" (Low) is positioned at the 5°C position on the temperature display scale 62.

[0308] Reference numeral 106 denotes an AM / PM display section for indicating whether the bar graph display section 100 displays 12 hours in the morning or 12 hours in the afternoon.

[0309] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the AM / PM display section 106 displays AM, and the bar graph display section 100 displays the 12 hours of AM.

[0310] Further, reference numeral 108 denotes an infrared transmission unit that transmits all setting information set by the remote controller 52 to the control unit 42 of the heating device 10.

[0311] In the above-mentioned remote controller 52, when the back switch 86 is pressed while setting the midnight portion of the timer program, the setting switches to the 11:00 portion of the 12-hour period separate from the 12 hours including the midnight portion, and when the forward switch 88 is pressed while setting the 11:00 portion of the timer program, the setting switches to the midnight portion of the 12-hour period separate from the 12 hours including the 11:00 portion.

[0312] Then, in the same manner as in the operation panel unit 14 described above, when a timer program is set on the remote controller 52 and the decision switch 94 is pressed, all setting information set by the remote controller 52, including the current time setting and the timer program setting for 24 hours a day, is transmitted from the infrared transmission unit 108 to the control unit 42, and is further transmitted from the control unit 42 to the memory device 44 for storage, and automatic operation according to the timer program begins.

[0313] (X) Explanation of the operation of the timer program by the remote controller in the heating device according to the present invention

[0314] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a remote controller for remotely controlling the heating device shown in FIG. 3, and the display section shows an example of the display state during timer program operation.

[0315] Here, in the remote controller 52, during automatic operation by a timer program, the timer operation display unit 70 lights up and is displayed, as shown in FIG. 16, and the timer program display unit 68 lights up and displays the timer program in automatic operation (in the example shown in FIG. 16, this is timer program 1).

[0316] The bar graph display unit 100 displays the settings of the timer program set to the current time, and when the back switch 86 or the forward switch 88 is pressed in this state, a 12-hour timer program other than the 12 hours including the current time is temporarily displayed for a preset time interval (for example, 10 seconds), allowing the user to visually confirm the settings of the 12-hour timer program other than the 12 hours including the current time.

[0317] (XI) Explanation of setting a timer program using a smartphone in the heating device according to the present invention

[0318] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a smartphone, which is a type of mobile communication terminal for remotely controlling the heating device shown in FIG. 3, and the display unit shows an example of the display state when setting a timer program.

[0319] In the detailed description of smartphone 54 below, the configurations and functions that are the same as or equivalent to the configurations and functions of the various display areas and various controls described with reference to each of Figures 3 to 16 will be indicated by the same reference numerals as those used in each of Figures 3 to 16, and detailed description of their configurations and functions will be omitted.

[0320] A method for setting a timer program using the smartphone 54 will be described below. The smartphone 54 is provided with a touch panel 200 that constitutes an integrated display and operation unit by combining a display unit 54a and an operation unit 54b.

[0321] As such touch panel 200, various configurations such as a liquid crystal touch panel or an organic EL touch panel can be used.

[0322] In order to set a timer program using the smartphone 54 and operate the heating device 10 automatically, it is necessary to install application software (application program) on the smartphone 54 and to initialize the communication network. However, since publicly known technologies can be used for such installation and initial setting, detailed explanations are omitted.

[0323] Here, since the touch panel 200 of the smartphone 54 is generally used in portrait orientation, the graph display operation unit 202 has a time display scale 204 (corresponding to the time display scale 64) corresponding to 24-hour time periods arranged on the vertical axis, which is one of the intersecting axes, and a temperature display scale 206 (corresponding to the temperature display scale 62) arranged on the horizontal axis, which is the other intersecting axis.

[0324] In this embodiment, the time display scale 204 on the vertical axis and the temperature display scale 206 on the horizontal axis are perpendicular to each other.

[0325] Furthermore, when the smartphone 54 is used in a landscape orientation, the touch panel 200 also becomes landscape-oriented, so the display mode may be switched to one that is optimal for the landscape-oriented touch panel 200 (for example, the time display scale 204 on the graph display operation unit 202 may be the horizontal axis and the time display scale 204 may be the vertical axis).

[0326] Furthermore, when using the smartphone 54, it is possible to set up a plurality of heating devices 10, and the heating device 10 to be set up can be selected from a drop-down list on the heating device selection display operation unit 208.

[0327] Furthermore, a plurality of timer programs can be set for each of the plurality of heating devices 10, and the timer program to be set is selected from a drop-down list on the timer program selection display operation unit 210.

[0328] To set the temperature for each time period and to turn off the heater 32, the temperature adjustment slide button 212 set for each time period on the graph display operation unit 202 is moved left or right to align the temperature adjustment slide button 212 with the desired temperature position or the OFF position on the temperature display scale 206.

