Mode switching device, method, program, control unit, remote control device, and mode switching system

Abstract

The function displays and operation functions on controllers and other devices are simplified to improve user convenience. [Solution] A mode switching device that includes multiple operating modes and can be switched to any operating mode, comprising: an operating mode selection switch (switch unit 56) set for each operating mode and used for selecting an operating mode; an operating mode display unit (mode display unit 18) set for each operating mode and used for displaying the selected operating mode; and a mode switching control unit (control unit control unit 30) that lights up the operating mode display units representing the selectable operating modes before an operating mode is selected, lights up the operating mode display unit corresponding to the selected operating mode after an operating mode is selected, turns off the other operating mode display units, and pauses the mode selection of the operating mode selection switch corresponding to the operating mode display unit that is turned off.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, a mode switching device, method, program, control unit, remote control device, and mode switching system used for display and operation of various devices such as a remote control device for a water heater.

Background Art

[0002] A remote control for a water heater is used for remote operation of the water heater. The remote control for the water heater is installed in a bathroom, outside the bathroom, a kitchen, or the like. On the display unit of this remote control for the water heater, an image such as a character that changes according to an operation related to the operation of the water heater is displayed. Regarding this remote control for the water heater, it is known that an image such as a character that changes according to an operation related to the operation of the water heater is displayed on the display unit, and a device is provided to allow the operator to visually recognize the change in the state and be interested in it (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, due to the high functionality of the water heater, in its remote control device, in addition to the assignment of complex operation functions to a plurality of switches, information corresponding to the operation is displayed on the display unit. For example, in addition to basic functions such as operation, combustion, bathtub automatic, reheating, and call, various functions are included, such as communication functions, heating functions, clock display, clock backup, intercom functions, as well as clock display setting, date display setting, volume change, etc. To realize such functions, operation functions are assigned to a plurality of switches, and the display corresponding to the operation of the switches is switched. However, when multiple functions are assigned to a single switch, displaying these functions on the front panel hinders the miniaturization of the remote control device, while concentrating multiple function displays in one place impedes the visibility of each function. Even if the function display on the front panel is limited to only the main functions, the content displayed on the display unit becomes complex, creating a problem that makes operation cumbersome for the user. Furthermore, even if changes in the display mode, as in the water heater remote control described in Patent Document 1, attract the operator's attention to the remote control, there is a problem in that the cumbersome feeling caused by multiple display functions cannot be eliminated. The inventors of this application have found that this problem applies not only to remote control devices but also to the operation panels and control units equipped with operation panels of various devices such as home appliances.

[0005] Therefore, in view of the above problems and findings, the object of the present invention is to simplify the function display and operation functions provided in controllers and the like, thereby improving user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, according to one aspect of the mode switching device of the present invention, a mode switching device that includes a plurality of operating modes and can be switched to any operating mode includes an operating mode selection switch set for each operating mode and used for selecting an operating mode, an operating mode display unit set for each operating mode and displaying the selected operating mode, and a mode switching control unit that lights up the operating mode display unit representing the selectable operating modes before selecting an operating mode, lights up the operating mode display unit corresponding to the selected operating mode after selecting an operating mode, turns off the other operating mode display units, and pauses the mode selection of the operating mode selection switch corresponding to the operating mode display unit that is turned off. In the mode switching device described above, the operating mode selection switch and the operating mode display unit are integrated into one unit.

[0007] To achieve the above objective, according to one aspect of the mode switching method of the present invention, there is a mode switching method that includes a plurality of operating modes and is switchable to any operating mode, and includes the steps of: selecting an operating mode using an operating mode selection switch set for each operating mode; displaying the selected operating mode on an operating mode display unit set for each operating mode; lighting up an operating mode display unit representing a selectable operating mode before selecting an operating mode; lighting up an operating mode display unit corresponding to the selected operating mode and turning off other operating mode display units after selecting an operating mode; and pausing the mode selection of the operating mode selection switch corresponding to an operating mode display unit that is turned off.

