WO2012099114A1 - Remote controller equipped with external connection terminal - Google Patents

Remote controller equipped with external connection terminal Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012099114A1
WO2012099114A1 PCT/JP2012/050839 JP2012050839W WO2012099114A1 WO 2012099114 A1 WO2012099114 A1 WO 2012099114A1 JP 2012050839 W JP2012050839 W JP 2012050839W WO 2012099114 A1 WO2012099114 A1 WO 2012099114A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
remote controller
air conditioner
connection terminal
external connection
information
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2012/050839
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
智文 河合
Original Assignee
株式会社富士通ゼネラル
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 株式会社富士通ゼネラル filed Critical 株式会社富士通ゼネラル
Publication of WO2012099114A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012099114A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
    • G08C17/00—Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
    • G08C17/02—Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/50—Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
    • F24F11/52—Indication arrangements, e.g. displays
    • F24F11/523—Indication arrangements, e.g. displays for displaying temperature data
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/50—Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
    • F24F11/56—Remote control
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F24F11/32—Responding to malfunctions or emergencies
    • F24F11/38—Failure diagnosis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F24F11/46—Improving electric energy efficiency or saving
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F24F11/46—Improving electric energy efficiency or saving
    • F24F11/47—Responding to energy costs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2110/00—Control inputs relating to air properties
    • F24F2110/10—Temperature

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a remote controller with an external connection terminal provided with an external connection terminal for connecting to an external device and exchanging information in addition to a communication means for controlling an operation target device.
  • a remote controller that controls the operation target device includes a radio system (RF: Radio Frequency) capable of two-way communication, so that operation information obtained from the operation target device can be obtained. Some of them obtain logs and manage the electricity bill for a certain period on the remote control side.
  • RF Radio Frequency
  • a remote controller that controls devices to be operated such as home appliances is equipped with both a radio system (RF: Radio Frequency) and an infrared system (IR: Infrared) in one remote controller.
  • RF Radio Frequency
  • IR Infrared
  • the present invention provides a remote controller with an external connection terminal that includes an external connection terminal that can be connected to an external device, and that can transfer, transmit, or output operation information acquired from an operation target device to the external device. Objective.
  • the present invention provides a housing, a key operation unit that is disposed on one surface of the housing and controls the operation target device, and the operation target device by wireless communication.
  • Wireless communication means for exchanging information between and an external connection terminal for exchanging information by connecting to an external device, on both sides of the surface of the housing provided with the key operation means,
  • the wireless communication means and the external connection terminal are arranged.
  • the present invention further includes a display unit on a surface of the housing provided with the key operation unit, the display unit and the key operation unit are arranged side by side, and the wireless communication unit and the external connection terminal are It is preferable that they are respectively arranged on both sides of the display means of the casing.
  • the present invention further includes an infrared transmission unit that operates an operation target device using infrared rays, and the infrared transmission unit includes the wireless communication unit and the external unit arranged on both sides of the display unit of the casing. It is preferable to arrange on a side surface different from the connection terminal.
  • the present invention is a personal computer in which the external device acquires operation information of the operation target device via the external connection terminal and performs operation information management, and the external connection terminal is connected to the personal computer.
  • a USB connection terminal to be connected is preferable.
  • a remote controller with an external connection terminal is a wireless communication means for exchanging information with an operation target device across a surface of a casing on which a key operation means for controlling the operation target device is disposed,
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a relationship among a remote controller with an external connection terminal, an operation target device, and an external device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the remote controller with an external connection terminal, the operation target device, and the external device of FIG.
  • FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the remote controller with external connection terminals according to the present embodiment.
  • 4 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the operation door of the remote controller with external connection terminals of FIG. 3 is removed.
  • FIG. 5 is an external perspective view showing a state where the top cover of the remote controller with external connection terminals of FIG. 4 is removed.
  • 6 is an external perspective view showing a substrate of the remote controller with external connection terminals of FIG.
  • FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of the substrate of the remote controller with external connection terminals of FIG. 6 as viewed from the back side.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the procedure of the pairing setting operation performed between the remote controller and the air conditioner according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of air conditioner model information that can be received during the pairing setting of FIG.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of air conditioner model information necessary for the pairing setting in FIG.
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a communication procedure when log information is exchanged between the remote controller and the air conditioner after pairing setting according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a communication procedure when log information is exchanged between a remote controller connected via the USB connection terminal according to the present embodiment and a PC.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC.
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC.
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC.
  • FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC.
  • FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen for managing air conditioner operation information based on log information acquired by the PC.
  • FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC.
  • FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC.
  • FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC.
  • FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC.
  • FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC.
  • FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC.
  • FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC.
  • FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC.
  • FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC.
  • FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC.
  • FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between a remote controller with an external connection terminal, an operation target device, and an external device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure in an object apparatus and an external apparatus.
  • the remote controller 1 performs remote operation and various settings for the air conditioner indoor unit 2 using two-way wireless communication by an RF module, and performs various settings from the air conditioner indoor unit 2. Operation information and the like can be acquired and used for operation management and various settings.
  • the remote controller 1 according to the present embodiment can connect various kinds of obtained operation information and the like to a personal computer (PC) 3 via a USB connection terminal as an external connection terminal and perform operation information management on the PC 3 side. it can.
  • the remote controller 1 according to the present embodiment can remotely operate a humidifier 4 or the like, which is an operation target device other than the air conditioner indoor unit 2, using an infrared (IR) LED as an infrared transmission means.
  • IR infrared
  • the remote controller 1 has a USB connection with an RF module 11 including a transceiver and antenna for performing bidirectional wireless communication with the air conditioner indoor unit 2, and a personal computer (PC) 3 as an external device for information management and the like.
  • USB socket 12 as an external connection terminal for performing, IRLED 13 for controlling humidifier 4 and the like by infrared transmission by infrared (IR) diode, data such as various operation information received from air conditioner indoor unit 2 (here, 40 days))
  • An MPU board 14 including an MPU (microprocessor unit) for controlling each part of the remote controller 1 and an LCD unit 2 for displaying operation information of the remote controller 1 and operation information of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 , Key operation unit 16 for operating the operation target device, dedicated to timekeeping for time management TC and (real time clock) 17, is constituted by a supply battery 18 or the like power to each unit of the remote controller 1.
  • the air conditioner indoor unit 2 includes an RF module 21 that performs bidirectional wireless communication with the RF module 11 of the remote controller 1, and an air conditioner indoor unit 2 based on a command from the remote controller 1 received by the RF module 21. And a memory that collects operation information (operation time, operation mode, operation status, electricity bill, etc.) of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 and holds data for a certain period (here, 10 days)
  • An MPU board 22 on which an MPU is mounted is provided.
  • the PC 3 includes a USB socket 31 for connecting a USB cable to the USB socket 12 of the remote controller 1.
  • the operation information management software attached at the time of selling the remote controller 1 can be installed on the PC 3 so that data can be transmitted / received to / from the USB connection, and the operation information on the air conditioner indoor unit 2 and the like is periodically collected in the PC 3. In addition, management can be continuously performed on the PC screen.
  • the humidifier 4 includes an IRPD (infrared receiving) unit 41 that receives an infrared signal transmitted from the IRLED 13 of the remote controller 1.
  • the remote controller 1 can control the humidifier 4 by this infrared signal (command).
  • FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the remote controller with an external connection terminal according to the present embodiment
  • FIG. 4 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the operation door of the remote controller with an external connection terminal of FIG. 5 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the top cover of the remote controller with external connection terminals of FIG. 4 is removed
  • FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing a substrate of the remote controller with external connection terminals of FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of the substrate of the remote controller with external connection terminals of FIG. 6 as viewed from the back side.
  • the remote controller 1 with an external connection terminal has a cubic shape and displays a screen on the tip side (the back side in the figure) so that it can be easily operated while being held in the hand.
  • An LCD unit 15 is arranged, and on the front side of the LCD unit 15, a large-sized operation key 16 a that is frequently used in the key operation unit 16, and various operation keys and setting keys in the operation door 51 are provided. Is arranged (see 16b in FIG. 4). As described above, the LCD unit 15 and the key operation unit 16 are arranged in the longitudinal direction on the upper surface of the casing of the remote controller 1.
  • a USB socket 12 as an external connection terminal and an RF module 11 as a wireless communication means are connected to an LCD unit 15 as a display means. It is arranged on each side. This is because if the external connection terminal (USB socket 12) and the wireless communication means (RF module 11) are arranged close to each other, they may interfere with each other, resulting in noise and a decrease in reception sensitivity. This is because there is a risk of adverse effects.
  • USB socket 12 and the RF module 11 are arranged on the LCD unit 15 side, as shown in FIG. 1, when the operator operates the key operation unit 16 while holding the remote controller 1 in his / her hand. This is because if the hand touches the antenna or the USB socket 12 of the RF module 11, there is a risk that the reception sensitivity may be lowered or noise may be adversely affected.
  • the IRLED 13 as the infrared transmission means is disposed on a side surface different from the USB socket 12 and the RF module 11, that is, on the side surface on the distal end side of the remote controller 1. This is because the IRLED 13 is located at a certain distance from the USB socket 12 and the RF module 11, so that it is difficult to interfere with each other, and the IRLED 13 is provided at the distal end portion of the remote controller 1, so This is to facilitate transmission of infrared rays.
  • FIG. 4 is a view showing a state in which the operation door 51 is removed from the remote controller 1 shown in FIG. 3, in which various operation keys 16b are arranged.
  • the operation door 51 is connected to a remote control body and a hinge 52 so as to be rotatable.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram in which the top cover 50 is removed from the remote control body of FIG.
  • FIG. 6 is obtained by removing the case for fixing the LCD unit 15 and the key operation unit 16 from the remote control body of FIG. 5, and the liquid crystal display panel of the LCD unit 15 is disposed on the substrate 53 on the front side.
  • FIG. 7 is a view of the substrate 53 of FIG. 6 from the back side.
  • the RF module 11 as a wireless communication means and the USB socket 12 as an external connection terminal are arranged at both ends of the substrate 53.
  • the IRLED 13 as the infrared transmission means is disposed near the center of the tip of the substrate 53.
  • the RF module 11 and the USB socket 12 are disposed on both sides across the surface of the casing on which the key operation unit 16 is disposed.
  • the module 11 and the USB socket 12 do not interfere with each other, and it is possible to prevent adverse effects such as noise and a decrease in reception sensitivity.
  • the remote controller with an external connection terminal when the LCD unit 15 and the key operation unit 16 are arranged side by side on the surface of the housing, the RF module 11 is sandwiched between the LCD unit 15 and the remote controller. Since the USB sockets 12 are arranged on both sides, it is difficult for an operator's hand to touch the RF module 11 and the USB socket 12, and it is possible to prevent the possibility that the reception sensitivity is lowered and the adverse effects such as noise are generated.
  • the remote controller with an external connection terminal when the IRLED 13 is provided, the side surface different from the surface on which the USB socket 12 and the RF module 11 are arranged, that is, the front end side of the remote controller 1 is provided. Since it is arranged on the side surface, it is located at a certain distance from the RF module 11 and the USB socket 12, and it is difficult to interfere with each other, and infrared rays can be easily transmitted to the operation target device.
  • USB socket 12 which is a USB connection terminal as an external connection terminal
  • USB connection terminal As an external connection terminal
  • Bluetooth Bluetooth (trademark)
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and the optical communication means using light having a wavelength other than infrared or super A sound wave generation unit that emits sound waves or the like to control the operation target device may be used.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the procedure of the pairing setting operation performed between the remote controller and the air conditioner according to the present embodiment
  • FIG. 9 is the model information of the air conditioner that can be received during the pairing setting of FIG.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of air conditioner model information necessary for the pairing setting shown in FIG.
