JP2009229009A - Remote control device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote control device capable of suitably displaying operation states of an object air conditioner and a cold equipment in an easily-viewable manner, composed of a small number of keys, excellent in design, and easy to operate/set as intended even if a user does not have the manual. <P>SOLUTION: The remote control device 1 provided for an air conditioner, a cold equipment and/or a water heater equipment includes a liquid crystal display part 2 having a dot-matrix display panel for displaying based on a display signal, a function key part 4 for transmitting an operation signal when pressed down, a fixed key part 5 for transmitting an operation signal according to a predetermined processing when pressed down, and a control processing means 100 for displaying an operation state of the equipment in letters and/or patterns and for transmitting the display signal for displaying operation contents corresponding to the operation state of the equipment by a function key to a display means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention comprises a display means having a dot matrix type display panel, a function key and a fixed key, and a remote control for performing operation, setting input, status display, etc. for an air conditioner, a cooling / heating device, a water heater, etc. It relates to the device.

  For example, indoor units such as air conditioners are often installed at high positions in the room. For example, air conditioners, refrigeration equipment, and water heaters that are operated and set by users (hereinafter referred to as users) Such devices (hereinafter referred to as air conditioners, etc.) are often installed at locations remote from the user. For this reason, it is common to install a remote control device in order to perform operations such as operation / stop, mode switching, schedule setting, and the like. In the remote control device, for example, liquid crystal display means and LED display means are provided as a display unit. Here, in many liquid crystal display means, the character and design display patterns necessary for setting the operating state and operating conditions of the air conditioner etc. are fixedly printed in advance, and only a fixed display is performed at a fixed position. I can't. Further, the LED display means has a lighted portion fixed by a segment, and the displayable content is limited to numbers, decimal points, and some English characters. There is also a remote control device in which a part of the liquid crystal display area is a dot matrix display and only a limited part can be displayed freely.

  One or more of these remote control devices are connected to one indoor unit such as an air conditioner, or one or more units are connected to a plurality of indoor units. For example, a wall is provided for each floor or partition. It is attached to. The remote control device is provided with many buttons (keys) such as an operation / stop button, an operation mode button, a wind direction button, and a wind speed button. In order to understand the name of each button and the operation / setting contents (hereinafter referred to as operation contents), characters are printed around each button or around the button, and the user looks at the printed characters. Use the dedicated buttons to perform desired operations such as indoor unit operation / stop, operation mode, wind direction, wind speed, etc. For example, if the current indoor unit operation status is “running, 23 ° C., cooling, downwind”, press the set temperature increase button twice to change to “running, 25 ° C, heating, wind improvement” (23 ° C → 24 ° C → 25 ° C), operation mode button pressed three times (cooling → dry → air blowing → heating), wind direction button pressed once (wind down → wind improvement) , Called operation).

  On the other hand, there are often no dedicated buttons when shifting to the schedule setting menu of the indoor unit, trial operation, detailed setting of operation for the remote control device main body, and the like. For example, when shifting to the setting of the remote control device main body, there are those that switch the setting menu by simultaneously pressing two buttons having different meanings such as simultaneously pressing the operation switching button and the timer on / off button for 3 seconds or more (for example, Patent Documents). 1).

  In addition, a fixed switch is provided at the bottom of the display unit, and the switch name is displayed on the display unit. If the desired switch name cannot be obtained, a menu switching key different from the fixed switch is displayed until the desired display is displayed. When a desired switch name is obtained by pressing, there is a remote control device that selects a setting item with a fixed switch at the bottom of the display unit, and changes a setting value with an up key and a down key separately provided (for example, a patent) Reference 2).

  Recently, some remote control devices are equipped with up / down / left / right keys, which are popular in mobile phones, etc., and a cross key with a push button in the center. In some cases, a predetermined direction portion of the cross key is pressed to apply, and the center push button (decision key) is pressed while the target setting menu is focused, and the setting screen is displayed. .

On the other hand, in a system remote control device that systematically manages the entire building or all of the air conditioners in units of offices, a device provided with a liquid crystal display unit or a CRT display unit provided with a touch panel is used. In such a system remote control apparatus, instead of physical buttons, operation soft keys are displayed on the display screen. When the user presses the display area of this soft key, the input and the pressed position are detected by the touch panel so that all or a part of the operation state of the air conditioner can be set. In addition, the number, position, and type of these soft keys change depending on the displayed screen.
JP 2006-29687 A (FIG. 1) JP-A-2-264597 (FIG. 1)

  As described above, in a remote control device in which a large number of dedicated buttons are arranged, a desired operation can be performed by pressing the dedicated buttons. It can be pushed. For this reason, it is necessary for the user to press and operate while considering which button is the currently valid button, and the user sometimes presses a button that is unrelated to the desired operation or an invalid button.

  In addition, because many buttons are exposed and the design is impaired, buttons that are used infrequently are often covered with a cover, etc., and it is necessary to open the cover and press the buttons. Was getting worse.

