JP7546958B2 - Control unit, program therefor, control method, and remote control device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a control unit used for displaying and operating various devices, such as a remote control device for a water heater.

A water heater remote control is used to remotely control the water heater. The water heater remote control is installed in the bathroom, outside the bathroom, in the kitchen, etc. The display unit of this water heater remote control displays images such as characters that change with operations related to the operation of the water heater.
With regard to this water heater remote control, it is known that the display section displays images of characters or the like that change in response to operations related to the operation of the water heater, allowing the operator to visually recognize the changes in appearance and thus pique their interest (Patent Document 1).

JP 2015-068521 A

However, as hot water heaters become more sophisticated, their remote control devices assign complex operating functions to multiple switches, and display information on the display according to the operation. For example, in addition to basic functions such as operation, combustion, automatic bath, heating, and telephone calls, various functions are included, such as communication functions, heating functions, clock display, clock backup, and intercom functions, as well as clock display settings, date display settings, and volume changes. To realize such functions, operating functions are assigned to multiple switches, and the display is changed according to the switch operation.
However, when multiple functions are assigned to one switch, displaying those functions on the front panel prevents the remote control device from being made more compact, and concentrating multiple function displays in one place prevents each function from being visually identified.
Even if the function display on the front panel is limited to the main functions, the contents displayed on the display unit become complicated, causing a problem that the user feels troubled by the operation.
Furthermore, even if the change in display mode, as in the case of the water heater remote control described in Patent Document 1, makes the operator interested in the remote control, there is still the problem that the sense of cumbersomeness caused by the multiple display functions cannot be eliminated.
The inventors of the present application have found that the same problem occurs not only in remote control devices, but also in operation panel sections of various devices such as home appliances and control units equipped with operation panels.

In view of the above problems and findings, an object of the present invention is to simplify the function display and operation functions of a controller to increase user convenience.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the control unit of the present invention, the control unit includes a light source, a first switch display unit, and an operation panel unit including a second switch display unit that is displayed in response to receiving light from the light source, and a control unit that causes the light source to emit light in response to operation of a first switch included in the first switch display unit, causes the second switch display unit to be displayed on the operation panel unit, and enables operation of a plurality of second switches included in the second switch display unit, selects a plurality of functions assigned to these second switches by operating any of the second switches, and realizes the function related to the selection , wherein the operation panel unit includes a flame display representing combustion at least during operation in a first operating state, and the control unit acquires combustion information generated by detection information from a flame sensor installed in a combustion means and causes the flame display to display the combustion state .

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the control unit of the present invention, the control unit includes a light source, an operation panel section including a first switch display section and a second switch display section that are displayed upon receiving light from the light source, and a control unit that, upon power-on, causes the light source to emit light to cause the first switch display section to be displayed on the operation panel section and transitions to a first operating state, and during operation of this first operating state, causes the second switch display section to be displayed on the operation panel section in response to operation of a first switch included in the first switch display section and transitions from the first operating state to a second operating state, and during operation of this second operating state, enables operation of a second switch included in the second switch display section, selects one of a plurality of functions assigned to these second switches by operating any one of the second switches, and realizes the function related to the selection, wherein the operation panel section includes a flame display representing combustion at least during operation of the first operating state, and the control unit acquires combustion information generated by detection information from a flame sensor installed in a combustion means and causes the flame display to display the combustion state .
The control unit may include a battery display for indicating battery depletion or replacement during at least the first operating state, and the control unit may receive battery depletion information or battery replacement information to display the battery display.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the program of the present invention, a program realized by a computer has the following functions: a function of causing a light source to emit light in response to operation of a first switch included in a first switch display unit; a function of enabling operation of a plurality of second switches included in a second switch display unit displayed on an operation panel unit in response to light from the light source; a function of selecting one of a plurality of functions assigned to the second switches by operation of any one of the second switches and realizing the function related to the selection; and a function of acquiring combustion information generated by detection information from a flame sensor installed in a combustion means, at least during operation in a first operating state, and displaying the combustion state on the flame display of the operation panel unit .
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the program of the present invention, a program realized by a computer has the following functions: when power is turned on, a light source is illuminated to display a first switch display unit on the operation panel unit and transition to a first operating state; during operation in the first operating state, a second switch display unit is displayed on the operation panel unit and transition from the first operating state to a second operating state in response to operation of a first switch included in the first switch display unit; during operation in the second operating state, a function of enabling operation of a second switch included in the second switch display unit; a function of selecting one of a plurality of functions assigned to the second switch by operation of any of the second switches and realizing the function related to the selection; and a function of acquiring combustion information generated by detection information from a flame sensor installed in a combustion means and displaying the combustion state on the flame display on the operation panel unit at least during operation in the first operating state .

