U.S. patent application number 13/403390 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-30 for mediating apparatus and air conditioning system.
This patent application is currently assigned to DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.. Invention is credited to Hidehiro ISHII, Hisashi SUMIDA, Miki YAMADA.
Application Number | 20120216555 13/403390 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46718076 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120216555 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ISHII; Hidehiro ; et
al. |
August 30, 2012 |
MEDIATING APPARATUS AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
Abstract
An air conditioner selectively executes a first control which
carries out an air conditioning by driving a compressor by a
frequency which is controlled based on a set value and a space
temperature, and a second control which carries out an air
conditioning with a predetermined air conditioning capacity. The
operating apparatus switches an activeness and an inactiveness of a
signal based on a scale relationship between the space temperature
and the set temperature. An instructing part instructs the air
conditioner to start the second control with an input to a
inputting part as a trigger, and instructs the air conditioner to
finish the second control with a switch of the signal as a trigger.
An estimated value of the set temperature is calculated based on
the space temperature with the switch of the signal as a trigger,
and is transmitted as the set value to the air conditioner.
Inventors: |
ISHII; Hidehiro; (Osaka,
JP) ; SUMIDA; Hisashi; (Shanghai, CN) ;
YAMADA; Miki; (Osaka, JP) |
Assignee: |
DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
46718076 |
Appl. No.: |
13/403390 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/126 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02B 30/70 20130101;
F24F 2110/10 20180101; F24F 11/30 20180101; F25B 2600/021 20130101;
Y02B 30/741 20130101; G05D 23/1902 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/126 |
International
Class: |
F25B 49/02 20060101
F25B049/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 25, 2011 |
JP |
JP2011-039541 |
Claims
1. A mediating apparatus mediating a communication between an air
conditioner and an operating apparatus, said air conditioner
selectively executing a first air conditioning control and a second
air condition control, said first air conditioning control carrying
out an air conditioning while including a step of driving a
compressor by a frequency which is controlled based on a set value
and a space temperature of a space being an object of an air
conditioning control, and reducing said frequency, said second air
conditioning control carrying out an air conditioning with a
predetermined air conditioning capacity, and said operating
apparatus inputting a set temperature, and switching an activeness
and an inactiveness of a signal based on a scale relationship
between said space temperature and said set temperature and
transmitting said signal, the mediating apparatus comprising: an
inputting part for making said air conditioner execute said second
air conditioning control; a signal receiving part which receives
said signal from said operating apparatus; an instructing part
which instructs said air conditioner to start said second air
conditioning control with an input to said inputting part as a
trigger, and instructs said air conditioner to finish said second
air conditioning control with a switch of the activeness and the
inactiveness of said signal as a trigger; a room temperature
acquiring part which receives an information indicating said space
temperature; a set temperature estimating part which calculates an
estimated value of said set temperature based on said space
temperature with the switch of the activeness and the inactiveness
of said signal as a trigger; and an estimated value transmitting
part which transmits said estimated value as said set value to said
air conditioner.
2. The mediating apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
predetermined air conditioning capacity is equal to or more than an
average value of the air conditioning capacity which is output by
said first air conditioning control during a period between a first
time point and a second time point, the activeness and the
inactiveness of said signal being switched at said second time
point, said second time point being just before said first time
point when the input to said inputting part is carried out.
3. The mediating apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said
operating apparatus activates and transmits said signal when said
space temperature is lower than said set temperature in the case
that said air conditioner executes a cooling operation, and
activates and transmits said signal when said space temperature is
higher than said set temperature in the case that said air
conditioner executes a heating operation, and wherein said
instructing part instructs said start of said second air
conditioning control only in the case that said signal is
activated.
4. The mediating apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising a second inputting part for making said air conditioner
carry out a third air conditioning control which carries out the
air conditioning with a second air conditioning capacity which is
smaller than said predetermined air conditioning capacity, wherein
said instructing part instructs said air conditioner to start said
third air conditioning control with the input to said second
inputting part as a trigger, and instructs said air conditioner to
finish said third air conditioning control with the switch of the
activeness and the inactiveness of said signal as a trigger.
5. The mediating apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further
comprising a second inputting part for making said air conditioner
carry out a third air conditioning control which carries out the
air conditioning with a second air conditioning capacity which is
smaller than said predetermined air conditioning capacity, wherein
said instructing part instructs said air conditioner to start said
third air conditioning control with the input to said second
inputting part as a trigger, and instructs said air conditioner to
finish said third air conditioning control with the switch of the
activeness and the inactiveness of said signal as a trigger.
6. The mediating apparatus as claimed in claim 3, further
comprising a second inputting part for making said air conditioner
carry out a third air conditioning control which carries out the
air conditioning with a second air conditioning capacity which is
smaller than said predetermined air conditioning capacity, wherein
said instructing part instructs said air conditioner to start said
third air conditioning control with the input to said second
inputting part as a trigger, and instructs said air conditioner to
finish said third air conditioning control with the switch of the
activeness and the inactiveness of said signal as a trigger.
7. The mediating apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
instructing part instructs said air conditioner to start said
second air conditioning control with the input to said inputting
part as a trigger at a time when said signal is active, instructs
said air conditioner to start a third air conditioning control
which carries out the air conditioning with a second air
conditioning capacity which is smaller than said predetermined air
conditioning capacity with the input to said inputting part as a
trigger at a time when said signal is inactive, and instructs said
air conditioner to finish said second air conditioning control or
the third air conditioning control with the switch of the
activeness and the inactiveness of said signal as a trigger.
8. The mediating apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said
instructing part instructs said air conditioner to start said
second air conditioning control with the input to said inputting
part as a trigger at a time when said signal is active, instructs
said air conditioner to start a third air conditioning control
which carries out the air conditioning with a second air
conditioning capacity which is smaller than said predetermined air
conditioning capacity with the input to said inputting part as a
trigger at a time when said signal is inactive, and instructs said
air conditioner to finish said second air conditioning control or
the third air conditioning control with the switch of the
activeness and the inactiveness of said signal as a trigger.
