JP2007101060A - Remote control system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce energy consumption of an apparatus body by improving energy saving consciousness of a user. <P>SOLUTION: In a consumption level signaling means provided in a bathroom remote control, when energy consumption monitor data En_dat is received from a hot water supply device in STEP 1, it is judged whether a level of gas consumption Ga_c comprehended from the energy consumption monitor data En_dat is a high level LE2 or more, or a middle level LE1 or more in STEP 22, STEP 23. If the gas consumption Ga_c is LE2 or more, a buzzer sound in an output form of "-O, O, O" is outputted in STEP 31, if the gas consumption Ga_c is less than LE2 and more than LE1, a buzzer sound in an output form of "-O, O" is outputted in STEP 41, and if the gas consumption is less than LE1, a buzzer sound in an output form of "-O" is outputted in STEP 25. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a system for remotely operating a device main body using a remote control device, and more particularly to promoting reduction of energy consumption in the device main body.

  Conventionally, for example, in a remote control device for remotely operating a hot water supply device, the amount of energy (gas, kerosene, electricity) used, energy usage fee, water usage amount, water fee, etc. are displayed on the display unit of the remote control device. Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  According to such a remote control device, the user can confirm the amount of energy used or the amount of water used by visually checking the display unit of the remote control device. As a result, the energy saving awareness of the user is increased, and the amount of energy used and the amount of water used are reduced.

However, even if the amount of energy consumed is displayed on the remote control in this way, the user's awareness of energy saving is low, and the effect of reducing the amount of energy consumed cannot be obtained unless the display unit of the remote control device is visually recognized. There was an inconvenience.
JP-A-11-194035

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a remote control system that can solve the above-mentioned disadvantages, increase the user's energy saving awareness, and promote the reduction of the energy consumption of the device body.

  The present invention has been made to achieve the above object, and in a remote operation system comprising a device main body and a remote control device for remotely operating the device main body configured to be able to communicate with each other, the device main body includes Energy consumption level calculation means for calculating the energy consumption level of the device main body, and energy consumption monitoring data indicating the energy consumption level of the device main body at the first predetermined time at the first predetermined time during operation of the device main body Consumption level monitoring means for transmitting to the remote control device, and the remote control device, when receiving the energy consumption monitoring data, the ringing means and the ringing preset in a plurality of stages according to the energy consumption level Corresponding to the energy consumption level obtained from the energy consumption monitoring data. At the stage of output modes, characterized in that a consumption level notifying means for sounding the 該鳴 motion means.

  According to the present invention, when the remote control device receives the energy consumption monitoring data transmitted from the device main body, the remote control device outputs the energy consumption monitoring data in an output mode according to the energy consumption level grasped from the energy consumption monitoring data. Ring the ringing means. Therefore, the user can recognize the energy consumption level of the device main body in real time due to the difference in the output mode of the ringing sound of the ringing means. As a result, the energy consumption level is forcibly and half-forced through hearing without requiring the user to actively view the display means as in the case of displaying the energy consumption level on the display means. It can be recognized. Therefore, it is possible to enhance energy saving awareness and promote reduction of the energy consumption level of the device main body for users who are reluctant to save energy.

  In addition, the first predetermined time point is each time when a first predetermined time elapses after the device main body starts operation.

  According to the present invention, the energy consumption monitoring data is transmitted from the device main body to the remote control device each time the first predetermined time elapses after the device main body starts operation. The ringing means is ringed by the device in an output mode corresponding to the energy consumption level grasped from the energy consumption monitoring data. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the user to quickly recognize a change in the energy consumption level of the device body, and to further increase energy saving awareness.

  In addition, the consumption level monitoring means includes, as the energy consumption monitoring data, data indicating the total amount of energy consumed by the device main body during the latest first predetermined time, and the most recent first predetermined time. Data indicating energy consumption of the device main body per unit time at the time of elapse, data indicating an average value of energy consumption of the device main body per unit time during the most recent first predetermined time, and the device Data indicating the total amount of energy consumed by the device main body between the start of operation of the main body and the elapse of the first predetermined time, and the first At least one of the data indicating the average value of the energy consumption of the device body per unit time until the elapse of the predetermined time And transmitting the data.