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the control method of the present invention, the control method includes the steps of: illuminating a light source in response to operation of a first switch included in a first switch display unit, displaying a second switch display unit on an operation panel unit, and enabling operation of a plurality of second switches included in the second switch display unit; selecting a plurality of functions assigned to the second switches by operating any one of the second switches and realizing the selected function; and acquiring combustion information generated by detection information of a flame sensor installed in a combustion means, at least during operation in a first operating state, and displaying the combustion state on the flame display on the operation panel unit .
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the control method of the present invention, the control method includes the steps of: receiving power and illuminating a light source to cause a first switch display unit to be displayed on an operation panel unit and transitioning to a first operating state; during operation in the first operating state, receiving operation of a first switch included in the first switch display unit and causing a second switch display unit to be displayed on the operation panel unit and transitioning from the first operating state to a second operating state; during operation in the second operating state, enabling operation of a second switch included in the second switch display unit; selecting one of a plurality of functions assigned to the second switch by operating any one of the second switches and realizing the selected function; and, at least during operation in the first operating state, acquiring combustion information generated by detection information from a flame sensor installed in a combustion means and displaying the combustion state on a flame display on the operation panel unit .

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of a remote control device of the present invention, the remote control device includes the control unit.

According to the present invention, any one of the following effects can be obtained.
(1) This control unit allows for a simplified display on the operation panel, and can be integrated or balanced with the wall on which the control unit is installed or the housing of the equipment, creating a highly convenient operation system.
(2) The light source can be turned off when the control unit is not being operated, so unnecessary displays can be omitted and power consumption can be reduced.
(3) Since unnecessary operating parts are not displayed, inconveniences such as malfunctions caused by inadvertent touching can be prevented.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the resting state of the control unit, and FIG. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an operating state 1 of the control unit, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an operating state 2 of the control unit. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line IV-IV of A in FIG. 2. 5A is an enlarged view of a part of the switch display of the control unit, B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VB-VB of FIG. 5A, and C is a view showing the state of the switch display. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a housing section, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of LEDs and switches on a substrate. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a switch detection circuit, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating hardware of a control unit. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for display switching control. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a flame display of a control unit according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating hardware of a control unit according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a battery display of a control unit according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating hardware of a control unit according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a control unit according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the resting state of the control unit, and FIG. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an operating state 1 of the control unit, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an operating state 2 of the control unit. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hot water supply system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing hardware of the hot water supply system. 1A is a diagram showing an operating state 1 of the bathroom remote control device, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an operating state 2 of the bathroom remote control device.

First Embodiment
Fig. 1 shows a control unit according to a first embodiment. The configuration shown in Fig. 1 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.
The control unit 2 is provided with a housing 4, and a fixed housing 5 is provided on the rear side of the housing 4. The housing 4 and the fixed housing 5 are integrally molded from a light-blocking synthetic resin or the like, and are detachable. The fixed housing 5 is fixed to a wall surface of a bathroom or the like or to a device housing by a fixing means such as a fixing screw. By combining the housing 4 with the fixed housing 5 fixed to the wall surface or the device housing, the housing 4 is fixed to the wall surface of a bathroom or the like by the fixed housing 5.
An operation panel 6 is provided on the front surface of the housing 4. The operation panel 6 is made of a flexible light-transmitting material that is transparent, semi-transparent, or the like. An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display window 8, a sensor window 10, switch display sections 12, 14, 16, and a mode display section 18 are arranged on the operation panel 6.

