CN1130746A - Menu Driven remote control for room air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

A control unit of an air conditioner includes: a user selected programmable processor which can receive a signal form, a display which is combined with the processor to work and can display the icons of a multi-directional arrow, and a direction controller which is combined with the processor to work and can be used by the user to input a selection which is receivable by the processor; the invention is characterized in that, the processor displays the icons of the multi-directional arrow on the display by programming, different choice functions are linked with the arrows of the arrow icons and the direction controller, and the invention can display and mark signs of the icons of the multi-directional arrow which are related with the arrows of the arrow icons.

Description

The menu-drive remote control of room air conditioner

The application be submitted on October 19th, 1994, part continuation application that application number is 08/325886 U.S. Patent application, original application is here cited as a reference, and combines with the application but it is no longer described.

The present invention relates to the controller of air-conditioner, particularly relate to the Electronic Control of window air conditioner.

In service at air-conditioner, thereby being used for compressing will flow through the subsequently refrigerant of evaporimeter of tep reel pipe, compressor absorbs the heat flow through near the air the evaporator coil.Motor-driven fan is used to provide the air draught of the evaporator coil of flowing through, thereby strengthens extracting airborne heat and cold air is sent into the space.This fan can be according to ambient conditions continuously or be interrupted and with different speed runnings.

For many years, develop multiple different controller, especially be used for improving operational efficiency and the user preferences that caters to such as the air themperature comfort level.For further background information, can be referring to following United States Patent (USP), Nos.5,319,949,4,094,166,4,075,864 and 3,635,044, they are included among the present invention with for referencial use.

The present invention describes a kind of air-conditioner and/or control system, and it has one or more invention main points.The invention main points have here improved operational efficiency in some instances, and have improved level of comfort and/or to the control of level of comfort in other examples.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the outer cover that holds RCU is provided, the bottom surface of this RCU have two supporting bases and one along outer cover vertically along stretching and rib between two pedestals, each base structure is that the spaced-apart locations at least two side direction supports the outer cover on the flat surface of seat, rib forms two concave parts on the relative lateral edge in bottom surface, slot milling between flat surface and outer cover lifts outer cover thereby can insert one or more finger pieces in this space from flat platform.

In first embodiment of the invention, the remote controller that is provided comprises outer cover discussed above and is positioned at the circuit that outer cover plays distant control function.

In second embodiment of the invention, provide and comprised that arrow is doubted and the control module of display, control module shows at least one multidirectional the arrow icon through being programmed on the display, and according to the state of a control of control module function and the arrow icon and button is connected.

Multidirectional arrow means four-way, three-dimensional or two to any of arrow.Four headed arrow means from one and is total to four arrows that public control point outwards refers to along four orthogonal directions.Here be respectively upwards, each arrow downwards, left and to the right, term upwards, identical with common sense downwards, left with to the right.The three-dimensional arrow includes only three kinds in the above mentioned arrow, and two include only in the above mentioned arrow two kinds to arrow.

And the noun here " key " and " button " can exchange use, so noun " is stroked " and also can is interpreted as pressing the button by controller.

Here used " directing controller " means any device that one or more signals can be provided to processor, and signal is used on screen moving cursor and/or certain variable of change (promptly increase or reduce).The directing controller example of the consideration under this definition comprises multidirectional arrow, joystick, trace ball, Genius mouse etc.

Reversible controller means the directing controller that is limited to both direction control.The example of reversible controller is two to arrow.

Equally, the three-dimensional controller means the directing controller that is limited to three-dimensional control.The example of sort controller is the three-dimensional arrow.

Because directing controller is not limited to specific direction in fact, so can regard the directing controller such as joystick, Genius mouse or trace ball as Mutlidirectional controller.

In second embodiment of the present invention, control module is through after programming, and the control programming mode of selecting according to the user connects selection function and icon arrow.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, control module shows various menus through being programmed on the display screen, and each function can be selected with four headed arrow icon and four headed arrow arrow.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, a kind of air-conditioning equipment is provided, and/or same method of operating, device comprises a controller that is configured to handle the signal of multiple multiple sensors from the sensing climate parameter and produces the integrated value of the climate parameter that is used for controller.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, climate parameter is a temperature.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, climate parameter is an average room temperature.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, ask average back to add to multiple signal and adjust the factor to produce integrated value.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, ask average back to add to multiple signal and adjust the factor to produce integrated value.

In third embodiment of the invention, have a sensor at least away from aircondition, thereby make signal represent detected same climate parameter separated by a distance.

In third embodiment of the invention, the apparatus and method from a plurality of temperature signals of a plurality of temperature sensors have been proposed to handle in the air-conditioner.Reasonable way is, temperature sensor spatially separated, thereby the air themperature at certain diverse location place, space is provided, and the air themperature in this space is regulated by air-conditioner.

In third embodiment of the invention, ask mean deviation that the mean value that draws is added to a plurality of temperature signals and adjust the factor, thereby produce integrated signal.

In third embodiment of the invention, air-conditioner adopts the integrated signal that produces previously to compare as measuring temperature and temperature set-point.

In fourth embodiment of the invention, allow the air-conditioner cycling, wherein temperature set-point changes with cyclic process.

In fourth embodiment of the invention, allow the air-conditioner cycling, wherein temperature set-point is regulated with predetermined amount at interval at preset time from initial value, and returns initial value along with loop termination.

In fourth embodiment of the invention, if in cycle period set point manual adjustments, just be stored into the variation of set point, thereby, be the manual adjustments of front the set point quantitative interpretation in advance that changes of relying at the circulation time of carrying out subsequently.

In fifth embodiment of the invention, no matter whether be in existing air-conditioning operation cycle state, the operation cycle that all can enter second embodiment, and allow air-conditioner behind the air-conditioning EO of second embodiment, to restart previous operation cycle.

In fifth embodiment of the invention, no matter whether be in existing air-conditioning operation cycle state, the operation cycle that all can enter second embodiment, and allow air-conditioner behind the second embodiment EO, to enter the operation cycle of arbitrary front through programming.

In sixth embodiment of the invention, allow the air-conditioner operation cycle, wherein after entering circulation, be lower than temperature set-point if measure temperature, just cool off one predefined period with high speed fan.

In sixth embodiment of the invention,, then circulate and to restart if in this circulation, enter circulation once more and then in one period scheduled time, initially cool off with high speed fan.

In sixth embodiment of the invention, the beginning set point is at the beginning set point of selected cycle period storage last time and the function of end setup point.

In sixth embodiment of the invention, if beginning set point and the effect of calculating the beginning that there is 1 ℃ of above-mentioned storage of difference between the set point and end setup point are with the integer rounding-off method beginning of storing and end setup point to be averaged to force the beginning set point change.

