JP6465155B2 - Remote control device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote control device for an air conditioner or a heat pump device.

  Conventionally, remote control devices that switch operating states such as an air conditioner and a heat pump device have been widely used. Some remote control devices include a fixed key to which a function is fixedly assigned and a function key in which the assigned function varies depending on the situation as a physical key that is an input unit. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-229209) discloses an air conditioner remote control device having a plurality of fixed keys and function keys.

  Here, since the function assigned to the function key changes depending on the situation, information for determining the assigned function is fixed to the operator by printing or pasting information on the key top or the casing surface. It is difficult to show. In this regard, in the remote control device of Patent Document 1, a setting item that displays information on a plurality of setting items that can be set on the display so that the user can easily determine the function assigned to each function key. A display area is arranged immediately above the function key, and information on the function assigned to each function key in the setting item display area is displayed.

  Incidentally, in remote control devices such as air conditioners and heat pump devices that are widely used regardless of age or nationality, it is desirable to simplify the operation method as much as possible in order to improve usability. However, in the remote control device of Patent Document 1, the number of physical keys including function keys is not small (specifically, eight), and the possibility of complicated operations by the operator is not small.

  In the remote control device of an air conditioner or heat pump device, it is preferable that the number of physical keys including function keys is small from the viewpoint of improving design and compactness. In this regard, as in Patent Document 1, when the number of physical keys including function keys is increased, the degree of freedom in design is reduced and the size of the remote control device is increased.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a remote control device excellent in usability, designability and compactness.

  A remote control device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a remote control device for an air conditioner or a heat pump device, and includes a display unit, a plurality of physical keys, and a control unit. The display unit displays various information. Commands related to various settings are input to the physical key. The control unit controls the operation of the display unit. The control unit executes various processes according to the command input to the physical key. The display unit includes a setting item display area and a setting state display area. The setting item display area is an area for displaying setting item information. The setting item information is information relating to setting items that can be set. The setting state display area is an area for displaying information related to the setting state of the setting item. The physical key includes a function key and a setting state change key. Function keys are assigned to different functions depending on the situation. The setting state change key is arranged separately from the function key. The control unit sequentially selects setting items to be set according to the input of the function key. The control unit causes the display unit to display setting item information related to the selected setting item. In response to the input of the setting state change key, the control unit increases / decreases a numerical value, changes a step, or changes a mode regarding the setting item being selected.

  In the remote control device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the control unit sequentially selects setting items to be set according to the input of the function key, and relates to the setting item being selected according to the input of the setting state change key. Increase / decrease value, change stage or change mode. Thereby, based on the input of the function key, setting items related to the setting are sequentially selected and displayed as setting item information on the display unit. Thus, the operator can make various settings using only function keys. That is, the operator can perform the same setting as the conventional one using a physical key having a smaller number than the conventional one. For this reason, the number of physical keys constituting the remote control device can be reduced as compared with the conventional one. As a result, a simple operation method can be provided to the operator. In addition, the degree of freedom in design of the remote control device and the increase in the size of the remote control device are suppressed. Therefore, usability, designability, and compactness can be improved.

  In addition, it is possible to easily change the setting state of the selected setting item with the minimum number of fixed keys. That is, the same setting as before can be performed with the minimum necessary physical keys. As a result, in configuring the remote control device, the number of physical keys can be particularly reduced compared to the conventional one. Therefore, usability, designability, and compactness can be further improved.

  Here, the “air conditioner” or “heat pump device” includes an air conditioner having a refrigerant circuit, a dehumidifier, a water heater and a chiller, a ventilator, an air cleaner, and the like.

  Further, the “setting item” here is an item relating to the setting for switching the operation state of the “air conditioning apparatus” or the “heat pump apparatus”. The “setting item” includes, for example, an operation mode, a setting temperature, a setting air volume, a setting air direction, a timer setting, and the like.

  A remote control device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the remote control device according to the first aspect, and the control unit switches selection of setting items each time a function key is input.

  As a result, each time the function key is input, the selected setting item is switched. That is, every time the operator inputs a function key, the setting item related to the setting and the displayed setting item information are sequentially switched. Thus, the same setting as before can be performed with the minimum necessary physical keys. Therefore, the number of physical keys constituting the remote control device can be particularly reduced as compared with the conventional case. Therefore, usability, designability, and compactness can be further improved.

  A remote control device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the remote control device according to the first aspect or the second aspect, and in the setting item display area, the setting item information relating to the setting item being selected is color inversion or Highlighted by change, enlarged display, and / or blinking display.

  Thereby, the setting item information related to the setting item being selected is highlighted in the setting item display area. As a result, the operator can easily determine the setting item being selected. In particular, even when a plurality of setting item information is displayed in the setting item display area, the operator can easily determine the setting item (setting item information) being selected. Therefore, usability is further improved.

  A remote control device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the remote control device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the function keys are located in the vicinity of the setting item display area.

  Thereby, the operator can easily visually recognize the setting item display area while operating the function keys. Thus, the setting item (setting item information) being selected can be easily identified while the operator operates the function key. Therefore, usability is further improved.

  Here, “near the setting item display area” refers to a portion closer to the setting item display area than the setting state display area, and is, for example, a peripheral portion including immediately above and immediately below the setting item display area. For example, when the setting item display area is provided to be biased toward the left or right side of the display unit, “the vicinity of the setting item display area” is a peripheral portion including the left or right of the setting item display area.

  A remote control device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the remote control device according to any of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the control unit is displayed in the setting state display area based on the input of the function key. Change the information related to the setting status of the setting item.

  Accordingly, it becomes possible to easily change the setting state of the setting item with the minimum necessary physical key. That is, the same setting as before can be performed with the minimum necessary physical keys. As a result, in configuring the remote control device, the number of physical keys can be particularly reduced compared to the conventional one. Therefore, usability, designability, and compactness can be further improved.

  A remote control device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the remote control device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the number is smaller than the number of setting items that can be set in the setting item display area. The setting item information is displayed. In the display unit, non-display setting item specifying information is displayed. The hidden setting item specifying information is information indicating the presence of hidden setting item information. The non-display setting item information is setting item information that is not displayed in the setting item display area.

  Accordingly, even when the number of setting item information items to be displayed is smaller than the number of setting item items that can be set, the operator can easily grasp the presence of the non-display setting item information item. As a result, operability is further improved and usability is further improved.

  A remote control device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the remote control device according to the sixth aspect, and a plurality of setting item information is displayed in the setting item display area. The non-display setting item specifying information is displayed around the setting item information displayed near one end in the longitudinal direction of the setting item display area. When the non-display setting item information is displayed in the setting item display area, the setting item information displayed near the other end in the longitudinal direction of the setting item display area is not displayed.

  This makes it easier for the operator to specify the non-display setting item information even when the number of setting item information to be displayed is smaller than the number of setting items that can be set. As a result, operability is further improved and usability is further improved.

  A remote control device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the remote control device according to any of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the control unit receives a predetermined signal transmitted from the management device. The display mode of various information displayed on the display unit is switched. The control unit is connected to the management apparatus via a communication network.

  Thereby, it becomes possible to display information in a display mode according to the characteristics of the operator on the display unit. As a result, it is possible to perform display in consideration of the visibility and operability of the operator arbitrarily in real time, and usability and versatility can be further improved. For example, when it is installed in a space where a user temporarily stays, such as an accommodation facility such as a hotel or a rental room (that is, a space where the user and the administrator do not match), a display mode according to the attribute of the user Can be changed. Further, when implemented in a plurality of countries, the display language can be easily and flexibly switched.

  A remote control device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the remote control device according to any of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the control unit receives a predetermined signal transmitted from the management device. The setting items that can be selected by function keys are limited. The control unit is connected to the management apparatus via a communication network.

  Accordingly, the setting items that can be set by the administrator can be limited according to the operator so that the setting items that the administrator does not want to set are not set by the operator. That is, the administrator can limit the operation content for the operator. As a result, manageability and security can be improved. For example, when it is installed in a space where a user temporarily stays, such as an accommodation facility such as a hotel or a rental room (that is, a space where the user and the administrator do not match), the user's operation is arbitrarily restricted. It becomes possible.

  In the remote control device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the operator can make various settings using only function keys. In other words, the operator can perform the same setting as the conventional one using a physical key having a smaller number than the conventional one. For this reason, the number of physical keys constituting the remote control device can be reduced as compared with the conventional one. As a result, a simple operation method can be provided to the operator. In addition, the degree of freedom in design of the remote control device and the increase in the size of the remote control device are suppressed. Therefore, usability, designability, and compactness can be improved.

  In addition, it is possible to easily change the setting state of the selected setting item with the minimum number of fixed keys. That is, the same setting as before can be performed with the minimum necessary physical keys. As a result, in configuring the remote control device, the number of physical keys can be particularly reduced compared to the conventional one. Therefore, usability, designability, and compactness can be further improved.

  The remote control device according to the second aspect of the present invention can further improve usability, designability, and compactness.

  In the remote control device according to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, usability is further improved.

  The remote control device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention can further improve usability, designability, and compactness.

  In the remote control device according to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, usability is further improved.

  In the remote control device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, usability and versatility can be further improved.

  In the remote control device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, manageability and security can be improved.

The schematic block diagram of the air-conditioner to which the remote control which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is applied. The block diagram which showed typically about the network comprised in an air conditioner. The external view of a remote control in front view (at the time of use). The block diagram which showed typically the schematic structure of the remote control. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the screen displayed in a liquid crystal display part. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the standby table. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the preset temperature switching table. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part at the time of preset temperature switching mode. The schematic diagram which showed another example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part at the time of preset temperature switching mode. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the operation mode switching table. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part at the time of driving | operation switching mode. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the operation mode table. The schematic diagram which showed another example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part at the time of driving | operation switching mode. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the air volume switching table. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part at the time of air volume switching mode. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the air volume table. The schematic diagram which showed another example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part at the time of air volume switching mode. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the wind direction switching table. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part at the time of a wind direction switching mode. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the wind direction table. The schematic diagram which showed another example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part at the time of a wind direction switching mode. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the menu setting display table. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part at the time of menu setting switching mode. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the menu table. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the eco full automatic setting selection table. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part at the time of eco full automatic setting selection mode. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the eco full automatic setting table. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part at the time of eco full automatic setting mode. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the language setting selection table. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part at the time of a language setting selection mode. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the language setting table. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part at the time of language setting mode. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the Japanese setting table. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part at the time of Japanese setting mode. The flowchart which showed an example of the flow which the control mode of a remote control part changes. The flowchart which showed an example of the flow which the control mode of a remote control part changes. The flowchart which showed an example of the flow which the control mode of a remote control part changes. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part at the time of standby mode. The schematic diagram which showed another example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part at the time of standby mode. The schematic diagram which showed another example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part at the time of standby mode. The schematic diagram which showed another example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part at the time of standby mode. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part, when the setting item which can be set is restrict | limited. The schematic diagram which showed another example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part, when the setting item which can be set is restrict | limited. The schematic diagram which showed an example in the case of making the liquid crystal display list display the type of operation mode which can be selected at the time of operation switching mode.

  Hereinafter, a remote control device (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are specific examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the invention. In the following embodiments, directions such as up, down, left, or right mean the directions shown in FIG.

(1) Air conditioner 100
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner 100 (air conditioner, heat pump device) to which a remote controller 30 is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the network 110 configured in the air conditioner 100.

  The air conditioner 100 includes a refrigerant circuit, and realizes air conditioning in the target space by performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle operation. The air conditioner 100 has a cooling mode, a heating mode, a dehumidification mode, and the like as operation modes, and performs a cooling operation, a heating operation, a dehumidification operation, and the like according to the selected operation mode.

  The air conditioner 100 mainly includes an outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit 20, and a remote controller 30. In the air conditioner 100, a refrigerant circuit is configured by connecting the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 through a gas communication pipe GP and a liquid communication pipe LP.

  Further, in the air conditioner 100, the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 are connected by a cable cb1, and the indoor unit 20 and the remote controller 30 are connected by a cable cb2, thereby forming a network 110 (see FIG. 2). ). The air conditioner 100 is configured to be communicable with the management server 90 by connecting the remote controller 30 to the communication network NW1 via the cable cb3. The communication network NW1 is a LAN (Local Area Network) and / or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

  The management server 90 is a computer that functions as a centralized management device that comprehensively manages the operation of the air conditioner 100. The management server 90 is installed in a centralized management room or a management center away from the target space where the air conditioner 100 is installed. Operations of the outdoor unit 10, the indoor unit 20, and the remote controller 30 can be controlled by transmitting various commands from the management server 90 via the communication network NW1.

  The air conditioner 100 can switch the state of each setting item by inputting a command to the remote controller 30 or the management server 90. The setting items of the air conditioner 100 include, for example, an operation mode, a setting temperature, a setting air volume, a setting air direction, menu setting items (eco full automatic setting, timer setting, and language setting).

(2) Remote control 30
FIG. 3 is an external view of the remote controller 30 when viewed from the front (when in use). FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of the remote controller 30.