[0329] As the temperature adjustment slide button 212 is moved to the right, the temperature display section 213 extends from the OFF position to the position of the temperature adjustment slide button 212, while as the temperature adjustment slide button 212 is moved to the left, the temperature display section 213 shortens from the position of the temperature adjustment slide button 212 toward the OFF position, improving the visibility of the temperature being set by moving the temperature adjustment slide button 212 left and right.

[0330] Then, when the setting button 214 is pressed, the set timer program is transmitted directly to the control unit 42 via wireless communication, or the set timer program is transmitted to the control unit 42 via a network such as a LAN or the Internet, and is output from the control unit 42 to the memory device 44 and stored therein.

[0331] Here, when the timer operation start display operation section 216 is pressed, automatic operation according to the timer program is started.

[0332] Reference numeral 218 denotes a cancel display operation section that is operated when all the settings of the timer program are to be cancelled.

[0333] In addition, settings such as timer programs set on the smartphone 54 and the status of the heating device 10 may be output to the server 56 via the network and stored therein, and various management operations may be performed by the server 56.

[0334] In this way, when various management operations are performed by the server 56, the heating device 10 and the smartphone 54 are simply connected to the server 56 at regular intervals (for example, every 10 minutes) to send and receive data, making network setup easy.

[0335] (XII) Explanation of operation of the timer program by smartphone in the heating device according to the present invention

[0336] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a smartphone, which is a type of mobile communication terminal for remotely controlling the heating device shown in FIG. 3, and the display unit shows an example of the display state during timer program operation.

[0337] Here, on the smartphone 54, during automatic operation by a timer program, the timer operation display unit 70 lights up and displays, as shown in FIG. 18, and the timer program selection display operation unit 210 displays the timer program during automatic operation (in the example shown in FIG. 18, timer program 1).

[0338] Then, in the graph display operation unit 202, the target temperature set by the timer program is displayed using a solid line graph 220, and the heating temperature history for the time period going back 24 hours from the current time is displayed using a dashed line graph 222.

[0339] In addition, in the graph display operation unit 202, the time period corresponding to the current time is displayed at the bottom, and the history of heating temperatures from the current time up to 24 hours ago is displayed in full using a broken line graph 222.

[0340] Here, if the user feels cold or hot during automatic operation of the heating device 10 by the timer program, the temperature setting for that time period can be temporarily changed by moving the temporary temperature setting slide button 224 left or right to align the temporary temperature setting slide button 224 with the desired temperature position or the OFF position on the temperature display scale 206.

[0341] Note that the change in temperature setting using the temporary temperature setting slide button 224 is temporary and does not result in any change to the timer program.

[0342] Therefore, when the time period in which the temperature setting was temporarily changed using the temporary temperature setting slide button 224 ends and automatic operation according to the timer program for the next time period begins, the temperature setting for the time period in which the temperature setting was temporarily changed using the temporary temperature setting slide button 224 automatically returns to the temperature setting of the original timer program.

[0343] During automatic driving based on the timer program, a timer driving stop display section 226, a child lock slide button 228, and an eco-driving setting slide button 230 are displayed on the smartphone 54.

[0344] Here, when the timer operation stop display section 226 is pressed, the automatic operation by the timer program is stopped, and the heating device 10 starts normal operation without using the timer device 40.

[0345] Furthermore, when the child lock slide button 228 is slid leftward from the current position shown in FIG. 18, the child lock function is initiated, and the state prior to the operation is maintained regardless of which display operation section of the smartphone 54 is operated.

[0346] On the other hand, if the child lock slide button 228 is slid from the left position described above to the current position shown in FIG. 18 from left to right, the child lock function is released, and when any of the display operation sections of the smartphone 54 is operated, the operation is reflected.

[0347] In addition, when the eco-driving setting slide button 230 is slid to the right from the current position shown in FIG. 18, a preset eco-driving function program is activated, and automatic operation is controlled to minimize power consumption while maintaining the temperature setting set by the timer program.

[0348] On the other hand, when the eco-driving setting slide button 230 is slid from right to left from the right position described above to the current position shown in FIG. 18, the preset eco-driving function program is stopped and normal automatic driving is resumed.

[0349] The eco-driving function program can utilize application software (application programs) that are conventionally known and can be used for energy conservation, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0350] (XIII) Explanation of another example of a timer program for a heating device according to the present invention when operated by a smartphone

[0351] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a smartphone, which is a type of mobile communication terminal for remotely controlling the heating device shown in FIG. 3, and the display unit shows an example of the display state during timer program operation.

[0352] In the detailed description of smartphone 54 below, the configurations and functions of the various display areas and various controls and display operation units that are the same as or correspond to those described with reference to each of Figures 3 to 18 will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in each of Figures 3 to 18, and detailed descriptions of those configurations and functions will be omitted.

[0353] When comparing the smartphone 54 shown in FIG. 19 with the smartphone 54 described above with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the configuration of the graph display operation section on the touch panel 200 is different.

