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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

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.

2. Description of the Background Art

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of a conceptual structure of an air conditioning system;

FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a conceptual internal structure of a mediating apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a graph showing a schematic example between a room temperature and a set value;

FIG. 4 is a graph showing a schematic example between the room temperature and the set value;

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a conceptual internal structure of the mediating apparatus; and

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

<Air Conditioning System>

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.

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.

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.

<Air Conditioner 10>

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

<Thermostat 20>

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.

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.

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.

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.

<Unit 30>

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.

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.

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.

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.

The signal receiving part 331 can receive the signal transmitted from the thermostat 20 so as to recognize the signal.

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.

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 ΔT between the high set temperature THref and the set temperature Tref, and a difference ΔT 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 ΔT to the room temperature at a time point t2 as the set temperature Tref.

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.

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.

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.

<Action of Present Air Conditioning System>

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.