JP2005348213A - Remote operating device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote operating means which sufficiently prevents an incorrect operation by one set and which can reduce a cost. <P>SOLUTION: All functions and fundamental function of a device are properly used by one set of a remote controller 1 on the basis of a group division of an operation key 12 of a main function group GM, a sub-function group GS and all functional group GU with simple configurations called status change key 13 or hole 112 provided in the interior of a housing 11. Accordingly, two sets of remote controllers, an enclosure, a door member become unnecessary, and the cost can be remarkably reduced. Simultaneously, the status change key 13 is pressed by a pressing member, such as a pen, through a hole 112 formed in the housing 11. Accordingly, setting and resetting of operation limit of unprepared remote controller 1 is prevented. The incorrect operation of the remote controller 1 is prevented certainly by being coupled with the above proper use. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote control device.

Conventionally, as means for operating a device such as a television receiver or a VTR (Videotape Recorder), a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) such as a remote controller having operation keys such as various buttons and knobs corresponding to each function of the device. An operating device is being used.
In recent years, the number of channels has increased with the spread of satellite broadcasting and terrestrial digital broadcasting, and devices have become multifunctional in response to multi-screen display, sound quality adjustment, program reservation, mutual connection of devices, and the like. Along with this, the number of operation keys on the remote control is also increasing. Usually, only a part of these operation keys that are used for basic operations are used frequently. Numerous operation keys that can never be touched are arranged. For this reason, there is a situation that erroneous operations are likely to occur, such as accidentally pressing a key that is not intended.

In such a situation, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, apart from the remote controller 3 having many operation keys 32 corresponding to all functions of the device, a small number corresponding to frequently used basic functions. The simple remote controller 4 having only the operation keys 42 is prepared, and the two remote controllers 3 and 4 are properly used as necessary.
On the other hand, a removable cover is provided on the remote control housing, and only the operation keys corresponding to the basic functions of the device are provided on the surface of the cover, and all functions are supported on the surface of the housing covered with this cover. Some of them are provided with an operation key (Patent Document 1). In this case, only basic functions can be used when the cover is attached, and all functions can be used when the cover is removed.
FIG. 2 shows a remote controller 5 similar to this remote controller. The casing 51 of the remote controller 5 has a double structure in which a door 511 is provided, and operation keys 512 for basic functions are provided on the surface of the door 511, and more details are provided on the inner side of the door 511. A large number of operation keys 513 corresponding to various functions are provided, and the door 511 is opened and closed according to the application.
On the other hand, there is a remote control having a button switch for switching the contact point between the operation key and the control board and switching the valid / invalid state of the operation key. However, this switch is provided so as to protrude from the casing exterior.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-7387 (FIG. 1)

However, a configuration in which two remote controllers 3 and 4 are prepared as described above (FIG. 1), or a configuration including a cover and a door 511 (FIG. 2) increases the cost significantly.
On the other hand, in the example where the operation key invalid / valid state changeover switch is provided, this changeover switch touches the finger when handling the remote control, like the operation key buttons and knobs. There is a risk of accidental switching. That is, even if the operation key is properly used by the changeover switch in order to prevent erroneous operation of the operation key, it is not sufficiently effective.
For this reason, there is an example of a problem that it is impossible to sufficiently prevent erroneous operation of the operation keys and to reduce the cost.

As another problem, when two remote controllers are prepared, there are few examples in which the user uses both of these remote controllers, and it is troublesome to secure the location of each remote controller or to put it away, and the remote controller may be lost. It can also be exemplified.
On the other hand, in a configuration with a cover that is supposed to be attached and detached and a door that opens and closes, the cover may fall off when handling the remote control, or the door may be opened carelessly and the movable part may be damaged. It can be illustrated as

  In view of such a problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a remote control device that can sufficiently prevent erroneous operation and can reduce costs.