[0354] That is, on the touch panel 200 of the smartphone 54 shown in FIG. 19, the timer program for 24 hours a day is divided into 12 hours in the morning and 12 hours in the afternoon, and the timer program for the 12 hours in the morning is displayed on the morning circular graph display operation unit 300, and the timer program for the 12 hours in the afternoon is displayed on the afternoon circular graph display operation unit 302.

[0355] That is, the touch panel 200 of the smartphone 54 shown in FIG. 19 has two graph displays: a morning circular graph display operation section 300 and an afternoon circular graph display operation section 302.

[0356] The AM annular graph display operation unit 300 and the PM annular graph display operation unit 302 have time display scales 304 (corresponding to the time display scale 64) arranged around the periphery of the circular area, which correspond to 12-hour time periods divided equally into 30° central angles, in the same manner as the face of an analog clock, and allow the temperature setting of the operating conditions for each time period within the 30° central angle area between the times indicated by each time display scale 304, and also display the set target temperature graphically by lighting up the 30° central angle area.

[0357] The temperature display scale 206 is arranged radially from the center C of the circular area, with the OFF position located on the center C side of the circular area and the 30° temperature scale located on the periphery side of the circular area.

[0358] That is, the morning annular graph display operation unit 300 and the afternoon annular graph display operation unit 302 arrange time display scales 304 indicating each time period for 12 hours, equally divided into 30° central angles, around the periphery of the circular area, and arrange temperature display scales 206 indicating the target temperature, which is an operating condition, radially from the center C of the circular area, and display the correspondence between each time period and the target temperature in graph form for each area equally divided into 30° central angles.

[0359] The current time hour hand indication display unit 306 is displayed at the same angle as the hour hand of an analog clock that indicates the current time, and the temperature display segment 66 that is lit during the time period overlapping with the current time hour hand indication display unit 306 indicates the target temperature at the current time.

[0360] In addition, the current time hour hand indication display unit 308 is displayed at the same angle as the hour hand of an analog clock indicating the current minute, and is not necessarily located in the time zone where the current time hour hand indication display unit 306 of the AM annular graph display operation unit 300 and the PM annular graph display operation unit 302 is located, so it does not overlap with the temperature display segment 66 and only displays the part corresponding to the tip of the hour hand of an analog clock.

[0361] As a result, the display of the current time hour hand indication display section 308 does not impede the visibility of the target temperature on the AM annular graph display operation section 300 and the PM annular graph display operation section 302 .

[0362] Reference numeral 310 denotes a temperature setting slide button. When setting a timer program, the temperature setting slide button 310 is moved along the temperature display scale 206 to align the temperature setting slide button 310 with the desired temperature position or the OFF position on the temperature display scale 206, thereby changing the temperature to be set as the timer program.

[0363] Furthermore, during automatic operation of the timer program, the temperature setting for that time period can be temporarily changed by moving the temperature setting slide button 310, which is located in the time period overlapping with the current time hour hand indication display section 306, along the temperature display scale 206 and aligning the temperature setting slide button 310 with the desired temperature position or the OFF position on the temperature display scale 206.

[0364] Note that the change in temperature setting using the temperature setting slide button 310 is temporary and does not result in any change to the timer program.

[0365] Therefore, when the time period in which the temperature setting was temporarily changed using the temperature setting slide button 310 ends and automatic operation according to the timer program for the next time period begins, the temperature setting for the time period in which the temperature setting was temporarily changed using the temperature setting slide button 310 automatically returns to the temperature setting of the original timer program.

[0366] The current time hour hand indication display section 306, which indicates the current time, which is important when a 24-hour timer program is running, may be highlighted by changing the color from other displays or by flashing.

[0367] (XIV) Explanation of another example of a timer program run by a smartphone in a heating device according to the present invention

[0368] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a smartphone, which is a type of mobile communication terminal for remotely controlling the heating device shown in FIG. 3, and the display unit shows an example of the display state during timer program operation.

[0369] In the detailed description of smartphone 54 below, the configurations and functions that are the same as or equivalent to the configurations and functions of the various display areas, various controls, and display operation units described with reference to each of Figures 3 to 19 will be indicated by the same reference numerals as those used in each of Figures 3 to 19, and detailed descriptions of their configurations and functions will be omitted.

[0370] When comparing the smartphone 54 shown in FIG. 20 with the smartphone 54 described above with reference to FIG. 19, the configuration of the graph display operation section on the touch panel 200 is different.

[0371] That is, on the touch panel 200 of the smartphone 54 shown in FIG. 20, the 24-hour timer program is divided into a 12-hour daytime period from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM and a 12-hour nighttime period from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM the next day, and the 12-hour daytime timer program from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM is displayed on the daytime annular graph display operation unit 400, and the 12-hour nighttime timer program from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM the next day is displayed on the nighttime annular graph display operation unit 402.

[0372] In the smartphone 54 having the touch panel 200 equipped with the daytime circular graph display operation unit 400 and the nighttime circular graph display operation unit 402, as in the case of the smartphone 54 described with reference to Figure 19, the temperature for that time period can be set at the same angle as the time period indicated by the hour hand of the analog clock.