In seventh embodiment of the invention, provide the air-conditioner controller that transmits signal that response comprises different agreement far awayly.

In seventh embodiment of the invention, public variety of protocol comprises and contains sender identification far away symbol part and useful data message signals partly successively.

In seventh embodiment of the invention, useful data partly comprises the data of stroking.

In seventh embodiment of the invention, useful data partly comprises far sensing data.

In seventh embodiment of the invention, useful data partly comprises the state of a control data.

In seventh embodiment of the invention, the state of a control data comprise current action required state, the action required state and present the data in the moment of action required state in this future in the future set up.

By detailed description, can more be expressly understood the present invention these and further feature below in conjunction with accompanying drawing.

Fig. 1 represents the perspective view of the window air conditioner that preferred embodiment of the present invention can be equipped with;

Fig. 2 is illustrated in the control panel keyboard of the control system that realizes among the one or more embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 represents the first hand-held remote-controlled transmitter (RCU) that can send remote control command signal to air conditioner control system according to of the present invention;

Fig. 4 represents second remote-controlled transmitter that can send remote control command signal to air conditioner control system according to of the present invention;

Interconnection and correlation in Fig. 5 presentation graphs 6A-6D institute diagrammatic sketch between the each several part;

Fig. 6 A-6D represents to realize electronic control system schematic diagram of the present invention;

Fig. 7 represents to realize the electrical system schematic diagram of air-conditioner of the present invention;

Fig. 8 represents to realize the schematic diagram of the employed far sensor of control system of the present invention;

Fig. 9 represents the flow chart of one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 represents by the flow chart of realizing the adoptable operation cycle of control system of the present invention;

Figure 11 represents by the flow chart of realizing adoptable another operation cycle of control system of the present invention;

Figure 12 is illustrated in the relation of contingent set point/room temperature during the cycling shown in Figure 11;

Figure 13 is illustrated in the relation of contingent another kind of set point/room temperature during the cycling shown in Figure 11;

Figure 14 is illustrated in the relation of contingent another kind of set point/room temperature during the cycling shown in Figure 11;

Figure 15 is illustrated in the relation of contingent another kind of set point/room temperature during the cycling shown in Figure 11;

Figure 16 is illustrated in the relation of contingent another kind of set point/room temperature during the cycling shown in Figure 11;

The perspective view of the RCU outer cover of Figure 17presentation graphs 3;

Figure 18 represents the ground plan of the outer cover of Figure 17;

Figure 19 represents the side view of the outer cover of Figure 17;

Figure 20 A-20M is illustrated in the various results that the display element that uses the RCU of Fig. 3 during the RCU may show;

Figure 21 A-21D is illustrated in adoptable circuit in the RCU of Fig. 3;

Relation between Figure 22 presentation graphs 21A-21D.

Fig. 1 represents to adopt the perspective view of the air-conditioner of the present invention and feature.Fig. 1 represents the air-conditioner 10 that Whirlpool (Whirlpool) company makes.

As shown in the figure, thefront 12 of a kind of like thisspace device 10 hasexhaust louver 14, innerair inlet louver 16 and decoration panel 18.The one or both sides of air-conditioner 10 have the external feed stream louver by it extraneous air to be sucked to comprise a fancontrol panel door 22 in the air-conditioner 10 on a part ofdecoration panels 18, open it and just expose supervisory keyboard 24 shown in Figure 2 and that will be described later.It is evident that the bossing above the control panel door is aninfrared sensor 26.

The control panel 24 of air-conditioner 10 is now described by Fig. 2.As shown in the figure, the control panel 24 of air-conditioner 10 comprises with lower member:

(a) the temperature set-point alidade 27, and the user can be apprised of the lifting of temperature set-point intuitively.Will describe in detail as following, reasonable is that thesetemperature rule 27 are simulated the liquid-filled thermometer that has ball bubble and pipe stem in appearance fully, and utilize the discrete light-emitting diode of edge pipe stem length perpendicular positioning that indication directly perceived is provided, with the lifting of displays temperature set point intuitively.

(b) " air conditioner "button 28, the user can be by pressing thebutton 28 manual elevated temperature set point amounts of heating (preferably 1 ℃).

(c) " cold wind device "button 30, the user can manually be lowered temperature set-point (preferably 1 ℃ of desuperheat amount) by pressingammonium button 30.

(d) " cooling/unlatching automatically " button 32, the user both can open air-conditioner 10 with it, if air-conditioner, also can be selected " cooling automatically " operation cycle in operation, below will describe in detail.

(e)visualizer 34, and reasonable form is a light emitting diode, whether are in automatic cooling down operation circulation in order to indication air-conditioner 10.

(f)button 36 that " dry-air blast only arranged ", the user can select to dry operation cycle with it, removes unnecessary moisture in the room and exceeds refrigeration.Press " dry-air blast is only arranged "button 36 and just activate " dry-air blast is only arranged " circulation, and the visualizer 38 (reasonable is light emitting diode) on the lighting button at this moment.

(g) " fan speed " button 40, the user can change air-conditioner fan speed with it.As described below, press " fan speed " button 40 one by one and make fan speed be returned to the selection circulation of " at a high speed " again through associate " at a high speed " to " middling speed " to " low speed ".

(h) " air diverts " button 42, the user can drive the CD-ROM drive motor of vertical exhaust louver (not shown) with its excitation, thereby cold air is sent into indoor.Can activate this feature by pressing " air diverts " button 42, stop this feature by pressing " air diverts " button 42 once more subsequently.

(i) " length of one's sleep "button 44, " length of one's sleep " operation cycle that will describe in detail below the user can select with it makes air-conditioner 10 optimize level of comfort between user's sleep period.Pressing " length of one's sleep "button 44, is " length of one's sleep " desired time cycle up to certain numeral that illuminates.Three hours, five hours or eight hours operation that the expression of numeral 46 (reasonable is to use the light emitting diode back illumination) can be selected.

(j)button 48 that " fan only arranged " is pressed this button, and the user is selected and the circulation room air under the situation that does not continue refrigeration.By pressing the circulation of " fan is only arranged "button 48 activation manipulations, light the visual indicator (reasonable is light emitting diode) that is positioned at button simultaneously.

(k) " shut-in time "button 60 makes the user select " shut-in time " operation cycle, thereby the space device cuts out behind setting-up time interval after programming automatically.In case activate circulation, the unit continues current operation cycle up to finishing " shut-in time " circulation.The numeral 62 that provides (reasonable is to shine with light emitting diode) is selected one, three or five hour shut-in time interval.By pressing " shut-in time "button 60, circulate with regard to selectively actuatable up to the numeral that illuminates certain time cycle that needs.

(1) " check filter "visualizer 64, whether reasonable is with light emitting diode back illumination word " check filter ", approximately whenever just reminds the filter of customer inspection air-conditioner 10 through operation in 100 hours, need to look to clean.

