Patent Publication Number: US-2021180813-A1

Title: Air conditioning controller for controlling an air conditioner

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from earlier Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-224301 filed Dec. 12, 2019, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner and an air conditioning controller for controlling the air conditioner. 
     Related Art 
     The air conditioner has an air conditioning unit and an air conditioning controller for controlling the air conditioning unit. The air controlling controller has a display displaying a graphical information and a touch panel positioned on the display and on which an operator touches for controlling the air conditioning unit. Such touch panel is described in Japanese laid open patent publication 2010-159922. 
     In the case a malfunction of the touch panel caused by an electrostatic for example is occurred, an operator may reset such malfunction by turning off and on a power switch of the air controlling controller. However, the operator should consume a rather long period while the power switch is turned off and turned on. 
     SUMMARY 
     The object of the present disclosure is to provide the air conditioning controller which is convenience to reset the malfunction of the touch panel. 
     An air conditioning controller of the first disclosure has a display displaying a graphical information, a touch panel positioned on the display and on which an operator touches for controlling an air conditioning unit, a touch IC for detecting a change of a static electricity occurred on the touch panel when the operator manipulates the touch panel, and a controlling part sending a commanding order to an air conditioning unit by receiving a signal detected by the touch IC. 
     The controlling part determines whether an IC resetting condition is set by using the operator&#39;s manipulation manipulating the touch panel and resets the touch IC when the IC resetting condition is detected while an operation of the air conditioning controller is kept. 
     As the touch panel detects whether or not the operator touches the touch panel as well as the position of the finger of the operator by using a change of an electrostatic when the finger of the operator touches the touch panel, the electrostatic may cause a malfunction such as a freeze of the touch panel. Such malfunction may be reset when the operator turns the power switch off and turns the power switch again on. However, the operator should wait a rather long period while the power switch is turned off and on. Such chance making the operator wait may increase in accordance with the function of the touch panel being increased. 
     As to the first disclosure, the controlling part resets the touch IC when the controlling part detects the IC resetting condition while the controlling part maintains the operation of the air conditioning controller. As the controlling part of the first disclosure detects the IC resetting condition by using the operator&#39;s manipulation manipulating the touch panel, the malfunction of the touch panel could be reset without the operator&#39;s additional operation. Accordingly, the operator does not have to turn off and on the power switch. 
     As the controlling part of the first disclosure detects the IC resetting condition not using an information from the touch IC but using the operator&#39;s manipulation, a diagnosing function of the air conditioning controller is achieved without extraordinal censing circuit. 
     As to the second disclosure, the air conditioning controller further has a detector for detecting a resetting manipulation information caused by the operator&#39;s manipulation including at least one of a manipulating strength and a manipulating interval. The controlling part of the second disclosure decides a resetting manipulation in accordance with the resetting manipulation information detected by the detector and determines whether or not the IC resetting condition is set by using detected the resetting manipulation. 
     In the case the malfunction of the touch panel is occurred, the operator may push the touch panel with more power and/or may push the touch panel more times within a short period. The detector of the second disclosure detects the IC resetting condition by using such operator&#39;s behavior. 
     As to the third disclosure, the detector is located on the touch panel and has at least one of sensing function of an acceleration sensing for sensing an acceleration of the touch panel and a pressure sensing for sensing a pressure applied on the touch panel. The controlling part of the third disclosure determines the IC resetting condition by using at least one information from the acceleration sensing and the pressure sensing. 
     Since, the detector of the third disclosure is positioned on the touch panel, the detector could detect the operator&#39;s behavior applying on the touch panel more effectively. 
     As to the fourth disclosure, the controlling unit stores an information relating to the resetting manipulation and adjusts the resetting condition in accordance with stored the information. 
     The resetting manipulation may be varied between the operators. As the controlling unit of the fourth disclosure stores such resetting manipulation of each of the operators and adjusts the resetting condition in accordance with stored the information, such difference between the operators could be adjusted. Accordingly, the chance of unnecessary reset of the touch IC due to the difference of the operators could be effectively reduced. 