[0373] Here, the daytime circular graph display operation unit 400 and the nighttime circular graph display operation unit 402 are similar to the afternoon circular graph display operation unit 302 and the morning circular graph display operation unit 300, but the daytime circular graph display operation unit 400 and the nighttime circular graph display operation unit 402 show a 24-hour timer program divided into 12-hour periods with 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM as the boundaries. This makes it easier to set timer programs that span midnight or noon (midnight) and improves visibility when setting the timer programs.

[0374] In the smartphone 54 shown in FIG. 20 , the heating device selection display operation unit 208 displays “Living Room” indicating the heating device 10 that has been selected and set from the drop-down list of the heating device selection display operation unit 208, and the timer program selection display operation unit 210 displays “Holiday” indicating the timer program that has been selected and set from the drop-down list of the timer program selection display operation unit 210.

[0375] (XV) Description of other embodiments and modifications

[0376] It should be noted that the above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present invention can be embodied in various other forms. In other words, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various omissions, substitutions, or modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0377] For example, the above-described embodiment may be modified as shown in the following (XV-1) to (XV-27).

[0378] (XV-1) In the above-described embodiment, as shown schematically in FIG. 21, a warning display area 14aa is provided as a warning display means for displaying a warning on the display unit 14a of the operation panel unit 14 of the heating device 10, the display unit 52a of the remote controller 52, and the display unit 54a of the smartphone 54, and an acoustic generator 500 such as a buzzer that generates a warning sound is provided as a warning sound generating means.

[0379] The power plug 504 connected to the power cord 502 of the heating device 10 uses the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6045619 (JP 2016-142607 A), "Temperature Detection Circuit for Power Plug," and a temperature sensor 506 disposed (built-in) in the power plug 504 detects the temperature of the power plug 504. Depending on the degree of temperature rise of the power plug 504, if the temperature of the power plug is higher than a preset first temperature but is not dangerous, a warning message may be displayed on the display unit 14a or the like to notify the user, or a warning sound may be emitted by the sound generator 500 to notify the user, or both may be performed to notify the user, and the control unit 42 may control the heater control unit 50 to automatically turn off some of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d in order to automatically suppress the output of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d.

[0380] If the temperature of the power plug 504 rises further and reaches a second temperature that is preset as a dangerous temperature, the user may be notified by displaying a warning on the display unit 14a or the like, or by emitting a warning sound from the sound generator 500, or by both, and the control unit 42 may control the heater control unit 50 to automatically turn off all of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d.

[0381] (XV-2) In the above-described embodiment, the controlled object switching unit 50b switches the controlled object to be controlled on / off according to a preset condition (for example, "switch the controlled object and heat until the heating temperature reaches the target temperature."), but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this.

[0382] That is, the controlled object switching unit 50b may switch the controlled object to be turned on / off without setting any conditions.

[0383] (XV-3) In the above-described embodiment, the heater switching unit 50c constituting the controlled object performs on / off control by switching the heater constituting the controlled object on and off according to preset conditions (for example, "After the heating temperature reaches the target temperature, heat with power consumption lower than the maximum power consumption during operation."), but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this.

[0384] That is, the control target switching unit 50b may perform on / off control by switching on and off the heater that constitutes the control target without setting any conditions.

[0385] (XV-4) In the above embodiment, the preset condition for switching the controlled object in the controlled object switching unit 50b is, for example, "Switch the controlled object and heat until the heating temperature reaches the target temperature." However, it goes without saying that the preset condition is not limited to this.

[0386] For example, the condition may be to switch the controlled object when a certain temperature is reached, or to start switching the controlled object when a certain time interval has elapsed from a certain point in time.

[0387] (XV-5) In the above embodiment, the preset condition for switching the heater in the controlled object configuration heater switching unit 50c is, for example, "After the heating temperature reaches the target temperature, heating is performed with power consumption lower than the maximum power consumption during operation." However, it goes without saying that the preset condition is not limited to this.

[0388] For example, the condition may be to switch on the heater when a certain temperature is reached, or to start switching on the heater when a certain time interval has elapsed from a certain point in time.

[0389] (XV-6) In the above-described embodiment, specific numerical values ​​are given as examples of the power consumption of the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d, but these are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the values ​​may be set to appropriate values ​​depending on various design conditions, etc.

[0390] (XV-7) In the above-described embodiment, the controlled object switching unit 50b switches in the order of "first controlled object → second controlled object → third controlled object → fourth controlled object → first controlled object → second controlled object → third controlled object → fourth controlled object → first controlled object → ..." as shown in FIG. 9, but this is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the order of switching may be set appropriately depending on various design conditions, etc.