(m) the Close button 66, can close air-conditioner and checkfilter visualizer 64 was lost efficacy with it.Forcheck filter visualizer 64 was lost efficacy, can to air conditioner control system programme make its receive the Close button 66 repeat press, as the inefficacy indication that makescheck filter visualizer 64.

The computer program of air-conditioner 10 master controllers that appendix A as a reference comprises is used for finishing these functions and following described function.

In Fig. 3, drawn and to have carried out theRCU 70 of straighforward operation to air-conditioner 10.ThisRCU 70 comprisesdisplay part 72 and order button part74.In display part 72, provide display or display element 76 (reasonable is LCD) to finish selected indicating characteristic and digital real-time clock 78 (showing the real-time time that keeps by RCU 70).

Order button orkey part 74 comprise the button of the various control features of several selection air-conditioners.For this reason, comprisedmenu button 80 to produce a menu ondisplay 76, guides user is carried out various selections to the programming operation of air-conditioner 10.The operation that can adopt the directing controller (relevant with described four switches of Figure 21 D in the operation) of four headedarrow key 82 forms to provide on to display 76 is selected or moving cursor around it." SLEEP "button 84 can make the user select " SLEEP HOURS " operation cycle." TIMEDMODE "button 86 can make the user select and/or show that the type and the sequential of incident take place in the future in indication such as when closing or enter particular cycle, sets startup or shut-in time or remove to start and the shut-in time." AUTO COOL "button 88 makes the user select aforesaid " AUTO COOL " operation cycle, and certainly, " OFF "button 90 makes the user cut out air-conditioner 10.

The controller of 70 pairs of air-conditioners 10 of remote control circuit provides wireless telecommunications, and reasonable is through infrared sensor 26.Therefore,RCU 70 is reasonable to be similar to existing TV remote control, though the form that it sends signal as described below is different to a certain extent.

Fig. 4 represents to be referred to as size and thickness than the credit card another kind ofRCU 100 of what credit-card type at the worst, and thisremote controller 100 comprises a control panel 102 with air-conditioner 10 control panels 24 broadly similars.This shows that the control panel 102 of this credit-card typeremote controller 100 comprises the control panel 24 top similar circulation selector buttons to air-conditioner 10." WARMER " button 104, " COOLER " button 106, " AUTO COOL " button 108, " OFF " button 110, " AIR SWING " button 112, " DRY ONLY " button 114, " FAN SPEED " button 116 and " FAN ONLY " button 118 that the above-mentioned circulation of operation is arranged on credit card remote control panel 102 for this reason.But this credit-card typeremote controller 100 does not comprise the various visualizers on the master control panel 24 in the air-conditioner 10.

Remote controller 100 also sends through Radio infrared and communicates by letter with air-conditioner 10 controllers.As described below, signal transmission form and most of TV remote controller ofremote controller 100 are closely similar.

A kind of controller that Fig. 6 A-6D represents is configured to make air-conditioner 10 to work in various patterns or circulation, and accepts the signal from least two kinds of dissimilarremote controllers 70 and 100 as input.Relevant therewith, Fig. 7 represents the whole electrical system of air-conditioner 10 and should consider in the lump in conjunction with Fig. 6.Correlation between Fig. 5 presentation graphs 6A-6D each several part.

As shown in the figure, controller comprises a microprocessor unit U with the electric coupling of various input and output device₁, in order to the operation of control air-conditioner 10.Processor is provided by the power ps that comprises transformer T1 with power supply with the various parts of its coupling, and the rectification circuit relevant with transformer T1 comprises diode D₁, D₂, D₃And D₄To produce suitable dc voltage.Power supply passes through terminals P₂And P₃Link to each other with proper A C line voltage.For this reason, but power ps is fit to the dc voltage that electronic controller uses as 115 or the 220/240V AC of 50 60Hz input electricity is converted to.For this reason, for 115V AC, tie jumper J₁And J₃Should keep original position, wire jumper J₂Disconnect, and, should remove or disconnect wire jumper J for 240/220V AC₁And J₃, and tie jumper J₂

Listed processor U in the appendix A₁The program that can carry out.

Further can see processor U₁By output RB₆, RB₅, RB₄, RB₇And RB₃Be coupled to various relay K₁, K₂, K₃And K₄And K₅Thereby, the operation rotating speed by " height " to " in " to the three rotating speed fan motor M of " low "₂, operate compressor motor M₁With wobble drive motor M₃, M₃Then drive vertical row hot hole (not shown), thereby make vertical row hot hole double swerve as in the prior art.Be used to operate various motor M₁, M₂And M₃And with controller U₁The concrete interconnecting method of other device of coupling is not an emphasis point of the present invention, therefore is not described further.And for those of ordinary skills, the diagram that provides by Fig. 6 A-6D and Fig. 7 is enough to finish these interconnection.

But should be noted that, for various rotating speed fan motor M₂Various connections are provided, for driving the wobble drive motor M₃Connection is provided.

Importantly, as the infrared signal receiver U of the part ofsensor unit 26₂With processor U₁Coupling.Utilize infrared signal receiver U₂Can receive signal or the described signal of Fig. 4 fromremote controller 100 from the describedremote controller 70 of Fig. 3.Below also to describe also and can utilize infrared signal receiver U₂With processor U₁The ground far away sensor transmitter of communication.

In addition, relevant with button on the control panel 24 various switches (being FANSPEED switch SW 1, SLEEP HOURS switchSW 2,OFF switch SW 3,WARMER switch SW 4, AUTOCOOL switch SW 5, TIMED OFFswitch SW 6,DRYONLY switch SW 7, AIRSWING switch SW 8,COOLER switch SW 9 and FAN ONLY switch SW 10) also are coupled to processor U₁Particularly in Fig. 6 D, also show and the relevant light emitting diode of above-mentioned various indicators.Can see, the diode CR1 that provides is used to indicate SLEEP HOURS circulation in 3 hours, diode CR2 indication SLEEP HOURS circulation in 5 hours, diode CR3 indication circulation in 8 hours, the AUTO CYCLE pattern that diode CR4 indication has been selected for use, and the DRY CYCLE that diode CR5 indication has been selected.The lifting of light emitting diode CR6-temperature set-point that the CR10 indication links to each other with above-mentioned indicator 27.And, the FAN ONLY circulation that diode CR11 indication has been selected, one hour TIMEDOFF circulation has been selected in diode CR12 indication, and 3 hours TIMED OFF circulation has been selected in diode CR13 indication, and 5 hours TIMED OFF circulation has been selected in diode CR14 indication.Diode CR15 is used to produce CHECK FILTER indication.

Finely in the prior art various switches and diode and processor U have been understood₁Coupled modes and mode of operation, so be not further described herein, but except prior art and processor U of the present invention₁Programming difference except.