  According to the present invention, the consumption level monitoring means of the device main body transmits data indicating the total amount of energy consumed by the device main body during the most recent first predetermined time as the energy consumption monitoring data. Thus, the sounding means is sounded by the consumption level notifying means of the remote control device in an output manner corresponding to the level of the total amount of energy consumed by the device main body during the first predetermined time. Thus, even if the energy consumption level of the device main body frequently increases or decreases depending on the operation mode of the device main body, an appropriate energy consumption level guideline can be notified to the user.

  Further, by transmitting, from the consumption level monitoring means of the device main body, data indicating the energy consumption amount of the device main body per unit time at the time when the first predetermined time has passed most recently as the energy consumption monitoring data The sounding means is sounded by the consumption level notifying means of the remote control device in an output manner corresponding to the level of energy consumption of the device main unit per unit time at the most recent elapse of the first predetermined time. In this case, when the energy consumption of the device main body increases, the output mode of the ringing means changes accordingly. Therefore, an increase in the energy consumption of the device main body is promptly notified to the user, thereby increasing the user's awareness of energy saving.

  Further, from the consumption level monitoring means of the device main body, data indicating an average value of the energy consumption amount of the device main body per unit time during the latest first predetermined time is transmitted as the energy consumption monitoring data. Thus, the sounding means is sounded by the consumption level notifying means of the remote control device in an output manner corresponding to the average value of the energy consumption amount of the device body per unit time during the most recent first predetermined time. Thus, even if the energy consumption level of the device main body frequently increases or decreases depending on the operation mode of the device main body, an appropriate energy consumption level guideline can be notified to the user.

  Further, from the consumption level monitoring means of the device main body, the energy consumption monitoring data is consumed by the device main body between the start of operation of the device main body and the time when the first predetermined time has passed most recently. By transmitting data indicating the total amount of energy, the ringing means in an output mode according to the total amount of energy consumed by the device body from the start of operation of the device body by the consumption level notification means of the remote control device. It is ringed. As a result, the user can be made aware of the level of the total amount of energy consumed by the device body from the start of operation, and the user's energy saving awareness can be enhanced.

  Further, from the consumption level monitoring means of the device main body, as the energy consumption monitoring data, from the start of operation of the device main body to the time of the first predetermined time from the start of operation of the device main body. By transmitting data indicating the average value of the energy consumption of the device main body per unit time, the consumption level notification means of the remote control device causes the energy consumption by the device main body to increase or decrease from the start of operation. The sounding means is sounded in a corresponding output mode. As a result, the user can recognize the level of increase / decrease in the energy consumption of the device main body from the start of operation, and the user's awareness of energy saving can be enhanced.

  The apparatus main body is a hot water supply device, and has a flow rate sensor for detecting a flow rate of hot water supplied from the hot water supply device, and the consumption level monitoring means detects the flow rate sensor at a second predetermined time point. Water consumption monitoring data indicating the supply level of hot water from the hot water supply device at the second predetermined time calculated based on the flow rate is transmitted, and when the consumption level notification means receives the water consumption monitoring data, Of the output modes of the ringing means set in advance in accordance with the hot water supply level, the ringing means in an output mode corresponding to the hot water supply level ascertained from the water consumption monitoring data. It is characterized by making it ring.

  According to this invention, when the remote control device receives the water consumption monitoring data transmitted from the hot water supply device, in an output mode according to the hot water supply level grasped from the water consumption monitoring data, The sounding means is sounded. Therefore, the user can recognize the hot water supply level from the hot water supply device in real time by the output mode of the ringing sound of the ringing means, thereby enhancing the user's water saving awareness as well as energy saving awareness. Reduction of the amount of hot water used can be promoted.

  In addition, the second predetermined time point is every time when a second predetermined time elapses after the hot water supply apparatus starts a hot water supply operation.

  According to the present invention, each time the second predetermined time elapses after the hot water supply device starts the hot water supply operation, the water consumption monitoring data is transmitted from the device main body to the remote control device, and The ringing means is ringed by the remote control device in an output manner corresponding to the hot water supply level from the hot water supply apparatus ascertained from the water consumption monitoring data. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the user to quickly recognize a change in the hot water supply level from the hot water supply device, and to further enhance water saving awareness.

