JP3847724B2 - Remote control with TV function - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a remote controller with a TV function, for example, having a remote control function capable of remotely operating a hot water supply apparatus installed on the wall surface of a kitchen or a bathroom, and a TV function allowing a TV broadcast to be viewed in the kitchen or bathroom.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In order to remotely control the operation of the hot water supply device, a remote controller provided with display means capable of displaying information related to the remote operation of the hot water supply device and the operation status is installed on the wall surface of the kitchen or bathroom. In addition, a small LCD TV is often installed on the wall so that a TV broadcast can be viewed in the kitchen or bathroom. In this case, if the remote controller and the television are provided separately, there is a problem that the wall surface becomes narrow and the aesthetic appearance is impaired.
[0003]
For this reason, a television function is added to a remote controller provided with a display means such as a single color liquid crystal panel, and the first information relating to the remote operation and operation status of the hot water supply device and the second information relating to the television broadcast are added to the display means. A remote controller with a TV function (hereinafter referred to as “remote controller”) that can be switched and displayed is known (Patent Document 1).
[0004]
In this case, the main body of the remote controller is provided with a control means, and this control means performs input processing of the power switch and the display means, the display of the first information on the display means which is a remote control function, the remote operation of the hot water supply device, and the television. Performs input / output processing to the TV control means for realizing the functions. When receiving the signal from the control means, the television control means receives the television broadcast via the television receiver, and switches the display on the display means from the first information to the second information which is the television broadcast.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-4211 (for example, description of paragraph number 0011)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above, since the display on the display means of the second information by the TV control means is dependent on the control from the control means, if this control means fails for some reason, the TV control means will function normally. Even when it operates, in addition to remote control of the hot water supply device, it becomes impossible to watch TV broadcasts. In this case, it is necessary to repair or replace the remote control, but until the repair or replacement is performed, hot water can be used in the shower or currant by operating the hot water supply device with the remote control installed elsewhere. It is desirable to be able to watch TV broadcasts.
[0007]
In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a remote controller with a TV function that allows a TV broadcast to be viewed even if the remote control function fails.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the remote controller with a TV function according to the present invention includes a display unit capable of switching and displaying the first information relating to the remote operation and operating status of the hot water supply device and the second information relating to the reception of the television broadcast on the remote control body. A television having a remote control module having first control means for displaying the first information on the display means and remotely operating the hot water supply device, and a second control means for receiving the television broadcast and displaying the second information on the display means. A module is provided so that the first control means and the second control means are connected so as to communicate with each other, and the second control is performed according to the control status of each of the first control means and the second control means by the mutual communication. The television module is provided with a selector for switching between the first information and the second information displayed on the display means under the control of the means.
[0009]
According to the present invention, the remote control module and the television module are provided, and the television module is provided with a selector for switching between the first information and the second information. Since the second information can be displayed on the display means by switching the selector by the second control means, the television broadcast can be viewed.
[0010]
In this case, if a power switch is provided corresponding to each of the remote control module and the television module, for example, when the power switch for the television module is turned on, the second information is immediately displayed on the display means. There are few operation procedures and it is convenient.
[0011]
On the other hand, if a single power switch for simultaneously starting the remote control module and the TV module and a selector switch for switching the selector are provided, the remote control module and the TV module can be started and stopped with a single operation. It may be possible.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, 1 is a remote control main body of the remote control with a television function, and is installed in the wall surface of a kitchen or a bathroom. The remote control body 1 includes a remote control module 3 that can remotely control the hot water supply device 2 set outdoors and realizes a remote control function, and a TV module 4 that realizes a television function that allows a TV broadcast to be viewed in the kitchen or bathroom. Built in independently.
[0013]
The remote control body 1 is provided with one display means 5, and two audio output speakers 6 are provided on both lower sides of the display means 5. The display means 5 is composed of a color liquid crystal panel having a known structure. As will be described later, the display means 5 includes first information relating to remote operation and operating status of the hot water supply device 2 and second information relating to television broadcasting. Can be displayed.