[0391] (XV-8) In the above-described embodiment, the controlled object heater switching unit 50c switched the heaters to be turned off in the order of "fourth heater 32d → first heater 32a → second heater 32b → third heater 32c → fourth heater 32d → first heater 32a → second heater 32b → third heater 32c → fourth heater 32d → ...", as shown in Figures 10(a)(b)(c)(d). However, this is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the switching order may be set appropriately depending on various design conditions, etc.

[0392] (XV-9) In the above embodiment, the heater control unit 50 is provided with a control target configuration heater switching unit 50c, but it goes without saying that the heater control unit 50 does not have to be provided with a control target configuration heater switching unit 50c.

[0393] Even if the heater control unit 50 does not have a control object configuration heater switching unit 50c, the control object switching unit 50b performs the operation of switching the control object set by the control object setting unit 50a, thereby moving the position of the heater that is turned off within the housing 12.

[0394] In other words, this means that only heaters located at specific positions within the housing 12 are no longer controlled to be on / off, and the positions of the heaters that are turned on and off will fluctuate, making it less likely that unevenness in the heating temperature will occur when the heater is turned off depending on the heater's position, making it possible to achieve uniformity and minimizing the risk of the user feeling a drop in the heating temperature when the heater is turned off.

[0395] (XV-10) In the above-described embodiment, the heater control unit 50 is provided with a control object setting unit 50a and a control object switching unit 50b, but it goes without saying that the heater control unit 50 does not have to be provided with the control object setting unit 50a and the control object switching unit 50b.

[0396] If the heater control unit 50 does not have a control object setting unit 50a and a control object switching unit 50b, the control object configuration heater switching unit 50c will regard all heaters arranged within the housing 12 as heaters that constitute the control object and will perform an operation to switch all of the heaters on and off, thereby moving the position of the heaters that are turned off within the housing 12.

[0397] As a result, heaters located in specific positions will no longer be turned off, and the positions of the heaters that are turned off will fluctuate, making it less likely that unevenness in the heating temperature will occur when heaters are turned off depending on the heater's position, and making it possible to achieve a more uniform temperature.This reduces power consumption while minimizing the risk of users feeling a drop in the heating temperature when the heater is turned off.

[0398] (XV-11) Although detailed explanations have been omitted in the above-described embodiment, the user may operate operation unit 14b, operation unit 52b, operation unit 54b, etc. to select a heater to be switched in control target heater switching unit 50c, and the selected heater may be switched by control target heater switching unit 50c.

[0399] (XV-12) In the above embodiment, when there are multiple control objects, the control object switching unit 50b automatically switches between the multiple control objects while performing ON control, but of course this is not limited to this.

[0400] That is, the control object switching unit 50b may be configured to switch on and control multiple control objects in accordance with preset conditions (for example, "switching begins after a preset time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed after power is turned on").

[0401] (XV-13) In the above embodiment, when there are two or more control objects set by the control object setting unit 50a, all of the two or more control objects are subject to switching. However, it goes without saying that this is not limited to this.

[0402] That is, when the number of control objects set by the control object setting unit 50a is, for example, three or more, the user may operate the operation unit 14b, operation unit 52b, operation unit 54b, etc. to select two or more of the control objects to be switched by the control object switching unit 50b from among the control objects set by the control object setting unit 50a, and the selected control objects may be switched by the control object switching unit 50c.

[0403] In other words, the control objects to be switched by the control object switching unit 50c are not limited to all the control objects set by the control object setting unit 50a, and the number of control objects to be switched by the control object switching unit 50c may be less than the number of control objects set by the control object setting unit 50a.

[0404] (XV-14) In the above embodiment, the heater control unit 50 is provided with the control target switching unit 50b, but it goes without saying that the heater control unit 50 does not have to be provided with the control target switching unit 50b.

[0405] In the case where the heater control unit 50 does not have a control target switching unit 50b, the user can arbitrarily select the control target that the user wants to operate from among the control targets that have the maximum power consumption during operation as specified by the user and that are set by the control target setting unit 50a, for example, by operating the operation unit 14b, operation unit 52b, or operation unit 54b.

[0406] In this case, it is preferable that the control target set by the control target setting unit 50a is displayed on the display unit 14a, the display unit 52a or the display unit 54a, so that the user can select the desired control target by operating the operation unit 14b, the operation unit 52b or the operation unit 54b.

[0407] The control target setting unit 50a sets the control target that will have the maximum power consumption during operation set arbitrarily by the user, so even if the control target is arbitrarily selected by the user, the heating device 10 can be automatically operated at the maximum power consumption during operation or at a power consumption lower than the maximum power consumption during operation.

[0408] As a result, in conventional heating devices, the power consumption is set to a fixed amount, and if the power consumption is too high, the breaker will trip, making it necessary to turn off other electrical equipment before use.However, with heating device 10, the user can freely and appropriately set the maximum power consumption during operation, eliminating the risk of the breaker tripping and the need to turn off other electrical equipment.