  The consumption level monitoring means includes, as the water consumption monitoring data, data indicating the total amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply apparatus during the latest second predetermined time, and the latest second predetermined time. Data indicating the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply device per unit time at the time of passage, and data indicating the average value of the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply device per unit time during the most recent second predetermined time And data indicating the total amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply device between the start of operation of the hot water supply device and the time when the second predetermined time has passed most recently, and the latest from the start of operation of the hot water supply device At least one of the data indicating the average value of the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply device per unit time until the second predetermined time elapses. When That.

  According to the present invention, data indicating the total amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply device during the second predetermined time is transmitted as the water consumption monitoring data from the consumption level monitoring means of the hot water supply device. Accordingly, the ringing means is ringed in an output mode corresponding to the total amount of hot water supply during the second predetermined time by the consumption level notifying means of the remote control device. And even if it is a case where the amount of hot water supply of the said hot water supply apparatus increases or decreases frequently according to the usage mode of hot water, an appropriate water consumption guideline can be notified to the user.

  In addition, data indicating the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply device per unit time when the second predetermined time has passed most recently is transmitted as the water consumption monitoring data from the consumption level monitoring means of the hot water supply device. Thus, the ringing means in an output mode according to the level of the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply device per unit time when the second predetermined time has passed most recently by the consumption level notification means of the remote control device. It is ringed. In this case, when the amount of hot water supplied from the water heater increases, the output mode of the ringing means changes accordingly. Therefore, an increase in the supply amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply apparatus is promptly notified to the user, thereby increasing the user's awareness of energy saving.

  Also, data indicating an average value of the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply device per unit time during the latest second predetermined time is transmitted from the consumption level monitoring means of the hot water supply device as the water consumption monitoring data. Thus, the ringing in the output mode according to the level of the average value of the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply device per unit time during the latest second predetermined time by the consumption level notification means of the remote control device. Means are sounded. And even if it is a case where the amount of hot water supply of the said hot water supply apparatus increases or decreases frequently according to the usage mode of hot water, an appropriate water consumption guideline can be notified to the user.

  Further, the water consumption monitoring data of the hot water supply device is supplied as the water consumption monitoring data from the hot water supply device between the start of operation of the hot water supply device and the most recent elapse of the second predetermined time. By transmitting data indicating the total amount of hot water, the consumption level notifying means of the remote control device causes the hot water supply device to start from the start of operation of the hot water supply device until the most recent elapse of the second predetermined time. The ringing means is ringed in an output mode according to the level of the total amount of hot water supplied. As a result, the user can be made aware of the level of the total amount of hot water supplied by the hot water supply device from the start of operation, thereby enhancing the user's awareness of energy saving.

  Further, from the consumption level monitoring means of the hot water supply device, as the water consumption monitoring data, from the hot water supply device per unit time between the start of operation of the hot water supply device and the most recent elapse of the second predetermined time. By transmitting data indicating the average value of the hot water supply amount, the consumption level notifying means of the remote control device allows the output level according to the change in the amount of hot water supplied by the hot water supply device from the start of operation. The sounding means is sounded. And this makes a user recognize the increase / decrease level of the hot water supply amount from the said hot water supply apparatus from the time of an operation start, and can raise a user's energy saving consciousness.

  Further, the device body is a hot water supply device having a function of executing a hot water filling operation for supplying a predetermined amount of hot water to the bathtub, and during the hot water filling operation, the sounding means of the sounding means by the consumption level notification means It is characterized by comprising consumption level notification prohibiting means for prohibiting.

  According to the present invention, when the hot water filling operation is being executed by the hot water supply device, the energy consumption amount and the hot water supply amount in the hot water supply device are the execution conditions of the hot water operation without depending on the operation of the user. It is automatically determined by the hot water supply device according to (the hot water filling temperature and the hot water filling amount). For this reason, it is meaningless to notify the user of energy saving or water saving by the ringing means. Therefore, during the hot water filling operation, the consumption level notification prohibiting means prevents the consumption level notification means from ringing the ringing means, thereby preventing meaningless and troublesome notification for the user. can do.