[0008] To achieve the above objective, according to one aspect of the program of the present invention, a program to be executed by a computer includes the following functions: a function to select an operating mode using an operating mode selection switch set for each operating mode; a function to display the selected operating mode on an operating mode display unit set for each operating mode; a function to light up an operating mode display unit representing a selectable operating mode before selecting an operating mode; a function to light up an operating mode display unit corresponding to the selected operating mode and turn off other operating mode display units after selecting an operating mode; and a function to pause the mode selection of the operating mode selection switch corresponding to an operating mode display unit that is currently off.

[0009] To achieve the above objective, according to one aspect of the control unit of the present invention, the control unit includes a plurality of operating modes and is switchable to any operating mode, and includes an operating mode selection switch set for each operating mode and used for selecting an operating mode, an operating mode display unit set for each operating mode and displaying the selected operating mode, and a mode switching control unit that, before selecting an operating mode, lights up the operating mode display unit representing the selectable operating modes, and after selecting an operating mode, lights up the operating mode display unit corresponding to the selected operating mode and turns off the other operating mode display units, and pauses the mode selection of the operating mode selection switch corresponding to the operating mode display unit that is turned off. In the aforementioned mode control unit, the operating mode selection switch and the operating mode display unit are integrated into one unit. To achieve the above objective, according to one aspect of the remote control device of the present invention, the remote control device includes a plurality of operating modes and is switchable to any operating mode, and includes an operating mode selection switch set for each operating mode and used for selecting an operating mode, an operating mode display unit set for each operating mode and displaying the selected operating mode, and a mode switching control unit that lights up the operating mode display unit representing the selectable operating modes before an operating mode is selected, lights up the operating mode display unit corresponding to the selected operating mode after an operating mode is selected, turns off the other operating mode display units, and pauses the mode selection of the operating mode selection switch corresponding to the operating mode display unit that is turned off. In the aforementioned remote control device, the operating mode selection switch and the operating mode display unit are integrated into one unit.

[0010] To achieve the above objective, according to one aspect of the mode switching system of the present invention, the mode switching system comprises: an operating system that includes a plurality of operating modes and can be switched to any operating mode; and a mode switching means for switching the operating mode of the operating system, wherein the mode switching means includes: an operating mode selection switch set for each operating mode and used for selecting an operating mode; an operating mode display unit set for each operating mode and displaying the selected operating mode; and a mode switching control unit that, before selecting an operating mode, lights up the operating mode display unit representing the selectable operating modes, and after selecting an operating mode, lights up the operating mode display unit corresponding to the selected operating mode and turns off the other operating mode display units, and pauses the mode selection of the operating mode selection switch corresponding to the operating mode display unit that is turned off. In the aforementioned mode switching system, the operating mode selection switch and the operating mode display unit are integrated into one unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, one of the following effects can be obtained. (1) The display on the operation panel surface such as this control unit can be simplified, and an operation system with high convenience can be constructed by integrating or balancing it with the installation wall surface of the control unit or the housing surface of the device. (2) Since the light source can be turned off during periods other than when operating the control unit, etc., unnecessary displays can be omitted and power consumption can be reduced. (3) Since there is no display of unnecessary operation parts, inconveniences such as accidentally touching and causing malfunction can be prevented.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a control unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A is a diagram showing the standby state of the control unit, and B is a diagram showing the standby state of the control unit. [Figure 3] A is a diagram showing the operating state 1 of the control unit, and B is a diagram showing the operating state 2 of the control unit. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of line IV-IV of A in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] A is a diagram showing a partially enlarged view of the switch display of the control unit, B is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of line VB-VB of A in FIG. 5, and C is a diagram showing the state of the switch display. [Figure 6] A is a diagram showing the housing part, and B is a diagram showing the operation panel part. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the arrangement of LEDs and switches on the substrate. [Figure 8] A is a diagram showing a switch detection circuit, and B is a diagram showing an LED lighting circuit. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the hardware of the control unit. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of display switching control. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the flame display of the control unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12]It is a diagram showing the hardware of the control unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the battery display of the control unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing the hardware of the control unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view showing the control unit according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] A is a diagram showing the standby state of the control unit, and B is a diagram showing the standby state of the control unit. [Figure 17] A is a diagram showing the operating state 1 of the control unit, and B is a diagram showing the operating state 2 of the control unit. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing a hot water supply system according to an embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing the hardware of the hot water supply system. [Figure 20] A is a diagram showing the operating state 1 of the bathroom remote control device, and B is a diagram showing the operating state 2 of the bathroom remote control device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] 〔First Embodiment〕 FIG. 1 shows a control unit according to the 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 is an example of the mode switching device, method, program, control unit, remote control device, and mode switching system of the present invention. The control unit 2 is provided with a housing part 4, and a fixed housing part 5 is provided on the back side of the housing part 4. The housing part 4 and the fixed housing part 5 are integrally formed of a light-shielding synthetic resin or the like and are detachable. The fixed housing part 5 is fixed to a wall surface such as a bathroom or an equipment housing by fixing means such as fixing screws. By combining the housing part 4 with the fixed housing part 5 fixed to the wall surface or the equipment housing, the housing part 4 is fixed to the wall surface such as a bathroom by the fixed housing part 5. The front of the housing 4 is provided with an operation panel 6. This operation panel 6 is made of a light-transmitting material that is transparent, semi-transparent, or otherwise translucent and also flexible. The operation panel 6 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display window 8, a sensor window 10, switch display sections 12, 14, and 16, and a mode display section 18.

