JP2007040651A - Electric equipment with information transmitting function and water heating system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide electric equipment with information transmitting function, which is usable as an operation device of a water heater and can accurately determine the communicating state with the water heater, and a water heating system comprising the electric equipment with information transmitting function and the water heater. <P>SOLUTION: A remote controller 1 is connected to a power supply system different from the water heater 2, and is usable as a TV receiver in a state electrically independent from the water heater. The remote controller 1 can confirm the communication state with the water heater 2 by monitoring a voltage inputted to a communication detection part of a microcomputer connected to the detection circuit and give, in case of communication failure, an alarm for that effect through a monitor 15. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention includes an information transmission means capable of transmitting display information and audio information, and is combined with a hot water heating apparatus, and can be used as an operation device for the hot water heating apparatus. The present invention relates to a hot water heating system configured by combining an electric device with a function and a hot water heater.

Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a remote controller (electrical device) provided with information transmitting means such as a television receiver or the like, and a hot water supply device (hot water heating device) operable by the remote control are provided. ing.
JP 2001-33097 A

  In a remote controller having the above-described information transmission function, a television receiver or the like that functions as information transmission means may be able to operate electrically independently from the hot water supply apparatus. In such a configuration, even when the remote controller and the hot water supply device are in a state where communication is impossible, the information transmitting means such as a television receiver can operate in a state independent of the hot water supply device. That is, when the remote controller configured as described above operates with power supplied from a power supply system different from that of the hot water supply device, the television receiver is normally operated regardless of whether the remote control and the hot water supply device can communicate with each other. Will work. Therefore, when the above-described conventional remote control is adopted, if the function as the remote control does not work even though the television receiver is operating normally, the main cause is that the remote control and the water heater are Although it is thought that it is a communication failure due to forgetting construction of the communication line to be connected or construction failure, it is not easy to specify whether it is due to an operation error of the remote control instead of these causes or other causes There was a problem.

  Therefore, based on such knowledge, the present invention can be used as an operation device for a hot water heater, and an electrical device with an information transmission function capable of accurately grasping a communication state with the hot water heater, and the information transmission function An object of the present invention is to provide a hot water heating system including an electric device and a hot water heater.

  Accordingly, the invention according to claim 1 provided to solve the above-described problem is an electrical device that can be connected to a state in which communication with the hot water heating apparatus is possible, and is connected to a power supply system different from the hot water heating apparatus. Provided with information transmitting means capable of transmitting display information and / or audio information in an electrically independent state from the hot water heating apparatus, and being able to communicate with the hot water heating apparatus, the hot water heating A communication detecting means that can be used as an operation device of the apparatus and is capable of performing a communication detection operation for detecting whether or not it is connected to a state capable of communicating with the hot water heating apparatus, the communication detection An electric device with an information transmission function, characterized in that a communication state with a hot water heating apparatus can be transmitted based on a detection result by operation.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide an electric device with an information transmission function capable of accurately grasping a communication failure with the hot water heating apparatus even if the information transmission means operates normally.

  In the present invention and the following description, unless otherwise specified, the electrical device with an information transmission function only needs to be connected to the hot water heating device in a communicable state, and this connection form is different from wired or wireless. It doesn't matter. In addition, the communication system for connecting the electrical device with an information transmission function of the present invention and the hot water heating apparatus may be wired or wireless as a whole, or may have a wireless part in the middle. Furthermore, the communication system connected to the hot water heater may be in any form, such as a communication system using an electrical signal or a communication system using an optical signal.

  Here, as described above, the electrical device with an information transmission function according to the present invention includes information transmission means that is electrically independent from the hot water heating device, and therefore is not used as an operation device for the hot water heating device, and transmits information. It is also possible to use only the function of the means. When it is desired to use only the function as the information transmission means, the electrical device with the information transmission function is likely to be in a state where it cannot communicate with the hot water heater. Therefore, if it is configured to send a predetermined warning via the information sending means on condition that it is detected that communication with the hot water heater is impossible, an unnecessary warning will be sent. There is a possibility of obstructing the function of the information transmission means.

  Therefore, when the usage pattern as described above is assumed, it is detected by the communication detection means that the electrical device with an information transmission function according to claim 1 cannot communicate with the hot water heater. On the condition that a predetermined warning can be transmitted through the information transmission means, the warning transmission is blocked without depending on the detection result by the communication detection means. (Claim 2).

  With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary warning from being transmitted when the function as the operation means of the hot water heater is not used.

  Here, the electrical device with an information transmission function according to claim 1 or 2 is connected to the hot water heater via a communication line and is in a communicable state, whereby the hot water heater is connected to the communication line. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the communication detection means detects whether or not the communication detection means is connected to a state in which communication with the hot water heater is possible based on the energization state of the communication line. (Claim 3).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the hot water heater and the information transmission function-equipped electrical device are connected in a communicable state via the communication line.

  Here, the electrical equipment with an information transmission function according to claims 1 to 3 may perform a communication detection operation at any timing. However, for example, if the communication detection operation is performed at the power-on timing of the hot water heater or the electrical device with information transmission function, the communication state between the electrical device with information transmission function and the hot water heater is accurately determined. There is a high possibility of grasping.