  The remote control device may further include a volume changing unit that changes a volume of the ringing unit in accordance with a user operation.

  According to the present invention, for example, when the sound of the sounding means is too loud and annoying, the sound of the sounding means can be adjusted according to the user's preference such as lowering the sound volume of the sounding means by the sound volume changing means. Since the output level can be changed, user convenience can be improved.

  In addition, a plurality of the remote control devices are provided, and each remote control device is provided with the volume changing means.

  According to the present invention, depending on the installation location of each remote control device, for example, in a remote control device installed in a bathroom, the volume change means sets the volume of the ringing means to be large and the shower is overused. While suppressing the increase in energy consumption and hot water supply volume, in the remote control device installed in the kitchen, the volume of the ringing means is set to a small volume by the volume changing means, and the use during cooking by an unpleasant ringing sound It can suppress giving a discomfort to a person.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a hot water supply system which is a remote control system of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a kitchen remote control shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a bathroom remote control shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a display process of gas consumption level and hot water supply level in each remote controller.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a hot water supply apparatus 40 (corresponding to an apparatus main body of the present invention) heats water supplied from a water supply pipe 50 with a heat exchanger (not shown) heated by a gas burner (not shown). Then, the hot water is discharged to the hot water filling pipes 51a and 51b and the hot water supply pipe 53. The hot water supply device 40 is configured by a microcomputer or the like, and a controller 41 that controls the overall operation of the hot water supply device 40 and the flow rate of water supplied from the water supply pipe 50 (= the hot water supply pipe 53 to the hot water supply pipe 53 and the hot water filling pipe 51a). , 51b, a flow rate sensor 42 for detecting the flow rate of hot water supplied to 51b.

  The hot water supply device 40 is mutually connected to the kitchen remote control 1 (corresponding to the remote control device of the present invention), the bathroom remote control 60 (corresponding to the remote control device of the present invention), and the additional remote control 100 installed in the bathroom or the like. It is connected so that it can communicate.

  The controller 41 has a hot water supply control means 43 for performing a “hot water supply operation” for controlling the combustion amount of the gas burner so that hot water at a target hot water supply temperature is supplied to the hot water supply pipe 53, and a bathtub 52 connected to the hot water filling pipes 51a and 51b. The hot water in the bathtub 52 is heated via the hot water filling control means 44 and the hot water filling pipes 51a and 51b for executing the “hot water filling operation” for supplying the target hot water amount at the target hot water temperature. Of the fuel gas calculated by the energy consumption level calculating means 46, the energy consumption level calculating means 46 for calculating the consumption amount of the fuel gas during the "hot water supply operation" from the combustion amount of the gas burner. Energy consumption monitoring data En_dat indicating consumption and water consumption monitoring data Wa_dat indicating the amount of hot water supply based on the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 42 are provided to each of the remote controllers 1, 60, 100. During the execution of the consumption level monitoring means 47 to be transmitted and the “water filling operation”, the transmission of the energy consumption monitoring data En_dat and the water consumption monitoring data Wa_dat is prohibited, Consumption level notification prohibiting means 48 that prohibits buzzer notification of hot water supply amount is provided. A hot water supply pipe 53 is connected to a shower 55 which is installed in a bathroom and whose hot water supply amount is adjusted by a flow rate adjusting valve 54, and a currant 56 which is installed in a kitchen or the like.

  Next, referring to FIG. 2, the kitchen remote controller 1 includes a display 10 having an operation state display unit 30 for displaying the operation state of the hot water supply device 40, a time display unit 31 for displaying time, and the water heater 50. Operation switch 11 for switching between an operation state in which “hot water supply operation” can be performed and a standby state in which “hot water operation” cannot be performed, automatic switch 12 instructing the start of “hot water operation”, and lighting of time display unit 31 And time setting mode (current time setting mode in which current time can be set, reservation time setting mode in which reservation time can be set, and time setting inability mode in which current time and reservation time cannot be set) Clock switch 13 for instructing, setting the current time in the current time settable mode, and setting the hour setting switch 14 and the minute setting switch for setting the reserved time in the reserved time settable mode 15, a bath reservation switch 16 for setting a reservation for “water filling operation”, a volume switch 18 for changing the volume of the speaker 21 (corresponding to the sounding means of the present invention), and (corresponding to the sound volume changing means of the present invention), and An UP switch 20 and a DOWN switch 19 for instructing a change in hot water supply temperature are provided.

