Patent Application
20140184418
The present invention relates to an air-conditioning apparatus controller and the like, and more specifically, the present invention relates to a controller that provides an indication by emitting light.
Air-conditioning apparatuses (air conditioners) are usually installed in a high position in the room, such as ceiling, and therefore a controller is often used to operate or indicate the status of such air-conditioning apparatuses, for example.
A related-art air-conditioning apparatus controller has an operational status indication area above an ON/OFF button on the operation surface. In this area, the operational status (ON/OFF/error) is indicated by the state of ON/OFF/blink of an LED, for example, such that the operator can check the operational status (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).
[Patent Literature 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-229009 (FIG. 1)
However, in the air-conditioning apparatus controller disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the indication area of the LED in the operational status indication area is small, and the number of indication colors is limited. Therefore, for example, the number of operational states that can be indicated is limited. That is, the amount of information that can be indicated in the operational status indication area is small. Further, since the amount of information that can be indicated is small, it is difficult to configure the settings in accordance with a request from the operator or the like.
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide an air-conditioning apparatus controller capable of indicating a great amount of information by emitting light in accordance with settings set by the user.
An air-conditioning apparatus controller according to the present invention includes a light-emitting indication unit that emits light in a plurality of colors, a setting display unit that displays a setting screen for light-emitting indication by the light-emitting indication unit, setting input means through which an instruction related to settings displayed on the setting display unit is input, a controller that causes the setting display unit to display the setting screen, and performs setting processing for assigning an indication color to an indication content to be provided by the light-emitting indication unit, in accordance with the instruction transmitted from the setting input means, and a storage unit that stores settings for the processing performed by the controller.
In the air-conditioning apparatus controller according to the present invention, the controller performs setting processing on the light-emitting indication unit that provides light-emitting indication in a plurality of colors, and thus the settings of the indication color of the light-emitting indication by the light-emitting indication unit can be set. This allows the user to arbitrarily set the indication color settings for the content of the light-emitting indication by the light-emitting indication unit, as desired, and thus makes it possible to increase the amount of indication contents.
Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
The air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes a controller main body 10 and a light-emitting indicator 20. The controller main body 10 further includes a main display 11. The main display 11 displays text, numbers, symbols, graphics (icons, pictograms), and the like, so as to indicate functions and operational status of an air-conditioning apparatus or the like, for example. The main display 11 can also display virtual buttons for the user to input an instruction, in cooperation with a touch panel 12. According to Embodiment 1, the main display 11 serves as a setting screen display unit that displays a setting screen for light emission of the light-emitting indicator 20. The touch panel 12 serves as an input unit that transmits to a controller 30 (described below) a signal indicating the instruction which is input by the user or the like, on the basis of the screen displayed on the main display 11. In Embodiment 1, the touch panel 12 serves as a setting instruction input unit that allows the user to select a virtual button or the like on the basis of a setting screen displayed on the main display 11 and thus to input an instruction.
The light-emitting indicator 20 is a light-emitting indication unit that indicates, in specified indication colors, the operation mode (heating, cooling, dry, and so on) of the air-conditioning apparatus, the operational status (ON, error, and OFF), the room temperature detected by a temperature sensor (not shown), for example. The light-emitting indicator 20 not only turns on or off, but also blinks, for example. In the air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 of Embodiment 1, the light-emitting indicator 20 is disposed so as to project from a bottom surface of the controller main body 10, and thus to be located at the lower side of the operation surface. If the light-emitting indicator 20 is disposed on an upper surface or the operation surface of the controller main body 10, it becomes difficult for the user to visually recognize the light-emitting indicator 20 due to the ambient light. In order to prevent the ambient light from becoming incident on the light-emitting indicator 20, the light-emitting indicator 20 is disposed at the lower side of the controller main body 10 so as to be in the shadow of the controller main body 10. In Embodiment 1, the light-emitting indicator 20 is configured to diffuse the light from the light source using a material, such as acrylic, that transmits visible light, and thus emit light so as to provide an indication with an increased indication area. The light-emitting indicator 20 uses a three-color LED as the light source so as to be capable of providing indications in a plurality of colors. In Embodiment 1, the light-emitting indicator 20 is capable of providing indications in ten colors (blue, light blue, white, purple, green, orange, red, pink, yellow green, and yellow), for example.