9. The mediating apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said
instructing part instructs said air conditioner to start said
second air conditioning control with the input to said inputting
part as a trigger at a time when said signal is active, instructs
said air conditioner to start a third air conditioning control
which carries out the air conditioning with a second air
conditioning capacity which is smaller than said predetermined air
conditioning capacity with the input to said inputting part as a
trigger at a time when said signal is inactive, and instructs said
air conditioner to finish said second air conditioning control or
the third air conditioning control with the switch of the
activeness and the inactiveness of said signal as a trigger.
10. An air conditioning system comprising: an air conditioner
selectively executing a first air conditioning control and a second
air conditioning control, said first conditioning control carrying
out an air conditioning while including a step of driving a
compressor by a frequency which is controlled based on a set value
and a space temperature of a space as a subject of an air
conditioning control, and reducing said frequency, and said second
air conditioning control carrying out an air conditioning with a
predetermined air conditioning capacity; an operating apparatus
inputting a set temperature, and switching an activeness and an
inactiveness of a signal based on a scale relationship between said
space temperature and said set temperature and transmitting said
signal; and a mediating apparatus mediating a communication between
said air conditioner and said operating apparatus, said mediating
apparatus having an inputting part for making said air conditioner
execute said second air conditioning control, a signal receiving
part which receives said signal from said operating apparatus, an
instructing part which instructs said air conditioner to start said
second air conditioning control with an input to said inputting
part as a trigger, and instructs said air conditioner to finish
said second air conditioning control with a switch of the
activeness and the inactiveness of said signal as a trigger, a room
temperature acquiring part which receives an information indicating
said space temperature, a set temperature estimating part which
calculates an estimated value of said set temperature based on said
space temperature with the switch of the activeness and the
inactiveness of said signal as a trigger, and an estimated value
transmitting part which transmits said estimated value as said set
value to said air conditioner.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a mediating apparatus, and
more particularly a mediating apparatus mediating a communication
between a thermostat which serves as an operating apparatus of an
air conditioner in which a frequency control of a compressor is not
carried out, and the air conditioner in which the frequency control
of the compressor is carried out.
[0003] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0004] Conventionally, particularly in an accommodation unit in
U.S.A., there have been employed a lot of air conditioners which do
not use an inverter control system. In a compressor of the air
conditioner mentioned above, only a control of starting and
stopping an operation is carried out, and a frequency thereof is
not controlled.
[0005] A set temperature is input by a user to a general-purpose
thermostat corresponding to an operation apparatus (a user
interface) with respect to the air conditioner mentioned above.
Further, the thermostat transmits a thermo signal which indicates
an operation start/stop of the compressor (so-called thermo
on/thermo off) based on a room temperature and the set temperature.
The air conditioner starts/stops the operation of the compressor
based on the thermo signal.
[0006] On the other hand, in the inverter control type air
conditioner, since the frequency of the compressor is controlled in
such a manner that the room temperature comes close to the set
temperature, it is necessary to recognize the set temperature in
the air conditioner. Accordingly, the general-purpose thermostat
mentioned above can not be used in the inverter control type air
conditioner. However, if a user interface exclusively for an
inverter is provided, it is necessary for the user to newly master
a using method.
[0007] Accordingly, a technique which can operate an inverter
control type air conditioner while using the general-purpose
thermostat is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
No. 2009-186095 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2009-281717. In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2009-186095 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2009-281717, a mediating apparatus is provided between the
thermostat and the air conditioner. The mediating apparatus
receives a thermo signal from the thermostat, estimates a set
temperature based on an indoor temperature with the receiving of
the thermo signal as a trigger, and transmits an estimated value to
the air conditioner.
[0008] However, the mediating apparatus can not estimate the set
temperature if it does not receive the thermo signal. Accordingly,
even if the user changes the set temperature, a change of the set
temperature is not reflected on the air conditioner until the
thermostat transmits the thermo signal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
mediating apparatus which contributes to a shortening of a term
from a change of a set temperature to a reflection of the set
temperature.
[0010] A first aspect of a mediating apparatus in accordance with
the present invention is a mediating apparatus which mediates a
communication between an air conditioner and an operating
apparatus. The air conditioner selectively executes a first air
conditioning control and a second conditioning control. The first
conditioning control carries out an air conditioning while
including a step of driving a compressor by a frequency which is
controlled based on a set value and a space temperature of a space
as a subject of an air conditioning control, and reducing the
frequency. The second air conditioning control carries out an air
conditioning with a predetermined air conditioning capacity. The
operating apparatus inputs a set temperature, and switches an
activeness and an inactiveness of a signal based on a scale
relationship between the space temperature and the set temperature
so as to transmit the signal. The mediating apparatus is provided
with an inputting part for making the air conditioner execute the
second air conditioning control, a signal receiving part which
receives the signal from the operating apparatus, an instructing
part which instructs the air conditioner to start the second air
conditioning control with an input to the inputting part as a
trigger, and instructs the air conditioner to finish the second air
conditioning control with a switch of the activeness and the
inactiveness of the signal as a trigger, a room temperature
acquiring part which receives an information indicating the space
temperature, a set temperature estimating part which calculates an
estimated value of the set temperature based on the space
temperature with the switch of the activeness and the inactiveness
of the signal as a trigger, and an estimated value transmitting
part which transmits the estimated value as the set value to the
air conditioner.
[0011] According to the first aspect of the mediating apparatus in
accordance with the present invention, the user inputs to the
inputting part, whereby it is possible to make the air conditioner
carry out the second air conditioning control. At this time, the
air conditioner can output a predetermined air conditioning
capacity regardless of the set value.
