JP2003222399A - Hot water supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hot water supply system for connecting two units of water heater bodies to each other and controlling with a simple structure without using a system controller. <P>SOLUTION: This hot water supply system comprises two units of first and second water heater bodies 1 and 2. These two units are connected to each other, and an external cable 16 for interlockingly operating the water heater bodies is installed. A controller 13 for performing a hot water supply operation based on transmission signals transmitted thereto through the external cable 16 is installed in each of the water heater bodies 1 and 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hot water supply system including two hot water supply device bodies.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, there has been proposed a hot water supply system in which a plurality of hot water supply apparatus main bodies are connected to each other (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-281250, Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-20111, and Japanese Patent No. 2586782). reference). According to these hot water supply systems, a system controller connected to a plurality of hot water supply device main bodies controls the hot water supply device main bodies, thereby realizing high-performance hot water supply.

[0003]

However, in such a hot water supply system, a relatively expensive system controller is required even when only two hot water supply apparatus main bodies are connected to each other, which reduces the cost. It becomes a factor to increase. In addition, there is a problem that the connection between the water heater main bodies or between the water heater main bodies and the system controller is complicated. Also,
If this system controller is built into the water heater main body, a storage space for the system controller is required, and a small water heater main body cannot store the system controller. Therefore, an installation space is required outside the hot water supply device body.

[0004]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been devised under the circumstances described above, and it is possible to connect and control two water heater main bodies with a simple structure without using a system controller. The object is to provide a hot water supply system that can be used.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following technical means.

According to the present invention, there is provided a hot water supply system having two hot water supply apparatus main bodies, and the connecting means is provided for connecting the two hot water supply apparatus main bodies to each other and operating them in an interlocking manner. A hot water supply system is provided, in which each hot water supply device main body is provided with operation executing means for executing hot water supply operation based on a transmission signal transmitted through the connection means.

According to a preferred embodiment, the connection means is composed of a switch means and a communication line for transmitting the ON / OFF operation of the switch means to another water heater main body.

According to another preferred embodiment, each hot water supply device body is provided with hot water supply flow rate adjusting means for adjusting a flow rate required for hot water supply, and the operation executing means is the hot water supply flow rate adjusting means. The start / stop of the hot water supply operation is controlled by controlling.

According to another preferred embodiment, each water heater main body is provided with a failure detecting means for detecting its own failure, and the operation executing means detects the own failure by the failure detecting means. At this time, the hot water supply operation is stopped by controlling the hot water supply flow rate adjusting means.

According to another preferred embodiment, when one of the hot water supply apparatus main bodies detects its own failure by the failure detection means, the hot water supply operation is performed on the other hot water supply apparatus main body. A notification means is provided to notify the user to do so.

According to another preferred embodiment, the above-mentioned 2
When a remote operation device for remotely operating the water heater main body is connected to each of the two water heater main bodies, at least one of the remote operation devices has the two remote heaters respectively remote controlled. A notification unit is provided to notify that the device is connected.

According to another preferred embodiment, the operation executing means independently executes the hot water supply operation in response to an operation signal from at least one of the remote operation devices.

According to another preferred embodiment, the operation executing means executes the hot water supply operation using the lower hot water supply set temperature among the hot water supply set temperatures set in the respective hot water supply apparatus bodies.

According to another preferred embodiment, the one water heater main body is a water heater main body with a bath heating function, and the other water heater main body is a water heater main body dedicated to general hot water supply.

According to another preferred embodiment, when the hot water pouring operation to the bath tub by the one hot water supply apparatus main body and the general hot water supply operation by the other hot water supply apparatus main body are simultaneously performed, the other hot water supply apparatus The operation executing means of the main body performs general hot water supply at the bath set temperature.

According to another preferred embodiment, when the hot water supply device main bodies are simultaneously operated, the operation executing means of the one hot water supply device main body is capable of performing a general hot water supply operation.

According to another preferred embodiment, each of the hot water supply apparatus main bodies is configured such that the hot water supply operation is first performed at the start of the hot water supply operation based on the integrating means for integrating the hot water supply capacity and the hot water supply capacity integrated by the integrating means. And a switching means for switching the main body of the water heater.

According to another preferred embodiment, each water heater main body is provided with a discriminating means for discriminating whether it is a master water heater or a slave water heater.

According to the present invention, since the connection means provided between the two hot water supply apparatus main bodies enables the exchange of signals between the hot water supply apparatus main bodies, the system controller can be omitted. The parts cost and installation space can be reduced.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hot water supply system according to the present invention. This hot water supply system includes a first hot water supply device main body 1 and a second hot water supply device main body 2, and each hot water supply device main body 1,
2 and a plurality of remote control devices 3 for remotely operating the water heater main bodies 1 and 2, respectively.

The first and second hot water supply device main bodies 1 and 2 are installed, for example, outdoors in a house and have substantially the same internal structure, and a branch of a water inlet pipe 4 whose pipe end is connected to city water or the like is branched. The tubes 4a and 4b are respectively connected. Further, the hot water supply pipes 5a, 5 are provided in the first and second hot water supply device main bodies 1, 2.
b are connected to each other, and the hot water outlet pipes 5a and 5b are joined to each other and connected to a not-illustrated calan or the like.

The first and second hot water supply apparatus main bodies 1 and 2 include a heat exchanger 6 connected to the respective branch pipes 4a and 4b, an igniter (not shown) as an ignition means, and a blower (not shown) for supplying and exhausting combustion air. It has a fan. The heat exchanger 6 is heated by the burner 7, and the combustion power of the burner 7 is controlled by the proportional valve 8 provided in the gas flow path. A frame rod 9 for detecting the flame of the burner 7 is provided near the burner 7.
A flow rate adjusting valve 10 for limiting the flow rate of hot water used for hot water supply is provided between the heat exchanger 6 and the hot water discharge pipes 5a and 5b. The flow rate adjusting valve 10 is a flow rate adjusting valve having an overflow prevention function.

