Single-button temperature control device and method with zero-electromagnetic-wave far-infrared radiation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a temperature control device and method for an electric mat, a hot water mat, and the like and, more particularly, to a single-button temperature control device and method with zero-electromagnetic-wave far-infrared radiation, in which: power on / off and step-by-step temperature control are performed with a single button; overheat detection and short circuit detection are performed to prevent fire; safety is secured through electromagnetic wave blocking, surge current prevention, and automatic power control according to usage time; and far-infrared rays are radiated.

Description

Electromagnetic wave-free far-infrared radiation single-button temperature control device and method

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature control device and method for electric mats, hot water mats, etc., and more specifically, to a non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation single-button temperature control device and method that performs power on / off and step-by-step temperature control with a single button, prevents fire by detecting overheating and short circuits, and ensures safety by preventing surge current and automatic power control according to usage time.

[0002]

[0003] Generally, heating mats such as electric mats, hot water mats, and electric blankets include a temperature control device.

[0004] Such a temperature control device includes a plurality of buttons for controlling functions such as turning power on / off, setting a mode, and temperature control, or input means such as a rotary switch capable of executing multiple inputs by a contact method, display means for displaying information, power input means to which power is applied, power control means for turning power to be provided to a heater on / off and controlling the temperature of the heater, protection circuits such as fire prevention due to overheating of the temperature control device and short circuit prevention, and control means such as a microcomputer for controlling the power control means according to a control signal input through the input means to perform overall control such as turning the heater on / off and temperature control.

[0005] Heating mats are tools designed for human users to place on the floor, mattress, etc., to sleep comfortably and warmly. Therefore, the size of the temperature control device is being minimized.

[0006] However, conventional temperature control devices have limitations in minimizing their size because they must configure an input device by providing multiple buttons or a large rotary switch, and configure a display means.

[0007] In addition, conventional temperature control devices are difficult to operate because they must be equipped with multiple buttons or rotary switches to control various functions, and in order to make operation easy in such situations, there is a problem that the size increases because there must be a lot of information displayed on the display means.

[0008] In addition, conventional temperature control devices are equipped with multiple protection circuits such as overheat detection, overheat prevention, and short-circuit detection, but there is a problem in that such overheating, short circuits, etc., cannot be prevented in advance.

[0009]

[0010] The objective of the present invention is to provide a non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation single-button temperature control device and method that enables power on / off and step-by-step temperature control with a single button, prevents fire by detecting overheating and short circuits, and ensures safety by preventing overheating in advance through surge current prevention and automatic power control according to usage time.

[0011]

[0012] The electromagnetic wave-free far-infrared radiation single-button temperature control device of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises: a single-button unit having a single button and outputting a button signal upon pressing the button; a power supply unit receiving household AC power and receiving control to output heater driving power; a DC power converter unit receiving the household AC power, converting it into DC power, and outputting it; and a temperature control unit receiving the heater driving power, converting the heater driving power into heater temperature control power corresponding to the temperature according to an input temperature control signal, and outputting it to the heater. The invention is characterized by including a temperature control unit that recognizes power on, sequential increase of a power control level including a plurality of levels, and power off in order whenever a button signal is input from the single button unit, wherein when a button signal is input in a completely off state, it sequentially increases from a preset power control level among the plurality of power control levels, and when a button signal is re-input in a standby off state after power off at the last stage of the power control level, it recognizes power on and sequentially increases from the first power control level, and outputs a temperature control signal corresponding to the recognized power control level to the temperature control unit after power on recognition.

[0013] The above device is characterized by further including: an NTC thermistor that receives the heater driving power at one end; and a thyristor (SCR3) whose gate is connected to the other end of the NTC thermistor, whose anode is connected to ground, and whose cathode is connected to one end of the NTC thermistor, and which turns on the thyristor to bypass the heater driving power to ground when preventing overheating in the heater.

[0014] The above device is characterized by further including an output terminal monitoring unit connected to an output terminal (OV1) connected to the anode of the thyristor and the heater, which outputs a feedback signal (SCR AD) according to the thyristor being on or off, and a short circuit signal (SHORT AD) according to the short circuit of the output terminal connected to the heater and the short circuit of the power control switch (SCR2) included in the temperature control unit.