[0012] In the case that the user changes the set temperature in a
state in which the first air conditioning control is executed, the
estimated value of the set temperature is not necessarily
transmitted just after the change. This is because of the following
reason. In other words, since the air conditioner is based on the
set value which corresponds to the estimated value of the set
temperature, and the air conditioning is not carried out based on
the changed set temperature, the space temperature does not
appropriately follow the set temperature. Accordingly, there is a
case that it takes a long time to switch the activeness and the
inactiveness of the signal which becomes a trigger for calculating
the estimated value.
[0013] If the user recognizes that it takes a long time to reflect
the changed set temperature as mentioned above, the user can
operate the inputting part.
[0014] Further, for example, if the set temperature is changed to a
direction which requires the air conditioning capacity, it is
possible to achieve the air conditioning operation by a great air
conditioning capacity with the input to the inputting part as a
trigger by setting the predetermined air conditioning capacity to a
comparatively large value, whereby it is possible to quickly make
the space temperature intersect with the changed set temperature.
In conjunction with this, the operating apparatus can shorten a
period from the change of the set temperature to the switch of the
activeness and the inactiveness of the signal. Accordingly, it is
possible to quickly estimate the changed set temperature so as to
transmit the changed set temperature as the set value to the air
conditioner, and it is possible to quickly achieve the first air
conditioning control based on the changed set temperature (the set
value).
[0015] A second aspect of the mediating apparatus in accordance
with the present invention is the mediating apparatus in accordance
with the first aspect, wherein the predetermined air conditioning
capacity is equal to or more than an average value of the air
conditioning capacity which is output by the first air conditioning
control during a period between a first time point and a second
time point. The activeness and the inactiveness of said signal are
switched at the second time point. The second time point is just
before the first time point when the input to said inputting part
is carried out.
[0016] According to the second aspect of the mediating apparatus in
accordance with the present invention, it is possible to shorten
the period from the change of the set temperature to the reflection
of the set temperature in the air conditioner by carrying out the
input to the inputting part by the user, at a time of changing the
set temperature in a direction which requires the air conditioning
capacity.
[0017] A third aspect of the mediating apparatus in accordance with
the present invention is the mediating apparatus in accordance with
the second aspect, wherein the operating apparatus activates and
transmits the signal when the space temperature is lower than the
set temperature in the case that the air conditioner executes a
cooling operation, and activates and transmits the signal at a time
when the space temperature is higher than the set temperature in
the case that the air conditioner executes a heating operation, and
the instructing part instructs the start of the second air
conditioning control only in the case that the signal is
activated.
[0018] According to the third aspect of the mediating apparatus in
accordance with the present invention, it is possible to dissolve
the following problem in the case that the present operating
apparatus is attached to the mediating apparatus. A description
will be given below of a cooling operation by exemplifying. For
example, in the case that the space temperature is lower than the
set temperature even by lowering the set temperature, the signal
maintains the inactiveness. The input to the inputting part is
carried out in a state in which the signal is inactive, and if the
second air conditioning operation is continuously carried out under
the comparatively large air conditioning capacity, the space
temperature is away from the set temperature (for example, a high
set temperature THref in FIG. 4). Accordingly, the activeness and
the inactiveness of the signal are not switched. Therefore, in
accordance with the third aspect of the mediating apparatus, since
the second air conditioning control is instructed only in the case
that the signal is activated, it is possible to dissolve the
problem caused by the erroneous input of the user.
[0019] A fourth aspect of the mediating apparatus in accordance
with the present invention is the mediating apparatus in accordance
with any one aspect of the first to third aspects, further
including a second inputting part for making the air conditioner
carry out a third air conditioning control which carries out the
air conditioning with a second air conditioning capacity which is
smaller than the predetermined air conditioning capacity, wherein
the instructing part instructs the air conditioner to start the
third air conditioning control with the input to the second
inputting part as a trigger, and instructs the air conditioner to
finish the third air conditioning control with the switch of the
activeness and the inactiveness of the signal as a trigger.
[0020] According to the fourth aspect of the mediating apparatus in
accordance with the present invention, for example, in the case
that the user recognizes that the set temperature is changed to a
direction in which the air conditioning capacity is not required,
and it takes a long time to reflect the changed set temperature,
the user inputs to the second inputting part. In accordance with
this, it is possible to achieve the third air conditioning control
in the comparatively small air conditioning capacity with the input
to the second inputting part as a trigger, and it is possible to
quickly make the space temperature intersect with the changed set
temperature. In conjunction with this, the operating apparatus can
shorten the period from the change of the set temperature to the
switch of the activeness and the inactiveness of the signal. In
other words, it is possible to contribute to the shortening of the
period from the change of the set temperature to the reflection of
the set temperature in the air conditioner.
[0021] A fifth aspect of the mediating apparatus in accordance with
the present invention is the mediating apparatus in accordance with
any one aspect of the first to third aspects, wherein the
instructing part instructs the air conditioner to start the second
air conditioning control with the input to the inputting part as a
trigger at a time when the signal is active, instructs the air
conditioner to start a third air conditioning control which carries
out the air conditioning with a second air conditioning capacity
which is smaller than the predetermined air conditioning capacity
with the input to the inputting part as a trigger at a time when
the signal is inactive, and instructs the air conditioner to finish
the second air conditioning control or the third air conditioning
control with the switch of the activeness and the inactiveness of
the signal as a trigger.
[0022] According to the fifth aspect of the mediating apparatus in
accordance with the present invention, even if the set temperature
is changed, it is possible to quickly and more securely achieve the
first air conditioning control based on the estimated value of the
changed set temperature, by operating the inputting part.
[0023] A first aspect of an air conditioning system in accordance
with the present invention is provided with the mediating apparatus
in accordance with any one of the first to fifth aspects, the air
conditioner, and the operating apparatus.
[0024] According to the first aspect of the air conditioning system
in accordance with the present invention, the effect mentioned
above caused by the mediating apparatus in accordance with the
first aspect is caused.