  The remote controller 30 is fixed to, for example, a side wall in the target space (indoor). The remote controller 30 functions as an input device for the user to input various instructions for switching the operating state of the air conditioner 100. More specifically, the remote controller 30 allows the user to input to the air conditioner 100 a command for switching each setting item of the air conditioner 100 (for example, operation mode, set temperature, set air volume, wind direction, menu setting item, etc.). Functions as an interface. The remote controller 30 also functions as a display device that displays the operating state of the air conditioner 100.

  In the present embodiment, the remote controller 30 is a so-called wired remote control device, and is connected to the indoor unit control unit 22 via the cable cb2. The remote controller 30 is connected to the communication network NW1 via the cable cb3, and is connected to the management server 90 via the communication network NW1 so as to be communicable. The indoor unit control unit 22 (see FIG. 1) is a microcomputer configured with a CPU, a memory, and the like, and controls the operation of each actuator of the indoor unit 20.

  The remote control 30 has a casing 40 that constitutes its outline. The casing 40 includes a physical key 50 as an input unit, a liquid crystal display unit 60 (display unit) as a display unit, a communication unit 68, and a remote control unit 70.

(2-1) Casing 40
The casing 40 is a thin housing made of synthetic resin, for example, and has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front (when used). The casing 40 is formed with a central opening 41 that exposes the liquid crystal display unit 60 in the central portion of one main surface thereof. The casing 40 is formed with an upper opening 42 that exposes a key top of a start / stop switching key 51 (described later) at an upper portion of the central opening 41. Further, the casing 40 is formed with a first opening 43 and a second opening 44 for exposing a key top of a function key 52 (described later) immediately below the central opening 41. Further, the casing 40 is formed with a third opening 45 and a fourth opening 46 that expose a key top of a change key 53 (described later) in the vicinity of the right side of the central opening 41.

(2-2) Physical key 50
The physical key 50 is a push-type button for inputting a command when pressed by the user. The physical key 50 has a key top made of synthetic resin, for example, and the key top is exposed from each opening (42-46) formed in the casing 40. The physical key 50 mainly includes an on / off switching key 51, a plurality (here, two) function keys 52, and a plurality (here, two) change keys 53.

  The start / stop switching key 51 is a button for mainly inputting a command for starting the operation of the air conditioner 100 and a command for stopping the operation. The start / stop switch key 51 is a physical key 50 exposed from the upper opening 42, and is disposed on the upper side of the liquid crystal display unit 60.

  The remote controller 30 includes, as function keys 52, a first function key 52a (hereinafter referred to as “F1 key 52a”) and a second function key 52b (hereinafter referred to as “F2 key 52b”). Here, the F1 key 52a and the F2 key 52b are arranged so as to be lined up in the left-right direction. The F1 key 52a is the physical key 50 exposed from the first opening 43, and is arranged on the left side of the F2 key 52b. The F2 key 52b is a physical key 50 exposed from the second opening 44, and is disposed on the right side of the F1 key 52a.

  Each function key 52 varies in function assigned according to the situation, and is used for general purposes when performing each setting of the air conditioner 100. For example, the function key 52 functions as a setting item selection key (setting item switching key) used when selecting a setting item to be set. In relation to this, on the key top of the function key 52, an object (corresponding to a left arrow or a right arrow) corresponding to the moving direction related to the selection based on the input of the function key 52 at the time of selection (switching) of the setting item is displayed. (Symbol) is printed. More specifically, when a setting item is selected, a selection corresponding to the left arrow is printed on the key top of the F1 key 52a because the selection is made by moving leftward based on the input of the F1 key 52a. Further, when a setting item is selected, since the selection is performed by moving in the right direction based on the input of the F2 key 52b, a symbol corresponding to the right arrow is printed on the key top of the F2 key 52b.

  Also, the function key 52 is a determination key for determining the setting contents during setting of the setting item, a cancel key for canceling, a non-setting key for switching the setting item to the non-setting state, or setting the setting item to the setting state depending on the situation. Functions as a setting key for switching.

  The change key 53 (setting state change key) is used when changing the setting state of each setting item, and is used when changing the setting state. The remote controller 30 has a first change key 53 a and a second change key 53 b as change keys 53. Here, the first change key 53a and the second change key 53b are arranged so as to be lined up and down. The first change key 53a is the physical key 50 exposed from the third opening 45, and is disposed on the upper side of the second change key 53b. The second change key 53b is the physical key 50 exposed from the fourth opening 46, and is disposed below the first change key 53a.

  In the present embodiment, the change key 53 is assigned a fixed function (state change function for changing the numerical value, type, stage, and level of each setting item). In relation to this, on the key top of the change key 53, an object (a symbol corresponding to an up arrow or a down arrow) that matches the moving direction based on the input when the state of the setting item is changed is printed. In the present embodiment, the change key 53 corresponds to a fixed key whose function assigned according to the situation does not change.

  When pressed, the physical key 50 outputs a predetermined input signal to the remote control unit 70. Specifically, when the start / stop switch key 51 is pressed, a start / stop switch signal is output to the remote control unit 70. Further, when the F1 key 52a is pressed, an F1 input signal is output to the remote control unit 70, and when the F2 key 52b is pressed, an F2 input signal is output to the remote control unit 70. Further, when the first change key 53 a is pressed, a first change input signal is output to the remote control unit 70, and when the second change key 53 b is pressed, a first change input signal is output to the remote control unit 70.

(2-3) Liquid crystal display unit 60
In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display unit 60 includes a full dot matrix liquid crystal display panel and three primary color LED backlights (not shown). The liquid crystal display unit 60 can switch the luminance of the backlight in two steps of strong and weak by changing the output.

  The liquid crystal display unit 60 is supplied with a predetermined drive voltage from the remote controller control unit 70, thereby lighting or blinking the backlight with a specified luminance and displaying a predetermined image in a specified region. Further, the liquid crystal display unit 60 stops the display by stopping the supply of the drive voltage output from the remote controller control unit 70.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60 (in FIG. 5, a display example in a standby mode described later is shown). The liquid crystal display unit 60 includes a plurality of (mainly four) display areas. Specifically, the liquid crystal display unit 60 includes a first display area 61, a second display area 62, a third display area 63, and a fourth display area 64. Each display area is arranged in the downward direction in the order of the first display area 61, the fourth display area 64, the second display area 62, and the third display area 63 in a front view. More specifically, the third display area 63 is located in the vicinity immediately above each function key 52. The fourth display area 64 is arranged adjacent to the left of each change key 53.

  The first display area 61 and the second display area 62 are areas for displaying guidance information that is convenient for viewers such as operators and users, and notification information that requires notification regarding maintenance or abnormality of the air conditioner 100. It is. FIG. 5 shows a state where installation location information including text information “meeting room 1” specifying the target space in which the air conditioner 100 (indoor unit 20) is installed is displayed in the first display area 61. . FIG. 5 shows a state where filter sign information including text information “filter sign” prompting replacement of the filter of the indoor unit 20 is displayed in the second display area 62.

  The third display area 63 (setting item display area) is, for example, setting item tab ta (setting item information) that is information relating to setting items that can be set by the operator, and information relating to functions assigned to the function keys 52. This is an area for displaying (function tab). In FIG. 5, in the third display area 63 extending in the left-right direction (that is, the longitudinal direction is the left-right direction), a plurality of (four) setting item tabs ta (specifically, text information “temperature” indicating the set temperature) ”Including the set temperature tab ta1 including the text information“ mode ”indicating the operation mode, the set air volume tab ta3 including the text information“ air volume ”indicating the set air volume, and the text information“ wind direction ”indicating the set air direction. The setting wind direction tabs ta4) including them are displayed side by side in the left-right direction.

  Here, more specifically, the third display area 63 is further divided into a plurality of (here, six) areas defined in advance in the control program, and predetermined information is displayed in each area. Specifically, the third display area 63 is divided into a first area 63a, a second area 63b, a third area 63c, a fourth area 63d, a fifth area 63e, and a sixth area 63f. Are lined up. In FIG. 5, no information is displayed in the first area 63a, the set temperature tab ta1 is displayed in the second area 63b, the operation mode tab ta2 is displayed in the third area 63c, and the setting is set in the fourth area 63d. An air volume tab ta3 is displayed, a setting wind direction tab ta4 is displayed in the fifth area 63e, and a substantially triangular shape (having vertices on the top and bottom and right) indicates that the next setting item tab ta is hidden in the sixth area 63f. A triangle icon (right icon IC1) is displayed.

  The fourth display area 64 (setting state display area) is an area for displaying, for example, information relating to the setting state of each setting item, the state relating to the outside air temperature or room temperature, and the switching content when the setting state is switched. FIG. 5 shows a state in which a plurality (six) pieces of information are displayed in the fourth display area 64. Specifically, in FIG. 5, information including a graphic indicating the level of the set air volume that has been set (setting air volume information), including a graphic indicating the state of the set air flow that has been set (setting air direction information), setting Operation mode information including text information “cooling” indicating the set operation mode, set temperature information including text information “set temperature 26” indicating the set temperature value, and text information “ Outside temperature information including “outside temperature 30” and room temperature information including text information “room temperature 28” indicating the state of the room temperature are displayed in the fourth display area 64.

  Here, more specifically, the fourth display area 64 is divided into a plurality of (here, six) areas defined in advance in the control program, and predetermined information is displayed in each area. Specifically, the fourth display area 64 is divided into an eleventh area 64a, a twelfth area 64b, a thirteenth area 64c, a fourteenth area 64d, a fifteenth area 64e, and a sixteenth area 64f.

  The eleventh area 64a is located at the upper left part of the fourth display area 64. In FIG. 5, a graphic (icon) indicating the set air volume level is displayed in the eleventh area 64a as set air volume information. . The 12th area | region 64b is located in the uppermost right part in the 4th display area | region 64, and the figure (icon) which shows the state of the setting wind direction currently set is displayed on the 12th area | region 64b as setting wind direction information in FIG. . The thirteenth region 64c is located between the eleventh region 64a and the twelfth region 64b in the fourth display region 64. In FIG. 5, the text information “cooling” is displayed in the thirteenth region 64c as operation mode information.

  The fourteenth area 64d is located below the thirteenth area 64c in the fourth display area 64. In FIG. 5, the text information “set temperature 26” indicating the set temperature state set is the fourteenth area as set temperature information. 64d. The fifteenth area 64e is located at the lowermost left part of the fourth display area 64. In FIG. 5, text information “outside air temperature 30” indicating the state of the outside air temperature is displayed in the fifteenth area 64e as the outside air temperature information. The sixteenth area 64f is located at the lowermost right part of the fourth display area 64. In FIG. 5, text information “room temperature 28” indicating the room temperature state is displayed in the fifteenth area 64e as room temperature information.

(2-4) Communication unit 68
The communication unit 68 is a communication module including a signal receiving circuit that receives signals from the indoor unit control unit 22 and the management server 90, and a signal transmission circuit that transmits signals to the indoor unit control unit 22 and the management server 90. is there.

(2-5) Remote control unit 70
The remote control unit 70 is a microcomputer configured with a CPU, a memory, and the like. The remote controller controller 70 is connected to the indoor unit controller 22 via the cable cb2. Further, the remote control unit 70 is supplied with power from a power supply unit (not shown) via a power supply wiring (not shown). Further, the remote controller 70 is electrically connected to the start / stop switch key 51, the F1 key 52a, the F2 key 52b, the first change key 53a, and the second change key 53b through a wiring pattern.

  The remote control unit 70 has a plurality of control modes. Specifically, the remote controller 70 has a standby mode, a set temperature switching mode, an operation switching mode, an air volume switching mode, an air direction switching mode, a menu setting switching mode, etc.) as control modes. The remote control unit 70 transitions to a predetermined control mode depending on the situation, and executes a corresponding process.

  The remote control unit 70 mainly includes a first storage unit 701, a second storage unit 702, a third storage unit 703, a fourth storage unit 704, a fifth storage unit 705, a sixth storage unit 706, A communication control unit 707, an input control unit 708, a display control unit 709, and a mode switching control unit 710 are included (see FIG. 4).

(2-5-1) First storage unit 701
The first storage unit 701 holds a control program that defines the processing of each unit in the remote control unit 70. In the control program, a coordinate range is defined for each display area (first display area 61-fourth display area 64) in the liquid crystal display unit 60. The control program stored in the first storage unit 701 can be changed via an external device such as the management server 90. That is, in the control program stored in the first storage unit 701, the administrator inputs a predetermined update command to the management server 90 as necessary, and the update command (update signal) is transmitted via the communication network NW1. It is updated by being transmitted to 30.

(2-5-2) Second storage unit 702
The second storage unit 702 includes a control mode determination flag 702a that identifies which control mode the remote control 30 is transitioning to. The control mode determination flag 702a includes a predetermined number of bits, and specifies the transition control mode. The mode of the control mode determination flag 702a is switched by the mode switching control unit 710.

(2-5-3) Third storage unit 703
The third storage unit 703 is information (setting temperature information, operation mode information, setting air volume information, and setting air direction information) related to the setting state of each setting item (operation mode, setting temperature, setting air volume, and setting air direction) in the air conditioner 100. Etc.), information relating to menu setting items in the air conditioner 100, additional information relating to the air conditioner 100 (installation location information relating to the installation location, filter sign information for notifying filter replacement, etc.), Information relating to the outside air temperature (outside air temperature information) and information relating to room temperature (room temperature information) are stored separately. Each information stored in the third storage unit 703 is appropriately updated by the input control unit 708.