[0015] The above device further includes a display unit that displays power on, power off, the power control level, and error information, wherein the temperature control unit determines whether any one of the errors—overheating by the NTC thermistor, short circuit at the output terminal, and short circuit of the power control switch—occurs at the output terminal through the feedback signal, stops the output of the temperature control signal (PWM) that was being output to the temperature control unit when an error occurs, disconnects the temperature fuse included in the power supply unit when the power control switch short circuits, and displays error information according to the type of error on the display unit.

[0016] The above device further includes a zero-cross detection unit that detects a zero-cross and outputs a zero-cross detection signal to the temperature control unit, wherein the temperature control unit operates in synchronization with the zero-cross detection signal detected by the zero-cross detection unit.

[0017] The above display unit is characterized by being configured to include a single seven-segment display.

[0018] The above temperature control unit is characterized by switching to the completely off state when a button signal is input for a preset period of time or longer while the power is turned on and operating at any power control level among the above power control levels.

[0019] The above DC power converter is characterized by being configured to include an NTC thermistor at the input terminal where the above household AC power is input, thereby preventing the occurrence of surge current.

[0020] The single-button temperature control method for non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation according to the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises: a button signal input monitoring process in which a temperature control unit, which operates by receiving power through a DC power converter when household AC power is supplied, monitors whether a button signal is input from a single button unit in a completely off state, which is a setting initialization state in which a button press counter and a power control level value are set to an initial value and a standby flag is set to a reset; a control step recognition process in which the temperature control unit recognizes power on, sequential increase of a power control level including a plurality of levels, and power off in order whenever a button signal is input from the single button unit, wherein when a button signal is input in the completely off state, it recognizes sequentially increase from a power control level among the plurality of power control levels, and when a button signal is re-input in the standby off state after power off at the last stage of the power control level, it recognizes sequentially increase from the first power control level after power on; and a temperature control process in which the temperature control unit outputs a temperature control signal corresponding to the recognized power control level to a temperature control unit to control the temperature.

[0021] The above setting initialization state is a state in which the temperature control unit sets the button press counter and power control level value to initial values ​​and the standby flag to reset, wherein the control step recognition process includes: a complete off state transition determination step in which the temperature control unit determines whether the input button signal is input within a preset time; a level increase step in which the temperature control unit increases the button press counter by 1 if the button signal is a level selection button signal; a power control level verification step in which the temperature control unit determines whether the power control level value is an initial value; a power control level value increase step in which the power control level value is increased by 1 if the power control level value is not an initial value; and a maximum power control level value determination step in which the temperature control unit determines whether the power control level value is less than or equal to a preset maximum power control level value, wherein the temperature control unit performs the temperature control process if the power control level value is less than or equal to the maximum power control level value.

[0022] The above control step recognition process is characterized by including: a power-on state determination step in which the temperature control unit determines whether the power-on state is one in which the standby flag is set when the button signal is input for more than a certain period of time in the complete off state transition determination step; and a complete off state transition step in which, if the button signal is input for more than a certain period of time in the power-on state, the system is initialized to set the setting initialization state.

[0023] The above control step recognition process is characterized by performing a power off state determination step in which, if the power control level value is determined to be an initial value in the power control level verification step, the temperature control unit examines the standby flag to determine whether the previous state was a completely off state due to a standby flag reset or a standby off state due to a standby flag set; and, if the standby flag is set to reset, the temperature control unit sets the standby flag to set, turns on the power, and sets the power control level value to a preset power control level value, and then performs the temperature control process.

[0024] The above control step recognition process is characterized by further including a standby mode power control level value setting step in which, if the standby flag is set to set in the power off state determination step, the temperature control unit sets the power control level value to an initial value, and then performing the temperature control process.

[0025] The above control step recognition process is characterized by further including an initialization step in which, when the temperature control unit exceeds the maximum power control level value, the button press counter and the power control level value are set to initial values ​​in a standby off state where the standby flag is set to set.

[0026]

[0027] The present invention has the effect of minimizing the size of the temperature control device by performing on / off and temperature level control of the heating mat with a single button.

[0028] In addition, the present invention has the effect of controlling the temperature with a single button, but setting the temperature control level to an intermediate level (=power control level) when the power is initially turned on, thereby rapidly raising the temperature of the heater.

[0029] In addition, the present invention is configured to prevent overheating of the device in advance by turning it off for a certain period after operation in units of a rest time (e.g., 29 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.) or by lowering the temperature control power to 70% after operation for a certain period (e.g., 10 hours), and to automatically turn it off when operation exceeds the maximum operating time (e.g., 15 hours) from the start of operation, thereby having the effect of preventing overheating and failure in advance.