[0025] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of
the present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description of the present invention when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of a conceptual
structure of an air conditioning system;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a conceptual internal
structure of a mediating apparatus;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a graph showing a schematic example between a room
temperature and a set value;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a graph showing a schematic example between the
room temperature and the set value;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a conceptual internal
structure of the mediating apparatus; and
[0031] FIG. 6 is a graph showing a schematic example between the
room temperature and the set value.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Preferred Embodiment
[0032] <Air Conditioning System>
[0033] First of all, a description will be given of a general
outline of an air conditioner system. As exemplified in FIG. 1, the
present air conditioning system is provided with an air conditioner
10, an operating apparatus (hereinafter, called as a thermostat)
20, and a mediating apparatus 30 (hereinafter, called as a unit).
The air conditioner 10 can selectively execute a first air
conditioning control and a second air conditioning control. In the
first air conditioning control, the air conditioner 10 drives a
compressor by a frequency which is controlled based on a set value
mentioned later, and a room temperature (hereinafter, called as a
room temperature) in a space (an indoor) being an object of an air
conditioning control, so as to carry out an air conditioning. In
the second air conditioning control, the air conditioner 10 carried
out the air conditioning by a predetermined air conditioning
capacity.
[0034] The thermostat 20 serves as a user interface for the air
conditioning control. For example, a set temperature with regard to
the room temperature is input to the thermostat 20. The thermostat
20 switches an activeness and an inactiveness of a signal
(hereinafter, called as a thermo signal) based on a scale
relationship between the input set temperature and an independently
detected room temperature so as to transmit the signal. In this
case, a room temperature detecting part detecting the room
temperature may be provided in an inner part of the thermostat 20,
or may be provided in an outer part of the thermostat 20. A
transmission of the thermo signal based on the set temperature and
the room temperature will be in detail mentioned later.
[0035] The unit 30 is structured such as to mediate a communication
between the air conditioner 10 and the thermostat 20. An example of
a detailed communication content will be in detail mentioned
later.
[0036] <Air Conditioner 10>
[0037] In the exemplification in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 10 is
provided with an outdoor unit 11, an indoor unit 12 and an
auxiliary unit 13. The outdoor unit 11 is provided in an outdoor
side of a building, and serves as a heat source of the air
conditioner 10. The indoor unit 12 is provided in an indoor side
being an object of the air conditioning control, and conditions an
air (typically a temperature of the air) within the room in
cooperation with the outdoor unit 11. In more detail, the outdoor
unit 11 has a compressor, an expansion valve and an outdoor heat
exchanger, and the indoor unit 12 has an indoor heat exchanger.
Further, they are connected via a refrigerant piping so as to
construct a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circulates in the
refrigerant circuit, thereby achieving a heat exchange between the
indoor side and the outdoor side by utilizing a latent heat of the
refrigerant. In more detail, the air conditioner 10 absorbs an
amount of heat, for example, from the outdoor air so as to apply
the amount of heat to the indoor side (so called, a heating
operation), or inversely applies the amount of heat to the outdoor
side so as to absorb the amount of heat from the indoor side (so
called, a cooling operation). Fans are provided in the outdoor unit
11 and the indoor unit 12, and these fans ventilate to the outdoor
heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger, and blow out the air
after the heat exchange respectively to the outdoor side and the
indoor side.
[0038] The air conditioner 10 has a controlling part which is not
illustrated. The controlling part mentioned above controls the
compressor in accordance with a desired frequency, and controls an
opening degree of the expansion valve so as to adjust a state (a
flow rate or the like) of the refrigerant. The controlling part
controls a rotating speed of the fan. The controlling part
appropriately controls these subjects to control so as to control
an air conditioning capacity which the air conditioner 10 outputs.
In this case, the compressor is controlled by an inverter, as an
example here. The inverter can easily change a d.c. voltage into an
a.c. voltage having an optional frequency, and can further easily
control a frequency of the compressor.
[0039] The controlling part can execute a first air conditioning
control which drives the compressor by the frequency which is
controlled based on the set value input from the unit 30 and the
room temperature so as to carry out the air conditioning. As a
detailed example, a description will be given below by exemplifying
the cooling operation. In the case that the room temperature is
lower than the set value, for example, the frequency is enlarged
little by little as the room temperature comes closer to the set
value, and in the case that the room temperature is higher than the
set value, for example, the frequency is made smaller as the room
temperature comes closer to the set value. The heating operation is
inversely carried out.
[0040] Further, the controlling part can execute a second air
conditioning control which carries out the air conditioning with a
predetermined air conditioning capacity regardless of the set
value. In more detail, the frequency of the compressor or the like
is controlled in such a manner that the air conditioning capacity
exerted by the air conditioner 10 becomes, for example, a
previously set air conditioning capacity. The selection of the
first air conditioning control and the second air conditioning
control is carried out based on an instruction from the unit
30.
[0041] The auxiliary unit 13 is provided, for example, in the
underground. The auxiliary unit 13 receives the signal from the
unit 30, and outputs the control signal to the outdoor unit 11 and
the indoor unit 12 based on the signal. In this case, the auxiliary
unit 13 is not an essential element, but the outdoor unit 11 or the
indoor unit 12 may receive the signal from the unit 30. Further, if
the auxiliary unit 13 is provided, a gas furnace function may be
mounted thereto. Since this point is different from the essence of
the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be
omitted.
[0042] <Thermostat 20>
[0043] The thermostat 20 serves as an operating apparatus of the
air conditioner 10 in which the frequency control of the compressor
is not carried out (for example, which is not of an inverter
control type). The thermostat 20 has an operating part, for
example, to which a start and a stop, and a set temperature of the
air conditioning operation are input.
[0044] The thermostat 20 outputs a thermo signal which indicates a
start and a stop of the compressor (so-called a thermo on and a
thermo off) based on a comparison between a set temperature which
is input to itself and an independently detected room temperature.