[0014]
A circular setting change switch 71 is provided on the front surface of the remote control body 1 so as to change the setting of the hot water supply temperature of the hot water supply device 2, for example, between the two speakers 6. It has the determination part 71a to validate. By the way, in the remote control 1 having the remote control function and the television function, it is preferable that the switch for the remote control function and the switch for the television function be easily identified for the user. In the present embodiment, a later-described remote controller power switch 3a is disposed on the left side, and a later-described television power switch 4a is disposed on the right side symmetrically about the setting change switch 71. In this case, the remote controller power switch 3a and the television power switch 4a may be provided with a display means such as an LED so that the start and stop of the remote controller module 3 and the television module 4 can be displayed.
[0015]
At the same time, an automatic switch 72 and an amendment switch 73 for instructing automatic bath filling and reheating to the bathtub are provided below the remote control power switch 3a, and the received TV broadcast is displayed below the TV power switch 4a. A channel switch 74 for switching and a volume switch 75 for changing the volume of the sound output from the speaker 6 are provided.
[0016]
The hot water supply device 2 set outdoors has a heat exchanger having a known structure and a heating source such as a gas burner, and a hot water supply pipe that supplies clean water to the heat exchanger and a hot water supply pipe that leads to the hot water supply location. And are connected. The operation of the hot water supply device 2 such as adjustment of the heating amount of the gas burner is controlled by a control unit 21 provided in the main body of the hot water supply device 2.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 2, the remote control module 3 is provided with a first control means 31 and an image processing means 32 which are CPUs, and the first control means 31 communicates with the control unit 21 of the hot water supply device 2. The first information is displayed on the display means 5 and the hot water supply device 2 is remotely operated. The image processing unit 32 outputs an image of the first information to the display unit 5 based on the signal from the first control unit 31. The first information includes a set hot water supply temperature of the hot water supply device 2 relating to the operation status of the hot water supply device 2, a set temperature during reheating, a hot water supply amount during automatic hot water filling, and the like. For example, the set hot water supply temperature can be changed by the setting change switch 71 in a state where the first information is displayed on the display means 5, and becomes effective when the center determining portion 71a is pressed. In this case, the activated hot water temperature is output to the control unit 21 by the first control means 31, and the operation of the hot water supply device 2 is controlled based on this.
[0018]
Further, for example, when the automatic switch 72 is pressed and automatic hot water filling to the bathtub is instructed, the first control means 31 recognizes this, and the control means 31 executes the automatic hot water filling and sets the amount of hot water. Is displayed on the display means 5 as the first information. Note that the LEDs 72a and 73a are incorporated in the automatic switch 72 and the remedy switch 73, and are lit while "automatic hot water filling" or "remedy" is being executed. The remote control module 3 is also provided with voice control means 33, which outputs first information about the operation of the hot water supply apparatus 2 as a remote control voice from the speaker 6 based on the output from the first control means 31. it can.
[0019]
Auxiliary display means 51 composed of a plurality of LEDs is provided below the display means 5. The auxiliary display means 51 plays a role of allowing the user to identify the operating state of the gas burner, for example. As a result, when the user is watching a television broadcast, it is not necessary to perform an operation such as switching the display of the display means 5 from the second information to the first information and confirming the operating state of the gas burner, thereby improving convenience. it can.
[0020]
The TV module 4 is provided with second control means 41 that is a CPU. The second control means 41 is a TV broadcast that is second information received by a TV receiver 42 connected to a TV antenna (not shown). Is displayed on the display means 5 and the TV sound is output from the speaker 6. The second information includes a television selection screen for selecting a desired television broadcast from a plurality of television broadcasts in addition to the television broadcast, and can be selected by the channel switch 74. In this case, when the second information is displayed on the display means 5, a television selection screen for selecting a television image is displayed on-screen, and a desired television image can be selected by operating the channel switch 74. The television selection screen is deleted when the channel switch 74 is not operated for a predetermined time.