[0030]

[0031] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation single-button temperature control device according to the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation single-button temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a single-button temperature control method for non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation according to the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an error detection and error processing method among the electromagnetic wave far-infrared radiation single-button temperature control methods according to the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic temperature control method according to usage time among a single-button temperature control method for non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a power on / off method at regular time intervals among a single-button temperature control method for electromagnetic far-infrared radiation according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an example of a carbon non-magnetic heating wire according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038]

[0039] <Explanation of Major Symbols in Drawings>

[0040] 10: Single button section 20: Display section

[0041] 30: Power supply unit 40: DC power converter unit

[0042] 50: Temperature control unit 60: Overheat protection unit

[0043] 70: Output monitoring unit 71: Feedback monitoring unit

[0044] 72: Output terminal short-circuit monitoring unit 80: Zero-cross detection unit

[0045] 100: Temperature control unit

[0046]

[0047] The configuration and operation of a non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation single-button temperature control device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, and a method for controlling the temperature in said device will be described.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation single-button temperature control device according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the circuit of a non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation single-button temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The following description will be explained with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0049] The electromagnetic wave far-infrared radiation single-button temperature control device according to the present invention includes a single-button unit (10), a display unit (20), a power supply unit (30), a DC power conversion unit (40), and a temperature control unit (50), and according to an embodiment, may further include an overheating prevention unit (60), a switch monitoring unit (70), and a zero-cross detection unit (80).

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, the single button unit (10) includes a single button (switch, SW1) and receives a driving power supply (+5V) to generate a button signal (SW) when the single button is pressed and outputs it to the temperature control unit (100).

[0051] The display unit (20) receives control from the temperature control unit (100) and displays the power on / off status, power control level, error information, etc., according to the present invention.

[0052] The above display unit (20) may be a flexible numeric display (FND, or "seven-segment") with 1 digit or more, but it is preferable to have 1 digit or 2 digits.

[0053] The power supply unit (30) receives household AC power and supplies 220V heater driving power to the temperature control unit (50).

[0054] The power supply unit (30) includes two temperature fuses (F1, F2) as shown in FIG. 2 to protect the device from overcurrent caused by household AC power, and includes a thyristor 1 (SCR1) connected to the temperature fuse (F2) to receive a power cutoff signal (POWER_OFF_EN) from the temperature control unit (100), which turns on to disconnect the temperature fuse (F2) and physically cut off the heater driving power supply to the device.

[0055] The power supply unit (30) further includes a varistor (RV1) to protect the circuit from overvoltage and includes a capacitor (C1) to perform noise filtering for the household AC power.

[0056] The DC power converter (40) receives household AC power and generates and outputs DC power (e.g., +5V), which is the driving power required for the temperature control unit (100), single button unit (10), switch monitoring unit (70), etc.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 2, the DC power conversion unit (40) is preferably configured to block surge currents that may be generated by household AC power by connecting an NTC thermistor (NTC1) in series at the input terminal, and it is preferable to use PN806 or KP3114 as the AC-DC conversion element.

[0058] The temperature control unit (50) receives heater driving power from the power supply unit (30) and is connected to the heater through an output terminal. It receives a temperature control signal, which is a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal according to the temperature level, i.e., the power control level, input from the temperature control unit (100), and generates heater temperature control power by switching the heater driving power, and outputs it to the heater through output terminals (OV1, OV2). The heater is a non-magnetic heating wire connected to the output terminals, OV1, and OG1 of FIG. 2.

[0059]

[0060] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an example of a carbon non-magnetic heating wire according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7, the carbon non-magnetic heating wire according to the present embodiment comprises a core (Polyester, etc.) (1) in the center, a primary heater wire (2) wound on the upper surface of the core, an inner insulator (nylon, etc.) (4) covering the upper part of the primary heater wire, a secondary heater wire (3) wound on the upper part of the insulator (4), a carbon covering part (6) covering the upper part of the secondary heater wire, and an outer insulator (5) covering the outermost part. The carbon covering part (6) may be composed of conductive carbon (Carbon) that emits far-infrared rays and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). One end of the primary heater wire (2) is connected to OV1 in FIG. 2, and the other end is connected to the anode of the U-turn diode and then connected to one end of the secondary heater wire (3), which is connected to the cathode of the U-turn diode through the U-turn diode. The other end of the secondary heater wire (3) is connected to the output terminal OG1 in FIG. 2. The supply current supplied through OV1 and flowing through the primary heater wire (2), and the return current, which is the current that returns from the supply current through the U-turn diode to OG1 via the secondary heater wire (3), flow in opposite directions. Therefore, the electromagnetic waves generated by the supply current and the electromagnetic waves generated by the return current cancel each other out. That is, the heater of the present invention does not generate electromagnetic waves.

