JP2001311548A - Failure diagnosis supporting device of hot water supplying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To diagnose the abnormal heat efficiency and abnormality in circulation path of water and hot water of a hot water supplying device in a failure diagnosis supporting device having the function of communicating with the hot water supplying device. SOLUTION: A failure diagnosis supporting device 1 is connected with the control part 21 of a hot water supplying device 2 through an interface device 3 in such a manner that it can communicate with the control part 21. A sequence that is necessary for diagnosing the abnormal heat efficiency and circulation path of water and hot water of the hot water supplying device 2 is stored in the failure diagnosis supporting device 1. Operation command signals are transmitted to the hot water supplying device 2 on the basis of this sequence, or the procedure of the diagnosis is indicated on an indicating means 12. Then, the failure diagnosis supporting device 1 obtains the operating condition of the hot water supplying device 2 from communication and the input operation to an input means 14 so as to detect the presence of failures and locate the failures on the basis of the information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a failure diagnosis support device for a water heater, and more particularly, to a failure diagnosis of a water heater according to a predetermined failure diagnosis sequence while displaying it to an operator in an interactive manner. The present invention relates to an apparatus for instructing the hot water supply apparatus to perform an appropriate operation and performing a failure diagnosis of the hot water supply apparatus based on information obtained from the outside at that time.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a failure diagnosis of a hot water supply device is manually performed by a worker at a construction site based on a maintenance manual predetermined for each model and construction mode of the hot water supply device.
In recent years, since the model configuration and construction mode of the hot water supply device have become complicated, there has been a problem that the trouble diagnosis requires time and effort in response to the maintenance manual.

[0003] In this regard, in recent hot water heaters, a controller provided with an error display function in a control unit of the hot water heater has been provided so that the location of the failure and the cause of the failure can be quickly and accurately grasped. In this case, the control unit is configured to monitor the operation status of each unit of the hot water supply device using a sensor or the like, and to detect the operation abnormality or failure of the hot water supply device in accordance with a predetermined display mode, etc. Diagnostic function) has been.

[0004]

However, even in such a hot water supply device having a self-diagnosis function, it is often necessary for an operator to specify a failed part and to confirm whether or not a failure has occurred. Still required the use of maintenance manuals and the accompanying complicated diagnostic procedures.

[0005] Therefore, recently, a failure diagnosis procedure of a hot water supply device is displayed in a so-called interactive manner, and an operator operates or checks the hot water supply device according to the display to specify a failure location and confirm whether or not a failure has occurred. Although a failure diagnosis support device capable of performing such operations has been proposed, at present, the failure diagnosis of a hot water supply device, which is complicated and diversified, is not fully covered by this device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has as its main object to provide a novel failure diagnosis sequence in such a failure diagnosis support apparatus for a hot water supply apparatus to further reduce the work load on a worker, and further to apply the failure diagnosis support apparatus. To provide technology.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, a failure diagnosis support apparatus according to the present invention comprises, as basic components, storage means for storing a failure diagnosis sequence, and a diagnosis procedure based on the failure diagnosis sequence. And a failure diagnosing unit that outputs a predetermined operation command to the water heater based on the failure diagnosis sequence and performs a failure diagnosis of the water heater based on information input from the outside. Have.

That is, in the failure diagnosis support device, the failure diagnosis sequence stored in the storage means is executed, so that the hot water supply device can be easily and quickly shifted to a state in which failure diagnosis can be performed. For example, when the combustion operation of the water heater is required in the failure diagnosis to be performed, the start of the combustion operation is automatically instructed to the water heater according to the failure diagnosis sequence. If it is necessary to change the operation state of the water heater according to the progress of the failure diagnosis, an operation command to that effect is output. Further, when it is necessary to set such a state that remote operation is not possible, an instruction to cause the operator to directly perform such an operation is displayed on the display means.

When the hot water supply apparatus is shifted to a state in which a fault diagnosis can be performed in this way, the failure diagnosis support apparatus includes sensors (various detection means) provided in each section of the hot water supply apparatus.
, Or input information perceived by the worker through the five senses (visual examination, palpation, auscultation, etc.)
The failure diagnosis means makes a failure determination based on the information.

As described above, according to the present invention, the failure diagnosis of the hot water supply device is automatically or semi-automatically performed based on the setting of the failure diagnosis sequence, and the worker can easily perform the failure without referring to the maintenance manual. Diagnosis can be performed.

In the failure diagnosis support apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, as the failure diagnosis sequence, an operation command signal for starting a predetermined combustion operation to the hot water supply apparatus is transmitted; Receiving the data of the combustion exhaust temperature, the external ambient temperature and the combustion air flow from the device to calculate the exhaust heat, and detecting the decrease in thermal efficiency by comparing the exhaust heat with the expected heat in the water heater. It is characterized by having.

[0012] In the failure diagnosis support device according to the second aspect, an operation command signal for instructing the hot water supply device to start operating a circulation pump of the hot water circulation circuit is transmitted to the hot water supply device as the failure diagnosis sequence. Receiving the detected value data of the plurality of water amount detecting means disposed in the rapid hot water circulation circuit, and comparing the received both detected value data with predetermined reference data to determine an abnormality of the rapid hot water circulation circuit And a step.

The failure diagnosis support device according to a third aspect of the present invention provides the failure diagnosis sequence, wherein the failure diagnosis sequence includes a step of transmitting an operation command signal for starting a predetermined combustion operation to the hot water supply device; Receiving the detected value data of the detected temperature detecting means and the water amount detecting means, and comparing the received detected value data with an expected detection value of each detecting means calculated based on each of the detected value data. Determining the abnormality of each detecting means by using

In the failure diagnosis support apparatus according to a fourth aspect, as the failure diagnosis sequence, a step of transmitting an operation command signal for stopping the combustion operation to the hot water supply apparatus, and stopping the combustion operation of the hot water supply apparatus After that, after a predetermined time has elapsed, receiving the detected value data of the plurality of temperature detecting means provided on the pipe route of the water heater, and comparing the received detected value data to determine the abnormality of the temperature detecting means. It is characterized by having.

In the failure diagnosis support device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, as the failure diagnosis sequence, a step of transmitting or displaying an operation command signal for instructing water to flow into a pipe route of the hot water supply device; After passing water through the pipe, the method includes a step of receiving detection value data of a plurality of temperature detection means provided on the pipe path, and a step of comparing the received detection value data to determine an abnormality of the temperature detection means. It is characterized by the following.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, as the failure diagnosis sequence, the controller of the hot water supply device determines an input signal and performs an open / short detection on an electrical path. Displaying an instruction to connect or disconnect the electrical connection unit; receiving detection value data of the control unit when connecting or disconnecting the electrical connection unit performed in response to the display; Determining an abnormal part of the electrical component route.

In the failure diagnosis support device according to the present invention, as the failure diagnosis sequence, an operation command signal for instructing start or stop of a combustion operation is transmitted to the hot water supply device; After sending the command signal,
Receiving a detection value data of the combustion temperature detecting means after a lapse of a predetermined time, detecting a temperature rise or a temperature decrease at that time, and determining an abnormality of the combustion temperature detecting means.

In the failure diagnosis support device according to the present invention, as the failure diagnosis sequence, an operation command signal for commanding a predetermined combustion operation to the hot water supply device may be transmitted; The method includes a step of receiving the feedback correction value data of the fan, and a step of comparing the received feedback correction value data with a predetermined value to determine an abnormal operation of the combustion fan.

In the failure diagnosis support device according to the ninth aspect, as the failure diagnosis sequence, an operation command signal for instructing the hot water supply device to fill the hot water circulation path or display the same is displayed. Step 1, a second step of transmitting an operation command signal for instructing the circulation pump of the circulation path to start operation, and a third step of displaying that the circulation path is confirmed visually or by palpation. And obtaining the work result input of the third step and determining the abnormality of the water flow detecting means or the circulation path of the circulation path.