The display screen of the LCD display unit 20 is arranged in the LCD display window 8. This LCD display unit 20 is an example of an information presentation unit, and stops displaying when the control unit 2 is in the resting state (A in FIG. 2). When the control unit 2 is in the standby state (B in FIG. 2) or in the operating state 1 (A in FIG. 3), information such as the bath temperature and water level is displayed on the LCD display unit 20.
A human sensor or the like for detecting a person taking a bath is disposed in the sensor window portion 10.
The switch display sections 12 and 14 are examples of a first switch display section. The switch display section 12 includes, as examples, a power switch display 12-1 and a setting switch display 12-2. The power switch display 12-1 indicates the power supply state to the control unit 2 and the controlled device, for example, power ON/OFF. The setting switch display 12-2 indicates the position of a setting switch for revealing the switch display section 16. The switch display section 14 includes, for example, a call switch display 14-1, a bath heater switch display 14-2, and an automatic bath switch display 14-3, which are revealed when illuminated from the rear side and serve as switches for transitioning to the respective operations.

The switch display section 16 is an example of a second switch display section, and is revealed when illuminated from the rear side (FIG. 3B). The switch display section 16 includes a plurality of switch displays 16-1, 16-2, ..., 16-7.
The mode display section 18 indicates the position of the mode switch for switching to, for example, a calorie measurement mode, a body fat measurement mode, or a half-body bathing mode. The mode display section 18 includes mode displays 18-1, 18-2, and 18-3, and displays the mode display when light is irradiated from the rear side (B in FIG. 3). At this time, the mode can be switched.
Regarding the arrangement of the power switch display 12-1, the setting switch display 12-2, the switch displays 14-1, 14-2, 14-3, the switch displays 16-1, 16-2, ..., 16-7, and the mode displays 18-1, 18-2, 18-3, the power switch display 12-1 corresponds to the switch 120-1, the setting switch display 12-2 corresponds to the switch 120-2, the switch displays 14-1, 14-2, 14-3 correspond to the switches 140-1, 140-2, 140-3, the switch displays 16-1, 16-2, ..., 16-7 correspond to the switches 160-1, 160-2, ..., 160-7, and the mode displays 18-1, 18-2, 18-3 correspond to the arrangement positions of the switches 180-1, 180-2, 180-3 (A in Figures 7 and 8).

<Hibernation>
2A shows the resting state of the control unit 2. In this resting state, electrical and optical display is stopped, and only the switch display section 12 is displayed. The LCD display window section 8 and the sensor window section 10 are visible through the operation panel section 6, making their presence visible.

<Standby state>
2B shows the standby state of the control unit 2. When a predetermined time has elapsed since power was turned on or operation was terminated, the control unit 2 enters the standby state. In this standby state, information such as the bath temperature and water level is displayed on the LCD display 20 in a power-saving mode.

<Operation state 1>
3A shows an operation state 1 of the control unit 2. After power is turned on, the operation state is entered and the switch display section 14 is displayed.

<Operation state 2>
Fig. 3B shows operation state 2 of the control unit 2. After transition to operation state 1, when a predetermined switch is selected from switch display section 12 or switch display section 14, one or more displays are selected and displayed from switch display section 16 and mode display section 18. For ease of explanation, Fig. 3B shows all of switch display section 16 as a display in a standby state. When a predetermined switch is selected from switch display section 16, information based on the operation of switch display section 16 is displayed on LCD display section 20.

<Internal mechanism of control unit 2>
4 shows a cross section taken along line IV-IV of A in FIG. 2. In FIG. 4, the same parts as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals. The housing 4 is provided with an operation panel 6 on the front side, and a board 22 is disposed on the rear side of the operation panel 6. The board 22 is provided with functional components such as an LCD element 24, a plurality of switches 26, a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) 28 (B in FIG. 5), and a control unit control section 30 (FIG. 9). The LCD element 24 is an example of an information display element. The switch 26 may be a switch that opens and closes when pressed, or may be a touch sensor such as an electrostatic switch. The LED 28 is an example of a light source or a light-emitting element that constitutes a light source.
Light-shielding walls 32 protruding from the housing 4 come into contact with the substrate 22 to form a plurality of partitions 34 each having a switch function or a display function. Each partition 34 is surrounded by the light-shielding walls 32. Light leakage between the partitions 34 surrounded by the light-shielding walls 32 is prevented. A silicon mat 36 is provided between the light-shielding walls 32. The silicon mat 36 is an example of an elastic member and is, for example, an example of a white translucent light-guiding member.