  Then, based on this knowledge, the electrical equipment with an information transmission function according to any one of claims 1 to 3 performs a communication detection operation at a predetermined timing with the hot water heater. (Claim 4).

  With this configuration, it is possible to provide an electrical device with an information transmission function that can accurately grasp the communication state between the hot water heater and the electrical device with an information transmission function at a predetermined timing.

  The invention described in claim 5 is a hot water heating system comprising the hot water heater and the electric device with information transmission function according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

  Since the hot water heating system of the present invention includes the electrical device with an information transmission function according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the communication state between the hot water heating device and the electrical device with an information transmission function is accurately determined. Can grasp.

  In addition, the above-described electrical device with an information transmission function is connected to the hot water heating device via a communication line and is in a communicable state, whereby the communication line is energized from the hot water heating device side. Communicating means for communicating information about the operation of the hot water heater via a communication line, communication line voltage detecting means for detecting the application state of voltage to the communication line, and supplying electric power to the electrical equipment with information transmission function Power supply voltage detecting means for detecting the state of voltage application to the power supply line, and is in a state in which communication with the hot water heating device is impossible, and the communication line voltage detecting means generates a voltage on the communication line. Connection failure of the communication line or operation of the control means on condition that the application of the voltage is detected and the power supply voltage detection means detects that the voltage is applied to the power supply line Bad It may be a determined configuration and shall.

  With this configuration, if communication between the electrical device with information transmission function and the hot water heater does not work well, whether this is due to poor connection of the communication line or malfunction of the control means, It is possible to easily and accurately identify whether it is due to a failure of the power supply system.

  Here, the electrical equipment with an information transmission function is often configured to include power conversion means for converting an AC external power source into a DC power source. When the electrical equipment with information transmission function is configured as described above and further provided with power conversion means, power supply voltage detection means (input voltage detection) for detecting the voltage application state to the electrical system connected to the AC external power supply The power supply voltage detection means (output voltage detection means) may be provided in the power system of the DC power source that is output from the power supply conversion means. In such a configuration, it is impossible to communicate with the hot water heater, and all of the communication line voltage detection means, the input voltage detection means, and the output voltage detection means detect that a voltage is applied. On the condition that it is done, it can be determined that the communication line is poorly connected or that the control means is malfunctioning.

  In addition, the above-described electrical device with an information transmission function according to the present invention includes a detection unit for performing a communication detection operation, and a determination for determining whether or not a communication line is connected based on a connection state signal transmitted from the detection unit. And a communication means for communicating with the hot water heating apparatus via the communication line, and the determination means is such that the connection state signal transmitted from the detection means is poorly communicated with the hot water heating apparatus. It is determined that the communication line is in a poor connection condition on the condition that communication with the hot water heating apparatus is not possible via the communication means, and a connection state signal transmitted from the detection means, It indicates that the communication with the hot water heating apparatus is normal, and it is determined that the communication means is in a malfunctioning condition on the condition that communication with the hot water heating apparatus is impossible via the communication means, Detection means The transmitted connection state signal indicates that communication with the hot water heating apparatus is poor, and the detection means is in a malfunctioning condition on condition that communication with the hot water heating apparatus is possible via the communication means. It may be characterized by determining.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily and accurately grasp which of the communication line, the communication unit, and the detection unit is in a malfunctioning state.

  In addition, the above-described electrical device with an information transmission function of the present invention is a first device that can use an information transmission function of transmitting display information and / or audio information by an information transmission means in a state in which communication with the hot water heater is impossible. It has a plurality of operation modes including a second operation mode in which the information transmission function and the operation function for operating the hot water heating apparatus can be used by being able to communicate with the operation mode and the hot water heating apparatus. After the start of power supply to the information transmission function-equipped electric device side, the communication detection operation is performed at a predetermined timing, and is performed immediately after the start of power supply to the information transmission function-equipped electric device side. The communication detection operation is interrupted by determining that the first operation mode is selected on the condition that the communication detection operation detects that communication with the hot water heater is impossible. The second operation mode is selected on the condition that communication with the hot water heating apparatus is detected in the communication detection operation performed immediately after the start of power supply to the functional electric device side. It may be determined that the communication detection operation is continued at a predetermined timing.

  According to such a configuration, there was a communication failure with the hot water heating apparatus immediately after the start of power supply to the information transmission function-equipped electric device side, or power supply to the information transmission function-equipped electric device side was started. Then, it is possible to accurately grasp whether communication failure with the hot water heater has occurred while using the electrical device with the information transmission function.

  The above-described electrical device with an information transmission function of the present invention performs a communication detection operation a plurality of times, and determines a communication state with the hot water heating apparatus based on a detection probability of a communication failure with the hot water heating apparatus in the communication detection operation. The structure characterized by this may be used.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to accurately grasp whether or not the communication failure occurring with the hot water heater is due to an unexpected factor.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even if the information transmission means is operate | moving normally, the electrical apparatus with an information transmission function which can grasp | ascertain correctly the communication failure between hot-water-heating apparatuses can be provided.