  The invention described in claim 1 includes a housing and a plurality of operation means provided on the outer surface of the housing and corresponding to the function of the device, and remotely operates the device by operating these operation means. The operation device, wherein the plurality of operation means are divided into a plurality of groups, and for each of these groups, an operation state switching means for switching a valid / invalid state of an operation by the operation means is provided inside the casing. It is provided in the remote control device.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 3 shows a remote controller 1 as a remote control device.
The remote controller 1 transmits an operation signal to a television receiver (not shown) as a device to operate the television receiver. The remote controller 1 is provided with a housing 11 and operations provided on the surface side of the housing 11. A number of operation keys 12 as means and a state switching key 13 as operation state switching means are provided. Here, examples of devices supported by the remote controller 1 include a VTR (Videotape Recorder), a device that records and reproduces a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), and the like. The remote controller can be used as a combined remote controller for a television receiver and a VTR. 1 may be configured. The remote controller 1 may be bundled with these devices or sold separately.

  The casing 11 has a flat, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a battery storage section (not shown) is formed on the back surface. From the battery stored in the battery storage section, the control board 15 (FIG. 4) inside the casing 11 and Electric power is supplied to an infrared LED (Light Emitting Diode) 16 or the like. The infrared LED 16 is disposed on the inner surface side of an acrylic window 111 formed at one end of the casing 11 in the longitudinal direction, and the infrared LED 16 causes the operation signal corresponding to the operation of the operation key 12 to be described above. It is transmitted to the (television receiver) as an infrared signal. The transmission from the remote controller 1 to the device is not limited to IrDA (Infrared Data Association) or infrared communication based on a proprietary standard, but can be widely adopted including a communication method using a laser or the like. For example, Bluetooth, wireless LAN (wireless Local Area) Various interfaces such as Network (USB), Universal Serial Bus (USB), and Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) can be employed.

The operation key 12 includes a power button 121 for turning on / off the television receiver, a plurality of channel buttons 122 for selecting a terrestrial analog television broadcast channel, a pair of channel moving buttons 122A, a terrestrial digital television broadcast, and a satellite. Number buttons 123 of “0” to “9” for inputting a broadcast channel number, a channel type button 124 for selecting a channel type, a pair of volume adjustment buttons 125 for adjusting the volume of the television receiver, and the remote control 1 or Various settings corresponding to each function of the television receiver, such as a setting button 126 for setting the “setting mode” as a maintenance state of the television receiver, a video input button 127, an audio mode button 128, and a two-screen display button 129. It consists of keys.
These operation keys 12 are push button switches, which rise from a switch contact 159 on a control board 15 (FIG. 4) inside the housing 11 and are made of synthetic resin or synthetic rubber from an opening formed in the housing 11. The part protrudes outside.

  The form of each operation key 12 is not limited to a push button switch, but may be a sheet-like panel provided on the surface of the housing 11. In this case, the operation key 12 is substantially along the outer surface of the housing 11. Formed flat. Further, the switch type of the operation key 12 is not limited to a push button switch, and a rotary knob, a slide lever, or the like can be adopted. Further, the switch is not limited to a mechanical switch, and may be an electrical switch.

These operation keys 12 are determined in color, shape, and the like according to each function of the television receiver, and the region of the casing 11 where the operation keys 12 are provided also includes the color, shape, and the like of the region. Is determined according to each function of the television receiver. For example, the power button 121 is red, each channel button 122 is circular, each numeric button 123 is rectangular, and a pair of volume adjustment buttons 125 are displayed as “∧” or “∨” representing high and low volume, respectively. ing. In addition, the surface of the housing 11 is color-coded into an area R1 provided with a volume adjustment button 125 and a setting button 126, an area R2 provided with a channel button 122, and an area R3 provided with a number button 123. The operation keys 12 provided on each have a group.

FIG. 4 is a circuit configuration diagram of the operation keys 12 and the control board 15.
The control board 15 converts an input processing circuit 151 that processes an operation signal from the operation key 12, an output circuit 152 that converts the signal processed by the input processing circuit 151, and outputs the signal to the infrared LED 16, and the operation key 12. The operation restriction circuit 153 related to the operation restriction, the state detection circuit 154 that detects the state of the operation restriction circuit 153, and a timer (not shown) that measures the time when the operation key 12 is pressed are configured. Yes.
Each operation key 12 is a push button switch as described above, and the switch is operated on the control board 15 when pressed.