In Fig. 7, special character is to comprise and processor U₁The thermistor TR1 of coupling.This thermistor is used for measuring near the air themperature the air-conditioner 10, thereby when air-conditioner 10 for example is in operation cycle work automatically, can drives air-conditioner 10 and reach the temperature that equals temperature set-point substantially.This common operation also is well-known.

In Fig. 8, represented can remote measurement air-conditioner 10 ground far away sensor unit 190.To this, far sensor unit 190 comprises that the signal that temperature sensor 200, temperature sensor 202 and sunshine recorder 204, sensor 200,202 and 204 are sent is coupled to remote control processor 206, and reasonable is these signals to be converted to be fit to through infrared signal transmitter 208 by infrared receiving set U subsequently₂To controller U₁Send and the signal of realization wireless transmission.Reasonablely be, the signal that infrared signal transmitter 208 sends comprise with sensing temperature far away and herein for adjust the factor, performance humidity is adjusted the factor or the factor-related information of performance climate parameter adjustment.As everyone knows, high humility and strong sunshine may influence the sensation of people to temperature, thereby make the measurement temperature can not accurately inform environmental amenity degree in the space.For example, too much day irradiation may make the people feel higher than actual temperature indicative.Equally, too high humidity may make the people in the room that is in the low room temperature of high humility feel colder, and makes the people who is in the anti-high hot room of room temperature feel hotter.These effects Zhou Suozhong knows, thereby just slightly lays down a definition in order to illustrate the present invention.Therefore, the signal that processor 206 produces is reasonable to be to comprise far the detected temperatures value and the adjustment factor, for example from the apparent increase and decrease of fixed temperature of detected temperature and sunshine, thereby when processing far detects humidity value, consider to adjust the apparent lifting of the factor with temperature level of comfort in the compensation space.

Also to consider indoor (or in enclosure space) air-cooled or motion (or movable), and should develop suitable low-cost sensor.

Adopt far that the another kind of application system of detected temperatures is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,321, in 229, this patent content fully is contained among the present invention as a reference.

Certainly, processor 206 processing of exchanging integral divisor can be used processor U₁Carry out.To this, processor 206 is processes sensor 200,202 and 204 signals that produce only, thereby send processor U in the air-conditioner 10 with the form that is fit to through infrared signal transmitter 208₁The calculating of finishing various necessity obtains to adjust the factor.But reasonable way is that this processing is finished by processor 206, thereby alleviates processor U as far as possible₁Processing burden.

Invention here comprises that the controller that utilizes air-conditioner 10 handles far sensing temperature information and adjust factor information.Reasonablely be, far detected temperatures and thermistor TR1 detected temperatures are averaged, add again and adjust the factor and obtain the synthesis temperature value (reasonable is to adopt digital signal form or digital value, but also can use analog signal.Controller adopt this temperature value determine air-conditioner be the cooling or heat rooms reaches temperature set-point.Should see that for above-mentioned reasons, far the adjustment factor of sensor unit 190 can provide more comfortable effect to the people, this is because considered humidity and daylight factor at least.And, considered to cover temperature reading than large space, this make air-conditioner 10 the operation response be big zone but not near the situation in air-conditioner 10 zones.

Fig. 9 shows the flow chart of this idea of expression, and wherein the controller of air-conditioner 10 is used for receiving and handles from the different signal of the agreement of different location.In preferred embodiment, the various remote controllers that send different protocol signals comprise the hand-heldremote control unit 70 of Fig. 3, credit cassetteremote controller 100 and Fig. 8 dependent sensor unit 190 of Fig. 4.Though it is similar seeing these signals on the whole, the agreement of various remote controllers is being different aspect the information type that transmits, the message structure.

To this, various transmissions comprise three essential parts by the remote-controlled transmitter 70,100 and 90 of the signal that air-conditioner 10 receives, i.e. venue identifier, useful data and verification and.Venue identifier information is reasonable to be the expression that comprises manufacturing firm's (preferably Whirlpool), the remote control type such as Class1,2 or 3.The back of venue identifier part is the useful data part.Each unit has nothing in common with each other in this section.In the useful data back be used for verification transmit information verification and.

Venue identifier and verification and respectively comprise 1 byte data.The size of useful data part is not waited by 1 to 12 byte.Therefore, processing unit U₁In be equipped with the buffer that can keep 14 byte datas at least.

With regard to remote-controlledtransmitter 100, useful data partly comprises and knocks key, thereby at the processor U of air-conditioner 10₁When encouraging this information, processor U₁Explain this information and work in similar 100 modes that on supervisory keyboard 24, press the button.

With regard to sensor unit 190, reasonable by the useful data part of this unit transmission is to comprise the telethermograph value and adjust factor information.Therefore, for example, the information that sensor 190 sends comprise the identifier information formed by information (Whirlpool company) and type number, the telethermograph value numeral different with remote-controlledtransmitter 100 adjust multiplier digit and verification and.

With regard to remote-controlledtransmitter 70, it is quite a lot of that information that provides in signal is provided for it.Except specific transmitter identifier the category information of the manufacturing information of Whirlpool company and the remote controller different (for example such as) with remote unit type recited above, the signal thatremote controller 70 sends comprises the information that is referred to as the state of a control data, generally comprise 1) current time ofremote controller 70 real-time clocks, 2) required state of a control, 3) Jiang Lai state of a control, 4) enter the moment of state in the future, and 5) shut-in time.State of a control is made up of selected operation cycle, temperature set-point, fan speed and the characteristic indication that comprises following content: automatically, fan speed is selected, louver swing and the sign of the SLEEP HOURS in this preferred embodiment.Above-mentioned information also takies about 10 bytes at last with known order discharging.

It should be noted that the precise forms of this information can be got any one suitable type, any common programming personnel can both design suitable form.

As shown in Figure 9, when receiving the signal that sends such as the remote control transmitter inremote controller 70remote controllers 100 or the sensor unit 190, processor U₁At first determine remote signal whether with the remote signal type compatibility of air-conditioner 10 and received signal.This process is expressed as various judgements in Fig. 9, whereinprocessor 10 judges whether remote signal belongs to signaltype 1, signaltype 2, signaltype 3 or normal signal type N.If signal is correctly received and be opposite with the TV remote controller is the sort of type that is suitable for air-conditioner 10,10 pairs of these signal types of processor are made suitable reactions so.In this preferred embodiment, if signal is the sort of type fromremote controller 100,processor 10 is just with processor U so₁The buffer internal information is when handling as knocking key.If signal is confirmed as fromremote controller 70, processor is used as the buffer internal information front state of a control processing and is controlled air-conditioner 10 according to these state of a controls so.If signal is determined to autobiography sensor cell 190, processor U so₁The buffer internal information is used as the signal that comprises temperature value and adjust the factor to be handled.

