JP6167291B2 - Remote controller for air conditioner and air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote controller for an air conditioner for remotely operating the air conditioner and an air conditioner including the remote controller.

  Conventionally, in order to remotely control an air conditioner, a remote controller that outputs a wireless operation signal toward the air conditioner has been used. For example, a remote controller of an air conditioner described in Patent Literature 1 has a display screen for displaying an image including information such as temperature, wind direction, and air volume.

JP 2011-33285 A

  By the way, like the air conditioner remote controller described in Patent Document 1, many air conditioner remote controllers are used in a state in which the longitudinal direction of the main body is approximately aligned with the vertical direction (vertical direction). Assuming For example, when the user holds the remote controller or the remote controller is attached to the wall so that the longitudinal direction of the main body is approximately the same as the vertical direction, the vertical direction of the image displayed on the display screen is It is comprised so that it may correspond with a longitudinal direction. Therefore, the use of the remote controller in a posture preferred by the user is limited.

  Then, this invention makes it a subject to enable a user to use the remote controller of an air conditioner in the state of the attitude which a user likes.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, a remote controller for an air conditioner for remotely operating an air conditioner, the main body having a longitudinal direction and a short direction, and the main body A display unit having a display screen for displaying an image, a main body posture detection unit for detecting the posture of the main body, and the top and bottom of the image on the display screen based on the posture of the main body detected by the main body posture detection unit An image direction switching unit that switches the direction of the image on the display screen so that the direction coincides with the longitudinal direction or the short direction of the main body, a first infrared light receiving unit that receives an infrared signal in the first direction of the main body, A remote controller for an air conditioner is provided that includes a second infrared light receiving unit that receives an infrared signal in a second direction different from the first direction of the main body.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, an air conditioner including the remote controller for an air conditioner described in the above aspect is provided.

  According to the present invention, the user can use the remote controller of the air conditioner in a state that the user likes.

The figure which shows the air conditioner and remote controller which concern on one embodiment of this invention Front view of remote controller (with cover open) Front view of remote controller (with cover closed) Diagram showing the control system of the remote controller Diagram for explaining switching of image direction Rear view of the remote controller shown in FIG. Side view of the remote controller shown in FIG. Side view of remote controller in a self-supporting state

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows an air conditioner and a remote controller for remotely operating the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The remote controller 10 and the air conditioner 100 of the present embodiment are configured to exchange a radio signal S. For example, an operation signal for operating the air conditioner 100 is output from the remote controller 10 to the air conditioner 100. In addition, for example, information on the current operating status of the air conditioner 100 (for example, air temperature, wind direction, and air volume) is output from the air conditioner 100 to the remote controller 10.

  2 and 3 are front views of the remote controller 10. Although details will be described later, FIG. 2 shows the remote controller 10 with the cover open. On the other hand, FIG. 3 shows the remote controller 10 with the cover closed.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the remote controller 10 includes a main body 12 having a longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) and a short direction (X-axis direction). The remote controller 10 also includes a display unit 14 (for example, a liquid crystal display) for displaying information related to the remote operation of the air conditioner 100, for example, information such as room temperature, air volume, and wind direction as an image. A display screen 14 a of the display unit 14 that displays an image is provided on the front surface 12 a of the main body 12.

  The main body 12 of the remote controller 10 is provided with an operation unit 16 for the user to remotely operate the air conditioner 100. The operation unit 16 includes a plurality of operation buttons 16a to 16j. Some operation buttons 16 a to 16 g of the operation unit 16 are covered with a cover 18 so as to be opened and closed. On the other hand, the remaining operation buttons 16 h to 16 j are provided on the cover 18. The cover 18 constitutes a part of the front surface 12a of the main body 12 when it is closed. The cover 18 is configured to open and close by turning around a turning center line extending in the X-axis direction.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the cover 18 is in an open state, some of the operation buttons 16a to 16g of the operation unit 16 are usable. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, when the cover is closed, the remaining operation buttons 16h to 16j are made usable. Note that the operation buttons 16a to 16g covered by the cover 18 are used when, for example, switching the operation mode of the air conditioner 100 (for example, switching to cooling or heating), or setting the details of the operation details of the air conditioner. This button is used when the harmony machine 100 is operated in a complicated manner. On the other hand, the operation buttons 16h to 16j provided on the cover 18 are buttons that are used when the air conditioner 100 is started or stopped, or when the room temperature is adjusted, for example, when operating easily. .