(2-5-4) Fourth storage unit 704
In the fourth storage unit 704, information transmitted to the outdoor unit control unit 12, the indoor unit control unit 22, or the management server 90 is stored in a predetermined storage area. The outdoor unit control unit 12 (see FIG. 1) is a microcomputer configured with a CPU, a memory, and the like, and controls the operation of each actuator of the outdoor unit 10.

(2-5-5) Fifth storage unit 705
The fifth storage unit 705 stores a plurality of tables used in the processing of each unit. Each table stored in the fifth storage unit 705 can be changed via an external device such as the management server 90. That is, in each table stored in the fifth storage unit 705, the administrator inputs a predetermined update command to the management server 90 as necessary, and the update command (update signal) is transmitted to the remote controller via the communication network NW1. It is updated by being transmitted to 30.

(2-5-6) Sixth storage unit 706
The sixth storage unit 706 stores an on / off switching signal, an F1 input signal, an F2 input signal, a first change input signal, and a second change input signal output from each physical key 50 in a predetermined area. More specifically, the sixth storage unit 706 is provided with a signal determination flag corresponding to each signal. Each signal determination flag is appropriately updated by the input control unit 708.

  Specifically, the sixth storage unit 706 is provided with a start / stop switch flag 706a whose state changes according to the input of the start / stop switch signal. The start / stop switch flag 706a is set when a start / stop switch signal is input in the operation stop state (when the start / stop switch key 51 is input). The start / stop switch flag 706a is cleared when a start / stop switch signal is input in the operating state.

  Further, the sixth storage unit 706 is provided with an F key flag 706b whose state changes in response to the input of the F1 input signal and the F2 input signal. The F key flag 706b has a predetermined number of bits, and stores a variable A that can determine the input state of the F1 input signal and the F2 input signal. The variable A is incremented by 1 when the F1 input signal is inputted, and is incremented by -1 when the F2 input signal is inputted.

  In addition, the sixth storage unit 706 is provided with a change key flag 706c whose state changes in response to the input of the first change input signal and the second change input signal. The change key flag 706c has a predetermined number of bits, and stores a variable B that can determine the input states of the first change input signal and the second change input signal. The variable B is incremented by 1 when the first change input signal is inputted, and is incremented by -1 when the second change input signal is inputted.

(2-5-7) Communication control unit 707
The communication control unit 707 communicates with the outdoor unit control unit 12, the indoor unit control unit 22, and the management server 90 via the communication unit 68 using a predetermined protocol. The communication control unit 707 stores a signal (for example, information related to outside air temperature or information related to room temperature) transmitted from the indoor unit control unit 22 and the management server 90 in a predetermined storage area of the third storage unit 703.

  Further, the communication control unit 707 transmits information related to the setting state of each setting item stored in the third storage unit 703 to the indoor unit control unit 22 at a predetermined timing. Here, the communication control unit 707 sends the information related to each setting state to the indoor unit control unit 22 at the timing when the information related to the setting state of any setting item stored in the third storage unit 703 is updated. Send to. Thereby, the indoor unit control part 22 can grasp | ascertain the information which concerns on the setting state of each setting item set in the remote control 30. FIG. The communication control unit 707 is configured to transmit information related to the setting state of each setting item stored in the third storage unit 703 to the indoor unit control unit 22 periodically (for example, every 3 seconds). May be.

(2-5-8) Input control unit 708
Based on the received start / stop switching signal, F1 input signal, F2 input signal, first change input signal, and second change input signal, the input control unit 708 receives each flag (start / stop switch flag 706a, F key flag 706b and change key flag 706c) are updated.

  In addition, the input control unit 708 receives a latest signal among the received start / stop switching signal, F1 input signal, F2 input signal, first change input signal, and second change input signal. If no further signal is received, the variable A of the F key flag 706b and the variable B of the change key flag 706c are updated to zero. The input control unit 708 is configured to be able to measure time.

  Further, when the latest information on the outside air temperature or the information on the room temperature is updated in the third storage unit 703, the input control unit 708, based on the updated content, the standby table TB1 stored in the fifth storage unit 705. (Described later) is updated.

(2-5-9) Display control unit 709
The display control unit 709 is a functional unit that controls the operation of the liquid crystal display unit 60. The display control unit 709 controls the operation of the liquid crystal display unit 60 according to the transition control mode. The display control unit 709 controls the display state of the liquid crystal display unit 60 by supplying or blocking a predetermined drive voltage to the liquid crystal display unit 60.

(2-5-10) Mode switching control unit 710
The mode switching control unit 710 is a functional unit that performs overall control of control mode switching. The mode switching control unit 710 controls the control mode determination flag in the second storage unit 702 according to the state of each flag (start / stop switching flag 706a, F key flag 706b, and change key flag 706c) stored in the sixth storage unit 706. Switching the control mode is controlled by switching the state of 702a.

(3) Control Mode of Remote Control Unit 70 The remote control unit 70 has a plurality of control modes (specifically, a standby mode, a set temperature switching mode, an operation switching mode, an air volume switching mode, an air flow switching mode, and a menu setting switching). Mode). The remote control unit 70 transitions to a predetermined control mode depending on the situation, and executes a corresponding process.

  Hereinafter, each control mode will be described.

(3-1) Standby Mode The standby mode is a control mode that transitions to standby mode (when the air conditioner 100 is in an operating state, when an operation relating to setting change is not performed). Specifically, the remote control unit 70 is in a case where the start / stop switching flag 706a is set (that is, in an operating state) and the variable A of the F key flag 706b is 0 (that is, the F1 key 52a). (When no input is made). In the standby mode, the remote control unit 70 displays the information stored in the third storage unit 703 along the standby table TB1 stored in the fifth storage unit 705 so that the liquid crystal display unit 60 is displayed. To control the operation.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the standby table TB1. In the standby table TB1, contents to be displayed in each display area (61-64) of the liquid crystal display unit 60 in the standby mode are registered. In the standby table TB1 shown in FIG. 6, the display contents are individually defined in the rows corresponding to the respective display areas so that the display contents shown in FIG. Although not shown in FIG. 6, in the standby table TB1, in addition to the display contents in each display area, information specifying the display mode (size, coordinate range, etc.) is registered. The contents of the standby table TB1 can be updated via an external device such as the management server 90.

(3-2) Set temperature switching mode The set temperature switching mode is a control mode that changes when the set temperature is switched. More specifically, the remote control unit 70 changes the value of the variable A of the F key flag 706b by 1 or decreases by 1 during the transition to the standby mode (that is, the F1 key 52a or the F2 key 52b is input once). Or when the value of the variable A increases by 1 (that is, when the F2 key 52b is input once) during the transition to the operation switching mode.

  The remote controller 30 shifts to the set temperature switching mode when the F1 key 52a or the F2 key 52b is input in the standby mode. Therefore, the F1 key 52a and the F2 key 52b shift to the set temperature switching mode in the standby mode. It can be said that a function to be set (that is, a setting item selection function or a setting item switching function for selecting a set temperature as a setting item for setting) is assigned.

  In addition, since the remote controller 30 shifts to the set temperature switching mode when the F1 key 52a is input in the operation switching mode, the F1 key 52a is assigned a function for shifting to the set temperature switching mode in the operation switching mode. It can be said that.

  In the set temperature switching mode, the remote control unit 70 displays each information stored in the third storage unit 703 along the set temperature switching table TB2 stored in the fifth storage unit 705. The operation of the liquid crystal display unit 60 is controlled.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the set temperature switching table TB2. In the set temperature switching table TB2, the contents to be displayed in each display area (61-64) of the liquid crystal display unit 60 in the set temperature switching mode are registered. In the set temperature switching table TB2 shown in FIG. 7, the display contents are individually defined in the row corresponding to each display area so that the display contents shown in FIG.

  In addition, in the set temperature switching table TB2, in addition to the display contents in each display area, information (highlighted display information) for determining whether or not to highlight each display information is defined. For example, in the set temperature switching table TB2 shown in FIG. 7, highlight information is defined in a row corresponding to the second area 63b so that the set temperature tab ta1 in the second area 63b is highlighted.

  Although not shown in FIG. 7, in the set temperature switching table TB2, information for specifying a display mode (size, coordinate range, etc.) is registered in addition to the display contents in each display area. Note that the contents of the set temperature switching table TB2 can be updated via an external device such as the management server 90.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60 in the set temperature switching mode. In FIG. 8, text information “meeting room 1” is displayed as installation location information in the first display area 61 in accordance with the contents of the set temperature switching table TB2 shown in FIG. 7, and the set temperature tab ta1 is displayed in the second area 63b. However, the operation mode tab ta2 is displayed in the third area 63c, the set air volume tab ta3 is displayed in the fourth area 63d, the set air direction tab ta4 is displayed in the fifth area 63e, and the right icon IC1 is displayed in the sixth area 63f. A state in which text information “set temperature 26” is displayed as set temperature information in the fourteenth area 64d is shown.

  In FIG. 8, the set temperature tab ta1 displayed in the second area 63b is displayed in the standby mode in relation to the fact that the highlight information is defined in the set temperature switching table TB2 shown in FIG. In contrast to the above, highlighting is performed by performing reverse display (that is, black and white reverse display). Further, in FIG. 8, only the set temperature information is displayed in the fourth display area 64. As described above, the setting item tab ta related to the setting item (setting temperature) being set is highlighted in the third display area 63, and only the information (setting temperature information) related to the setting item being set is displayed in the fourth display area 64. Is displayed, the operator can easily determine that the set temperature is being set in the set temperature switching mode (that is, the set temperature is selected as a setting item for setting). ing.

  In the set temperature switching mode, the set temperature is switched based on the value of the variable B of the change key flag 706c (that is, based on the input of the change key 53). Specifically, when the value of the variable B increases by 1 in the set temperature switching mode (that is, when the first change key 53a is input once), the remote controller control unit 70 is stored in the third storage unit 703. Update the set temperature value by one.

  For example, in a state where the set temperature is set to 26 ° C. (that is, a state where the set temperature value stored in the third storage unit 703 is 26 ° C.), the mode transitions to the set temperature switching mode, and the variable B When the value increases by 1, the value of the set temperature stored in the third storage unit 703 is updated to 27 ° C. As a result, with respect to the set temperature information displayed in the fourteenth area 64d, the text information that was “26” in FIG. 8 is updated to “27”. Thereby, on the liquid crystal display unit 60, the image as shown in FIG. 8 is switched to the image as shown in FIG.

  When the value of the variable B is decremented by 1 in the set temperature switching mode (that is, when the second change key 53b is input once), the remote controller control unit 70 sets the set temperature stored in the third storage unit 703. 1 is subtracted and updated. For example, in a state where the set temperature is set to 28 ° C. (that is, a state where the set temperature value stored in the third storage unit 703 is 28 ° C.), the mode transitions to the set temperature switching mode, and the variable B When the value is decreased by 1, the set temperature value stored in the third storage unit 703 is updated to 27 ° C. As a result, the text information is updated to “27” with respect to the set temperature information displayed in the fourteenth area 64d. As a result, an image as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60.

  In the air conditioner 100, the numerical range that can be set with respect to the set temperature is 18-30 (° C.), and the remote controller 70 adds and subtracts the set temperature value exceeding the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the numerical range. Do not do.

  As described above, the remote controller 70 shifts to the set temperature switching mode based on the input of the F1 key 52a or the F2 key 52b, and switches the set temperature based on the input of the first change key 53a or the second change key 53b. For this reason, the operator can select the set temperature as a setting item related to the setting by inputting the F1 key 52a or the F2 key 52b and selecting the set temperature tab ta1, and the first change key 53a and the second change key 53a The set temperature can be switched via the change key 53b.

(3-3) Operation switching mode The operation switching mode is a control mode that changes when the operation mode is switched. Specifically, the remote control unit 70 changes when the value of the variable A of the F key flag 706b decreases by 1 during the transition to the set temperature switching mode (that is, when the F2 key 52b is input once), or When the value of the variable A is increased by 1 during the transition to the air volume switching mode (that is, when the F1 key 52a is input once), the transition is made to the operation switching mode.

  Since the remote controller 70 shifts to the operation switching mode when the F2 key 52b is input in the set temperature switching mode, the F2 key 52b functions to shift to the operation switching mode in the set temperature switching mode (ie, It can be said that a setting item selection function or a setting item switching function for selecting an operation mode is assigned as a setting item related to the setting.

  In addition, since the remote controller 70 shifts to the operation switching mode when the F1 key 52a is input in the air volume switching mode, the F1 key 52a is assigned a function for shifting to the operation switching mode in the air volume switching mode. It can be said.