[0061] Heat is generated by the current flowing through the primary heater wire (2) wound around the outside of the ventricle (1), and this is turned around and flows through the secondary heater wire (3). The ventricle (1) may be made of a synthetic resin material such as polyester. In addition, the outside of the ventricle (1) may be coated with enamel for insulation.

[0062] The primary heater wire (2) is wound spirally on the outer surface of the ventricle (1). The primary heater wire (2) is made of a heating wire to allow current to flow and is wound in a certain direction on the outer surface of the inner insulator (4). Meanwhile, after the primary heater wire (2) is wound at regular intervals on the ventricle (1), both ends thereof can be connected to the + terminal and the - terminal of the plug, respectively. Accordingly, when current flows through the coil, an electromagnetic field harmful to the human body is generated, and this electromagnetic field can be canceled out by the secondary heater wire (3).

[0063] The inner insulator (4) covers the outer surface of the primary heater wire (2). The inner insulator (4) is formed from a known material such as nylon (non-conductive). Meanwhile, although the inner insulator (4) is described as being made of nylon, it is not limited to this and any non-conductive material having insulating properties is acceptable. The inner insulator (4) is configured for insulation and protection of the core (1), and it is preferable that the secondary heater wire (3) be wound on the outer surface with a predetermined number of turns to have a certain directionality. The secondary heater wire (3) is wound spirally on the outer surface of the inner insulator (4). The secondary heater wire (3) is wound spirally on the outer surface of the inner insulator (4) to detect the amount of heat generated by the primary heater wire (2) in the inner insulator (4) and perform a safety detection function. The outer insulator (5) covers the outer surface of the secondary heater wire (3). The outer insulator (5) is formed of a material for insulation and can perform insulation from the outside. Meanwhile, according to the present embodiment, between the secondary heater wire (3) and the outer insulator (5), a carbon covering (6) containing or coated with carbon as the main material is covered on the outer surface of the secondary heater wire (3). The carbon covering (6) contains or is coated with carbon as the main material and serves to block harmful waves and emit far-infrared rays. The carbon covering (6) may be made by coating carbon onto a known non-conductive material or by inserting a known carbon fiber. The carbon covering (6) may be made of carbon fiber strands or coated with carbon material, and it is preferable to twist it in a bundle form to have a certain electrical characteristic per unit length and elasticity in the longitudinal direction, while having high strength, durability, and safety.

[0064] One side of the carbon covering (6) is grounded and can block harmful waves that emit electromagnetic waves. In addition, far-infrared rays are emitted from the carbon covering (6) by acting on the generated heat, so the effect of far-infrared rays can be provided to users of electric mats equipped with heating wires. As heat generated by the resistance of the inner and outer heater wires is transferred to the carbon covering (6), the carbon covering (6) generates heat while radiating far-infrared rays. In one embodiment of the present invention, heating of the heater wire is required to supply heat to the carbon covering (6) placed immediately adjacent to it, and in one embodiment of the present invention, it is sufficient if the heating temperature is in the range of 40 to 60°C.

[0065] The temperature control unit (50) includes a power control switch (SCR2) that receives a temperature control signal as shown in FIG. 2 and switches and outputs a heater driving power supply.

[0066] The overheating prevention unit (60) is configured between the temperature control unit (50) and the output terminal, and includes an NTC thermistor (RT1) that receives the heater temperature control power at one end as shown in FIG. 2, and a thyristor 3 (SCR3) in which the gate is connected to the other end of the NTC thermistor (RT1), the cathode is connected to one end of the NTC thermistor, and the anode is connected to ground. When overheating is detected by the NTC thermistor, the thyristor 3 is turned on to bypass the input heater temperature control power to ground, thereby preventing overheating.