In Figure 10, flowcharting is referred to as the notion of the AUTO COOL circulation of air-conditioner 10 herein.In AUTO COOL circulation or operator scheme, operatingair conditioner device 10 is regulated air, thereby the compressor operation and the various rotation speed of the fan of the difference by selecting to be suitable for detected temperatures and temperature set-point make detected temperatures equal temperature set-point.For automatic cooling down operation circulation, generally be to drive air-conditioner 10 to select suitable rotation speed of the fan and compressor operation that temperature set-point is arrived in air conditioning.For example can be with reference to U.S. Patent No. 5,319,942.

But, in this preferred embodiment of AUTO COOL circulation or operator scheme, if selecting AUTO COOL circulation time to close air-conditioner 10 and detected temperatures less than desired temperature, processor U so₁To the fan transmission of electricity it is run up through programming, and the unlatching compressor provide maximum cold.If selecting AUTO COOL circulation time to close air-conditioner 10 and detected temperatures is higher than design temperature, just with common automatic cooling down operation circulation driving air-conditioner, promptly of front U.S. Patent No. 5,319,942, wherein fan speed is by processor U₁Select.And, if air-conditioner 10 has been in the AUTOCOOL circulation and has supressed AUTO COOL button, then will drive air-conditioner 10 as previously mentioned once more and enter maximum refrigerating mode.

Importantly, in AUTO COOL cycling, processor U₁After programming, " known " preference of user to temperature.This temperature preference is marked with mode as described below and is used for ensuing AUTO COOL circulation subsequently.When having selected AUTO COOL circulation time, before the temperature that the room is warming up to know in advance, the cooling room temperature is 15 minutes earlier.To this, though preset the AUTO COOL circulation of chilling temperature set point before air-conditioner 10 dispatches from the factory, the user can determine that when utilizing the fixed point of factory setting temperature the room is Tai Re or too cold.Therefore, the user can be by pressing above-mentionedWARMER button 28 or COOL-ER button 30 change temperature.After having changed temperature set-point, processor U₁Storing these changes also " association " and how to select appropraite condition to make the user the most comfortable.

Equally, during air-conditioner 10 was in AUTO COOL operation cycle, the user can change rotation speed of the fan by pressing FAN SPEED button 40.As mentioned above, along with pressing FAN SPEED button 40, rotation speed of the fan enter by height in return high circulation again to low, thereby make the user press the fan speed that FAN SPEED button 40 reaches to be needed.

In addition, during AUTO COOL operation cycle, press AIRSWING button 42 by the user and can select above-mentioned AIR SWING feature.

As shown in figure 10, if after 15 minutes cooling air-bumps of beginning, press AUTO COOL circulation key, will encourage burst once more.To this, suppose that the user owing to feeling the uncomfortable AUTO of the pressing COOL circulation of present temperature, then happens suddenly.

In the learning process of AUTO COOL circulation, temperature set-point initial or input is the function that began (or input) and end temp set point the last time of having stored as mentioned above.Reasonablely be that the beginning set point of AUTO COOL cycling is to begin the mean value got after rounding with the end setup point last time.Integer rounds and forces the beginning set point only to begin to differ under 1 ℃ the situation with the end setup point in last time to change.In this manner, the temperature of can duplicate customer liking.

As mentioned above, rotation speed of the fan is selected in AUTO COOL circulation automatically.When the minimum refrigeration of needs, when promptly temperature was near or below temperature set-point, the fan speed of selection produced low noise.Because temperature apparently higher than temperature set-point, selects the high speed fan rotating speed that maximum refrigeration is provided.Reasonable is that when selecting to differ 1 ℃ between middling speed rotation speed of the fan and low speed rotation speed of the fan, the intercept point of selecting between high speed fan rotating speed and the middling speed rotation speed of the fan can be 2 ℃.

Another operation cycle of Figure 11-16 expression air-conditioner 10.This operation cycle and for SLEEP HOURS circulates, be preferably between user's sleep period and use.

In SLEEP HOURS operation cycle, air-conditioner 10 perhaps exactly is processor U₁" association " required total temperature adjustment between sleep period is to provide the comfortable sleeping environment to the user.At this, processor U₁Used temperature set-point during SLEEP HOURS with predefined quantitative changeization.Reasonablely be that temperature set-point increased gradually in cycle period time to be made the people enter sleep and feel comfortable when sleeping soundly.But the user will change cycle period variations in temperature total amount to the adjustment of temperature set-point.For example, if pressWARMER button 28, then temperature set-point will be also high, and allow total temperature change to begin also to increase to end from circulation.Importantly, if this adjustment to circulation is enough big, will continues to SLEEPHOURS and circulate until making further change.The notion of SLEEP HOURS operation cycle is shown among Figure 11.Set point and room temperature variation pattern are shown in Figure 12-Figure 16.

Figure 12 represents the preferable breaching operation pattern of dispatching from the factory.As seen from the figure, in 2 hour initial cycle period, temperature set-point itself increases by 1 ℃ and increment is 2 ℃.As shown in the figure, room temperature can rise to set point during 2 hours.When circulation finished, set point returned the beginning set point and room temperature is back to lower temperature.

Figure 13 is illustrated in the SLEEP HOURS cycle period of front rather than the Different Results when temperature raise to surpass 1 ℃ during current cycling, and wherein temperature set-point raises 3 ℃ rather than common 2 ℃.3 ℃ of variations of temperature set-point preferably occurred in 3 hour time.

Figure 14 is illustrated in the SLEEP HOURS circulation of front rather than the Different Results the when user makes temperature reduce more than 1 ℃ during current operation cycle, and wherein temperature set-point has only increased by 2 ℃.1 ℃ of variation of temperature set-point preferably occurred in first hour of circulation.

Contingent pattern during Figure 15 and 16 is illustrated in and sleeps evening.Figure 15 represents the situation of theactual generation 1 ℃ time the if the user will only raise set point, and Figure 16 represents if the situation that the user is taken place set point only will be reduced by 1 ℃ with manual mode the time.

In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, processor U₁Be arranged so that the SLEEPHOURS operation cycle all can be activated under any state, and after end, change this state over to.This configuration can only be compared the obvious flexibility that increases the user from " length of one's sleep " circulation that automatic refrigerating mode activates down with other.

As mentioned above, during SLEEP HOURS operation cycle, processor will adopt in a last circulation and make temperature set-point with the set point of crossing.For example, if a last circulation of carrying out is to adopt the AUTO COOL of set point circulation, go up an AUTO COOL circulation end setup point so just as initialization SLEEP HOURS circulating temperature set point.Therefore, if run on AUTO COOL circulation when for example air-conditioner 10 begins, begin SLEEP HOURS operation cycle after closing so again, in this preferred embodiment, the end temp set point of AUTOCOOL operation cycle is as the beginning temperature set-point of SLEEP HOURS operation cycle, after SLEEP HOURS operation cycle finishes, when selecting SLEEP HOURS operation cycle, because air-conditioner has entered this state, the air-conditioner unit will be closed.