<Switch mechanism>
Figure 5A shows an enlarged view of the "add hot water" switch display 16-3 as part of the switch display sections 12, 14, 16 and mode display section 18 of the control unit 2. Figure 5B shows a cross section taken along line VB-VB of Figure 5A. In Figure 5B, parts common to Figure 4 are given the same reference numerals.
The silicon mat 36 is disposed between an operation portion 38 of the switch 26 and the operation panel portion 6. A support step 40 is formed on the light-shielding wall 32, and the silicon mat 36 is held between the support step 40 and the operation panel portion 6.
According to this configuration, the operation panel portion 6 and the silicon mat 36 are elastic, so that when the operation panel portion 6 is pressed, the pressing force is transmitted from the silicon mat 36 to the operation portion 38 of the switch 26, thereby enabling the switch 26 to be operated, opened or closed.

<Display mechanism>
A plurality of LEDs 28 are mounted on the board 22 around the switch 26. A silicon mat 36 arranged above each LED 28 is, for example, an example of a white translucent light guide member. Each LED 28 includes, for example, a single or multiple LED elements, and can emit a single color (red, green, blue) when lit alone, or a composite color (white, etc.) when lit multiple times. This makes it possible to display operation guides such as operation selection points, temperature rise and fall, etc., in a single color or multiple colors.
As shown in Fig. 5B, the operation panel unit 6 has a translucent member 6-2 disposed on the back surface of a light-transmitting member 6-1, and a printed display layer 6-3 formed by printing on the back surface of the translucent member 6-2. The printed display layer 6-3 has a light-shielding portion 6-31 and a light-transmitting portion 6-32 that forms characters.
According to this configuration, when each LED 28 is turned on, light from each LED 28 passes through the silicone mat 36 to reach the back side of the operation panel unit 6, and the display characters on the printed display layer 6-3 are displayed on the operation panel unit 6. Since the housing unit 4 and the light-shielding wall 32 are light-shielding members, the diffusion area of the light from the LEDs 28 is limited to the inside of the partitions 34, and leakage of light between the partitions 34 is prevented.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 5C, on the operation panel section 6, for example, "add hot water" displayed on the printed display layer 6-3 appears and is displayed only by the light within the partition section 34.

<Housing unit 4>
6A, the housing 4 is formed with an LCD display window 8, a sensor window 10, and a plurality of display windows 42, 44, and 46. The above-mentioned light-shielding walls 32 are formed integrally with the housing 4 at the edges of the windows 8, 10, 42, 44, and 46.

<Operation Panel Unit 6>
As shown in FIG. 6B, the operation panel unit 6 has transparent windows 8, 10, 42, 44, 46 corresponding to the switch display units 12, 14, 16 and the mode display unit 18, and as described above, the operation panel unit 6 is provided on its rear side with a translucent member 6-1 and a semi-transparent member 6-2, and the semi-transparent member 6-2 has the printed display layer 6-3 formed thereon (FIG. 5B).

<Substrate 22>
7, an LCD element 24, a switch 26, and an LED 28 are arranged on the board 22. Although not shown, functional parts (FIG. 9) such as a control unit control section 30, an LCD driving section 48, a switch detection section 50, and an LED driving section 52 are also arranged on the board 22.

<Switch Detection Circuit 54>
8A shows an example of a switch detection circuit 54. This switch detection circuit 54 detects the ON/OFF states of a plurality of switches 26 and outputs a switch signal indicative of the ON or OFF state. This switch detection circuit 54 is provided with a switch section 56 including a plurality of switches 26 and a switch detection section 50. The switch section 56 is provided with a plurality of row lines 60X and a plurality of column lines 60Y, and the above-mentioned switches 26 are disposed at the intersections of these lines. The switch detection section 50 detects the ON/OFF states of the row lines 60X and the column lines 60Y, and outputs a switch signal indicative of their positions.