  • EEPROM non-illustrated non-volatile memory mounted on the MPU board 9 of the remote controller 1 (LCD unit 15).
  • EEPROM non-illustrated non-volatile memory mounted on the MPU board 9 of the remote controller 1
  • the remote control registration setting mode is set, and a pairing display for displaying a procedure for pairing with the air conditioner indoor unit 2 is performed.
  • the air conditioner indoor unit 2 is also displayed by a lamp (not shown) provided in the air conditioner indoor unit 2.
  • the pairing execution state is indicated by a buzzer sounding and a lamp being lit. Is sent to the RF module 21 to start pairing (step S60).
  • step S61 a pairing request signal is sent to the RF module 11 and pairing is started.
  • the LCD unit 15 of the remote controller 1 displays “Pairing registration in progress”.
  • communication for pairing is performed between the RF modules 11 and 21 (step S62), and after confirming whether the model can be registered for pairing (step S63), the RF module 21 transfers to the MPU board 22.
  • a pairing completion signal indicating that the pairing of the RF module is completed is transmitted (step S64), and a pairing completion signal indicating that the pairing of the RF module is completed is transmitted from the RF module 11 to the MPU board 14 (step S65). ).
  • an air conditioner model information request is transmitted as general-purpose data from the remote controller 1 to the air conditioner indoor unit 2 (step S66).
  • the air conditioner model information signal that can be received from the air conditioner indoor unit 2 includes a series name (Z / S), an indoor unit year (AZ), a character string (16 characters of model name). ), Derivative model (1), air conditioner ID (MAC address), and the like.
  • the RF module 21 on the air conditioner indoor unit 2 side transmits a general-purpose data transmission completion signal to the remote controller 1 to notify the successful transmission (step S67). .
  • the MPU board 14 of the remote controller 1 switches the RF module 11 to the reception mode (step S68).
  • the MPU board 22 of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 transfers the air conditioner model information to the remote controller 1 side (step S69).
  • the RF module 11 transmits an information transfer completion signal to the air conditioner indoor unit 2 to notify that the transmission has been successful (step S70).
  • the remote controller 1 When the remote controller 1 acquires the air conditioner model information, the remote controller 1 notifies the RF module 11 that the reception mode has been canceled (step S71), and receives the reception mode completion (step S72).
  • the MPU board 14 of the remote controller 1 determines whether or not the air conditioner indoor unit 2 that performs pairing setting is a corresponding model based on the acquired air conditioner model information.
  • the received signal includes at least the signal shown in FIG. 10 for the corresponding model and the MPU board 14 of the remote controller 1 transmits the pairing establishment general-purpose data to the air conditioner indoor unit 2 (step S73).
  • the RF module 21 of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 receives the general data for which pairing has been established, it notifies the remote controller 1 that the transmission of the general data has been completed (successful transmission) (step S74).
  • the MPU board 14 of the remote controller 1 displays that the pairing has been established on the LCD unit 15 for 5.5 seconds.
  • the operator selects “Z” or “S” according to the series name, the selected model content Is written to EEPROM.
  • the MPU board 14 of the remote controller 1 determines that the air conditioner indoor unit 2 to be paired is not a corresponding model, or if the received air conditioner model information is other than the signal shown in FIG.
  • the general-purpose data in which the ring is not established is transmitted to the air conditioner indoor unit 2 (step S75).
  • the RF module 21 of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 receives the general-purpose data that is not paired, it notifies the remote controller 1 that the transmission of the general-purpose data has been completed (step S76).
  • the MPU board 14 of the remote controller 1 displays a pairing failure indication on the LCD unit 15 for 5.5 seconds, performs a pairing clear process (step S77), and receives a notification that the pairing clear has been completed (step S78). ).
  • pairing clear processing is also performed on the MPU board 22 side of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 (step S79), and notification that pairing clear has been completed is received (step S80). In this way, the pairing setting is completed.
  • the remote controller 1 and the air conditioner indoor unit 2 of this embodiment perform two-way communication using an RF module, if there is another model of air conditioner in an adjacent room or the like, the operation target device cannot be distinguished. It is necessary to perform ring setting.
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a communication procedure when log information is exchanged between the remote controller and the air conditioner after pairing setting according to the present embodiment.
  • the remote controller 1 requests and collects an operation status log (history) from the air conditioner indoor unit 2 at a fixed time every day.
  • step S81 the MPU board 14 of the remote controller 1 reaches a fixed time (here, AM0: 03) by the RTC 17, the MPU board 22 of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 via the RF modules 11 and 21 is used.
  • a log request is transmitted to (step S81).
  • the remote controller 1 waits for log data to be sent from the air conditioner indoor unit 2 after transmitting the log request.
  • the log reception wait is terminated, and the log collection for that day is terminated.
  • the EEPROM of the MPU board 22 of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 has a capacity that can store a log of the air conditioner operation status for a maximum of 10 days, so when a reception error occurs the next time the log can be received, Log transfer is performed collectively.
  • log data is sequentially sent from the air conditioner indoor unit 2 (steps S82, 83...), It is stored in the EEPROM of the MPU board 14 of the remote controller 1 each time.
  • the log saving method if there is an unsaved area in the EEPROM, the log is written in that area, and if there is no unsaved area, the oldest log writing area is overwritten and saved.
  • the remote controller 1 receives the log end indicating the end of the log data from the air conditioner indoor unit 2 (step S84), the log acquisition is completed.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a communication procedure when log information is exchanged between a remote controller connected via the USB connection terminal according to the present embodiment and a PC. According to the communication sequence between the air conditioner 1 and the remote controller 2 described above, a log of the air conditioner operating status stored in the EEPROM of the MPU board 14 of the remote controller 1 is transmitted to the PC 3.
  • the EEPROM of the MPU board 14 of the remote controller 1 has a capacity capable of storing a log received from the air conditioner for a maximum of 40 days.
  • step S85 a display of “connection detection: USB connected” is displayed on the LCD unit 15 of the remote controller 1.
  • the PC 3 requests air conditioner information from the remote controller 1 (step S86).
  • the remote controller 1 transmits the air conditioner information stored in the EEPROM of the MPU board 14 to the PC 3 (step S87).
  • the air conditioner information includes air conditioner product name, series name, capacity band, indoor unit year, operating voltage, air conditioner MAC address, room information, and remote control type.
  • the PC 3 compares the received air conditioner information with the managed air conditioner information, and identifies which air conditioner the received air conditioner information corresponds to. When managing a plurality of air conditioners in the PC 3, it is necessary to check which air conditioner the received air conditioner information corresponds to.
  • the PC 3 requests the air conditioner operation setting information from the remote controller 1 in order to read the operation setting information (step S88).
  • the remote controller 1 transmits the air conditioner operation setting information stored in the EEPROM of the MPU board 14 to the PC 3 (step S89).
  • the air conditioner operation setting information includes volume level, presence / absence of voice, absence eco switching, presence / absence of internal clean, maintenance time, presence / absence of energy saving fan, presence / absence of automatic power, and current switching.
  • the PC 3 makes a log request to the remote controller 1 for reading the log (step S90).
  • the remote controller 1 transmits log data in response to the log request from the PC 3 (step S91).
  • the PC 3 and the remote controller 1 repeat the next data request and log data transmission (steps S92, S93, S94).
  • the remote controller 1 transmits a log end to the PC 3 when there is no log data to be transmitted (step S95), and the log reading process in the PC 3 is completed.
  • the USB connection connecting the PC 3 and the remote controller 1 is disconnected (step S96), and when the remote controller 1 is released from the communication mode with the PC 3, the display of the LCD unit 15 shifts to the normal display.
  • the operation log of the air conditioner temporarily stored in the air conditioner indoor unit 2 (can be stored for up to 10 days) is transmitted to the remote controller 1 and stored (can be stored for up to 40 days).
  • the PC 3 is connected via USB, the log stored in the remote controller 1 is transferred to the PC 3 side.
  • the PC 3 can manage the operation information of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 as shown in FIGS. 13 to 28 using the operation information management software installed in advance.
  • FIGS. 13 to 28 are diagrams showing examples of PC screens for managing air conditioner operation information based on log information acquired by the PC.
  • the PC 3 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 13 by the operation information management software.
  • the operator clicks on the air conditioner selection tag 100 and clicks the “living 1” button 101 and clicks on the calendar tag 102, the daily operating time, electricity bill, and month of the “living 1” air conditioner are clicked.
  • a calendar screen 103 on which unit, yearly electricity bill, monthly target electricity bill, etc. are displayed is displayed. Thereby, it becomes possible to continuously grasp the operation status and the electricity bill for each air conditioner, and it can be used for efficient use and setting of the air conditioner.
  • the remote controller 1 When the PC 3 and the remote controller 1 are connected by USB, as shown in FIG. 14, the remote controller 1 is connected, and a window 104 indicating that data is being received is displayed. Then, when new operation information is taken into the PC 3, the PC 3 has a screen in which the operation time up to the previous day and the electricity bill stored in the remote control 1 are added to the calendar screen 103 as shown in FIG. Is displayed.
  • a graph screen 106 in which the daily electricity bill is converted into a bar graph can be displayed.
  • the total electricity bill the total of the air-conditioner electricity bill for this month's “Living 1”, the previous month's electricity bill, the annual electricity bill, the previous year's electricity bill, the monthly target electricity Since the cost is also displayed, it becomes possible to grasp the operating condition of the air conditioner from various perspectives.
  • the graph screen 106 in which the living room 1 button 101 and the bedroom 1 button 107 are totaled is different in color (if monochrome display, Displayed with a difference in density. Thereby, it is possible to grasp at a glance the total and the breakdown of the electricity bills of the air conditioners in all rooms.
  • the graph screen 106 is provided with a reduction button 109 and an enlargement button 110. For example, when the enlarge button 110 is clicked in the state shown in FIG. 17, the graph screen 106 can be enlarged and displayed as the graph rate changes as shown in FIG. This makes it possible to clearly grasp subtle changes in the electricity bill.
  • the air conditioner selection tag 100 includes a living 1 button 101, a dining 1 button 111, a Japanese-style room 1 button 112, a bedroom 1 button 113, a children's room 1 button 114, other 1 button 115, and a children's room 2 button. If a large number of air conditioners are registered, clicking the all room total button 108 displays a graph of the total electricity bill for all rooms per day. In the graph of total electricity charges for all rooms in a day, since the electricity charges for each room are displayed in different colors (in the case of monochrome display, the concentration is different), the breakdown of the electricity charges for many air conditioners is also included. It can be grasped at a glance.
  • a window 117 showing the operation status of the day in detail can be opened.
  • the window can display the total electricity bill, operating time, average outside air temperature, and the like for that room.
  • the air conditioner setting confirmation screen 119 shown in FIG. 21 is a screen when the living room 1 button 101 of the air conditioner selection tag 100 is clicked and the air conditioner setting confirmation tag 118 is clicked.
  • the air conditioner setting confirmation screen 119 can easily confirm details of the setting contents of the air conditioner registered in the living room 1 button 101 on the screen of the PC 3.
  • the air conditioner setting confirmation screen 119 displays the function of the setting content, when the operator changes the setting content, it can be changed while correctly understanding the setting content.
  • an air conditioner setting confirmation screen 119 for the next page is displayed as shown in FIG.
  • the previous page button 121 is clicked.
  • the changed setting information is sent from the PC 3 connected to the USB to the remote controller 1, and when the command or the like is sent from the remote controller 1 to the air conditioner indoor unit 2, the changed setting information is also sent.