A description will be given below of a specific example at a time
when the air conditioner 10 executes the cooling operation. When
the room temperature goes beyond the set temperature, the
thermostat 20, for example, activates the thermo signal so as to
transmit the thermo signal to the unit 30, and when the room
temperature goes below the set temperature, the thermostat 20 makes
the thermo signal, for example, inactive so as to transmit the
thermo signal to the unit 30. On the other hand, in the case where
the air conditioner 10 executes the heating operation, when the
room temperature goes below the set temperature, the thermostat 20,
for example, activates the thermo signal so as to transmit the
thermo signal to the unit 30, and when the room temperature goes
beyond the set temperature, the thermostat 20 makes the thermo
signal, for example, inactive so as to transmit the thermo signal
to the unit 30.
[0045] Further, a switching function of the activeness and the
inactiveness of the thermo signal may have a hysteresis. A
description will be given typically below of the case that the air
conditioner 10 executes the cooling operation. As exemplified in
FIG. 3, when the room temperature goes beyond, for example, a high
set temperature THref which is larger than a set temperature Tref,
the thermostat 20 activates the thermo signal so as to transmit the
thermo signal to the unit 30, and when the room temperature goes
below, for example, a low set temperature TLref which is smaller
than the set temperature Tref, the thermostat 20 makes the thermo
signal inactive so as to transmit the thermo signal to the unit
30.
[0046] As mentioned above, the thermostat 20 outputs the thermo
signal which is necessary in the air conditioner in which the
frequency control of the compressor is not carried out. On the
other hand, the thermostat 20 does not output the information with
regard to the set temperature which is necessary in the air
conditioner in which the frequency control of the compressor is
carried out.
[0047] <Unit 30>
[0048] The unit 30 mediates a communication between the
general-purpose thermostat 20 which treats the air conditioner in
which the frequency control of the compressor is not carried out,
and the air conditioner 10 in which the frequency control of the
compressor is carried out. By means of this unit 30, it is possible
to achieve the air conditioning in which the frequency control of
the compressor is carried out while using the general-purpose
thermostat 20.
[0049] As exemplified in FIG. 2, the unit 30 is provided with an
inputting part 31, a communicating part 32, and a controlling part
33. A room temperature detecting part 34 is provided in the indoor
side, and detects the room temperature. In this case, the room
temperature detecting part 34 may be constructed by a room
temperature detecting part which is provided in the thermostat 20.
The communicating part 32 can communicate with the air conditioner
10 and the thermostat 20 in accordance with a wire or a
wireless.
[0050] The controlling part 33 is provided with a signal receiving
part 331, a room temperature acquiring part 332, a set temperature
estimating part 333, an estimated value transmitting part 334 and
an instructing part 335.
[0051] In this case, the controlling part 33 is structured such as
to include a microcomputer and a memory apparatus. The
microcomputer executes respective processing steps (in other words,
procedures) described in a program. The memory apparatus can be
constructed by one or a plurality of various memory apparatuses,
for example, a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory
(RAM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), a hard disc apparatus
and the like. The memory apparatus stores various information and
data, stores the program which the microcomputer executes, and
provides a working area for executing the program. In this case,
the microcomputer can be comprehended so as to serve as various
means corresponding to the various processing steps described in
the program, and can be comprehended so as to achieve the various
functions corresponding to the respective processing steps.
Further, the controlling part 33 is not limited to this, but the
various procedures executed by the controlling part 33, or a part
or a whole of the various means or the various functions which are
realized may be achieved by a hardware.
[0052] The signal receiving part 331 can receive the signal
transmitted from the thermostat 20 so as to recognize the
signal.
[0053] The room temperature detecting part 34 is connected to the
controlling part 33, and the room temperature acquiring part 332
receives the information indicating the room temperature from the
room temperature detecting part 34.
[0054] The set temperature estimating part 333 estimates the set
temperature input to the thermostat 20 based on the room
temperature with the switch of the activeness and the inactiveness
of the thermo signal as a trigger. In more detail, the set
temperature estimating part 333 calculates the estimated value of
the set temperature based on the room temperature at a time when
the activeness and the inactiveness of the thermo signal are
switched. For example, in the case that the switching function of
the thermo signal does not have any hysteresis, the set temperature
estimating part 333 estimates the set temperature at the room
temperature at a time when the activeness and the inactiveness of
the thermo signal is switched. Alternatively, in the case that the
switching function of the thermo signal has a hysteresis, the
estimated value of the set temperature may be calculated from the
room temperature at a time when the activeness and the inactiveness
of the thermo signal are switched, while taking into consideration
a difference .DELTA.T between the high set temperature THref and
the set temperature Tref, and a difference .DELTA.T between the low
set temperature TLref and the set temperature Tref, with reference
to FIG. 3. For example, the set temperature estimating part 333
estimates a value obtained by adding the difference .DELTA.T to the
room temperature at a time point t2 as the set temperature
Tref.
[0055] The estimated value transmitting part 334 transmits the
estimated value calculated by the set temperature estimating part
333 as the set value to the air conditioner 10. Accordingly, the
air conditioner 10 can execute the first air conditioning based on
the set value and the room temperature.
[0056] As mentioned above, the unit 30 uses the thermo signal as a
condition for starting the estimating process of the set
temperature, without using as the signal for starting and stopping
the operation of the compressor which is inherently intended.
Further, the air conditioner 10 can execute the first air
conditioning control which controls the frequency of the compressor
based on the set value (the estimated set temperature) and the room
temperature, by transmitting the estimated value as the set value
to the air conditioner 10. Accordingly, it is possible to realize
the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10 in which
the frequency control of the compressor is carried out, while using
the thermostat 20 which treats the air conditioner in which the
frequency control of the compressor is not carried out.