  There is no dedicated button when performing setting operations other than operations related to the operating state of the air conditioner to be operated, such as setting the remote control device itself. For example, two buttons with different meanings can be pressed simultaneously to Since it is necessary to perform operations such as shifting to the setting mode, it is difficult for the user to look at the buttons or the characters printed around the buttons and to associate these operations, and there is no manual at hand. The operation was not possible.

  Furthermore, when adding setting items for the operation state of an air conditioner or the like to be operated, it may be necessary to add buttons as many as the number of items to be added. For this reason, it has become complicated to search for a dedicated button due to the increase in buttons, and the mold of the case has to be changed to increase the number of buttons, resulting in increased mold costs and an increased development period.

  When the display unit is a fixed display, for example, when the conventional indoor unit has three types of wind direction: horizontal, 45 ° below and 90 ° below, 30 ° below is added to the remote control. Printing of characters, designs, etc. below 30 ° had to be added to the liquid crystal as the display unit of the apparatus, and it was necessary to newly manufacture display means for that purpose. As a result, costs associated with LCD manufacturing are incurred and the development period increases.In addition, display is added to the gaps in the existing display. It was small and difficult to see. In addition, when there is no display gap, it may occur even when the existing display layout is reviewed.

  Further, in the above-described remote control device of Patent Document 2, when a menu switching key is separately provided and a desired switch name is not displayed on the display unit, it is understood that the presence or absence of the desired name is not operated by continuing to press the menu switching key. Absent. Also, after selecting a setting item with the fixed key at the bottom of the display, it is not the fixed key that changes the setting value, but another up key or down key at a remote location must be pressed to operate. In addition, there is a possibility that the user may be confused because the positions of the switches to be pressed are dispersed.

  A remote control device provided with a cross key is familiar as an operation method due to the popularization of mobile phones and the like, and is easy to operate by adjusting the angle of the hand in a device that is held in the hand. However, with a remote control device of the type that is fixed to the wall used in an air conditioner, etc., the key position cannot be moved freely and the angle cannot be changed. Sexuality gets worse.

  A remote control device equipped with a liquid crystal with a touch panel and a CRT display unit has a high degree of freedom in display design, and it is possible to flexibly cope with the addition of functions without new production of liquid crystals. However, since a portion for displaying information and the like and a portion for displaying soft keys are mixed in the display portion, it takes time to study a user-friendly design. In addition, when the screen is switched, the position and size of the soft key may change, causing the user to be confused. Furthermore, it is necessary to secure a certain size (area) for the size of the soft key in order to prevent erroneous operation. For this reason, if the screen is small, the design flexibility is sacrificed to secure the area occupied by the soft keys. Further, the cost increases due to the touch panel structure. Unlike a normal switch, the touch when pressed is sparse, and it is a disadvantage that the user cannot feed back the touch of whether or not a soft key on the touch panel is pressed.

  This invention is based on the above circumstances, and the purpose of the present invention is to display the operation state of the air conditioner and the cooling / heating apparatus as the operation target appropriately and easily without using a touch panel or a large display device. In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a remote control device that is configured with a small number of keys, has a good design, and can be easily operated and set even without a manual.

  A remote control device according to the present invention is a remote control device provided for an air conditioner, a cooling / heating device and / or a device related to a water heater, and has a dot matrix type display panel for performing display based on a display signal. Display means, a function key that transmits an operation signal when pressed, a fixed key that transmits an operation signal according to a predetermined process when pressed, and the operation state of the device in characters and / or symbols Control processing means for transmitting a display signal to the display means for displaying and displaying the operation content according to the operation state of the device by the function key.

  According to the present invention, the number of keys can be reduced because the operation can be performed not by a plurality of dedicated keys (buttons) but by function keys that can assign different operation contents depending on the contents of the screen display. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the size and improve the design of the remote control device. In addition, the user can perform an accurate operation by pressing an effective function key at that time without being confused about which button to press. Further, since the operation contents of the function keys are displayed on the display panel of the display means, the operation can be easily performed without knowing the operation method. In addition, since the operation contents of the function keys are displayed according to the operation state, the user can operate the function keys while confirming the operation state.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is an external view of a remote control device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a remote control device 1 that communicates with an indoor unit of an air conditioner will be described. The remote control device 1 (hereinafter referred to as the remote controller 1) includes a liquid crystal display unit 2 having a dot matrix display type display panel for displaying functions and states of an air conditioner, etc., when pressed by a user. Depending on the operation contents displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2 and the function key unit 4 including the function keys 4a to 4d for processing corresponding to a plurality of functions and settings by changing the meaning of the operation signal to be transmitted. Rather, a fixed key portion 5 having fixed keys 5a to 5d that transmit operation signals for processing corresponding to a certain function is provided on the surface of the case (housing).