  • the setting of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 is changed.
  • a one-point advice window 122 is opened, and advice for efficiently using the air conditioner is displayed to the operator.
  • another one-point advice window 122 can be opened by clicking the next page button 122a or the previous page button 122b (see FIG. 24).
  • the remote controller with an external connection terminal can display the display contents that could not be displayed only by the display screen of the remote controller 1 using the display of the external device such as the PC 3. .
  • the remote controller 1 according to the present embodiment includes an RF module as a wireless communication unit and a USB connection terminal as an external connection terminal, and the operation information of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 is temporarily transmitted to the remote controller 1 via the RF module.
  • the operation information of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 can be collectively managed by the PC 3 by further storing it and transferring it to the PC 3 via the USB connection terminal.
  • the operation status of the air conditioner can be continuously displayed with graphics or the like by the PC 3, and the function description of the setting contents can also be displayed when the setting of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 is changed. A good system can be built.
  • the remote controller with an external connection terminal includes an RF module 11 as a wireless communication means and a USB socket 12 as an external connection terminal. Since the operation key 16a as the operation means is disposed on both sides of the surface, the external connection terminal and the wireless communication means do not interfere with each other, and there is an adverse effect such as noise and a decrease in reception sensitivity. Can be prevented.
  • the remote controller with an external connection terminal has the RF module 11 and the USB socket 12 disposed on both sides of the LCD unit 15 as a display unit. This makes it difficult for the operator's hand to touch the RF module 11 and the USB socket 12, and can prevent the reception sensitivity from being lowered and noise.
  • the remote controller with an external connection terminal further includes an IRLED 13 as an infrared transmission means, and is different from the USB socket 12 and the RF module 11, that is, the LCD unit 15 of the remote controller 1. It is arrange
  • the remote controller with an external connection terminal is useful when two-way communication is possible with the operation target device, and is particularly useful for households that require management of the operation status of the operation target device. Suitable for remote controllers with external connection terminals when controlling electrical appliances.

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Abstract

The present invention includes: a casing; a key input section (16) that is arranged on one surface of the casing and that controls an air-conditioner indoor unit (2); an RF module (11) that exchanges information with the air-conditioner indoor unit (2) through radio communication; and a USB socket (12) that exchanges information with a PC (3) by being connected thereto. The RF module (11) and the USB socket (12) are arranged on opposite sides of the casing, with the surface thereof having the key operating section (16) located therebetween. The present invention further includes an LCD unit (15) on the surface of the casing provided with the key operating section (16). The RF module (11) and the USB socket (12) are arranged on opposite sides of the casing, with the LCD unit (15) located therebetween.

Description

外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラRemote controller with external connection terminal
　本発明は、操作対象機器をコントロールするための通信手段の他、外部機器と接続して情報をやり取りするための外部接続端子を備えている外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラに関する。 The present invention relates to a remote controller with an external connection terminal provided with an external connection terminal for connecting to an external device and exchanging information in addition to a communication means for controlling an operation target device.
　近年、エアコンディショナー（以下、エアコンという）等の家庭電化製品においてもＣＯ２の排出ガス規制等により、電力の効率的な使用が求められている。このため、操作対象機器をコントロールするリモートコントローラ（以下、リモコンという）には、双方向通信が可能な無線方式（ＲＦ：Radio　Frequency）を具備することにより、操作対象機器から取得した運転情報等のログを取得し、リモコン側で一定期間の電気代の管理等を行うものもある。 In recent years, home appliances such as air conditioners (hereinafter referred to as air conditioners) have been required to efficiently use electric power due to CO 2 emission regulations. For this reason, a remote controller that controls the operation target device (hereinafter referred to as a remote control) includes a radio system (RF: Radio Frequency) capable of two-way communication, so that operation information obtained from the operation target device can be obtained. Some of them obtain logs and manage the electricity bill for a certain period on the remote control side.
　また、従来は、家庭電化製品等の操作対象機器をコントロールするリモートコントローラ（以下、リモコンという）において、無線方式（ＲＦ：Radio　Frequency）と赤外線方式（ＩＲ：Infrared）の両方を１つのリモコンに搭載したものがあった（特許文献１参照）。 Conventionally, a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) that controls devices to be operated such as home appliances is equipped with both a radio system (RF: Radio Frequency) and an infrared system (IR: Infrared) in one remote controller. (See Patent Document 1).
特開２０１０－２５１８８１号公報JP 2010-251881 A
　しかしながら、操作対象機器から運転情報等のログを取得し、リモコン側で一定期間の電気代等を管理しようとすると、処理能力の高いＭＰＵ（Micro-Processing　Unit）と、一定期間のログが蓄積可能な大容量のメモリと、種々の管理情報が表示可能な解像度の高い表示部とが必要になるため、高コストになるという問題があった。 However, if you acquire logs of operation information from the operation target device and manage the electricity bill for a certain period on the remote control side, you can accumulate a high processing capacity MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) and logs for a certain period Since a large-capacity memory and a display unit with high resolution capable of displaying various management information are required, there is a problem that the cost is increased.
　本発明は、外部機器と接続可能な外部接続端子を備え、操作対象機器から取得した運転情報等を外部機器に転送、送信、あるいは出力できるようにした外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラを提供することを目的とする。 The present invention provides a remote controller with an external connection terminal that includes an external connection terminal that can be connected to an external device, and that can transfer, transmit, or output operation information acquired from an operation target device to the external device. Objective.
　上述した課題を解決し、目的を達成するために、本発明は、筐体と、前記筐体の一面に配置され、操作対象機器をコントロールするキー操作手段と、無線通信により前記操作対象機器との間で情報の受け渡しを行う無線通信手段と、外部機器と接続して情報の受け渡しを行う外部接続端子と、を備え、前記筐体の前記キー操作手段を設けた面を挟んで両側に、前記無線通信手段と前記外部接続端子とを配置したことを特徴とする。 In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a housing, a key operation unit that is disposed on one surface of the housing and controls the operation target device, and the operation target device by wireless communication. Wireless communication means for exchanging information between and an external connection terminal for exchanging information by connecting to an external device, on both sides of the surface of the housing provided with the key operation means, The wireless communication means and the external connection terminal are arranged.
　また、本発明は、前記筐体の前記キー操作手段を設けた面に表示手段をさらに備え、前記表示手段と前記キー操作手段とが並べて配置され、前記無線通信手段と前記外部接続端子とは、前記筐体の前記表示手段を挟んで両側にそれぞれ配置されていることが好ましい。 Further, the present invention further includes a display unit on a surface of the housing provided with the key operation unit, the display unit and the key operation unit are arranged side by side, and the wireless communication unit and the external connection terminal are It is preferable that they are respectively arranged on both sides of the display means of the casing.
　また、本発明は、赤外線を用いて操作対象機器を操作する赤外線送信手段をさらに備え、前記赤外線送信手段は、前記筐体の前記表示手段の両側にそれぞれ配置された前記無線通信手段と前記外部接続端子とは別の側面に配置されていることが好ましい。 In addition, the present invention further includes an infrared transmission unit that operates an operation target device using infrared rays, and the infrared transmission unit includes the wireless communication unit and the external unit arranged on both sides of the display unit of the casing. It is preferable to arrange on a side surface different from the connection terminal.
　また、本発明は、前記外部機器は、前記外部接続端子を介して前記操作対象機器の運転情報を取得し、運転情報管理を行うパーソナルコンピュータであって、前記外部接続端子は、前記パーソナルコンピュータと接続するＵＳＢ接続端子であることが好ましい。 Further, the present invention is a personal computer in which the external device acquires operation information of the operation target device via the external connection terminal and performs operation information management, and the external connection terminal is connected to the personal computer. A USB connection terminal to be connected is preferable.
　本発明にかかる外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラは、操作対象機器をコントロールするキー操作手段が配置された筐体の面を挟んで、操作対象機器との間で情報の受け渡しを行う無線通信手段と、外部機器と接続される外部接続端子とを両側に配置し、リモコンに設けられた外部接続端子と無線通信手段とを離して配置することで、互いに干渉し難くなり、ノイズや受信感度の低下を招く等の悪影響を未然に防止できるという効果を奏する。 A remote controller with an external connection terminal according to the present invention is a wireless communication means for exchanging information with an operation target device across a surface of a casing on which a key operation means for controlling the operation target device is disposed, By arranging the external connection terminals connected to external devices on both sides, and disposing the external connection terminals provided on the remote control and the wireless communication means apart from each other, it becomes difficult to interfere with each other, and noise and reception sensitivity are reduced. This has the effect of preventing adverse effects such as inviting.
図１は、本発明の一実施形態にかかる外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラと操作対象機器と外部機器との関係を説明する図である。FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a relationship among a remote controller with an external connection terminal, an operation target device, and an external device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 図２は、図１の外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラと操作対象機器と外部機器とにおける概略構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the remote controller with an external connection terminal, the operation target device, and the external device of FIG. 図３は、本実施例にかかる外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラの外観斜視図である。FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the remote controller with external connection terminals according to the present embodiment. 図４は、図３の外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラの操作扉を外した状態を示す外観斜視図である。4 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the operation door of the remote controller with external connection terminals of FIG. 3 is removed. 図５は、図４の外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラの上面カバーを外した状態を示す外観斜視図である。FIG. 5 is an external perspective view showing a state where the top cover of the remote controller with external connection terminals of FIG. 4 is removed. 図６は、図５の外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラの基板を示す外観斜視図である。6 is an external perspective view showing a substrate of the remote controller with external connection terminals of FIG. 図７は、図６の外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラの基板を裏面側から見た外観斜視図である。7 is an external perspective view of the substrate of the remote controller with external connection terminals of FIG. 6 as viewed from the back side. 図８は、本実施例にかかるリモコンとエアコンとの間で行われるペアリング設定動作の手順を説明する図である。FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the procedure of the pairing setting operation performed between the remote controller and the air conditioner according to the present embodiment. 図９は、図８のペアリング設定中に受信可能なエアコンの機種情報の一例を示す図である。FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of air conditioner model information that can be received during the pairing setting of FIG. 図１０は、図８のペアリング設定に最低限必要なエアコンの機種情報の一例を示す図である。FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of air conditioner model information necessary for the pairing setting in FIG. 図１１は、本実施例にかかるペアリング設定後のリモコンとエアコンとの間でログ情報の受け渡しを行う場合の通信手順を説明する図である。FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a communication procedure when log information is exchanged between the remote controller and the air conditioner after pairing setting according to the present embodiment. 図１２は、本実施例にかかるＵＳＢ接続端子を介して接続されたリモコンとＰＣとの間でログ情報の受け渡しを行う場合の通信手順を説明する図である。FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a communication procedure when log information is exchanged between a remote controller connected via the USB connection terminal according to the present embodiment and a PC. 図１３は、ＰＣが取得したログ情報に基づいてエアコンの運転情報管理を行うＰＣ画面例を示す図である。FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC. 図１４は、ＰＣが取得したログ情報に基づいてエアコンの運転情報管理を行うＰＣ画面例を示す図である。FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC. 図１５は、ＰＣが取得したログ情報に基づいてエアコンの運転情報管理を行うＰＣ画面例を示す図である。FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC. 図１６は、ＰＣが取得したログ情報に基づいてエアコンの運転情報管理を行うＰＣ画面例を示す図である。FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC. 図１７は、ＰＣが取得したログ情報に基づいてエアコンの運転情報管理を行うＰＣ画面例を示す図である。FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen for managing air conditioner operation information based on log information acquired by the PC. 図１８は、ＰＣが取得したログ情報に基づいてエアコンの運転情報管理を行うＰＣ画面例を示す図である。FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC. 図１９は、ＰＣが取得したログ情報に基づいてエアコンの運転情報管理を行うＰＣ画面例を示す図である。FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC. 図２０は、ＰＣが取得したログ情報に基づいてエアコンの運転情報管理を行うＰＣ画面例を示す図である。FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC. 図２１は、ＰＣが取得したログ情報に基づいてエアコンの運転情報管理を行うＰＣ画面例を示す図である。FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC. 図２２は、ＰＣが取得したログ情報に基づいてエアコンの運転情報管理を行うＰＣ画面例を示す図である。FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC. 図２３は、ＰＣが取得したログ情報に基づいてエアコンの運転情報管理を行うＰＣ画面例を示す図である。FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC. 図２４は、ＰＣが取得したログ情報に基づいてエアコンの運転情報管理を行うＰＣ画面例を示す図である。FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC. 図２５は、ＰＣが取得したログ情報に基づいてエアコンの運転情報管理を行うＰＣ画面例を示す図である。FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC. 図２６は、ＰＣが取得したログ情報に基づいてエアコンの運転情報管理を行うＰＣ画面例を示す図である。FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC. 図２７は、ＰＣが取得したログ情報に基づいてエアコンの運転情報管理を行うＰＣ画面例を示す図である。FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC. 図２８は、ＰＣが取得したログ情報に基づいてエアコンの運転情報管理を行うＰＣ画面例を示す図である。FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC screen that performs air conditioner operation information management based on log information acquired by the PC.