[0057] Further, the inputting part 31 is connected to the
controlling part 33. The inputting part 31 is an inputting part for
making the air conditioner 10 execute a second air conditioning
control which carries out the air conditioning with a predetermined
air conditioning capacity. The instructing part 335 instructs the
air conditioner 10 to start the second air conditioning control
with the input to the inputting part 31 as a trigger. The air
conditioner 10 receiving the instruction mentioned above executes
the second air conditioning control, for example, in accordance
with a previously determined air conditioning capacity (for
example, a maximum air conditioning capacity). Thereafter, the
instructing part 335 instructs the air conditioner 10 to finish the
second air conditioning control with the switch of the activeness
and the inactiveness of the thermo signal as a trigger. The
inputting part 31 and the instructing part 335 will be in detail
described later.
[0058] <Action of Present Air Conditioning System>
[0059] A description will be given below of the cooling operation
by exemplifying with reference to FIG. 3. First of all, a
description will be given of an action at a time of starting the
present air conditioning system. If the user inputs the start of
the air conditioning operation to the thermostat 20, the thermostat
20 activates the thermo signal based on the room temperature and
the set temperature Tref (or the high set temperature THref,
hereinafter, same applies in this paragraph) so as to output the
thermo signal. This is because of the following reason. Normally,
at a time of starting the operation, the room temperature is away
from the set temperature Tref in a direction in which the air
conditioning capacity is required. For example, in the case that
the cooling operation is executed, the room temperature is higher
than the set temperature Tref. Accordingly, the thermostat 20
activates the thermo signal so as to transmit the thermo signal to
the unit 30.
[0060] Since the air conditioner 10 does not receive the set value
(the estimated value of the set temperature Tref) at a time of
starting, it is necessary to estimate the set temperature Tref in
an early stage. Accordingly, it is desirable to carry out the air
conditioning in such a manner that the room temperature intersects
with the set temperature Tref (or the low set temperature TLref,
hereinafter, same applies in this paragraph) in an early stage, for
example, with the maximum air conditioning capacity. Accordingly,
the unit 30 determines whether or not the frequency of receiving
the activated thermo signal is one. In other words, the unit 30
determines whether or not the unit 30 receives the thermo signal
once, in other words, whether or not it is a starting time of the
air conditioner 10. If it is the starting time, the unit 30
instructs to the air conditioner 10 to carry out the air
conditioning, for example, with the maximum air conditioning
capacity. The air conditioner 10 receiving the instruction
mentioned above carries out the air conditioning, for example,
based on the maximum air conditioning capacity. In accordance with
this, it is possible to make the room temperature quickly intersect
with the set temperature Tref.
[0061] In an exemplification in FIG. 3, the air conditioning is
executed with the maximum air conditioning capacity at a time point
t1 when the air conditioning operation is started. In this case, in
the exemplification in FIG. 3, the switching function of the thermo
signal has a hysteresis. In the exemplification in FIG. 3, the high
set temperature THref is one degree higher than the set temperature
Tref, and the low set temperature TLref is one degree lower than
the set temperature Tref.
[0062] Further, when the room temperature goes below the low set
temperature TLref at a time point t2, the thermo signal becomes
inactive. The unit 30 estimates the set temperature Tref based on
the room temperature at the time point t2 with the switch of the
activeness and the inactiveness of the signal as a trigger. In the
example mentioned above, the estimated value is a value obtained by
adding one degree to the room temperature. The estimated value is
transmitted as the set value to the air conditioner 10. The air
conditioner 10 executes the first air conditioning control which
drives the compressor by the frequency which is controlled based on
the received set value and the room temperature.
[0063] For example, since the room temperature goes below the
estimated value of the set temperature Tref just after the time
point t2, the air conditioner 10 operates while reducing the
frequency of the compressor. In conjunction with this, the room
temperature is switched to an increasing state from a reducing
state. In this case, it is preferable to drive the compressor by
the low frequency (for example, 0) just after the time point t2,
and increase the frequency of the compressor little by little as
the room temperature comes closer to the set temperature Tref. In
accordance with this, it is possible to smoothly make the room
temperature closer to the set temperature Tref. On the other hand,
after the room temperature goes beyond the set temperature Tref,
the room temperature may be continuously increased at a
comparatively low rising speed, in such a manner that the room
temperature more securely goes beyond the high set temperature
THref.
[0064] Further, if the room temperature goes beyond the high set
temperature THref at a time point t3, the thermo signal is again
activated. The unit 30 again estimates the set temperature Tref
with the switch of the activeness and the inactiveness of the
signal as a trigger. In the example mentioned above, the estimated
value is a value obtained by subtracting one degree from the room
temperature. Further, the unit 30 transmits the estimated value as
the set value to the air conditioner 10.
[0065] Since the room temperature goes beyond the estimated value
of the set temperature Tref just after the time point t3, the air
conditioner 10 operates while increasing the frequency of the
compressor. In conjunction with this, the room temperature is again
switched to the reducing state from the increasing state. In this
case, it is preferable to drive the compressor at a high frequency
just after the time point t3, and reduce the frequency of the
compressor little by little as the room temperature comes closer to
the set temperature Tref. In accordance with this, it is possible
to smoothly make the room temperature closer to the set temperature
Tref. On the other hand, after the room temperature goes below the
set temperature Tref, the room temperature may be continuously
cooled at a comparatively low reducing speed in such a manner that
the room temperature more securely goes below the low set
temperature TLref.
[0066] Further, if the room temperature goes below the low set
temperature TLref at a time point t4, the set temperature Tref is
again estimated, and is transmitted to the air conditioner 10. In
conjunction with this, the frequency of the compressor is further
reduced, and the room temperature is switched again to the
increasing state from the reducing state. Further, if the room
temperature goes beyond the high set temperature THref at a time
point t5, the set temperature Tref is again estimated.