Such an operation key 12 can be switched between valid / invalid state by the state switch key 13 only when the remote controller 1 is in the “setting mode”. Here, the valid state refers to a state in which an operation signal is input to the input processing circuit 151 of the control board 15 when the operation key 12 is pressed. Conversely, the invalid state refers to a state where the operation key 12 is pressed, This means that the operation signal is not input to the input processing circuit 151 of the control board 15 and the operation is restricted.
The valid / invalid state is set in a predetermined group unit. This group includes all function groups GU including all operation keys 12, a main function group GM as a partial function group including operation keys 12 corresponding to the basic functions of the television receiver, and a frequency of use. Is a sub-function group GS that includes operation keys 12 that are not as high as the operation keys 12 included in the main function group GM. The main function group GM includes a power button 121, a channel button 122, a channel movement button 122A, a volume adjustment button 125, and a setting button 126. On the other hand, the sub function group GS includes all the operation keys 12 other than the operation keys 12 included in the main function group GM. Specifically, the number buttons 123, the channel type buttons 124, the video input, and the like. The button 127, the voice mode button 128, the two-screen display button 129, and the like are included in the sub function group GS. The all function group GU is a union of the main function group GM and the sub function group GS.
Here, the operation key 12 included in the main function group GM is directly connected from the switch contact 159 to the input processing circuit 151, whereas the operation key 12 included in the sub function group GS is connected to the switch key 159. The contact 159 is connected to the input processing circuit 151 via the operation restriction circuit 153. 4 representatively illustrates connection of the operation keys 125 and 128 to the input processing circuit 151 to the operation restriction circuit 153. However, the operation keys 121, 122, and 126 are input in the same manner as the operation keys 125. The operation keys 123, 124, 127, and 129 are connected to the input processing circuit 151 through the operation restriction circuit 153 in the same manner as the operation keys 128.

  The operation restriction circuit 153 is a circuit that controls electrical connection / disconnection of the operation key 12 to / from the input processing circuit 151 as will be described later. When the operation restriction circuit 153 is electrically disconnected between the operation key 12 included in the sub function group GS and the input processing circuit 151, the remote controller 1 is in an operation restricted state.

Returning to FIG. 3, the state switching key 13 is a push switch provided so as to be housed in the housing 11, and the tip of the finger is inserted into the housing 11 at a position corresponding to the state switching key 13. A small hole 112 having a small size is formed. Specifically, the state switching key 13 extends from the switch contact 159 of the control board 15 to the vicinity of the back surface of the housing 11 and can be seen through the hole 112, but does not protrude from the outer surface of the housing 11 (FIG. 5). ).
As shown in FIG. 4, the state switching key 13 is connected from the switch contact 159 to the operation restriction circuit 153 via the state detection circuit 154.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the operation restriction circuit 153 has an internal switch 153A corresponding to the operation key 12 included in the sub function group GS. This internal switch 153A is for simultaneously switching electrical connection / disconnection of the operation keys 12 included in the sub-function group GS to the input processing circuit 151. The switching of the internal switch 153A is performed through the state detection of the internal switch 153A by the state detection circuit 154. This state detection circuit 154 is a circuit that detects the state of the internal switch 153A every time the state switch key 13 is pressed. The state detection circuit 154 detects that the internal switch 153A is ON. The state is switched according to the detection result of the state detection circuit 154, such as OFF when OFF is detected and ON when OFF is detected. That is, when the internal switch 153A of the operation restriction circuit 153 is turned ON, the operation key 12 included in the sub function group GS is connected to the input processing circuit 151, and when the internal switch 153A is turned OFF, The operation keys 12 included in the sub function group GS are disconnected from the input processing circuit 151.