     As to the fifth disclosure, the controlling part maintains a graphical information displayed on the display while the touch IC is reset. In the case if the graphical information displayed on the touch panel is changed or disappeared on the display when the touch IC is reset, the operator feels uncomfortable. As the fifth disclosure maintains the same graphical information on the touch panel, such uncomfortable feeling of the operator is effectively avoided. 
     As to the sixth disclosure, the controlling part does not run its operation within a predetermined period when the touch IC detects the operator&#39;s manipulation within the predetermined period after the reset of the touch IC is completed. 
     Since the operator may push an icon displayed on the display many times in a short while when the malfunction of the touch panel is occurred, the operator may continuously push the icon even after the resetting operation of the touch IC is completed. In such case, the manipulation of the operator may occur unintentional operation. For example, in the case if the operator continuously pushes a DOWN icon after the resetting operation of the touch IC is ended, the target temperature may be reduced more than the operator&#39;s intention. 
     As the controlling part of the sixth disclosure does not run the operation within the predetermined period when the operator manipulates the icon within the predetermined period after the completing the resetting operation of the touch IC, such unintentional operation of the operator could be effectively avoided. 
     As to the seventh disclosure, the controlling part further detects a CPU resetting condition and resets the controlling part when the CPU resetting condition is detected. The controlling part memorizes a number of the IC resetting condition, decides whether or not the CPU resetting condition is detected by using the number of the IC resetting condition, and resets the controlling part when the CPU resetting condition is detected. 
     In the case when the IC resetting condition is detected more than a predetermined number within a predetermined period, the malfunction may be occurred in the controlling part itself. Therefore, the controlling part of the seventh disclosure resets the controlling part itself when the CPU resetting condition is detected. The seventh disclosure diagnoses the controlling part in accordance with the memorized number of the IC resetting condition. 
     As to the eighth disclosure, the controlling part does not indicate the IC resetting condition while the touch IC is reset but indicates the CPU resetting condition while the controlling part is reset. Since the chance of the CPU resetting condition is relatively small, the controlling part of the eight disclosure indicates such CPU resetting condition on the display, so that the operator could understand the CPU resetting condition is occurred. On the other hand, since the chance of the IC resetting condition is relatively large, the controlling part of the eight disclosure does not indicate the IC resetting condition on the display, so that the operator may not be bothered by the information of the IC resetting condition. 
     As to the nineth disclosure, a period for resetting the touch IC is shorter than a period for resetting the controlling part. The period for resetting the touch IC is about several milliseconds for example and the period for resetting the controlling part is about several seconds for example. Accordingly, the controlling part memorizes a number of the IC resetting condition and decides whether or not the CPU resetting condition is detected by using the number of the IC resetting condition as described in the seventh disclosure. 
     As to the tenth disclosure, the air conditioning controller has a display displaying a graphical information, a touch panel positioned on the display and on which an operator touches for controlling an air conditioning unit, a touch IC for detecting a change of a static electricity occurred on the touch panel when the operator manipulates the touch panel, and a controlling part sending a commanding order to the air conditioning unit by receiving a signal detected by the touch IC. 
     The controlling part of the tenth disclosure detects an IC resetting condition by using at least one of an acceleration information of the touch panel and a pressure information applied on the touch panel and resets the touch IC when the IC resetting condition is detected while an operation of the air conditioning controller is kept. 
     As the controlling part of the tenth disclosure detects the IC resetting condition by using the operator&#39;s manipulation information such as an acceleration information of the touch panel and/or a pressure information applied on the touch panel and resets the touch IC when the IC resetting condition is detected, the reset of the touch IC is started without operator&#39;s additional operation. As the controlling part of the tenth disclosure resets the touch IC without turning off and on the power switch, the operation of the air conditioning controller could be kept while the resetting operation of the touch IC is done. 
     As to the eleventh disclosure, an air conditioner has an air conditioning controller of the tenth disclosure and an air conditioning unit for operating an air conditioning operation by receiving a commanding order from the air conditioning controller. 