FIG. 4 shows a control system of the remote controller 10. The remote controller 10 includes a main body posture detection unit 50 that detects the posture of the main body 12, a cover opening / closing detection unit 52 that detects opening and closing of the cover 18, and operating conditions from the air conditioner 100 (for example, air temperature, wind direction, and air volume). ), And a control unit 60. The first and second infrared light receiving units 54 and 56 for receiving the information signal.

  The control unit 60 of the remote controller 10 is based on the user operation on the operation unit 16 and the detection results of the main body posture detection unit 50 and the cover open / close detection unit 52, respectively, and the first and second infrared light receiving units 54 and 56. And the display unit 14 are controlled.

  The main body posture detection unit 50 that detects the posture of the main body 12 includes, for example, an acceleration sensor. The main body posture detection unit 50 is configured to detect a change in the posture of the main body 12 by detecting, for example, a change in the inclination of the main body 12 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) with respect to the vertical direction.

  The control unit 60 of the remote controller 10 is configured to control the display unit 14 based on the posture of the main body 12 detected by the main body posture detection unit 50.

  More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the display screen 14a of the display unit 14 is rectangular and has a longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) and a short direction (X-axis direction). . The display unit 14 is provided in the main body 12 so that the longitudinal direction of the display screen 14 a coincides with the longitudinal direction of the main body 12 and the short direction of the display screen 14 a coincides with the short direction of the main body 12. Yes.

  For example, the main body posture detection unit 50 indicates that the posture of the main body 12 has changed so that the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the main body 12 coincides with the vertical direction (in short, the main body 12 is set up vertically). 5A, the controller 60 of the remote controller 10 causes the top-to-bottom direction A of the image including characters and pictures on the display screen 14a to coincide with the longitudinal direction of the main body 12 as shown in FIG. The display unit 14 is controlled.

  On the other hand, for example, the posture of the main body 12 is changed so that the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the main body 12 coincides with the vertical direction (in short, the main body 12 is laid down sideways). When the detection unit 50 detects, the control unit 60 of the remote controller 10 displays the image on the display screen 14a so that the vertical direction A of the image matches the short direction of the main body 12 as shown in FIG. The unit 14 is controlled.

  That is, the control unit 60 of the remote controller 10 controls the display unit 14 based on the posture of the main body 12 detected by the main body posture detection unit 50, so that the top-to-bottom direction A of the image on the display screen 14 a is the main body 12. It functions as an image direction switching unit that switches the direction of the image on the display screen 14a so as to coincide with the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) or the lateral direction (X-axis direction).

  Note that the main body 12 of the remote controller 10 is configured such that when the top-to-bottom direction A of the image on the display screen 14a of the display unit 14 matches the short direction (X-axis direction) of the main body 12, as shown in FIG. The display screen 14a has a self-supporting shape so as to be visible. The shape of the main body 12 of the remote controller 10 will be described.

  FIG. 6 shows the back surface 12b of the main body 12 of the remote controller 10 (the surface of the main body 12 facing the front surface 12a). FIG. 7 shows an end face of the remote controller 10 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). FIG. 8 shows a state in which the main body 12 of the remote controller 10 is self-supporting.

For example, the main body 12 of the remote controller 10 has a display unit 14 as shown in FIG.
When the top-to-bottom direction A of the image on the display screen 14a coincides with the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the main body 12, the front surface 12a (that is, the display screen 14a) faces obliquely upward as shown in FIG. It has a shape that can stand by itself.

  The main body 12 of the remote controller 10 includes a support portion 20 for self-supporting on the back surface 12b. When the remote controller 10 is viewed in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) as shown in FIG. 7, the support portion 20 is a substantially right triangular protrusion, and includes support surfaces 20 a and 20 b that are substantially orthogonal to each other. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the corner portion between the support surfaces 20 a and 20 b of the support portion 20 is arranged at a position shifted from the center of the main body 12 in the short direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, when the main body 12 is self-supporting by the support surface 20a of the support portion 20 as shown in FIG. 8 (a), and when the main body 12 is self-supporting by the support surface 20b of the support portion 20 as shown in FIG. 8 (b). And the inclination angle of the front surface 12a (display screen 14a) of the main body 12 is different.