　以下に、本発明にかかる外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラの実施例を図面に基づいて詳細に説明する。なお、この実施例によりこの発明が限定されるものではない。 Hereinafter, embodiments of a remote controller with an external connection terminal according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.
［構成説明］
　図１は、本発明の一実施形態にかかる外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラと操作対象機器と外部機器との関係を説明する図であり、図２は、図１の外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラと操作対象機器と外部機器とにおける概略構成を示すブロック図である。 [Description of configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between a remote controller with an external connection terminal, an operation target device, and an external device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure in an object apparatus and an external apparatus.
　本実施例にかかるリモコン１は、図１に示すように、ＲＦモジュールによる双方向無線通信を利用して、エアコン室内機２に対して遠隔操作や各種設定を行うと共に、エアコン室内機２から各種運転情報等を取得して、運転管理や各種設定に利用することができる。また、本実施例にかかるリモコン１は、取得した各種運転情報等を外部接続端子としてのＵＳＢ接続端子を介してパーソナルコンピュータ（ＰＣ）３と有線接続し、運転情報管理をＰＣ３側で行うことができる。また、本実施例にかかるリモコン１は、エアコン室内機２以外の操作対象機器である加湿器４等を赤外線送信手段としての赤外線（ＩＲ）ＬＥＤを用いて遠隔操作することができる。 As shown in FIG. 1, the remote controller 1 according to the present embodiment performs remote operation and various settings for the air conditioner indoor unit 2 using two-way wireless communication by an RF module, and performs various settings from the air conditioner indoor unit 2. Operation information and the like can be acquired and used for operation management and various settings. In addition, the remote controller 1 according to the present embodiment can connect various kinds of obtained operation information and the like to a personal computer (PC) 3 via a USB connection terminal as an external connection terminal and perform operation information management on the PC 3 side. it can. In addition, the remote controller 1 according to the present embodiment can remotely operate a humidifier 4 or the like, which is an operation target device other than the air conditioner indoor unit 2, using an infrared (IR) LED as an infrared transmission means.
　図１のように構成されたリモコン１と、操作対象機器としてのエアコン室内機２や加湿器４と、外部接続端子を介して接続されるＰＣ３の概略構成について、図２を用いて説明する。リモコン１は、エアコン室内機２との間で双方向無線通信を行うための送受信機やアンテナ等を含むＲＦモジュール１１、情報管理等を行う外部機器としてのパーソナルコンピュータ（ＰＣ）３とＵＳＢ接続を行うための外部接続端子としてのＵＳＢソケット１２、加湿機４などを赤外線（ＩＲ）ダイオードによる赤外線送信によりコントロールするＩＲＬＥＤ１３、エアコン室内機２から受信した各種運転情報等のデータを一定期間（ここでは、４０日間分）保持するメモリを含み、リモコン１の各部を制御するＭＰＵ（マイクロプロセッサユニット）が搭載されたＭＰＵボード１４、リモコン１の操作情報やエアコン室内機２の運転情報を表示するＬＣＤユニット２、操作対象機器を操作するキー操作部１６、時間管理を行う計時専用のＲＴＣ（リアル・タイム・クロック）１７、および、リモコン１の各部に電力を供給する電池１８等により構成されている。 A schematic configuration of the remote controller 1 configured as shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner indoor unit 2 and the humidifier 4 as operation target devices, and the PC 3 connected via an external connection terminal will be described with reference to FIG. The remote controller 1 has a USB connection with an RF module 11 including a transceiver and antenna for performing bidirectional wireless communication with the air conditioner indoor unit 2, and a personal computer (PC) 3 as an external device for information management and the like. USB socket 12 as an external connection terminal for performing, IRLED 13 for controlling humidifier 4 and the like by infrared transmission by infrared (IR) diode, data such as various operation information received from air conditioner indoor unit 2 (here, 40 days)) An MPU board 14 including an MPU (microprocessor unit) for controlling each part of the remote controller 1 and an LCD unit 2 for displaying operation information of the remote controller 1 and operation information of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 , Key operation unit 16 for operating the operation target device, dedicated to timekeeping for time management TC and (real time clock) 17, is constituted by a supply battery 18 or the like power to each unit of the remote controller 1.
　エアコン室内機２は、図２に示すように、リモコン１のＲＦモジュール１１と双方向無線通信を行うＲＦモジュール２１、および、ＲＦモジュール２１で受信したリモコン１からのコマンドに基づいてエアコン室内機２の各部を制御すると共に、エアコン室内機２の運転情報（運転時間・運転モード・運転状況・電気代等）を収集して一定期間（ここでは、１０日間分）のデータを保持するメモリを含むＭＰＵが搭載されたＭＰＵボード２２などを備えている。 As shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioner indoor unit 2 includes an RF module 21 that performs bidirectional wireless communication with the RF module 11 of the remote controller 1, and an air conditioner indoor unit 2 based on a command from the remote controller 1 received by the RF module 21. And a memory that collects operation information (operation time, operation mode, operation status, electricity bill, etc.) of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 and holds data for a certain period (here, 10 days) An MPU board 22 on which an MPU is mounted is provided.
　また、ＰＣ３は、図２に示すように、リモコン１のＵＳＢソケット１２との間にＵＳＢケーブルを接続するためのＵＳＢソケット３１を備えている。リモコン１の販売時に添付されている運転情報管理ソフトは、ＰＣ３にインストールすることにより、ＵＳＢ接続にデータの送受信が行えるようになると共に、ＰＣ３においてエアコン室内機２等の運転情報を定期的に収集し、ＰＣ画面上で継続的に管理を行うことができる。 Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the PC 3 includes a USB socket 31 for connecting a USB cable to the USB socket 12 of the remote controller 1. The operation information management software attached at the time of selling the remote controller 1 can be installed on the PC 3 so that data can be transmitted / received to / from the USB connection, and the operation information on the air conditioner indoor unit 2 and the like is periodically collected in the PC 3. In addition, management can be continuously performed on the PC screen.
　また、加湿器４は、図２に示すように、リモコン１のＩＲＬＥＤ１３から送信される赤外線信号を受信するＩＲＰＤ（赤外線受信）ユニット４１を備えている。リモコン１は、この赤外線信号（コマンド）によって加湿器４をコントロールすることができる。 Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the humidifier 4 includes an IRPD (infrared receiving) unit 41 that receives an infrared signal transmitted from the IRLED 13 of the remote controller 1. The remote controller 1 can control the humidifier 4 by this infrared signal (command).
［リモコンの構造］
　図３は、本実施例にかかる外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラの外観斜視図であり、図４は、図３の外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラの操作扉を外した状態を示す外観斜視図であり、図５は、図４の外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラの上面カバーを外した状態を示す外観斜視図であり、図６は、図５の外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラの基板を示す外観斜視図であり、図７は、図６の外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラの基板を裏面側から見た外観斜視図である。 [Remote control structure]
3 is an external perspective view of the remote controller with an external connection terminal according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the operation door of the remote controller with an external connection terminal of FIG. 5 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the top cover of the remote controller with external connection terminals of FIG. 4 is removed, and FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing a substrate of the remote controller with external connection terminals of FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of the substrate of the remote controller with external connection terminals of FIG. 6 as viewed from the back side.
　本実施例にかかる外部接続端子付きリモコン１は、図３に示すように、立方体形状からなり、手に持った状態で操作し易いように、先端側（図の奥側）に画面表示を行うＬＣＤユニット１５が配置されていて、ＬＣＤユニット１５より手前側には、キー操作部１６のうち頻繁に使用される大型の操作キー１６ａと、操作扉５１の中には各種操作キーや設定キー等が配置されている（図４の１６ｂ参照）。このように、リモコン１の筐体の上面には、ＬＣＤユニット１５とキー操作部１６とが長手方向に並べて配置されている。 As shown in FIG. 3, the remote controller 1 with an external connection terminal according to the present embodiment has a cubic shape and displays a screen on the tip side (the back side in the figure) so that it can be easily operated while being held in the hand. An LCD unit 15 is arranged, and on the front side of the LCD unit 15, a large-sized operation key 16 a that is frequently used in the key operation unit 16, and various operation keys and setting keys in the operation door 51 are provided. Is arranged (see 16b in FIG. 4). As described above, the LCD unit 15 and the key operation unit 16 are arranged in the longitudinal direction on the upper surface of the casing of the remote controller 1.
　そして、本発明に特徴的な構成としては、図３に示すように、外部接続端子としてのＵＳＢソケット１２と、無線通信手段としてのＲＦモジュール１１とが、表示手段としてのＬＣＤユニット１５に対して両側にそれぞれ配置されている。これは、外部接続端子（ＵＳＢソケット１２）と無線通信手段（ＲＦモジュール１１）とを近くに配置すると、互いに干渉する可能性があって、ノイズが乗ったり、受信感度の低下を招いたりするという悪影響が出る恐れがあるからである。 As a characteristic configuration of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, a USB socket 12 as an external connection terminal and an RF module 11 as a wireless communication means are connected to an LCD unit 15 as a display means. It is arranged on each side. This is because if the external connection terminal (USB socket 12) and the wireless communication means (RF module 11) are arranged close to each other, they may interfere with each other, resulting in noise and a decrease in reception sensitivity. This is because there is a risk of adverse effects.
　また、ＬＣＤユニット１５側にＵＳＢソケット１２とＲＦモジュール１１とを配置したのは、図１に示すように、操作者がリモコン１を手に持ってキー操作部１６を操作する際に、人の手がＲＦモジュール１１のアンテナやＵＳＢソケット１２に触れると、受信感度の低下やノイズ等の悪影響が出る恐れがあるからである。 Also, the USB socket 12 and the RF module 11 are arranged on the LCD unit 15 side, as shown in FIG. 1, when the operator operates the key operation unit 16 while holding the remote controller 1 in his / her hand. This is because if the hand touches the antenna or the USB socket 12 of the RF module 11, there is a risk that the reception sensitivity may be lowered or noise may be adversely affected.