  For example, a main screen 20 as shown in FIG. 1 is displayed on the display panel of the liquid crystal display unit 2. On the main screen 20, the main display part displays the function and operating state of the air conditioner etc. with characters, pictures (icons, pictograms, pictograms), etc., and the main display part according to the position of the function key part 4. The operation content related to the function keys 4a to 4d can be displayed in the lower part (hereinafter, this display part is referred to as the operation guide 3). At this time, it is assumed that the contents such as the state displayed on the main display part and the operation contents displayed on the operation guide 3 are related.

  In addition, four function keys 4a to 4d are provided in the function key section 4 of the present embodiment. However, the number of function keys is not limited to this. The function keys 4a to 4d are rectangular keys and are provided along one side of the display panel. The horizontal (longitudinal direction) dimensions and the vertical alignment positions of the function keys 4a to 4d and the function keys 4a to 4d of the operation guide 3 displaying the operation contents are easy to understand. Almost match. Further, if the gap between the operation guide 3 and the function key unit 4 is too large, it is difficult for the user to imagine the relevance. Therefore, it is desirable that the clearance be 10 mm or less so that the relevance can be easily understood. Further, when there are obstacles due to the internal structure of the remote control 1 and it is difficult to narrow the gap, the function keys 4a to 4d can be set by printing a frame or a recess of the case as shown in FIG. The same effect can be obtained even if the decoration is made to look pseudo large and the gap between the operation guide and the decoration is 10 mm or less. Hereinafter, when the function keys 4a to 4d are not distinguished, they are referred to as a function key section 4.

  Here, as described above, the operation contents of the function keys 4a to 4d displayed on the operation guide 3 change in the same manner as the display contents of the main display portion. Therefore, even if the operation content is printed on the function keys 4a to 4d, the operation guide 3 and the printed content are often different. For this reason, the operation contents are not printed in the case of the function keys 4a to 4d and the peripheral remote controller 1 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the function key unit 4 is arranged at the lower part of the liquid crystal display unit 2, so that the operation guide 3 is displayed at the lower part of the main display part on the display screen. However, for example, depending on the arrangement of the function key unit 4 with respect to the liquid crystal display unit 2, the operation guide 3 may be displayed on the upper part of the liquid crystal display unit 2 or on the left and right parts of the liquid crystal display unit 2. For example, in the case of left and right, the function key unit 4 and the operation guide 3 are arranged in a vertical arrangement.

  The fixed key unit 5 is provided with four fixed keys, for example, a “menu” fixed key 5a, a “return” fixed key 5b, a “decision” fixed key 5c, and an “run / stop” fixed key 5d. However, the processing content performed by deploying the fixed key is not limited to this. Here, since the processing content when the user operates the fixed key is fixed and determined, the operation content at the time of pressing is previously printed in characters on the design surface. These prints may be graphics, or may be printed at other locations around the key instead of the key design surface.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating another external appearance example of the remote controller. In the present embodiment, the square shaped fixed keys 5a to 5d are arranged in a line at the lower end of the remote controller 1, but, for example, as shown in the fixed keys 5e to 5h in FIG. In addition, since the shape of the function key may be changed, the shape of the function key may be a horizontally long oval or a circle instead of a rectangle.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of each key constituting the function key unit 4 and the fixed key unit 5. As shown in FIG. 3, a key top 30 is attached to a case (housing) 1 a of the remote controller 1, and a push switch 31 is fixed on a printed circuit board 32. The key top 30 is exposed to the outside as shown in FIG. Normally, the key top 30 and the push switch 31 are in a separated state, and at this time, the push switch 31 is in an OFF state. When the key top 30 is pressed by the user's operation, the protrusion 30a below the key top 30 presses the push switch 31, and the push switch 31 is turned on to transmit an operation signal.

  Here, the key top 30 is configured to transmit the operation signal when the push switch 31 is pressed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when an electrode is embedded in the key top and the key top is pressed, two electrode circuit patterns printed on the printed circuit board are electrically connected to each other so that an operation signal can be transmitted. By doing so, it is good also as a structure which does not use a push switch.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a system configuration using the remote controller 1. The indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner that is a communication target of the remote controller 1 and the remote controller 1 are connected for communication by the transmission line 11. Through the transmission line 11, the indoor unit 10 and the remote controller 1 transmit and receive signals including various data, and the indoor unit 10 supplies power to the remote controller 1. Therefore, the remote controller 1 operates by receiving power from the indoor unit 10.

  Here, the remote controller 1 communicates with the indoor unit 10 via, for example, a control processing unit 100 including a computer, a storage unit 101 for storing various data, and a transmission line 11 in a case (housing). The communication means 102 is provided.

  For example, the control processing unit 100 processes data and causes the communication unit 102 to transmit a signal including the processed data. In addition, each unit of the remote controller 1 is controlled. In particular, here, processing is performed based on the input operation signal transmitted from the function key unit 4 and the fixed key unit 5. In addition, a display signal related to the display screen is created based on the image data stored in the storage unit 101 and transmitted to the liquid crystal display unit 2.