The remote control device 3 is installed in a kitchen, for example, and functions as a so-called kitchen remote control. Each remote control device 3 and each hot water supply device main body 1 and 2 are connected by, for example, a two-core cable 11 for supplying power, and the data signal is transmitted by being superimposed on the power supply voltage.

The electrical configuration of the first and second hot water supply apparatus main bodies 1 and 2 will be described. Each of the hot water supply apparatus main bodies 1 and 2 includes a controller 13. Each of these controllers 13 has a microcomputer and a communication unit (not shown) connected thereto, and each communication unit is connected to the remote control device 3. The water heater main bodies 1 and 2 have connectors 14 and 15 for connecting them to each other.
Are provided, and these connectors 14 and 15 are connected to each other by, for example, a four-core external cable 16. Each water heater main body 1, 2 is provided with first and second switches 17, 18 made of, for example, photo couplers, and their output terminals can be output to the outside via connectors 14, 15. It is internally connected as shown.

The controller 13 is provided for each water heater main body 1,
2, which is a control center of the operation control program, is stored in a ROM (not shown), operation signals sent from each remote control device 3, and various sensors (not shown).
The proportional valve 8, the solenoid on-off valve (not shown), the flow rate adjusting valve 10 and the like are controlled based on a detection signal from the engine 1 to perform combustion and hot water supply.

The internal wiring of each water heater main body 1 and 2 and the connection configuration thereof will be described. The power supply voltage line of the first water heater main body 1 is the terminal 14 a of the connector 14 and the connector 15.
The second in the second water heater main body 2 via the terminal 15c of
It is connected to one output terminal of the switch 18. The other output terminal of the second switch 18 is connected to the controller 13 of the first water heater main body 1 via the terminal 15d of the connector 15 and the terminal 14b of the connector 14. That is, the on / off output of the second switch 18 of the second water heater main body 2 is determined by the controller 1 of the first water heater main body 1.
Input to 3.

Similarly, the power supply voltage line of the second water heater main body 2 is connected to the terminal 15a of the connector 15 and the connector 1.
It is connected to one output terminal of the first switch 17 in the first hot water supply apparatus main body 1 via the four terminals 14c. The other output terminal of the first switch 17 is connected to the connector 14
Second through terminal 14d of the connector 15b of connector 15
It is connected to the controller 13 of the water heater main body 2.
That is, the on / off output of the first switch 17 of the first water heater main body 1 is determined by the controller 1 of the second water heater main body 2.
Input to 3.

In the internal connection of the first hot water supply apparatus main body 1, the power supply voltage line is connected to the terminal 14e of the connector 14, and the controller 13 is connected to the corresponding terminal 14f. By short-circuiting both terminals 14e and 14f,
A “HIGH” signal is input to the controller 13,
It is recognized that it is the master water heater. Here, the master hot water supply device refers to a device that controls the entire hot water supply system, and hereinafter, the first hot water supply device body 1 is referred to as a master hot water supply device 1.

In the internal connection of the second water heater main body 2, similarly, the power supply voltage line is connected to the terminal 15e of the connector 15, and the controller 13 is connected to the corresponding terminal 15f. In the water heater main body 2, both terminals 15
There is no short circuit between e and 15f, and it is not recognized that it is the master water heater. That is, second hot water supply device main body 2 is a slave hot water supply device that is driven by master hot water supply device 1, and hereinafter, second hot water supply device main body 2 is referred to as slave hot water supply device 2.

The external cable 16 shown above is
An external connector fitted to the connectors 14 and 15 is provided at both ends thereof, and the above-mentioned short-circuit processing is wired within the external connector.

Next, the control process in the hot water supply system will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS.

First, referring to FIG. 2, master water heater 1
Then, when the operation switch of the remote control device 3 is turned on,
Controller 13 of master water heater 1 determines whether or not it is a failure (S1), and when it is determined that it is a failure (S1: YES), closes flow rate adjusting valve 10 (S2). , The output signal from the first switch 17 is turned off (S3). On the other hand, when the controller 13 determines that it is not in failure (S1: NO), the flow rate adjusting valve 10 is opened (S4), the first switch 17 is turned on, and the output signal is turned on (S5). . That is, the combustion prohibition signal is output to slave hot water supply device 2, and master hot water supply device 1 enters the standby state.

Next, the controller 13 determines whether or not the MOQ is turned on, that is, whether or not the minimum operating flow rate is confirmed (S6), and when the MOQ is not turned on (S6).
6: NO), and returns to step S1.

When the controller 13 determines that the MOQ is turned on (S6: YES), it starts combustion (S6).
7) It is determined whether or not one's hot water supply ability is insufficient (S8). When it is determined that the hot water supply capacity is not insufficient (S8: NO), the controller 13 returns to step S1,
Continue combustion. When the controller 13 determines that the hot water supply capacity is insufficient (S8: YES), the controller 13 turns off the first switch 17 and turns off the output signal (S).
9). That is, the combustion prohibition signal for slave hot water supply device 2 is released, and master hot water supply device 1 continues the hot water supply operation.

On the other hand, referring to FIG. 3, slave water heater 2
The control process of step S1 will be described. The controller 13 of the slave hot water supply device 2 determines whether or not it is in failure (S1).
1) If it is determined that the self is out of order (S11: YE
S), the flow rate adjusting valve 10 is closed (S12). When the controller 13 determines that it is not a failure (S1
1: NO), it is determined whether or not the input signal is turned on (S13). Here, when the output signal from master hot water supply device 1 is turned on, that is, when the combustion inhibition signal is output (see S4 in FIG. 2), slave hot water supply device 2 determines that the input signal is turned on (S13). : YES), the flow rate adjusting valve 10 is closed (S12).