  In the operation switching mode, the remote control unit 70 displays the liquid crystal display so that each piece of information stored in the third storage unit 703 is displayed along the operation mode switching table TB3 stored in the fifth storage unit 705. The operation of the unit 60 is controlled.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the operation mode switching table TB3. In the operation mode switching table TB3, contents to be displayed in each display area (61-64) of the liquid crystal display unit 60 in the operation switching mode are registered. In the operation mode switching table TB3 shown in FIG. 10, the display contents are individually defined in the rows corresponding to the display areas so that the display contents shown in FIG.

  In the operation mode switching table TB3, highlighted display information is defined for each display information in addition to the display contents in each display area. For example, in the operation mode switching table TB3 shown in FIG. 10, highlight information is defined in the row corresponding to the third region 63c so that the operation mode tab ta2 in the third region 63c is highlighted.

  Although not shown in FIG. 10, in the operation mode switching table TB3, in addition to the display contents in each display area, information for specifying a display mode (size, coordinate range, etc.) is registered. The contents of the operation mode switching table TB3 can be updated via an external device such as the management server 90.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60 in the operation switching mode. In FIG. 11, along with the contents of the operation mode switching table TB3 shown in FIG. 10, the text information “meeting room 1” is displayed as the installation location information in the first display area 61, and the set temperature tab ta1 is displayed in the second area 63b. However, the operation mode tab ta2 is displayed in the third area 63c, the set air volume tab ta3 is displayed in the fourth area 63d, the set air direction tab ta4 is displayed in the fifth area 63e, and the right icon IC1 is displayed in the sixth area 63f. A state in which text information “cooling” is displayed as operation mode information in the fourteenth area 64d is shown.

  In FIG. 11, the operation mode tab ta2 displayed in the third area 63c is displayed in the standby mode in relation to the fact that the highlight information is defined in the operation mode switching table TB3 shown in FIG. In contrast to the above, highlighting is performed by performing reverse display (that is, black and white reverse display). Further, only the operation mode information is displayed in the fourth display area 64. In this way, information relating to the setting item (operation mode) being set is highlighted in the third display area 63, and only information relating to the setting item (operation mode) being set is displayed in the fourth display area 64. Thus, the operator can easily determine that the operation mode is being set in the operation switching mode (that is, the operation mode is selected as a setting item for setting).

  In the operation switching mode, the operation mode is switched according to the definition content of the operation mode table TB4 based on the value of the variable B of the change key flag 706c (that is, based on the input of the change key 53).

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the operation mode table TB4. In the operation mode table TB4, the relationship between the type of operation mode and the setting order is defined. In the operation mode table TB4 shown in FIG. 12, the first cooling mode is assigned as the setting order, the second heating mode is assigned, the third dehumidification mode is assigned, the fourth ventilation mode is assigned, and the fifth ventilation mode is assigned. Yes.

  Specifically, when the value of the variable B increases by 1 in the operation switching mode (that is, when the first change key 53a is input), the remote controller control unit 70 sets the operation mode stored in the third storage unit 703. The setting order obtained by adding 1 to the setting order related to the type is switched to the type of the operation mode to which it is assigned and updated. For example, in the state in which the operation mode is the cooling mode (that is, the state in which the operation mode stored in the third storage unit 703 is the cooling mode to which the setting order 1 is assigned), the transition is made to the operation switching mode. Then, when the value of the variable B increases by 1, the type of operation mode stored in the third storage unit 703 is updated to the heating mode to which the setting order 2 is assigned. As a result, the text information included in the operation mode information displayed in the fourteenth area 64d is updated from “cooling” to “heating”. As a result, an image as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60.

  When the value of the variable B is decremented by 1 in the operation switching mode (that is, when the second change key 53b is input), the remote controller control unit 70 sets the type of the operation mode stored in the third storage unit 703. The setting order obtained by subtracting 1 from the setting order is switched to the assigned operation mode type and updated. For example, when the operation mode is in the dehumidification mode (that is, the operation mode type stored in the third storage unit 703 is the dehumidification mode to which the setting order 3 is assigned), the operation mode is changed to the operation switching mode. Then, when the value of the variable B is decreased by 1, the type of operation mode stored in the third storage unit 703 is updated to the heating mode to which the setting order 2 is assigned. As a result, the text information included in the operation mode information displayed in the fourteenth region 64d is updated from “dehumidification” to “heating”. As a result, an image as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60.

  As described above, the remote controller 70 shifts to the operation switching mode based on the input of the F1 key 52a or the F2 key 52b, and switches the type of the operation mode based on the input of the first change key 53a or the second change key 53b. Therefore, the operator can select the operation mode as the setting item related to the setting by inputting the F1 key 52a or the F2 key 52b and selecting the operation mode tab ta2, and the first change key 53a and the second change key 53a The operation mode can be switched via the change key 53b.

(3-4) Air Volume Switching Mode The air volume switching mode is a control mode that changes when the set air volume is switched. Specifically, the remote control unit 70 changes the value of the variable A of the F key flag 706b by 1 during the transition to the operation switching mode (that is, when the F2 key 52b is input once) or the wind direction. When the value of the variable A is increased by 1 during the transition to the switching mode (that is, when the F1 key 52a is input once), the mode is switched to the air volume switching mode.

  Since the remote controller 70 shifts to the set temperature switching mode when the F2 key 52b is input in the operation switching mode, the F2 key 52b functions to shift to the air volume switching mode in the operation switching mode (ie, setting). It can be said that a setting item selection function or a setting item switching function for selecting a set air volume is assigned as a setting item related to the above.

  Further, since the remote controller 70 shifts to the set temperature switching mode when the F1 key 52a is input in the wind direction switching mode, the F1 key 52a is assigned a function for shifting to the air volume switching mode in the wind direction switching mode. It can be said that.

  In the air volume switching mode, the remote control unit 70 displays the liquid crystal display so that each information stored in the third storage unit 703 is displayed along the air volume switching table TB5 stored in the fifth storage unit 705. The operation of the unit 60 is controlled.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the air volume switching table TB5. In the air volume switching table TB5, contents to be displayed in each display area (61-64) of the liquid crystal display unit 60 in the air volume switching mode are registered. In the air volume switching table TB5 shown in FIG. 14, the display contents are individually defined in the rows corresponding to the respective display areas so that the display contents shown in FIG.

  Further, in the air volume switching table TB5, in addition to the display contents in each display area, highlighted display information is defined for each display information. For example, in the air volume switching table TB5 shown in FIG. 14, highlight information is defined in a row corresponding to the fourth area 63d so that the set air volume tab ta3 in the fourth area 63d is highlighted.

  Further, although not shown in FIG. 14, in the air volume switching table TB5, in addition to the display contents in each display area, information for specifying a display mode (size, coordinate range, etc.) is registered. The contents of the air volume switching table TB5 can be updated via an external device such as the management server 90.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60 in the air volume switching mode. In FIG. 15, the text information “meeting room 1” is displayed as installation location information in the first display area 61 in accordance with the contents of the air volume switching table TB5 shown in FIG. 14, and the set temperature tab ta1 is displayed in the second area 63b. The operation mode tab ta2 is displayed in the third area 63c, the set air volume tab ta3 is displayed in the fourth area 63d, the set air direction tab ta4 is displayed in the fifth area 63e, and the right icon IC1 is displayed in the sixth area 63f. The state where the set air volume information including a figure indicating the set air volume setting state (medium air volume) is displayed in the 14 area 64d is shown.

  In FIG. 15, the set air volume tab ta3 displayed in the fourth area 63d is displayed in the standby mode in relation to the fact that the highlight information is defined in the air volume switching table TB5 shown in FIG. In contrast, highlighting is performed by performing reverse display (that is, display that is reversed in black and white). In the fourth display area 64, only the set air volume information is displayed. As described above, the information (setting air volume tab ta3) related to the setting item (setting air volume) being set in the third display area 63 is highlighted, and the setting item (setting air volume) being set is related to the fourth display area 64. By displaying only the information (set air volume information), the operator is in the process of setting the set air volume in the air volume switching mode (that is, the set air volume is selected as a setting item for setting). It can be easily discriminated.

  In the air volume switching mode, the set air volume is switched according to the definition of the air volume table TB6 based on the value of the variable B of the change key flag 706c (that is, based on the input of the change key 53).

  FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the air volume table TB6. In the air volume table TB6, the relationship between the air flow level (level) and the setting order is defined. In the air volume table TB6 shown in FIG. 16, the setting order is “minimum” first, “small” second, “medium” third, “large” fourth, and “maximum” fifth. Is assigned.

  Specifically, when the value of the variable B increases by 1 in the air volume switching mode (that is, when the first change key 53a is input), the remote control unit 70 sets the set air volume stored in the third storage unit 703. The setting order obtained by adding 1 to the setting order related to the stage is switched to the stage of the assigned air volume and updated. For example, in a state where the set air volume is “medium” (that is, a state where the stage of the set air volume stored in the third storage unit 703 is “medium” where the setting order 3 is assigned), the air volume switching is performed. When the mode is changed and the value of the variable B increases by 1, the stage of the set air volume stored in the third storage unit 703 is updated to the air volume “high” to which the setting order 4 is assigned. As a result, the stage of the set air volume shown in the graphic included in the set air volume information displayed in the 14th area 64d is updated from “medium” to “large”. Thereby, an image as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60.

  In addition, when the value of the variable B is decremented by 1 in the air volume switching mode (that is, when the second change key 53b is input), the remote control unit 70 sets the stage of the set air volume stored in the third storage unit 703. The setting order obtained by subtracting 1 from the setting order related to the above is switched to the assigned air volume level and updated. For example, in a state where the set airflow level is “maximum” (that is, a state where the set airflow level stored in the third storage unit 703 is “maximum” to which the setting order 5 is assigned), When the mode changes to the switching mode and the value of the variable B is decremented by 1, the stage of the set air volume stored in the third storage unit 703 is updated to the set air volume “large” to which the setting order 4 is assigned. As a result, the stage of the set air volume shown in the graphic included in the set air volume information displayed in the 14th area 64d is updated from “maximum” to “large”. Thereby, an image as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60.

  As described above, the remote control unit 70 shifts to the air volume switching mode based on the input of the F1 key 52a or the F2 key 52b, and switches the stage of the set air volume based on the input of the first change key 53a or the second change key 53b. For this reason, the operator can select the set air volume as a setting item related to the setting by inputting the F1 key 52a or the F2 key 52b and selecting the set air volume tab ta3, and the first change key 53a and the second The set air volume can be switched via the change key 53b.

(3-5) Wind direction switching mode The wind direction switching mode is a control mode that changes when the set wind direction is switched. Specifically, the remote control unit 70 changes the value of the variable A of the F key flag 706b by 1 during the transition to the air volume switching mode (that is, when the F2 key 52b is input once) or the menu. When the value of the variable A is incremented by 1 during the transition to the setting switching mode (that is, when the F1 key 52a is input once), the transition to the wind direction switching mode is made.

  Note that the remote control unit 70 shifts to the wind direction switching mode when the F2 key 52b is input in the air volume switching mode. Therefore, the F2 key 52b has a function (i.e., setting for switching to the wind direction switching mode in the air volume switching mode). It can be said that a setting item selection function or a setting item switching function for selecting a setting wind direction is assigned as the setting item.

  Further, since the remote control unit 70 shifts to the operation switching mode when the F1 key 52a is input in the menu setting switching mode, the F1 key 52a is assigned a function to shift to the wind direction switching mode in the menu setting switching mode. It can be said that.

  In the wind direction switching mode, the remote control unit 70 displays the liquid crystal display so that each piece of information stored in the third storage unit 703 is displayed along the wind direction switching table TB7 stored in the fifth storage unit 705. The operation of the unit 60 is controlled.

  FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the wind direction switching table TB7. In the wind direction switching table TB7, contents to be displayed in each display area (61-64) of the liquid crystal display unit 60 in the wind direction switching mode are registered. In the wind direction switching table TB7 shown in FIG. 18, the display contents are individually defined in the rows corresponding to the display areas so that the display contents shown in FIG.

  In the wind direction switching table TB7, highlighted display information is defined for each display information in addition to the display contents in each display area. For example, in the wind direction switching table TB7 shown in FIG. 18, highlight information is defined in a row corresponding to the fifth area 63e so that the set wind direction tab ta4 in the fifth area 63e is highlighted.

  In addition, although illustration is omitted in FIG. 18, in the wind direction switching table TB7, in addition to the display contents in each display area, information specifying the display mode (size, coordinate range, etc.) is registered. The contents of the wind direction switching table TB7 can be updated via an external device such as the management server 90.

  FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60 in the wind direction switching mode. In FIG. 19, along with the contents of the wind direction switching table TB7 shown in FIG. 18, the text information “meeting room 1” is displayed as the installation location information in the first display area 61, and the set temperature tab ta1 is displayed in the second area 63b. The operation mode tab ta2 is displayed in the third area 63c, the set air volume tab ta3 is displayed in the fourth area 63d, the set air direction tab ta4 is displayed in the fifth area 63e, and the right icon IC1 is displayed in the sixth area 63f. 14 shows how the set wind direction information including a graphic showing the set state of the set air volume (in the wind direction) is displayed in the area 64d.