[0409] In addition, when using the heating device 10, if the only purpose is to operate it at the maximum power consumption during any operation, the functions of the control object switching unit 50b and the control object configuration heater switching unit 50c of the heater control unit 50 may be stopped, so that the heater control unit 50 does not essentially have the control object switching unit 50b and the control object configuration heater switching unit 50c, but only has the control object setting unit 50a.

[0410] Furthermore, when the user operates, for example, operation unit 14b, operation unit 52b, or operation unit 54b to arbitrarily select the control object that the user wants to operate from among the control objects that have the desired maximum power consumption during operation specified by the user and are set by the control object setting unit 50a, the user may be allowed to select two or more control objects, and the control object switching unit 50b may switch the selected control object.

[0411] (XV-15) Although detailed explanation has been omitted in the above-described embodiment, if there is no heater or combination of heaters that matches the maximum operating power consumption specified by the user by operating the operation unit 14b of the operation panel unit 14, the operation unit 52b of the remote controller 52, or the operation unit 54b of the smartphone 54, and the control target cannot be set by the control target setting unit 50a, the display unit 14a of the operation panel unit 14, the display unit 52a of the remote controller 52, or the display unit 52a of the smartphone 54 may display a warning message to the effect that "No control target that matches the maximum operating power consumption is found." to notify the user, or may notify the user by emitting a warning sound using an audio generator, or may do both, and a notification means may be provided to notify the user and prompt the user to perform an operation to specify a new maximum operating power consumption using the notification means.

[0412] (XV-16) Although detailed explanations are omitted in the above-described embodiments, the heating temperature and target temperature are not limited to indicating only a specific temperature value (e.g., "24°C"), but may also indicate a temperature range (e.g., "a range of 24°C to 28°C").

[0413] (XV-17) In the above-described embodiment, the heater control device according to the present invention and the heater control method according to the present invention are described as being applied to a heating device 10. However, it goes without saying that the devices to which the heater control device according to the present invention and the heater control method according to the present invention can be applied are not limited to heating devices 10.

[0414] In other words, the heater control device and heater control method according to the present invention can be mounted and used in various temperature control devices that operate by setting a temperature as an operating condition, such as a portable heating device that can be moved to any location, such as indoors or outdoors, or a heating device that is fixedly installed in a certain location and used.

[0415] Such temperature adjustment devices include not only the heating devices described above, but also various other devices (apparatuses) such as air conditioners and cooling / heating devices (air conditioners).

[0416] (XV-18) In the above embodiment, the timer device 40 is described as being applied to the heating device 10, but it goes without saying that the device to which the timer device 40 can be applied is not limited to the heating device 10.

[0417] In other words, the timer device 40 can be mounted on various temperature control devices that operate by setting the temperature as an operating condition, such as a portable heating device that can be moved to any location, such as indoors or outdoors, or a heating device that is fixedly installed in a certain location and used.

[0418] Such temperature adjustment devices include not only the heating devices described above, but also various other devices (apparatuses) such as air conditioners and cooling / heating devices (air conditioners).

[0419] In addition, the timer device 40 can be installed and used in various devices (equipment) that can be used by setting operating conditions such as illuminance as operating conditions for each time period in a 24-hour day.

[0420] (XV-19) Although detailed explanations have been omitted in the above-described embodiment, it goes without saying that the time periods (time intervals) into which 24 hours a day are divided are not limited to one hour as in the above-described embodiment. In other words, when dividing 24 hours a day into a plurality of time periods (time intervals), the time period may be divided into any time period (time interval) appropriate to various conditions such as design conditions and usage conditions, and may be divided into, for example, 10-minute intervals or 1-minute intervals.

[0421] Furthermore, the 24 hours of a day do not necessarily have to be divided into uniformly identical time slots (time intervals), but may be divided into multiple different time slots (time intervals). For example, the 24 hours of a day may be divided into 10-minute time slots (time intervals) from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and into 1-hour (60-minute) time slots (time intervals) from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

[0422] (XV-20) Although detailed explanations have been omitted in the above-described embodiment, it goes without saying that the scales (temperature display scale and time display scale) provided on the intersecting vertical and horizontal axes of the bar graph display unit 60, the bar graph display unit 100, and the graph display operation unit 200 may be interchanged between the vertical and horizontal axes.

[0423] (XV-21) In the above-described embodiment, the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c and the fourth heater 32d are, for example, sheathed heaters, but it goes without saying that this is not limited to this.

[0424] As the first heater 32a, the second heater 32b, the third heater 32c, and the fourth heater 32d, it is of course possible to use various types of linear (rod-shaped) heating elements or planar heating elements in addition to sheathed heaters.

[0425] (XV-22) In the above embodiment, the explanation of the materials of the left heat sink 30L and the right heat sink 30R was omitted, but the material of the heat sink may be, for example, a metal material such as aluminum or steel, or a non-metal material such as ceramic.

[0426] (XV-23) In the above embodiment, four heaters, namely, first heater 32a, second heater 32b, third heater 32c, and fourth heater 32d, are used, but it goes without saying that the number of heaters is not limited to four.