  Here, the control processing means 100 can also be configured as a dedicated device (hardware) that performs the processing described in this embodiment and the like. However, here, the processing procedure is programmed in advance and configured by software, firmware, etc., and the control processing means 100 executes the program to perform processing. Therefore, when the process is changed, it can be dealt with by changing the data related to the program. Data related to the program is stored in the storage unit 101, for example. In addition, for example, data related to a program is stored in the indoor unit 10, and data related to a program included in a signal from the indoor unit 10 side is stored in the storage unit 101 during a startup process described later. May be. In this way, it is not necessary to store data relating to all processing programs performed by the control processing unit 100 in the storage unit 101, and the storage capacity can be reduced.

  The storage unit 101 temporarily or long-term stores data necessary for the control processing unit 101 to perform processing. In particular, here, image data for the control processing means 100 to create a display signal of a screen to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2 is stored. In addition, data related to the processing procedure program of the control processing means 100 described above is stored. The communication unit 102 is a unit serving as an interface for performing communication via the transmission line 11 between the remote controller 1 and the indoor unit 10.

  The control processing unit 100 of the remote controller 1 starts operation by receiving power from the indoor unit 10, performs an internal check process of the remote controller 1, and starts a start-up process for transmitting a signal to the indoor unit 10. In the start-up process, a signal including data such as a set temperature range in the indoor unit 10, a settable operation mode, the number of steps of the wind speed, the current operation state, and the like is transmitted via the transmission line 11. The communication unit 102 receives the signal, and the control processing unit 100 collects data included in the signal and stores it in the storage unit 101. The data relating to the function of the indoor unit 10 stored in the storage unit 101 is reflected when, for example, the control processing unit 100 performs a process of determining items on the setting screen and a display range (a set temperature range, etc.) of a set value. The Further, the control processing unit 100 generates a display signal of the main screen 20 representing the collected operating state of the air conditioner 10 based on the image data stored in the storage unit 101 and transmits the display signal to the liquid crystal display unit 2.

  Then, on the main screen 20 that displays the current operating state of the indoor unit 10 as shown in FIG. 1, the operation guide 3 of the function key unit 4 is displayed below the liquid crystal display unit 2. Thereafter, the display content of the operation guide 3 is changed together with the content displayed on the main part of the liquid crystal display unit 2. Note that the operation guide 3 may not be displayed depending on the screen to be displayed, such as a screen that does not require the function key unit 4 to be pressed. Here, on the main screen 20 in FIG. 1, there is also a relevance between a pattern or the like representing the state of the indoor unit 10 displayed on the main display portion displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2 and each operation content of the operation guide 3. The vertical alignment positions are matched to give them. For example, on the main screen 20 as shown in FIG. 1, the function key 4a serves as a wind speed switching key. In FIG. 1, the character “wind speed” is displayed in the operation guide 3 located immediately above the function key 4a. In the main display portion, the operating state of wind speed (automatic wind speed) is displayed as a picture or the like at a position immediately above where the character is displayed.

  Next, a specific screen display example will be described. First, an example of an operation setting screen for the indoor unit 10 used on a daily basis will be described. In the liquid crystal display unit 2 of FIG. 1, as a display example after the start-up process of the remote controller 1 is completed, the current operation state of the indoor unit 10 (wind speed: automatic, set temperature: 23 ° C., mode: automatic operation cooling) Is displayed. Further, an operation guide 3 corresponding to the function key section 4 is displayed at the lower part of the liquid crystal display section 2, and characters of “wind speed” are displayed in a section corresponding to the function key 4a. When this display is made, the function key 4a serves as a wind speed switching key. Similarly, a character “−” is displayed in a portion corresponding to the function key 4 b of the operation guide 3, and at this time, the function key 4 b serves as a set temperature decrease key. Further, a character “+” is displayed in a portion corresponding to the function key 4c, and the function key 4c serves as a set temperature increase key. The character “mode” is displayed in the portion corresponding to the function key 4d, and the function key 4d serves as an operation mode switching key.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of another main screen 20 and the function key unit 4. In FIG. 1 described above, the operation guides 3 corresponding to the function keys 4b and 4c are independent from each other. However, as shown in FIG. 5, when adjacent function keys have similar meanings (for example, when paired), a plurality of function keys such as a set temperature guide 6 in the operation guide 3 are displayed. If it is displayed in accordance with the horizontal dimension, and a character or the like that is a superordinate concept (“temperature” in FIG. 5) when the function key is pressed is displayed in the center, the display becomes easier to understand.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display change example of the liquid crystal display unit 2 by an operation. FIG. 6 illustrates an operation when the function key 4a is operated as a representative example. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the indoor unit 10 is operating with the wind speed “automatic”. At this time, the function key 4a serves as a wind speed switching key. Every time the user presses the function key 4a once, an operation signal is input to the control processing means 100. Then, the contents to be displayed are determined based on the operation signal and a corresponding display signal is transmitted. Thereby, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the wind speed display on the liquid crystal display unit 2 is cyclically switched from “automatic” to “weak”, “medium”, “strong”, and “automatic”. Here, even if the function key 4a is not pressed once, if the pressed state is continued, the switching speed of the wind speed display may be accelerated and switched cyclically.