[0021]
The first control means 31 of the remote control module 3 and the second control means 41 of the television module 4 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other so as to mutually confirm the operation status. The TV module 4 receives the output from the second control means 41 and displays the first information displayed on the display means 5 according to the control status of the first control means 31 and the second control means 41 by mutual communication. A selector 43 for switching between the second information and a mixing means 44 for mixing the remote control sound and the television sound and outputting them from the speaker 6 are provided. Note that the display module 5, the driver 45 that controls the driving of the display module 5, and the speaker 6 are provided in the television module 4.
[0022]
In this embodiment, a remote control power switch 3a and a television power switch 4a for starting the remote control module 3 and the television module 4 are provided on the front surface of the remote control main body 1, respectively. In this case, the remote control power switch 3a and the television power switch 4a serve as power switches that activate the display means 5 when the display means 5 is not activated. In this case, the power source E is in a state where it is introduced from the household outlet to the power supply circuits of the remote control module 3 and the television module 4, and when the remote control module 3 or the television module 4 is activated, the first control means 31 or The display means 5 is activated by the second control means 41.
[0023]
Switching between the first information and the second information during activation of the display means 5 is performed by pressing one of the remote control power switch 3a and the television power switch 4a. The remote control power switch 3a and the television power switch 4a are: It plays the role of a selector switch for switching the selector 43. When the television power switch 4 a is pressed to stop the television module 4, the selector 43 is switched to the state where the first information is displayed on the display means 5 by the second control means 41.
[0024]
Thereby, even if the remote control module 3 breaks down for some reason, the TV power source 4a is pressed to activate the TV module 4, and the second control means 41 switches the selector 43 so that the second information is displayed on the display means 5. At the same time, since the TV sound is output from the speaker 6, the TV broadcast can be viewed. Also, by incorporating the remote control module 3 and the TV module 4 independently of each other, if one module fails, it is easy to identify the failure location, and only replace the failed module. Because it is possible to return to the current state, the repair cost at the time of failure can be reduced. Further, for example, when the TV power switch 4a is turned on, the second information is immediately displayed on the display means 5, so that there are few operation procedures for watching TV and convenience is good.
[0025]
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the operation of the remote controller 1 with a television function according to the present embodiment will be described. When the remote control power switch 3a is pressed to remotely operate the hot water supply device 2 from the remote control OFF state (S11), the remote control module 3 is activated and turned on, and the display means 5 is activated via the driver 45 and is turned on. become. In this case, since the selector 43 is in a state where the first information can be displayed on the display means 5, the first information corresponding to the output from the image processing means 32 is displayed on the display means 5 and also via the mixing means 44. Remote control sound is output from the speaker 6. The television module 4 is in an OFF state. When the remote control power switch 3a is pressed again from the ON state of the remote control module 3 (S12), the remote control module 3 and the display means 5 return to the OFF state.
[0026]
When the television power switch 4a is pressed to watch a television broadcast from the remote control OFF state (S13), the television module 4 is activated and turned on, and the display means 5 is activated via the driver 45 and is turned on. In this case, the selector 43 is switched by the second control unit 41, the second information is displayed on the display unit 5, and the TV sound is output from the speaker 6 through the mixing unit 44. The remote control module 3 is in an OFF state. When the TV power switch 4a is pressed again from the ON state of the TV module 4 (S14), the TV module 4 and the display means 5 return to the OFF state.
[0027]
When the TV power switch 4a is pressed when the remote control module 3 is ON and the TV module 4 is OFF (S15), the TV module 4 is activated and is turned ON. In this case, the selector 43 is switched by the second control means 41, the display on the display means 5 is switched from the first information to the second information, and the TV sound and the remote control sound are mixed by the mixing means 44 and the speaker 6 is used. Is output. The remote control module 3 is in an ON state.
[0028]
When the remote control module 3 and the television module 4 are each in the ON state and the second information is displayed on the display means 5 and the remote control power switch 3a is pressed (S16), the remote control power switch 3a serves as a changeover switch. The selector 43 is switched by the second control means 41 receiving the output from the first control means 31, the display on the display means 5 is switched from the second information to the first information, and the TV sound and the remote control sound are mixed by the mixing means 44. Are mixed and output from the speaker 6. On the other hand, when the TV power switch 4a is pressed (S17), the selector 43 is switched by the second control means 41, the display on the display means 5 is switched from the second information to the first information, and the TV module 4 is turned off. Become.