[0427] That is, it is sufficient that at least two or more heaters 32 are provided, and there may be two, three, five or more heaters.

[0428] (XV-24) Although detailed explanations are omitted in the above-described embodiment, in the timer device 40, only one of the operation panel unit 14, the remote controller 42, and the smartphone 54 may be usable, or any two of them may be usable in combination, or all three may be usable in combination as in the above-described embodiment.

[0429] (XV-25) In the above-described embodiment, a smartphone is shown as an example of a mobile communication terminal, but the mobile communication terminal is not limited to a smartphone. In other words, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, a PDA, or the like may be used as appropriate instead of a smartphone as a mobile communication terminal.

[0430] (XV-26) Although detailed explanations have been omitted in the above-described embodiment, it is of course possible to use a personal computer in place of the operation panel unit 14, the remote controller 42, or the smartphone 54 in the timer device 40, as appropriate.

[0431] (XV-27) The above-described embodiment and the embodiments and modifications shown in (XV-1) to (XV-26) may of course be combined as appropriate. [Industrial Applicability]

[0432] The heater control device and heater control method according to the present invention can be used for various devices (equipment) equipped with two or more heaters.

[0433] These various devices (equipment) include various temperature control devices that operate by setting a temperature as an operating condition, such as a portable heating device that can be moved and used anywhere, indoors or outdoors, or a heating device that is fixedly installed in a specific location and used.

[0434] Such temperature adjustment devices include not only the heating devices described above, but also various other devices (apparatuses) such as air conditioners and cooling / heating machines (air conditioners).

[0435] Furthermore, the heating device according to the present invention can be used to heat any place, such as indoors or outdoors, to a desired temperature. [Explanation of symbols]

[0436] 10 Heating equipment 12. Case 12a Side end 12b Upper end 12c Bottom end 12L left side wall 12La inner surface 12R Right side wall 12Ra inner surface 14 Operation panel 14a Display section 14aa Warning display area (warning display means) 14b Operation unit (target temperature setting means) 16 Caster mounting plate 16a Bottom side 18 Caster 20 Air inlet grille 20a Air inlet 22 Air outlet grille 22a Air outlet 24 Heater unit 26 Temperature sensor (heating temperature detection means) 28 Air flow path 30L left heat sink 30R Right heat sink 32a 1st heater (heater group) 32b Second heater (heater group) 32c Third heater (heater group) 32d 4th heater (heater group) 34 Partition 38 Lighting equipment 40 Timer Device 42 control unit (heating temperature detection means, target temperature setting means, determination means, warning sound generation means) 44 Memory Device 46 Timer control unit 48 Temperature detection unit (heating temperature detection means) 50 heater control unit (control object setting means, control object switching means, heater switching means) 50a Control target setting unit (control target setting means) 50b Control object switching unit (control object switching means) 50c Control target configuration heater switching unit (heater switching means) 52 Remote Controller 52a Display section (warning display means) 52b Operation unit (target temperature setting means) 54 Smartphone 54a Display section (warning display means) 54b Operation unit (target temperature setting means) 56 servers 60 Bar graph display 62 Temperature display scale 64 hour scale 66 temperature display segments 66-1 Temperature display segment corresponding to target temperature 66-2 All temperature display segments from the temperature display segment corresponding to 5°C to the heating temperature at the current time 66-3 Temperature display segments showing the heating temperature history for the past 24 hours corresponding to each time scale 67 Heater off display segment 68 Timer program display 70 Timer operation display 72 Clock display 74 Maximum power consumption display during operation 76 Heating temperature display 80 Power switch 82 Timer switch 84 Setting Switch 86 Back switch 88 Forward Switch 90 high switch 92 Low Switch 94 Decision Switch 96 Maximum power consumption setting mode switch during operation 100 Bar graph display 102 Temperature display scale 104 Time display scale 106 AM / PM display 108 Infrared transmitter 200 touch panel 202 Graph display operation section 204 Time display scale 206 Temperature display scale 208 Heating device selection display operation unit 210 Timer program selection display operation section 212 Temperature adjustment slide button 213 Temperature display section 214 Settings button 216 Timer operation start display operation section 218 Cancel display operation section 220 Solid Line Graph 222 dashed line graph 224 Temporary temperature setting slide button 226 Timer operation stop display unit 228 Child lock slide button 230 Eco driving setting slide button 300 AM Circular Graph Display Operation Unit 302 PM Circular Graph Display Operation Unit 304 Time display scale 306 Current time hour hand indication display section 308 Current time hour hand indication display 310 Temperature setting slide button 400 Daytime circular graph display operation unit 402 Nighttime circular graph display operation section 500 Sound generator (sound generating means) 502 power plug 504 Temperature Sensor 1000 Heating Equipment 1002 Case 1002L left side wall 1002La inner surface 1002R Right side wall 1002Ra inner surface 1002B Bottom end 1002T upper end 1004 No. 1 heater 1006 Second heater 1008 Third heater 1010 4th heater 1012 Heater control device 1014 Air inlet 1016 Air outlet A lower area G interval C center