  For example, when the control processing unit 100 determines that the function key 4a is not pressed for a certain period of time (a signal is not transmitted), the control unit 100 confirms the operation and sends a signal including the determined wind speed setting data to the indoor unit 10 via the transmission line 11. Send to. When the indoor unit 10 receives the signal, the indoor unit 10 performs a process of switching the wind speed according to the wind speed setting data included in the signal. Hereinafter, the same communication is performed for signal transmission related to the setting from the remote controller 1 to the indoor unit 10.

  Similarly, when the function key 4b serving as the set temperature decrease key is pressed, the number of the set temperature displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2 decreases, and conversely, when the function key 4c serving as the set temperature increase key is pressed, the set temperature is decreased. The number increases. Further, every time the function key 4d serving as an operation mode switching key is pressed, the operation mode displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2 is cyclically switched between “heating”, “cooling”, “fan”, and “automatic”.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a main body setting screen when an air conditioner or the like is installed. Based on FIG. 7, a setting procedure and the like related to the main body of the remote controller 1 necessary for initial setting and the like will be described. The contents that can be set for the remote controller 1 main body include various things such as setting of the type of characters (language) to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2, limiting the temperature range in which the temperature can be set, and button locking for preventing mischief. is there. Here, a method for setting a weekly schedule will be described as a representative example. The weekly schedule shown here is, for example, set in association with a pattern of setting data such as time, set temperature, operation / stop, mode, etc. for each day of the week, and stores it in the storage means 101. Then, when the set designated day and time are reached, the control processing unit 100 transmits a signal including the associated setting data from the remote controller 1 side to the indoor unit 10 side. The indoor unit 10 performs processing based on the setting data received from the remote controller 1, and operates according to the setting contents.

  After the start-up process is completed in the remote controller 1, the control processing unit 100 transmits a display signal to display the main screen 20 on the liquid crystal display unit 2 as shown in FIG. 7 (hereinafter shown in FIG. 7). The display screen is a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2 based on a display signal transmitted by the control processing unit 100 by a key pressed by the user). As described above, the main screen 20 is a screen for performing operation settings for the indoor unit 10.

  When the user presses the “menu” key 5a while the main screen 20 is displayed, the setting items that can be set on the remote controller 1 and the operation frequency of the indoor unit 10 such as wind direction and louver on a daily basis are displayed. The main menu screen 21a on which setting items with a small number are displayed is displayed. Here, a triangular display is shown next to the item currently selected. When the function key 4a is pressed, the triangle display moves to the lower item, and when the function key 4b is pressed, the upper item moves. Along with this, items to be selected also change.

  An operation guide 3 for the function key section 4 is displayed at the bottom of the main menu screen 21a. Since only the up and down movement of the triangle display can be operated on the screen 21a, only the function keys 4a and 4b are necessary. Therefore, the operation guide 3 related to the function keys 4c and 4d is not displayed. Further, even if the user operates (presses) the function keys 4c and 4d, the control processing unit 100 does not perform processing (invalidates). As for the operation guide 3 for the function keys 4c and 4d, as in the screen 21b, the characters or the like are not displayed at the time of invalidity (background display) or the operation guide 3 portion is displayed in a different color. Also good.

  In order to set a weekly schedule, the user operates the function key 4a to move the triangle display to “schedule setting”. The screen 21b shows the display of this state. When the function key 4a is pressed too much and the “schedule setting” is passed, the function key 4b is pressed to move the triangle display upward.

  When the user operates (presses) the “OK” key 5c in the state of the screen 21b, the weekly schedule setting screen 22a is displayed. The screen 22a is the schedule setting content of the pattern 1 of Monday that has already been set, and the setting to start the operation at the set temperature of 25 ° C. in the operation mode currently stored in the indoor unit 10 at 8:15 am Show. An operation guide 3 for the function key section 4 is displayed at the bottom of the screen 22a. When the screen 22a is displayed, the function keys 4a and 4b are up and down keys for moving the triangle display for selecting the day item and the pattern item as setting targets. The function keys 4c and 4d function as day selection keys for moving in the horizontal (left and right) direction and selecting items for each day of the week when selecting the day of the week, as when the screen 22a is displayed. On the other hand, when the pattern number is selected as in the case where the screen 22b is displayed, it becomes a key for changing the pattern number.

  For example, when the user operates the “OK” key 5c while the screen 22a is displayed, the setting screen 22c related to the pattern 1 on Monday is displayed. Here, it is assumed that the operation start time, operation / stop, and setting temperature can be changed. At this time, the operation guide 3 for the function key section 4 is displayed at the bottom of the screen 22c. The function keys 4a and 4b are up and down keys for moving the triangle display for selecting an operation time item, an operation / stop item, and a set temperature item. The function keys 4c and 4d serve as time change keys for changing the time by increasing / decreasing the number of the operation time when the operation time is selected as when the screen 22c is displayed. In addition, when the operation / stop setting is performed as in the case where the screen 22d is displayed, the role of the setting change key for selecting the operation, stop, and-(no setting) by moving in the horizontal (left / right) direction. Fulfill. Further, when the set temperature is set as when the screen 22e is displayed, it plays the role of a set temperature change key for changing the set temperature by increasing or decreasing the set temperature number.