<LED Light Emitting Circuit 62>
8B shows an example of an LED light-emitting circuit 62. This LED light-emitting circuit 62 turns on or off the multiple LEDs 28.
The LED light-emitting circuit 62 includes an LED circuit section 64 and an LED drive section 52. The LED circuit section 64 has a plurality of LEDs 28 arranged on the substrate 22. The LED drive section 52 passes a drive current through the corresponding LED 28 when the LED 28 is turned on, and releases the drive current when the turned-on LED 28 is turned off.

<Control unit control section 30>
Fig. 9 shows hardware including the control unit control section 30 and various functional sections. In Fig. 9, the same parts as those in Fig. 8A and B are given the same reference numerals.
The control unit control section 30 is composed of a computer having a communication function, and includes a processor 68, a memory section 70, an input/output section (I/O) 72, and a communication section 74.

The processor 68 executes programs and the like stored in the memory unit 70, and controls the above-mentioned switch and display switching. The memory unit 70 includes storage elements such as a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a RAM (Random-Access Memory), and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) for storing programs and control data.
Under the control of the processor, the I/O 72 receives detection signals from the switch detection unit 50, the motion sensor 76, and the like, and outputs drive signals to functional units such as the LCD drive unit 48, the LED drive unit 52, and the like.
Under the control of the processor 68, the communication unit 74 communicates with a hot water supply system 90 (FIG. 18) and various devices to send and receive control information.

<Processing Procedure>
10 shows a processing procedure of the control unit 2. This processing procedure is an example of the program or control method of the present invention. In this processing procedure, S indicates a process, and the reference numerals attached to S indicate an example of the order of the processes.
In this process, if the control unit 2 is in a pause state (S100) after the initial setting, it is determined whether the switch 120-1 has been operated (S101). If the switch 120-1 has not been operated (NO in S101), the control unit 2 remains in the pause state (S100).
When switch 120-1 is operated (YES in S101), as shown in FIG. 3A, the LCD display, switch display units 12 and 14 which are the first switch display unit, are displayed (S102).
Thereafter, if switch 120-1 is operated (YES in S103), the process returns to the pause state (S100), and if not (NO in S103), the process continues to S104.

When switch 120-2 is operated (YES in S104), switch display section 16 appears (S105).
When switch 120-2 is not operated (NO in S104) and one of switches 140-1 to 140-3 is operated (YES in S106), the operation of one of switches 140-1 to 140-3 that was operated is carried out (S107).
If a predetermined time has elapsed without any switch operation (YES in S108), the device goes into a standby state (S109), and if the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S108), the device returns to S103.

Effects of the First Embodiment
According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The display on the control unit's operation panel can be simplified.
(2) The control unit can be more closely matched to the installation surface and the equipment housing.
(3) Since the control unit can be kept in an off state, unnecessary displays can be omitted, reducing power consumption.
(4) It is possible to omit display of unnecessary operating parts, thereby preventing inexperienced users from accidentally touching them and causing malfunctions.

Second Embodiment
Fig. 11 shows a flame display in a control unit according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 11, the same parts as those in Fig. 2A are given the same reference numerals.
In the second embodiment, flame detection information is provided as the combustion information, and a flame display 78 appears on the operation panel unit 6. Other displays are omitted.

Fig. 12 shows the hardware of a control unit according to the second embodiment, in which the same parts as those in Fig. 9 are given the same reference numerals.
In the second embodiment, a flame display unit 80 is provided as an example of a status display. When flame detection information is provided to communication unit 74 from, for example, a hot water supply control unit (not shown), a lighting signal is sent from I/O 72 to flame display unit 80, and flame display unit 80 displays the combustion status (FIG. 11).

<Advantages of the Second Embodiment>
According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.
(2) A flame display is provided on the simplified operation panel 6, making it easy to know the combustion state as an example of status information.

Third embodiment
Fig. 13 shows a battery display in a control unit according to a third embodiment. In Fig. 13, the same parts as those in Fig. 2A are given the same reference numerals.
In the third embodiment, battery exhaustion information or replacement information is received as an example of the detection information, and a battery display 82 appears on the operation panel unit 6. Other displays are omitted.