[0067] In this case, in the exemplification in FIG. 3, the set
temperature Tref is changed by the user at a time point t6 after
the time point t5. In the exemplification in FIG. 3, the set
temperature Tref is changed in a direction in which the air
conditioning capacity is more required. In other words, since the
cooling operation is carried out here, the set temperature Tref is
changed to a smaller value.
[0068] However, at the time point t6, the change of the set
temperature Tref is not reflected to the first air conditioning
control of the air conditioner 10. This is because the unit 30 does
not estimate the changed set temperature Tref, and the air
conditioner 10 executes the first air conditioning control based on
the estimated value of the set temperature Tref before being
changed.
[0069] Under such a condition, there is a case that it takes a long
time for the room temperature to follow the changed set temperature
Tref (refer to a broken line after a time point t7 in FIG. 3). In
the exemplification in FIG. 3, since the room temperature is cooled
by operating the compressor by the comparatively low frequency, for
example, after the room temperature goes below the set temperature
Tref before being changed, the reducing speed of the room
temperature is low. Accordingly, it takes a comparatively long time
for the room temperature to go below the changed low set
temperature TLref. In the exemplification in FIG. 3, the room
temperature goes below the changed low set temperature TLref at a
time point t9.
[0070] The delay of the following mentioned above can be recognized
by the user, for example, based on a sensitive temperature, or the
room temperature displayed by the thermostat 20 or the unit 30.
Further, if the user determines that it takes a long time for the
room temperature to follow the changed set temperature Tref, the
user can operate the inputting part 31, for example, at a time
point t7. The instructing part 335 instructs the air conditioner 10
to start the second air conditioning control with the input
mentioned above as a trigger.
[0071] The air conditioner 10 receiving the instruction mentioned
above executes the air conditioning operation, for example, with a
previously determined air conditioning capacity. The predetermined
air conditioning capacity is a comparatively large value in an air
conditioning capacity range which the air conditioner 10 can
output, for example, a maximum air conditioning capacity. In this
case, the predetermined air conditioning capacity is not limited to
the maximum air conditioning capacity, but may be equal to or more
than an average value of the air conditioning capacity, for
example, output from the time point t5 to the time point t7 by the
first air conditioning control. In other words, the predetermined
air conditioning capacity may be equal to or more than the average
value of the air conditioning capacity output by the first air
conditioning control, in a period between the time points t5 and
t6. The time point t5 is just below the time point t6 at which the
input to the inputting part 31 is carried out, and is one of the
time points when the activeness and the inactiveness of the thermo
signal are switched.
[0072] In accordance with this, the reducing speed of the room
temperature is increased, and the room temperature goes below the
low set temperature TLref at a time point t8 before a time point
t9. Further, at the time point t8, the thermostat 20 activates the
thermo signal and transmits the thermo signal to the unit 30. The
instructing part 335 instructs the air conditioner 10 to finish the
second air conditioning control with the switch of the activeness
and the inactiveness of the thermo signal as a trigger. Further,
the set temperature estimating part 333 estimates the changed set
temperature Tref, and the estimated value transmitting part 334
transmits this estimated value as the set value to the air
conditioner 10. In accordance with this, the air conditioner 10 can
execute the first air conditioning control based on the estimated
value of the changed set temperature Tref.
[0073] As mentioned above, when the user feels that the time at
which the room temperature follows the changed set temperature Tref
is late, the user operates the inputting part 31. In accordance
with this, it is possible to shorten a period from the time point
t6 at which the set temperature Tref is changed to the time point
t8 at which the change of the set temperature Tref is reflected.
Further, if the predetermined air conditioning capacity is set to
the maximum air conditioning capacity, it is possible to more
shorten the period.
[0074] In this case, the description is given of the action of the
present air conditioning system by exemplifying the cooling
operation, however, the same applies to the heating operation.
[0075] Further, in order to bring about the operation of the
inputting part 31 to the user, the unit 30 may be provided with an
informing part. The informing part informs an outer part of a
matter of prompting the input to the inputting part, for example,
at a time when a predetermined time has passed from the time point
at which the activeness and the inactiveness of the thermo signal
is switched. The information mentioned above may be executed by
light, sound, vibration or the like.
Second Preferred Embodiment
[0076] A description will be given of a second preferred embodiment
by exemplifying a cooling operation in the same manner as the first
preferred embodiment. In an exemplification in FIG. 4, the room
temperature goes below the low set temperature TLref at a time
point t4, and the thermo signal is switched to the inactiveness.
The set temperature Tref is estimated with the switch as a trigger,
and the estimated value is transmitted to the air conditioner 10.
In conjunction with this, the air conditioner 10 controls the
frequency of the compressor in such a manner that the room
temperature is increased. In accordance with this, the room
temperature is switched to the increasing state from the reducing
state.
[0077] In the exemplification in FIG. 4, the set temperature Tref
is changed by the user to a lower value at a time point t5 at which
the thermo signal is inactive. In conjunction with this, the high
set temperature THref is lowered. Accordingly, a time point t7 at
which the room temperature goes beyond the high set temperature
THref presents itself earlier than before the set temperature Tref
is changed. Therefore, the air conditioner 10 can recognize the
change of the set temperature Tref in a comparatively early
stage.
[0078] However, if the user operates the inputting part 31 at the
time point t6 at which the thermo signal is inactive, the air
conditioner 10 executes a second air conditioning control which
carries out an air conditioning with a predetermined air
conditioning capacity. In conjunction with this, the room
temperature is continuously lowered. As a result, there is a case
that the room temperature does not go beyond the high set
temperature THref.
[0079] In the second preferred embodiment, in order to prevent an
erroneous operation of the user, the instructing part 335 instructs
the air conditioner 10 to start the second air conditioning control
with the input of the inputting part 31 as a trigger, only in the
case that the thermo signal is active. In accordance with this,
even if the user operates the inputting part 31 at the time point
t6, the air conditioner 10 executes the first air conditioning
control based on the estimated value of the set temperature Tref
before being changed, without carrying out the second air
conditioning control. Accordingly, the room temperature goes beyond
the high set temperature THref at the time point t7, and the first
air conditioning control is comparatively quickly executed based on
the estimated value of the changed set temperature Tref.