[0067] The output terminal monitoring unit (70) is configured to be connected to the overheating prevention unit (60) and the output terminal, and includes a feedback monitoring unit (71) that generates a feedback signal (SCR AD) according to the state of the thyristor (SCR3) of the overheating prevention unit (60) and outputs it to the temperature control unit (100), and an output terminal short circuit monitoring unit (72) that is connected to the output terminal and generates a short circuit signal (SHORT AD) that reflects whether the output terminal is short-circuited and the short circuit of the power control switch (SCR2), and outputs it to the temperature control unit (100).

[0068] The zero-cross detection unit (80) detects the zero-cross of the heater driving power output from the power supply unit (30) and outputs the zero-cross detection signal to the temperature control unit (100).

[0069] The temperature control unit (100) operates by the driving power input through the DC power converter (40) when AC household power is connected, thereby controlling the overall operation of the electromagnetic wave-free far-infrared radiation single-button temperature control device according to the present invention.

[0070] Specifically, when household AC power is supplied, the temperature control unit (100) receives DC power, which is the driving power, from the DC power converter (40) and operates in synchronization with the zero-cross detection signal from the zero-cross detection unit (80) according to the embodiment.

[0071] Since the temperature control unit (100) operates unconditionally when household AC power is supplied, it distinguishes between a completely off state and a standby off state and operates accordingly. To distinguish between these states, it is equipped with a standby flag and a power on state flag. If the standby flag is reset, it is in a completely off state, and if the standby flag is set, it is in a standby off state. The power on state flag logically indicates whether the power is on or off, regardless of whether it is in a completely off state or a standby off state.

[0072] The above completely off state is set to a setting initialization state where the button press counter=0, power control level value=0, and standby flag are reset, and the standby off state is set to a standby setting initialization state where the button press counter=0, power control level value=0, and standby flag are set to set.

[0073] The temperature control unit (100) recognizes power on, sequential increase of power control levels including multiple levels, and power off in order whenever a button signal is input from the single button unit (10). When a button signal is input in a completely off state, it sequentially increases from a preset power control level among the multiple power control levels. When a button signal is re-input from the last stage of the power control level after power off (standby off state), it recognizes power on and sequentially increases from the first power control level. After recognizing power on, it outputs a temperature control signal corresponding to the recognized power control level to the temperature control unit (50).

[0074] For example, when the first button signal is input in a completely off state, the temperature control unit (100) sets the power control level value to a preset value, 3, and displays it on the display unit (20). Each time a button signal is input by pressing the button, the power control level value is increased, and when a button signal is input at the maximum power control level value (e.g., 9), it switches to a standby off state. When the power control level range is 1 to 9 and the preset initial power control level value is 3, the cycle repeats as ON-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-OFF-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-OFF-1-2-3-4-5-. During the above cycle, if the button signal is input for a certain period of time (e.g., 3 seconds) or longer, the temperature control unit (100) switches to a completely off state. In the above example, the case where the power control level consists of 9 steps was given, but the power control level can be configured in various ways, such as 5 steps, 12 steps, etc.

[0075] Additionally, the temperature control unit (100) receives one or more of the (SCR) feedback signal (SCR AD) and the (output) short signal (SHORT AD) from the output terminal monitoring unit (70), determines whether an error 1 occurs due to overheating of the output terminal, whether an error 2 occurs due to a short circuit of the output terminal, and whether an error 3 occurs due to a short circuit of the power control switch (SCR2) of the temperature control unit (50), performs processing according to the type of error, and displays error information regarding the generated error on the display unit (20).

[0076] When the above error 1 occurs, the temperature control unit (100) stops the output of the temperature control signal and displays error information regarding error 1 on the display unit (20). When the display unit (20) is composed of a 1-digit FND, the temperature control unit (100) flashes 1 in response to the occurrence of error 1 to notify the user that error 1 has occurred.

[0077] When Error 2 occurs, the temperature control unit (100) stops the output of the temperature control signal and displays error information regarding Error 2 on the display unit (20), and flashes the error information. If the display unit (20) is an FND, it is preferable to configure it to display 2 and flash according to the occurrence of Error 2.

[0078] When the above error 3 occurs, the temperature control unit (100) stops the output of the temperature control signal and outputs the power cutoff signal (POWER_OFF_EN) to the thyristor (SCR1) to disconnect the fuse of F2 and cut off all inputs.