Fig. 14 shows hardware of a control unit according to the third embodiment, in which the same parts as those in Fig. 9 are given the same reference numerals.
In the third embodiment, a battery display section 84 is provided as an example of an information display section. The control unit control section 30 determines the power consumption state of a battery 88 connected to a power supply section 86, for example, as a voltage level. When the power consumption state drops to a level at which the battery 88 needs to be replaced, a battery display signal indicating the power consumption state of the battery 88 is output from the I/O 72 to the battery display section 84. The battery display section 84 displays battery replacement information (FIG. 13).

<Advantages of the Third Embodiment>
According to the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.
(2) The simplified operation panel 6 displays the battery status, which provides an example of status information that indicates when the battery should be replaced.

Fourth embodiment
Fig. 15 shows a control unit according to the fourth embodiment, in which the same parts as those in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals.
The control unit 2 according to the fourth embodiment is a more compact version of the control unit 2 according to the first embodiment, with some of the functions eliminated, and can be used, for example, as a kitchen remote control. In this case, in addition to the switch displays 16-5 to 16-7, switch displays 16-8, 16-9, 16-10, 16-11, and 16-12 are obtained.

<Hibernation>
16A shows the resting state of the control unit 2. In this resting state, electrical and optical display is stopped, and only the switch display section 12 is displayed. The LCD display window section 8 can simply be seen through the operation panel section 6.

<Standby state>
16B shows the standby state of the control unit 2. When a predetermined time has elapsed since power-on or operation completion, the control unit 2 enters the standby state. In this standby state, the LCD display 20 displays information such as hot water temperature and time in a power-saving mode.

<Operation state 1>
17A shows an operation state 1 of the control unit 2. After power is turned on, the state transitions to an operating state, and the switch display section 14 is displayed.

<Operation state 2>
Fig. 17B shows operation state 2 of the control unit 2. After transition to operation state 1, when a predetermined switch is selected from switch display section 12 or 14, one or more of switch display sections 16 are displayed. For ease of explanation, Fig. 17B shows all of switch display section 16 as a display in the standby state.

<Advantages of the Fourth Embodiment>
According to the fourth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the control unit can be made smaller and lighter.

<Hot water supply system>
Fig. 18 shows a hot water supply system according to one embodiment. This hot water supply system is an example of a device that uses a control unit 2, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration of Fig. 18.
This hot water supply system 90 includes a hot water supply section 92 that heats tap water W to supply hot water, and a reheating section 96 that reheats bath water BW in a bathtub 94.
The hot water supply section 92 is equipped with a primary heat exchanger 98, a secondary heat exchanger 100, and a burner section 102. Clean water W flows from a water supply pipe 104 to the secondary heat exchanger 100, where it exchanges heat with the latent heat of the combustion exhaust gas 106, and then flows to the primary heat exchanger 98, where it is heated to hot water HW by heat exchange with the sensible heat of the combustion exhaust gas 106. This hot water HW is supplied from a hot water supply pipe 108, and when hot water is poured into the bathtub 94, it is poured into the bathtub 94 from a hot water pouring pipe 110 through a reheating circulation path 112. In this case, the primary heat exchanger 98 and the secondary heat exchanger 100 are heated by the combustion heat of the fuel gas G flowing from a gas supply pipe 113 to the burner section 102.

The reheating section 96 is equipped with a heat exchanger 114 and a burner section 116. The bath water BW is circulated to the heat exchanger 114 by a circulation pump 118, and exchanges heat with the heat of combustion in the burner section 116.
This hot water supply system 90 is equipped with a hot water supply control unit 119, which is linked to a bathroom remote control 120 and a kitchen remote control 122 (Figure 19).

<Hot water supply control unit 119, bathroom remote control 120, and kitchen remote control 122>
FIG. 19 shows the hardware of the hot water supply control unit 119, bathroom remote control 120, and kitchen remote control 122.
The hot water supply control unit 119 is composed of a computer with a communication function, and executes hot water supply control of the hot water supply system 90. This hot water supply control unit 119 is equipped with a processor 124, a memory unit 126, an input/output unit (I/O) 128, and a remote control communication unit 130. The processor 124 executes programs and the like in the memory unit 126, and performs hot water supply control and linkage control with the bathroom remote control 120 and the kitchen remote control 122. The memory unit 126 is equipped with storage elements such as ROM, RAM, and EEPROM, and stores programs and control data. Under the control of the processor 124, the I/O 128 receives detection signals from sensors in the hot water supply system 90, such as a water flow switch 132, a water level sensor 134, a hot water supply amount sensor 136, and a flame sensor 141, and outputs control signals to drive units such as a water control valve 138, a circulation pump 118, and a hot water supply solenoid valve 140.