In the failure diagnosis support apparatus according to the present invention, as the failure diagnosis sequence, an operation command signal for instructing the hot water supply apparatus to fill the circulation path of hot water or displaying the same is displayed. Step 1 and a second instruction for displaying an instruction to open the drain plug in the circulation path.
And a third step of transmitting an operation command signal for instructing the intermittent operation to start to the circulating pump in the circulating path, and visually checking a change in the amount of hot and cold water discharged from the drain tap. A fourth step of displaying a message to confirm
The method further comprises a step of determining the abnormality of the circulation path by obtaining the work result input of the fourth step.

In the failure diagnosis support apparatus according to the present invention, an operation command signal for instructing the hot water supply apparatus to repeat an opening and closing operation of a stepping motor is transmitted as the failure diagnosis sequence. Transmitting an operation command signal for operating the stepping motor to the fully open or fully closed limiter detection position, receiving the position position at this time and the position position of the soft limiter, and the received position position and the position of the soft limiter. Determining the abnormality of the stepping motor drive system by comparing the position with the position.

In the failure diagnosis support device according to the twelfth aspect, when the control board of the water heater is replaced, predetermined data is received from the old control board before replacement as the failure diagnosis sequence. And transmitting the predetermined data received from the old control board to the new control board after the replacement and transplanting the predetermined data to the new control board.

In the failure diagnosis support device according to a thirteenth aspect, the failure diagnosis sequence includes a step of determining whether the hot water supply device is a model compatible with the failure diagnosis support device, and a failure determination model. And displaying the failure diagnosis procedure of the model on the display means.

[0024]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a failure diagnosis support apparatus for a water heater according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a failure diagnosis support apparatus 1 according to the present invention.
Schematic configuration and the failure diagnosis support device 1
Shows the state connected to. In the case shown in the figure, an interface device 3 for data communication between the failure diagnosis support device 1 and the hot water supply device 2 is interposed therebetween, and the devices are connected by a communication cable L.

The failure diagnosis support device 1 is a device for performing a failure diagnosis of the hot water supply device 2 in an interactive manner with an operator, and is a storage unit 11 storing a predetermined failure diagnosis sequence.
A display means 12 for displaying a failure diagnosis procedure or the like based on the failure diagnosis sequence, and outputting a predetermined operation command to the water heater 2 based on the failure diagnosis sequence, And a failure diagnosis unit 13 for performing failure diagnosis of the hot water supply device based on the failure.

More specifically, a portable computer (a so-called notebook personal computer) is preferably used as the failure diagnosis support device 1. That is,
In the present embodiment, a storage device of the computer (for example, a built-in hard disk device or a built-in MO disk device) is used as the storage unit 11, and a display device of the computer is used as the display unit 12. . Further, as the failure diagnosis means 13,
An arithmetic unit of the computer (specifically, a central processing unit or the like that performs arithmetic processing based on a program or the like stored in the storage device) is used.

As a means for inputting information to the failure diagnosing means 13, a keyboard device (or a so-called pen touch input display device) 14 of the computer is used. A data communication device (for example, a built-in communication modem) 15 is used as an input unit for data transmitted from the hot water supply device 2 and the like.

The failure diagnosis sequence is stored in the storage means 11 in the form of a program, and based on the program, transmission of an operation command to be described later, display on the display means 12, and furthermore, Failure diagnosis and the like are performed. The storage means 11 also stores predetermined data required for executing the failure diagnosis sequence.

The fault diagnosis sequence includes the following:
In order to be able to cope with failure diagnosis of a plurality of types of water heaters having different models and configurations (for example, types of water heaters, connection / non-connection of various terminal devices, and presence / absence of a bath drop-in circuit), a plurality of water heaters are previously determined. Different types of fault diagnosis sequences are provided,
It is stored in the storage means 11. Then, prior to a failure diagnosis to be described later, a failure diagnosis sequence corresponding to a model or the like for which a failure diagnosis is performed can be selected from these sequences.

In connection with this, when the connected hot water supply apparatus 2 is a model that is not compatible with the failure diagnosis sequence, the display means 12 is displayed on the display means 12 in accordance with the processing procedure of the non-diagnosis hot water supply apparatus described later. The failure diagnosis procedure (specifically, the contents of the maintenance manual) of the unsupported model is displayed. Therefore, in addition to the above-described failure diagnosis sequence, the storage unit 11 stores data necessary for performing such display.

The hot water supply device 2 is a known type of hot water supply device. In the present embodiment, the hot water supply device 2 includes at least a control section 21 as shown in FIG. This control unit 21
This is a controller that controls the operation of the entire hot water supply apparatus 2 and monitors the operation status, and is configured to include a microcomputer. The control unit 21 includes sensors (not shown) (not shown) provided in each unit of the hot water supply device 2.
The operation control and monitoring described above are performed based on various information obtained from these sensors (for example, water temperature and water amount, as well as the presence / absence of combustion and data from terminal devices).

The control unit 21 controls various terminal devices (for example, a terminal heating device and a solar connection unit) connected to the hot water supply device 1 (not shown) in connection with the monitoring of the operation status. ) Is also electrically connected. Then, information on the operation status is also obtained from these terminal devices, and the operation status of the terminal device is monitored together with the operation status of the water heater 2. When a failure or the like is detected, a predetermined alarm operation (for example, Error display).

The control unit 21 further includes a data communication unit (not shown) capable of communicating with the data communication device 15 of the failure diagnosis support device 1 via the interface device 3. In addition, this data communication unit may also be used as a data communication unit provided for the hot water supply apparatus 2 to communicate with a remote controller (not shown).

On the other hand, the interface device 3 is a device that functions as an interface for data communication between the failure diagnosis support device 1 and the hot water supply device 2. In the present embodiment, the interface device 3 is a data communication unit 31.
And the measuring unit 32 as main parts.

More specifically, the data communication section 31 transmits an operation command signal transmitted from the failure diagnosis support apparatus 1 to the control section 21 of the hot water supply apparatus 2 and the sensors and the like transmitted from the hot water supply apparatus 2. And a function of transmitting the detected value data and the like obtained in the above to the failure diagnosis support apparatus 1. The measuring unit 32 includes various measuring devices such as a circuit meter, a thermometer, and a gas pressure gauge, and converts analog data detected by these measuring devices into digital data to support the failure diagnosis. The data can be transmitted to the device 1. In the drawing, reference numeral 33 denotes a test rod of the circuit meter,
Reference numeral 34 denotes a temperature sensor (thermistor) for detecting temperature in the thermometer. Further, reference numeral 35 denotes a gas pressure measurement pipe connected to the gas pressure gauge.

Thus, in the failure diagnosis support device 1 of the present invention, the diagnosis of the failure portion of the hot water supply device 2 thus connected is performed as follows. In the following description, the operation of the failure diagnosis support device 1 and the operation of the hot water supply device 2 will be described for each diagnosis part. However, prior to the individual failure diagnosis, a worker performing the failure diagnosis requires the failure diagnosis support device 1. The fault diagnosis sequence corresponding to the hot water supply device 2 for performing diagnosis according to the display of the display means 12 is selected and executed.

A. Diagnosis of Thermal Efficiency of Hot Water Supply Apparatus First, a description will be given of a case where the failure diagnosis support apparatus 1 of the present invention diagnoses the thermal efficiency of a hot water supply apparatus. FIG.
Are the means 201 for detecting the temperature of the combustion exhaust gas and the means 20
2 is shown. Note that in FIG.
Numeral 03 indicates a combustion fan, and numeral 204 indicates an exhaust port of combustion exhaust gas.

In the diagnosis of the thermal efficiency, first, an operation command signal for instructing the control unit 21 of the hot water supply apparatus 2 to start a predetermined combustion operation is transmitted from the failure diagnosis support apparatus 1.
Thereby, the combustion state of hot water supply device 2 is fixed to a constant state. Specifically, the operation command signal has contents specifying the number of combustion stages of the burner (the number of combustion tubes in the combustion tube) and the number of outputs (thermal power), and the specification is arbitrarily set on the failure diagnosis support device 1 side. .