  The operation of the kitchen remote controller 1 is controlled by the controller 25 built in the kitchen remote controller 1, and the consumption level notification means 26 provided in the controller 25 receives the energy consumption monitoring data En_dat from the hot water supply device 40. The level of gas consumption indicated by the energy consumption monitoring data En_dat is set to any one of the large display portion 32a, the middle display portion 32b, and the small display portion 32c of the gas combustion amount display portion 32 (32a, 32b, 32c) of the display 10. Is displayed, and a buzzer sound is output from the speaker 21 in an output mode corresponding to the level of gas consumption.

  Similarly, when the consumption level notification means 26 receives the water consumption monitoring data Wa_dat from the hot water supply device 40, the consumption level notification means 26 indicates the level of the hot water supply indicated by the water consumption monitoring data Wa_dat by the hot water supply amount display section 33 ( 33a, 33b, and 33c) are turned on and displayed, and a buzzer sound is output from the speaker 21 in an output mode corresponding to the level of the hot water supply amount.

  The operation of each switch is valid in the operation state, but the operation of the switches other than the operation switch 11 is invalid in the standby state, and the user operates the automatic switch 12 to start the “hot water operation”. I cannot do things. The configuration of the additional remote controller 100 is the same as that of the kitchen remote controller 1.

  Next, referring to FIG. 3, bathroom remote controller 60 includes a hot water supply temperature display unit 90 for displaying hot water supply temperature, a hot water temperature display unit 92 for displaying hot water temperature, a time display unit 91, and the like. Priority switch 71 for instructing to prioritize the setting of hot water supply temperature by the kitchen remote controller 60 and bathroom remote controller 60 over the setting of the hot water supply temperature by the kitchen remote controller 1 and the additional remote controller 100, and an automatic switch 72 for instructing execution of "hot water operation" , A call switch 73 for instructing the ringing sound (buzzer sound) from the speaker 21 of the kitchen remote controller 1, a reheating switch 74 for instructing the start of the “refreshing operation”, and a hot water temperature for instructing an increase / decrease in the hot water temperature A switch 76 and a bath temperature switch 77 for instructing to increase / decrease the hot water supply temperature to the bathtub 52 in the “hot water operation” are provided.

  Further, the bathroom remote controller 60 is provided with a fluctuation shower switch 78 for instructing the use of the fluctuation shower, a hot water switch 79 for instructing the supply of hot water to the bathtub 52, and a water for instructing the supply of water to the bathtub 52. A hot water switch 80, a warming time switch 81 for instructing determination of the warming time of hot water in the bathtub 52, and a volume switch 82 for instructing a change in volume of a speaker 84 (corresponding to the ringing means of the present invention) And an operation switch 83 for instructing switching between an operation state and a standby state of the hot water supply device 40.

  The operation of the bathroom remote controller 60 is controlled by the controller 65 built in the bathroom remote controller 60, and the consumption level notification means 66 provided in the controller 65 receives the energy consumption monitoring data En_dat from the hot water supply device 40. The level of gas consumption indicated by the energy consumption monitoring data En_dat is set to one of the large display section 93a, the middle display section 93b, and the small display section 93c of the gas consumption display section 93 (93a, 93b, 93c) of the display unit 70. Is lit and displayed, and a buzzer sound is output from the speaker 60 in an output mode corresponding to the level of gas consumption.

  Similarly, when the consumption level notification means 66 receives the water consumption monitoring data Wa_dat from the hot water supply device 40, the consumption level notification means 66 indicates the level of the hot water supply indicated by the water consumption monitoring data Wa_dat on the hot water supply amount display unit 94 of the display 70. One of the large display 94a, the medium display 94b, and the small display 94c is lit and displayed, and a buzzer sound is output from the speaker 84 in an output manner corresponding to the level of the hot water supply amount.