  In FIG. 19, the set wind direction tab ta4 displayed in the fifth area 63e is displayed in the standby mode in relation to the fact that the highlight information is defined in the wind direction switching table TB7 shown in FIG. In contrast, highlighting is performed by performing reverse display (that is, display that is reversed in black and white). In the fourth display area 64, only the set wind direction information is displayed. As described above, the information (setting wind direction tab ta4) related to the setting item (setting wind direction) being set in the third display area 63 is highlighted, and the setting item (setting wind direction) being set is related to the fourth display area 64. By displaying only the information (set wind direction information), the operator is in the process of setting the set wind direction in the wind direction switching mode (that is, the set wind direction is selected as a setting item for setting). It can be easily discriminated.

  In the wind direction switching mode, the set wind direction is switched according to the definition content of the wind direction table TB8 based on the value of the variable B of the change key flag 706c (that is, based on the input of the change key 53).

  FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the wind direction table TB8. In the wind direction table TB8, the relationship between the wind direction stage and the setting order is defined. In the wind direction table TB8 shown in FIG. 20, the setting order is “bottom” first, “bottom” second, “middle” third, “top” fourth, “top” fifth. "Is assigned.

  Specifically, when the value of the variable B increases by 1 in the wind direction switching mode (that is, when the first change key 53a is input), the remote controller control unit 70 changes the set wind direction stored in the third storage unit 703. The setting order obtained by adding 1 to the setting order related to the stage is switched to the assigned wind direction stage and updated. For example, in a state where the set wind direction is “medium” (that is, a state where the set wind direction stage stored in the third storage unit 703 is the wind direction “middle” to which the setting order 3 is assigned), the wind direction is switched. When the mode is changed and the value of the variable B increases by 1, the setting wind direction stage stored in the third storage unit 703 is updated to the wind direction “up” to which the setting order 4 is assigned. As a result, the stage of the set wind direction shown in the graphic included in the set wind direction information displayed in the fourteenth area 64d is updated from “medium” to “up”. As a result, an image as shown in FIG. 21 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60.

  In addition, when the value of the variable B is decremented by 1 in the wind direction switching mode (that is, when the second change key 53b is input), the remote controller control unit 70 performs the set wind direction stage stored in the third storage unit 703. The setting order obtained by subtracting 1 from the setting order related to is switched to the assigned setting wind direction stage and updated. For example, in a state where the set wind direction stage is “top” (that is, the set wind direction stage stored in the third storage unit 703 is “top” to which the setting order 5 is assigned). When the mode changes to the switching mode and the value of the variable B is decremented by 1, the set wind direction stage stored in the third storage unit 703 is updated to the set wind direction “up” to which the setting order 4 is assigned. As a result, the stage of the set wind direction shown in the graphic included in the set wind direction information displayed in the fourteenth area 64d is updated from “top” to “up”. As a result, an image as shown in FIG. 21 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60.

  As described above, the remote control unit 70 transitions to the wind direction switching mode based on the input of the F1 key 52a or the F2 key 52b, and switches the set wind direction stage based on the input of the first change key 53a or the second change key 53b. For this reason, the operator can select the setting wind direction as a setting item related to the setting by inputting the F1 key 52a or the F2 key 52b and selecting the setting wind direction tab ta4. The first change key 53a and the second change key 53a The set wind direction can be switched via the change key 53b.

(3-6) Menu setting switching mode The menu setting switching mode is a control mode that changes when menu setting items are switched. In the air conditioner 100, the menu setting items include eco-full automatic setting for reducing power consumption, language setting for setting a display language in the liquid crystal display unit 60, timer setting for stopping operation after a specified time elapses, and the like.

  Here, since the menu setting item is normally considered as a setting item that is not frequently used, the setting item tab ta (menu setting tab ta5) related to the menu setting item is not displayed in the third display area 63 in the standby mode. It has become. That is, in the remote controller 30, when the visibility is considered from the relationship between the display area of the third display area 63 and the size of the setting item tab ta, five or more setting item tabs ta are displayed in the third display area 63. It is difficult. For this reason, the menu setting tab ta5 that is not frequently used is not displayed in the control mode other than the menu setting switching mode (that is, the menu setting tab ta5 is not used in the control mode other than the menu setting switching mode). This corresponds to “non-display setting item information” described in the claims).

  On the other hand, in another control mode in which the menu setting tab ta5 is not displayed in the third display area 63, the sixth area 63f (that is, the setting wind direction tab ta4 displayed near the right end of the third display area 63). When the right icon IC1 is displayed around (right adjacent area), it is indirectly indicated that the menu setting tab ta5 is hidden next to the setting wind direction tab ta4 (see FIG. 5 and the like). ). As a result, the viewer and operator of the liquid crystal display unit 60 hide the setting item tab ta (menu setting tab ta5) in addition to the setting item tab ta displayed in the third display area 63 (that is, the setting item tab ta5). , The presence of the menu setting tab ta5) (that is, the right icon IC1 corresponds to “non-display setting item specifying information” described in the claims).

  Specifically, the remote control unit 70 changes the menu when the value of the variable A of the F key flag 706b decreases by 1 (ie, when the F2 key 52b is input once) during the transition to the wind direction switching mode. Transition to the setting switching mode. Note that the remote control unit 70 shifts to the menu setting switching mode when the F2 key 52b is input in the wind direction switching mode, and thus the F2 key 52b has a function of shifting to the menu setting switching mode in the wind direction switching mode (ie, It can be said that a setting item selection function or a setting item switching function for selecting a menu setting item is assigned as a setting item related to the setting.

  In the menu setting switching mode, the remote control unit 70 operates the liquid crystal display unit 60 so that predetermined menu setting items are displayed along the menu setting display table TB9 stored in the fifth storage unit 705. Control.

  FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the menu setting display table TB9. In the menu setting display table TB9, display contents in each display area (61-64) of the liquid crystal display unit 60 are registered in the menu setting switching mode. In the menu setting display table TB9 shown in FIG. 22, the display contents are individually defined in the rows corresponding to the display areas so that the display contents shown in FIG.

  In the menu setting display table TB9, highlighted display information is defined for each display information in addition to the display contents in each display area. For example, in the menu setting display table TB9 shown in FIG. 22, the setting item tab ta (menu setting tab ta5) including the text information “menu” in the fifth area 63e corresponds to the fifth area 63e. Highlight information is defined in the row.

  Although not shown in FIG. 22, in the menu setting display table TB9, in addition to the display contents in each display area, information specifying the display mode (size, coordinate range, etc.) is registered. The contents of the menu setting display table TB9 can be updated via an external device such as the management server 90.

  FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60 in the menu setting switching mode. In FIG. 23, text information “meeting room 1” is displayed as setting place information in the first display area 61 in accordance with the contents of the menu setting display table TB9 shown in FIG. And a triangle with a vertex on the left) (left icon IC2), an operation mode tab ta2 in the second area 63b, a set air volume tab ta3 in the third area 63c, and a set air direction tab ta4 in the fourth area 63d. The menu setting tab ta5 is displayed in the fifth area 63e, and the text information “menu setting” indicating that the menu setting item is being set and the text information relating to each menu setting item are displayed in the fourteenth area 64d. A state in which information (menu setting information) including “eco-automatic”, “language setting”, and “timer setting” is displayed is shown.

  In FIG. 23, the menu setting tab ta5 displayed in the fifth area 63e is displayed in reverse (that is, in association with the fact that highlight information is defined in the menu setting display table TB9 shown in FIG. The display is highlighted by performing black-and-white inversion. In the fourth display area 64, only menu setting information is displayed. In this way, information (menu setting tab ta5) related to the setting item (menu setting item) being set in the third display area 63 is highlighted, and the setting item (menu setting item) being set in the fourth display area 64 is highlighted. By displaying only the information related to (menu setting information), the operator is setting the menu setting item in the menu setting switching mode (that is, the menu setting is selected as the setting item for setting). Can be easily discriminated.

  As described above, the menu setting tab ta5 is a setting item tab ta that is not normally displayed (hidden), but is displayed in the menu setting switching mode. In relation to this, normally, the other setting item tab ta to be displayed is not displayed in the menu setting switching mode. That is, in the remote controller 30, it is difficult to display five or more setting item tabs ta in the third display region 63 because of the relationship between the display region of the third display region 63 and the size of the setting item tab ta. Any setting item tab ta other than the menu setting tab ta5 is hidden in the third display area 63.

  In FIG. 23, in relation to the menu setting tab ta5 being displayed in the fifth area 63e, the left side of the third display area 63 in the set temperature tab ta1 (that is, the control mode before the transition to the menu setting switching mode). The set temperature tab ta1) displayed in the vicinity of the end is hidden in the third display area 63, and the other set item tabs ta are moved one by one from the display state in the standby mode to the left area. In addition, the left icon IC2 is displayed in the first area 63a (that is, the area around the operation mode tab ta2 displayed in the vicinity of the left end of the third display area 63 (next to the left)), so that the operation mode tab is displayed. It is indirectly shown that the set temperature tab ta1 is hidden before (left side) ta2. Thereby, the viewer and the operator of the liquid crystal display unit 60 grasp that the setting item tab ta (setting temperature tab ta1) is hidden in addition to the setting item tab ta displayed in the third display area 63. It is easy to do. That is, in the menu setting switching mode, the set temperature tab ta1 corresponds to “non-display setting item information” recited in the claims, and the left icon IC2 corresponds to “non-display setting item specifying information”.

  In the menu setting switching mode, the menu setting related to the setting (that is, selected) according to the definition content of the menu table TB10 based on the value of the variable B of the change key flag 706c (that is, based on the input of the change key 53). The item is switched.

  FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the menu table TB10. In the menu table TB10, the relationship between the menu setting item to be selected and the setting order is defined. In the menu table TB10 shown in FIG. 24, “eco full automatic setting” is assigned first, “language setting” is assigned second, “timer setting” is assigned third.

  More specifically, the remote controller control unit 70 is based on a change in the value of the variable B in the menu setting switching mode, and a lower-level control mode (specifically, the eco full automatic setting is set in the menu setting switching mode). Transition to any one of the eco full automatic setting selection mode, the language setting selection mode related to language setting, and the timer setting selection mode related to timer setting).

  Hereinafter, a representative example of the lower control mode of the menu setting switching mode will be described.

(A)
Specifically, the remote control unit 70 increases or decreases 1 in the value of the variable B in the menu setting switching mode (that is, when one of the first change key 53a and the second change key 53b is input). , Transition to eco full automatic setting selection mode.

  The eco full automatic setting selection mode is a control mode for determining whether or not to set the eco full automatic setting. In the eco full automatic setting selection mode, the remote control unit 70 operates the liquid crystal display unit 60 so that each information is displayed in accordance with the eco full automatic setting selection table TB11 stored in the fifth storage unit 705. Control.

  FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the eco full automatic setting selection table TB11. In the eco full automatic setting selection table TB11, contents to be displayed in each display area (61-64) of the liquid crystal display unit 60 in the eco full automatic setting selection mode are registered. In the eco full automatic setting selection table TB11 shown in FIG. 25, the display contents are individually defined in the row corresponding to each display area so that the display contents shown in FIG. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 25, in the eco full automatic setting selection table TB11, in addition to the display contents in each display area, information specifying a display mode (size, coordinate range, etc.) is registered. . The contents of the eco full automatic setting selection table TB11 can be updated via an external device such as the management server 90.

  FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60 in the eco full automatic setting selection mode. In FIG. 26, the text information “meeting room 1” is displayed as the installation location information in the first display area 61 in accordance with the contents of the eco full automatic setting selection table TB11 shown in FIG. A cancel tab ta6 including text information “cancel” for specifying canceling of the automatic setting is displayed, and a determination including text information “decision” for determining to set the eco full automatic setting in the fifth area 63e Tab ta7 is displayed. Also, in FIG. 26, in the fourteenth area 64d, information (in which the text information “eco-automatic” is highlighted) is displayed to indicate that it is a setting screen for determining whether or not eco-automatic auto-setting is set. Eco full automatic highlight information) is displayed.

  In the eco full automatic setting selection mode, it is decided to set the eco full automatic setting based on the value of the variable A of the F key flag 706b (that is, based on the input of the F1 key 52a or the F2 key 52b) or cancel. It is decided whether to do. Specifically, when the value of the variable A is increased by 1 (that is, when the F1 key 52a is input) in the eco full automatic setting selection mode, the remote control unit 70 cancels the eco full automatic setting setting, and the menu Transition to the setting switching mode. On the other hand, when the value of the variable A is decreased by 1 (that is, when the F2 key 52b is input) in the eco full automatic setting selection mode, the remote control unit 70 determines to set the eco full automatic setting. Transition to a lower control mode (eco full automatic setting mode) of the eco full automatic setting selection mode. That is, in the eco full automatic setting selection mode, a cancel function for canceling the eco full automatic setting setting is assigned to the F1 key 52a, and a determination function for determining to set the eco full automatic setting to the F2 key 52b is provided. It is assigned to the F2 key 52b. Then, the cancel tab ta6 and the determination tab ta7 are displayed in the third display area 63 in such a manner that the function assigned to the function key 52 can be discriminated.

  The eco full automatic setting mode is a control mode for switching the setting of the eco full automatic setting. The remote control unit 70 controls the operation of the liquid crystal display unit 60 so that each information is displayed in accordance with the eco full automatic setting table TB12 stored in the fifth storage unit 705 in the eco full automatic setting mode. .

  FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the eco full automatic setting table TB12. In the eco full automatic setting table TB12, contents to be displayed in each display area (61-64) of the liquid crystal display unit 60 in the eco full automatic setting mode are registered. In the eco full automatic setting table TB12 shown in FIG. 27, the display contents are individually defined in the rows corresponding to the respective display areas so that the display contents shown in FIG. Although not shown in FIG. 27, in the eco full automatic setting table TB12, information specifying a display mode (size, coordinate range, etc.) is registered in addition to the display contents in each display area. The contents of the eco fully automatic setting table TB12 can be updated via an external device such as the management server 90.

  FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60 in the eco full automatic setting mode. In FIG. 28, the text information “meeting room 1” is displayed as the installation location information in the first display area 61 in accordance with the contents of the eco full automatic setting table TB12 shown in FIG. 27, and the eco full automatic is displayed in the second area 63b. A non-setting tab ta8 including text information “non-setting” specifying switching of the setting to the non-setting state is displayed, and text information “setting” specifying switching of the eco full automatic setting to the setting state is displayed in the fifth area 63e. A setting tab ta9 including is displayed. In FIG. 28, the 14th area 64d shows a setting screen for determining whether the setting of the eco-automatic automatic setting is set to a set state (valid state) or a non-set state (invalid state). Accordingly, information (eco full automatic setting switching information) in which text information “eco full automatic non-set / set?” Is displayed is displayed.

  In the eco full automatic setting mode, the state of the eco full automatic setting is switched based on the value of the variable A of the F key flag 706b (that is, based on the input of the F1 key 52a or the F2 key 52b). Specifically, when the value of the variable A is increased by 1 (that is, when the F1 key 52a is input) in the eco fully automatic setting mode, the remote control unit 70 sets the eco fully automatic setting state to the non-setting state, Transition to the menu setting switching mode. On the other hand, when the value of the variable A is decreased by 1 (that is, when the F2 key 52b is input) in the eco fully automatic setting mode, the remote control unit 70 sets the eco fully automatic setting state to the setting state and switches the menu setting. Transition to mode. That is, in the eco full automatic setting mode, a non-setting switching function for setting the eco full automatic setting state to the non-setting state is assigned to the F1 key 52a, and the eco full automatic setting state is set to the F2 key 52b. A setting switching function is assigned to the F2 key 52b. The non-setting tab ta8 and the setting tab ta9 are displayed in the third display area 63 in such a manner that the function assigned to the function key 52 can be discriminated.

  As described above, the lower eco full automatic setting selection mode is provided in the lower eco full automatic setting selection mode of the menu setting switching mode. That is, the remote control 30 is provided with hierarchical control modes. In relation to this, in the liquid crystal display unit 60, displayed images are switched hierarchically.

(B)
Further, when the value of the variable B is decreased by 1 in the eco full automatic setting selection mode (that is, when the second change key 53b is input), the remote control unit 70 transitions to the language setting selection mode.

  The language setting selection mode is a control mode for determining whether or not to set a display language (language setting) on the remote controller 30. In the language setting selection mode, the remote control control unit 70 controls the operation of the liquid crystal display unit 60 so that each piece of information is displayed in accordance with the language setting selection table TB13 stored in the fifth storage unit 705.

  FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the language setting selection table TB13. In the language setting selection table TB13, contents to be displayed in each display area (61-64) of the liquid crystal display unit 60 in the language setting selection mode are registered. In the language setting selection table TB13 shown in FIG. 29, the display contents are individually defined in the lines corresponding to the display areas so that the display contents shown in FIG. Although not shown in FIG. 29, in the language setting selection table TB13, in addition to the display contents in each display area, information for specifying a display mode (size, coordinate range, etc.) is registered. The contents of the language setting selection table TB13 can be updated via an external device such as the management server 90.

  FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60 in the language setting selection mode. In FIG. 30, in accordance with the contents of the language setting selection table TB13 shown in FIG. 29, text information “meeting room 1” is displayed as installation location information in the first display area 61, and eco-automatic setting is set in the second area 63b. A cancel tab ta6 including text information “cancel” that specifies canceling the setting is displayed, and a determination tab ta7 including text information “decision” for determining to set the eco full automatic setting in the fifth area 63e Is displayed. Also, in FIG. 30, in the fourteenth area 64d, information (language setting highlighted display information) in which text information “language setting” is highlighted to indicate that it is a setting screen for determining whether or not to perform language setting. ) Is displayed.

  In the language setting selection mode, whether to set the eco full automatic setting based on the value of the variable A of the F key flag 706b (that is, based on the input of the F1 key 52a or the F2 key 52b) or cancel. Is confirmed. Specifically, when the value of the variable A is increased by 1 (that is, when the F1 key 52a is input) in the language setting selection mode, the remote controller 70 cancels the language setting and transitions to the menu setting switching mode. . On the other hand, when the value of the variable A is decreased by 1 (that is, when the F2 key 52b is input) in the language setting selection mode, the remote controller 70 determines that the language setting is to be set, and the language setting selection mode Transition to a lower control mode (language setting mode). That is, in the language setting selection mode, a cancel function for canceling the language setting is assigned to the F1 key 52a, and a decision function for determining that language setting is to be performed for the F2 key 52b is assigned to the F2 key 52b.

  The language setting mode is a control mode for switching the setting of the language setting. In the language setting mode, the remote control unit 70 controls the operation of the liquid crystal display unit 60 so that each piece of information is displayed according to the language setting table TB14 stored in the fifth storage unit 705.

  FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the language setting table TB14. In the language setting table TB14, contents to be displayed in each display area (61-64) of the liquid crystal display unit 60 in the language setting mode are registered. In the language setting table TB14 shown in FIG. 31, the display contents are individually defined in the lines corresponding to the display areas so that the display contents shown in FIG. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 32, in the language setting table TB14, in addition to the display contents in each display area, information specifying the display mode (size, coordinate range, etc.) is registered. The contents of the language setting table TB14 can be updated via an external device such as the management server 90.

  FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60 in the language setting mode. In FIG. 32, text information “meeting room 1” is displayed as installation location information in the first display area 61 in accordance with the contents of the language setting table TB14 shown in FIG. 31, and the settable languages in the fourteenth area 64d. Information (set language list information) including text information “Japanese”, “English”, and “Chinese” indicating a list (here, Japanese, English, and Chinese) is displayed.

  In the language setting mode, based on the value of the variable B of the change key flag 706c (that is, based on the input of the first change key 53a or the second change key 53b), the mode changes to a lower Japanese setting mode. Specifically, when the value of the variable B is increased or decreased by 1 in the language setting mode (that is, when the first change key 53a or the second change key 53b is input), the remote control unit 70 changes the setting language. Transition to Japanese setting mode that determines whether or not to select Japanese.

  Further, in the Japanese setting mode, when the value of the variable B is decreased by 1 (that is, when the second change key 53b is input), the mode changes to the English setting mode for determining whether or not to select the setting language as English. .

  In the English setting mode, when the value of the variable B is decreased by 1 (that is, when the second change key 53b is input), the mode changes to the Chinese setting mode for determining whether or not to select the setting language as Chinese. To do. In the English setting mode, when the value of the variable B is increased by 1 (that is, when the first change key 53a is input), the setting language is changed to the Japanese setting mode.

  That is, in the language setting mode, a Japanese setting mode, an English setting mode, and a Chinese setting mode are provided as lower control modes. Note that the lower control modes in the language setting mode include other modes (for example, a Spanish setting mode for determining whether or not to select the setting language as Spanish, or a setting language depending on the display language variation). It is also possible to provide a Korean language setting mode for determining whether or not to select Korean.

  Here, the Japanese language setting mode will be described as a representative example of the lower control mode in the language setting mode.

  In the Japanese language setting mode, the remote control unit 70 controls the operation of the liquid crystal display unit 60 so that each piece of information is displayed according to the Japanese language setting table TB15 stored in the fifth storage unit 705.

  FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the Japanese setting table TB15. In the Japanese setting table TB15, contents to be displayed in each display area (61-64) of the liquid crystal display unit 60 in the Japanese setting mode are registered. In the Japanese language setting table TB15 shown in FIG. 33, display contents are individually defined in the lines corresponding to the display areas so that the display contents shown in FIG. Further, although not shown in FIG. 34, in the Japanese setting table TB15, in addition to the display contents in each display area, information for specifying a display mode (size, coordinate range, etc.) is registered. The contents of the Japanese setting table TB15 can be updated via an external device such as the management server 90.

  FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60 in the Japanese language setting mode. In FIG. 34, text information “meeting room 1” is displayed as installation location information in the first display area 61 in accordance with the contents of the Japanese setting table TB15 shown in FIG. 33, and the setting language is set in the second area 63b. A non-setting tab ta8 including text information “non-setting” for canceling switching to a word is displayed, and a setting tab ta9 including text information “setting” specifying switching the setting language to Japanese is displayed in the fifth area 63e. It is displayed. In FIG. 28, the text information “Japanese” is highlighted in the set language list information to indicate that the 14th area 64d is a setting screen for determining whether or not to select Japanese as the set language. Information (Japanese selection information) is shown.

  In the Japanese language setting mode, whether to set the language to Japanese or cancel is determined based on the value of the variable A of the F key flag 706b (that is, based on the input of the F1 key 52a or the F2 key 52b). . Specifically, when the value of the variable A is increased by 1 in the Japanese setting mode (that is, when the F1 key 52a is input), the remote control unit 70 cancels setting the setting language to Japanese, Transition to language setting mode. On the other hand, when the value of variable A is decreased by 1 in the Japanese setting mode (that is, when F2 key 52b is input), remote control unit 70 determines that the setting language is Japanese and switches the menu setting. Transition to mode. That is, in the Japanese language setting mode, a non-setting switching function for not setting Japanese as a setting language is assigned to the F1 key 52a, and a setting switching function for setting Japanese as a setting language for the F2 key 52b is an F2 key. 52b. The non-setting tab ta8 and the setting tab ta9 are displayed in the third display area 63 in such a manner that the function assigned to the function key 52 can be discriminated.

  In other modes (English setting mode, Chinese setting mode, etc.), display is performed according to a table defining display contents on the liquid crystal display unit 60 as in the Japanese setting mode. The setting language is set.

  In this way, a lower language setting mode is provided in the lower language setting selection mode of the menu setting switching mode, and further lower language setting mode, English setting mode, and Chinese setting mode are provided in the language setting mode. Is provided. That is, the remote control 30 is provided with hierarchical control modes. In relation to this, in the liquid crystal display unit 60, displayed images are switched hierarchically.

(4) Flow of Control Mode Transition of Remote Control Unit 70 FIG. 35, FIG. 36 and FIG. 37 are flowcharts showing an example of the flow of control mode transition of the remote control unit 70 (FIGS. 35, 36 and 36). In FIG. 37, the lower control mode in the menu setting switching mode is not shown). When the drive power is supplied, the remote control unit 70 changes the control mode according to the flow of steps S101 to S121 shown in FIGS. 35, 36, and 37. Steps S101 to S121 are merely examples, and can be appropriately changed according to the design specifications.

  In step S101, the remote controller control unit 70 remains in step S101 when an operation start command is not input via the start / stop switching key 51 (ie, NO). On the other hand, when the operation start command is input via the start / stop switching key 51 (that is, in the case of YES), the remote controller 70 proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102, the remote controller control unit 70 transitions to the standby mode (or maintains the standby mode). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, the remote control control unit 70 returns to step S102 when the remote control control unit 70 does not input the F1 key 52a or the F2 key 52b (ie, NO). On the other hand, if the F1 key 52a or the F2 key 52b is input (that is, YES), the remote control unit 70 proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, the remote control unit 70 transitions to the set temperature switching mode (or maintains the set temperature switching mode). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S105, the remote control unit 70 proceeds to step S106 when the setting of the set temperature is not completed (ie, NO). On the other hand, when the setting of the set temperature is completed (that is, YES), the remote controller control unit 70 returns to step S102.

  In step S106, when the F2 key 52b is not input (that is, in the case of NO), the remote controller control unit 70 returns to step S104. On the other hand, when the F2 key 52b is input (that is, in the case of YES), the remote controller control unit 70 proceeds to step S107.

  In step S107, the remote control unit 70 transitions to the operation switching mode (or maintains the operation switching mode). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S108, when the setting of the operation mode is not completed (that is, in the case of NO), the remote control unit 70 proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, when the setting of the operation mode is completed (that is, in the case of YES), remote control control unit 70 returns to step S102.

  In step S109, if the F1 key 52a is not input (ie, NO), the remote control unit 70 proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, when the F1 key 52a is input (that is, in the case of YES), the remote control unit 70 returns to step S104.

  In step S110, if the F2 key 52b is not input (ie, NO), the remote control unit 70 returns to step S107. On the other hand, when the F2 key 52b is input (that is, in the case of YES), the remote controller control unit 70 proceeds to step S111.

  In step S111, the remote control unit 70 transitions to the air volume switching mode (or maintains the air volume switching mode). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S112.