The operation of the remote controller 1 described above will be described with reference to FIG.
First, when the remote controller 1 is in a state where the operation is not restricted, the internal switch 153A of the operation restriction circuit 153 is ON. In this state, a power button 121, a channel button 122, a channel movement button 122A, a volume adjustment button 125, a setting button 126, a number button 123, a channel type button 124, a video input button 127, an audio mode button 128, 2 All the operation keys 12 such as the screen display button 129 are in a valid state. In this case, the switch contact 159 is connected by pressing each operation key 12, and an operation signal corresponding to each operation key 12 is input to the input processing circuit 151. This operation signal is processed by the input processing circuit 151, output to the output circuit 152, and further output to the infrared LED 16. When the operation signal is transmitted to the television receiver as an infrared signal by the infrared LED 16, the television receiver operates according to the received signal. Specifically, when one of the channel buttons 122 is selected and pressed, the channel is displayed on the television receiver, and when the volume adjustment button 125 is pressed, the output volume of the television receiver is increased. Will change.

  In order to restrict the operation of the remote controller 1, first, the remote controller 1 needs to be set to the “setting mode” by pressing the setting button 126 for a predetermined second (long pressing). In this “setting mode”, various settings of the remote controller 1 can be performed by pressing the setting button 126 as appropriate, and are included in the sub function group GS by pressing (long pressing) the state switching key 13 for a predetermined time. The operation key 12 can be invalidated.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the state switching key 13.
Here, the state switching key 13 is at the position of the hole 112 of the casing 11 of the remote controller 1 as shown in FIG. 5, but the hole 112 is so small that the tip of the finger does not enter, and the state switching key 13 is Since it does not protrude from the outer surface of the housing 11, the fingertip hits the outer surface of the housing 11 and the state switching key 13 cannot be pressed. Therefore, in order to press the state switching key 13, it is necessary to use an arbitrary pressing member X having a smaller diameter than the hole 112, such as a pen, a toothpick, and a hairpin, and to insert the distal end portion of the pressing member X into the hole 112. It becomes. The pressing of the state switching key 13 by the pressing member X is timed by a timer of the input processing circuit 151, and an electric signal flows through the state detection circuit 154 when a predetermined time has elapsed. Based on the state detection of the internal switch 153A by the state detection circuit 154, the internal switch 153A is switched. Here, since the ON state of the internal switch 153A is detected, the internal switch 153A is switched to the OFF state. Thereby, the setting of the operation restriction of the remote controller 1 ends, the operation of the remote controller 1 is restricted, and the “setting mode” is released. Whether or not the mode is “setting mode” is stored in the input processing circuit 151, and the “setting mode” is also displayed when a predetermined time has passed in the “setting mode” or when the operation key 12 other than the setting button 126 is pressed. "Mode" is released.

  Due to the operation limitation of the remote controller 1 as described above, the operation keys 12 included in the sub-function group GS are not electrically connected to the input processing circuit 151 even when pressed, and are in an operation invalid state. . Here, the invalid state is the numeric button 123, the channel type button 124, the video input button 127, the audio mode button 128, the two-screen display button 129, etc., and the power button 121, the channel button 122, the channel movement button 122A, The volume adjustment button 125 can be used effectively as usual. For example, the channel type button 124 and the numeric button 123 corresponding to satellite broadcasting and digital terrestrial broadcasting do not operate the television receiver even if pressed, but the channel button 122 corresponding to terrestrial analog television broadcasting. The channel moving button 122A can be pressed according to the target channel to change the image receiving channel of the television receiver.

  On the other hand, the procedure for releasing the operation restriction on the remote controller 1 is the same as the procedure for restricting the operation of the remote controller 1. That is, after pressing the setting button 126 for a predetermined time to enter the “setting mode” and pressing the state switch key 13 for a predetermined time before the predetermined time elapses, the operation restriction of the remote controller 1 is released and all the operation keys are released. 12 becomes an effective state, and all functions of the television receiver can be used.

According to such 1st embodiment, there exist the following effects.
(1) Since the remote controller 1 can be used for all functions and basic functions of the television receiver with a single unit as described above, a simple remote controller, a cover, a door member, etc. are not required, and the cost is low. In addition, there are no inconveniences such as the problem of the location of the remote control, the trouble of attaching / detaching the cover and opening / closing the door, and the damage during handling.
Here, even when an unintended operation key 12 among the many operation keys 12 of the remote control 1 is accidentally pressed, the operation of the remote control 1 by the state switching key 13 restricts the device such as a television receiver. It is possible to prevent unintended operation. Since this state switching key 13 is provided inside the housing 11, it will not be switched by touching a fingertip or the like inadvertently. As a result, if the operation of the remote controller 1 is restricted so that only the basic functions of the television receiver can be used normally, there is no confusion in channel operation, and even a user unfamiliar with the operation can select the desired channel. You can choose without hesitation. On the other hand, when a special function is required, the remote controller 1 can be used in a comfortable and reliable manner, such as using the remote controller 1 with the operational restrictions removed. The operation keys 12 are enabled or disabled on a group basis of the main function group GM, sub function group GS, and all function groups GU, and the clarity of this grouping leads to ease of use of the remote controller 1. ing.