     As the air conditioner of eleventh disclosure has the air conditioning controller of the tenth disclosure, the operator of the air conditioner may reset the touch IC without additional operation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an air conditioner. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an air conditioning controller. 
         FIG. 3( a )  is a sectional view of the air conditioning controller positioned in a holder. 
         FIG. 3( b )  is a sectional view of the air conditioning controller positioned outside of the holder. 
         FIG. 4  shows a main menu displayed on a display. 
         FIG. 5  shows a controlling menu displayed on a display. 
         FIG. 6  shows the operator&#39;s manipulation while the operator sets a target temperature. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart explaining a touch IC resetting operation. 
         FIG. 8  is a timing chart explaining the operator&#39;s manipulation while the operator sets a target temperature. 
         FIG. 9  is a timing chart explaining the operator&#39;s manipulation while the operator sets a target temperature under the condition of the malfunction of the touch panel. 
         FIG. 10  is a timing chart explaining the other operator&#39;s another manipulation while the operator sets a target temperature under the condition of the malfunction of the touch panel. 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart explaining a CPU resetting operation. 
         FIG. 12  shows an example of a sign showing the condition that the CPU is under resetting. 
         FIG. 13  is a timing chart explaining the operator&#39;s manipulation while the operator sets a target temperature under the condition of the malfunction of the touch panel and the condition such malfunction is reset. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present disclosure is explained hereinafter relating to an air conditioner used in the building and/or housing. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the air conditioner  10  has an air conditioning unit  11  and an air conditioning controller  12  which is connected with the air conditioning unit  11  by radio frequency. The air conditioning controller  12  controls an operation of the air conditioning unit  11  including an air conditioning mode (cool, heat, dehumidification, and ventilation), a target temperature, an air volume (fan speed), and a direction of the wind. When an operator decides a commanding order, such order is sent to the air conditioning unit  11  and the received air conditioning unit  11  follows the commanding order. 
     The air conditioning controller  12  has a controller unit  20  as a portable apparatus the detailed of which is explained later. The controller unit  20  has a CPU  51  which mainly controls the operation so that the CPU works as a controlling part. A display  53  is connected with the CPU  51  via a graphic IC  52  so that the graphic IC  52  controls the graphical image displayed on the display  53  in accordance with the commanding order from the CPU  51 . An electrostatic capacitance type touch panel  55  is connected with the CPU  51  via a touch IC  54 . The touch panel  55  is so accumulated with the display  53  that the touch panel  55  locates on the front face of the display  53  and that the operator could visibly recognize the image displayed on the display  53   
     The touch IC  54  detects the change of the electrostatic capacitance of the touch panel  55  where the operator touches and sends the touching information to the CPU  51 . The CPU  51  decides whether or not the touching information exists and the location where the operator touches. 
     The controller unit  20  also has a thermometer/humidity sensor  57  detecting the room temperature and humidity and an acceleration sensor  58  detecting the movement of the air conditioning controller  12 . Both the thermometer/humidity sensor  57  and the acceleration sensor  58  are connected to the CPU  51  so that the detected information is transferred to the CPU  51 . The room temperature and/or the humidity is displayed on the display  53  in accordance with the commanding order from the CPU  51 . The CPU has the reset function for resetting the touch IC  54  in accordance with the detected information from the acceleration sensor  58 . The detail of the reset function is explained later. 
     The controller unit  20  is connected with the electric power source  45  via an electric cable line  38  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) so that 24V of electric voltage from the electric power source  45  is supplied to the CPU  51 , the graphic IC  52  and the touch IC  54  via an electrical power supply line  61  positioned in the air conditioning controller  12 . The electric voltage is reduced from 24 B down to 3V by a regulator embedded in the CPU  51 . The controller unit  20  also has a power switch  59  by which the operator turns the controller unit  20  on and off. 