[0080] In this case, in the second preferred embodiment, the user
operates the inputting part at a time when the user feels that the
following of the room temperature to the changed set temperature
Tref is late, whereby it is possible to correctly bring about the
effect mentioned in the first preferred embodiment. In other words,
as exemplified in FIG. 4, if the set temperature Tref is changed to
a lower value in the case that the thermo signal is inactive, the
room temperature comparatively quickly goes beyond the high set
temperature THref. Accordingly, at this time, the user does not
feel that the following of the room temperature to the changed set
temperature is late. In other words, the user may operate the
inputting part 31 at a time when the user feels that the following
is late. On the other hand, in accordance with the second preferred
embodiment, the user can operate the inputting part 31 just after
changing the setting without determining whether or not the user
feels the late of the following.
[0081] Further, in the second preferred embodiment, the description
is given by exemplifying the cooling operation, however, the same
applies to the heating operation without being limited to this. In
the heating operation, when the room temperature goes beyond the
set temperature, the thermostat 20 switches the thermo signal to
the inactive so as to transmit, and when the room temperature goes
below the set temperature, the thermostat 20 switches the thermo
signal to the active so as to transmit. Even in this case, the
instructing part 335 may instruct the start of the second air
conditioning control only in the case that the thermo signal is
active. In accordance with this, it is possible to avoid a trouble
caused by an erroneous use of the user.
Third Preferred Embodiment
[0082] As exemplified in FIG. 5, the unit 30 may be further
provided with a second inputting part 35. The second inputting part
35 is an inputting part for making the air conditioner 10 carry out
a third air conditioning control which carries out the air
conditioning with a predetermined second air conditioning capacity.
The second air conditioning capacity is lower than the
predetermined air conditioning capacity which is output by the
second air conditioning control.
[0083] A description will be given below by exemplifying a cooling
operation with reference to FIG. 6. In the exemplification in FIG.
6, the room temperature goes below the low set temperature TLref at
a time point t4, and the thermo signal is switched to the inactive
at this time. Further, for example, in the case of changing the set
temperature Tref to a higher value, at a time point t5 when the
thermo signal is inactive, a period from the time point at which
the set temperature is changed to a time point t8 at which the set
temperature is reflected is comparatively long.
[0084] Accordingly, in the case that the user feels that the room
temperature is late to follow the changed set temperature Tref, the
user operates the second inputting part 35. The instructing part
335 instructs the air conditioner 10 to start the third air
conditioning control with the input to the second inputting part 35
as a trigger. The second air conditioning capacity may be, for
example, lower than an average value of the air conditioning
capacity which is output in the period from the time point t4 to
the time point t6, and is, for example, a minimum air conditioning
capacity. In other words, the predetermined air conditioning
capacity may be equal to or less than the average value of the air
conditioning capacity which is output by the first air conditioning
control in the period from the time point t5 to the time point t6.
The time point t5 is just before the time point t6 at which the
input to the inputting part 31 is carried out, and is one of the
time points at which the activeness and the inactiveness of the
thermo signal are switched.
[0085] Accordingly, the room temperature is increased at a
comparatively high rising speed after the time point t6, and
accordingly, the room temperature goes beyond the high set
temperature THref at the time point t7. If the thermo signal is
switched to the active at the time point t7, the instructing part
335 instructs the air conditioner 10 to finish the third air
conditioning control with the switch of the activeness and the
inactiveness as a trigger. Further, the changed set temperature
Tref is estimated and transmitted to the air conditioner 10 by the
set temperature estimating part 333 and the estimated value
transmitting part 334.
[0086] In accordance with this, it is possible to quicken the time
point t7 at which the estimated value of the changed set
temperature Tref is transmitted to the air conditioner, and it is
possible to quickly realize the first air conditioning control
based on the estimated value of the changed set temperature
Tref.
[0087] In this case, in the same manner as the second preferred
embodiment, the instructing part 335 may instruct the air
conditioner 10 to start the third air conditioning control with the
input to the second inputting part 35 as a trigger only in the case
that the thermo signal is inactive. In accordance with this, it is
possible to inhibit an erroneous use of the user.
[0088] Further, the inputting part 31 and the second inputting part
35 may be realized by one inputting part 31. In more detail, the
instructing part 335 instructs the start of the second air
conditioning control with the input to the inputting part 31 as a
trigger in the case that the thermo signal is active, and instructs
the start of the third air conditioning control with the input to
the inputting part 31 as a trigger in the case that the thermo
signal is inactive. Further, the instructing part 335 instructs the
finish of the second air conditioning control of the third air
conditioning control with the switch of the activeness and the
inactiveness of the thermo signal as a trigger.
[0089] As can be understood from the exemplification in FIGS. 4 and
6, if the third air conditioning control (the air conditioning
control by the low air conditioning capacity) is executed in the
case that the thermo signal is inactive, it is possible to quicken
the time point at which the room temperature goes beyond the high
set temperature THref. On the other hand, as can be understood from
the exemplification in FIG. 4, if the second air conditioning
control (the air conditioning control by the high air conditioning
capacity) is executed in the case that the thermo signal is active,
it is possible to quicken the time point at which the room
temperature goes below the low set temperature TLref. This is the
same in the case that the set temperature Tref is changed to a
higher value at a time when the thermo signal is active.
[0090] Accordingly, even when the user changes the set temperature
to the high value or low value, it is possible to quickly and
securely realize the first air conditioning control based on the
estimated value of the changed set temperature Tref, by the input
of the inputting part 31.
[0091] While the invention has been shown and described in detail,
the foregoing description is in all aspects illustrative and not
restrictive. It is therefore understood that numerous modifications
and variations can be devised without departing from the scope of
the invention.
* * * * *