When the output signal from the master water heater 1 is turned off, that is, when the combustion prohibition signal is released (see S8 in FIG. 2), the controller 13 of the slave water heater 2 turns on the flow rate adjusting valve 10. Open (S14). Then, it is determined whether or not the MOQ is turned on (S15), and M
When it is determined that the OQ is turned on (S15: YES),
Combustion is started (S16). As a result, slave hot water supply device 2 is in a combustion state, the hot water supply operation is executed together with master hot water supply device 1, and the shortage of hot water supply capability of master hot water supply device 1 can be compensated. Further, the controller 13 is M
When it is determined that the OQ is not turned on (S15: NO),
It returns to step S11.

When the flow rate decreases and the lack of hot water supply capacity is resolved (S8: NO in FIG. 2), controller 13 of master water heater 1 turns the output signal on again (S).
5). As a result, slave hot water supply device 2 stops combustion again and only master hot water supply device 1 performs hot water supply operation.

The controller 1 of the master water heater 1
In No. 3, when it is determined that the self is a failure (S1: in FIG. 2).
YES), the output signal is turned off (S3), but in this case as well, the slave hot water supply apparatus 2 determines that the input signal is turned off based on the output signal from the master hot water supply apparatus 1 (S13 in FIG. 3). , The flow rate adjusting valve 10 is opened (S1
4) Perform hot water supply operation. In this case, the slave water heater 2
Since the master hot water supply device 1 is out of order, the hot water supply operation is performed independently.

When the controller 13 of the slave water heater 2 determines that it is in failure (S1 in FIG. 3).
1: YES), the flow rate adjusting valve 10 is closed (S12).
Therefore, in this case, even if master hot water supply device 1 lacks its own hot water supply ability (S8: YES in FIG. 2) and releases the combustion prohibition signal for slave hot water supply device 2 (S9), only master hot water supply device 1 is released. The hot water supply operation will be performed.

In the control process described above, the hot water supply operation is first started from the master water heater 1.
The hot water supply operation may be started from the slave hot water supply device 2. That is, the control process shown in FIG. 2 may be performed in slave hot water supply device 2, and the control process shown in FIG. 3 may be performed in master hot water supply device 1.

Thus, according to the hot water supply system,
By connecting the two hot water supply devices 1 and 2 with the external cable 16, a combustion inhibition signal based on the hot water supply capability of the master hot water supply device 1 can be transmitted to the slave hot water supply device 2. Therefore, when the hot water supply capacity of master hot water supply apparatus 1 is insufficient, the combustion prohibition signal is released and slave hot water supply apparatus 2 is made to perform the hot water supply operation, whereby a supplementary operation such as supplementing the insufficient hot water supply capacity can be realized. Therefore,
In the present embodiment, since the system controller can be omitted, the cost of parts can be reduced and the construction space and construction work of the system controller can be reduced as compared with the configuration of the hot water supply system using the conventional system controller. be able to. Further, complicated control of the system controller can be omitted.

Master water heater 1 and slave water heater 2 can be distinguished from each other only by the presence / absence of a short-circuit wire in the external connector of external cable 16, and the other device parts can be commonly used. You can Therefore, the versatility of the device can be achieved. Further, as described above, since the hot water supply control can be easily performed, it is possible to combine and connect two hot water supply devices without relating to the hot water supply devices having different maximum hot water supply capacities.

Even if one of the master water heater 1 and the slave water heater 2 fails, the other water heater can continue to perform normal hot water operation as much as possible. Therefore, the hot water supply system can be easily used.

Although the first and second switches 17 and 18 are phototransistors in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be relay contacts, for example.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing another control process of master hot water supply apparatus 1 in the hot water supply system. In this control process, a determination reference value for determining whether or not the hot water supply capability of the master hot water supply device 1 is insufficient is provided more specifically,
The output signal is turned on and off based on these reference values.

Since the control process shown in FIG. 4 is similar to the control process shown in FIG. 3, only different parts will be mainly described below. The controller 13 of the master water heater 1
After it is determined that the MOQ is turned on and combustion is started (S2
5, S26), the total flow rate Q is the maximum flow rate Q _max ((2
It is determined whether or not (/ 3) is exceeded (S27). Controller 13, the total flow rate Q of the maximum flow rate Q _max (2 /
When it is determined that the temperature exceeds 3) (S27: YES), that is, when it is determined that the hot water supply capacity is insufficient, the output signal is turned off (S28). In other words, a signal for canceling the combustion inhibition is sent to slave hot water supply device 2.

After the output signal is turned off, or when it is determined that the total flow rate Q does not exceed (2/3) of the maximum flow rate Q _max (S27: NO), the total flow rate Q
Is less than (1/4) of the maximum flow rate Q _max (S29). The controller 13 controls the total flow rate Q
When it is determined that is less than (1/4) of the maximum flow rate Q _max (S29: YES), that is, when it is determined that the hot water supply capacity is restored, the output signal is turned on (S30). That is, a signal indicating that combustion is prohibited is sent to slave hot water supply device 2. Then, after turning on the output signal, or
When the total flow rate Q is larger than (1/4) of the maximum flow rate Q _max (S29: NO), the process returns to step S21.

As described above, by further embodying the reference value for determining whether or not the hot water supply capacity of the master hot water supply device 1 is insufficient, more accurate hot water supply control according to the substance can be realized. When slave hot water supply device 2 first performs the hot water supply operation, slave hot water supply device 2 may use the determination reference value.