  For example, when the operation start time is changed to 8:30 am and the set temperature is changed to 27 ° C., the function key 4d is first pressed on the screen 22c, and the operation time is changed from “8:15” to “8:16” →. → Proceed as “8:30”. Here, in an item that may change a numerical value in a wide range such as time, when the function key is continuously pressed, the progression of the time number may be accelerated.

  Next, the user presses the function key 4a to move the setting target from “operation time” to “set temperature”. Then, by pressing the function key 4d, the set temperature is changed as “25 ° C.” → “26 ° C.” → “27 ° C.”. As a result of the operation as described above, the screen to be displayed is the screen 22e.

  When the user presses the enter key 5c while the screen 22e is displayed, the changed schedule of the pattern 1 for Monday is confirmed, the schedule setting update screen 23 is displayed, and the setting data is stored in the storage unit 101. .

  On the other hand, when the user presses the “return” key 5b while each screen is displayed, the screen returns to the previous screen. At this time, the setting that was being changed becomes invalid, and the existing setting value before the change becomes valid. Here, in order to quickly return to the upper screen, for example, when the user presses the “return” key 5b on the setting completion screen, or continuously continues to press the “return” key on each screen. In some cases, the control processing means 100 may perform a process of skipping the screen that has passed halfway and returning to the main menu screen 21a, 21b or the main screen 20.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control example of the control processing means 100 related to the operation on the remote controller 1. Based on FIG. 8, the operation input process in this Embodiment is demonstrated. By starting the key input process, the control processing unit 100 determines whether or not an operation signal related to pressing of the function key unit 4 and the fixed key unit 5 has been input in step S1. If it is determined that no operation signal is input, the main process in step S9 is performed. The main process is a process that collectively refers to various basic processes such as a scheduled communication process, a clock process, and a schedule process to be processed by the control processing unit 100 other than the operation instruction process. Here, detailed description of each process is omitted.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that an operation signal has been input, it is determined in step S2 from which key the operation signal is input, and based on this determination, the display should be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2. Processing for discriminating the contents and displaying the corresponding screen (screen display processing) is performed. For example, if it is determined that the menu key 5a is pressed, a display signal is generated and transmitted based on the image data stored in the storage means 101, and the main menu screen 21a shown in FIG. Display.

  Further, in step S3, it is determined whether or not an operation signal related to a setting change caused by pressing the function keys 4a to 4d is input. If this is an operation signal related to a setting change, it is data before confirmation in the middle of the change, and therefore it is determined whether or not the data only needs to be temporarily stored. If it is determined that the operation signal is related to the setting change, a temporary storage process is performed in step S4. If it is determined that the setting is not changed, step S4 is skipped without performing the temporary storage process. For example, in the case of an operation in the middle of changing the time setting of the weekly schedule, since the set time is not fixed, the data of the time being changed is temporarily stored. The means for storing data is not particularly limited, but here, for example, the storage means 101 is assumed.

  Next, in step S5, it is determined whether or not the pressed key is the enter key 5c. If it is determined that the key is the confirmation key 5c, in step S6, the storage unit 101 performs storage processing (data storage processing) using the determined data as setting data. If it is not the confirmation key 5c, step S6 is skipped.

  In step S7, it is determined whether or not the signal should be transmitted. Based on an operation signal generated by pressing the function key unit 4 and the fixed key 5d, the indoor unit 10 is communicated to determine whether there is a setting to be commanded. If it is determined that the setting is appropriate, a process (communication process) for causing the communication unit 102 to transmit a signal to the indoor unit 10 is executed in step 8, and if there is no match, the process returns to the main process in step S9. This is done each time a key is entered. Here, the control processing of the control processing unit 100 described above is an example, and other control methods may be used as long as the control can achieve the operation of the embodiment.

  As described above, according to the remote controller 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to operate with the function keys 4a to 4d in which the meaning of the operation signal is changed instead of a plurality of dedicated keys. The number of keys deployed to 1 can be reduced. For this reason, effects, such as size reduction of the remote control 1, improvement of a design, and the freedom degree of deployment, can be acquired. In addition, the user can simply select a key to be pressed from the effective function keys 4a to 4d at that time without being confused as to which key to press, so that an accurate operation is possible. In particular, since the actual operation method is not hierarchical even though it is easier to understand the operation when the classification of setting contents such as schedules is hierarchical, the upper and lower sides are particularly By assigning a key for moving in a direction or the like to a function key, the user can easily perform an operation.