　さらに、赤外線送信手段としてのＩＲＬＥＤ１３は、ＵＳＢソケット１２とＲＦモジュール１１とは別の側面、つまり、リモコン１の先端側の側面に配置されている。これは、ＩＲＬＥＤ１３がＵＳＢソケット１２とＲＦモジュール１１のそれぞれに対して一定距離離れた位置にあるため、相互に干渉し難くなると共に、リモコン１の先端部に設けることで、操作対象機器に向けて赤外線を送信し易くするためである。 Furthermore, the IRLED 13 as the infrared transmission means is disposed on a side surface different from the USB socket 12 and the RF module 11, that is, on the side surface on the distal end side of the remote controller 1. This is because the IRLED 13 is located at a certain distance from the USB socket 12 and the RF module 11, so that it is difficult to interfere with each other, and the IRLED 13 is provided at the distal end portion of the remote controller 1, so This is to facilitate transmission of infrared rays.
　図４は、図３に示すリモコン１から操作扉５１を外した状態を示す図であり、その中には各種操作キー１６ｂが配置されている。この操作扉５１は、リモコン本体と蝶番５２により回動可能に接続されている。そして、図５は、図４のリモコン本体から上面カバー５０を取り外した図である。さらに、図６は、図５のリモコン本体からＬＣＤユニット１５を固定するケースとキー操作部１６とを取り除いたもので、表面側には基板５３の上にＬＣＤユニット１５の液晶表示パネルが配置されている。そして、図７は、図６の基板５３を裏面側から見たもので、無線通信手段としてのＲＦモジュール１１と、外部接続端子としてのＵＳＢソケット１２とが、基板５３のそれぞれの両端に配置され、また赤外線送信手段としてのＩＲＬＥＤ１３が基板５３の先端の中央付近に配置されていることがわかる。 FIG. 4 is a view showing a state in which the operation door 51 is removed from the remote controller 1 shown in FIG. 3, in which various operation keys 16b are arranged. The operation door 51 is connected to a remote control body and a hinge 52 so as to be rotatable. FIG. 5 is a diagram in which the top cover 50 is removed from the remote control body of FIG. Further, FIG. 6 is obtained by removing the case for fixing the LCD unit 15 and the key operation unit 16 from the remote control body of FIG. 5, and the liquid crystal display panel of the LCD unit 15 is disposed on the substrate 53 on the front side. ing. FIG. 7 is a view of the substrate 53 of FIG. 6 from the back side. The RF module 11 as a wireless communication means and the USB socket 12 as an external connection terminal are arranged at both ends of the substrate 53. In addition, it can be seen that the IRLED 13 as the infrared transmission means is disposed near the center of the tip of the substrate 53.
　このように、本実施例にかかる外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラによれば、キー操作部１６が配置された筐体の面を挟んで、ＲＦモジュール１１とＵＳＢソケット１２とを両側に配置したため、ＲＦモジュール１１とＵＳＢソケット１２とが互いに干渉することが無くなり、ノイズや受信感度の低下を招く等の悪影響を未然に防止することができるという効果を奏する。 As described above, according to the remote controller with an external connection terminal according to the present embodiment, the RF module 11 and the USB socket 12 are disposed on both sides across the surface of the casing on which the key operation unit 16 is disposed. The module 11 and the USB socket 12 do not interfere with each other, and it is possible to prevent adverse effects such as noise and a decrease in reception sensitivity.
　また、本実施例にかかる外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラによれば、ＬＣＤユニット１５とキー操作部１６とが筐体の面に並べて配置されている場合は、ＬＣＤユニット１５を挟んでＲＦモジュール１１とＵＳＢソケット１２とを両側に配置したため、操作者の手がＲＦモジュール１１やＵＳＢソケット１２に触れ難くなり、受信感度の低下やノイズ等の悪影響が出る恐れを防止できるという効果を奏する。 Further, according to the remote controller with an external connection terminal according to the present embodiment, when the LCD unit 15 and the key operation unit 16 are arranged side by side on the surface of the housing, the RF module 11 is sandwiched between the LCD unit 15 and the remote controller. Since the USB sockets 12 are arranged on both sides, it is difficult for an operator's hand to touch the RF module 11 and the USB socket 12, and it is possible to prevent the possibility that the reception sensitivity is lowered and the adverse effects such as noise are generated.
　さらに、本実施例にかかる外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラによれば、ＩＲＬＥＤ１３を備えている場合は、ＵＳＢソケット１２とＲＦモジュール１１それぞれが配置された面と異なる側面、つまり、リモコン１の先端側の側面に配置したため、ＲＦモジュール１１とＵＳＢソケット１２から一定距離離れた位置にあり、相互に干渉し難くなると共に、操作対象機器に向けて容易に赤外線が送信できるという効果を奏する。 Furthermore, according to the remote controller with an external connection terminal according to the present embodiment, when the IRLED 13 is provided, the side surface different from the surface on which the USB socket 12 and the RF module 11 are arranged, that is, the front end side of the remote controller 1 is provided. Since it is arranged on the side surface, it is located at a certain distance from the RF module 11 and the USB socket 12, and it is difficult to interfere with each other, and infrared rays can be easily transmitted to the operation target device.
　なお、上記実施例によれば、外部接続端子としてＵＳＢ接続端子であるＵＳＢソケット１２を設けた例で説明したが、これに限るものではなく、外部機器と接続可能な種々の有線端子の他、ブルートゥース（Bluetooth（登録商標））のような種々の無線接続機器を用いてＰＣ等の外部機器と接続するようにしても良い。 In addition, according to the said Example, although demonstrated in the example which provided the USB socket 12 which is a USB connection terminal as an external connection terminal, it is not restricted to this, In addition to various wired terminals connectable with an external device, You may make it connect with external apparatuses, such as PC, using various wireless connection apparatuses, such as Bluetooth (Bluetooth (trademark)).
　また、上記実施例によれば、赤外線送信手段として、ＩＲＬＥＤ１３を備えた例で説明したが、これに限るものではなく、赤外線以外の波長の光を使った光通信手段、あるいは、光以外の超音波などを発して操作対象機器をコントロールする音波発生手段などを用いても良い。 Further, according to the above embodiment, the example in which the IRLED 13 is provided as the infrared transmission means has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the optical communication means using light having a wavelength other than infrared or super A sound wave generation unit that emits sound waves or the like to control the operation target device may be used.
［動作説明］　
　以上のように構成された外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラを用いて、リモコン１とエアコン室内機２との間でコマンドや運転情報等の受け渡し動作や、リモコン１とＰＣ３との間で運転情報等を受け渡し、ＰＣ３によるエアコン室内機２の運転情報管理について以下説明する。 [Description of operation]
Using the remote controller with an external connection terminal configured as described above, commands and operation information are transferred between the remote controller 1 and the air conditioner indoor unit 2, and operation information and the like are transmitted between the remote controller 1 and the PC 3. Delivery and management of the operation information of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 by the PC 3 will be described below.
（ペアリング設定）
　図８は、本実施例にかかるリモコンとエアコンとの間で行われるペアリング設定動作の手順を説明する図であり、図９は、図８のペアリング設定中に受信可能なエアコンの機種情報の一例を示す図であり、図１０は、図８のペアリング設定に最低限必要なエアコンの機種情報の一例を示す図である。 (Pairing setting)
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the procedure of the pairing setting operation performed between the remote controller and the air conditioner according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 9 is the model information of the air conditioner that can be received during the pairing setting of FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of air conditioner model information necessary for the pairing setting shown in FIG.
　まず、リモコン１の登録設定が選択された場合、あるいは、リモコン１のＭＰＵボード９に搭載された図示しない不揮発性メモリ（以下、EEPROMという）にペアリング相手が記憶されていない場合（ＬＣＤユニット１５に「登録なし」が表示される場合）は、リモコン登録設定モードとなり、エアコン室内機２とペアリングを行う際の手順を表示するペアリング表示をする。同様に、エアコン室内機２もペアリング登録がない場合は、エアコン室内機２に備えられた図示しないランプで表示される。ペアリングは、図８に示すように、操作者がエアコン室内機２にある図示しないペアリングボタンを押下すると、ペアリング実行状態をブザーの鳴動、およびランプの点灯で示し、エアコン室内機２側からのペアリング要求信号がＲＦモジュール２１に送られて、ペアリングが開始される（ステップＳ６０）。 First, when the registration setting of the remote controller 1 is selected, or when a pairing partner is not stored in a non-illustrated non-volatile memory (hereinafter referred to as EEPROM) mounted on the MPU board 9 of the remote controller 1 (LCD unit 15). When “No registration” is displayed, the remote control registration setting mode is set, and a pairing display for displaying a procedure for pairing with the air conditioner indoor unit 2 is performed. Similarly, when there is no pairing registration, the air conditioner indoor unit 2 is also displayed by a lamp (not shown) provided in the air conditioner indoor unit 2. As shown in FIG. 8, when the operator presses a pairing button (not shown) on the air conditioner indoor unit 2, the pairing execution state is indicated by a buzzer sounding and a lamp being lit. Is sent to the RF module 21 to start pairing (step S60).
　また、リモコン１のＬＣＤユニット１５にペアリング表示がされている間は、図３に示すリモコン１の操作キー１６ａの運転／停止キーと、図４に示す操作扉５１の中の各種操作キー１６ｂの確定キーとを同時に押下すると、ペアリング要求信号がＲＦモジュール１１に送られ、ペアリングが開始される（ステップＳ６１）。リモコン１のＬＣＤユニット１５には、「ペアリング登録中」と表示される。ここで、ＲＦモジュール１１と２１との間でペアリングのための通信を行い（ステップＳ６２）、ペアリング登録可能な機種かどうかを確認した後（ステップＳ６３）、ＲＦモジュール２１からＭＰＵボード２２にＲＦモジュールのペアリングが完了した旨のペアリング完了信号を送信し（ステップＳ６４）、ＲＦモジュール１１からＭＰＵボード１４にＲＦモジュールのペアリングが完了した旨のペアリング完了信号を送信する（ステップＳ６５）。 While the pairing display is displayed on the LCD unit 15 of the remote controller 1, the operation / stop key of the operation key 16a of the remote controller 1 shown in FIG. 3 and the various operation keys 16b in the operation door 51 shown in FIG. When the confirmation key is pressed simultaneously, a pairing request signal is sent to the RF module 11 and pairing is started (step S61). The LCD unit 15 of the remote controller 1 displays “Pairing registration in progress”. Here, communication for pairing is performed between the RF modules 11 and 21 (step S62), and after confirming whether the model can be registered for pairing (step S63), the RF module 21 transfers to the MPU board 22. A pairing completion signal indicating that the pairing of the RF module is completed is transmitted (step S64), and a pairing completion signal indicating that the pairing of the RF module is completed is transmitted from the RF module 11 to the MPU board 14 (step S65). ).
　続いて、リモコン１からエアコン室内機２に対し、エアコン機種情報要求を汎用データとして送信する（ステップＳ６６）。この時、エアコン室内機２から受信可能なエアコン機種情報の信号としては、図９に示すように、シリーズ名（Ｚ／Ｓ）、室内機年度（Ａ～Ｚ）、文字列（機種名１６文字以内）、派生機種（１）、エアコンＩＤ（ＭＡＣアドレス）などがある。エアコン室内機２側のＲＦモジュール２１は、エアコン機種情報要求をエアコン室内機２で受信すると、リモコン１に対して汎用データ送信完了信号を送信し、送信が成功したことを通知する（ステップＳ６７）。リモコン１のＭＰＵボード１４は、ＲＦモジュール１１を受信モードに切り換える（ステップＳ６８）。 Subsequently, an air conditioner model information request is transmitted as general-purpose data from the remote controller 1 to the air conditioner indoor unit 2 (step S66). At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the air conditioner model information signal that can be received from the air conditioner indoor unit 2 includes a series name (Z / S), an indoor unit year (AZ), a character string (16 characters of model name). ), Derivative model (1), air conditioner ID (MAC address), and the like. When the air conditioner indoor unit 2 receives the air conditioner model information request, the RF module 21 on the air conditioner indoor unit 2 side transmits a general-purpose data transmission completion signal to the remote controller 1 to notify the successful transmission (step S67). . The MPU board 14 of the remote controller 1 switches the RF module 11 to the reception mode (step S68).