  In addition, as shown in 5 (b), when the top-to-bottom direction A of the image on the display screen 14a of the display unit 14 coincides with the short direction (X-axis direction) of the main unit 12, the support unit 20 that makes the main unit 12 stand on its own. The shape is not limited to the substantially right-angled triangular protrusion shown in FIG. The support part 20 may be comprised by the protrusion part of another shape. Moreover, you may comprise the support part 20 so that accommodation is possible inside the back surface 12b of the main body 12. FIG.

  By switching the direction of the image on the display screen 14 a based on the posture of the main body 12, the user can comfortably use the remote controller 10 in various postures by the main body 12 that can stand on its own.

  For example, the user can comfortably use the remote controller 10 with his / her hand holding the remote controller 10 so that the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the main body 12 substantially matches the vertical direction.

  Further, the user can comfortably use the remote controller 10 without holding the remote controller 10 in a state where the remote controller 10 is self-supported on a plane such as a table, that is, in a stationary state.

  Further, for example, the remote controller 10 is attached to the wall surface of the room where the air conditioner 100 is provided in a state where the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the main body 12 coincides with the vertical direction or coincides with the horizontal direction. can do.

  Furthermore, the user can switch the direction of the image to a desired direction by changing the posture of the main body 12. As shown in FIG. 5B, if the orientation of the main body 12 is changed so that the vertical direction A of the image coincides with the short direction (X-axis direction) of the main body 12, that is, the short direction of the display screen 14a. As shown in FIG. 5A, the number of characters per line can be increased as compared to the case where the vertical direction A of the image matches the longitudinal direction of the display screen. Therefore, the user can switch the direction of the image to a desired direction in consideration of the readability of the text.

  In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, the control unit 60 of the remote controller 10 is configured to switch the direction of the image on the display screen 14a of the display unit 14 based on the detection result of the cover opening / closing detection unit 52. Yes.

The cover open / close detection unit 52 is configured to detect whether the cover 18 is in an open state or a closed state. For example, the cover open / close detection unit 52 is pushed by a protrusion (not shown) formed on the back surface of the cover 18 (a surface facing the operation unit 16 when closed) and the protrusion when the cover 18 is closed. It is comprised from the switch (not shown) provided in the main body 12.

  When the open state of the cover 18 is detected by the cover open / close detection unit 52, the control unit 60 of the remote controller 10 controls the display unit 14 to change the top / bottom direction A of the image on the display screen 14 a of the main body 12. It is comprised so that it may correspond with a longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). In many cases, the user opens the cover 18 while holding the remote controller 10 with one hand, and the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the main body 12 approximately matches the vertical direction (the main body 12 is The remote controller 10 is often held with one hand in a standing position). Therefore, the user can comfortably use the remote controller 10 with the cover 18 opened.

  Note that the control unit 60 of the remote controller 10 may be configured so that switching of the direction of the image on the display screen 14a of the display unit 14 based on the detection result of the main body posture detection unit 50 or the cover open / close detection unit 52 can be prohibited. Good. For example, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 16 (for example, by operating a predetermined button), the vertical direction A of the image on the display screen 14a is the longitudinal direction (Y-axis of the main body 12). Direction) or the short direction (X-axis direction). Thereby, the direction change of the image unnecessary for the user is suppressed, and the user can comfortably use the remote controller 10.

  In addition, even if the remote controller 10 is used in various postures as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the operation status from the air conditioner 100 (for example, the blowing temperature, the wind direction, and the air volume) Are provided with a plurality of infrared light receivers 54 and 56 so that the information signal (infrared signal) can be reliably received.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of infrared light receiving portions 54 and 56 are configured by infrared light receiving elements exposed to the outside of the main body 12. The plurality of infrared light receivers 54 and 56 are provided in the main body 12 so as to receive infrared signals in different directions. The first infrared light receiver 54 is provided on one end face in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the main body 12 and substantially receives an infrared signal in the longitudinal direction of the main body 12. On the other hand, the second infrared light receiving unit 56 is provided on one end face in the short direction (X-axis direction) of the main body 12 and receives an infrared signal substantially in the short direction of the main body 12.