  In step S112, when the setting of the set air volume is not completed (ie, NO), the remote controller control unit 70 proceeds to step S113. On the other hand, when the setting of the set air volume is completed (ie, YES), the remote controller control unit 70 returns to step S102.

  In step S113, if the F1 key 52a is not input (that is, if NO), the remote controller control unit 70 proceeds to step S114. On the other hand, when the F1 key 52a is input (that is, in the case of YES), the remote control unit 70 returns to step S107.

  In step S114, if the F2 key 52b is not input (ie, NO), the remote controller control unit 70 returns to step S111. On the other hand, when the F2 key 52b is input (ie, YES), the remote controller control unit 70 proceeds to step S115.

  In step S115, the remote control unit 70 transitions to the wind direction switching mode (or maintains the wind direction switching mode). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S116, if the setting of the set wind direction is not completed (that is, if NO), the remote controller control unit 70 proceeds to step S117. On the other hand, when the setting of the set air volume is completed (ie, YES), the remote controller control unit 70 returns to step S102.

  In step S117, remote control unit 70 proceeds to step S118 if F1 key 52a is not input (ie, NO). On the other hand, when the F1 key 52a is input (that is, in the case of YES), the remote controller control unit 70 returns to step S111.

  In step S118, if the F2 key 52b is not input (ie, NO), the remote controller control unit 70 returns to step S115. On the other hand, when the F2 key 52b is input (that is, in the case of YES), the remote controller control unit 70 proceeds to step S119.

  In step S119, the remote controller control unit 70 transitions to the menu setting switching mode (or maintains the menu setting switching mode). Then, it progresses to step S120.

  In step S120, if the setting of the menu setting item is not completed (that is, if NO), the remote controller control unit 70 proceeds to step S121. On the other hand, when the setting of the menu setting item is completed (that is, in the case of YES), remote control control unit 70 returns to step S102.

  In step S121, if the F1 key 52a is not input (that is, if NO), the remote control control unit 70 returns to step S119. On the other hand, when the F1 key 52a is input (that is, in the case of YES), the remote control unit 70 returns to step S115.

(5) Various functions of the remote controller 30 (5-1) Usability improving function In the remote controller 30, the physical key 50 (specifically, the start / stop switch key 51, the F1 key 52a, the F2 key 52b, the first change key 53a, and The total number of second change keys 53b) is 5, which is smaller than the conventional one. In particular, the number of function keys 52 is two, that is, an F1 key 52a and an F2 key 52b, and is configured to be smaller than the number of setting items (setting item tab ta) displayed in the third display area 63 (here, four). Has been.

  Thus, the operation method is simply configured, and an intuitive and easy operation method can be provided to the operator. On the other hand, despite the fact that the number of physical keys is smaller than in the prior art, the functions required for the remote controller 30 to realize various functions of the air conditioner 100 can be exhibited. That is, superior operability is realized without degrading the function as compared with the conventional case, and the usability is excellent.

  In addition, since the number of physical keys 50 is reduced, the size of the physical keys 50 in the remote controller 30 is configured to be larger than the conventional one. Specifically, the dimension in the width direction (length in the left-right direction) of each physical key 50 is configured to be one third or more of the dimension in the width direction of the liquid crystal display unit 60. In addition, the height dimension (length in the vertical direction) of each physical key 50 is configured to be one quarter or more of the height dimension of the liquid crystal display unit 60. As a result, the operator can easily grasp the physical key 50 and input easily. That is, it is particularly excellent in usability.

(5-2) Designability / Compactness Improvement Function In addition, the remote controller 30 is configured with a small number of physical keys 50, thereby improving the degree of freedom in design selection. That is, it also has a function of improving design.

  Further, the remote controller 30 is configured with a small number of physical keys 50, so that the casing 40 can be configured compactly. That is, it also has a function of improving compactness.

(5-3) Generality / Management / Security Improvement Function In addition, the remote controller 30 displays an image on the liquid crystal display unit 60 based on various tables stored in the fifth storage unit 705 in each control mode. It is configured to be. That is, the remote controller 30 can arbitrarily change the image displayed in each control mode by changing the definition contents of various tables. The various tables can be updated by an administrator inputting an update command via the management server 90.

  That is, the remote controller 30 is configured so that the administrator can arbitrarily change the display content and display mode according to the installation environment. As a result, the display considering the visibility and operability of the operator can be arbitrarily performed in real time, and the versatility is excellent.

  For example, regarding the notation contents of each table stored in the fifth storage unit 705, by defining text information in a language other than Japanese, it is also possible to display an image using language information other than Japanese. is there. For example, in FIGS. 38 to 41, an example of an image including English text information is displayed as an image in the standby mode. In FIGS. 38 to 41, the temperature is expressed in Fahrenheit instead of Celsius.

Further, for example, regarding the definition contents of each table stored in the fifth storage unit 705, by defining text information as graphic information, it is possible to display an image instead of the text information as graphic information. For example, FIGS. 40 and 41 show a state where a setting item tab ta including graphic information instead of text information is displayed as an image in the standby mode.
Thus, by displaying a lot of graphic information instead of text information, an intuitive operation is possible regardless of the language used by the operator, and versatility and usability are improved.

  As described above, the remote controller 30 is configured to be able to display a desired image in a predetermined situation by changing the contents of various tables stored in the fifth storage unit 705.

  In addition, when installed in a target space that is temporarily used by an unspecified number of users (for example, a hotel room or a rental room), the administrator sets the control mode in advance before using the user. By shifting to the setting mode, the user can perform an operation from an image as shown in FIG. Thereby, regardless of the language used by the operator, the operation can be easily performed, and versatility and usability are improved.

  In addition, the remote controller 30 can limit the setting items that can be set according to the operator so that the administrator does not set the setting items that the administrator does not want to set for the operator. It is configured. For example, by defining the notation content of each table stored in the fifth storage unit 705 without including information that is not desired to be set, information that is not desired to be set is not displayed. It is also possible to display an image. As a result, the administrator can restrict the operation content for the operator, and the manageability and security are improved.

  For example, in FIG. 42, the operation mode tab ta2 is not displayed in the third display area 63 as an image in the standby mode. This prevents the operator from changing the operation mode setting.

  Further, for example, in FIG. 43, the setting item tab ta displayed in the third display area 63 is displayed in a state in which the setting temperature control mode is changed so that only the set temperature can be set. Absent. Thus, the operator can set only the set temperature, and the switching of other setting items is restricted. In FIG. 43, the numerical value of the set temperature is displayed in the fourteenth area 64d, the text information “raise” is displayed in the thirteenth area 64c to indicate that the set temperature is increased by the input of the first change key 53a. The text information “decrease” is displayed in the second display area 62 to indicate that the set temperature is decreased by the input of the 2 change key 53b.

  In the case of displaying in such a manner, it is only necessary to provide a new control mode and define the processing so that the processing is executed in a manner along the display screen based on the input of the function key 52 or the change key 53. .

(6) Features (6-1)
In the remote control 30 according to the embodiment, usability, designability, and compactness are improved.

  That is, in a remote control device such as an air conditioner or a heat pump device that is widely used regardless of age or nationality, it is desirable to simplify the operation method as much as possible in order to improve usability. However, in the conventional remote control device, the number of physical keys including function keys is not small, and the possibility that the operation becomes complicated by the operator is not small.

  In the remote control device of an air conditioner or heat pump device, it is preferable that the number of physical keys including function keys is small from the viewpoint of improving design and compactness. However, in the conventional remote control device, there are not a few physical keys including function keys, and the degree of freedom in design is restricted, and the size of the remote control device is increased, and the downsizing is restricted.

  In this regard, in the remote controller 30 according to the above-described embodiment, the remote controller control unit 70 sequentially selects setting items to be set in accordance with the input of the function key 52, and the number of function keys 52 relates to the setting items that can be set. The number of setting items (setting item tab ta) displayed in the third display area 63 for displaying information is smaller. As a result, the setting items related to the setting are sequentially selected and displayed as the setting item tab ta on the liquid crystal display unit 60 based on the input of the function keys 52 smaller than the number of setting items (setting item tab ta) to be displayed. It has become. Thus, the operator can make various settings with only the function keys 52 smaller than the number of setting items (setting item tab ta) to be displayed. That is, it is possible for the operator to perform the same setting as the conventional one by using the physical key 50 having a smaller number than the conventional one. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the number of physical keys 50 constituting the remote controller 30 compared to the conventional one. As a result, a simple operation method can be provided to the operator. In addition, the degree of freedom in design of the remote controller 30 is suppressed, and the increase in the size of the remote controller 30 is suppressed. Therefore, it is excellent in usability, design, and compactness.

  Further, in the remote controller 30, the number of physical keys 50 is suppressed without using software keys configured by a touch screen or the like, and an effect of cost reduction is also achieved.

(6-2)
In the remote controller 30 according to the above embodiment, the remote controller control unit 70 switches the selection of setting items each time the function key 52 is input. As a result, each time the function key 52 is input, the setting item being selected is switched. That is, each time the operator inputs the function key 52, the setting item related to the setting and the setting item tab ta to be displayed are sequentially switched. Thus, the same setting as before can be performed with the minimum necessary physical keys 50. Therefore, the number of physical keys 50 constituting the remote controller 30 can be particularly reduced compared to the conventional case.

(6-3)
In the remote control 30 according to the embodiment, in the third display area 63, information (setting item tab ta) relating to the setting item being selected is highlighted by reversing the color. In particular, even when a plurality of setting item tabs ta are displayed in the third display area 63, the setting item tab ta related to the selected setting item is highlighted in the third display area 63. As a result, even when a plurality of setting items are displayed in the third display area 63, the operator can easily determine the setting item being selected. In particular, even when a plurality of setting items are displayed in the third display area 63, the operator can easily determine the setting item being selected.

(6-4)
In the remote controller 30 according to the above embodiment, the function key 52 is located near (directly below) the third display area 63. More specifically, the function key 52 is disposed at a position closer to the third display area 63 than the fourth display area 64. Further, the function key 52 is disposed at a position closer to the third display area 63 than the other physical keys 50. Thereby, the operator can easily visually recognize the third display area 63 while operating the function key 52. Thus, the setting item (setting item tab ta) being selected can be easily identified while the operator operates the function key 52.

(6-5)
In the remote controller 30 according to the above embodiment, the change key 53 arranged separately from the function key 52 is included in the physical key 50, and the remote controller control unit 70 relates to the setting item being selected according to the input of the change key 53. Increase / decrease value, change stage or change mode. Accordingly, it is possible to easily change the setting state of the setting item being selected with the minimum necessary fixed keys. That is, it is possible to perform the same setting as before with the minimum necessary physical key 50. As a result, in configuring the remote controller 30, the number of physical keys 50 can be particularly reduced compared to the conventional case.

(6-6)
In the remote controller 30 according to the above-described embodiment, the remote controller control unit 70 changes information related to the setting state of the setting item displayed in the fourth display area 64 based on the input of the function key 52. Thus, it is possible to easily change the setting state of the setting item with the minimum necessary fixed keys. That is, it is possible to perform the same setting as before with the minimum necessary physical key 50. As a result, in configuring the remote controller 30, the number of physical keys 50 can be particularly reduced compared to the conventional case.

(6-7)
In the remote control 30 according to the embodiment, the number of setting item tabs ta smaller than the number of setting items that can be set is displayed in the third display area 63, and information indicating the presence of the non-displaying setting item tab ta (non-display) The right icon IC1 or the left icon IC2 which is display setting item specifying information) is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60. Thereby, even when the number of setting item tabs ta displayed is smaller than the number of setting items that can be set, the operator can easily grasp the existence of the non-display setting item tab ta. As a result, the operability is particularly excellent.

(6-8)
In the remote controller 30 according to the above embodiment, a plurality of setting item tabs ta are displayed in the third display area 63, and the right icon IC1 or the left icon IC2 (non-display setting item specifying information) is the longitudinal direction (left and right) of the third display area 63. When the setting item tab ta (non-display setting item information) displayed around the setting item tab ta displayed in the vicinity of one end of (direction) and hidden in the third display area 63 is displayed, The setting item tab ta displayed near the other end in the longitudinal direction of the three display area 63 is configured not to be displayed. Accordingly, even when the number of setting item tabs ta displayed is smaller than the number of setting items that can be set, the operator can easily specify the setting item tab ta that is not displayed. As a result, the operability is particularly excellent.

(6-9)
In the remote controller 30 according to the above embodiment, the remote controller control unit 70 is configured to be able to switch the display mode of various information displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60 by receiving the update command transmitted from the management server 90. Yes. Thereby, information can be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60 in a display mode according to the characteristics of the operator. As a result, the display considering the visibility and operability of the operator can be arbitrarily performed in real time, and usability and versatility are improved. For example, when it is installed in a space where a user temporarily stays, such as an accommodation facility such as a hotel or a rental room (that is, a space where the user and the administrator do not match), a display mode according to the attribute of the user It is configured to be able to change. Further, when implemented in many countries, the display language can be easily and flexibly switched.