  Next, a remote controller device with a TV function (hereinafter simply referred to as a remote control device) and a hot water heating system including the remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  In FIG. 1, 1 is a remote control device of the present embodiment, and S is a hot water heating system. The hot water heating system S is configured by combining a remote control device 1 and a hot water supply device 2 (hot water heating device) as shown in the figure. The remote control device 1 is used by being installed on a wall surface of a bathroom or kitchen. The remote control device 1 has a function as an operation device of the hot water supply device 2 and a function as a television receiver.

  More specifically, the remote control device 1 has a configuration in which an information transmission unit 11 (information transmission unit) and an operation unit 12 are provided on the front side of the resin box 10 as shown in FIG. . The main power switch 13 is a switch for turning on / off the power of the remote control device 1. In addition, the information transmission unit 11 includes a monitor 15 that exists in the approximate center when the remote controller 1 is viewed from the front, and speakers 16 that are arranged on both sides of the monitor 15. The monitor 15 and the speaker 16 function as a so-called television receiver when combined with a tuner box 28 described later.

  The monitor 15 displays image information such as still images and moving images, graphic information, and character information. The monitor 15 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display (PDP), a flat panel display (FPD) such as an organic EL display, a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube), or the like. It is comprised using the cathode ray tube etc. which are. The monitor 15 corresponds to a so-called television screen, and converts an electrical signal transmitted from the microcomputer 20 in addition to image information and character information obtained by converting an electrical signal based on a television broadcast received by a tuner circuit 23 described later. It is possible to display character information, menu information, image information, and the like formed in this way.

  The speaker 16 functions as sound information transmitting means capable of transmitting mechanical sounds such as beep sounds and voices. The speaker 16 is capable of transmitting sound information by converting an electric signal based on a television broadcast received by a tuner circuit 23 described later or an electric signal transmitted from the microcomputer 20.

  A main power switch 13 is provided at an upper position when the remote control device 1 is viewed from the front, and an operation unit 12 including a plurality of button type switches is provided at a lower position. The operation unit 12 includes hot water supply switches 17a to 17d, selection switches 18a to 18d, an upper switch 19a, and a lower switch 19b. The hot water supply switches 17 a to 17 d are switches for operating the hot water supply device 2.

  Further, the selection switches 18a to 18c are buttons for selecting menus 15a to 15c (operation items) displayed on the monitor 15 directly above them as shown in FIG. The upper switch 19a and the lower switch 19b are for operating the hot water supply device 2 and operating the information transmission unit 11, respectively. More specifically, depending on the timing and conditions of use, the upper switch 19a and the lower switch 19b are used as buttons for adjusting the hot water supply temperature, for example, or received by a television receiver configured by the information transmission unit 11. It is used for channel adjustment and volume adjustment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the remote control device 1 includes a microcomputer 20, a detection circuit 21 (communication detection means), a communication circuit 22, a tuner circuit 23, and a power supply circuit 25 inside the box 10. In the present embodiment, the tuner circuit 23 and the power supply circuit 25 are housed inside the box body 10 in an integrated state as a tuner box 28.

  The remote control device 1 has connection terminals 29 a and 29 b for connecting a communication line 35 for performing communication with the hot water supply device 2. The remote control device 1 can transmit and receive signals to and from the microcomputer 20 via the tuner box 28 by connecting the communication line 35 to the connection terminals 29a and 29b. The microcomputer 20 includes a detection unit 26 for detecting a communication state with the hot water supply device 2 and a data processing unit 27 for exchanging data with the hot water supply device 2.

  The detection circuit 21 includes a signal transmission element 30 that can transmit a signal while being electrically insulated, such as a photocoupler or an optical MOS FET. Based on the signal transmitted thereby, the remote control device 1 and the hot water supply device 2 are connected to each other. It detects the communication state. As shown in FIG. 4, the detection circuit 21 of the present embodiment employs a photocoupler as the signal transmission element 30 and is connected to a current limiting resistor (not shown).

  The signal transmission element 30 (hereinafter referred to as a photocoupler 30 as necessary) is configured by combining a light emitting diode 31 and a phototransistor 32. The anode 31 a and the cathode 31 b of the light emitting diode 31 are configured to be electrically connectable to the hot water supply device 2 side via the communication line 35. The phototransistor 32 has a collector electrode 32a connected to the input port of the microcomputer 20, and an emitter electrode 32b connected to the circuit ground (GND-B) on the remote control device 1 side. The circuit on the collector electrode 32a side is pulled up by inserting a pull-up resistor 36. Therefore, when the communication line 35 is not connected to the anode 31a and the cathode 31b of the light emitting diode 31, the voltage pulled up to the microcomputer 20 is inputted as it is. The microcomputer 20 can detect the connection state of the communication line 35 by monitoring the voltage input from the anode 31 a side by the detection unit 26.