     The controller unit  20  has an internal battery  65  such as a couple of AA cell batteries in series configuration (3V of electric voltage). The electric power from the internal battery  65  is supplied to the CPU  51 , the graphic IC  52  and the touch IC  54  via the electrical power supply line  61  in the case when the electric power from the electric power source  45  is not supplied. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the air conditioning controller  12  has a holder  30  which is able to hold the controller unit  20 . As shown in  FIGS. 3( a ) and 3( b ) , the holder  30  has a flat base portion  31  fixed on the surface of the wall of the room and a holding portion  32  positioned perpendicular to the base portion  31  so that the holder  30  is a box shape surrounding the controller unit  20 . In the case when the controlling unit  20  is held in the holder  30  (holding position) the rear surface (right side of  FIG. 3( a ) ) of the controlling unit  20  contacts to the font surface (left side of  FIG. 3( a ) ) of the base portion  31 . 
     The controller unit  20  is formed by a controller main part  21  and a case unit  22  holding the controller main part  21  in such a manner that the operating surface (displaying surface) of the controller main part  21  is not covered. A notch portion  33  is formed the inner surface of the holding portion  32  of the holder  30  so that the notch portion  33  contacts with a concave portion  23  formed in the case unit  22  when the controlling unit  20  is held at the holding position. As the holding portion  32  is flexible, the operator may remove the controller unit  20  out from the holder  30  by so deforming the holding portion  32  that the notch portion  33  is disengaged from the concave portion  23 . 
     A holder side connector  35  is fixed on the base portion  31  of the holder  30 . The holder side connector  35  is connected with the electric power source  45  via the electric cable line  38 . A controller unit side connector  25  is formed on the rear surface (right side of  FIG. 3( a ) ) of the controlling unit  20  so that the controller unit side connector  25  contacts with the holder side connector  35  when the controller unit  20  positioned at the holding position. Accordingly, the electric power of the electric power source  45  is supplied to the electrical power supply line  61  of the controller unit  20  via the electric cable line  38 , the holder side connector  35  and the controller unit side connector  25 . 
     In the case the controller unit  20  is removed from the holder  30  (the controller unit  20  in not positioned at the holding position), the controlling unit side connecter  25  disengages from the holder side connector  35  so that the electric power from the electrical power source  45  is not supplied to the electrical power supply line  61  and supply source of the electric power is switched from the electrical power source  45  to the internal battery  65 . 
     As the controller unit  20  has the touch panel  55 , the operator could use almost entire surface of the controller unit  20  as the operating area for detecting the electrostatic change caused by the operator. However, the touch panel  55  also has a weak point that the static electricity from the operator causes the malfunction. Though such malfunction could be recovered by resetting the air conditioning controller  12  by turning off and on the main power switch  59 , the additional operation is required for the resetting operation and, therefore, the operator should wait for a moment. The additional explanation is explained by referring  FIGS. 4 and 5  hereinafter. 
       FIG. 4  shows a main menu displayed on the display  81  which is the same as the display  53  of  FIG. 1  of the controller unit  20 . The main menu shows a various information includes a present mode, a present room temperature and a target temperature, an icon  82  for changing the mode, an icon  83  for changing the fan speed and an icon  84  for setting the target temperature. In the case the operator pushes one of the icons  82 - 84 , the graphical information displayed on the display  82  is changed from the main menu to an operating menu. 
     The example of the operating menu of the temperature setting menu is shown in  FIG. 5 . An UP icon  87  increasing the target temperature and a DOWN icon  88  decreasing the target temperature and the target temperature  86  are displayed on the temperature setting operating menu.  FIG. 6  shows the operation of the operator for changing the target temperature. At the timing when the CPU  51  receives the operating command of the operator, the CPU  51  sends such operating command to the air conditioning unit  11  and changes the target temperature  86  displayed on the display  81 . 
     In the case if the static electricity from the operator causes the malfunction on the touch IC  54 , the touch IC  54  could not work and therefore the touch IC  54  could not sense the change of the electrostatic capacitance even the operator touches the touch panel  55 . Accordingly, the graphical information on the display  81  is frozen and the target temperature is not changed though the operator touches the UP icon  87  or the DOWN icon  88 . 
     The CPU  51  of this embodiment has a resetting function for resetting the touch IC  54  by using the information from the acceleration sensor  58 . In other words, the resetting operation for resetting the touch IC  54  is included within a regular operation done every setting timing (1 millisecond for example). Such resetting operation is explained hereinafter by referring  FIG. 7 . 