(6-10)
In the remote controller 30 according to the above embodiment, the remote controller control unit 70 is configured to be able to limit the setting items that can be selected by the function key 52 by receiving the update command transmitted from the management server 90. This allows the administrator to limit the setting items that can be set according to the operator so that the setting items that the administrator does not want to set for the operator are not set by the operator. Yes. That is, the administrator can restrict the operation content for the operator. For example, when it is installed in a space where a user temporarily stays, such as an accommodation facility such as a hotel or a rental room (that is, a space where the user and the administrator do not match), the user's operation is arbitrarily restricted. It is possible.

(7) Modifications The above embodiment can be appropriately modified as shown in the following modifications. Each modification may be applied in combination with another modification as long as no contradiction occurs.

(7-1) Modification A
In the said embodiment, although the remote control 30 was applied to the air conditioner 100 as an air conditioning apparatus or a heat pump system, it is not limited to this. For example, the remote controller 30 may be applied to a water heater, a water cooler, a dehumidifier, or the like as a heat pump system including a refrigerant circuit. The remote controller 30 may be applied to an air conditioner such as a ventilation device or an air purifier that does not include a refrigerant circuit.

(7-2) Modification B
In the embodiment, the liquid crystal display unit 60 includes the first display area 61, the second display area 62, the third display area 63, and the fourth display area 64. However, the display area included in the liquid crystal display unit 60 may include other display areas instead of or in addition to any of these.

  The third display area 63 includes the first area 63a to the sixth area 63f, and the fourth display area 64 includes the eleventh display area 64a to the sixteenth area 64f. However, the third display area 63 and the fourth display area 64 may include other areas instead of or in addition to any of these. Any of these areas can be omitted as appropriate according to the design specifications.

(7-3) Modification C
In the embodiment described above, the highlight information is highlighted by highlighting the predetermined information displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60 in association with the definition of the highlight information in the various tables stored in the fifth storage unit 705. It had been. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured to be highlighted by being displayed in another display mode. For example, highlighting may be performed by enlarging and displaying information in which highlighting information is defined. Further, for example, the highlight information may be highlighted by flashing information. Further, for example, when the liquid crystal display unit 60 is configured to be capable of color display, the highlight display may be performed by changing the display color of information in which the highlight display information is defined.

(7-4) Modification D
In the above embodiment, the change key 53 is configured as a fixed key having a fixed function. However, if the total number of function keys 52 and change keys 53 is less than the number of setting item tabs ta displayed in the third display area 63, the change key 53 is not a fixed key, and the function according to the situation. You may comprise as a function key which switches.

(7-5) Modification E
In the above embodiment, the function key 52 is arranged directly below the third display area 63. However, the arrangement position of the function key 52 is not necessarily limited to this, and can be appropriately changed according to the design specification. For example, when the third display region 63 is provided in the uppermost part of the liquid crystal display unit 60, the third display region 63 may be disposed immediately above the third display region 63. When it is provided in the rightmost part, it may be arranged on the left or right side of the third display area 63.

(7-6) Modification F
In each control mode for setting a setting item, a numerical value range, type, or level that can be set is displayed as a list on the liquid crystal display unit 60, and a desired numerical range, type, or level is changed from the displayed list. It may be configured to set each setting item by being selected by the input of.

  For example, in the operation switching control mode, not the display modes shown in FIGS. 11 and 13 (that is, the display mode in which only the selected type is displayed) but a list of selectable operation mode types as shown in FIG. 44 is displayed. May be. Then, any type may be determined based on the input of the change key 53. In FIG. 44, the text information “cooling”, “heating”, “fan”, “dehumidification”, and “automatic” are displayed as a list of types of operation modes that can be set in the fourteenth area 64d. As the cooling mode is selected based on the input to the key 53, the text information “cooling” is highlighted.

(7-7) Modification G
In the above embodiment, the number of setting item tabs ta (setting items) displayed in the third display area 63 is four or less. However, the number of setting item tabs ta displayed in the third display area 63 may be five or more as long as it is displayed in an easily visible manner in the third display area 63. Further, the number of setting item tabs ta displayed in the third display area 63 may be less than four as long as it is larger than the number of function keys 52.

(7-8) Modification H
The images displayed on the remote controller 30 are not limited to those described in the above embodiment, and other images may be displayed. In such a case, a control mode and a table corresponding to the displayed contents may be provided, and the process may be executed based on the input of the function key 52 or the change key 53.

(7-9) Modification I
In the above embodiment, the contents displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60 in each control mode are determined by the table stored in the fifth storage unit 705. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the content displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 60 may be defined by a control program stored in the first storage unit 701. In such a case, the display content of the liquid crystal display unit 60 is changed in each control mode by updating the control program.

(7-10) Modification J
In the above embodiment, the remote controller 30 has the start / stop switching key 51 as the physical key 50. However, the start / stop switch key 51 is not necessarily required, and can be omitted as appropriate by substituting with another physical key 50. For example, the function key 52 may have the function of the start / stop switching key 51 when the operation is stopped or in the standby mode.

(7-11) Modification K
In the above embodiment, the remote controller 30 is a so-called wired remote control device, and is connected to the indoor unit controller 22 via the cable cb2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the remote controller 30 may be a wireless type remote control device that communicates with the indoor unit control unit 22 by wireless communication using radio waves or infrared rays.

(7-12) Modification L
In the embodiment described above, eco full automatic setting, language setting, and timer setting are provided as menu setting items. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other menu setting items may be provided. In such a case, a control mode and a table corresponding to the menu setting item may be provided to define the processing according to the input of the function key 52 or the change key 53.

(7-13) Modification M
In the above embodiment, the remote controller 30 is configured to be communicable with the management server 90 by being connected to the communication network NW1 via the cable cb3. However, the remote controller 30 may be configured to be communicable with the management server 90 by being connected to the communication network NW1 by wireless communication using radio waves or infrared rays. Alternatively, when the outdoor unit 10 or the indoor unit 20 is configured to be communicable with the management server 90 by connecting to the communication network NW1, the remote controller 30 communicates with the management server 90 via the outdoor unit 10 or the indoor unit 20. It may be configured to be possible.

(7-14) Modification N
In the remote controller 30 of the above embodiment, the F1 key 52a and the F2 key 52b are provided as function keys 52, and the number of function keys 52 is two in total. However, the number of function keys 52 can be changed as appropriate according to design specifications. For example, the number of function keys 52 may be three or more as long as it is smaller than the number of setting item tabs ta displayed in the third display area 63, or may be one.

(7-15) Modification O
In the remote controller 30 of the above embodiment, the right icon IC1 or the left icon IC2, which is information (non-display setting item specifying information) indicating the presence of the non-display setting item tab ta, is displayed as a substantially triangular figure. . However, the right icon IC1 or the left icon IC2 is not necessarily displayed in such a manner, and the display mode of the right icon IC1 or the left icon IC2 is a display that can indicate the presence of the non-display setting item tab ta. As long as it is an aspect, it can change suitably. For example, the right icon IC1 or the left icon IC2 may be displayed so as to have an arrow shape instead of a triangular shape. Further, the right icon IC1 or the left icon IC2 is not necessarily displayed as a graphic or a symbol, and may be displayed in a form including text information.

(7-16) Modification P
In the remote controller 30 of the above embodiment, the right icon IC1 or the left icon IC2 as information indicating the presence of the non-display setting item tab ta (non-display setting item specifying information) is displayed in the third display area 63. . However, the right icon IC1 or the left icon IC2 is not necessarily displayed in the third display area 63, and may be displayed in another display area. For example, the right icon IC1 or the left icon IC2 as the non-display setting item specifying information may be displayed in the second display area or the fourth display area 64. Further, the right icon IC1 or the left icon IC2 is not necessarily displayed, and may be appropriately omitted depending on the situation.

(7-17) Modification Q
In the remote controller 30 of the above embodiment, the third display region 63 is configured to extend in the left-right direction (that is, the longitudinal direction of the third display region 63 is the left-right direction). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration of the third display region 63 can be changed as appropriate according to the design specifications. For example, the third display region 63 may be configured to extend along the vertical direction (that is, the longitudinal direction of the third display region 63 is the vertical direction).

  The present invention can be used for a remote control device of an air conditioner or a heat pump device.

30: Remote control (remote control device)
40: casing 50: physical key 51: start / stop switching key 52: function key 52a: F1 key (first function key)
52b: F2 key (second function key)
53: Change key (setting state change key)
53a: first change key (setting state change key)
53b: second change key (setting state change key)
60: Liquid crystal display (display)
61: First display area 62: Second display area 63: Third display area (setting item display area)
63a: first area 63b: second area 63c: third area 63d: fourth area 63e: fifth area 63f: sixth area 64: fourth display area (setting state display area)
64a: 11th region 64b: 12th region 64c: 13th region 64d: 14th region 64e: 15th region 64f: 16th region 68: communication unit 70: remote control unit (control unit)
90: Management server (management device)
100: air conditioner 110: network 706a: start / stop switching flag 706b: F key flag 706c: change key flag 707: communication control unit 708: input control unit 709: display control unit 710: mode switching control unit cb1-cb3: cable IC1: right icon (Hidden setting item specific information)
IC2: Left icon (non-display setting item specifying information)
NW1: Communication network TB1: Stand-by table TB2: Setting temperature switching table TB3: Operation mode switching table TB4: Operation mode table TB5: Air volume switching table TB6: Air volume table TB7: Wind direction switching table TB8: Wind direction table TB9: Menu setting display table TB10 : Menu table TB11: Eco fully automatic setting selection table TB12: Eco fully automatic setting table TB13: Language setting selection table TB14: Language setting table TB15: Japanese setting table ta: Setting item tab (setting item information)
ta1: Setting temperature tab (setting item information, non-display setting item information)
ta2: Operation mode tab (setting item information)
ta3: setting air volume tab (setting item information)
ta4: Setting wind direction tab (setting item information)
ta5: Menu setting tab (setting item information, non-display setting item information)
ta6: Cancel tab ta7: Determination tab ta8: Non-setting tab ta9: Setting tab

JP 2009-229209 A

Claims (11)

A remote control device (30) of an air conditioner (100) or a heat pump device (100),
A display unit (60) for displaying various types of information;
A plurality of physical keys (50) for inputting commands relating to various settings;
A control unit (70) for controlling the operation of the display unit and executing various processes in accordance with the command input to the physical key;
With
The display unit includes a setting item display area (63) for displaying setting item information (ta1-ta5) relating to settable setting items, and a setting state display area (64) for displaying information relating to the setting state of the setting items. ), And
The physical keys are arranged in the left-right direction, two function keys (52a, 52b) for switching the assigned function according to the situation, and two setting state change keys arranged in the vertical direction separately from the function keys ( 53), and
Each of the function keys is adjacent to the display unit in the vertical direction, and a symbol corresponding to a left arrow or a right arrow is attached to the key top.
Each setting state change key is adjacent to the display unit in the left-right direction, and a symbol corresponding to an up arrow or a down arrow is attached to the key top,
The control unit sequentially selects the setting items to be set according to the input of the function key, displays the setting item information related to the selected setting item on the display unit, and sets the setting state change key. Increase / decrease the numerical value, change the stage or change the mode for the selected setting item according to the input.
Remote control device (30).   The setting state display area and the setting item display area are arranged vertically.
  The setting state change key does not overlap the setting item display area on the left and right.
The remote control device (30) according to claim 1.   The function key and / or the setting state change key has a width direction dimension that is one third or more of the width direction dimension of the display unit, and the height direction dimension is a dimension of the display unit height direction. More than a quarter of the
The remote control device (30) according to claim 1 or 2.   All of the physical keys have a width dimension that is one third or more of the width dimension of the display unit, and a height dimension that is one fourth or more of the height dimension of the display unit. Is,
The remote control device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The number of physical keys is 5 or less,
The remote control device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   The control unit, when the function key is operated, for the information related to the setting state of the setting item other than the setting item being selected according to the input of the function key, in the setting state display area Do not display,
  The remote control device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   The setting state display area includes a plurality of display areas,
  When the function key is operated, the control unit displays the information related to the setting state of the setting item being selected according to the input of the function key, the largest display included in the setting state display area Display in the area,
  The remote control device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. In the setting item display area, the number of setting item information smaller than the number of setting items that can be set is displayed,
The display unit displays non-display setting item specifying information (IC1, IC2) indicating the presence of non-display setting item information (ta5, ta1) which is the setting item information not displayed in the setting item display area.
Remote control device according to any one of claims 1 7 (30). In the setting item display area, a plurality of the setting item information is displayed,
The non-display setting item specifying information is displayed around the setting item information displayed near one end in the longitudinal direction of the setting item display area,
When the non-display setting item information is displayed in the setting item display area, the setting item information displayed in the vicinity of the other end in the longitudinal direction of the setting item display area is hidden.
The remote control device (30) according to claim 8 . The control unit switches a display mode of various information displayed on the display unit by receiving a predetermined signal transmitted from a management device (90) connected via a communication network (NW1).
Remote control device according to any one of claims 1 9 (30). The control unit receives the predetermined signal transmitted from the management device (90) connected via the communication network (NW1), thereby limiting the setting items that can be selected by the function key.
Remote control device according to any one of claims 1 9 (30).

Images