Next, another control process in the hot water supply system will be described. In this control process, three signal states are set by turning on and off the phototransistor and the relay contact as described above, and signals of the master water heater 1 and the slave water heaters 2 are based on these signal states. Transmission is performed so that the operation of the remote control device 3 is interlocked.

Specifically, the three signal states are, as shown in FIG. 5, a state in which an on state is always output, a state in which a pulse that alternately turns on and off at a predetermined duty ratio is output, and an always off state. Is output.
When the signal form is ON, the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device on the signal transmission side is stopped. When the signal form is the pulse state, it indicates that the hot water supply operation is performed and the hot water supply capacity has a margin. When the signal form is in the off state, it indicates that the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply apparatus on the signal transmission side is performed and the hot water supply capacity is insufficient.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing this control processing. In this control process, the same process is performed for both master water heater 1 and slave water heater 2. Here, the control process shown in FIG. 6 will be described as a control process performed in master hot water supply device 1. Controller 13 of master hot water supply device 1 determines whether or not the operation switch is turned on in remote control device 3 (S31). , When it is determined that the operation switch is not turned on (S31: YE
S), and outputs the signal to the slave hot water supply device 2 in the always-on signal form (S32). Here, controller 13 of master water heater 1 determines whether or not a pulse signal is input as an output signal from slave water heater 2 (S3).
3) When it is determined that the pulse signal is input (S3
3: YES), and turns on the own driving switch (S3
4). On the other hand, when it is determined that the pulse signal is not input (S33: NO), the process returns to step S31.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S31 that the operation switch is turned on (S31: N
O), the output signal is output to the slave water heater 2 in the form of a pulse signal (S35). Here, controller 13 of master water heater 1 determines whether or not an always-on signal is input as an output signal from slave water heater 2 (S36), and if it is determined that an always-on signal is input ( (S36: YES), the operation switch is turned off (S37). On the other hand, when it is determined that the pulse signal is not input (S36: NO), the process returns to step S31.

Although the control process shown in FIG. 6 does not show the case where the signal form is in the off state, the hot water supply operation is performed and the process of insufficient hot water supply capability is performed as necessary.

In this way, the signal form is always on,
By using three signal forms such as a pulse state and a normally-off state, it is possible to represent stop of hot water supply operation, hot water supply operation with hot water supply ability, and hot water supply operation with insufficient hot water supply ability, and more precise control. Is possible,
Since the remote control device 3 connected to each hot water supply device can be interlocked, a hot water supply system with good usability can be provided.

As the signal form, the duty ratio of the pulse signal can be arbitrarily changed. For example, by using a plurality of types of duty ratios, more complicated control, for example, driving operation of an immediate hot water switch or the like becomes possible.

Next, another control process in the hot water supply system will be described. In this control process, remote control device 3 is provided only for one of the remote control devices 3 connected to master hot water supply device 1 and slave hot water supply device 2.
To be connected.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, remote control device 3 is connected only to master hot water supply device 1. Then, using the remote control device 3 connected to the master water heater 1,
Slave water heater 2 is controlled.

Here, the first and second switches 17,
Data is transmitted and received using the communication mode 18 described below. That is, full-duplex communication is performed between the master hot water supply device 1 and the slave hot water supply device 2, and from the master hot water supply device 1 to the slave hot water supply device 2, as shown in FIG. A message of length A is transmitted. On the other hand, from slave water heater 2 to master water heater 1, a message of length B of about 130 ms is transmitted within a predetermined interval C (about 200 ms) after receiving data from master water heater 1.

As the above-mentioned message, a transmission format is used in which the start bit is 1 bit + the data bit is 8 bits × 8 bytes, and the length of each bit is about 2 ms. FIG. 9 shows an example of a data map of this transmission format.

For example, when an operation start switch (not shown) is input from remote control device 3, master hot water supply device 1 transmits data to that effect to slave hot water supply device 2. Specifically, the data as the "operation switch" included in bit 5 in the message is set to "1" (see FIG. 9).
), Send. Slave water heating apparatus 2 that has received this data is in the operating switch-on and standby state.

Master water heater 1 also sends temperature control to slave water heater 2. Specifically, temperature control data is set in bits 8 to 15 in the message and transmitted. Receiving this data, slave hot water supply device 2 adjusts the temperature by adjusting the temperature during the hot water supply operation.

As described above, by simply connecting the remote controller 3 to the master water heater 1, the slave water heater 2
Since the operation and temperature control operations can be performed, only one remote control device 3 is required, and the cost of parts and the work during construction can be shortened. Further, for the user, since only one remote control device 3 is operated, operability is enhanced. Further, master water heater 1 and slave water heater 2
By performing communication by a message between the two, it is possible to transmit, for example, the hot water supply capability of another hot water supply device. In this case, more detailed data can be sent as compared with the above-described transmission by the ON / OFF operation of the first switch 17 and the second switch 18 and the transmission by the pulse signal,
More precise control becomes possible.

Remote control device 3 may be connected only to slave hot water supply device 2, or slave hot water supply device 2 may transmit a message including a hot water supply operation to master hot water supply device 1.

Next, another control process in the hot water supply system will be described. In this control process, the master water heater 1
Of the slave water heaters 2, the water heater that burns first is set as the main water heater, and the water heater that assists it is set as the auxiliary water heater. If the main water heater has insufficient capacity, the auxiliary water heater determines it. It is designed to supply hot water. In the control process in this case, remote controller 3 may be connected to either master water heater 1 or slave water heater 2.

The control process will be described in detail. First, the master hot water supply device 1 first outputs self and slave hot water supply devices 1 and 2.
Which of these functions as the main water heater is determined, and the fact is transmitted to the slave water heater 2.