     Whether or not a flag showing the reset is installed in the RAM of the controller unit  20  is decided at first (step S 101 ) of the resetting operation. If no flag is detected (NO), whether or not the controller unit  20  is moved, in other words, whether the accelerating signal form the acceleration sensor  58  is increased more than the predetermined threshold accelerating level is detected is decided (step S 102 ). If no accelerating signal more than the predetermined threshold level is sent form the acceleration sensor  58  (NO), the resetting operation ends. If the accelerating signal more than the predetermined threshold level is sent form the acceleration sensor  58  (YES), then the resetting operation moves next step (step S 103 ). 
     The interval of the movement is calculated in the step S 103  by using N+1 times movement accumulating the last movement and N (more than 2 for example) times previous movements. Whether or not the calculated interval of the movement is shorter than a predetermined standard period is decided in the step S 104 . If the interval is shorter than the predetermined standard period (YES), the resetting operation moves next step (S 105 ). 
     The counting operation of the various counters including the timer counter for counting the above described interval (step S 103 ) is reset at the step S 105 . The operation of the touch IC  54  is reset at the step S 106  so that the frozen condition above described is ended and that the detecting function of the touch IC is recovered. The flag indicating the resetting operation is set at the step S 107 , then the resetting operation ends. The required period for resetting the touch IC is about several millisecond so that the resetting period is shorter than that the operator resets the CPU  51  by using the power switch  59  (5 seconds for example). 
     Back to the step S 104 , in the case the interval is longer than the predetermined standard period (NO), the resetting operation moves to the step S 108 . Whether the last detected acceleration signal is greater than a predetermined standard value is decided at the step S 108 . The predetermined standard value of this step S 108  is greater than the predetermined threshold level of the step S 102 . 
     In the case when the last detected acceleration signal is smaller than the predetermined standard value (NO), the resetting operation ends. In the case when the last detected acceleration signal is greater than the predetermined standard value (YES), the resetting operation moves the step S 109 . Whether the greater acceleration signal greater than the predetermined standard value continues more than two (2) times is decided at the stop S 109 . No continuing of the greater acceleration signal is detected (NO), the resetting operation ends. The continuation is detected (YES), the resetting operation ends after the steps S 105 -S 107  are operated. 
     Back to the step S 101 , in the case the flag is found in the RAM (YES), the resetting operation moves to the step S 110 . Whether the reset operation of the touch IC  54  is completed is decided at the step S 110  by the period counted by the timer counter from the beginning of the resetting operation being longer than the required resetting period (several millisecond for example). In the case if the completion of the touch IC resetting is not decided at the step S 110  (NO), the resetting operation ends. If the step S 110  decides the completion (YES), the resetting operation ends after the flag in the PAM is deleted at the step S 111 . 
     The graphical information displayed on the display  81  is maintained during the resetting operation and no signal indicating the completion of the resetting operation is alerted so that the resetting operation does not make the operator a bothersome feeling. 
       FIG. 8  explains the normal operation of the touch panel  55 . Every timing (ta 1 , ta 2 ) when the operator pushes the operating icon (the DOWN icon  88  for example) the temperature displayed on the display  81  is changed (“24”-“23”-“22”). As the operator visibly checks the numeral on the display  81 , the interval between the operator&#39;s pushing operation (ta 1 , ta 2 ) may be a certain amount of period. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  show an abnormal operation and the resetting operation of the touch panel  55 . When the operator pushes the operating icon (the DOWN icon  88 ) at the first timing (tb 1 ) the temperature displayed on the display  81  is changed (“24”-“23”) but the static electricity from the finger of the operator may cause the malfunction on the touch IC  54 . So that even the operator pushes the operating icon (the DOWN icon  88 ) at the next timing (tb 2 ) and the timing after the next (tb 3 ) the numeral displayed on the display  81  is not changed but continues as “24”. The operator who found the continuing numeral of “24” pushes the operating icon (the DOWN icon  88 ) in a short period so that interval between the pushing timing tb 3 , tb 4 , and tb 5  of the abnormal condition is shorter than the standard timing tb 1  and tb 2  of the normal condition. Such shorten of the period could be calculated at the timing of tb 5 . Accordingly, the touch IC  54  could be reset by using the movement (the operation of the touch panel  55 , the pushing operation of the operating icon) as the trigger. Namely, the step S 103  and the step S 104  of the resetting operation is carried out by using the operator&#39;s such operation that the operator pushed the operation icon in a short while (tb 3 , tb 4  and tb 5 ). The resetting operation of the touch IC  54  starts at the timing of tb 5  and ends at the timing of tb 6 , so that the next pushing operation of the operator at the timing (tb 7 ) could reduce the target temperature from “23” down to “22”. 