  Next, transmission processing of the energy consumption monitoring data En_dat and the water consumption monitoring data Wa_dat in the hot water supply apparatus 40 will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG. STEP 1 is processing by the consumption level monitoring means 47 (see FIG. 1), and the consumption level monitoring means 47 detects whether or not the fuel gas is being used, that is, whether or not the gas burner is in combustion.

  And when fuel gas is being used, it progresses to STEP2. STEP 2 is processing by the consumption level notification prohibiting means 48 (see FIG. 1), and the consumption level notification prohibiting means 48 detects whether or not the “hot water operation” is being executed. Then, when the “hot water filling operation” is being executed, the process branches to STEP 1 and the execution of the processes after STEP 3 is prohibited. As a result, energy consumption monitoring data En_dat and water consumption monitoring data Wa_dat are not transmitted in STEP 7 to be described later, so that the notification of the energy consumption amount and the hot water supply amount by the buzzer sound in each remote controller 1, 60, 100 is prohibited.

  Here, in the “hot water filling operation”, hot water is supplied to a predetermined hot water filling amount at a predetermined hot water filling temperature regardless of the operation of the user's curan 56 and the operation of the flow rate adjusting valve 54. Therefore, as described above, during the “hot water operation”, the notification of the energy consumption amount and the hot water supply amount by the buzzer sound is prohibited, even though the user does not operate the currant 56 or the like. In addition, a notification that promotes reduction of gas consumption and hot water supply is made to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable or uncomfortable.

  On the other hand, when the “hot water filling operation” is not executed in STEP 2, the process proceeds to STEP 3. STEP 3, STEP 4, STEP 6, STEP 7 and STEP 10 are processes by the consumption level monitoring means 47, and STEP 5 is a process by the energy consumption level calculation means 46.

  The consumption level monitoring means 47 starts a 30-second timer in STEP3. If the 30-second timer has not expired in STEP 4, the process branches to STEP 10, and the consumption level monitoring means 47 determines whether or not the gas is being used, and proceeds to STEP 1 if the gas is not being used.

  On the other hand, when the gas is being used in STEP 10, the process branches to STEP 4, and when the 30-second timer has expired in STEP 4, the process proceeds to STEP 5. In STEP 5, the energy consumption level calculation means 46 calculates the unit per unit time from the combustion amount of the gas burner when 30 seconds (corresponding to the first predetermined time of the present invention and the second predetermined time of the present invention) have elapsed. Calculate fuel gas consumption (for example, kcal / hour). In subsequent STEP 6, the consumption level monitoring means 47 calculates the amount of hot water supply from the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 42 when 30 seconds have elapsed.

  Then, in the next STEP 7, the consumption level monitoring means 47 uses the energy consumption monitoring data En_dat indicating the consumption amount of the fuel gas when 30 seconds have passed, and the water consumption monitoring data indicating the hot water supply amount when 30 seconds have passed. Wa_dat is transmitted to each remote controller 1, 100, 60. The time point when the 30-second timer is up corresponds to the first predetermined time point of the present invention and the second time point of the present invention.

  Next, processing by the consumption level notification means 66 of the bathroom remote control 3 when energy consumption monitoring data En_dat is received from the hot water supply device 40 will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG. The process when the kitchen remote controller 1 and the additional remote controller 100 receive the energy consumption monitoring data En_dat from the hot water supply device 40 is the same.

  When the consumption level notification means 66 (see FIG. 3) receives the energy consumption monitoring data En_dat in STEP 20, the consumption level notification means 66 proceeds to STEP 21. Then, in STEP 21, the gas consumption amount Ga_c is grasped from the energy consumption monitoring data En_dat, and in the subsequent STEP 22, it is determined whether or not the gas consumption amount Ga_c is equal to or higher than LE 2 which is a large level.

  In STEP22, when the gas consumption Ga_c is equal to or greater than LE2, the process branches to STEP30. Then, the consumption level notification means 66 turns on the large display 93a (see FIG. 3) of the gas consumption amount display section 93 of the display 70 at STEP30, and at step 31, from the speaker 84, "-(long tone beep) (short beep). Buzzer sound is output in the output mode of (short beep) (short beep), and the process returns to STEP 20.