The input processing unit 31 processes a signal transmitted from the touch panel 12 into a format that can be processed by the data processing unit 32. The data processing unit 32 processes data input through the input processing unit 31 or the communication processing unit 35. The data processing unit 32 particularly performs data processing related to settings of the light-emitting indicator 20. In the following, it is assumed that instructions from the user are input through the touch panel 12 and the input processing unit 31 and are processed by the data processing unit 32. The data storage unit 33 includes a storage unit, and stores data necessary for the respective processing units to perform processing. In Embodiment 1, the data storage unit 33 particularly stores data related to the settings for indication by the light-emitting indicator 20.
The display processing unit 34 causes the main display 11 to perform displaying and causes the light-emitting indicator 20 to provide an indication in accordance with an indication signal from the data processing unit 32. In Embodiment 1, the display processing unit 34 causes the main display 11 to display a selection screen or the like for allowing the user to specify the settings for light-emitting indication by the light-emitting indicator 20, for example. The communication processing unit 35 processes signals transmitted from an air-conditioning apparatus (not shown).
As mentioned above, in the air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 of Embodiment 1, since the light-emitting indicator 20 can provide indications in a plurality of colors, it is possible to provide a greater amount of information by light-emitting indication. Accordingly, it is possible to provide indications other than the indication of the operational status by emitting light. In some cases, the meanings of colors differ between countries or between regions, due to their own customs or the like, for example. In view of this, the air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 of Embodiment 1 allows the settings for light emission of the light-emitting indicator 20 to be configured. In the following, the respective settings will be described.
As described above, the air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 of Embodiment 1 includes the light-emitting indicator 20 that is capable of providing indications in a plurality of colors by emitting light. Further, the data processing unit 32 of the controller 30 performs setting processing, and thus the settings for specifying whether to enable light-emitting indication by the light-emitting indicator 20, the usage, and the indication color of each usage can be set. This allows the user to arbitrarily set the settings for light-emitting indication by the light-emitting indicator 20 as desired. Accordingly, even in the case where the meanings of colors differ between countries or between regions, for example, it is possible to prevent the user from misunderstanding the meaning of the indication color of the light-emitting indication, and thus to allow the user to correctly understand the content of the indication.
As for the RGB settings for each color, buttons corresponding to the respective colors and UP and DOWN buttons for increasing or decreasing the value of each of R, G, and B are displayed on the main display 11 such that the user can specify these settings. When performing setting, the light-emitting indicator 20 may provide an indication by emitting light in the selected color with the selected value such that the user can easily know how the specified color appears. Similarly, the light-emitting indicator 20 may blink at the selected blink rate such that the user can easily know the specified blink rate.
As described above, in the air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 of Embodiment 2, since the settings for adjusting the indication color can be set, it is possible to specify the detailed settings for the indication color. Further, since the blink rate of light-emitting indication can be adjusted, it is possible to allow the blinking to be more easily recognized.
In Embodiment 3, color indication settings for the normal usage will be described. Among the settings for the normal usage, some of the settings are already described in Embodiment 1. The following describes the other settings. In Embodiment 1, the color indication settings for room temperature indication can be set, for example. Other than this, color indication settings for preset temperature, fan speed, and airflow direction can be set, for instance.
For example, the settings can be set such that the indication is blue when the preset temperature is low, and the indication is red when the preset temperature is high. Similarly, in the case of preset humidity, the settings can be set such that the indication is blue when the preset value is low, and the indication is red when the preset value is high. Further, for example, in the case of cooling operation, the settings can be set such that the indication is dark blue when the preset temperature is low, and the indication is light blue when the preset temperature is high so as to represent gradation. In the case of heating operation, the settings can be set such that the indication is light red when the preset temperature is low, and the indication is dark red when the preset temperature is high so as to represent gradation. Further, upon specifying the temperature settings, the color indication settings can be set such that, if the temperature is set to have a predetermined temperature difference, or greater, from the room temperature, an indication in a different color is provided.
Further, the settings can be set such that the indication is yellow when the fan speed is low, and the indication is dark green when the fan speed is high. Further, the settings can be set such that the indication is dark blue when the airflow direction is the downward direction, and the indication is light blue when the airflow direction is the horizontal direction.
Further, in the color indication settings for the normal usage, settings for time passage can be set. According to a related-art technique, as for displaying the passage of time or the like, the current time, the time elapsed from execution of a function, the countdown to execution of a function are displayed on a controller screen. However, it is sometimes difficult to intuitively know how much time has passed by only seeing numbers.