Figure 17-22D has representedRCU 70 and operation thereof in more detail.Figure 17-19 has represented the characteristic ofRCU 70 outer covers.Figure 21 A-21D represents to be included in the circuit in the outer cover.Being attached to back appendix B as a reference is the computer program copy thatRCU 70 is used for carrying out aforementioned operation, will be further described below.

By Figure 17-19 as seen,RCU 70 comprises the outer cover withfunctional attributes 1000 that describes below and vertical side of quadrature.Especially,outer cover 1000 comprisesend face 1002 andbottom surface 1004 and thelongitudinal end 1008 and 1010 ofperiphery 1006 outer covers 1000 that extend between this is the circle shape, thus makeouter cover 1000 from top or below see the oval longitudinal section that has longitudinally.

Next theouter cover 1000 that will discuss its feature moulded goods preferably makes its bight slick and sly and corner angle are not clearly demarcated.This is used in the user and holdsunit 70, and this is because slick and sly drift angle is more conducive to grasping than rectangle drift angle.

As shown in the figure, thetransparent part 1012 that is arranged in that longitudinal ends 1008 above thedisplay part 72 are mentioned below comprising and represents at Figure 21 D as the infrared transmitter window.

As shown in the figure,periphery 1006 roughly is divided into two, thereby makesouter cover 1000 be divided into thefirst half 1014 and thelatter half 1016 substantially, it is taken apart the circuit of installation diagram 20A-20D.

With regard tobottom surface 1004, Figure 17 and 18 represents the most clearly, and as seen from the figure,bottom surface 1004 comprisesgrip 1020 and battery part 1022.Battery part 1022 comprises battery backdoor 1024, and reasonable is to make its slippage engagement onlongitudinal end 1010, thereby is convenient to take off with in the battery receptacle ofbattery 1025 inserted mode systems in thelatter half 1016.

Thegrip 1020 ofbottom surface 1004 comprises two profile recesses or recessed 1030 and 1032, and they extend fromperiphery 1006 opposite flank and come, thereby 1004 forms two cavitys in the bottom surface.This has producedprofile rib 1034, and it is vertically stretched by central authorities alonggrip 1020.

This verticalmoulded ribs 1034 forms on thebottom surface 1004 that comprises twosupport pad 1036 and 1038 and figure 8 or hourglass configuration from passing between them.

Everysupport pad 1036 and 1038 all provides support to RCU with two side interval locations at least, thus makeRCU 70 firmly be supported in smooth or flat surface on.Reasonable is thatpad 1036 and 1038 itself comprises flat surface, supports thereby provide maximum toRCU 70 on flat surface.And, reasonablely be, thelatter half 1016 moulding parts, thusrib 1034 that forms andpad 1036 and 1038 have the continuous level that comprises above-mentioned figure 8 or hourglass configuration.

Should be noted that this configuration ofbottom surface 1004 becausecavity 1030 and 1032 provides space andperiphery 1006 betweenRCU 70 surfaces, thereby makes finger be easy to slide, so the user is easy to catchRCU 70 between surface and periphery.In case finger tip inserts the space, the smooth surface of spill is as convex surfaces,lifts unit 70 from the surface thereby the finger cross-over connection is lifted.Whenunit 70 lifts, thereby the user continues to point the 70 followingunit 70 of catching fully, insertion unit.

Andpad 1036 and 1038 provides large-area contact betweenRCU 70 and plane, remote controller place, thereby makesremote controller 70 be fixed on respect to the surface stably in the flat position.Should be noted that afterpad 1036 and 1038 provides firm support control button becomes key 74 to get more to open on theend face 1002 ofRCU 70, theperiphery 1006 of moreclose RCU 70, and press Shi Buhui and causeRCU 70 to topple.

And 1034 pairs ofbottom surfaces 1004 of rib provide rigidity and intensity, thereby for example make onRCU 70 end faces 1002 weight as far as possible and press and step on theunlikely damage RCU 70 of weight of generation.

In Figure 20 A-20M, the operation ofRCU 70 has been described in more detail.

In Figure 20 4, all displayable label and icons on thedisplay unit 76 have been represented.As shown in the figure, reasonable is thatRCU 70 is importeddisplay unit 76 on show below one or more information according to the user by stroking ofcontrol button 74 through programming:

AUTO COOL " label,indication RCU 70 is in the pattern of accepting AUTO COOL order or stroking when it shows;

FOR DELAYED START SELECT CYCLE NOW " label, when showing, it provide Instruction Selection to adopt the operation cycle that postpones beginning (for example postponing cool cycles) to the user;

SLEEP HOUR " label, with selected sleep hour length of the cycle,, the user shows when importing or key in relevant sleep hour circulation time;

" CIRCULATE " label represents that when it shows air-conditioner 10 selected the air re-circulation feature;

" FAN ONLY " label, indication has been selected only to circulate with fan operation when it shows;

" DRY " label, drying cycles (above discuss) has been selected in indication when it shows;

" HEAT " label, heat cycles (on heat pump) has been selected in indication when it shows;

" WARMER " label, the indication arrow relevant with the WARMER push button function promptly allows the user to increase temperature set-point when it shows;

" START ": TIME " and " SET " label, when showing, it indicates respectively and CLOCK SET function, STOP TIME SET function or the relevant arrow of START TIME request function;

" COOL " label, indication was selected relevant arrow with cool cycles when it showed;

" AIR SWING " label, indication triggered relevant arrow with AIR SWING when it showed;

Whether " ON " and " OFF " label is represented to trigger when it shows or is closed AIR SWING function;

" WHAT IS SET? " label is represented and a relevant arrow of function that makesRCU 70 display setting pattern ondisplay unit 76 when it shows;

" FAN SPEED " label is represented the arrow relevant with the fan speed selection function when it shows;

" AUTO ", " HIGH ", " MEDIUM " and " LOW " label, selected demonstration is to indicate selected fan speed;

" FAN ONLY " label is represented arrow and FAN ONLY selection function are connected when it shows;

" ENTER " label, arrow was with input function or stroke relevant when it showed;

" CLEAR " label, that function is set was relevant for arrow and checkout time when it showed;

" CIRCULATE " label, arrow was relevant with the air re-circulation selection function when it showed;

" STOP TIME " and " SET " label, arrow was relevant with dwell time selection function (being somebody's turn to do " SET " label and front with " START " relevant " SET " label difference) when it showed;

" the COOLER label, arrow was relevant with COOLER button one-tenth or temperature set-point reduction function when it showed;

AUTO COOL " label, indicate downward arrow when it shows and cool off selection function automatically relevant;

" SETTING1 " and " SETTING2 " label, arrow and SETTING1 and SETTING2 when it shows " button modify feature option is relevant;

" PRESS SETTING TO SAVE " label, " 1 " label and " 2 " label remind the user to preserve SETTING1 or SETTING2 respectively when it shows

" HEAT " label, the heating setpoint pattern had been selected in indication when it showed;

" TIMED SET " label, the time set pattern had been selected in indication when it showed;

The four headed arrow icon indicates each arrow key relevant with above-mentioned functions when it shows; And

Thermometer icon, the increase and decrease of indicated temperature set point when it shows.