[0079] Additionally, the temperature control unit (100) sets a maximum operating time (e.g., 15 hours) and an automatic power change time (e.g., 10 hours), counts the time from the initial operation, and if it operates continuously for 10 hours, it automatically changes the heater temperature control power output after 10 hours to 70% and supplies it, and if it exceeds 15 hours, it stops the output of the temperature control signal and switches to a completely off state. The temperature control unit (100) does not reset the time for button signals input after the automatic power change time, that is, while operating at 70% power, and maintains the 70% power as is.

[0080] In addition, the temperature control unit (100) may be configured to set a driving time (29 minutes) and a rest time (1 minute) to stop outputting for 1 minute after 29 minutes of operation and to rest. By doing so, the temperature control device may be prevented from overheating in advance.

[0081]

[0082] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a single-button temperature control method for non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation according to the present invention.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 3, the temperature control unit (100) sets a completely off state when power is supplied through the DC power converter (40) (S111). The completely off state is a state in which the button press counter = 0, power control level value = 0, standby flag = reset (indicating a completely off state), power on state flag = reset (indicating an off state of power regardless of the completely off state and standby off state), etc., and the temperature control signal is not output. The number of button presses may not be set according to the embodiment.

[0084] In the above completely off state, the temperature control unit (100) monitors whether a button signal is input from the single button unit (10) (S113). The button signal may be input in the completely off state performed in S111 and in the standby off state performed through (2) of FIG. 3, respectively.

[0085] When a button signal is input, the temperature control unit (100) determines whether the input button signal is input for a longer time than a preset time or input for a shorter time within a preset time (S115).

[0086] When a button signal is input for a long time, the temperature control unit (100) determines whether the power is on (S117), and if the power is off, ignores the button signal, and if the power is on and operating at an arbitrary power control level, switches to a completely off state (S119).

[0087] On the other hand, when a button signal is input briefly, the temperature control unit (100) increases the button press counter by 1 according to the embodiment (S121) and determines whether the power control level value is 0 (S123). The button press counter may not be counted according to the embodiment.

[0088] When the temperature control unit (100) determines that the power control level value is 0, it determines whether the standby flag is set to reset in order to determine whether the button signal was input in a completely off state or in a standby off state (S125).

[0089] If the standby flag is reset, the temperature control unit (100) determines that a button signal has been input while in a completely off state, sets the standby flag to set, and activates the display unit (20) by supplying power (S127).

[0090] After the display unit (20) is activated, the temperature control unit (100) sets the power control level value to a preset power control level value (e.g., 3) (S129) and proceeds to S135.

[0091] On the other hand, if the standby flag is set to 3 in the judgment of S125, the temperature control unit (100) maintains the standby flag as 3, activates the display unit (20) (S131), sets the power control level value to 1 (S133), and proceeds to S135.

[0092] Additionally, if the power control level value in S123 is any power control level value other than 0 (e.g., 1-9 in the case of 9 levels), the temperature control unit (100) increases the power control level value by 1 (S135) and then determines whether the power control level value exceeds the maximum power control level value (S137). For example, if the power control level value exists from level 1 to level 9, the temperature control unit (100) determines whether it exceeds level 9.

[0093] If the power control level value does not exceed the maximum power control level value, the temperature control unit (100) proceeds to S135, and if it exceeds the maximum power control level value, the display unit (20) is deactivated and the output of the temperature control signal is stopped to turn off the power (S139), and the button press counter=0, power control level value=0, and standby flag are kept set to switch to a standby off state (S141), and then the process after S113 described above is repeated.

[0094] In S135, the temperature control unit (100) outputs a temperature control signal to the temperature control unit (50) according to the set power control level value to heat the heater connected to the output terminal.

[0095]

[0096] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an error detection and error processing method among the electromagnetic wave far-infrared radiation single-button temperature control methods according to the present invention.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 4, the temperature control unit (100) monitors whether an SCR feedback signal is input from the output terminal monitoring unit (70) or whether an output terminal short signal is input (S211, S213).

[0098] If no SCR feedback signal is input, the temperature control unit (100) alerts the occurrence of error 1 through the display unit (20) and stops the output of the temperature control signal that was being output to the temperature control unit (50) (S125).

[0099] When an output terminal short signal is input, the control unit (100) analyzes the output terminal short signal to determine whether it is an output terminal short (S217) or a power control switch short (S219).

[0100] If the result of the judgment is that the output terminal is short, the temperature control unit (100) determines that error 2 has occurred, alerts the display unit (20) to error 2, and stops the output of the temperature control signal (S221).