In this case, the master water heater 1 uses the above-mentioned message. For example, when the master water heater 1 is the main water heater, the main water heater command of bit 6 in the message is set to "0" (Fig. 9), and transmits to the slave hot water supply device 2. On the other hand, when master water heater 1 is the auxiliary water heater, main water heater command of bit 6 in the message is set to "1" and transmitted to slave water heater 2.

When the main water heater and the auxiliary water heater are determined in this way, the hot water supply device determined as the main water heater is, as shown in FIG.
Is opened (S41), and the current hot water supply capacity, that is, what percentage of the maximum hot water supply capacity is the hot water supply capacity is transmitted as data to the auxiliary water heater about every 1 second (S42).

When the controller 13 of the auxiliary water heater receives the hot water supply capacity data from the main water heater (S43:
(YES), it is determined whether the hot water supply capacity of the main water heater is X% or more (S44). When it is determined that the hot water supply capacity of the main water heater is X% or more (S44: YES), the flow rate adjusting valve 10 of its own is opened (S45), and the hot water supply operation is started. Therefore, in this case, hot water is supplied by both the main water heater and the auxiliary water heater.

On the other hand, the controller 13 of the auxiliary water heater is
When it is determined that the hot water supply capacity of the main water heater is not X% or higher (S44: NO), it is determined whether the hot water supply capacity of the main water heater is Y% or lower (S46). When it is determined that the hot water supply capacity of the main water heater is Y% or less (S46: Y
ES), the flow rate adjusting valve 10 of its own is closed (S47).
Therefore, in this case, hot water is supplied only by the main water heater. When it is determined in step S46 that the hot water supply capacity of the main water heater is not Y% or less (S46: N
O), and returns to the receiving process of step S43.

As described above, in this control process, of the master water heater 1 and the slave water heater 2, the water heater that burns first is set as the main water heater, and the water heater that assists it is set as the auxiliary water heater. You can When the hot water supply capacity of the main water heater is insufficient, supplementary control is performed by the auxiliary water heater, so that the conventional system controller can be omitted.

Next, another control process in the hot water supply system will be described. In this control process, as described above, when the remote controller 3 is connected only to the master water heater 1,
Data at the time of maintenance of master water heater 1 or slave water heater 2 is displayed on remote control device 3. That is, when remote control device 3 is set to a mode in which maintenance data is displayed by an input operation and a mode in which maintenance data in slave hot water supply device 2 is set to display, master hot water supply device 1 becomes slave hot water supply device 2. Requesting that the message in the above-mentioned transmission format be transmitted and the maintenance data be returned.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, controller 13 of master water heater 1 displays whether or not to display maintenance data for master water heater 1 based on an operation input signal from remote controller 3. Is determined (S5
1). When the controller 13 is set to the mode for displaying the maintenance data of the master water heater 1 (S
51: YES), the address in the memory in which the maintenance data is stored is read (S52). And
The read maintenance data is displayed (S5).
3).

On the other hand, the controller 13 executes step S5.
1, when the maintenance data of the master water heater 1 is not displayed (S51: NO), that is, when the mode for displaying the maintenance data of the slave water heater 2 is set, the data of bits 0 to 2 in the message is set. While changing the type to "1: maintenance monitor request" (Fig. 9
(See), the address to be displayed is set in the "maintenance monitor request number" of bits 8 to 15 in the message, and the message is transmitted to the slave hot water supply device 2 (S54). For example,
When requesting water temperature data (address "30"), enter "X1,1E" in "Maintenance monitor request number"
"Dummy" is set in each of bits 16 to 23 and bits 24 to 31 in the message.

On the other hand, when the slave water heater 2 receives the above message from the master water heater 1, the corresponding data is set in the "maintenance monitor request number" of bits 8 to 15 in the message. The data type is changed to "2: maintenance monitor data (ACK)", and this message is transmitted to master water heater 1. For example, when returning the input water temperature data, set "X2, 1E" in the "Maintenance monitor request number" and set bit 16 in the message.
~ 23, bits 24-31 are "data 1",
Set "Data 2".

The master water heater 1 is the slave water heater 2
When the message from is received (S55), the type of data included in the message transmitted from slave water heater 2 and the actual data are displayed (S53).

While the maintenance monitor is displayed, the master water heater is set by setting the main water heater command of bit 6 in the message sent from master water heater 1 to slave water heater 2 to "1: main water heater". In both 1 and the slave hot water supply device 2, the flow rate adjusting valve 10 may be opened to perform the hot water supply operation respectively. With this configuration, the master hot water supply device 1 and the slave hot water supply device 2 can be independently operated even while the maintenance data is being checked.

When remote controller 3 is connected to slave hot water supply device 2, slave hot water supply device 2 may control the above-described master hot water supply device 1.

As described above, since the maintenance data can be included in the message transmitted and received between the master hot water supply device 1 and the slave hot water supply device 2, maintenance of each hot water supply device 1, 2 is performed by one remote control device 3. The maintenance data can be monitored, and the efficiency of maintenance work can be improved.

Next, another control process in the hot water supply system will be described. In this control process, in the hot water supply system, the master hot water supply device 1 and the slave hot water supply device 2
In each of the above cases, if the remote control device 3 is erroneously connected to both, it is easily detected.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, controller 13 of master water heater 1 recognizes whether remote controller 3 is connected to itself (S61), and slave water heater 2 to that effect. (S62). For example, when remote controller 3 is connected to master hot water supply device 1, “RC connection” of bit 4 in the message is set to “1: connected” (see FIG. 9). On the other hand, the remote controller 3
Is not connected, the bit 4 in the message “RC connection” is set to “0: no connection”, and the slave water heater 2
Send the message to. Although not shown, controller 13 of slave hot water supply device 2 recognizes whether remote control device 3 is connected to itself, and sends a message to master hot water supply device 1 to that effect.