[0014] The LCD display window 8 houses the display screen of the LCD display unit 20. This LCD display unit 20 is an example of an information display unit and stops displaying information when the control unit 2 is in a dormant state (Figure 2A). When the control unit 2 is in standby state (Figure 2B) or operating state 1 (Figure 3A), the LCD display unit 20 displays information such as bath temperature and water level. The sensor window section 10 is equipped with a motion sensor and other devices for detecting bathers and other people. Switch display units 12 and 14 are examples of the first switch display unit. Switch display unit 12 includes, for example, a power switch display 12-1 and a setting switch display 12-2. The power switch display 12-1 indicates the power supply status to the control unit 2 and the controlled device, for example, by showing the power ON / OFF status. The setting switch display 12-2 indicates the position of the setting switch for displaying the switch display unit 16. Switch display unit 14 includes, for example, a call switch display 14-1, a reheat switch display 14-2, and an automatic bath switch display 14-3, which are displayed when illuminated from the rear and serve as switches for transitioning to their respective operations.

[0015] The switch indicator section 16 is an example of a second switch indicator section, and is revealed when light is shone from the rear side (Figure 3B). The switch indicator section 16 includes multiple switch indicators 16-1, 16-2, ..., 16-7. The mode display unit 18 indicates the position of the mode switch for switching to, for example, calorie measurement mode, body fat measurement mode, or half-body bath mode. This mode display unit 18 includes mode displays 18-1, 18-2, and 18-3, and the mode display is revealed when light is shone from the back (Figure 3B). At this time, mode switching is possible. Regarding the placement of the switches, the power switch indicator 12-1, the setting switch indicator 12-2, the switch indicators 14-1, 14-2, 14-3, the switch indicators 16-1, 16-2, ..., 16-7, and the mode indicators 18-1, 18-2, 18-3 correspond to the placement of the switches (Figures 7 and 8A). The power switch indicator 12-1 corresponds to switch 120-1, the setting switch indicator 12-2 corresponds to switch 120-2, the switch indicators 14-1, 14-2, 14-3 correspond to switches 140-1, 140-2, 140-3, the switch indicators 16-1, 16-2, ..., 16-7 correspond to switches 160-1, 160-2, ..., 160-7, and the mode indicators 18-1, 18-2, 18-3 correspond to the placement of switches 180-1, 180-2, 180-3.

[0016] <Hibernation> Figure 2A shows the sleep state of the control unit 2. In this sleep state, electrical and optical displays are 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.

[0017] <Standby state> Figure 2B shows the standby state of the control unit 2. After a predetermined time has elapsed since power-on or the end of operation, it enters the standby state. In this standby state, the LCD display unit 20 displays information such as bath temperature and water level in power-saving mode.

[0018] <Operating state 1> Figure 3A shows operating state 1 of the control unit 2. After power-on, it transitions to the operating state, and the switch display unit 14 is displayed.