In Figure 20 B, represented to insert the demonstration result on thedisplay unit 76 behind the battery, in this case, only shown three arrows (promptly having shown three-dimensional the arrow icon) in the four headed arrow icon, the guiding user resets digital dock 78.In demonstration, up and down arrows is relevant with the selection of TIME SET function, and right arrow is relevant with the ENTER function.

In Figure 20 C, represented thatRCU 70 is in the displaying contents of closed condition (promptly press the OFF button after 90s) display unit 76.In this case, as the situation after just inserting battery,RCU 70 keeps real-time status, and will be by appendix B intermediate range sort run.But, because not selection of user, so just there is no need to show.

In Figure 20 D, represented to press content displayed on theAUTO COOL button 88 back display units 76.As seen from the figure, the simulation oftemperature indicator 27, promptly thermometer icon is shown in the left side ofdisplay unit 76, and four the arrow icons also show four arrows that various functions are assigned to arrow key 82.In this reality row, up arrow is made the WARME button of theWARMER button 28 of master control.On the contrary, arrow is relevant with the COOLER function ofCOOLER button 30 downwards.Arrow is relevant with the fan speed selection function that FAN SPEED button 40 provides to the right.Arrow is relevant with the air swing triggering function of AIR SWING button 42 left.In the display upper left corner, " AUTO COOL " is provided label, show that to the user bright AUTO COOL programing function works toremote controller 70.

In Figure 20 E, represented in the demonstration result who presses MENUbutton display unit 76 after 80s.Wherein, shown and 4 four headed arrow icons that correlation function is relevant.In the drawings, relevant to upward arrow with COOL circulation selection function, and arrow is selected relevant with the CIRCO-LATE function downwards.Arrow is relevant with the selection of DRY ONLY function left, and arrow is selected relevant with FAN ONLY function to the right.

In Figure 20 F, represented to select the COOL function demonstration result ofdisplay unit 76 afterwards from menu shown in Figure 20 E.In the upper left corner of display, actual desired temperature shows along " TO " icon, is the temperature that reduces room temperature to indicate this.Show the result comprise with master control panel 24 on thethermometer 27 similar thermometer icon and the four headed arrow icons of simulation, wherein distribute to the WARMER selection function to upward arrow, arrow is relevant with the COOLER selection function downwards, arrow is relevant with FAN SPEED selection function to the right, and arrow is relevant with AIR SWING ON/OFF selection function left.The label of representing in the upper left corner ofdisplay unit 76 " COOL ", the COOL function has been selected in indication.At " FAN SPEE " is " AUTO " label above the label, and AUTO rotation speed of the fan (being that main controller is selected fan speed) has been selected in indication.

In Figure 20 G, represented the demonstration result ondisplay unit 76 after from the menu of Figure 20 E, selecting FAN ONLY pattern.As shown in the figure, label " FAN ONLY " is represented in the upper left corner, and FAN ONLY pattern has been selected in indication.Also shown have the left and right arrow relevant with selected function two to the arrow icon.As shown in the figure, left arrow is relevant with the AIRSWING on, and right arrow is relevant with FAN SPEED selection function.

In Figure 20 H, represented pressing the demonstration result on thedisplay unit 76 behind the TIMEDMODE button 86 selection TIMED mode capabilities.Show that the result comprises the four headed arrow icon, wherein START TIME selects with relevant to upward arrow, and STOP TIME selects with arrow is relevant downwards, and the CLEAR function is with arrow is relevant to the right, and WHAT ISSET? function is with arrow is relevant left.START TIME function prompt user sets the time of air-conditioner starting, selects circulation subsequently, if necessary goes back design temperature.STOP TIME function prompt user is provided with the air-conditioner shut-in time.The CLEAR function is forbidden any START TIME or the STOP TIME function set previously.WHAT IS SET " function is that a kind ofRCU 70 informs the user selects the pattern of what parameter now for use to temporal mode.

In Figure 20 I, represented the demonstration result after the selection START TIME function from Figure 20 H shows.Show that the result comprises three-dimensional the arrow icon, wherein START TIMESET function is with relevant to upward arrow, and the ENTER function is with arrow is relevant to the right.

In Figure 20 J, the demonstration result after expression enters the time started relevant with Figure 20 I demonstration on the display unit 76.As shown in the figure, show the result comprise with select to the relevant COOL function of upward arrow, the AUTO COOL function relevant with arrow downwards selected, with arrow to the right relevant FANONLY model selection and with the relevant DRY circulation pattern selection of arrow left.The label that shows at the display top provides the statement " FOR DELAYED START, SELECT CYCLE NOW " of instruction to the user, and the indication user begins for the delay of temporal mode circulation through programming, should select circulation now.

In Figure 20 K, represented the demonstration result ofdisplay unit 76 after selecting the COOL pattern that begins with Figure 20 J demonstration delay associated.As shown in the figure, show that the result comprises the analog temperature meter icon of actual set point and the selection of indication humiture set point and three-dimensional the arrow icon relevant with the ENTER push button function with WARMER, COOLER.Relevant to upward arrow with the WARMER selection function, and arrow is relevant with the COOLER selection function downwards, and arrow is relevant with the ENTER function to the right.The label " COOL " that shows in the display upper left corner, indication have been selected the COOL circulation." TIMED SET " label that provides in the display lower right corner, TIMED MODE has been set in indication.After having selected the EN-TER function, display returns presses TIMED MODE key 96 state in the past, except TIMED SET icon is shown in the lower right corner ofdisplay unit 76.

In Figure 20 L, represented pressing the demonstration result that SLEEP key 84 and ENTER function setting hourage aredisplay unit 76 after 8.TIMED SET indication is named a person for a particular job in the future a certain TIMED START or STOP is taken place.As shown in the figure, display comprise analog temperature meter icon with WARMER, COOLER, the FAN SPEED four headed arrow icon relevant with the AIRSWING selection function.The WARMER selection function is with relevant to upward arrow, and the COOLER selection function is with arrow is relevant downwards.FAN SPEED selection function is with arrow is relevant to the right, and AIR SWING ON/OFF selection function is with arrow is relevant left.The numeral of selected SLEEP HOURS is indicated in the demonstration that provides in the upper right corner.