     As the shown in  FIG. 10 , the operator who found the continuing of the temperature of “23” pushes the operating icon (the DOWN icon  88 ) with stronger power so that the movement of the controller unit  20  caused by such operator&#39;s action makes the acceleration signal more than the predetermined standard value. Such operator&#39;s behavior is occurred at the timing of tc 4 , tc 5  and tc 7 . The resetting operation of the touch IC  54  starts by using the movement (the operation of the touch panel  55 , the pushing operation of the operating icon) as the trigger. Namely, the step S 108  and the step S 109  of the resetting operation is carried out by using the operator&#39;s such manipulation that the operator pushed the operation icon with stronger power. The example shown in  FIG. 10  starts the resetting operation of the touch IC at tc 5  and ends the resetting operation at tc 6 , so that the operator&#39;s manipulation at tc 7  could reduce the target temperature from “23” down to “22”. 
     The malfunction of the touch panel  55  may not be caused by the touch IC  54  but be caused by the CPU  51  so that the CPU  51  starts its own resetting operation (resetting operation for the CPU  51 ) when a plurality of resetting operations of the touch IC are occurred in a short period. The resetting operation for the CPU  51  as one of the regular operations is done by the CPU  51 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the resetting operation for the CPU  51  starts to check whether or not the resetting operation of the touch IC  54  (step S 201 ) exists. If no reset of the touch IC  54  is found (NO), the resetting operation for the CPU  51  ends. If the reset of the touch IC  54  is found, then decide whether the counted number of the reset of the touch IC  54  reaches to the predetermined number (3 times for example) within a predetermined period at the step S 202 . If the counted number of the reset of the touch IC  54  is less than the predetermined number, the resetting operation for the CPU  51  ends. If the counted number of the reset of the touch IC  54  reaches to the predetermined number within a predetermined period, a various counters for resetting the CPU including the counter for counting the reset number of the touch IC and the timer counter measuring the time period are reset at the step S 203 . After the resetting of the counters at the step S 203 , the resetting operation for the CPU  51  is carried out at the step S 204 . During the resetting operation for the CPU  51 , the sign showing the CPU  51  is under resetting condition such as “please Wait” shown in  FIG. 12  is displayed on the display  81 . 
     The above described embodiment has following effects. The controller unit  20  could reset the touch IC  54  while the controller unit  20  is kept its condition turned on when the resetting condition caused by the operator (pushing in a short while, pushing with stronger power) is detected. Namely, as the following operation done by the operator (the setting operation of the target temperature for example) is used as the trigger for the resetting operation of the touch IC  54 , the resetting operation starts automatically and the waiting period the operator waits for completing the resetting operation could be shortened. 
     Because the CPU  51  runs by using the information detected by the touch IC  54 , it is difficult for the CPU  51  to finds the malfunction of the touch IC  54 . The CPU  51  of this embodiment decides the resetting condition not by using the signal from the touch IC  54  but by using the manipulation of the operator so that the CPU  51  could start the resetting operation of the touch IC  54  without the complicated program of the CPU  51 . 
     As the electrostatic capacitance type controller unit  20  of this embodiment has the acceleration sensor  58  the operator&#39;s behavior indicating the malfunction of the touch IC  54  could be effectively found. 