(2) Further, it is necessary to use the pressing member X such as a pen or a toothpick to touch the state switching key 13 simply by forming the hole 112 in the housing 11, which is normally used when handling these remote controls 1. Without the pressing member X, it becomes impossible to set or cancel the operation restriction of the remote controller 1, so that erroneous operation of the remote controller 1 can be surely prevented.

(3) Further, the operation restriction setting and the setting cancellation of the remote controller 1 are limited to the “setting mode” which is a maintenance state of the remote controller 1, and this state is in a normal use state in which volume adjustment, channel selection, etc. are performed. Therefore, the possibility of erroneously restricting the operation of the remote controller 1 becomes very low.
(4) In addition to this, in order to restrict the operation of the remote controller 1, after pressing the setting button 126 for a predetermined time, the state switch key 13 is further pressed for a predetermined second during the predetermined time in the “setting mode”. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of the remote controller 1 more reliably.

(5) Since the color and shape of each operation key 12 and the color and shape of the area of the housing 11 provided with the operation key 12 are determined in accordance with each function of the television receiver, many operations are performed. The operation keys 12 corresponding to the target function can be easily grasped from the keys 12, and the operability is improved.

(6) The television receiver (not shown) can be used together with the remote controller 1 that is included or sold separately, so that it can enjoy the same operations and effects as those of the remote controller 1 described above. Therefore, even if many functions are provided according to the increase in the number of channels and the new technology, the television receiver and its remote controller 1 can be easily used without any confusion in operation.
In addition, here, the power button 121, the channel button 122, the channel movement button 122A, and the volume adjustment button 125 are included in the main function group GM, so that the operation of the remote controller 1 is limited to these frequently used functions. Thus, the television receiver and the remote controller 1 can be used simply and comfortably.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the first embodiment, the state switching key 13 is provided inside the housing 11 near the hole 112. On the other hand, the present embodiment is different in that the housing 11 does not have the hole 112 and the state switching button is provided inside the battery storage unit on the rear side of the housing. This will be specifically described below.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the remote controller 2 of this embodiment as viewed from the back.
The casing 21 of the remote controller 2 has a battery storage portion 24 having a rectangular shape in plan view on the back surface. The battery storage portion 24 includes a lid portion 242 that covers the recess 241 that is recessed from the outer surface of the casing 11. It is configured. In FIG. 6, the lid portion 242 is removed, and this state corresponds to the maintenance state of the remote controller 1 as in the “setting mode” described above.
Here, the recessed portion 241 has a stepped shape in which the opening periphery is shallow and recessed (stepped portion 241A), and a hole 241B in which the battery BT is accommodated is formed in the approximate center.
The step portion 241A is formed with an engaging portion 241C that engages with the protrusion 242A at the end of the lid portion 242 and a rectangular opening 241D, and a state changeover switch 23 is provided at a position corresponding to the opening 241D. ing.

As shown in FIG. 6, the state changeover switch 23 of the present embodiment is a slide switch having a protrusion 231 that can slide in the opening 241 </ b> D of the step portion 241 </ b> A, and is similar to the state changeover button 13 shown in FIG. 4. The base end is connected to the switch contact 159 of the control board 15.
Regardless of the “setting mode” of the remote controller 1, the state change switch 23 is turned on when the protrusion 231 is moved to one end of the opening 241D, and is turned off when the protrusion 231 is moved to the other end of the opening 241D.
Although the state changeover switch 23 is a slide type and it is not necessary to press the setting button 126, the configuration of the state changeover switch 23 is almost the same as the state changeover key 13 of the first embodiment, and by sliding the protrusion 231. The valid / invalid state of the operation key 12 is switched.
Except for this point, since the remote controller 2 has the same configuration and operation as the remote controller 1 of the first embodiment, the operation of the remote controller 2 will be described only briefly.
That is, by removing the lid 242 from the recess 241 and switching the state changeover switch 23 at the stepped portion 241B to ON or OFF, the operation restriction of the remote controller 1 is set and canceled. At this time, since the state changeover switch 23 is provided in the stepped portion 241A at a position away from the hole 241B, the state changeover switch 23 can be operated with the battery BT still housed in the hole 241B.