  If the gas consumption amount Ga_c is less than LE2 in STEP 22, the process proceeds to STEP 23, where the consumption level notification means 66 determines whether or not the gas consumption amount Ga_c is equal to or higher than LE1 (<LE2), which is a medium level. To do. If the gas consumption Ga_c is greater than or equal to LE1 in STEP22, the process branches to STEP40. Then, the consumption level notification means 66 turns on the middle display 93b (see FIG. 3) of the gas consumption amount display section 93 of the display 70 at STEP40, and “− (long beep) ・ (short beep) from the speaker 84 at STEP41. Buzzer sound is output in the output mode (short beep), and the process returns to STEP 20.

  If the gas consumption amount Ga_c is less than the intermediate level LE1 in STEP23, the process proceeds to STEP24. Then, the consumption level notifying means 66 turns on the small display 93c (see FIG. 3) of the gas consumption amount display section 93 of the display unit 70 in STEP24, and “-(long tone beep) (short beep) from the speaker 84 in STEP25. ) "Is output in the output mode, and the process returns to STEP 20.

  As described above, the consumption level notifying unit 66 sounds the buzzer 84 in an output manner corresponding to the level (large, medium, small) of the gas consumption amount Ga_c grasped from the energy consumption monitoring data En_dat. Therefore, the bather who is using the shower 55 can be made to recognize the current gas consumption by the difference in the ringing pattern of the buzzer 84, thereby increasing the user's energy saving awareness and reducing the gas consumption. Can be promoted.

  Note that FIG. 5 shows the processing when the energy consumption monitoring data En_dat is received. However, when the hot water supply amount monitoring data Wa_dat is received, the consumption level notification unit 66 similarly performs the water consumption monitoring data Wa_dat. In accordance with the level of the hot water supply ascertained from the above, either the large display portion 94a, the middle display portion 94b, or the small display portion 94c of the hot water supply amount display portion 94 of the indicator 70 is turned on and the hot water supply amount level is set. Accordingly, a process for changing the output mode and causing the buzzer 84 to sound is executed. The same applies to the kitchen remote controller 1 and the additional remote controller 100.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, when the 30-second timer expires in STEP 4, the process proceeds to STEP 5 to calculate the gas consumption amount, and in STEP 7, the hot water supply amount is calculated. The total amount of combustion gas consumed and the total amount of hot water supplied from the start of the 30-second timer to the time-up of the 30-second timer in STEP 4 are calculated, and the total amount of consumed fuel gas is calculated. The indicated data may be transmitted as energy consumption monitoring data En_dat, and the data indicating the total amount of hot water supplied may be transmitted as water consumption monitoring data Wa_dat.

  Alternatively, the average value of the consumption amount of fuel gas and the average value of the hot water supply amount from the start of the 30-second timer in STEP 3 to the time-out of the 30-second timer in STEP 4 are calculated. Data indicating the average value of the amount may be transmitted as energy consumption monitoring data En_dat, and data indicating the average value of the hot water supply amount may be transmitted as water consumption monitoring data Wa_dat.

  Alternatively, the total amount of fuel gas consumed by the hot water supply device 40 and the hot water supplied from the hot water supply device 40 from the time when the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 40 is started until the 30 second timer expires in STEP 4. The data indicating the total amount of consumed fuel gas may be transmitted as energy consumption monitoring data En_dat, and the data indicating the total amount of hot water supplied may be transmitted as water consumption monitoring data Wa_dat. .

  Furthermore, the average value of the consumption amount of fuel gas per unit time by the hot water supply device 40 from the time when the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 40 is started until the 30-second timer expires in STEP 4, and the hot water supply device 40. The average value of the amount of hot water supply per unit time from is calculated, data indicating the average value of consumption of the combustion gas is energy consumption monitoring data En_dat, and data indicating the average value of the amount of hot water supply is water consumption monitoring data You may make it transmit as Wa_dat.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, although the level of gas consumption and the amount of hot water supply was alert | reported by the buzzer sound, even if it is a case where only the level of gas consumption is alert | reported by a buzzer sound, the effect of this invention can be acquired. . Moreover, you may make it output a sound instead of a buzzer sound.