Then, with the combustion state of the hot water supply apparatus 1 fixed, the failure diagnosis support apparatus 1 next receives data of the combustion exhaust gas temperature, the external ambient temperature, and the combustion air volume from the control unit 21 of the hot water supply apparatus 2. Do. The temperature of the combustion exhaust gas and the external ambient temperature are determined by the temperature detecting means 2 installed near the exhaust port 204.
01 and the detection value data detected by the temperature detection means 202 installed below the combustion fan 203 (that is, the position where the detection temperature is not directly affected by the combustion exhaust). Further, the combustion air volume is obtained by calculation from the detection value data of the rotation speed detecting means (not shown) of the combustion fan 203 or by using a conversion table showing a correlation between the rotation speed and the air volume. The calculation of the combustion air volume and the like may be performed by the control unit 21 of the hot water supply device 2. However, in the present embodiment, the failure diagnosis unit 13 of the failure diagnosis support device 1 as a part of the calculation of the exhaust heat amount described later. Done.

When these data are received,
The failure diagnosis means 13 calculates the exhaust heat quantity based on these data by calculation, and compares the obtained actual exhaust heat quantity with the expected heat quantity expected as the exhaust heat quantity of the hot water supply device 2, 2 to detect a decrease in thermal efficiency. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a value obtained by subtracting the exhaust heat amount from the expected heat amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the difference exceeds the predetermined value, the thermal efficiency of the water heater 2 decreases. Is determined to be.

The expected heat quantity used in this determination is obtained by calculating the ideal exhaust heat quantity based on the setting of the operation command signal transmitted from the failure diagnosis support device 1, or may be used as a diagnosis target. Any of the exhaust heat amounts detected during the initial operation of the hot water supply device 2 (limited to those having the same number of burners and the number of outputs of the burner).

As described above, by using the failure diagnosis support apparatus 1, the combustion state (arbitrary number of combustion stages and the number of outputs) can be arbitrarily specified to diagnose the thermal efficiency of the hot water supply apparatus 2. Clogging can be diagnosed for each combustion stage.

B. Diagnosis of Rapid Hot Water Circulation Circuit of Hot Water Supply Device Next, a case will be described in which the failure diagnosis support device 1 of the present invention diagnoses a rapid hot water circulation circuit of the hot water supply device 2. FIG.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a hot water supply apparatus 2 for performing such a diagnosis, that is, a hot water supply apparatus having a quick tapping function. The hot water supply apparatus 2 has a basic circuit of a hot water supply apparatus (a circuit configured to heat tap water supplied from a water inlet pipe 22 with a heat exchanger 23 and to supply hot water from a hot water tap 25 such as a curan via a hot water pipe 24).
And a pipe 205 for enabling instant hot water supply,
Circulation pump 20 for circulating hot and cold water through pipe 205
6, a check valve 207 for preventing backflow of hot water, and a circulating water sensor (water amount detecting means) for detecting the amount of circulating hot water
208, thereby forming a circulation circuit for quick tap water as shown by an arrow in FIG. Also,
In the figure, reference numeral 26 denotes a bypass pipe, reference numeral 27 denotes a bypass flow rate regulating valve, and reference numeral 28 denotes a can body water amount sensor (water amount detection means) for detecting a flow rate of water flowing through the heat exchanger 23. .

In diagnosing the rapid hot water circulation circuit, first, an instruction to close the hot water tap 25 is displayed on the display means 12, and circulation of hot water in the rapid hot water circulation circuit is performed by a worker. Is possible. And
When the completion of this work is input, an operation command signal for instructing the operation of the circulation pump 206 to be started is transmitted from the failure diagnosis support device 1 to the hot water supply device 2. Circulation of hot water is started in the circulation circuit.

When the circulation of hot water is started, the detection value data of a plurality of water amount detecting means (in the case of the figure, the can water sensor 28 and the circulating water sensor 208 in the figure) arranged in the circulation circuit for immediate hot water supply is next. Is received by the failure diagnosis support apparatus 1.

The two detected value data received in this way are compared with predetermined reference data stored in the storage means 11, and an abnormality determination of the hot water circulation circuit is performed based on the comparison result. Specifically, as a result of the above comparison,
If the detection value of the can body water amount sensor 28 is equal to or greater than the value indicated by the reference data and the detection value of the circulating water amount sensor 208 is equal to or less than the value indicated by the reference data, it is diagnosed that the circulating water amount sensor 208 has failed. If both the can body water amount sensor 28 and the circulating water amount sensor 208 are equal to or less than the value indicated by the reference data, it is diagnosed that the piping of the circulation circuit for hot water supply is clogged.

The reference data used here is set to the minimum amount of water that is expected to flow through the circulation circuit when there is no abnormality in the circulation circuit.
In addition, the failure of the can body water sensor 28 is usually caused by the water heater 2
However, the failure diagnosis of the can body water sensor 28 may be performed in the same manner as the circulating water sensor 208.

C. Diagnosis of Temperature Detector and Water Amount Detector of Hot Water Supply Device Next, a case will be described in which the failure diagnosis support device 1 of the present invention diagnoses the temperature detector and the water amount detector of the hot water supply device 2. FIG. 4 shows an arrangement of each detecting means to be subjected to such a diagnosis. Specifically, an incoming water temperature sensor (temperature detecting means) 41 for detecting an incoming water temperature of the hot water supply device 2,
A can body temperature sensor (temperature detecting means) 42 for detecting a water passing temperature on the output side of the heat exchanger 23, a tapping temperature sensor (temperature detecting means) 43 for detecting a tapping temperature from the tapping pipe 24,
The arrangement of the can body water sensor 28 is shown. Since the basic circuit configuration of the hot water supply apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 4 is the same as that of FIG. 3, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted (the same applies to the description of FIG. 5 and subsequent figures). ).

In this diagnosis, first, the failure diagnosis support device 1
An operation command signal for starting a predetermined combustion operation is transmitted to hot water supply apparatus 2 from the apparatus. In the hot water supply apparatus having the bypass pipe 26 as shown in FIG. 4, the operation command signal includes a command to fix the opening degree of the bypass flow control valve 27. That is, by the first operation command signal,
The combustion operation of hot water supply device 2 is fixed at a constant state.

When the combustion operation is fixed at a fixed state, the failure diagnosis support device 1 detects each of the incoming water temperature sensor 41, the can body temperature sensor 42, the outgoing water temperature sensor 43, and the can body water sensor 28 from the hot water supply device 2. Receive the value data,
These detected value data are stored in a data storage area provided in the storage means 11. It is desirable to store the data several times by changing the content of the operation command signal (that is, the state of the combustion operation of the water heater 2).

When the detected value data is stored in this manner, the failure diagnosis means 13 of the failure diagnosis support device 1 determines the number of outputs set by the operation command signal for starting the combustion operation and the respective output signals. Based on the detected value data, an expected value of detection of each detecting means is calculated using the following four equations.

The expected detection value of the can body temperature = (number × 25 × α / can body water amount) + inlet water temperature ··· The expected detection value of the incoming water temperature = can body temperature− (number × 25 × α / can body) Expected value of detected hot water temperature = (No. x 25 x α / Total water volume) + Inlet water temperature-Expected detected water temperature value = Outgoing water temperature-(No. x 25 x α / Total water volume)- However, in the above equations, α is a heat efficiency set arbitrarily, and the total flow rate is a value calculated by (amount of water in the canister × a bypass ratio).

Then, the detection values calculated by the respective detecting means (specifically, the temperature sensors 41, 42, 43 for incoming water, can body, and hot water) calculated in this way are stored in the storage means 11. The detected value data corresponding thereto is compared, and if the detected expected value matches the detected value data, the temperature sensor 4
1, 42 and 43 are all judged to be normal.