     Compare to the conditions that the graphical information is changed during the resetting operation and that no graphical information is displayed during the resetting operation, as the graphical information displayed on the display  81  of this embodiment is kept the same image as that displayed before the malfunction, the operator could wait the resetting operation without the bothersome feeling. 
     Since the alert indicating the resetting operation for the CPU  51  is displayed on the display  81 , since the frequency of the resetting operation for the CPU  51  is substantially small and since the period of the resetting operation for CPU  51  is longer than that of the resetting operation of the touch IC  54 , the operator could recognize the resetting operation of the CPU  51  without the bothersome feeling. 
     The present disclosure may be modified as follows. The following modifications could be connected each other. 
     Any type of the switching element such as a bipolar transistor and/or MOFSET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor) is used for switching the electrical power supply line  61 . 
     The reset button by which the operator resets the touch IC  54  could be made on the controller unit  20 . 
     The holder side connector  35  and the unit side connector  25  of the above described embodiment is connected and disconnected in accordance with the position of the controller unit  20 . However, the holder side connector  35  and the unit side connector  25  may be switched between the connecting position and disconnecting position by the operator while the controller unit  20  is stayed in the holder  30 . 
     Though the air conditioning controller  12  of the above described embodiment is a portable, the air conditioning controller could be fixed. The other type such as a resistance membrane type, an optical type or an ultrahigh sonic surface elasticity wave type touch panel  55  than the electrostatic capacitance type touch panel  55  could be used. 
     In the case if the operator manipulates the touch icon within a predetermined period after the resetting operation of the touch IC  54  is completed, the CPU  51  may not run the operation within the predetermined period. As described above, and as shown in  FIG. 13 , since the operator may push the icon many times in a short while (tb 4 , tb 5 , and tb 7 ) when the malfunction of the touch panel  55  is occurred, the operator may continuously push the icon even after the resetting operation of the touch IC  54  is completed. In such case, the manipulation of the operator may occur unintentional operation. For example, in the case if the operator continuously pushes DOWN icon  88  after the resetting operation of the touch IC  54  is ended (tb 6 ), the target temperature may be reduced more than the operator&#39;s intention. 
     As the CPU  51  of this modified embodiment does not run the operation within the predetermined period A (in  FIG. 13 ) when the operator manipulates the touch icon (at tb 7 ) within the predetermined period A after the completing the resetting operation of the touch IC  54  (at tb 6 ), such unintentional operation (at tb 7 ) of the operator could be effectively avoided. The manipulation of the operator after the predetermined period A (at tb 8 ) could run the CPU  51  and reduce the target temperature down to “22”. 
     In the case if a plurality of operators manipulate the same controller unit  20 , the CPU  51  memorizes the operation of each operator in a memory  51 A (shown in  FIG. 1 ). As the push strength and/or the push interval are different between the operators, the CPU  51  adjusts the push strength and/or the push interval depend on the operator so that the adjusted conditions of each of the operator could be used. 
     As explained above, the operator uses abnormal manipulation when the malfunction of the touch IC  54  is occurred. Such abnormal manipulation includes the long tap, the flick, and the multitaps other than the above described push strength and the push interval. The acceleration sensor  58  could detect these abnormal manipulations of the operator. The CPU  51  starts the resetting operation of the touch IC  54  when the acceleration sensor  58  detects such abnormal operation. 
     A pressure sensor may be used for detecting the abnormal manipulation of the operator instead of the acceleration sensor  58 . However, a plurality of pressure sensors are required in order to detect the abnormal manipulation precisely so that such detecting system using the plurality of pressure sensors may be complicated. Accordingly, single acceleration sensor  58  is suitable for detecting the abnormal manipulation. 
     Though the CPU  51  of the above described embodiment uses both the push pressure and the push interval for deciding the resetting condition of the touch IC  54 , either one of the push pressure and the push interval may be used for deciding the resetting condition of the touch IC  54 . 
     The acceleration sensor  58  may be positioned anywhere in the controller unit  20  including the center of the controller and the corner of the controller  20 . 
     The information indicating the resetting operation of the touch IC  54  may be displayed on the display  81 .