  The communication circuit 22 includes a communication line 35 (hereinafter referred to as a communication line 35a) connected to the anode 31a side of the light emitting diode 31 in the communication line 35 and a communication line 35 (hereinafter referred to as a communication line 35b) connected to the cathode 31b side. And a microcomputer 20 for communicating with the hot water supply device 2 by superimposing a predetermined signal. A DC voltage of 15 [V] is applied to the communication line 35a, and the communication line 35b is connected to a circuit ground (GND-A) on the hot water supply device 2 side.

  The tuner circuit 23 generates a tuning function for selecting a radio wave of a target frequency from radio waves received by an antenna (not shown), and generates an electrical signal for reproduction as sound or video from the selected radio wave. And a circuit having a function of transmitting to the network. The power supply circuit 25 is housed in the tuner box 28 together with the tuner circuit 23, and has a function of converting an AC power supply of 100 [V] into a DC power supply of 12 [V]. The remote control device 1 is configured to operate with a 12 [V] DC power generated by the power circuit 25. That is, remote control device 1 is connected to a power supply system different from hot water supply device 2.

  The hot water supply device 2 has a configuration similar to that of a conventionally known hot water supply device, such as one that burns liquid fuel such as gas or kerosene to heat hot water, one that heats hot water using electric energy, and the like. Things can be adopted. The hot water supply device 2 operates by receiving power supply from a power supply system different from the remote control device 1 described above. In the present embodiment, the hot water supply device 2 is connected to a 100 [V] AC power source that is different from the remote control device 1.

  In the remote control device 1 of the present embodiment, the detection unit 26 of the microcomputer 20 performs a communication detection operation for detecting the voltage input through the detection circuit 21 when the power to the remote control device 1 is turned on or at a predetermined timing. Then, the communication state between the remote control device 1 and the hot water supply device 2 is confirmed. When remote control device 1 is connected in a state where data communication with hot water supply device 2 is possible, remote control device 1 can be used as a remote control device for hot water supply device 2. In this case, the data processing unit 27 of the microcomputer 20 exchanges data with the hot water supply device 2, such as the hot water supply temperature, the bath reheating temperature, the amount of hot water dropped into the bath, and the like. Settings can be made, the operating state of the hot water supply device 2 can be displayed on the monitor 15 based on the data read from the hot water supply device 2 side, and voice output from the speaker 16 can be performed.

  The remote control device 1 of this embodiment is characterized by the above-described communication detection operation. Hereinafter, the communication detection operation will be described in detail with reference to the control flow shown in FIG.

  When the control flow shown in FIG. 6 is started, the microcomputer 20 confirms in step 1-1 whether or not a flag indicating whether or not a warning operation is possible is in an ON state. That is, as described above, since the remote control device 1 is connected to a power supply system that is different from the hot water supply device 2, the information transmission unit 11 functions as a television receiver regardless of the communication state with the hot water supply device 2. Can be demonstrated. Therefore, when the remote control device 1 is not used as an operation device for the hot water supply device 2 but is used as a television receiver, it is necessary to perform a warning operation without any problem regardless of the communication state with the hot water supply device 2. There is no. Therefore, the remote control device 1 can be set not to perform a warning operation by turning on the above-described flag by performing a predetermined warning cancellation operation. In the initial state, the above-described flag is in an off state.

  Returning to the description of the control flow, when the flag described above is in the ON state in step 1-1, the remote control device 1 is not used as an operation device for the hot water supply device 2, but is used as a television receiver. Therefore, in this case, the control flow shown in FIG. 6 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the flag is off in step 1-1, the remote control device 1 is used as an operating device for the hot water supply device 2. Therefore, in this case, it is important whether the communication line 35 connecting the remote control device 1 and the hot water supply device 2 is connected, that is, whether the remote control 1 and the hot water supply device 2 are in a communicable state. Therefore, if the flag is off in step 1-1, the control flow proceeds to step 1-2, and it is confirmed whether or not the pulled-up voltage is input to the detection unit 26 of the microcomputer 20.

  Here, as described above, when the voltage pulled up to the detection unit 26 is not input (when the input is at the L level), the communication lines 35 a and 35 b are connected to the connection terminals 29 a and 29 b of the remote control device 1. It is connected and the remote control device 1 and the hot water supply device 2 are in a communicable state. In this case, since the remote control device 1 can be used as the operating means of the hot water supply device 2, a series of control flow is completed.

  On the other hand, when the voltage pulled up to the detection unit 26 in step 1-2 is input (when the input is at the H level), the communication lines 35a and 35b are connected to the connection terminals 29a and 29b of the remote control device 1. Or one or both of the communication lines 35a and 35b are disconnected. Therefore, in this case, the remote control device 1 cannot be used as the operation means of the hot water supply device 2. Therefore, on the condition that the input to the detection unit 26 is H level in Step 1-2, the control flow is advanced to Step 1-3, and a warning display as shown in FIG. Is done.

  When a warning is displayed in step 1-3, the control flow proceeds to step 1-4 to check whether a warning canceling operation has been performed. More specifically, as described above, the remote control device 1 of the present embodiment can be used as an operating means of the hot water supply device 2 or as a television receiver. When the remote control device 1 is not used as an operation unit of the hot water supply device 2, it is not necessary to be connected to the hot water supply device 2 via the communication line 35. Therefore, the remote control device 1 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to perform a warning canceling operation for canceling the warning display by simultaneously pressing the upper switch 19a and the lower switch 19b, for example.