[0019] <Operating state 2> Figure 3B shows operating state 2 of the control unit 2. After transitioning to operating state 1, when a predetermined switch is selected from the switch display unit 12 or switch display unit 14, one or more displays from the switch display unit 16 and mode display unit 18 are selected and displayed. In Figure 3B, for the sake of clarity, all of the displays on the switch display unit 16 are shown as the display in the standby state. When a predetermined switch is selected from the switch display unit 16, information based on the operation of the switch display unit 16 is displayed on the LCD display unit 20.

[0020] <Internal mechanism of control unit 2> Figure 4 shows a cross-section along line IV-IV of A in Figure 2. In Figure 4, the same parts as in Figure 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The housing 4 is equipped with an operation panel 6 on the front side, and a circuit board 22 is located on the back side of this operation panel 6. Functional components such as an LCD element 24, multiple switches 26, multiple LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) 28 (B in Figure 5), and a control unit control unit 30 (Figure 9) are installed on the circuit board 22. The LCD element 24 is an example of an information display element. The switches 26 may be switches that open and close in response to pressure, or touch sensors such as electrostatic switches. The LEDs 28 are an example of a light source or a light-emitting element that constitutes a light source. A light-shielding wall 32 protruding from the housing 4 contacts the substrate 22, forming multiple compartments 34 based on switch functions and display functions. Each compartment 34 is surrounded by a light-shielding wall 32. Light leakage between the compartments 34 surrounded by the light-shielding walls 32 is prevented. A silicone mat 36 is installed between the light-shielding walls 32. The silicone mat 36 is an example of an elastic material, and also an example of a white, semi-transparent light guide material.

[0021] <Switch mechanism> Figure 5A shows a magnified view of the switch display 16-3, which is part of the switch display sections 12, 14, 16 and mode display section 18 of the control unit 2, specifically the "add hot water" portion. Figure 5B shows a cross-section of A along the VB-VB line. In Figure 5B, common parts with Figure 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The silicone mat 36 is positioned between the operating section 38 and the operating panel section 6 of the switch 26. A support step 40 is formed in the light-shielding wall 32, and the silicone mat 36 is held between this support step 40 and the operating panel section 6. With this configuration, since the control panel 6 and the silicone mat 36 are elastic, pressing the control panel 6 transmits the pressing force from the silicone mat 36 to the operating part 38 of the switch 26, allowing the switch 26 to be operated and opened / closed.

[0022] <Display mechanism> Multiple LEDs 28 are installed around the switch 26 on the circuit board 22. The silicone mat 36 positioned above each LED 28 is, for example, a white, semi-transparent light guide. Each LED 28, for example, comprises one or more LED elements and can emit a single color (red, green, blue) when lit individually, and a composite color (white, etc.) when multiple LEDs are lit. This allows for the display of operation guides such as the selection point of an operation, or temperature fluctuations, etc., in a single or multiple color. As shown in Figure 5B, the control panel section 6 has a translucent member 6-2 placed on the back of a light-transmitting member 6-1, and a printed display layer 6-3 is formed on the back of this translucent member 6-2 by printing. The printed display layer 6-3 has a light-blocking portion 6-31 and a light-transmitting portion 6-32 that forms characters. With this configuration, when each LED 28 is lit, the light from each LED 28 reaches the back side of the control panel 6 through the silicone mat 36, and the display characters of the printed display layer 6-3 are displayed on the control panel 6. Since the housing 4 and the light-shielding wall 32 are light-shielding members, the diffusion area of ​​light from the LED 28 is limited to within the partitioned sections 34, and light leakage between the partitioned sections 34 is prevented. As a result, as shown in Figure 5C, the operation panel 6 is illuminated solely by the light within the partitioned section 34, and the text displayed on the printed display layer 6-3, for example, "add hot water," is revealed and displayed.

[0023] <Housing section 4> As shown in A of FIG. 6, the housing portion 4 is formed with an LCD display window portion 8, a sensor window portion 10, and a plurality of display windows 42, 44, 46. At the edges of each of the window portions 8, 10, 42, 44, 46, the aforementioned light-shielding wall 32 is formed integrally with the housing portion 4.