  Based on the posture of the main body 12 detected by the main body posture detection unit 50, the control unit 60 of the remote controller 10 changes either the first infrared light receiving unit 54 or the second infrared light receiving unit 56 to an air conditioner. It is configured to select to receive an information signal (infrared signal) of an operating status (for example, air temperature, wind direction, air volume) from 100. That is, the control unit 60 functions as a light receiving unit selection unit that selects either the first infrared light receiving unit 54 or the second infrared light receiving unit 56.

  For example, when the main body posture detection unit 50 detects a posture in which the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the main body 12 approximately matches the vertical direction, the control unit 60 of the remote controller 10 moves in the longitudinal direction of the main body 12. The information signal (infrared signal) of the driving | running condition from the air conditioner 100 is received using the 1st infrared light-receiving part 54 which receives an infrared signal. On the other hand, when the main body posture detection unit 50 detects a posture in which the short direction (X-axis direction) of the main body 12 approximately matches the vertical direction, the control unit 60 transmits the infrared signal in the short direction of the main body 12. The information signal (infrared signal) of the driving | running condition from the air conditioner 100 is received using the 2nd infrared light-receiving part 56 which receives.

Thereby, even if the remote controller 10 is used in various postures, it is possible to reliably receive an infrared signal (information signal) from the air conditioner 100 as compared with a case where only one infrared light receiving unit is provided. it can.

  In addition, this prevents the remote controller 10 from outputting the infrared signal many times until the remote controller 10 can receive the infrared signal from the air conditioner 100, and as a result, suppresses the power consumption of the air conditioner 100. it can.

  Instead of using either the first infrared light receiving unit 54 or the second infrared light receiving unit 56, both receive the operating state information signal (infrared signal) from the air conditioner 100. You may use it simultaneously.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can use the remote controller 10 of the air conditioner 100 in a state that the user prefers.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cover 18 is configured to turn around a turning center line extending in the X-axis direction, but is not limited thereto. For example, the cover 18 may be configured to open and close by sliding (translating). Alternatively, the cover 18 may be omitted.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the display screen 14a of the display unit 14 has a rectangular shape having a longitudinal direction and a short direction, but is not limited thereto. For example, the display screen 14a may be a square.

  The present invention can be applied to any remote controller for remotely operating an air conditioner.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Remote controller 12 Main body 14 Display part 14a Display screen 16 Operation part 16a-16j Operation button 18 Cover 20 Support part 20a, 20b Support surface 50 Main body attitude | position detection part 52 Cover opening / closing detection part 54 1st infrared light reception part 56 2nd Infrared light receiving unit 60 Control unit 100 Air conditioner A Upside down direction S Radio signal

Claims (3)

A remote controller for an air conditioner for remotely controlling an air conditioner,
A body having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction;
A display unit provided on the main body and having a display screen for displaying an image;
An operation unit for the user to operate the air conditioner;
A cover that covers the operation part so that it can be opened and closed;
A main body posture detector for detecting the posture of the main body;
An image direction switching unit that switches the direction of the image on the display screen so that the vertical direction of the image on the display screen matches the longitudinal direction or the short side direction of the main unit based on the posture of the main body detected by the main body posture detection unit And a first infrared light receiving part for receiving an infrared signal in a first direction of the main body,
A second infrared light receiving unit for receiving an infrared signal in a second direction different from the first direction of the main body,
The light receiving unit selection unit is configured to select the first infrared light receiving unit as an infrared light receiving unit for receiving an infrared signal from an air conditioner when the cover is open. Features a remote controller for air conditioners. The first infrared light receiver is disposed in the longitudinal direction of the main body,
2. The remote controller for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the second infrared light receiving unit is disposed directly above the installation surface in the short direction of the main body.   Based on the posture of the main body detected by the main body posture detection unit, either one of the first or second infrared light receiving unit is selected as an infrared light receiving unit for receiving an infrared signal from the air conditioner. The remote controller for an air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising a light receiving unit selection unit.