The master water heater 1 is the slave water heater 2
When the master hot water supply device 1 and the slave hot water supply device 2 are both connected to the remote control device 3 (S64), the remote control device 3 is connected (S63). (S64: YES), it is determined that the construction is defective, and the remote control device 3 displays it as a construction error (S65). Also, although not shown,
This process is also performed in slave hot water supply device 2, and when both remote control devices 3 are connected, remote control device 3 is caused to display an error in construction.

Next, in master water heater 1 and slave water heater 2, regardless of the settings of the main water heater and the auxiliary water heater, the flow rate adjusting valve 10 is opened to stand by in a combustible state (S66). . Then, based on the operation signal from the remote control device 3 connected to itself (S67: YES), the operation switch is turned on and the hot water supply operation is started when the front plug is opened and the flow rate is equal to or higher than the predetermined flow rate required for combustion. (S68). In this case, the setting of "Driving SW" in the message is ignored.

The controllers 13 of the master hot water supply device 1 and the slave hot water supply device 2 control the set temperature of the remote control device 3 connected thereto and the temperature control on the message sent from another hot water supply device (other hot water supply devices). (Set temperature control in the remote control device 3 connected to the device), the lower temperature control is selected and hot water is discharged (S69).

As described above, in the remote control device 3, when the remote control device 3 is connected to each of the master hot water supply device 1 and the slave hot water supply device 2, the remote control device 3 is displayed as a construction failure error. Can be recognized. In addition, master hot water supply device 1 and slave hot water supply device 2 can be independently burnt by remote control device 3 connected thereto. Further, even if the remote control device 3 is connected to each of the master hot water supply device 1 and the slave hot water supply device 2, even if the set temperature is adjusted by the remote control device 3, the lower temperature control is selected, so that at least the remote control device is selected. No hot water is discharged at a high temperature different from that set by using No. 3, and it is possible to avoid a danger of becoming a dangerous state.

Next, another control process in the hot water supply system will be described. In this control process, each water heater 1, 2
The remote control device 3 is configured to change a value (hereinafter, referred to as “capacity switching reference value”) that serves as a reference when complementing the hot water supply capacity.

Specifically, for example, the maintenance mode in the remote control device 3 called a "maintainer" for changing the memory contents such as the RAM (not shown) provided in each hot water supply device 1, 2 at the time of maintenance is used. Change the setting data of the hot water supply device (for example, the master hot water supply device 1) to which the remote control device 3 is connected. For example, when the capacity switching reference value is set to the memory address "B0", the address "B0" is set in the maintainer mode.
Change the contents of the "0" data.

Next, the master water heater 1 communicates with the slave water heater 2 by a message to change the setting data of the slave water heater 2. That is, master water heater 1 sets the "data type" of bits 0 to 2 in the message to "3: setting data" (see FIG. 9), and sets bits 8 to 15 in the message to "X3, B0, setting 1". , Setting 2 ”and send.

The slave water heater 2 is the master water heater 1
After receiving the message from, the same data as the reply message is sent back to the master water heater 1, and its own setting data is rewritten.

In this way, the capacity switching reference value can be changed, for example, on site by using the maintainer, and the setting data can be easily set even for the hot water supply device to which the remote control device 3 is not connected. Since it can be changed, usability can be improved.

Next, another control process in the hot water supply system will be described. In this control process, the master water heater 1
Alternatively, in slave hot water supply device 2, whether or not a failure has occurred is transmitted to each other and the subsequent hot water supply is complemented.

For example, master water heater 1 transmits failure data to slave water heater 2. In this case, the failure data is bits 20 and 21 in the message.
As shown in (see FIG. 9), "0" means "no error", "1" means "error exists & operation can continue",
When "2", data with contents such as "There is an error and operation cannot be continued" and when "3" is "There is an error & system stop" are transmitted.

Here, "no error" indicates a normal state, and does not indicate an abnormal display on the display unit (not shown) of the remote controller.

Further, "there is an error & the operation can be continued" means a case of being transmitted at the time of a failure capable of continuing the combustion operation state. In this case, the remote control device 3 is in a state capable of complementing the hot water supply operation while displaying an abnormality. Specifically, when the hot water supply device (for example, master hot water supply device 1) to which remote control device 3 is connected is abnormal, remote control device 3 displays a failure code indicating that master hot water supply device 1 is in failure. On the other hand, when slave hot water supply device 2 is abnormal, remote control device 3 displays a failure code (for example, “7x”) indicating that slave hot water supply device 2 is in failure.

Further, "there is an error & the operation cannot be continued" means a case of being transmitted at the time of a failure in which the combustion operation state cannot be continued. In this case, the remote control device 3 performs hot water supply operation in any one of the hot water supply devices while displaying an abnormality. Specifically, for example, when the master hot water supply device 1 is abnormal, the slave hot water supply device 2 performs the combustion operation, while
When slave hot water supply device 2 is abnormal, master hot water supply device 1 performs a combustion operation.

Further, "with an error & system stop" means a case where it is transmitted when the combustion operation state cannot be continued as the system (for example, CO sensor abnormality). At this time, the remote control device 3 displays a safe operation and stops the combustion of each hot water supply device 1, 2.

Thus, in each hot water supply device 1, 2,
By transmitting the detailed information to each other in the case of abnormality, it is possible to perform more detailed control according to the information, and the usability is improved.

Next, another control process in the hot water supply system will be described. In this control process, one of the hot water supply devices is a hot water supply device with a bath heating function, and the other hot water supply device is a hot water supply device dedicated to general hot water supply.