[0101] And if it is determined that there is a short circuit in the power control switch, the temperature control unit (100) determines that Error 3 has occurred and alerts the display unit (20) to Error 3, stops the output of the temperature control signal, and disconnects the fuse (F2) of the power supply unit (30) to cut off the power input of the entire device (S223).

[0102]

[0103] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic temperature control method according to usage time among a single-button temperature control method for non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 5, the temperature control unit (100) monitors whether the power is turned on (S311), and when the power is turned on, it drives a timer (not shown) to count the operating time (S313).

[0105] When the operating time starts to be counted, the temperature control unit (100) monitors whether the operating time being counted exceeds a preset first time (e.g., 10 hours) (S315).

[0106] When the operating time exceeds the first time, the temperature control unit (100) supplies power at 70% of the heater temperature control power of the currently set power control level (S317).

[0107] After power adjustment, the temperature control unit (100) monitors whether the driving time counted above exceeds a second time (e.g., 15 hours) (S323).

[0108] According to the embodiment, it may be configured to monitor whether a power control level change event occurs due to the input of a button signal during the time between the first time (10 hours) and the second time (15 hours) (S319), and if a power control level change event occurs, ignore it and perform power control at 70% of the controlled temperature control power.

[0109] If the above driving time exceeds the second time, the temperature control unit (100) turns off the power and switches to a completely off state (S325).

[0110]

[0111] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a power on / off method at regular time intervals among a single-button temperature control method for non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 6, when the power is turned on (S411), the temperature control unit (100) drives a cycle time timer to count the cycle time (S413).

[0113] When the cycle time is counted, the temperature control unit (100) monitors whether the cycle time exceeds a preset idle time (S415) or whether power off occurs due to a button (S417).

[0114] When the cycle time exceeds the rest time, the temperature control unit (100) performs a power off operation to stop the output of the temperature control signal (S419) and counts the power off time (S421).

[0115] When the power off time is counted, the temperature control unit (100) monitors whether the counted off time exceeds a preset reference off time (S423).

[0116] When the off time counted above exceeds the reference off time, the temperature control unit (100) turns on the power and supplies a temperature control signal to the temperature control unit (50) to resume the heating operation and initializes the cycle time timer (S425).

[0117] On the other hand, when the temperature control unit (100) is operating with the power turned on, if the power is turned off by a button, the power is turned off and the output of the temperature control signal is interrupted, the period time timer is reset (S427).

[0118]

[0119] Meanwhile, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the typical preferred embodiments described above, but can be implemented with various improvements, modifications, substitutions, or additions within the scope of the essence of the invention. If such implementation through improvements, modifications, substitutions, or additions falls within the scope of the appended claims below, the technical concept thereof should also be considered to belong to the present invention.

Claims

1. A single button unit having a single button and outputting a button signal upon pressing of the button; A power supply unit that receives household AC power and receives control to output heater driving power; A DC power converter that receives the above-mentioned household AC power, converts it into DC power, and outputs it; A temperature control unit that receives the heater driving power, converts the heater driving power into heater temperature control power corresponding to the temperature according to an input temperature control signal, and outputs it to the heater; and A non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation single-button temperature control device characterized by including a temperature control unit that recognizes power on, sequential increase of power control levels including a plurality of levels, and power off in order whenever a button signal is input from the single-button unit, wherein when a button signal is input in a completely off state, power control levels are sequentially increased from a preset power control level among the plurality of power control levels, and when a button signal is re-input in a standby off state after power off at the last stage of the power control levels, power on is recognized in order of sequential increase from the first power control level, and outputs a temperature control signal corresponding to the recognized power control level to the temperature control unit after power on is recognized.

2. In Paragraph 1, An NTC thermistor that receives the above heater driving power; A non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation single-button temperature control device characterized by further including an overheat prevention unit that includes a thyristor (SCR3) whose gate is connected to the other end of the NTC thermistor, whose anode is connected to ground, and whose cathode is connected to one end of the NTC thermistor, and which turns on the thyristor to bypass the heater driving power to ground when preventing overheating in the heater.

3. In Paragraph 2, A non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation single-button temperature control device further comprising an output terminal monitoring unit connected to the anode of the thyristor and the output terminal (OV1) connected to the heater, which outputs a feedback signal (SCR AD) according to the thyristor being on or off, and a short circuit signal (SHORT AD) according to the short circuit of the output terminal connected to the heater and the short circuit of the power control switch (SCR2) included in the temperature control unit.