According to such 2nd Embodiment, in addition to the effect described by (1), (3), (5), (6) of 1st Embodiment, there exist the following effects.
(7) Since the state changeover switch 23 is provided inside the lid portion 242, the state changeover switch 23 is not exposed to the outside, so that it is not touched by mistake. Therefore, erroneous operation can be avoided more reliably.

(8) Further, since the state changeover switch 23 is provided in the battery storage unit 24 that is normally provided in the remote controller, the cost is not increased.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but includes modifications and improvements as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved.
The form of the remote operation device is not limited to each of the above embodiments, and the form of the housing, operation means, and operation state switching means is not limited to the shape, position, number, etc. of each of the above embodiments.
For example, in each of the above embodiments, the operation key 12 is a push button switch, but the form of the operation means is arbitrary. Up, down, left and right buttons, a rotary knob, a dial, a lever, a push button, a pull-out switch, three What is necessary is just to select an appropriate thing according to the function of an apparatus, such as a slider switch which can be set to the above state, or a set of buttons.
In addition, the color, shape, position, number, etc. of the operation means can be determined as appropriate, but depending on the function of the device and the group to which it belongs, the color or shape is ideographic, or characters and symbols corresponding to the function are displayed as appropriate. It is preferable.

In each of the above embodiments, the operation keys 12 are grouped such as the main function group GM, the sub function group GS, and the total function group GU that is the union of these groups. Is not limited to this. In each of the embodiments, the main function group GM and the sub function group GS are in an exclusive relationship and are included in all the function groups GU. For example, they are included in both the main function group GM and the sub function group GS. There may be an operation key 12. In short, regarding the grouping of each operation means, each operation means is appropriately assigned to one group and the other group so that there is no duplication of the operation means between the groups, or for some operation means, It can be configured to belong to only one of the groups or can be arbitrarily configured.
Further, the grouping of the operation means is not limited to two, and there may be three or more groups. In this case, the operation state switching unit may be configured to always enable one group of operation units, or may be configured to enable a plurality of groups of operation units.

On the other hand, the shape, position, and the like of the operation state switching means are not limited to the above embodiments as in the case of the operation means, and may be provided inside the casing of the device. Two or more operation state switching means may be provided as necessary.
By indicating the state in which the operation of the remote control device is restricted by the operation state switching means by turning on an indicator lamp such as an LED, the handleability can be improved. Further, when the remote control device is provided with a liquid crystal display unit for displaying information such as the mode setting state, the selected channel, the video title being played back, etc., it is possible to display the presence or absence of operation restrictions on this liquid crystal display unit. .

  Further, in the first embodiment, the pressing of the state switching key 13 is effective only in the “setting mode”. However, as in the second embodiment, the state switching is performed regardless of the “setting mode”. The key 13 may be usable. However, operation limits can be inadvertently set by enabling switching of operation states only in the “maintenance state” of a remote control device that is different from the normal operation state as in this “setting mode”. Can be avoided.

  Note that, as the “maintenance mode”, it may be determined that the remote operation device is in the “maintenance mode” when the remote operation device is directed to a predetermined posture different from that when the device is remotely operated. . For this purpose, for example, a sensor for detecting a predetermined posture (for example, upside down) of the remote control device, a sensor for detecting contact between a predetermined portion (for example, a corner portion) of the housing and an arbitrary member, and the like are provided. May be.