  Further, since the operation contents of the function keys 4a to 4d are displayed as the operation guide 3 on the liquid crystal display unit 2, the operation can be easily performed without knowing the operation method. Furthermore, for example, the function keys 4a to 4d can be used to shift to various screens without simultaneously pressing two or more keys having different meanings. Therefore, the user can press any key to switch the screen. Accurate operation is possible without confusion. In particular, the remote controller 1 connected to an air conditioner or the like is suitable because the user's manual is often not available even though the user is unspecified as a maintenance company, administrator, or occupant. is there.

  Further, the liquid crystal display unit 2 is a dot matrix type display panel, and the setting method is an operation with function keys. Therefore, when the specification is added, especially in the field of air conditioners such as a cooling device and / or a water heater. When developing remote controls for different models, it is only necessary to add or change the meaning of function keys without adding new dedicated keys, so only by changing the software without adding fixed keys or changing the case. New functions can be added, or remote controllers for models in a different field from the air conditioner can be developed, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and shortening the development period.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on liquid crystal display unit 2 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In FIG. 9, a main screen 20 a is a screen in which display related to the wind direction is performed based on the setting instead of the display related to the wind speed displayed on the main screen 20 described in the first embodiment. The main screen 20b is a detailed screen displaying all the pictures (images) indicating the basic states of the indoor unit 10 and the remote controller 1. Furthermore, the main screen 20c is a screen in which the operation content of the function key 4d for changing the operation mode is deleted (not displayed).

  The main screen 20a and the main screen 20b are screens set in accordance with the setting procedure described in the first embodiment, for example, in the “screen display switching” menu of the main menu screen 21b described in the first embodiment. . With this setting, it is possible to set which display is the main screen, for example. The control processing unit 100 stores setting data relating to the setting in the storage unit 101. Then, a display signal is created from the image data selected based on the setting data and transmitted to the liquid crystal display unit 2 for display. The processing operations of the remote controller 1 other than the present embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment (the same applies to the following embodiments).

  As described above, according to the remote controller 1 of the second embodiment, the contents to be displayed on the main screen can be selected, so that it is possible to provide a remote controller capable of displaying in accordance with the installation location and usage environment of the remote controller 1. Become. In particular, unlike the screen 20c, for example, an unspecified number of guests cannot change the operation mode, which is preferable when the room such as a hotel is set as the installation location. In addition, it is not necessary to develop different remote controllers depending on the installation location and usage environment, which can contribute to a reduction in development load.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on liquid crystal display unit 2 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In FIG. 10, the screen 20b described in the second embodiment is a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2 in the initial state when the remote controller 1 is installed in the present embodiment. The wind direction display image 40, the louver display image 41, and the ventilation display image 42 displayed in the screen 20b indicate the states of “wind direction”, “louver”, and “ventilation”, respectively.

  The control processing means 100 performs a process of deleting (not displaying on the main screen) from the main screen 20b, for example, an image related to an operation that has not been performed within a predetermined period of time (not displaying these images). The display signal of the screen not to be included is transmitted to the liquid crystal display unit 2). The screen 20d is a screen in which the wind direction display image 40, the louver display image 41, and the ventilation display image 42 are deleted from the main screen 20b without performing the wind direction, louver, and ventilation operations. When the control processing unit 100 determines that the predetermined criteria are satisfied, for example, when the operation is performed once after the image is erased, or when the operation is performed a plurality of times in a predetermined period, the control processing unit 100 Process to redisplay on the screen.

  As described above, according to the remote controller 1 of the third embodiment, for example, an image representing the state of the indoor unit 10 determined to have a high frequency of operation for a certain period is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2. Since the image judged to be low is erased (not displayed), it is possible to automatically provide a display suitable for the use environment and provide the remote controller 1 that is easy for the user to see.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on liquid crystal display unit 2 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In FIG. 11, the screen 20 b described in the second embodiment is a detailed screen displaying all the pictures (images) indicating the basic states of the indoor unit 10 and the remote controller 1. For example, the user operates the function key 4b (in the case of the screen 20b, functions as a set temperature decrease key) to change the current set temperature of the indoor unit 10 from 23 ° C. to 22 ° C.

  The control processing unit 100 performs corresponding processing based on the operation signal transmitted from the function key 4b. At this time, the display signal other than the display of the characters (numbers) related to the set temperature displayed on the screen 20b is deleted, and only the display related to the set temperature to be processed is displayed as shown in the screen 20e. Is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2. At this time, since the function keys 4a and 4d are not used for the increase / decrease operation of the set temperature, the operation contents of the function keys 4a and 4d of the operation guide 3 are deleted (not displayed).

  The screen 20e returns to the original screen 20b when the operation of the set temperature is not performed for a predetermined time by the function key 4b or 4c, and continues to display 20e when the operation is performed within the predetermined time. Needless to say, the display of the set temperature is changed when there is an operation for changing the set temperature using the function keys on the screens 20b and 20e.