On the other hand, as a result of this comparison, the temperature sensor 4
If any one of the temperature sensors 41, 42, and 43 does not match, it is assumed that the heat exchanger 23 is operating normally. It can be determined that one of the water amount sensors 28 has failed.

Hereinafter, an example of these determination procedures will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

That is, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, first, in the step S1 in FIG. 5, the above-described equations and calculations are performed. Then, based on the calculation result, it is determined whether or not the above formula and the formula are established (see steps S2, S3-1, and S3-2 in FIG. 5). If both the formulas and the formulas are satisfied, the process proceeds to step S4 in FIG. 5 to change the setting of the output number and determine whether or not these determinations have been made. If not, the number of output signals is changed and the determination is started again from step S1 in FIG. If the number of output signals is changed, the temperature sensors 41, 42, and 43 are all judged to be normal (see step S5 in FIG. 5).

When one or both of the above formulas and both are not satisfied, the flow shifts to steps S6-1 to S6-1 in FIG. 5 to measure the incoming water temperature. The measurement of the incoming water temperature is performed by a temperature sensor 34 provided in the interface device 3.
The measured incoming water temperature is used in the following FIG.
In steps 1 to 3, it is determined whether or not the detected value matches the detected value of the incoming water temperature sensor 41. Then, as a result, if the measured incoming water temperature does not match the detection value of the above-mentioned incoming water temperature sensor 41, the process shifts to step S8 in FIG. 5 to determine that the incoming water temperature sensor 41 is abnormal.

On the other hand, if the detected value of the incoming water temperature sensor 41 is correct, the flow goes to any of steps S9 to S11 in FIG.

That is, when the above equation is satisfied and the equation is not satisfied, the steps from step S7-3 in FIG. 5 to step S1 in FIG.
The process proceeds to 1 to determine whether the above formula is satisfied,
If the formula does not hold, it is determined that tapping temperature sensor 43 is abnormal (see step S12 in FIG. 5). If the above formula is not satisfied and the formula is satisfied, the process proceeds from step S7-2 in FIG. 5 to step S10 in FIG. 5 to determine whether or not the above formula is satisfied. It is determined that the can body temperature sensor 42 is abnormal. Further, when both the above formulas and both are not satisfied,
In step S9 in FIG. 5, the tapping temperature is measured. The measurement of the tapping temperature is also performed by the temperature sensor 34 of the interface device 3. In step S14 in FIG.
It is determined whether or not the detected values coincide with each other. If not, the process proceeds to step S15 in FIG. 5 to determine that the tapping temperature sensor 43 is abnormal. If the tapping temperature sensor 43 is normal, it is diagnosed that the can body water sensor 28 is abnormal (see step S16 in FIG. 5). Note that, even if it is determined in step S10 or step S11 in FIG.
Then, it is diagnosed that the can body water sensor 28 is abnormal.

As described above, the water input to the hot water supply device 2
Detected value data of the can body and hot water temperature detecting means 41, 42, 43 and the can body water amount detecting means 28, and the detecting means 41, 4 calculated based on these detected value data.
2, 43, and 28 are compared with the expected detection values to determine the abnormality of each of the detection means.
Diagnosis of the failures of 42, 43, and 28 can be easily performed.

The design of the fault diagnosis procedure shown in FIG. 5 can be changed as appropriate. For example, if the above formulas and formulas are satisfied as a result of changing and calculating the output number, it can be determined that the can body temperature sensor 42 and the tapping water temperature sensor 43 are normal. In addition, the can body temperature detection expected value and the tapping temperature detection forecast value, and the can body temperature sensor 42 and the tap water temperature sensor 43
When a comparison is made with the detected value, a predetermined allowable range is set, and if the difference between the two is within the allowable range, the incoming water temperature sensor 41 can be determined to be normal. Further, in the above example,
Although the case where the hot water supply apparatus 2 includes the bypass flow rate adjusting valve 27 is shown, the present invention is also applicable to a type of hot water supply apparatus without the bypass flow rate adjusting valve 27, and the temperature sensors 41, 42, and 43 described above. It is also possible to make the failure diagnosis of the can body water sensor 28 based on the detected value of

D. Diagnosis of Temperature Detecting Means of Hot Water Supply Device (Part 1) Next, a case where the failure diagnosis support device 1 of the present invention diagnoses the temperature detecting means of the hot water supply device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. Specifically, in this diagnosis, the failure diagnosis of each of the temperature sensors 41 to 43 is performed by comparing the respective detection value data of the above-mentioned incoming water temperature sensor 41, can body temperature sensor 42 and outgoing water temperature sensor 43.

That is, in this diagnosis, first, an operation command signal for stopping the combustion operation is transmitted from the failure diagnosis support device 1 to the hot water supply device 2.

When the combustion operation of the hot water supply device 2 is stopped by the operation command signal, the failure diagnosis support device 1 is provided on the piping path of the hot water supply device 2 after a predetermined time has elapsed. (Specifically, the water temperature sensor 41, the can body temperature sensor 42, and the tap water temperature sensor 43). Here, the above-mentioned predetermined time is determined by the water inlet pipe 22 of the water heater 2 and the heat exchanger 2.
The time is set to a time (for example, about several hours) necessary for the hot water in 3 and the hot water pipe 24 to be naturally cooled. Therefore, the temperature of the hot and cold water in the pipe after the elapse of the predetermined time is substantially the same in all of the incoming water temperature sensor 41, the can body temperature sensor 42, and the outgoing water temperature sensor 43.

Therefore, the failure diagnosis support device 1 compares the received detection value data and
If the detected value data of one of the can body temperature sensor 42 and the tap water temperature sensor 43 is different from the other detected value data, it is determined that the temperature sensor having the different detected value is faulty. In other words, in this diagnosis, in a state where the temperature of the hot and cold water in the pipe is kept constant, the detection value data of the temperature detecting means in the pipe route is obtained and compared, and the detection value which becomes a small number as a result of the majority decision is obtained. Is judged to be abnormal. Therefore, this diagnosis is not limited to the failure of the incoming water temperature sensor 41, the can body temperature sensor 42, and the outgoing water temperature sensor 43.
The present invention is also applicable to failure diagnosis of other temperature detecting means arranged in the piping path.

As a result, it is possible to perform a failure diagnosis of the temperature detecting means in the piping path, which has been difficult to perform the conventional failure diagnosis. In particular, it is possible to easily diagnose an open / short fault of the thermistor when the thermistor is used as the temperature detecting means.

In the above-described example, the case where the detection value data of the temperature detecting means is received after the temperature of the hot water in the pipe is naturally cooled has been described. It is also possible to forcibly supply water to lower the temperature of hot and cold water in the piping. That is,
After stopping the combustion operation, the tap 25 is opened to allow tap water to flow through the piping, or when the hot water supply device 2 has a function of pouring water into a bathtub (not shown), the solenoid valve for pouring water is opened. It is also possible to forcibly supply tap water into the pipe. In this case, in the failure diagnosis support device 1, in response to these, the tap 25 is opened to display an instruction to flow water into the piping path, or an operation command signal to open the solenoid valve is issued. Sent.

Further, in the diagnosis of the temperature detecting means, one of the temperature detecting means determined to be normal as a result of the diagnosis (for example, the incoming water temperature sensor 41) is used as a reference for the other temperature detecting means. It is also possible to correct the detected value within a range of the detected value of the temperature sensor serving as the reference plus or minus an allowable error.

E. Opening the temperature detection means of the water heater
Diagnosis of short-circuit failure Next, a case where the failure diagnosis support apparatus 1 of the present invention diagnoses an open / short-circuit failure of the temperature detecting means is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows a temperature detecting means (specifically, a temperature detecting means using a thermistor) to be diagnosed. As is well known, this temperature detection is performed by using a thermistor 5.
1, a detection circuit 52 for converting a change in the resistance value of the thermistor into a voltage, and a microcomputer 53 for reading the voltage value of the detection circuit 52 as main components.