In the second embodiment, the state changeover switch 23 is provided in the concave portion 241 of the battery storage portion 24. In other words, the battery storage portion 24 serves as both the storage portion of the battery BT and the storage portion of the state changeover switch 23. Therefore, it is advantageous in terms of cost. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the storage section for providing the state changeover switch 23 and the storage section for the battery BT may be separate.
For example, in the case where the remote controller 1 operates with a solar panel and a solar battery and does not require a battery, it is conceivable to form a storage section dedicated to the state changeover switch 23.

The form and specifications of the remote control device are not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, depending on the various functions of the device that the remote control device supports, such as a VTR (Videotape Recorder) and a DVD recorder (Digital Versatile Disk Recorder), Of course, the operation keys may be appropriately increased or decreased. The remote control device may be configured to be detachable from these devices.
The transmission method of the remote control device is not limited to infrared rays, and various methods using sound waves, radio waves, electromagnetic waves, and the like can be employed. Further, the communication between the remote operation device and the device is not limited to the mode in which the operation signal is transmitted from the remote operation device to the device.

[Effects of Embodiment]
As described above, the operation keys 12 of the main function group GM, the sub function group GS, and the all function group GU have a simple configuration including the state change key 13 and the state change switch 23 provided in the housings 11 and 21. Based on the grouping, all the functions and basic functions of the television receiver (not shown) can be used properly with one remote controller 1, so two remote controllers, covers, and door members are not required, which is significantly lower. Cost can be reduced.
Further, when pressing the state change key 13 and the state change switch 23, it is necessary to use a pressing member X such as a pen or to remove the cover 242. In combination with the operation limitation due to proper use of the operation keys 12, erroneous operation of the remote controller 1 can be reliably prevented.

The top view which shows the prior art example of a remote control device. The top view which shows the other conventional example of a remote control apparatus. 1 is a plan view of a remote control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a circuit configuration diagram illustrating switching of an operation valid / invalid state by an operation unit in the first embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the state switch key 13 in 1st Embodiment, and is a figure explaining the pressing method of this state switch key 13. FIG. The perspective view which looked at the remote control device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention from the back side (state which removed the cover part of the battery accommodating part).

Explanation of symbols

1, 2 ... Remote control 11, 21 ... Housing 12 ... Operation keys (operation means)
13. State switching button (operation state switching means)
23 ... State changeover switch (operation state changeover means)
24 ... Battery compartment 112 ... Hole 121 ... Power button 122 ... Channel button 122A ... Channel movement button 125 ... Volume adjustment button 241 ... Recess 242 ... Lid GM ... Main function group GS ... Sub function group GU ... All function group X ... Press member

Claims (9)

A remote operation device including a housing and a plurality of operation means provided on an outer surface of the housing and corresponding to the function of the device, and operating the device by operation of these operation means,
These plurality of operation means are divided into a plurality of groups,
An operation state switching means for switching between valid / invalid states of operation by the operation means for each of these groups is provided inside the casing. The remote control device according to claim 1,
The remote operation device according to claim 1, wherein the group includes an all function group including all of the plurality of operation means and a partial function group including a part of the plurality of operation means. The remote control device according to claim 1 or 2,
A remote operation device characterized in that switching by the operation state switching means is possible only in a maintenance state of any of setting, management and maintenance related to operation. The remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the casing is sized to prevent a tip of a finger from entering, and has a hole for operating the operation state switching means. The remote control device according to claim 4, wherein
The remote operation device characterized in that the operation state switching means can switch the valid / invalid state only when a pressing member that can be inserted into the hole is used. The remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The housing includes a storage unit having a lid that covers the recess,
The remote operation device, wherein the operation state switching means is provided inside the storage section. The remote control device according to claim 6,
The remote control device is characterized in that the storage unit also serves as a battery storage unit for storing a battery for supplying power to the remote control device. The remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The operation means has at least one of color, shape, color of an area where the operation means is provided on the outer surface of the housing, and shape determined according to each function of the device to which the operation means corresponds. A remote control device characterized by that. The remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The partial function group of the remote operation device includes at least operation means corresponding to power on / off of the device, operation means corresponding to channel switching related to the output, and operation means corresponding to volume adjustment of the sound. A remote control device characterized in that any one of them is included.

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