　続いて、エアコン室内機２のＭＰＵボード２２は、エアコンの機種情報をリモコン１側に情報転送する（ステップＳ６９）。エアコン室内機２の機種情報をリモコン１側で受信すると、ＲＦモジュール１１は、エアコン室内機２に対して情報転送完了信号を送信し、送信が成功したことを通知する（ステップＳ７０）。 Subsequently, the MPU board 22 of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 transfers the air conditioner model information to the remote controller 1 side (step S69). When the remote controller 1 receives the model information of the air conditioner indoor unit 2, the RF module 11 transmits an information transfer completion signal to the air conditioner indoor unit 2 to notify that the transmission has been successful (step S70).
　リモコン１は、エアコン機種情報を取得すると、受信モード中止をＲＦモジュール１１に通知し（ステップＳ７１）、受信モード完了を受け取る（ステップＳ７２）。 When the remote controller 1 acquires the air conditioner model information, the remote controller 1 notifies the RF module 11 that the reception mode has been canceled (step S71), and receives the reception mode completion (step S72).
　リモコン１のＭＰＵボード１４は、取得したエアコン機種情報に基づいて、ペアリング設定を行うエアコン室内機２が該当機種か否かを判断する。リモコン１のＭＰＵボード１４は、該当機種で、受信した信号が図１０に示す信号を少なくとも含む場合、ペアリング成立の汎用データをエアコン室内機２に送信する（ステップＳ７３）。エアコン室内機２のＲＦモジュール２１は、ペアリング成立の汎用データを受信すると、リモコン１に対して、汎用データの送信が完了（送信成功）したことを通知する（ステップＳ７４）。リモコン１のＭＰＵボード１４は、ペアリングが成立したことをＬＣＤユニット１５に５．５秒間表示し、操作者はシリーズ名に合わせて「Ｚ」または「Ｓ」を選択すると、選択された機種内容がEEPROMに書き込まれる。 The MPU board 14 of the remote controller 1 determines whether or not the air conditioner indoor unit 2 that performs pairing setting is a corresponding model based on the acquired air conditioner model information. When the received signal includes at least the signal shown in FIG. 10 for the corresponding model and the MPU board 14 of the remote controller 1 transmits the pairing establishment general-purpose data to the air conditioner indoor unit 2 (step S73). When the RF module 21 of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 receives the general data for which pairing has been established, it notifies the remote controller 1 that the transmission of the general data has been completed (successful transmission) (step S74). The MPU board 14 of the remote controller 1 displays that the pairing has been established on the LCD unit 15 for 5.5 seconds. When the operator selects “Z” or “S” according to the series name, the selected model content Is written to EEPROM.
　一方、リモコン１のＭＰＵボード１４は、ペアリング設定を行うエアコン室内機２が該当機種でないと判断した場合、あるいは、受信したエアコン機種情報が図１０に示す信号以外のものであった場合、ペアリング不成立の汎用データをエアコン室内機２に送信する（ステップＳ７５）。エアコン室内機２のＲＦモジュール２１は、ペアリング不成立の汎用データを受信すると、リモコン１に対して、汎用データの送信が完了したことを通知する（ステップＳ７６）。リモコン１のＭＰＵボード１４は、ペアリング不成立表示をＬＣＤユニット１５に５．５秒間表示して、ペアリングクリア処理を行い（ステップＳ７７）、ペアリングクリアが完了したことの通知を受ける（ステップＳ７８）。 On the other hand, if the MPU board 14 of the remote controller 1 determines that the air conditioner indoor unit 2 to be paired is not a corresponding model, or if the received air conditioner model information is other than the signal shown in FIG. The general-purpose data in which the ring is not established is transmitted to the air conditioner indoor unit 2 (step S75). When the RF module 21 of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 receives the general-purpose data that is not paired, it notifies the remote controller 1 that the transmission of the general-purpose data has been completed (step S76). The MPU board 14 of the remote controller 1 displays a pairing failure indication on the LCD unit 15 for 5.5 seconds, performs a pairing clear process (step S77), and receives a notification that the pairing clear has been completed (step S78). ).
　ペアリング不成立の場合、エアコン室内機２のＭＰＵボード２２側でもペアリングクリア処理を行い（ステップＳ７９）、ペアリングクリアが完了したことの通知を受ける（ステップＳ８０）。このようにして、ペアリング設定が終了する。 If pairing is not established, pairing clear processing is also performed on the MPU board 22 side of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 (step S79), and notification that pairing clear has been completed is received (step S80). In this way, the pairing setting is completed.
　本実施例のリモコン１とエアコン室内機２とは、ＲＦモジュールを用いて双方向通信を行うため、隣の部屋などに別機種のエアコンがあると操作対象機器が区別できなくなるため、事前にペアリング設定を行う必要がある。 Since the remote controller 1 and the air conditioner indoor unit 2 of this embodiment perform two-way communication using an RF module, if there is another model of air conditioner in an adjacent room or the like, the operation target device cannot be distinguished. It is necessary to perform ring setting.
（エアコンとリモコン間の通信シーケンス）
　図１１は、本実施例にかかるペアリング設定後のリモコンとエアコンとの間でログ情報の受け渡しを行う場合の通信手順を説明する図である。上記したペアリング設定が完了すると、リモコン１は、毎日、定時刻にエアコン室内機２に対して運転状況ログ（履歴）を要求し、収集する動作を行う。 (Communication sequence between air conditioner and remote control)
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a communication procedure when log information is exchanged between the remote controller and the air conditioner after pairing setting according to the present embodiment. When the above-described pairing setting is completed, the remote controller 1 requests and collects an operation status log (history) from the air conditioner indoor unit 2 at a fixed time every day.
　まず、リモコン１のＭＰＵボード１４は、図１１に示すように、ＲＴＣ１７により定時刻（ここでは、ＡＭ０：０３とする）になると、ＲＦモジュール１１および２１を介してエアコン室内機２のＭＰＵボード２２に対してログ要求を送信する（ステップＳ８１）。リモコン１は、ログ要求を送信した後、エアコン室内機２からログデータが送られてくるのを待つ。ログを待つ際に、一定の時間が経過してもログが送られてこない場合は、受信タイムアウトによる受信エラーとし、ログの受信待ちを終了して、その日のログ収集を終了する。エアコン室内機２のＭＰＵボード２２のEEPROMは、エアコン運転状況のログを最大１０日分保存できる容量を持っているため、受信エラーが生じても次にログの受信が可能になった時点で、まとめてログの転送が行われる。 First, as shown in FIG. 11, when the MPU board 14 of the remote controller 1 reaches a fixed time (here, AM0: 03) by the RTC 17, the MPU board 22 of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 via the RF modules 11 and 21 is used. A log request is transmitted to (step S81). The remote controller 1 waits for log data to be sent from the air conditioner indoor unit 2 after transmitting the log request. When waiting for a log, if the log has not been sent even after a certain period of time, a reception error due to a reception timeout is determined, the log reception wait is terminated, and the log collection for that day is terminated. The EEPROM of the MPU board 22 of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 has a capacity that can store a log of the air conditioner operation status for a maximum of 10 days, so when a reception error occurs the next time the log can be received, Log transfer is performed collectively.
　図１１に示すように、エアコン室内機２から順次ログデータが送られてくると（ステップＳ８２、８３・・・）、その都度リモコン１のＭＰＵボード１４のEEPROMに保存する。ログの保存方法は、EEPROMに未保存のエリアがある場合は、その部分にログを書き込み、未保存のエリアが無い場合は、一番古いログの書き込みエリアを上書きして保存する。リモコン１は、エアコン室内機２からログデータの終了を示すログ終了を受信すると（ステップＳ８４）、ログ取得の完了となる。 As shown in FIG. 11, whenever log data is sequentially sent from the air conditioner indoor unit 2 (steps S82, 83...), It is stored in the EEPROM of the MPU board 14 of the remote controller 1 each time. As for the log saving method, if there is an unsaved area in the EEPROM, the log is written in that area, and if there is no unsaved area, the oldest log writing area is overwritten and saved. When the remote controller 1 receives the log end indicating the end of the log data from the air conditioner indoor unit 2 (step S84), the log acquisition is completed.
（リモコンとＰＣ間の通信シーケンス）
　図１２は、本実施例にかかるＵＳＢ接続端子を介して接続されたリモコンとＰＣとの間でログ情報の受け渡しを行う場合の通信手順を説明する図である。上記したエアコン１とリモコン２間の通信シーケンスにより、リモコン１のＭＰＵボード１４のEEPROMに保存されたエアコンの運転状況のログをＰＣ３に送信するものである。リモコン１のＭＰＵボード１４のEEPROMは、エアコンから受信したログを最大４０日分保存できる容量を持っている。 (Communication sequence between remote control and PC)
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a communication procedure when log information is exchanged between a remote controller connected via the USB connection terminal according to the present embodiment and a PC. According to the communication sequence between the air conditioner 1 and the remote controller 2 described above, a log of the air conditioner operating status stored in the EEPROM of the MPU board 14 of the remote controller 1 is transmitted to the PC 3. The EEPROM of the MPU board 14 of the remote controller 1 has a capacity capable of storing a log received from the air conditioner for a maximum of 40 days.
　まず、リモコン１とＰＣ３との間をＵＳＢ接続すると、ＵＳＢドライバにより通信可能となるまでの一連の処理（エニュメレーション）が行われ、エニュメレーションの完了によりリモコン１とＰＣ３との間で通信が可能になる（ステップＳ８５）。エニュメレーションの間は、「接続検出：ＵＳＢ接続中」の表示がリモコン１のＬＣＤユニット１５に表示される。 First, when the remote control 1 and the PC 3 are connected via USB, a series of processing (enumeration) is performed until communication is possible by the USB driver, and communication is performed between the remote control 1 and the PC 3 upon completion of the enumeration. Becomes possible (step S85). During the enumeration, a display of “connection detection: USB connected” is displayed on the LCD unit 15 of the remote controller 1.
　エニュメレーションが完了すると、ＰＣ３は、リモコン１に対してエアコン情報を要求する（ステップＳ８６）。リモコン１は、これに応答してＭＰＵボード１４のEEPROMに保存したエアコン情報をＰＣ３に対して送信する（ステップＳ８７）。エアコン情報としては、エアコンの製品名、シリーズ名、能力帯、室内機年度、使用電圧の他、エアコンＭＡＣアドレス、部屋情報、およびリモコンタイプなどがある。 When the enumeration is completed, the PC 3 requests air conditioner information from the remote controller 1 (step S86). In response to this, the remote controller 1 transmits the air conditioner information stored in the EEPROM of the MPU board 14 to the PC 3 (step S87). The air conditioner information includes air conditioner product name, series name, capacity band, indoor unit year, operating voltage, air conditioner MAC address, room information, and remote control type.