In the temperature detecting means, the thermistor 51 is connected to a predetermined temperature detecting portion (for example, the inlet pipe 2).
2 and a tapping pipe 24) and the detection circuit 5
2 and the microcomputer 53 are mounted on the control unit 21 of the water heater 2. Therefore, the thermistor 5
As shown in the figure, a plurality of (two in the illustrated case) connectors (electrical connection sections) 54
a, 54b and a relay cable (relay electrical equipment) 55.

In the case where the voltage value detected by the microcomputer 53 in the temperature detecting means having the above configuration is a value indicating open or short, if the location of the failure is to be specified, the connectors 54a, 5
4b, remove the thermistor 51, the relay cable 5
5. It is necessary to check the continuity of each of the detection circuits 52 with a circuit meter, and the operation is complicated.

The procedure for specifying the fault site by the fault diagnosis support apparatus 1 will be described. In this diagnosis, when the control unit 21 of the hot water supply device 2 detects an open / short abnormality of the input signal (voltage value) from the detection circuit 53, the display unit 12 of the failure diagnosis support device 1 displays
An instruction to connect or disconnect (release) the connectors 54a and 54b to the electrical path in which the open / short abnormality has been detected is displayed. When the operation is performed in accordance with the display, the detected value data of the control unit 21 at that time is received, and the failure portion is specified based on a change in the detected value data after the operation.

Specifically, the microcomputer 5
In the case where the voltage value detected at step 3 is short-circuited, a message to the effect that the connection of the connector 54a is released is displayed on the display means 12, and the voltage value detected at the microcomputer 53 by the operation according to this instruction. Is changed, it is determined that the thermistor 51 is out of order. If there is no change in the voltage value due to this work, a message to the effect that the connection of the connector 54b is released is displayed next, and it is determined whether the voltage value has changed due to the work according to this display. . By disconnecting the connector 54b, if the voltage value has changed, it is diagnosed that the relay cable 55 has failed. If the voltage value has not changed, it is determined that the detection circuit 52 has failed. When the voltage value detected by the microcomputer 53 is open, a fault location is identified by an instruction requesting connection of the connectors 54a and 54b and a change in the voltage value at that time, contrary to the above example. Is done.

That is, in this diagnosis, when the microcomputer 53 detects an open / short abnormality,
The faulty part of the electrical component path in which the abnormality is detected does not require the measurement work by the conventional circuit meter, and the faulty part can be easily specified by a simple operation such as connection / disconnection of the electrical connection part. This diagnosis can be applied not only to the temperature detecting means but also to other loads as long as the microcomputer or the load of the microcomputer 53 of the control unit 21 detects an open / short abnormality. For example, the present invention is also applicable to a hot water supply pseudo flame detection circuit of the hot water supply device 2.

F. Diagnosis of Combustion Temperature Detecting Means of Hot Water Supply Device Next, a case in which the failure diagnosis support device 1 of the present invention diagnoses the combustion temperature detecting means of the hot water supply device 2 will be described. Although not shown, the combustion temperature detecting means is provided near the burner of the hot water supply device 2 and detects the combustion temperature of the burner. In the following description, the combustion temperature detecting means is a temperature detecting means (thermistor). (Burner thermistor) will be described.

The burner thermistor is diagnosed by cooling the burner thermistor and diagnosing whether the detected temperature is normally lowered (see FIG. 7). When the burner is burned, the detected temperature rises. (See FIG. 8)
Reference), each of which will be described with reference to a flowchart.

First, the diagnosis procedure 8 shown in FIG. 7 is a diagnosis procedure in the case where the hot water supply apparatus 2 is in the combustion operation, that is, the temperature of the burner thermistor indicates a high temperature. When the diagnosis of the burner thermistor is started, First, an operation command signal for commanding to stop the combustion operation is transmitted from the failure diagnosis support device 1, and it is determined whether the combustion operation has been stopped (step S in FIG. 7).
1).

Then, in step S2 in FIG. 7, the detected value of the burner thermistor is set to a predetermined temperature (250 in the illustrated example).
° C) or more. This is a step of judging the state immediately after the combustion operation is stopped, that is, whether or not the burner thermistor detects a high temperature. Therefore, the predetermined temperature here is not limited to the illustrated 250 ° C., and can be changed as appropriate.

If the detected value of the burner thermistor is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG. 7 in which the failure diagnosis support device 1 instructs the hot water supply device 2 to start operating the combustion fan 203. Is transmitted.

After the transmission of the operation command signal, it is determined whether or not the detected value of the burner thermistor has decreased after a predetermined time (one minute in the illustrated example) has elapsed (see steps S4 and S5 in FIG. 7). The above-mentioned predetermined time is sufficient as long as it is necessary to cool the burner thermistor by operating the combustion fan 203, and is not limited to one minute shown in the figure.

If the detection value of the burner thermistor detected after the lapse of the predetermined time has not decreased, the burner thermistor is determined to be abnormal, and that fact is displayed on the display means 12 (see step S6 in FIG. 7). ). If the detected value has decreased, the burner thermistor is determined to be normal, and that fact is displayed on the display means 12 (see step S7 in FIG. 7).

On the other hand, the diagnostic procedure shown in FIG. 8 shows the diagnostic procedure during the stop of the combustion operation, that is, when the temperature of the burner thermistor is close to the ambient temperature. In this case, when the diagnosis of the burner thermistor is started, the detected value of the burner thermistor is stored as the initial temperature T1 in the storage area of the storage means 11 of the failure diagnosis support device 1 as shown in step S1 of FIG.

When the storage is completed, the failure diagnosis support device 1 transmits an operation command signal for instructing the hot water supply device 2 to start the combustion operation, and determines whether the hot water supply device 2 has started the combustion operation. It is determined (see step S2 in FIG. 8).

After the elapse of a predetermined time (30 seconds in the illustrated example) from the start of the combustion operation, it is determined whether or not the detected value of the burner thermistor is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature (“T1 + 50 ° C.” in the illustrated example) (FIG. 8 steps S3, S4). Here, the predetermined time may be a time necessary for heating the burner thermistor after the combustion operation is started,
It can be changed as appropriate. Further, the predetermined temperature is set slightly lower than a temperature at which the temperature is expected to rise due to the combustion operation for the predetermined time, and this temperature can be appropriately changed.

If the value detected by the burner thermistor after the lapse of the predetermined time is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, it is determined that the burner thermistor is normal (see step S5 in FIG. 8). On the other hand, if the detection value after the lapse of the predetermined time is less than the predetermined temperature, the burner thermistor may be immediately determined to be abnormal. The processes of S3 and S4 are repeated several times (four times in the illustrated example), and it is determined that the burner thermistor is abnormal only when the predetermined temperature has not yet been reached even in the fifth determination (see steps S6 to S8 in FIG. 8).

As described above, according to the diagnosis procedure shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, any failure determination of the combustion temperature detecting means, which could be determined only by a skilled worker, can be easily performed by not only a skilled person but also a skilled person. Become so.

G. Diagnosis of Combustion Fan of Hot Water Supply Device Next, a case in which the failure diagnosis support device 1 of the present invention diagnoses the combustion fan 203 of the hot water supply device 2 will be described. In the conventional hot water supply apparatus 2, the microcomputer 53 of the control unit 21 determines the rotation speed of the combustion fan 203 based on the detected value of the burner thermistor in order to set the rotation speed of the combustion fan 203 to an appropriate rotation suitable for the combustion state of the burner. Is corrected by feedback control. For example, if the detected value of the burner thermistor increases when the combustion state is constant, the microcomputer 53 sets the combustion fan 203
Is performed to increase the number of rotations.

This failure diagnosis is performed based on the correction value of the rotation speed in the microcomputer 53 based on the combustion fan 2.
In this case, the failure diagnosis of the combustion fan 203 is performed as follows.

That is, first, an operation command signal for commanding a predetermined combustion operation is transmitted from failure diagnosis support apparatus 1 to hot water supply apparatus 2. Specifically, for example, the operation command signal is a signal having a content for maintaining the combustion at the maximum capacity of the hot water supply device 2 for a predetermined time.