Specifically, for example, when master hot water supply device 1 is a hot water supply device with a bath heating function and slave hot water supply device 2 is a hot water supply device dedicated to general hot water supply, master hot water supply device 1 has remote control device 3 as a bath remote controller. And connect the kitchen remote control together.

The master water heater 1 is the slave water heater 2
The hot water supply set temperature is set to bits 8 to 15 in the message (see FIG. 9), and the message is transmitted. Accordingly, master hot water supply device 1 and slave hot water supply device 2 perform hot water supply operation at the hot water supply set temperature. In this case, as in the control process shown in FIG. 10, when master hot water supply device 1 lacks in hot water supply capability, slave hot water supply device 2 performs supplementary hot water supply.

Next, when master hot water supply device 1 receives an operation signal for performing a bath pouring operation from the bath remote controller, for example, bits 8 to 15 in the message to slave hot water supply device 2 indicate that the bath is heated. A message is transmitted with the set temperature as the hot water supply set temperature. As a result, when master hot water supply device 1 performs general hot water supply while pouring water into the bathtub, if master hot water supply device 1 lacks hot water supply capability, slave hot water supply device 2 causes bath water set as the hot water supply set temperature. Supplementary hot water is supplied in the general hot water supply at the set temperature.

The master hot water supply device 1 may be used as a hot water supply device dedicated to general hot water supply, and the slave hot water supply device 2 may be used as a hot water supply device with a bath heating function. Further, master hot water supply device 1 may be configured to be capable of general hot water supply operation.

In this way, for example, when master hot water supply device 1 is a hot water supply device with a bath heating function, slave hot water supply device 2 is set with the bath set temperature as the hot water supply set temperature, and first, master hot water supply device 1 is set. When the master hot water supply device 1 lacks the hot water supply capability while the hot water is being poured into the bathtub, the slave hot water supply device 2 supplements the normal hot water supply at the bath set temperature set as the hot water supply set temperature. Since this is performed, there is no difference in the general hot water supply temperature in the interlocked operation of the master hot water supply device 1 and the slave hot water supply device 2. Therefore, the usability of this hot water supply system can be improved.

Next, another control process in the hot water supply system will be described. In this control process, each water heater 1, 2
The value of the hot water supply capacity is accumulated, and when performing the hot water supply operation, the hot water supply device that is in the combustion state first is switched.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, controller 13 of master water heater 1 determines whether or not it is the main water heater (S71), and if it is the main water heater ( (S71: YES), the value of its own hot water supply capacity is integrated and stored in a memory (not shown) at regular intervals (S7).
2). Further, the value of the hot water supply capacity accumulated in slave hot water supply apparatus 2 is received from slave hot water supply apparatus 2, and is integrated and stored in a memory (not shown) at regular time intervals (S73).
Here, the value of the hot water supply capacity to be integrated is the value of each hot water supply device 1, 2.
It is a value indicating the percentage of the maximum hot water supply capacity at which combustion was performed.

Next, controller 13 determines that hot water supply capacity integrated value Nm is larger than predetermined reference value X and that master water supply apparatus 1 side hot water supply capacity integrated value Nm is slave hot water supply apparatus 2.
It is determined whether or not it is larger than the hot water supply capacity integrated value Ns on the side (S74). The controller 13 calculates the hot water supply capacity integrated value Nm
Is greater than a predetermined reference value X and the master water heater 1
When hot water supply capacity integrated value Nm on the side is larger than hot water supply capacity integrated value Ns on slave hot water supply device 2 side (S74: YES),
The main water heater is changed from the master water heater 1 to the slave water heater 2 (S75). In this case, while the hot water supply capacity integrated value Nm of the master water heater 1 which was the main water heater is cleared (S76), the hot water supply capacity integrated value Ns of the slave water heater 2 which was an auxiliary water heater is not cleared and the next time The hot water supply capacity during combustion is continuously integrated. Further, in step S74, the hot water supply capacity integrated value Nm is the predetermined reference value X.
If it is larger and the hot water supply capacity integrated value Nm on the master hot water supply apparatus 1 side is not larger than the hot water supply capacity integrated value Ns on the slave hot water supply apparatus 2 side (S74: NO), the process returns to step S71.

When the controller 13 determines that the master water heater 1 is an auxiliary water heater (S71: N).
O), the value of its own hot water supply capacity is integrated and stored in a memory (not shown) at regular time intervals (S77). Further, the value of the hot water supply capacity of slave hot water supply device 2 is received from slave hot water supply device 2 at regular time intervals, and is integrated and stored in a memory (not shown) (S78).

Next, controller 13 determines that hot water supply capacity integrated value Ns of slave hot water supply apparatus 2 is larger than a predetermined reference value X and that hot water supply capacity integrated value N of slave hot water supply apparatus 2 side.
It is determined whether or not s is larger than the hot water supply capacity integrated value Nm of the master hot water supply apparatus 1 (S79), and the hot water supply capacity integrated value Ns of the slave hot water supply apparatus 2 is larger than a predetermined reference value X and the slave When hot water supply capability integrated value Ns on the side of hot water supply device 2 is larger than hot water supply capability integrated value Nm on the side of master hot water supply device 1 (S79: YES), the main water heater is changed from slave water heater 2 to master water heater 1. S80). In this case, while the hot water supply capacity integrated value Ns of the slave hot water supply device 2 that was the main water heater is cleared (S81), the hot water supply capacity integrated value Nm of the master water heater 1 that was the auxiliary water heater is not cleared, and the next time The hot water supply capacity during combustion is continuously integrated. Further, in step S79, hot water supply capacity integrated value Ns of slave hot water supply apparatus 2 is larger than predetermined reference value X, and hot water supply capacity integrated value Ns of slave hot water supply apparatus 2 side is hot water supply capacity integrated value of master hot water supply apparatus 1 side. If it is not larger than Nm (S79: NO), the process returns to step S71.