  Returning the description to the control flow, when the control flow proceeds to step 1-4, the microcomputer 20 confirms the presence or absence of the above-described warning release operation. Here, when there is no warning release operation, the warning display is continuously displayed. On the other hand, when the warning release operation is performed in step 1-4, it is a case where the remote control device 1 is used as a television receiver, and it is not necessary to perform the warning operation. Therefore, in this case, the control flow proceeds to step 1-5 and step 1-6, the flag is turned on, and the warning display is deleted from the monitor 15. When the warning display is cleared, a series of control flow is completed.

  As described above, the remote control device 1 can accurately detect a connection failure or disconnection of the communication line 35 even in a situation where the function as a television receiver can be normally exhibited.

  In addition, the remote control device 1 described above can erase the warning display displayed on the monitor 15 by performing a warning canceling operation when not used as an operation means of the hot water supply device 2. Therefore, the remote control device 1 can prevent the function of the television receiver from being hindered by the warning display even when the remote control device 1 is not used as an operating means of the hot water supply device 2 and is used as a television receiver.

  The remote control device 1 described above is connected to the hot water supply device 2 via the communication line 35 when used as an operation device of the hot water supply device 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. , Some or all of them may be wirelessly connected. In the above-described embodiment, the communication line 35 communicates using an electrical signal. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, communicates using an optical signal. It may be in any form. In addition, when setting it as such a structure, according to the communication form of the remote control apparatus 1 and the hot water supply apparatus 2, the structure of the detection circuit 21 can be changed suitably.

  The detection circuit 21 described above is merely an example of the present invention. For example, the signal transmission element 30 may include a signal transmission element such as an optical MOS FET instead of the photocoupler. In the above embodiment, the DC voltage applied to the communication line 35 is 15 [V], whereas the remote control device 1 operates by applying a DC voltage of 12 [V]. Although the photocoupler is employed because the voltage references are different from each other, the signal transmission element 30 such as a photocoupler may not be used when both voltage references are the same. In addition, the remote control device 1 periodically communicates with the hot water supply device 2 at a predetermined timing, and confirms whether or not the communication has been received, thereby connecting the communication line 35 that connects the remote control device 1 and the hot water supply device 2. A configuration in which the state is confirmed is also possible. With this configuration, a configuration in which the signal transmission element 30 such as a photocoupler is not used can be achieved.

  The remote control device 1 described above performs the communication detection operation in accordance with the control flow shown in FIG. 6 at the power-on timing, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the communication is performed at other timings. It is good also as composition which carries out detection operation, or composition which carries out communication detection operation intermittently for every predetermined timing.

  The remote control device 1 uses the upper switch 19a and the lower switch 19b used as switches when operating the hot water supply device 2 or using the remote control device 1 as a television receiver as switches for releasing the warning display. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a warning release button or switch may be separately prepared.

  The remote control device 1 displays a warning display as shown in FIG. 5B on the monitor 15 and can release the warning display using the upper switch 19a and the lower switch 19b. The display form and the warning display canceling method are not limited to this. More specifically, for example, a message such as “Please check the connection with the hot water supply device” is displayed on the monitor 15, and “Erase”, “Leave”, etc. are displayed on any of the menus 15a to 15c. A configuration may be adopted in which a function for turning off or leaving the warning display is assigned to the selection switches 18a to 18c corresponding thereto.

  In the above embodiment, the warning display is performed using the monitor 15, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the speaker 16 is used to transmit a beep sound or a voice message. It may be configured to warn of a communication failure between the remote control device 1 and the hot water supply device 2. Furthermore, the remote control device 1 may be configured to use both warning display by the monitor 15 and warning using the speaker 16. Thus, if it is set as the structure which transmits the sound information using the speaker 16, even if it is the state which is not looking at the monitor 15, the communication failure of the remote control apparatus 1 and the hot-water supply apparatus 2 can be confirmed.

  In addition, the remote control device 1 may be configured to provide a display lamp or the like in addition to the monitor 15 and the speaker 16, for example, thereby warning a communication failure. More specifically, for example, a display lamp (not shown) or the like may be provided on the operation panel surface of the remote control device 1 so that a communication failure may be warned. With such a configuration, even if the warning is not given by the display by the monitor 15 or the output by the speaker 16, the warning can be given by the display lamp or the like, and the communication failure is promptly and surely made to the installer or the like. Can be informed.

  As yet another modification, the remote control device 1 is generated in the power supply circuit 25 between the power input lines 53a and 53b for the remote control device 1 connected to an external power supply of AC 100 [V] as shown in FIG. Between power supply output lines 55a and 55b for supplying a DC power of 12 [V] and between power output lines 56a and 56b for connecting a communication line 35a and 35b and supplying a DC power of 15 [V]. It is good also as a structure which attached the light emitting diodes 50-52 to each, and connected the resistance for current limitation which is not illustrated to these in series.