When the combustion operation is started,
The failure diagnosis support device 1 receives a correction value of the feedback control performed by the microcomputer 53 of the water heater 2 and determines whether the received feedback correction value data is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In addition,
The predetermined value here is appropriately set within a range enough to determine that the rotation speed control of the combustion fan 203 is not normal.
If the received correction value exceeds the predetermined value, it is determined that the operation of the combustion fan 203 is abnormal, and if it does not exceed the predetermined value, it is determined that the operation is normal.

As described above, by using the failure diagnosis support apparatus 1, it becomes possible for an operator to easily find an abnormal operation of the combustion fan 203 without performing any special operation or measurement. In the above embodiment, the case where the failure diagnosis support device 1 acquires the correction value of the rotation speed from the hot water supply device 2 has been described. For example, the detection value of the burner thermistor is taken into the failure diagnosis support device 1 and the detection is performed. It is also possible to determine whether the operation of the combustion fan 203 is abnormal by determining whether the value is too high.

H. Diagnosis of Circulation Route of Hot Water Supply Device (Part 1) Next, a case where the failure diagnosis support device 1 of the present invention diagnoses a circulation route of hot water in the hot water supply device 2 will be described. In the conventional hot water supply device 2, for example, a device having a bath reheating function or a device having a hot water heating function has been proposed. (Not shown) and a hot water circulation path for hot water heating are formed, and a circulation pump for circulating the hot water and a water flow detecting means are provided in the circulation path.

Here, FIG. 8 shows an outline of the piping configuration of the hot water supply apparatus 2 having a bath reheating function. This water heater 2
The circulation path is formed by disposing a bath outgoing pipe 62 and a bath return pipe 63 between the heat exchanger 23a for bath reheating and the circulation port 61 of the bathtub B. A circulation pump 64 and a circulating water amount sensor (water flow detecting means) 65 are arranged in the circulation path. The hot water supply apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 8 is also provided with a pouring pipe 66 and a pouring solenoid valve 67 for realizing a function of pouring the water into the bathtub B.

The diagnosis of the circulation path will be described based on the hot water supply device 2 shown in FIG. This diagnosis is a diagnosis procedure performed when the circulating water amount sensor 65 does not detect a water amount. First, an operation of instructing the hot water supply device 2 to instruct the hot water supply device 2 to fill a hot water circulation path with the failure diagnosis support device 1. A command signal is transmitted, and water W is applied to bathtub B via pouring pipe 66. If the hot water supply device 2 does not have a pouring function, a display instructing the bathtub B to be filled with water is displayed on the display means 12, and the worker is caused to fill with water.

When the filling of the bathtub B is completed in accordance with the operation command signal, an operation command signal for instructing the circulation pump 64 arranged in the circulation path to start the operation is transmitted, whereby the circulation is performed. The circulation of hot and cold water starts in the path (see the arrow in FIG. 8).

When the circulation is started in this way, a message is displayed on the failure diagnosis support apparatus 1 to confirm the circulation path visually or by palpation. Specifically, first, a display requesting confirmation of whether or not a sufficient amount of water is flowing out from the circulation port 61 is made by, for example, visually observing the circulation port 61 of the bathtub.
Then, at this stage, an input indicating that a sufficient amount of water is output from the circulation port 61 is made, and if there is no output from the circulating water sensor 65, it is determined that the circulating water amount sensor 65 has failed.

On the other hand, if it is input that a sufficient amount of water has not come out of the circulation port 61, the display means 12 asks the user to confirm whether the circulation pump 64 is operating by touching the outside of the pump. The display is made. At this time, if the input is made that the circulation pump 64 is not operating, it is determined that the circulation pump 64 is abnormal, and if it is input that the circulation pump 64 is operating, there is an abnormality in the bath going or bath returning pipes 62, 63. Judge.

As described above, hot water supply apparatus 2 having a circulation path
By storing the failure diagnosis procedure in the failure diagnosis support apparatus 1, an abnormal part of the circulation path can be quickly identified. In addition, the target of this diagnosis is not limited to the above-described circulation path for bath reheating, but may be applied to a circulation path for hot water heating or the like.

I. Diagnosis of Circulation Route of Hot Water Supply Device (No. 2) Next, another diagnostic procedure of the circulation route by the failure diagnosis support device 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

This diagnosis procedure is performed in the failure diagnosis support device 1 in the same manner as the above-described circulation path failure diagnosis procedure.
An operation command signal for instructing the hot water supply device 2 to fill the circulation path of the hot water is transmitted or displayed, and the bathtub B is filled with water.

Then, after filling with water, the failure diagnosis support device 1
The display means 12 displays an instruction to open (specifically loosen) the drain plug 68 for draining the circulation path disposed in the circulation path.

Then, when the worker inputs the completion of the work, the trouble diagnosis support device 1
An operation command signal for repeating the operation / stop of Step 4 is transmitted. As a result, the circulation pump 64 starts operating intermittently, and as a result, the amount of water discharged from the drain plug 68 also changes with the operation / stop of the circulation pump 64.

At this time, the display means 1 of the failure diagnosis support device 1
2 displays a confirmation as to whether or not there is a change in the discharge amount of water. If an input indicating that there is a change in the discharge amount is made in accordance with this display, it is determined that the circulation pump 64 is normal.
On the other hand, when there is no change in the discharge amount, the circulation pump 6
4 is determined to be abnormal.

As described above, since the failure of the circulation pump 64 can be diagnosed by the change in the amount of water discharged from the drain plug 68, the abnormality in the circulation path can be obtained even when the water flow detecting means is not provided in the circulation path. Can be easily determined.

J. Diagnosis of Stepping Motor Drive System Provided in Hot Water Supply Device Next, diagnosis of the drive system of the stepping motor provided in the hot water supply device 2 by the failure diagnosis support device 1 of the present invention will be described. Conventionally, a large number of stepping motors having at least one of an open / close limiter have been used in the drive portion of the hot water supply device 2. For example, a stepping motor having a full-open limiter is used as a drive mechanism of a water amount adjusting valve (not shown) for preventing overflow from the tapping pipe 24.

The diagnosis of the stepping motor will be described with reference to the stepping motor used in the water amount adjusting valve as an example.

That is, in this diagnosis, first, an operation command signal for instructing repetition of the opening / closing operation of the stepping motor is transmitted from the failure diagnosis support device 1 to the hot water supply device 2. Specifically, after operating the stepping motor in the “fully closed direction” for a fixed time, the stepping motor is operated in the “fully opened direction” for the same fixed time within a range not reaching the fully open limiter, and this operation is repeated several times. Let them do it.

After the above operation is repeated, an operation command signal for operating the stepping motor to the position where the fully open limiter is detected is transmitted, and the stepping motor is stopped at the position where the fully open limiter is detected.

Then, the position position at this time and the position position of the soft limiter are received, and the received position position is compared with the position position of the soft limiter. If the two position positions match, the operation of the stepping motor is normal. judge. On the other hand, if the two position positions do not match, the amount of movement in the opening direction and the amount of movement in the closing direction are different.

By adopting such a diagnosis procedure, it is possible to easily determine an operation abnormality without removing the stepping motor from the hot water supply device 2, and work efficiency at the time of failure diagnosis is improved.

K. Next, a transfer procedure of control board data of the hot water supply apparatus 2 using the failure diagnosis support apparatus 1 according to the present invention will be described. Conventionally, various electronic components constituting the control unit 21 of the water heater 2 and various control programs and control data used for controlling the water heater 2 are mounted on a control board formed of a printed circuit board. Therefore, when a failure or the like occurs in such a control board, a response has been taken such that the old control board in which the failure or the like has occurred is replaced with a new control board.