More specifically, for example, the master water heater 1 is a No. 50 water heater, and the slave water heater 2 is 16 water heaters.
Assuming that both No. 10 water heaters burned No. 10 for 1 hour, the slave water heater 2 is the master water heater 1
Assume that about 3 times the hot water supply capacity was used. Therefore, after the master water heater 1 is burned for 3 hours, the master water heater 1 to the slave water heater 2 serve as main water heaters.
Switch to. Then, after the slave water heater 2 burns for 1 hour, the slave water heater 2 serves as the main water heater.
To master water heater 1.

As described above, it is possible to integrate the values such as how much hot water supply capacity each of the hot water supply devices 1 and 2 is burning in the maximum hot water supply capacity, and switch the main water heater at an appropriate integrated value. Therefore, each water heater 1, 2
Even if there is a difference in hot water supply capacity, the main water heater and the auxiliary water heater can be switched at an appropriate time, and even in the water heaters 1 and 2 having different hot water supply capacities, their secular changes can be made to substantially match. As a result, the service lives of the water heaters 1 and 2 are averaged, and as a result, the service life of the water heaters 1 and 2 can be extended.

Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the first and second hot water supply device main bodies 1 and 2 may be hot water supply devices that also have a function as a hot water heating heat source device. In that case, a hot water floor heating device, a hot water air conditioner, a bathroom heating / drying device, or the like The equipment to which the hot water heated by the heat exchanger for use is supplied is connected.

[0113]

According to the present invention, since the connection means provided between the two hot water supply apparatus main bodies can exchange signals between the hot water supply apparatus main bodies, the system controller can be omitted. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the parts cost and the installation space.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a hot water supply system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control operation of a master water heater.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the slave hot water supply device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing another control operation of the master water heater.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining types of signal forms.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another control operation of the master water heater.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing another hot water supply system.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a timing of data communication between a master water heater and a slave water heater.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a data map.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another control operation of the master water heater and the slave water heater.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another control operation of the master water heater.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing another control operation of the master water heater.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing another control operation of the master water heater.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Main body of the 1st water heater (master water heater) 2 Second hot water supply device main unit (slave hot water supply device) 3 Remote control device 10 Flow control valve 13 Controller 16 External cable 17 First switch 18 Second switch

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Hironobu Anfuku             93 Edo-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo Stock Association             Company Noritsu (72) Inventor Hidekazu Fukui             93 Edo-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo Stock Association             Company Noritsu (72) Inventor Hironobu Fujii             93 Edo-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo Stock Association             Company Noritsu F-term (reference) 3K003 XC01

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A hot water supply system comprising two hot water supply device main bodies, wherein a connection means is provided for connecting the two hot water supply device main bodies to each other and operating them in a linked manner. A hot water supply system, wherein the main body is provided with operation executing means for executing hot water supply operation based on a transmission signal transmitted via the connecting means. 2. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, wherein the connecting means includes a switch means and a communication line for transmitting ON / OFF operations of the switch means to other hot water supply device bodies. 3. Each hot water supply apparatus main body is provided with hot water supply flow rate adjusting means for adjusting a flow rate required for hot water supply, and the operation executing means controls the hot water supply flow rate adjusting means to perform hot water supply operation. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, which controls start and stop. 4. The hot water supply device main body is provided with a failure detecting means for detecting its own failure, and the operation executing means, when the failure detecting means detects its own failure, the hot water supply flow rate adjusting means. The hot water supply system according to claim 3, wherein the hot water supply operation is stopped by controlling the hot water supply. 5. One of the hot water supply device main bodies is provided with a notification means for notifying the other hot water supply device main body to perform its hot water supply operation when the failure detection means detects its own failure. The hot water supply system according to claim 4, which is provided. 6. When the remote operation device for remotely operating the water heater main body is connected to each of the two water heater main bodies, at least one of the remote controllers has the two hot water heaters. 6. An informing unit for informing that the remote control device is connected to each of the device main bodies is provided.
Hot water supply system according to any one of. 7. The hot water supply system according to claim 6, wherein the operation executing means executes the hot water supply operation independently by an operation signal from at least one of the remote operation devices. 8. The hot water supply operation according to claim 6, wherein the operation executing means executes the hot water supply operation using a lower hot water supply set temperature among the hot water supply set temperatures set in the respective hot water supply apparatus bodies. system. 9. The hot water supply device body according to claim 1, wherein the one hot water supply device main body is a hot water supply device main body with a bath heating function, and the other hot water supply device main body is a hot water supply device main body dedicated to general hot water supply. Hot water supply system described. 10. When the hot water pouring operation to the bath tub by the one hot water supply apparatus main body and the general hot water supply operation by the other hot water supply apparatus main body are simultaneously performed, the operation executing means of the other hot water supply apparatus main body is a bath General hot water is supplied at the set temperature,
The hot water supply system according to claim 9. 11. The hot water supply system according to claim 9, wherein when the respective hot water supply device main bodies are operated at the same time, the operation executing means of the one hot water supply device main body is capable of performing a general hot water supply operation. 12. Each of the hot water supply device main bodies, based on the hot water supply capacity integrated by the integrating means, the hot water supply capacity integrated by the hot water supply capacity,
The switching means for switching the main body of the hot water supply apparatus that initially performs the hot water supply operation at the start of the hot water supply operation is provided.
1. The hot water supply system according to any one of 1. 13. The hot water supply device main body is provided with a discriminating means for distinguishing whether or not it is a master hot water supply device or a slave hot water supply device.
13. The hot water supply system according to any one of 1 to 12.