  If the light-emitting diodes 50 to 52 attached as described above are attached so as to be observable from the outside of the tuner box 28 as shown in FIG. 8, the disconnection occurs at any part based on the light-emitting state of the light-emitting diodes 50 to 52. It is possible to grasp whether or not connection failure is occurring.

  More specifically, in the case of the circuit configuration as shown in FIG. 7, the light emitting diode 50 determines whether or not a voltage is applied between the power input lines 53a and 53b for supplying power to the power circuit 25 of the remote control device 1. By detecting whether or not light is emitted, the connection state of the power input lines 53a and 53b can be confirmed. Further, when the circuit configuration as shown in FIG. 7 is adopted, a voltage is applied between the power supply output lines 55a and 55b for outputting the power necessary for performing the function as a television receiver from the power supply circuit 25. Whether or not it is detected by the light emitting diode 51 can confirm the output state of the power supply circuit 25. Similarly, whether or not a voltage is applied between the communication lines 35a and 35b can be detected by the light emitting diode 52, and the connection state of the communication lines 35a and 35b can be confirmed.

  In the case of the circuit configuration as shown in FIG. 7, if each of the light emitting diodes 50 to 52 is lit, the connection state of the power input lines 53 a and 53 b and the power input lines 35 a and 35 b is normal. It can be determined that the output state is normal. Further, when the remote control device 1 cannot function as a television receiver even though all the light emitting diodes 50 to 52 are lit, there is a possibility that the power output lines 55a and 55b are broken or short-circuited. It can be judged that there is. Furthermore, when the hot water supply device 2 cannot be operated by the remote control device 1 even though all the light emitting diodes 50 to 52 are lit, the power output lines 56a and 56b of the tuner box 28 are disconnected or short-circuited. It can be judged that there is a possibility of being. Therefore, by adopting the circuit configuration as shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to easily and accurately grasp the location where the disconnection or short-circuit in the remote control device 1 may occur.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, whether the light emitting diodes 50 to 52 emit light depending on whether a voltage is applied between the power input lines 53a and 53b, between the power output lines 55a and 55b, and between the power output lines 56a and 56b. It was a configuration that could be detected by no. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the light emitting diodes 50 to 52, a voltage detecting means capable of detecting a voltage is separately prepared, and the power input lines 53a, 53a, It may be configured to detect disconnection or short circuit of 53b or power supply output lines 55a, 55b, 56a, 56b.

  Further, in the configuration shown in FIG. 7, the disconnection or the short circuit can be determined in the light emitting state of the light emitting diodes 50 to 52, but the light emitting state of the light emitting diodes 50 to 52 and the light emitting diodes 50 to 52 are substituted. On the basis of the voltage value detected by the voltage detection means provided, the disconnection or short circuit of the power input lines 53a, 53b and the power output lines 55a, 55b, 56a, 56b is determined. It is good also as a structure which alert | reports via 16. FIG.

  As described above, the remote control device 1 can identify the location where the wiring defect has occurred, for example, by setting the circuit configuration of the tuner box 28 as shown in FIG. It is not limited to. More specifically, the remote control device 1 identifies the location where the wiring defect occurs by making the circuit configuration of the tuner box 28 the same as that shown in FIG. 1 and partially changing the control method shown in FIG. can do.

  More specifically, when the voltage pulled up is input to the detection unit 26 of the microcomputer 20 in step 1-2 of the control flow shown in FIG. 6, the input to the microcomputer 20 is at the H level. In this case, there is a high probability that the communication lines 35a and 35b are poorly connected, but the detection circuit 21 may be defective. Therefore, when the input to the microcomputer 20 is at the H level, the detection circuit 21 is confirmed by checking whether or not communication can be actually performed between the remote control device 1 and the hot water supply device 2 via the communication lines 35a and 35b. Whether the communication line 35a or 35b is defective.

  Further, as described above, the remote control device 1 is configured to include the communication circuit 22 as a circuit for performing communication with the hot water supply device 2, even if the communication lines 35 a and 35 b are normally connected. If the communication circuit 22 is defective, communication cannot be performed between the remote control device 1 and the hot water supply device 2. Therefore, when the input to the microcomputer 20 is at the L level, the communication circuit 22 is confirmed by checking whether or not the remote control device 1 and the hot water supply device 2 can actually communicate with each other via the communication lines 35a and 35b. It is possible to confirm whether or not is defective.

  More specifically, the remote control device 1 can be configured to operate according to a control flow as shown in FIG. That is, when the control flow shown in FIG. 9 is started, the microcomputer 20 confirms whether or not a flag indicating whether or not a warning operation is possible is in an ON state in step 2-1. Here, when the flag is in the on state, the remote control device 1 does not need to exhibit the function as the operation device of the hot water supply device 2 and may function as a television receiver. Therefore, when the flag is on in step 2-1, the control flow shown in FIG. 9 is completed.

  On the other hand, when the flag is off in step 2-1, the remote control device 1 is used as an operation device for the hot water supply device 2, the communication lines 35a and 35b are normally connected, and the detection circuit 21 is connected. And the communication circuit 22 must operate normally. Therefore, when the control flow proceeds to step 2-2, whether or not the pulled-up voltage is input to the detection unit 26 of the microcomputer 20, that is, whether the input to the microcomputer 20 is H level or L level. Is confirmed.