The bathroom remote control 120 uses the control unit 2 (Figure 1) already described and is equipped with a bathroom remote control control unit 142. The configuration of the bathroom remote control control unit 142 is the same as that of the control unit control unit 30, so common symbols are used and their explanations are omitted.

The kitchen remote control 122 uses the control unit 2 (Figure 15) described above and is equipped with a kitchen remote control control unit 144. The configuration of the kitchen remote control control unit 144 is the same as that of the control unit control unit 30, so common reference numerals are used and their explanations are omitted.

<Switching the display of the bathroom remote control 120>
A of Fig. 20 shows the above-mentioned operating state 1 of bathroom remote control 120. In A of Fig. 20, the same parts as in A of Fig. 3 are given the same reference numerals.
Fig. 20B shows the already-mentioned operating state 2 of bathroom remote control 120. In Fig. 20B, the same parts as in Fig. 3B are given the same reference numerals.
In this example, by selecting automatic bath from operation state 1, the necessary switch displays 16-1, 16-2, 16-5, and 16-7 are displayed on the operation panel 6, and the necessary functions can be selected and set from these displays.

Effects of the embodiment
According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The same effects as those of the first to fourth embodiments can be obtained.
(2) Necessary functions can be selected from the simplified operation panel 6, and since the functions are kept in an invisible state, malfunctions due to inadvertent selection operations can be prevented.

Other Embodiments
(1) The hot water supply system may have a heating function.
(2) Although the control unit 2 is used in the bathroom remote control 120 and the kitchen remote control 122, it may be applied to other remote controls or the operation control parts of other devices.

As described above, the most preferred embodiment of the configuration of the present invention has been described. The present invention is not limited to the above description, and various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art based on the gist of the invention described in the claims or disclosed in the description for carrying out the invention. It goes without saying that such modifications and changes are included in the scope of the present invention.

According to this invention, the operation panel of the control unit can be simplified, it can be applied to various remote control devices and various equipment, it is possible to prevent inadvertent operation, and it is possible to increase the reliability of the operation function.

2 control unit 4 housing 5 fixed housing 6 operation panel 6-1 light-transmitting member 6-2 semi-transparent member 6-3 printed display layer 6-31 light-shielding portion 6-32 light-transmitting portion 8 LCD display window 10 sensor window 12, 14, 16 switch display portion 18 mode display portion 20 LCD display portion 22 substrate 24 LCD element 28 LED
Description of the Reference Signs 30: Control unit control section 32: Light-shielding wall 34: Partition section 36: Silicone mat 38: Operation section 40: Support step section 42, 44, 46: Display window section 48: LCD drive section 50: Switch detection section 52: LED drive section 54: Switch detection circuit 56: Switch section 60X: Row line 60Y: Column line 62: LED light-emitting circuit 64: LED circuit section 68: Processor 70: Memory section 72: Input/output section 74: Communication section 76: Human presence sensor 78: Flame display 80: Flame display section 82: Battery display 84: Battery display section 86: Power supply section 88: Battery 90: Hot water supply system 92: Hot water supply section 94: Bathtub 96: Reheating section 98: Primary heat exchanger 100: Secondary heat exchanger 102: Burner section 104: Water supply pipe 106: Combustion exhaust 108 Hot water supply pipe 110 Hot water supply pipe 112 Reheating circulation path 113 Gas supply pipe 114 Heat exchanger 116 Burner section 118 Circulation pump 119 Hot water supply control section 120 Bathroom remote control 120-1, 120-2, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3, 160-1, 160-2, 160-3, 160-4, 160-5, 160-6, 160-7, 180-1, 180-2, 180-3 Switch 122 Kitchen remote control 124 Processor 126 Memory section 128 Input/output section 130 Remote control communication section 132 Water flow switch 134 Water level sensor 136 Hot water supply amount sensor 138 Water control valve 140 Hot water supply solenoid valve 141 Flame sensor 142 Bathroom remote control unit 144 Kitchen remote control unit