[0024] <Operation panel portion 6> As shown in B of FIG. 6, in the operation panel portion 6, each of the window portions 8, 10, 42, 44, 46 corresponding to each of the switch display portions 12, 14, 16 and the mode display portion 18 is formed transparently. As described above, on the back side of the operation panel portion 6, a light-transmissive member 6-1 and a semi-transmissive member 6-2 are provided, and the aforementioned printed display layer 6-3 is formed on the semi-transmissive member 6-2 (B of FIG. 5).

[0025] <Substrate 22> As shown in FIG. 7, an LCD element 24 and an LED 28 are arranged on the substrate 22. Although not shown in the figure, functional portions (FIG. 9) such as a control unit control portion 30, an LCD driving portion 48, a switch detection portion 50, and an LED driving portion 52 are arranged on this substrate 22.

[0026] <Switch detection circuit 54> FIG. 8A shows an example of the switch detection circuit 54. This switch detection circuit 54 detects the ON and OFF states of a plurality of switches 26 and outputs a switch signal representing ON or OFF. This switch detection circuit 54 includes a switch portion 56 including a plurality of switches 26 and a switch detection portion 50. The switch portion 56 includes a plurality of row lines 60X and a plurality of column lines 60Y, and the aforementioned switches 26 are arranged at the intersections thereof. The switch detection portion 50 detects the ON or OFF states of the row lines 60X and the column lines 60Y and outputs a switch signal representing the position thereof.

[0027] <LED lighting circuit 62> FIG. 8B shows an example of the LED lighting circuit 62. This LED lighting circuit 62 lights or turns off a plurality of LEDs 28. This LED light-emitting circuit 62 is equipped with an LED circuit section 64 and an LED drive section 52. The LED circuit section 64 has multiple LEDs 28 that are arranged on the circuit board 22. When the LEDs are lit, the LED drive section 52 supplies a drive current to the corresponding LEDs 28, and when switching an lit LED 28 to off, it releases that drive current.

[0028] <Control Unit Control Unit 30> Figure 9 shows the hardware including the control unit control unit 30 and various functional units. In Figure 9, the same parts as A and B in Figure 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The control unit control unit 30 is composed of a computer equipped with communication functions. This control unit 30 includes a processor 68, a memory unit 70, an input / output (I / O) unit 72, and a communication unit 74.

[0029] The processor 68 executes programs and other data stored in the memory unit 70, and controls the switch switching and display switching described above. The memory unit 70 is equipped with memory elements such as ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random-Access Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) to store programs and control data. Under the control of the processor, I / O72 receives detection signals from the switch detection unit 50 and the human presence sensor 76, and outputs drive signals to functional units such as the LCD drive unit 48 and the LED drive unit 52. The communication unit 74, under the control of the processor 68, communicates with the hot water supply system 90 (Figure 18) and various other devices, and sends and receives control information.

[0030] <Processing Procedure> Figure 10 shows the processing procedure of the control unit 2. This processing procedure is an example of a program or control method of the present invention. In this processing procedure, S represents a process, and the reference numerals attached to S indicate an example of the process sequence. In this processing procedure, after the initial setup of control unit 2, if it is in a sleep state (S100), it is determined whether switch 120-1 has been operated (S101). If switch 120-1 is not operated (NO in S101), it remains in a sleep state (S100). When switch 120-1 is operated (YES in S101), the LCD display and the first switch display units 12 and 14 are revealed, as shown in Figure 3A (S102). Subsequently, operating switch 120-1 (YES in S103) returns the system to the sleep state (S100), while not operating it (NO in S103) proceeds to S104.

[0031] When switch 120-2 is operated (YES in S104), the switch display unit 16 is revealed (S105). If you operate any of switches 140-1 to 140-3 without operating switch 120-2 (NO in S104) (YES in S106), then one of the operations of the operated switch 140-1 to 140-3 will be performed (S107). If no switch operation is performed for a predetermined period of time (YES in S108), the system enters standby mode (S109). If the predetermined period of time does not elapse (NO in S108), the system returns to S103.

[0032] <Effects of the First Embodiment> According to this first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The display on the control unit's operation panel can be simplified. (2) The compatibility between the control unit and the mounting surface or equipment housing can be improved. (3) The control unit can be kept in an off state, so unnecessary displays can be omitted and power consumption can be reduced. (4) Unnecessary operation parts can be omitted from the display, thus avoiding inconveniences such as unfamiliar users accidentally touching them and causing malfunctions.