By the way, various data relating to the hot water supply device 2 are usually stored in the control board. Among them, for example, model data (number, gas type, In addition to the data related to the exhaust variation, etc., maintenance data such as the energization time, combustion time, and failure history of the hot water supply device 2 and setting data of the remote controller and the like are included. Prepare a new control board that stores the same model data as the old control board, and connect the new and old control boards to transfer the maintenance data and setting data from the old control board to the new control board. These were transplanted to a new control board.

In the failure diagnosis support device 1 according to the present invention, the data transfer between the new and old control boards is performed as follows by using the storage area of the storage means 11 provided in the failure diagnosis support device 1. I'm sorry.

That is, first, the failure diagnosis support apparatus 1 is connected to the old control board before the board replacement, and in this state,
The model data, maintenance data, and setting data are received from the old control board, and these data are temporarily stored in the storage unit 11. When the data held by the old control board is taken into the failure diagnosis support apparatus 1 as described above, the data received by the failure diagnosis support apparatus 1 is checked, and the data is not completely taken in. In such a case, it is preferable to display that fact on the display means 12.

Then, the connection with the old control board is released, and
When the control board is replaced with a new control board, the failure diagnosis support device 1 and the new control board are connected again. When this connection is made, the data (model data, maintenance data, setting data) stored in the storage means 11 is transmitted from the failure diagnosis support device 1 to the new control board, and these data are transmitted. Ported to new control board.

As described above, the failure diagnosis support device 1 of the present invention
Is used for data transfer of the control board, eliminating the need to pre-set the model information on the new control board,
It is possible to reduce the types of control boards prepared for replacement. Moreover, all the data held by the old control board, such as the power supply time of the water heater and the setting data of the remote controller and the controller, can be transplanted to the new control board after replacement.
Data stored in the old control board can be used effectively.

L. Display Process of Non-diagnosis Hot Water Supply Device Lastly, a process when the failure diagnosis sequence stored in the failure diagnosis support device 1 according to the present invention is connected to an unsupported hot water supply device will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. . It should be noted that the series of processing procedures shown in FIG. 10 are handled in the same manner as the normal failure diagnosis sequence, and are stored in the storage unit 11 as a program.

That is, the failure diagnosis support device 1 of the present invention
Is connected to the water heater 2 via the communication cable L (see step S1 in FIG. 10), and when a failure diagnosis program (failure diagnosis software) for executing the failure diagnosis sequence is started (see step S2 in FIG. 10), first, By reading the internal information of the hot water supply device 2 (specifically, the above model data, etc.),
It is determined whether or not a failure diagnosis sequence corresponding to the connected water heater 2 is provided (step S3 in FIG. 10).
S4).

If it is determined that the model is capable of performing a diagnosis, the process proceeds to step S5 in FIG. 10, where the failure histories and the like are read from the hot water supply device 2 and displayed, and a predetermined failure is displayed. The state shifts to a state where diagnosis (including automatic diagnosis) can be performed, and diagnosis such as identification of a fault location is performed according to a predetermined fault diagnosis sequence (step S6 in FIG. 10).
reference).

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S4 in FIG. 10, when it is determined that the model is not compatible with the failure diagnosis sequence stored in the storage means 11,
The display means 12 displays "not supported" and a display requesting input of data necessary for specifying the model of the connected water heater, such as the product name or product code of the water heater. This is performed (see step S7 in FIG. 10).

When the operator inputs the product name or the like of the connected hot water supply device according to the display (see step S8 in FIG. 10), the failure diagnosis procedure corresponding to the hot water supply device is read from the storage means 11, and It is displayed on the display means 12 (see step S9 in FIG. 10).

Thereafter, the worker manually diagnoses the failure of the water heater according to the failure diagnosis procedure displayed on the display means 12 (see step S10 in FIG. 10). That is, in this case, the operator specifies the fault location in accordance with the fault diagnosis procedure displayed on the display means 12 in the same manner as reading the maintenance manual. Thereby, even when a hot water supply device that does not support the failure diagnosis sequence is connected, the worker can easily identify the failure location by performing the work according to the procedure displayed on the screen without using the maintenance manual, Work efficiency can be improved.

The above-described embodiment merely shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this, and various design changes can be made within the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the failure diagnosis support device 1 and the interface device 3 are configured separately, but this is because a notebook personal computer is used as the failure diagnosis support device 1. If a dedicated device is manufactured, these can be integrally configured.

[0126]

As described in detail above, according to the hot water supply apparatus failure diagnosis support apparatus according to the present invention, the thermal efficiency of the hot water supply apparatus, the circulation system of hot and cold water, and the abnormalities of the temperature detecting means, the water amount detecting means, etc. Diagnosis and the like can be easily performed in an interactive manner with the operator, and the labor and labor involved in the failure diagnosis of the hot water supply device can be greatly reduced. In addition, the worker can easily perform the failure diagnosis with almost no need for specialized knowledge of various types of hot water supply devices.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a failure diagnosis support device according to the present invention and a connection state between the failure diagnosis support device and a hot water supply device.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement position of exhaust temperature detecting means and ambient temperature detecting means in the hot water supply apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a configuration of an instant hot water circulation circuit of the hot water supply device.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an arrangement position of a temperature detecting unit of the hot water supply device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a failure diagnosis procedure of the failure diagnosis support device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block circuit diagram showing a schematic configuration of a temperature detecting means including a thermistor;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a failure diagnosis procedure of the failure diagnosis support device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a failure diagnosis procedure of the failure diagnosis support device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a piping configuration of a hot water supply device having a bath reheating function.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining a connected hot water supply apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 failure diagnosis support device 11 storage means 12 display means 13 failure diagnosis means 14 input means 15 data communication means 2 hot water supply device 21 control unit 31 data communication means 3 interface device 32 measuring unit L communication cable 22 water inlet pipe 23, 23a heat exchange Container 24 tapping pipe 28 can body water sensor (water amount detecting means) 41 incoming water temperature sensor (temperature detecting means) 42 can body temperature sensor (temperature detecting means) 43 tapping water temperature sensor (temperature detecting means) 54a, 54b connectors (electrical connection section) 55) Relay Cable (Relay Electrical Equipment) 61 Circulating Port 62 Bath Piping 63 Bath Return Piping 64 Circulating Pump 65 Circulating Water Amount Sensor (Water Flow Detecting Means) 66 Pouring Pipe 201 Detecting Means of Combustion Exhaust Temperature 202 Detecting Means of External Ambient Temperature 203 Combustion fan 204 Exhaust port 205 Immediate tapping pipe 206 Circulation pump 208 Circulating water amount sensor (water amount detecting means)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hironobu Fujii 93rd Edocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo Pref. (72) Inventor Koji Kimura 93, Edo-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo Prefecture Inside Noritz Corporation (72) Inventor Kenshi Morikawa 93, Edo-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture Noritsu Corporation (72) Hirokazu Kuwahara 93 Edo-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo Pref. In Noritz Co., Ltd. 93 Noritsu, Edocho, Chuo-ku (72) Inventor Kenken Kubotani 93, Edocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo No. Tsunai (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Tada 93, Edo-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo Pref. Person Toshiaki Hasegawa 93 Edo-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo Pref.