[0029]
If the remote control power switch 3a is pressed when the TV module 4 is ON and the remote control module 3 is OFF (S18), the remote control module 3 is activated and becomes ON. In this case, the selector 43 is switched by the second control means 41 that has received the output from the first control means 31, the display on the display means 5 is switched from the second information to the first information, and the mixing means 44 converts the audio from the TV sound. The remote control sound is mixed and output from the speaker 6. The television module 4 is in an ON state.
[0030]
When the remote controller module 3 and the television module 4 are each in the ON state and the first information is displayed on the display means 5 and the television power switch 4a is pressed (S19), the television power switch 4a serves as a changeover switch. The selector 43 is switched by the second control means 41, the display on the display means 5 is switched from the first information to the second information, and the TV sound and the remote control sound are mixed by the mixing means 44 and output from the speaker 6. . On the other hand, when the remote control power switch 3a is pressed (S20), the remote control module 3 is turned off, the selector 43 is switched by the second control means 41, and the display on the display means 5 is switched from the first information to the second information. .
[0031]
In the present embodiment, the remote control module 3 and the TV module 4 are provided with the remote control power switch 3a and the TV power switch 4a, respectively. However, as shown in FIG. A switch 30 and a selector switch 40 for operating the selector 43 may be provided. In this case, when the power switch 30 is pressed, the remote control module 3, the television module 4, and the display means 5 are activated, and the first information is displayed on the display means 5. When the changeover switch 40 is pressed in this state, the selector 43 is changed over to switch the display on the display means 5 from the first information to the second information. When the changeover switch 40 is further pressed, the selector 43 is changed over to display the display means 5. Is switched from the second information to one information.
[0032]
Thereby, since the remote control module 3, the television module 4, and the display means 5 can be started and stopped by one operation, the operation is simplified. In particular, when the remote control module 3 and the television module 4 are activated at the same time, the remote control module 3 and the television module 4 can be stopped by a single operation, so that convenience is improved. If the power switch 30 is turned on in a state where the remote control module 3 is out of order, the TV module 4 and the display means 5 are activated and there is no response from the first control means 31 communicating with each other. If 41 is judged, the selector 43 is switched by the control means 41 and the second information is displayed on the display means 5.
[0033]
Further, in the present embodiment, when the remote control module 3 and the television module 4 are activated, even if the display on the display means 5 is switched between the first information and the second information, the mixing means 44 can output the television sound. The remote control sound is mixed and output from the speaker 6. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a voice switching selector is provided instead of the mixing means 44 and displayed on the display means 5. You may make it switch a remote control audio | voice and a television audio | voice according to 1st information or 2nd information.
[0034]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the remote controller with a TV function according to the present invention is advantageous in that it has a small operation procedure and is easy to use when watching TV broadcasts, and further, even when the remote control function fails, the TV broadcast can be viewed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a remote controller with a TV function according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the inside of the remote controller with a TV function according to the present invention. 4] The figure explaining the inside of the remote control with a TV function concerning another modification.
1 remote control with TV function 3 remote control module 31 first control means 4 TV module 41 second control means 43 selector 5 display means

Claims (3)

The remote control body is provided with display means capable of switching and displaying the first information relating to the remote operation and operating status of the hot water supply device and the second information relating to the reception of the television broadcast. The first information is displayed on the display means and the hot water supply device is remotely connected. The first control means and the second control means mutually connect the remote control module having the first control means to operate and the television module having the second control means for receiving the television broadcast and displaying the second information on the display means. First information and second information displayed on the display means by the control of the second control means according to the control status of each of the first control means and the second control means by mutual communication are provided. A remote controller with a TV function, wherein a selector for switching information is provided in a TV module. The remote controller with a TV function according to claim 1, wherein a power switch is provided corresponding to each of the remote controller module and the TV module. 2. The remote controller with a television function according to claim 1, further comprising: a power switch that simultaneously activates the remote controller module and the television module; and a selector switch that switches the selector.

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