4. In Paragraph 3, It further includes a display unit that displays power on, power off, the power control level, and error information, The above temperature control unit is, A non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation single-button temperature control device characterized by determining, through the feedback signal above, whether an error occurs at the output terminal such as overheating caused by the NTC thermistor, a short circuit at the output terminal, or a short circuit of the power control switch, and when an error occurs, stopping the output of the temperature control signal (PWM) that was being output to the temperature control unit, and when the power control switch is short-circuited, disconnecting the temperature fuse included in the power supply unit and displaying error information according to the type of error on the display unit.

5. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a zero-cross detection unit that detects a zero-cross and outputs a zero-cross detection signal to the temperature control unit, The above temperature control unit is, A non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation single-button temperature control device characterized by operating in synchronization with a zero-cross detection signal detected by the zero-cross detection unit.

6. In Paragraph 4, The above display unit is, A non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation single-button temperature control device characterized by being configured to include a single seven-segment display.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above temperature control unit is, A non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation single-button temperature control device characterized by switching to a completely off state when a button signal is input for a preset period of time or longer while the power is turned on and operating at any power control level among the above power control levels.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above DC power converter is, A non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation single-button temperature control device characterized by being configured to include an NTC thermistor at the input terminal where the above-mentioned household AC power is input to prevent the generation of surge current.

9. A button signal input monitoring process for a temperature control unit that operates by receiving power through a DC power converter when household AC power is supplied, which monitors whether a button signal is input from a single button unit in a completely off state, which is a setting initialization state where the button press counter and power control level values ​​are set to initial values ​​and the standby flag is set to reset; A control step recognition process in which the temperature control unit recognizes power on, sequential increase of power control levels including a plurality of levels, and power off in order whenever a button signal is input from the single button unit, wherein when a button signal is input in a completely off state, power control levels sequentially increase from a preset power control level among the plurality of power control levels, and when a button signal is re-input in a standby off state after power off at the last stage of the power control levels, power on and power control levels sequentially increase from the first power control level; and A single-button temperature control method for non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation, characterized by including a temperature control process in which the temperature control unit outputs a temperature control signal corresponding to a recognized power control level to the temperature control unit to control the temperature.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above setting initialization state is a state in which the temperature control unit sets the button press counter and power control level values ​​to initialization values ​​and sets the standby flag to reset, wherein The above control step recognition process is, A complete off state transition determination step in which the above temperature control unit determines whether the button signal input is received within a preset time; If the button signal is a level selection button signal, the temperature control unit increases the button press counter by 1 in a level increase step; A power control level verification step in which the above temperature control unit determines whether the power control level value is an initial value; A power control level value increase step in which the power control level value is increased by 1 if the above power control level value is not an initial value; and The above temperature control unit includes a maximum power control level value determination step for determining whether the power control level value is less than or equal to a preset maximum power control level value, A single-button temperature control method for non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation, characterized in that the above temperature control unit performs the temperature control process when the power control level value is less than or equal to the above maximum power control level value.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above control step recognition process is, A power-on state determination step in which the temperature control unit determines whether the power is in a power-on state where the standby flag is set when the button signal is input for more than the predetermined time in the complete off state transition determination step; and A single-button temperature control method for non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation, characterized by including a step of switching to a completely off state, wherein if the button signal is input for a certain period of time or longer while the power is on, the system is initialized and set to the initialized state.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above control step recognition process is, In the power control level checking step, if the power control level value is determined to be an initial value, the temperature control unit examines the standby flag to determine whether the previous state was a completely off state caused by a standby flag reset or a standby off state caused by a standby flag set; a power off state determination step; A single-button temperature control method for non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation, characterized in that if a standby flag is set to reset, the temperature control unit sets the standby flag to set, turns on the power, and performs an initial power control level value setting step including setting the power control level value to a preset power control level value, and then performs the temperature control process.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above control step recognition process is, A single-button temperature control method for non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation, characterized by performing the temperature control process after further including a standby mode power control level value setting step in which the temperature control unit sets the power control level value to an initial value when the standby flag is set to 3 in the power off state determination step.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above control step recognition process is, A single-button temperature control method for non-electromagnetic far-infrared radiation, characterized by further including an initialization step in which, when the temperature control unit exceeds the maximum power control level value, the button press counter and the power control level value are set to initial values ​​in a standby off state where the standby flag is set to set.

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