  In Step 2-2, when the input to the microcomputer 20 is at the H level, it is assumed that the detection circuit 21 is defective or the communication lines 35a and 35b are not normally connected. Therefore, if the input to the microcomputer 20 is at the H level in step 2-2, the control flow proceeds to step 2-3, and it is specified for which reason the input to the microcomputer 20 is at the H level. Is done. That is, when the control flow proceeds to step 2-3, it is confirmed whether signals can be exchanged between the remote control device 1 and the hot water supply device 2 via the communication lines 35a and 35b.

  If communication is possible between the remote control device 1 and the hot water supply device 2 in step 2-3, it is assumed that the communication lines 35a and 35b are normally connected and that the detection circuit 21 has malfunctioned. The Therefore, if communication is possible between the remote control device 1 and the hot water supply device 2 in step 2-3, the process proceeds to step 2-4. For example, “Detection circuit failure. The hot water supply device can be operated. Is displayed on the monitor 15 to notify the failure of the detection circuit 21.

  Conversely, if communication between the remote control device 1 and the hot water supply device 2 is impossible in step 2-3, the cause of the input to the microcomputer 20 being H level in step 2-2 is the communication line 35a. , 35b is assumed to be due to poor connection or short circuit. Therefore, in step 2-3, the control flow is advanced to step 2-8 on the condition that communication between the remote control device 1 and the hot water supply device 2 is impossible. For example, “The communication line is disconnected or short-circuited. Is displayed on the monitor 15.

  On the other hand, when the input to the microcomputer 20 is at the L level in the above step 2-2, it is assumed that the detection circuit 21 is operating normally and the communication lines 35a and 35b are also connected normally. . However, as described above, the remote control device 1 does not normally operate as an operation device for the hot water supply device 2 when the communication circuit 22 has malfunctioned. Therefore, if the input to the microcomputer 20 is at the L level in step 2-2, the control flow proceeds to step 2-9, and it is confirmed whether communication can be normally performed between the remote control device 1 and the hot water supply device 2. The

  As described above, if the communication detection operation is performed according to the control flow as shown in FIG. 9, the location causing the communication failure between the remote control device 1 and the hot water supply device 2 can be easily identified. Further, if the control flow shown in FIG. 9 is adopted, it is not necessary to separately provide voltage detecting means such as the light emitting diodes 50 to 52 as illustrated in the circuit configuration shown in FIG. The cause of this can be accurately grasped.

  As described above, when the communication detection operation is performed according to the control flow shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the input to the microcomputer 20 is at the H level, and the warning release operation is performed when the warning is displayed. As a condition, the remote controller 1 is determined not to be used as an operating device for the hot water supply device 2 but to be used as a television receiver. However, when the input to the microcomputer 20 is at the H level from the time of connection to the power source (AC 100 [V]) for the remote control device 1 (when the power is turned on), the remote control device 1 is used as the operating device for the hot water supply device 2. Instead, there is a high possibility that the communication lines 35a and 35b are not connected to be used as a television receiver.

  Therefore, based on such knowledge, the remote control device 1 performs a communication detection operation in accordance with a control flow as shown in FIG. 10 immediately after turning on the power to determine whether or not the connection state of the communication lines 35a and 35b is intentional. It is good also as a structure which implements communication detection operation | movement according to the control flow as shown in FIG.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the remote control device 1 determines whether or not the input to the microcomputer 20 is at the H level immediately after power-on, that is, whether or not the communication lines 35a and 35b are not connected. To check. If the input to the microcomputer 20 is at the H level in step 3-1, the control flow moves to step 3-2 and shows the connection state of the communication lines 35a and 35b immediately after the power supply to the remote control device 1 is turned on. The initial confirmation flag is turned on, and the control flow shown in FIG. 10 is completed. On the other hand, if the input to the microcomputer 20 is at the L level in step 3-1, the communication lines 35a and 35b are normally connected, so the control flow shown in FIG. 10 is completed while the initial confirmation flag is off. .

  After the initial confirmation flag is set by the control flow shown in FIG. 10, the communication detection operation is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, when the initial confirmation flag is on in the control flow shown in FIG. 10, the communication lines 35a and 35b are not connected to the remote control device 1 in the initial state, and the remote control device 1 is used exclusively as a television receiver. This is the case. Therefore, in this case, the control flow ends as it is from step 4-1, and the communication detection operation is not performed. On the other hand, when the initial confirmation flag is in the OFF state, the control flow proceeds to the above-described step 1-1 or step 2-1, and the communication detection operation is performed according to the control flow shown in FIG. 6 or FIG.

  If the communication detection operation is performed according to the control flow shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, whether or not the connection failure of the communication lines 35a and 35b is caused by disconnection or the like in the process of using the remote control device 1. Can be accurately grasped.