  As described above, according to the remote controller 1 of the fourth embodiment, when performing processing based on the operation signal from the function key unit 4, the liquid crystal display unit 2 is made to display the display related to the processing object in a larger size. It is possible to provide the remote controller 1 that makes it easy to see the display related to the operation and is easy to operate.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on liquid crystal display unit 2 according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In FIG. 12, the screen 20 described in the first embodiment represents a main screen. For example, when the function key 4a (in this case, the wind speed switching key) is pressed to switch the wind speed setting from automatic wind speed to weak wind speed, the “wind speed” of the operation guide 3 corresponding to the function key 4a of the liquid crystal display unit 2 is used. As shown in the screen 20f and the screen 20g, only the display is caused to blink for a specified number of times, for example, by switching the background color and the character color.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen 20 of the liquid crystal display unit 2a equipped with a backlight. For example, when the function key 4a is pressed on the main screen 20 and the wind speed setting is switched from automatic wind speed to weak wind speed, the backlight blinks a specified number of times as shown on the screens 20h and 20i.

  As described above, according to the remote controller 1 of the fifth embodiment, the portion of the operation guide corresponding to the pressed function key blinks the specified number of times, or the backlight of the liquid crystal display unit 2 blinks the specified number of times. Therefore, the operation feeling of the function keys can be easily fed back to the user, and the easy-to-operate remote controller 1 can be provided.

Embodiment 6 FIG.
In the above-described embodiment, the operation by the remote controller 1 and the state display target are the indoor units 10 of the air conditioner. However, for example, a cooling device such as a refrigerator, a chiller, or a water heater may be applied to the target. In addition, a dot matrix display type liquid crystal display unit is used as the display panel of the liquid crystal display unit 2, but a dot matrix display type display panel using a self-luminous element such as an organic EL element is applied if the cost is acceptable. It may be achieved by doing.

1 is an external view of a remote control device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a figure showing another example of external appearance of a remote control. It is a figure showing the structural example of each key. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration using a remote controller 1. FIG. It is a figure showing the example of the other main screen 20 and the function key part 4. FIG. It is a figure showing the example of a display change of the liquid crystal display part 2 by operation. It is a figure showing the screen which concerns on a main body setting at the time of installation of an air conditioning apparatus etc. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control by a control processing unit 100. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on liquid crystal display unit 2 according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on liquid crystal display unit 2 according to Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on liquid crystal display unit 2 according to Embodiment 4. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on liquid crystal display unit 2 according to Embodiment 5. It is a figure showing the screen 20 of the liquid crystal display part 2a carrying a backlight.

Explanation of symbols

  1 remote control, 1a case, 2, 2a liquid crystal display, 3 operation guide, 4 function key, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d function key, 5 fixed key, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d fixed key, 6 set temperature Guide, 10 Indoor unit, 11 Transmission line, 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f, 20g, 20h, 20i Main screen, 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 23 screen, 30 Key top, 30a protrusion, 31 push switch, 32 printed circuit board, 40 wind direction display image, 41 louver display image, 42 ventilation display image, 100 control processing means, 101 storage means, 102 communication means.

Claims (10)

A remote control device provided for an air conditioner, a cooling / heating device and / or a device related to a water heater,
Display means having a dot matrix display panel for performing display based on a display signal;
A function key that sends an operation signal when pressed;
When pressed, a fixed key that transmits an operation signal according to a predetermined process;
Control processing means for displaying the operation state of the device in characters and / or symbols and transmitting the display signal for displaying the operation content according to the operation state of the device by the function key to the display means. Remote control device characterized by. A remote control device provided for an air conditioner, a cooling / heating device and / or a device related to a water heater,
Display means having a dot matrix display panel for performing display based on a display signal;
Function keys that are provided along the display panel and transmit operation signals when pressed,
When pressed, a fixed key that transmits an operation signal according to a predetermined process;
Control processing means for transmitting to the display means the display signal for displaying the operation content of the operation processing performed on the operation signal from the function key in the vicinity of the function key in the display panel. Remote control device characterized by.   3. The control processing unit according to claim 1, wherein when the operation content by the adjacent function keys relates to the same processing, the display of the operation content is integrated and displayed on the display unit. The remote control device described.   The control processing means does not display the operation content on the display portion corresponding to the function key related to the operation signal that is not processed even if transmitted, or does not display the operation content to indicate that the operation is invalid The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit performs display different from content display.   The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the control processing unit displays a selected screen as a main screen to be displayed on the display unit.   2. The control processing unit displays an image composed of characters and / or symbols related to the operation processing selected based on the number of times of the operation processing within a predetermined period on a main screen. The remote control device according to any one of?   7. The control processing unit according to claim 1, wherein when the operation signal from the function key is input, a display related to a processing target based on the operation signal is displayed on the display unit larger by a predetermined time. The remote control device according to the above.   When the control processing means performs processing based on an operation signal from the function key, the control processing means causes the display means to perform a display of blinking a predetermined number of operation content display portions corresponding to the function key related to the operation signal. The remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The display panel of the display means has a backlight,
The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the control processing unit blinks the backlight a predetermined number of times when performing processing based on an operation signal from the function key.   The remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a character and / or a picture relating to an operation content is not written in the function key and its peripheral part.

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