[0033] [Second Embodiment] Figure 11 shows a flame indicator in a control unit according to the second embodiment. In Figure 11, the same parts as in Figure 2A are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this second embodiment, flame detection information is provided as combustion information, and a flame indicator 78 is displayed on the control panel 6. Other indicators are omitted.

[0034] Figure 12 shows the hardware of the control unit according to the second embodiment. In Figure 12, the same parts as in Figure 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this second embodiment, a flame indicator unit 80 is provided as an example of a status indicator. When flame detection information is provided to the communication unit 74 from, for example, a hot water supply control unit (not shown), a lighting signal is applied to the flame indicator unit 80 from the I / O 72, and the flame indicator unit 80 displays the combustion state (Figure 11).

[0035] <Effects of the second embodiment> According to this second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. (2) The simplified control panel 6 displays a flame, making it easy to know the combustion state as an example of status information.

[0036] [Third Embodiment] Figure 13 shows the battery indicator in the control unit according to the third embodiment. In Figure 13, the same parts as in Figure 2A are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this third embodiment, as an example of detection information, the system receives battery depletion information or replacement information, and a battery indicator 82 is displayed on the operation panel 6. Other indicators are omitted.

[0037] Figure 14 shows the hardware of the control unit according to the third embodiment. In Figure 14, the same parts as in Figure 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this third embodiment, a battery display unit 84 is provided as an example of an information display unit. The control unit control unit 30 determines the depletion status of the battery 88 connected to the power supply unit 86, for example, as a voltage level. When this depletion status drops to the level where the battery 88 needs to be replaced, a battery display signal indicating the depletion status of the battery 88 is output from the I / O 72 to the battery display unit 84. The battery display unit 84 displays battery replacement information (Figure 13).

[0038] <Effects of the Third Embodiment> According to this third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. (2) The simplified control panel 6 displays the battery status, making it easy to know when to replace the battery as an example of status information.

[0039] [Fourth Embodiment] Figure 15 shows a control unit according to the fourth embodiment. In Figure 15, the same parts as in Figure 1 are denoted by 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 functions removed, and can be used, for example, as a kitchen remote control. In this case, in addition to switch displays 16-5 to 16-7, switch displays 16-8, 16-9, 16-10, 16-11, and 16-12 are obtained.

[0040] <Hibernation> Figure 16A shows the sleep state of the control unit 2. In this sleep state, electrical and optical displays are stopped, and only the switch display section 12 is displayed. The LCD display window section 8 is only visible through the operation panel section 6.

[0041] <Standby state> Figure 16B shows the standby state of the control unit 2. After a predetermined time has elapsed since power-on or the end of operation, it enters the standby state. In this standby state, the LCD display 20 displays information such as the hot water temperature and time in power-saving mode.

[0042] <Operating state 1> Figure 17A shows operating state 1 of the control unit 2. After power-on, it transitions to the operating state, and the switch display unit 14 is displayed.

[0043] <Operating state 2> Figure 17B shows operating state 2 of the control unit 2. After transitioning to operating state 1, when a predetermined switch is selected from the switch display unit 12 or 14, one or more of the switches on the switch display unit 16 are displayed. In Figure 17B, for the sake of clarity, all of the switches on the switch display unit 16 are displayed as the display in the standby state.

[0044] <Effects of the fourth embodiment> According to this fourth embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained, and the control unit can be made smaller and lighter. [Examples]

[0045] <Hot water supply system> Figure 18 shows a hot water supply system according to one embodiment. This hot water supply system is an example of equipment using the control unit 2, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 18. The hot water supply system is an example of the mode switching system of the present invention. This hot water supply system 90 is equipped with a hot water supply unit 92 that heats tap water W and supplies hot water, and a reheating unit 96 that reheats the bath water BW in the bathtub 94. The hot water supply unit 92 is equipped with a primary heat exchanger 98, a secondary heat exchanger 100, and a burner unit 102. The tap water W flows from the water supply pipe 104 to the secondary heat exchanger 100, where it exchanges heat with the latent heat of the combustion exhaust 106, and then flows to the primary heat exchanger 98, where it is heated into hot water HW through heat exchange with the sensible heat of the combustion exhaust 106. This hot water HW is supplied from the hot water supply pipe 108, and when filling the bathtub 94, it is also poured into the bathtub 94 from the pouring pipe 110 through the 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 that flows from the gas supply pipe 113 to the burner unit 102.