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A storage means for storing a failure diagnosis sequence, a display means for displaying a diagnosis procedure or the like based on the failure diagnosis sequence, and outputting a predetermined operation command to a water heater based on the failure diagnosis sequence. And a failure diagnosis means for performing a failure diagnosis of the hot water supply device based on information input from the outside, wherein the failure diagnosis sequence includes a predetermined combustion operation for the hot water supply device. Transmitting an operation command signal to start the operation, receiving the combustion exhaust gas temperature, the external ambient temperature, and the combustion air flow rate data from the hot water supply apparatus to calculate the exhaust heat quantity; and Detecting a decrease in thermal efficiency by comparing the amount of heat with the amount of heat. 2. A storage means for storing a failure diagnosis sequence, a display means for displaying a diagnosis procedure or the like based on the failure diagnosis sequence, and outputting a predetermined operation command to the water heater based on the failure diagnosis sequence. And a failure diagnosis means for performing a failure diagnosis of the hot water supply device based on information input from the outside, wherein the failure diagnosis sequence includes: Transmitting an operation command signal for instructing the start of operation of the circulation pump; receiving the detected value data of a plurality of water amount detecting means arranged in the quick-discharge hot water circulation circuit; and Determining a malfunction of the hot water circulation circuit by comparing it with predetermined reference data. 3. A storage means for storing a failure diagnosis sequence, a display means for displaying a diagnosis procedure or the like based on the failure diagnosis sequence, and outputting a predetermined operation command to the water heater based on the failure diagnosis sequence. And a failure diagnosis means for performing a failure diagnosis of the hot water supply device based on information input from the outside, wherein the failure diagnosis sequence includes a predetermined combustion operation for the hot water supply device. Transmitting an operation command signal to start the operation; receiving the detected value data of the temperature detecting means and the water amount detecting means disposed in the water heater; receiving each detected value data; and each detected value data Comparing each of the detection means with an estimated value of the detection means calculated on the basis of the detection result to determine an abnormality of each of the detection means. Fault diagnosis support device. 4. A storage means for storing a failure diagnosis sequence, a display means for displaying a diagnosis procedure or the like based on the failure diagnosis sequence, and outputting a predetermined operation command to the water heater based on the failure diagnosis sequence. And a failure diagnosis means for performing failure diagnosis of the hot water supply device based on information input from the outside, wherein the combustion operation is stopped for the hot water supply device as the failure diagnosis sequence. Transmitting an operation command signal for causing the water heater to stop operating, and receiving detected value data of a plurality of temperature detecting means provided on a pipe route of the water heater after a lapse of a predetermined time after the combustion operation of the water heater is stopped. A step of comparing the detected value data to determine an abnormality of the temperature detecting means. 5. A storage means for storing a failure diagnosis sequence, a display means for displaying a diagnosis procedure or the like based on the failure diagnosis sequence, and outputting a predetermined operation command to the water heater based on the failure diagnosis sequence. And a failure diagnosis means for performing a failure diagnosis of the hot water supply device based on information input from the outside, wherein the failure diagnosis sequence includes: Transmitting or displaying an operation command signal for instructing water, and receiving detected value data of a plurality of temperature detecting means provided on the pipe route after passing water in the pipe; and the received detected value. A step of comparing data to determine an abnormality of the temperature detecting means. 6. A storage means for storing a failure diagnosis sequence, a display means for displaying a diagnosis procedure or the like based on the failure diagnosis sequence, and outputting a predetermined operation command to the water heater based on the failure diagnosis sequence. And a failure diagnosis means for performing failure diagnosis of the hot water supply device based on information input from the outside, wherein the failure diagnosis sequence includes an input signal in a control unit of the hot water supply device. Judging and displaying an instruction to connect or disconnect the electrical connection unit to the electrical path in which the open / short abnormality is detected, and controlling the connection or disconnection of the electrical connection unit performed in response to this display Receiving the detected value data of the unit, and determining the abnormal part of the electrical component path from the received detected data And a failure diagnosis support device for a hot water supply device. 7. A storage means for storing a failure diagnosis sequence, a display means for displaying a diagnosis procedure or the like based on the failure diagnosis sequence, and outputting a predetermined operation command to the water heater based on the failure diagnosis sequence. And a failure diagnosis means for performing a failure diagnosis of the hot water supply device based on information input from the outside, wherein the failure diagnosis sequence includes: Transmitting an operation command signal for instructing start or stop; and, after transmitting the operation command signal, receiving detection value data of the combustion temperature detecting means after a lapse of a predetermined time, detecting a temperature rise or temperature drop at that time. Determining a malfunction of the combustion temperature detecting means by performing a diagnosis. 8. A storage means for storing a failure diagnosis sequence, a display means for displaying a diagnosis procedure or the like based on the failure diagnosis sequence, and outputting a predetermined operation command to the water heater based on the failure diagnosis sequence. And a failure diagnosis means for performing a failure diagnosis of the hot water supply device based on information input from the outside, wherein the failure diagnosis sequence includes a predetermined combustion operation for the hot water supply device. Transmitting an operation command signal for instructing the combustion fan, receiving feedback correction value data of the combustion fan in the water heater, and comparing the received feedback correction value data with a predetermined value to determine the operation abnormality of the combustion fan. And a failure diagnosis support device for the hot water supply device. 9. A storage unit for storing a failure diagnosis sequence, a display unit for displaying a diagnosis procedure or the like based on the failure diagnosis sequence, and outputting a predetermined operation command to the water heater based on the failure diagnosis sequence. And a failure diagnosis means for performing a failure diagnosis of the hot water supply device based on information input from the outside, wherein the circulation route of hot water to the hot water supply device is provided as the failure diagnosis sequence. A first step of transmitting or displaying an operation command signal for instructing water filling to the water, a second step of transmitting an operation command signal for instructing an operation start to the circulation pump in the circulation path, and the circulation A third step of displaying that the route is confirmed visually or by palpation; and obtaining a work result input of the third step to detect a water flow in the circulation route. Failure diagnosis support device of the water heater, characterized in that it comprises the step of determining an abnormality of the stage or the circulation path. 10. A storage means for storing a failure diagnosis sequence, a display means for displaying a diagnosis procedure or the like based on the failure diagnosis sequence, and outputting a predetermined operation command to the water heater based on the failure diagnosis sequence. Along with
A failure diagnosis means for performing a failure diagnosis of the hot water supply device based on information input from outside, wherein the failure diagnosis sequence includes filling the hot water supply device with a hot water circulation path. A first step of transmitting or displaying an operation command signal for instructing the operation; a second step of displaying an instruction to open a drain plug in the circulating path; and a circulating pump for the circulating path. A third step of transmitting an operation command signal for instructing the start of intermittent operation, and a fourth step of displaying a visual confirmation of a change in the discharge amount of hot and cold water from the drain tap, A failure diagnosis support device for a hot water supply device, comprising a step of determining an abnormality of the circulation path by obtaining the work result input of the fourth step. 11. A storage unit for storing a failure diagnosis sequence, a display unit for displaying a diagnosis procedure or the like based on the failure diagnosis sequence, and outputting a predetermined operation command to the water heater based on the failure diagnosis sequence. Along with
A failure diagnosis means for performing failure diagnosis of the hot water supply device based on information input from the outside, wherein the failure diagnosis sequence includes: Transmitting an operation command signal for instructing repetition; transmitting an operation command signal for operating the stepping motor to a fully-open or fully-closed limiter detection position; and receiving the position position and the soft limiter position position at this time. And a step of comparing the received position position and the position position of the soft limiter to determine an abnormality of the stepping motor drive system. 12. A storage means for storing a failure diagnosis sequence, a display means for displaying a diagnosis procedure or the like based on the failure diagnosis sequence, and outputting a predetermined operation command to the water heater based on the failure diagnosis sequence. Along with
A failure diagnosis means for performing failure diagnosis of the hot water supply device based on information input from the outside, wherein the failure diagnosis sequence includes: Receiving predetermined data from the control board and temporarily storing the same; transmitting the predetermined data received from the old control board to the new control board after replacement, and transplanting the predetermined data to the new control board And a failure diagnosis support device for the hot water supply device. 13. A storage means for storing a failure diagnosis sequence, a display means for displaying a diagnosis procedure or the like based on the failure diagnosis sequence, and outputting a predetermined operation command to the water heater based on the failure diagnosis sequence. Along with
A failure diagnosis means for performing failure diagnosis of the hot water supply device based on information input from the outside, wherein the failure diagnosis sequence is such that the hot water supply device is a model corresponding to the failure diagnosis support device. A failure diagnosis support device for a hot water supply device, comprising: a step of determining whether or not the model is not compatible; and a step of displaying a failure diagnosis procedure of the model on the display means when the model is determined to be unsupported.