  When the communication detection operation is performed according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, communication failure between the remote control device 1 and the hot water heating device 2 is detected when it is detected that the input signal to the microcomputer 20 becomes H level. For example, the communication detection operation is performed a predetermined number of times M in a predetermined unit time, and the appearance probability P (P = N / M) of the number N that the input signal is at the H level is determined. The degree of communication failure between the remote control device 1 and the hot water heating device 2 may be determined based on the calculation result, and notification may be performed based on the determination result. More specifically, if the appearance probability P is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold Q, it is disconnected, and if it is less than the threshold Q, it can be determined to be normal. In such a configuration, when a communication failure between the remote control device 1 and the hot water heating device 2 suddenly occurs for some reason such as disturbance or detection error, it is erroneously detected that the communication lines 35a and 35b are disconnected or short-circuited. Can be prevented.

  Moreover, when deriving the appearance probability P as described above, the threshold value Q may be set in a plurality of stages. That is, the threshold value Q described above can be set in n stages such as threshold values Q1, Q2,... (N = natural number, Q1> Q2>...). In the case of such a configuration, it is possible to grasp the degree of communication failure between the remote control device 1 and the hot water heating device 2 by checking at which level the appearance probability P is. More specifically, for example, when the appearance probability P is greater than or equal to the threshold value Q1 (P ≧ Q1), it is determined that the communication lines 35a and 35b are broken or short-circuited, and the appearance probability P is less than the threshold value Q1 and the threshold value Q2 When the above is true (Q1> P ≧ Q2), it may be determined that a disconnection or a short circuit is occurring. In addition, when it is determined that a disconnection or a short-circuit is occurring, for example, text information or voice information such as “There is a possibility of disconnection” may be transmitted and notified. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of disconnection or short-circuit of the communication lines 35a and 35b when a communication failure between the remote control device 1 and the hot water heating device 2 occurs unexpectedly for some reason. It is possible to predict the disconnection and short circuit of 35a and 35b and to notify them accurately.

  Further, in the case of the above-described configuration, the number M of times that the communication detection operation is performed per unit time and the value of the number N that is a determination criterion are determined by the installer or user of the remote control device 1 via the operation unit 12 or the like. The configuration may be arbitrarily set.

  In the above embodiment, the remote control device 1 can be used as a television receiver even if it is not connected to the hot water supply device 2 via the communication line 35, but the present invention is not limited to this. . More specifically, the remote control device 1 is a function capable of independently transmitting moving image information and audio information stored in some storage medium such as a so-called DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) player or CD (Compact Disc) player. It is also possible to have a so-called AV (audiovisual) function, such as a radio station or a radio station that can transmit only audio information. Also in the case of such a configuration, similarly to the remote control device 1 described above, it is possible to provide a remote control device capable of accurately grasping the communication state with the hot water supply device 2 and contributing to early detection of communication failure.

It is an apparatus block diagram which shows the structure of the hot water heating system which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the remote control device which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electric circuit with which the remote control apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is provided. It is a circuit diagram which shows the detection circuit with which the remote control apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is provided. (A), (b) is a front view which respectively shows the operation state of the remote control apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the remote control apparatus in the hot water heating system shown in FIG. It is an apparatus block diagram which shows the structure of the modification of the hot water heating system shown in FIG. It is a front view which shows an example of the tuner box employ | adopted as the hot-water heater shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of operation | movement of a remote control device. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of operation | movement of a remote control device. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of operation | movement of a remote control device.

Explanation of symbols

1 Remote controller device with TV function (Remote control device / Electric device with information transmission function)
2 Hot water supply device (hot water heating device)
11 Information transmitter (information transmitter)
20 microcomputer 21 detection circuit (communication detection means)
22 Communication Circuit 26 Detection Unit 30 Signal Transmission Element (Photocoupler)
35 Communication line S Hot water heating system

Claims (5)

An electrical device that can be connected to a hot water heating device in a communicable state,
It is connected to a power supply system different from the hot water heater, and comprises information transmitting means capable of transmitting display information and / or audio information in a state electrically independent from the hot water heater,
By being able to communicate with the hot water heater, it can be used as an operating device for the hot water heater,
Comprising a communication detection means capable of performing a communication detection operation for detecting whether or not the hot water heater is connected in a communicable state;
An electrical device with an information transmission function, characterized in that a communication state with a hot water heating apparatus can be transmitted based on a detection result by the communication detection operation. On the condition that it is detected by the communication detection means that communication with the hot water heater is impossible, a predetermined warning can be sent via the information sending means,
The electrical device with an information transmission function according to claim 1, further comprising blocking means for blocking the warning transmission without depending on the detection result of the communication detection means. By being connected to the hot water heating device via a communication line and being in a communicable state, the communication line is energized from the hot water heating device side,
3. The information transmission function according to claim 1, wherein the communication detection unit detects whether or not the communication detection unit is connected to a state capable of communicating with the hot water heating apparatus based on an energization state of the communication line. Electrical equipment.   The communication device with the information transmission function according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a communication detection operation is performed at a predetermined timing with the hot water heater.   A hot water heating system comprising a hot water heating device and the electrical device with an information transmission function according to claim 1.

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