For example, the color indication settings for the time of day can be set. The settings can be set such that the morning hours are indicated by blue; the evening hours are indicated by orange; and the night hours are indicated by purple. Further, for example, the settings can be set such that the color becomes darker as the bed time approaches, and the color becomes lighter as the waking time approaches.
Further, the color indication settings for the time related to execution of a function can beset. For example, the settings can be set such that the light turns on in yellow when it is 30 minutes before execution; the light turns to orange when it is 10 minutes before execution; and the light turns to red when it is one minute before execution. Then, after execution of the function, the elapsed time may be displayed so as to indicate that the function has been executed.
Further, the settings can be set such that the color of the indication becomes darker in accordance with the passage of time from when the filter is cleaned. Further, the settings can be set such that the elapsed time from the occurrence of an error is indicated by color. Further, the settings can be set such that the amount of time during which the user is in the room and the amount of time during which the user is not in the room are represented by gradually changing the color.
Further, the settings can be set such that different colors are used monthly or seasonally, or such that the color is changed in units of one seconds or in units of 10 seconds, in addition to displaying time by hour and minute. For example, if the light-emitting indicator 20 can represent 60 colors or more, 60 seconds can be represented by different colors.
Further, in the color indication settings for the normal usage, settings for the operational status can be set. According to a related-art technique, the operational status and the like are displayed on a controller screen, using numbers, text, and graphics.
For example, the settings can be set such that thermo-ON during the operation is indicated by dark green, and thermo-OFF is indicated by light green. Further, the settings can be set such that a color corresponding to the demand level is displayed. Further, for example, in the case of a multi-air-conditioning apparatus installed in buildings or the like, if there are a plurality of controllers, the indication may be white when the proportion of the controllers performing processing is 0% or greater but less than 50%; the indication may be yellow when the proportion is 50% or greater but less than 90%; and the indication may be green when the proportion is 90% or greater.
Further, for example, the indication may be green when a function for saving energy is being executed, and the indication may be orange when a function for providing comfort is being executed. In this way, a color may be assigned to each of executable functions, and thus the settings may be set such that, when a function is executed, an indication in a color assigned to the function is provided. Further, for example, the settings can be set such that the color of the indication varies depending on whether an ON instruction is issued from the controller or an upper controller.
Further, in the color indication settings for the normal usage, settings for operations of the controller can be set. For example, the settings can be set such that the color (including the brightness) varies in response to a change in the operation sound and screen display. In this case, for example, the settings can be set such that, when an attempt is made to operate a function that is not executable due to restrictions, a color indication indicating that the function cannot be operated is provided. Further, the settings can be set such that, in the case of entering a password or the like, if there is an inputting error, a color indication indicating the inputting error is provided.
In the above-described Embodiment 3, color indication settings for the normal usage have been described. In Embodiment 4, color indication settings for the maintenance usage will be described.
In the color indication settings for the maintenance usage, settings for the sensor detection results can be set. For example, the settings can be set such that the indication is blue when the detection value is small (low), and such that the color of the indication becomes darker as the value becomes greater (higher). Further, the settings can be set such that the color of the indication varies in accordance with the difference between the outdoor temperature detected by an outdoor temperature sensor and the room temperature detected by a room temperature sensor.
Further, in the case where the indoor unit or the air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 includes a motion sensor, the settings can be set such that the indication color is changed in response to detection by the motion sensor. Further, the settings can be set such that the color of the indication varies in accordance with the number of detections by the motion sensor. Accordingly, for example, the user or the like can know the frequency of people going out of or coming into the room. Further, in the case where the indoor unit or the air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 includes an illuminance sensor, the settings can be set such that the indication color varies in accordance with the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor.
Further, in the color indication settings for the maintenance usage, settings for error detection can be set. For example, the settings can be set such that the seriousness of the error is represented by gradation of a warm color or the like. For instance, the indication is yellow when the error is minor, and the indication is red if the error is serious. Accordingly, even if errors occur frequently, it is possible to prevent serious errors from being overlooked.
Further, the settings can be set such that the color of the indication varies in accordance with the type of error. For example, the indication is yellow when the error is a communication error; the indication is red when the error is a refrigerant system error; and the indication is orange when the error is an electric system error. Further, the settings can be set such that the color of the indication varies in accordance with the number of errors.
For example, as illustrated in
For example, if the user or the like attempts to operate an indoor unit, the user may not know which of the air-conditioning apparatus controllers should be operated. That is, the user may not know the corresponding relationships between the indoor units and the air-conditioning apparatus controllers. Particularly, in the case where a plurality of air-conditioning apparatus controllers are arranged side by side, it is difficult to know the corresponding relationships.