Claims

1. A heater control device that controls the on / off of two or more heaters, a control target setting means for setting, as a control target, a heater unit or a combination of heaters at different positions that consumes a predetermined amount of power, for a heater group consisting of two or more heaters arranged at different positions; a controlled object switching means for, when the number of controlled objects set by the controlled object setting means is two or more, alternately switching on and off control of the two or more controlled objects in sequence at predetermined time intervals and in a predetermined order until the heating temperature reaches a predetermined temperature; A heater control device comprising:

2. A heater control device that controls the on / off of two or more heaters, a control target setting means for setting, as a control target, a heater unit or a combination of heaters at different positions that consumes a predetermined amount of power, for a heater group consisting of two or more heaters arranged at different positions; a heating temperature detection means for detecting a heating temperature; a target temperature setting means for setting a target temperature to be set as a target for the heating temperature; a determination means for comparing the heating temperature detected by the heating temperature detection means with the target temperature set by the target temperature setting means and determining whether the heating temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature; a control object switching means for alternately switching on and off the two or more control objects in sequence at predetermined time intervals and in a predetermined order when the determining means determines that the heating temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature, when the control object setting means has set two or more control objects; A heater control device comprising:

3. A heater control device that controls the on / off of two or more heaters, a control target setting means for setting, as a control target, a heater unit or a combination of heaters at different positions that consumes a predetermined amount of power, for a heater group consisting of two or more heaters arranged at different positions; a controlled object switching means, when the number of controlled objects set by the controlled object setting means is two or more, for alternately switching on and off control of the two or more controlled objects in sequence at predetermined time intervals and in a predetermined order until the heating temperature reaches a predetermined temperature; a heater switching means for alternately switching on and off the heaters and heater combinations constituting the control objects that are turned on by the control object switching means at predetermined time intervals and in a predetermined order; A heater control device comprising:

4. A heater control method for controlling the on / off of two or more heaters, For a heater group consisting of two or more heaters arranged at different positions, a single heater or a combination of heaters arranged at different positions that consumes a predetermined amount of power is set as a control target; When there are two or more control targets set, the two or more control targets are alternately switched between on control and off control at predetermined time intervals and in a predetermined order until the heating temperature reaches a predetermined temperature. A heater control method comprising:

5. A heater control method for controlling the on / off of two or more heaters, For a heater group consisting of two or more heaters arranged at different positions, a single heater or a combination of heaters arranged at different positions that consumes a predetermined amount of power is set as a control target; comparing the heating temperature with a target temperature set as a target for the heating temperature to determine whether the heating temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature; When the number of the set control objects is two or more, if it is determined that the heating temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature, the two or more control objects are alternately switched between on control and off control in sequence at predetermined time intervals and in a predetermined order. A heater control method comprising:

6. A heater control method for controlling the on / off of two or more heaters, For a heater group consisting of two or more heaters arranged at different positions, a single heater or a combination of heaters arranged at different positions that consumes a predetermined amount of power is set as a control target; When the number of the set control objects is two or more, the control device alternately switches between on-control and off-control in sequence for the two or more control objects at predetermined time intervals and in a predetermined order until the heating temperature reaches a predetermined temperature; At predetermined time intervals and in a predetermined order, the heaters and combinations of heaters constituting the control targets to be turned on are alternately switched between on and off in sequence. A heater control method comprising:

7. In a heating device in which a plurality of heaters are arranged in a housing, The housing and a heater group consisting of a plurality of heaters arranged within the housing; a heater control device that controls the group of heaters; and The heater control device is a heater control device according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 3. A heating device characterized by:

8. The heating device according to claim 7, further comprising: a timer device that sets operating conditions for the heater group for each of a plurality of time periods obtained by dividing 24 hours a day into a plurality of time periods, and controls the heater group based on the operating conditions set for each of the time periods; A heating device comprising:

9. The heating device according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising: A lighting device for visually indicating the operating status. A heating device comprising:

10. The heating device according to claim 9, further comprising: An illuminance sensor that detects a preset illuminance level; and When the illuminance sensor detects the predetermined illuminance, the lighting device emits light in a predetermined color at the predetermined illuminance. A heating device characterized by:

11. The heating device according to any one of claims 7, 8, 9 and 10, further comprising: A power plug with a built-in temperature sensor, a warning display means for displaying a warning; warning sound generating means for generating a warning sound; and The temperature sensor detects the temperature of the power plug; The temperature sensor detects the temperature of the power plug, and the warning display means displays a warning and / or the warning sound generating means generates a warning sound. A heating device characterized by:

12. The heating device according to claim 11, A part or all of the heater group is turned off depending on the temperature of the power plug detected by the temperature sensor. A heating device characterized by:

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