Claims (8)

A light source;
an operation panel unit including a first switch display unit and a second switch display unit that is exposed when light is received from the light source;
a control unit that causes the light source to emit light in response to an operation of a first switch included in the first switch display unit, causes the second switch display unit to be displayed on the operation panel unit, and validates operations of a plurality of second switches included in the second switch display unit, selects a plurality of functions assigned to the second switches by operating any one of the second switches, and realizes the selected function;
Including,
the operation panel unit includes a flame display representing combustion during at least the first operating state;
The control unit acquires combustion information generated based on detection information from a flame sensor installed in the combustion means and causes the flame display to display the combustion state . A light source;
an operation panel unit including a first switch display unit and a second switch display unit that are exposed when light is received from the light source;
a control unit which, upon power-on, causes the light source to emit light, causing the first switch display unit to be displayed on the operation panel unit and transitioning to a first operating state, and during operation in the first operating state, causes the second switch display unit to be displayed on the operation panel unit and transitions from the first operating state to a second operating state in response to operation of a first switch included in the first switch display unit, and during operation in the second operating state, enables operation of a second switch included in the second switch display unit, selects one of a plurality of functions assigned to the second switches by operation of any one of the second switches, and realizes the selected function;
Including,
the operation panel unit includes a flame display representing combustion at least during operation in the first operating state,
The control unit is a control unit that acquires combustion information generated based on detection information from a flame sensor installed in the combustion means and causes the flame display to display the combustion state . The control unit according to claim 1 or 2, which includes a battery display that indicates battery depletion or replacement during at least the first operating state, and the control unit displays the battery display upon receiving battery depletion information or battery replacement information. A program implemented by a computer,
a function of causing the light source to emit light in response to an operation of a first switch included in the first switch display unit;
a function of validating operations of a plurality of second switches included in a second switch display unit that is displayed on an operation panel unit upon receiving light from the light source;
a function of selecting a plurality of functions allocated to the second switches by operating any one of the second switches and realizing the selected function;
A function of acquiring combustion information generated by detection information of a flame sensor installed in the combustion means during at least the first operating state, and displaying the combustion state on the flame display of the operation panel unit;
A program for realizing the above by the computer. A program implemented by a computer,
a function of emitting light from a light source when power is applied, causing a first switch display unit to appear on an operation panel unit, and transitioning to a first operating state;
a function of displaying a second switch display unit on the operation panel unit and transitioning from the first operating state to a second operating state in response to an operation of a first switch included in the first switch display unit during an operation in the first operating state;
a function of enabling operation of a second switch included in the second switch display unit during operation in the second operating state;
a function of selecting a plurality of functions assigned to the second switches by operating any one of the second switches and realizing the selected function;
A function of acquiring combustion information generated by detection information of a flame sensor installed in the combustion means at least during operation in the first operating state, and displaying the combustion state on the flame display of the operation panel unit;
A program for realizing the above by the computer. a step of illuminating a light source in response to an operation of a first switch included in the first switch display unit, causing a second switch display unit to be displayed on the operation panel unit, and validating operations of a plurality of second switches included in the second switch display unit;
selecting a plurality of functions allocated to the second switches by operating any one of the second switches and realizing the selected function;
acquiring combustion information generated by detection information of a flame sensor installed in the combustion means during at least a first operation state, and displaying a combustion state on a flame display of the operation panel unit;
A control method comprising: a step of turning on the power source to emit light to cause a first switch display unit to be displayed on the operation panel unit and transitioning to a first operating state;
a step of displaying a second switch display unit on the operation panel unit and transitioning from the first operating state to a second operating state in response to an operation of a first switch included in the first switch display unit during an operation in the first operating state;
enabling operation of a second switch included in the second switch display unit during operation in the second operating state;
selecting a plurality of functions allocated to the second switches by operating any one of the second switches and realizing the selected function;
A step of acquiring combustion information generated by detection information of a flame sensor installed in the combustion means at least during operation in the first operating state, and displaying a combustion state on a flame display of the operation panel unit;
A control method comprising: A remote control device comprising a control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .

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