[0046] 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 heat exchange is performed with the combustion heat of the burner section 116. This hot water supply system 90 is equipped with a hot water supply control unit 119, to which a bathroom remote control 120 and a kitchen remote control 122 are linked (Figure 19).

[0047] <Hot water supply control unit 119, bathroom remote control 120, and kitchen remote control 122> Figure 19 shows the hardware of the hot water supply control unit 119, the bathroom remote control 120, and the kitchen remote control 122. The hot water supply control unit 119 is a computer equipped with communication functions and performs 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 (I / O) unit 128, and a remote control communication unit 130. The processor 124 executes programs and other data stored in the memory unit 126 and performs hot water supply control and coordinated control with the bathroom remote control 120 and the kitchen remote control 122. The memory unit 126 is equipped with memory elements such as ROM, RAM, and EEPROM and stores programs and control data. Under the control of the processor 124, the I / O unit 128 receives detection signals from sensors in the hot water supply system 90, such as the water flow switch 132, water level sensor 134, hot water volume sensor 136, and flame sensor 141, and outputs control signals to drive units such as the water control valve 138, circulation pump 118, and hot water solenoid valve 140.

[0048] The bathroom remote control 120 uses the control unit 2 (Figure 1) described above 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 reference numerals are used and its explanation is omitted.

[0049] 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 its explanation is omitted.

[0050] <Display switching for bathroom remote control 120> Figure 20A shows the previously described operating state 1 of the bathroom remote control 120. In Figure 20A, the same parts as in Figure 3A are denoted by the same reference numerals. Figure 20B shows the previously described operating state 2 of the bathroom remote control 120. In Figure 20B, the same parts as in Figure 3B are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this example, by selecting "Automatic Bath" from operating state 1, the necessary switch displays 16-1, 16-2, 16-5, and 16-7 are displayed on the control panel 6, and it is possible to select and set the necessary function from these displays.

[0051] <Effects of one example> 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) The necessary functions can be selected from the simplified control panel 6 and remain in a non-display state, thus preventing accidental operation due to unintentional selection.

[0052] [Other embodiments] (1) The above hot water supply system may also be equipped with 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 also be applied to other remote controls or the operation control unit of other devices.

[0053] As described above, the most preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained. 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 as described in the claims or disclosed in the forms for carrying out the invention. It goes without saying that such modifications and changes are included within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0054] This invention simplifies the operation panel of a control unit, can be applied to various remote control devices and equipment, avoids unintentional operation, and enhances the reliability of the operating function. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 2 Control Units 4. Enclosure 5 Fixed housing section 6. Control Panel 6-1 Translucent material 6-2 Translucent material 6-3 Print display layer 6-31 Light-blocking section 6-32 Light transmission part 8 LCD display window section 10 Sensor window section 12, 14, 16 Switch display section 18 Mode display section 20 LCD display section 22 circuit boards 24 LCD elements 26 switches 28 LED 30 Control Unit Control Section 32 Light-blocking wall 34 Sections 36 Silicone Mat 38 Control section 40 Support step 42, 44, 46 Display window section 48 LCD drive unit 50 Switch detection unit 52 LED driver unit 54 Switch detection circuit 56 Switch section 60X row line 60Y Line 62 LED light-emitting circuits 64 LED circuit section 68 processors 70 Memory section 72 Input / output section 74 Communications Department 76 motion sensors 78 Flame display 80 Flame display section 82 Battery indicator 84 Battery Indicator 86 Power supply section 88 batteries 90 Hot water supply system 92 Hot water supply unit 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 pipe 110 Pouring pipe 112 Reheating circulation path 113 Gas supply pipe 114 Heat exchanger 116 Burner section 118 Circulation pump 119 Hot water supply control unit 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 processors 126 Memory section 128 Input / output section 130 Remote control communication unit 132 Water flow switch 134 Water level sensor 136. Water Dispensing Volume Sensor 138 Water control valve 140 Solenoid valve for pouring hot water 141 Flame Sensor 142 Bathroom Remote Control Unit 144 Kitchen Remote Control Unit