In view of this, in Embodiment 4, an indication color is assigned to each group including an indoor unit IC and an air-conditioning apparatus controller 1, and the light-emitting indicator 20 can provide an indication in a color assigned to the group.
In the system illustrated in
The central controller 70 has a function for specifying a color to be assigned to each group. Further, for example, when a color is assigned to each group, the central controller 70 transmits a signal indicating color information of each group, to the indoor unit 60 and the air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 via the communication lines or the like. Upon receiving the signal, the indoor unit 60 and the air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 set the color indication settings on the basis of the assignment indicated by the signal. In the above description, the settings are set in the central controller 70. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the settings can be set in the air-conditioning apparatus controller 1.
In the case where a plurality of air-conditioning apparatus controllers 1 are provided in the system, a light emission instruction may be issued from one of the air-conditioning apparatus controllers 1 to another one of the air-conditioning apparatus controllers 1. For example, a maintenance service personnel or the like who is not involved in the installation may not know where the air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 is located.
In view of this, the air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 of Embodiment 4 is configured such that an address assigned to an air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 that is being looked for and data of an indication color can be input. If the address and the data of the indication color are input from one air-conditioning apparatus controller 1, a signal is transmitted to the air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 to which the input address is assigned. The air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 having received the signal provides an indication in a color in accordance with the data transmitted to the light-emitting indicator 20.
In the above description, the signal is transmitted from the air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 to the air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 that is being looked for. However, a signal may be transmitted from the central controller 70, the maintenance tool 80, or the like, for example.
Further, for example, if an outdoor unit 50 and data of an indication color are specified, a light-emitting indicator 20 of an air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 that is connected for operating a refrigerant system of the specified outdoor unit 50 provides an indication in the specified color. This makes it easy to find an air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 that is being looked for.
Further, for example, after the system is installed, a test operation or the like is conducted. For instance, in the case of a related-art controller, a check sheet or the like is used to identify on which refrigerant system a test operation has been completed. Further, the related-art controller merely indicates whether the operational state is ON or OFF.
In view of this, the air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 of Embodiment 4 is capable of providing a color indication related to a test operation. For example, in an air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 related to operations of a refrigerant system of which test operation has been completed, a light-emitting indicator 20 thereof provides an indication in green. Further, the light-emitting indicator 20 provides an indication in blue when a test operation is being conducted, and provides an indication in red when a test operation is not conducted.
Further, the status during the test operation may be represented by gradation. For example, the indication may be light blue when a test operation is started, and the indication may be dark blue when the test operation is finished. In the above description, the air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 of which test operation has been completed provides an indication in green, for example. However, arbitrary colors may be specified to indicate the status of a test operation for each refrigerant system, for example.
Further, when the air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 is installed, power is supplied (received) from the indoor unit 60, for example. If the voltage is low, the peak value of the communication waveform is lowered, which tends to result in a communication error. Therefore, according to a related-art technique, the communication waveform is checked by using an oscilloscope or the like, and the voltage is checked by using a tester or the like. According to the air-conditioning apparatus controller 1 of Embodiment 4, the receiving voltage is divided into a plurality of intervals, and a color is assigned to each interval. Thus, it is possible to provide a color indication in accordance with the receiving voltage, and to set these color indication settings.
For example, when the receiving voltage is less than 15 V, the indication is red. Further, when the receiving voltage is 15 V or greater but less than 20 V, the indication is orange. When the receiving voltage is 20 V or greater but less than 25 V, the indication is yellow. Further, when the receiving voltage is 25 V or greater but less than 30 V, the indication is green. Note that the color of the indication in each interval may be arbitrarily set. In this way, since the light-emitting indicator 20 provides a color indication in accordance with the receiving voltage, in the case where a communication error occurs, for example, it is possible to check the receiving voltage level which might be contributing to the error. This may lead to early detection of the cause.
As described above, a color indication is provided for not only normal operations, but also during installation, and maintenance. This allows the maintenance personnel or the like to more easily perform checks or the like.
In the above-described Embodiments 1 through 4, the wall-mounted controller has been described. However, the present invention is applicable to a wireless remote controller that communicates with an air-conditioning apparatus by radio so as to input instructions and perform displaying and the like.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-284821 | Dec 2012 | JP | national |