In Figure 20 M, the displaying contents after removing after having represented before pressing setting TIMED MODE, to pressSLEEP button 84 and set the above-mentioned time or with TIMED MODE button 96 and CLEAR function on the display unit 76.As shown in the figure, four headed arrow icon and WARMER, COOLER, FAN SPEED are relevant with AIR SWING selection function, be that the WARMER selection function is with relevant to upward arrow, the COOLER selection function is with arrow is relevant downwards, FAN SPEED selection function is with arrow is relevant to the right, and AIR SWING ON/OFF selection function is with arrow is relevant left.

As mentioned above, appendix B configurable in 70 li of RCUs in order to finish the computer program copy of aforementioned Presentation Function.

In Figure 21 A-21D, show that a kind ofRCU 70 that is provided to is in order to realize the circuit diagram of appendix B program.

Relation between Figure 22 presentation graphs 21A-21D.

Importantly, in Figure 21 A, provide display DS1, it comprises the label of indicating fromdisplay unit 76 as the mode of prior art.Reasonable is that display DS1 comprises LCD.

Figure 21 B represents the processor U with display DS1 interconnection₂With processor U₂What be coupled is infrared transmitter CR2 and the button relevant various switches relevant with discussion among Fig. 3.Particularly, sleep switch SW1A is relevant withsleep button 84, program switch SW2A and the clock setting function relevant (its program is provided in appendix B) that allows to change SETTING1 or SETTING2 parameter, menu switch SW3A is relevant withMEWU button 80, bottom arrow switch SW 4A is relevant with the downward arrow of four headedarrow key 82, right arrow switch SW 5A is relevant with the right arrow of four headedarrow 82, top arrow switch SW 6A is relevant with the upward arrow of four headedarrow key 82, arrow switch SW 7A is relevant with the left arrow of four headedarrow key 82 on a left side, it is relevant withOFF button 90 to close switch SW 8A, automatically cold switch SW9A is relevant withAUTO COOL button 88, setting to switch SW10A is relevant with SETTING2 button 94, temporal mode switch SW 11A is relevant withTIMEDMODE button 86, and it is relevant withSETTING1 button 92 that 1 switch SW 12A is set.

Among Figure 21 A and the 21D other parts of circuit come for those skilled in the art very obvious in a minute, so do not set forth in the specification.

Should be noted that, theRCU 70 that comprises appendix B program provide relevant with four arrow keys of forming four headed arrow key ordirection controller 82 one to, two to, three-dimensional or four headed arrow icon.Therefore can give arrow with different connotations according to display menu.By using multidirectional the arrow icon key relevant to ask suitable direction controller to reduce the number of key and having simplified straighforward operation with redefining the icon different with implication.And this operation has reduced the number of times that knocks key, thereby finishes most of common programmed tasks, and the user can be programmed into such as the air-conditioner of complexity task more by operation.

It should still be noted that, when control is in normal operating state, because its relevant with the COULER selection function with WARMER respectively touch up and down arrows key will raise or reduce temperature set-point, perhaps, make the user can change the Kai Heguan of fan speed or triggering air swing function because left and right arrow is relevant with these functions respectively.

Should be pointed out that further that under suitable configuring condition, four headedarrow key 82 can be used suitable directing controller replacement such as joystick, mouse, trace ball and other confession user input device.

Though those skilled in the art can carry out various modifications and variations, they all belong in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (19)

1. the control module of an air-conditioner comprises:

The programmable processor that user that can the received signal form selects;

With described processor associated working and can show the display of multidirectional the arrow icon; And

With described processor associated working and can import the direction controller of the selection that described processor can receive with it by the user;

It is characterized in that, described processor shows described multidirectional the arrow icon through being programmed on the described display, different selection functions and described the arrow icon arrow and described direction controller are connected, and the label of explicit identification and described multidirectional the arrow icon of the relevant function of described the arrow icon arrow.

2. control module as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that control module is a hand-held remote control.

3. control module as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that display is a LCD.

4. control module as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that described multidirectional the arrow icon is the four headed arrow icon, and described direction controller comprises the four headed arrow key of the arrow key that band starts separately.

5. control module as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that described processor connects according to the arrow of the previous selection of user with function and described the arrow icon after programming.

6. RCU is characterized in that comprising:

Direction controller;

Display that can display icon; And

Be coupled therefrom to receive the programmable processor of input with the control display and with directing controller with display-coupled, processor shows certain icon of multidirectional arrow key through programming, and on display, indicate various associations, and the input and the function of described direction controller are selected to connect.

7. as RCU as described in the claim 6, it is characterized in that described direction controller is multidirectional arrow key.

8. as RCU as described in the claim 7, it is characterized in that described multidirectional the arrow icon is the four headed arrow icon, and multidirectional arrow key is the four headed arrow key.

9. as RCU as described in the claim 6, it is characterized in that described direction controller comprises arrow key, and programmable processor associates different functions and arrow key through programming, and represent the arrow of each arrow key of being correlated with multidirectional the arrow icon.

10. as RCU as described in the claim 6, it is characterized in that described processor on display indicates this association by explicit identification near near the label of each function the relevant icon arrow through programming.

11., it is characterized in that RCU can start the remote control of air-conditioner after programming as RCU as described in the claim 6.

12., it is characterized in that further comprising the infrared signal transmitter that remote control unit signal is sent to the user with the processor coupling as RCU as described in the claim 6.

13. the RCU of air-conditioner is characterized in that comprising:

Radio signal senders;

The keyboard that comprises a plurality of keys;

Display that can display icon; And

With display-coupled with the control display, with key coupling with the programmable processor that therefrom receives input and control sends to the signal of air-conditioner with the coupling of aerial signal transmitter, processor is related with at least one key showing the icon of each relative keys with function through programming, and indicates this association on display.

14., it is characterized in that described icon is multidirectional the arrow icon as RCU as described in the claim 13.

15., it is characterized in that described multidirectional the arrow icon is the four headed arrow icon as RCU as described in the claim 14.

16. as RCU as described in the claim 13, it is characterized in that described keyboard comprises arrow key, and described programmable processor is associated difference in functionality and shows the multidirectional the arrow icon that comprises the arrow of representing each related arrow key with arrow key through programming.

17., it is characterized in that described processor on display indicates this association by explicit identification near near the label of each function the relative keys icon through programming as RCU as described in the claim 13.

18., it is characterized in that RCU can start the remote control of air-conditioner after programming as RCU as described in the claim 13.

19. RCU as claimed in claim 13 is characterized in that described radio signal senders is the infrared signal transmitter.

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