Claims

1. A mode switching device that includes multiple operating modes and can be switched to any operating mode, A mode selection switch is set for each operating mode and used to select the operating mode, A display unit for the operating mode, which is set for each operating mode and displays the selected operating mode, A mode switching control unit illuminates the operation mode indicator unit showing the selectable operation modes before the operation mode is selected, illuminates the operation mode indicator unit corresponding to the selected operation mode, turns off the other operation mode indicator units, and pauses the mode selection of the operation mode selection switch corresponding to the operation mode indicator unit that is turned off. A mode switching device that includes a mode switching device.

2. The mode switching device according to claim 1, wherein the operating mode selection switch and the operating mode display unit are integrated.

3. A mode switching method that includes multiple operating modes and allows switching to any operating mode, The process involves selecting the operating mode using an operating mode selection switch set for each operating mode, The process involves displaying the selected operating mode on the operating mode display unit, which is set for each operating mode, Before selecting an operating mode, the process involves illuminating the operating mode indicator unit that shows the selectable operating modes, After selecting an operating mode, the process involves illuminating the operating mode indicator corresponding to the selected operating mode and turning off the other operating mode indicators. The process of pausing the mode selection of the operating mode selection switch corresponding to the operating mode display section that is turned off, Mode switching methods, including those mentioned above.

4. A program that is executed by a computer, The function allows you to select the operating mode using an operating mode selection switch set for each operating mode, The function displays the selected operating mode in the operating mode display section, which is set for each operating mode. Before selecting an operating mode, there is a function to illuminate the operating mode display unit that shows the selectable operating modes, After selecting an operating mode, the function illuminates the operating mode indicator corresponding to the selected operating mode and turns off the other operating mode indicators. A function to pause the mode selection of the operating mode selection switch corresponding to the operating mode display section when the light is off, A program to cause the aforementioned computer to execute.

5. A control unit that includes multiple operating modes and can be switched to any operating mode, A mode selection switch is set for each operating mode and used to select the operating mode, A display unit for the operating mode, which is set for each operating mode and displays the selected operating mode, A mode switching control unit illuminates the operation mode indicators showing the selectable operation modes before the operation mode is selected, illuminates the operation mode indicator corresponding to the selected operation mode and turns off the other operation mode indicators, and pauses the mode selection of the operation mode selection switch corresponding to the operation mode indicator that is turned off. A control unit including this unit.

6. The control unit according to claim 5, wherein the operating mode selection switch and the operating mode display unit are integrated.

7. A remote control device that includes multiple operating modes and can be switched to any operating mode, A mode selection switch is set for each operating mode and used to select the operating mode, A display unit for the operating mode, which is set for each operating mode and displays the selected operating mode, A mode switching control unit illuminates the operation mode indicators showing the selectable operation modes before the operation mode is selected, illuminates the operation mode indicator corresponding to the selected operation mode and turns off the other operation mode indicators, and pauses the mode selection of the operation mode selection switch corresponding to the operation mode indicator that is turned off. A remote control device including a remote control device.

8. The remote control device according to claim 7, wherein the operating mode selection switch and the operating mode display unit are integrated.

9. An operating system that includes multiple operating modes and allows switching to any operating mode, A mode switching means for switching the operating mode of the operating system, A mode switching system comprising, A mode selection switch is set for each operating mode and used to select the operating mode, A display unit for the operating mode, which is set for each operating mode and displays the selected operating mode, A mode switching control unit illuminates the operation mode indicators showing the selectable operation modes before the operation mode is selected, illuminates the operation mode indicator corresponding to the selected operation mode and turns off the other operation mode indicators, and pauses the mode selection of the operation mode selection switch corresponding to the operation mode indicator that is turned off. A mode switching system that includes the mode switching means.

10. The mode switching system according to claim 9, wherein the operating mode selection switch and the operating mode display unit are integrated.

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