　ＰＣ３は、受信したエアコン情報と、管理しているエアコン情報とを照合し、受信したエアコン情報がどのエアコンに該当するのかを識別する。ＰＣ３において、複数のエアコンを管理している場合は、受信したエアコン情報がどのエアコンに該当するかを照合する必要がある。 The PC 3 compares the received air conditioner information with the managed air conditioner information, and identifies which air conditioner the received air conditioner information corresponds to. When managing a plurality of air conditioners in the PC 3, it is necessary to check which air conditioner the received air conditioner information corresponds to.
　続いて、ＰＣ３は、運転設定情報を読み込むため、リモコン１に対してエアコン運転設定情報を要求する（ステップＳ８８）。リモコン１は、これに応答してＭＰＵボード１４のEEPROMに保存されているエアコン運転設定情報をＰＣ３に送信する（ステップＳ８９）。エアコン運転設定情報としては、音量レベル、ボイスの有無、不在エコの切り換え、内部クリーンの有無、お手入れ時間、省エネファンの有無、自動パワフルの有無、および電流切換などがある。 Subsequently, the PC 3 requests the air conditioner operation setting information from the remote controller 1 in order to read the operation setting information (step S88). In response to this, the remote controller 1 transmits the air conditioner operation setting information stored in the EEPROM of the MPU board 14 to the PC 3 (step S89). The air conditioner operation setting information includes volume level, presence / absence of voice, absence eco switching, presence / absence of internal clean, maintenance time, presence / absence of energy saving fan, presence / absence of automatic power, and current switching.
　続いて、ＰＣ３は、リモコン１に対してログ読込みのために、ログ要求を行う（ステップＳ９０）。リモコン１は、ＰＣ３からのログ要求に応答して、ログデータを送信する（ステップＳ９１）。ＰＣ３とリモコン１とは、次データ要求とログデータの送信が繰り返される（ステップＳ９２、Ｓ９３、Ｓ９４）。リモコン１は、送信するログデータが無くなった時点でＰＣ３に対しログ終了を送信することにより（ステップＳ９５）、ＰＣ３におけるログ読込み処理が完了する。その後、ＰＣ３とリモコン１とをつなぐＵＳＢ接続が切断され（ステップＳ９６）、リモコン１がＰＣ３との間の通信モードから解放されると、ＬＣＤユニット１５の表示が通常表示に移行する。 Subsequently, the PC 3 makes a log request to the remote controller 1 for reading the log (step S90). The remote controller 1 transmits log data in response to the log request from the PC 3 (step S91). The PC 3 and the remote controller 1 repeat the next data request and log data transmission (steps S92, S93, S94). The remote controller 1 transmits a log end to the PC 3 when there is no log data to be transmitted (step S95), and the log reading process in the PC 3 is completed. Thereafter, the USB connection connecting the PC 3 and the remote controller 1 is disconnected (step S96), and when the remote controller 1 is released from the communication mode with the PC 3, the display of the LCD unit 15 shifts to the normal display.
　このように、エアコン室内機２に一時的に保存された（最大１０日間分保存可能）エアコンの運転ログは、リモコン１側に送信されて保存され（最大４０日間分保存可能）、リモコン１とＰＣ３とをＵＳＢ接続した時点で、リモコン１に保存されていたログがＰＣ３側に転送される。ＰＣ３では、予めインストールされた運転情報管理ソフトを使って、図１３～図２８に示すようにエアコン室内機２の運転情報を管理することができる。 As described above, the operation log of the air conditioner temporarily stored in the air conditioner indoor unit 2 (can be stored for up to 10 days) is transmitted to the remote controller 1 and stored (can be stored for up to 40 days). When the PC 3 is connected via USB, the log stored in the remote controller 1 is transferred to the PC 3 side. The PC 3 can manage the operation information of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 as shown in FIGS. 13 to 28 using the operation information management software installed in advance.
　図１３～図２８は、ＰＣが取得したログ情報に基づいてエアコンの運転情報管理を行うＰＣ画面例を示す図である。まず、ＰＣ３は、運転情報管理ソフトにより図１３に示すような画面が表示される。操作者は、エアコン選択タグ１００をクリックし、その中の「リビング１」のボタン１０１をクリックすると共に、カレンダータグ１０２をクリックすると、「リビング１」のエアコンにおける毎日の運転時間と電気代、月単位、年単位の電気代、月目標電気代等が記載されたカレンダー画面１０３が表示される。これにより、エアコン毎の運転状況と電気代とを継続的に把握可能となり、エアコンの効率的な利用や設定に利用することができる。 FIGS. 13 to 28 are diagrams showing examples of PC screens for managing air conditioner operation information based on log information acquired by the PC. First, the PC 3 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 13 by the operation information management software. When the operator clicks on the air conditioner selection tag 100 and clicks the “living 1” button 101 and clicks on the calendar tag 102, the daily operating time, electricity bill, and month of the “living 1” air conditioner are clicked. A calendar screen 103 on which unit, yearly electricity bill, monthly target electricity bill, etc. are displayed is displayed. Thereby, it becomes possible to continuously grasp the operation status and the electricity bill for each air conditioner, and it can be used for efficient use and setting of the air conditioner.
　ＰＣ３とリモコン１とをＵＳＢ接続した場合は、図１４に示すように、リモコン１が接続され、データ受信中であることを示すウインドウ１０４が表示される。そして、ＰＣ３には、新たな運転情報がＰＣ３に取り込まれると、図１５に示すように、カレンダー画面１０３にリモコン１に保存されていた前日までの運転時間と電気代とが追加された画面が表示される。 When the PC 3 and the remote controller 1 are connected by USB, as shown in FIG. 14, the remote controller 1 is connected, and a window 104 indicating that data is being received is displayed. Then, when new operation information is taken into the PC 3, the PC 3 has a screen in which the operation time up to the previous day and the electricity bill stored in the remote control 1 are added to the calendar screen 103 as shown in FIG. Is displayed.
　続いて、操作者は、図１５の状態から画面上のグラフタグ１０５をクリックすると、図１６に示すように、毎日の電気代が棒グラフ化されたグラフ画面１０６を表示することができる。これにより、一カ月間のエアコンの電気代の増減を一目で把握することができる。また、累計電気代として、今月の「リビング１」にかかったエアコン電気代の合計、前の月の電気代の合計、年間の電気代の合計、前の年の電気代の合計、月目標電気代等も表示されるため、エアコンの運転状況を多角的に把握することが可能になる。 Subsequently, when the operator clicks the graph tag 105 on the screen from the state of FIG. 15, as shown in FIG. 16, a graph screen 106 in which the daily electricity bill is converted into a bar graph can be displayed. As a result, it is possible to grasp at a glance the increase or decrease in the electricity bill of the air conditioner for one month. Also, as the total electricity bill, the total of the air-conditioner electricity bill for this month's “Living 1”, the previous month's electricity bill, the annual electricity bill, the previous year's electricity bill, the monthly target electricity Since the cost is also displayed, it becomes possible to grasp the operating condition of the air conditioner from various perspectives.
　また、図１６の画面において、エアコン選択タグ１００の全室合計ボタン１０８をクリックすると、リビング１ボタン１０１と寝室１ボタン１０７のそれぞれが合計されたグラフ画面１０６が色違い（モノクロ表示であれば、濃度違い）で表示される。これにより、全室のエアコンの電気代の合計とその内訳を一目で把握することができる。また、グラフ画面１０６には、縮小ボタン１０９と拡大ボタン１１０が設けられている。例えば、図１７に示す状態で拡大ボタン１１０をクリックすると、グラフ画面１０６は、図１８のようにグラフのレートが変化し、拡大表示することができる。これにより、電気代の微妙な変化も明確に把握することができる。 In addition, when the total room total button 108 of the air conditioner selection tag 100 is clicked on the screen of FIG. 16, the graph screen 106 in which the living room 1 button 101 and the bedroom 1 button 107 are totaled is different in color (if monochrome display, Displayed with a difference in density. Thereby, it is possible to grasp at a glance the total and the breakdown of the electricity bills of the air conditioners in all rooms. Further, the graph screen 106 is provided with a reduction button 109 and an enlargement button 110. For example, when the enlarge button 110 is clicked in the state shown in FIG. 17, the graph screen 106 can be enlarged and displayed as the graph rate changes as shown in FIG. This makes it possible to clearly grasp subtle changes in the electricity bill.
　例えば、図１９に示すように、エアコン選択タグ１００に、リビング１ボタン１０１、ダイニング１ボタン１１１、和室１ボタン１１２、寝室１ボタン１１３、子供部屋１ボタン１１４、その他１ボタン１１５、子供部屋２ボタンという多数のエアコンが登録されている場合は、全室合計ボタン１０８をクリックすると、１日毎の全室の電気代の合計のグラフが表示される。そして、１日の全室の電気代の合計のグラフは、さらに部屋毎の電気代が色違い（モノクロ表示であれば、濃度違い）で表示されるため、多数のエアコンの電気代の内訳も一目で把握することができる。 For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the air conditioner selection tag 100 includes a living 1 button 101, a dining 1 button 111, a Japanese-style room 1 button 112, a bedroom 1 button 113, a children's room 1 button 114, other 1 button 115, and a children's room 2 button. If a large number of air conditioners are registered, clicking the all room total button 108 displays a graph of the total electricity bill for all rooms per day. In the graph of total electricity charges for all rooms in a day, since the electricity charges for each room are displayed in different colors (in the case of monochrome display, the concentration is different), the breakdown of the electricity charges for many air conditioners is also included. It can be grasped at a glance.
　また、図１７に示すグラフ表示において、特定の日にちをクリックすると、図２０に示すように、その日の運転状況を詳細に示すウインドウ１１７を開くことができる。そのウインドウには、その日の全室合計の電気代、運転時間、および外気温度の平均気温などを表示することができる。 In addition, when a specific date is clicked in the graph display shown in FIG. 17, as shown in FIG. 20, a window 117 showing the operation status of the day in detail can be opened. The window can display the total electricity bill, operating time, average outside air temperature, and the like for that room.
　さらに、図２１に示すエアコン設定確認画面１１９は、エアコン選択タグ１００のリビング１ボタン１０１をクリックし、エアコン設定確認タグ１１８をクリックした場合の画面である。このエアコン設定確認画面１１９は、リビング１ボタン１０１に登録されているエアコンの設定内容の詳細をＰＣ３の画面上で容易に確認することができる。また、エアコン設定確認画面１１９は、設定内容の機能が併せて表示されているため、操作者が設定内容を変更する際に設定内容を正しく理解しながら変更することができる。さらに、次のページボタン１２０をクリックすると、図２２に示すように、次頁のエアコン設定確認画面１１９が表示される。そして、設定内容を変更する場合は、変更する設定内容をクリックすると、変更内容がメニュー表示され、所望の内容をクリックすることにより設定内容が変更される。前頁のエアコン設定確認画面１１９に戻りたい場合は、前のページボタン１２１をクリックする。このように変更された設定情報は、ＵＳＢ接続されたＰＣ３からリモコン１に送られ、リモコン１からエアコン室内機２に対してコマンド等を送る際に、変更された設定情報を併せて送ることにより、エアコン室内機２の設定が変更される。 Furthermore, the air conditioner setting confirmation screen 119 shown in FIG. 21 is a screen when the living room 1 button 101 of the air conditioner selection tag 100 is clicked and the air conditioner setting confirmation tag 118 is clicked. The air conditioner setting confirmation screen 119 can easily confirm details of the setting contents of the air conditioner registered in the living room 1 button 101 on the screen of the PC 3. In addition, since the air conditioner setting confirmation screen 119 displays the function of the setting content, when the operator changes the setting content, it can be changed while correctly understanding the setting content. Further, when the next page button 120 is clicked, an air conditioner setting confirmation screen 119 for the next page is displayed as shown in FIG. When changing the setting contents, when the setting contents to be changed are clicked, the changed contents are displayed in a menu, and the setting contents are changed by clicking the desired contents. To return to the air conditioner setting confirmation screen 119 on the previous page, the previous page button 121 is clicked. The changed setting information is sent from the PC 3 connected to the USB to the remote controller 1, and when the command or the like is sent from the remote controller 1 to the air conditioner indoor unit 2, the changed setting information is also sent. The setting of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 is changed.
　また、図１５のカレンダー表示において、図２３に示すワンポイントアドバイスボタン１２３がクリックされると、ワンポイントアドバイスウインドウ１２２が開いて、操作者に対しエアコンを効率的に使用するためのアドバイスが表示される。ワンポイントアドバイスウインドウ１２２が複数ある場合は、次頁ボタン１２２ａや前頁ボタン１２２ｂをクリックすることにより、別のワンポイントアドバイスウインドウ１２２を開くことができる（図２４参照）。 In the calendar display of FIG. 15, when the one-point advice button 123 shown in FIG. 23 is clicked, a one-point advice window 122 is opened, and advice for efficiently using the air conditioner is displayed to the operator. The When there are a plurality of one-point advice windows 122, another one-point advice window 122 can be opened by clicking the next page button 122a or the previous page button 122b (see FIG. 24).
　さらに、図２５に示すように、エアコン選択タグ１００の隣のファイル管理タグ１２４をクリックすると、ＣＤ－ＲＯＭ等からのデータの読み込みを行う読み込みボタン１２５、ＣＤ－Ｒ等に対してデータの書き出しを行う書き出しボタン１２６、エアコン選択タグにおいて登録されているエアコンの機種を削除する機種削除ボタン１２７、フレキシブルディスク（ＦＤ）等にファイルを書き出すファイルボタン１２８、このＰＣソフトのヘルプ表示を行うためのこのソフトの使い方ボタン１２９、およびこのＰＣソフトの名称や提供元やバージョン情報等を表示させるこのソフトについてボタン１３０等が表示される。例えば、この中の機種削除ボタン１２７をクリックすると、図２６に示すようなウインドウ１３１が開いて、既に登録されている機種一覧が表示される。例えば、この中のリビング１ボタン１３１をクリックすると、図２７に示すように、削除確認のための確認ウインドウ１３２が開かれ、「はい」または「いいえ」をクリックすることで削除、あるいは削除を中止できる。 Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 25, when the file management tag 124 next to the air conditioner selection tag 100 is clicked, data is written to a read button 125 for reading data from a CD-ROM or the like, a CD-R or the like. Export button 126 to perform, model delete button 127 to delete the air conditioner model registered in the air conditioner selection tag, file button 128 to write a file to a flexible disk (FD), etc., this software for displaying help of this PC software Button 129 and a button 130 for the software for displaying the name, provider, version information, etc. of the PC software. For example, when the model deletion button 127 is clicked, a window 131 as shown in FIG. 26 is opened and a list of registered models is displayed. For example, when the living room 1 button 131 is clicked, a confirmation window 132 for confirmation of deletion is opened as shown in FIG. 27, and deletion or cancellation is canceled by clicking “Yes” or “No”. it can.
　また、図２８に示すように、ファイル管理タグ１２４のこのソフトについてボタン１３０をクリックすると、このＰＣソフトの名称、提供元名称、図示していないがリリース年月日等が表示された画面１３３を表示することができる。 As shown in FIG. 28, when the button 130 is clicked for this software of the file management tag 124, a screen 133 displaying the name of the PC software, the name of the provider, the release date (not shown), etc. is displayed. Can be displayed.
　このように、本実施例にかかる外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラは、リモコン１の表示画面だけでは表示できなかった表示内容を、ＰＣ３のような外部機器のディスプレイを使って表示させることが可能になる。つまり、本実施例にかかるリモコン１は、無線通信手段としてのＲＦモジュールと、外部接続端子としてのＵＳＢ接続端子を備えており、エアコン室内機２の運転情報をＲＦモジュールを介してリモコン１に一時的に保存し、さらにＵＳＢ接続端子を介してＰＣ３に転送することにより、エアコン室内機２の運転情報をＰＣ３でまとめて管理することが可能となる。これにより、ＰＣ３によってエアコンの運転状況を継続的にグラフィクなどで表示することができると共に、エアコン室内機２の設定変更を行う場合にも設定内容の機能説明を併せて表示できるなど、操作性の良いシステムを構築することができる。 As described above, the remote controller with an external connection terminal according to the present embodiment can display the display contents that could not be displayed only by the display screen of the remote controller 1 using the display of the external device such as the PC 3. . That is, the remote controller 1 according to the present embodiment includes an RF module as a wireless communication unit and a USB connection terminal as an external connection terminal, and the operation information of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 is temporarily transmitted to the remote controller 1 via the RF module. Thus, the operation information of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 can be collectively managed by the PC 3 by further storing it and transferring it to the PC 3 via the USB connection terminal. As a result, the operation status of the air conditioner can be continuously displayed with graphics or the like by the PC 3, and the function description of the setting contents can also be displayed when the setting of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 is changed. A good system can be built.
　また、本実施例にかかる外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラは、図３に示すように、無線通信手段としてのＲＦモジュール１１と、外部接続端子としてのＵＳＢソケット１２とが、リモコン１の筐体におけるキー操作手段としての操作キー１６ａが設けられた面を挟んで両側に離して配置したため、外部接続端子と無線通信手段とが互いに干渉すること無く、ノイズや受信感度の低下を招く等の悪影響を未然に防止できる。 Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the remote controller with an external connection terminal according to the present embodiment includes an RF module 11 as a wireless communication means and a USB socket 12 as an external connection terminal. Since the operation key 16a as the operation means is disposed on both sides of the surface, the external connection terminal and the wireless communication means do not interfere with each other, and there is an adverse effect such as noise and a decrease in reception sensitivity. Can be prevented.
　さらに、本実施例にかかる外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラは、図３に示すように、ＲＦモジュール１１とＵＳＢソケット１２とが、表示手段としてのＬＣＤユニット１５を挟んで両側にそれぞれ配置したため、リモコン１の操作者の手がＲＦモジュール１１やＵＳＢソケット１２に触れ難くなり、受信感度の低下やノイズ等の発生を防止することができる。 Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the remote controller with an external connection terminal according to the present embodiment has the RF module 11 and the USB socket 12 disposed on both sides of the LCD unit 15 as a display unit. This makes it difficult for the operator's hand to touch the RF module 11 and the USB socket 12, and can prevent the reception sensitivity from being lowered and noise.
　また、本実施例にかかる外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラは、さらに赤外線送信手段としてのＩＲＬＥＤ１３を備えており、上記ＵＳＢソケット１２とＲＦモジュール１１とは別の側面、つまり、リモコン１のＬＣＤユニット１５の先端部側の側面に配置されている。このため、ＩＲＬＥＤ１３は、ＵＳＢソケット１２とＲＦモジュール１１のそれぞれに対して一定距離離れた位置に配置され、相互干渉の影響を少なくできると共に、リモコン１の先端部に配置されていることから、操作対象機器に向けて容易に赤外線を送信することができる。 In addition, the remote controller with an external connection terminal according to the present embodiment further includes an IRLED 13 as an infrared transmission means, and is different from the USB socket 12 and the RF module 11, that is, the LCD unit 15 of the remote controller 1. It is arrange | positioned at the side surface by the side of a front-end | tip part. For this reason, the IRLED 13 is arranged at a certain distance from each of the USB socket 12 and the RF module 11 to reduce the influence of mutual interference, and is arranged at the tip of the remote control 1. Infrared rays can be easily transmitted toward the target device.
　以上のように、本発明にかかる外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラは、操作対象機器との間で双方向通信が可能な場合に有用であり、特に、操作対象機器の運転状況の管理が必要な家庭電化製品等をコントロールする場合の外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラに適している。 As described above, the remote controller with an external connection terminal according to the present invention is useful when two-way communication is possible with the operation target device, and is particularly useful for households that require management of the operation status of the operation target device. Suitable for remote controllers with external connection terminals when controlling electrical appliances.
　１　リモートコントローラ（リモコン）
　１１　ＲＦモジュール
　１２　ＵＳＢソケット
　１３　ＩＲＬＥＤ
　１４　ＭＰＵボード
　１５　ＬＣＤユニット
　１６　キー操作部
　１７　ＲＴＣ（リアル・タイム・クロック）
　１８　電池
　５０　上面カバー
　５１　操作扉
　５２　蝶番
　５３　基板 1 Remote controller (remote control)
11 RF module 12 USB socket 13 IRLED
14 MPU board 15 LCD unit 16 Key operation unit 17 RTC (real time clock)
18 Battery 50 Top cover 51 Operation door 52 Hinge 53 Substrate

Claims (4)

  1. 　筐体と、
    　前記筐体の一面に配置され、操作対象機器をコントロールするキー操作手段と、
    　無線通信により前記操作対象機器との間で情報の受け渡しを行う無線通信手段と、
    　外部機器と接続して情報の受け渡しを行う外部接続端子と、
    　を備え、前記筐体の前記キー操作手段を設けた面を挟んで両側に、前記無線通信手段と前記外部接続端子とを配置したことを特徴とする外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラ。     A housing,
    Key operation means arranged on one surface of the housing for controlling the operation target device;
    Wireless communication means for exchanging information with the operation target device by wireless communication;
    An external connection terminal that connects to external devices to exchange information;
    A remote controller with an external connection terminal, characterized in that the wireless communication means and the external connection terminal are arranged on both sides of the surface of the casing on which the key operation means is provided.
  2. 　前記筐体の前記キー操作手段を設けた面に表示手段をさらに備え、
    　前記表示手段と前記キー操作手段とが並べて配置され、
    　前記無線通信手段と前記外部接続端子とは、前記筐体の前記表示手段を挟んで両側にそれぞれ配置されていることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラ。     Further comprising a display means on the surface of the housing provided with the key operation means,
    The display means and the key operation means are arranged side by side,
    The remote controller with an external connection terminal according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication unit and the external connection terminal are respectively disposed on both sides of the display unit of the casing.
  3. 　赤外線を用いて操作対象機器を操作する赤外線送信手段をさらに備え、
    　前記赤外線送信手段は、前記筐体の前記表示手段の両側にそれぞれ配置された前記無線通信手段と前記外部接続端子とは別の側面に配置されていることを特徴とする請求項２に記載の外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラ。     Infrared transmission means for operating the operation target device using infrared rays,
    The said infrared transmission means is arrange | positioned on the side surface different from the said radio | wireless communication means and the said external connection terminal which are each arrange | positioned at the both sides of the said display means of the said housing | casing. Remote controller with external connection terminal.
  4. 　前記外部機器は、前記外部接続端子を介して前記操作対象機器の運転情報を取得し、運転情報管理を行うパーソナルコンピュータであって、
    　前記外部接続端子は、前記パーソナルコンピュータと接続するＵＳＢ接続端子であることを特徴とする請求項１から３のいずれか一項に記載の外部接続端子付きリモートコントローラ。     The external device is a personal computer that acquires operation information of the operation target device via the external connection terminal and performs operation information management,
    The remote controller with an external connection terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the external connection terminal is a USB connection terminal connected to the personal computer.
PCT/JP2012/050839 2011-01-20 2012-01-17 Remote controller equipped with external connection terminal WO2012099114A1 (en)

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