  In the present embodiment, the gas hot water supply device is shown as the device main body of the present invention. However, the device main body of the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of devices such as an electric hot water supply device and a hot water heating device. The present invention can also be applied to a system in which the main body is remotely operated by a remote controller.

  In the present embodiment, each remote controller 1, 60, 100 is provided with a volume switch, and the output level of the notification by the buzzer sound of the gas consumption amount and the hot water supply amount is individually changed according to the user's preference. However, even if the volume switch is not provided, the effect of the present invention can be obtained.

  Furthermore, when an operation for changing the output level of the notification by the buzzer sound is performed by any of the volume switches provided on the remote controls 1, 60, 100, the buzzer sound of all the remote controllers 1, 60, 100 is used. The output level may be changed in conjunction with the output level.

The whole hot water supply system block diagram which is a remote control system of this invention. The block diagram of the kitchen remote control shown in FIG. The block diagram of the bathroom remote control shown in FIG. The flowchart of the transmission process of the energy consumption monitoring data and water consumption monitoring data in a water heater. The flowchart of the display process of the gas consumption and hot water supply amount in a bathroom remote control.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Kitchen remote control, 18 ... (kitchen remote control) Volume switch (volume change means), 21 ... (kitchen remote control) buzzer (ringing means), 26 ... (kitchen remote control) consumption level notification means, 32 ... (kitchen remote control) ) Gas consumption display unit 33... Hot water supply amount display unit (of the kitchen remote control) 40. Hot water supply device (equipment main body) 46. Energy consumption level calculation means 47. Consumption level monitoring means 48. Means 60 ... Bathroom remote control 66 ... Consumption level notification means 82 ... (Bathroom remote control) Volume switch (Volume change switch) 84 ... (Bathroom remote control) Buzzer (sounding means) 93 ... Gas consumption display section (for bathroom remote control), 94 ... Hot water supply display section (for bathroom remote control)

Claims (9)

In a remote operation system composed of a device main body and a remote control device for remotely operating the device main body, configured to be able to communicate with each other,
The device main body includes an energy consumption level calculating means for calculating an energy consumption level of the device main body, and an energy consumption level of the device main body at the first predetermined time point at a first predetermined time point during operation of the device main body. Including consumption level monitoring means for transmitting energy consumption monitoring data indicating to the remote control device,
When the remote control device receives the sounding means and the energy consumption monitoring data, it grasps from the energy consumption monitoring data among the output modes of the sounding means set in advance in a plurality of stages according to the energy consumption level. A remote control system comprising consumption level notification means for ringing the sounding means in an output mode corresponding to the energy consumption level.   The remote control system according to claim 1, wherein the first predetermined time is every time when a first predetermined time elapses after the apparatus main body starts operation.   The consumption level monitoring means includes, as the energy consumption monitoring data, data indicating the total amount of energy consumed by the device main body during the most recent first predetermined time, and when the most recent first predetermined time has elapsed. Data indicating the energy consumption of the device main body per unit time in the data, data indicating the average value of the energy consumption of the device main body per unit time during the most recent first predetermined time, Data indicating the total amount of energy consumed by the device main body from the start of operation to the time when the first predetermined time has passed most recently, and the first predetermined predetermined from the start of operation of the device main body At least one of the data indicating the average value of the energy consumption of the device main unit per unit time until the elapse of time. Remote control system according to claim 2, wherein the transmitting the data. The device body is a hot water supply device, and has a flow rate sensor for detecting the flow rate of hot water supplied from the hot water supply device,
The consumption level monitoring means transmits water consumption monitoring data indicating a supply level of hot water from the hot water supply device at the second predetermined time calculated based on a detected flow rate of the flow sensor at a second predetermined time. ,
When the water consumption monitoring data is received, the consumption level notification means is grasped from the water consumption monitoring data among the output modes of the ringing means set in advance in accordance with the hot water supply level. The remote operation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ringing means is caused to ring in an output mode corresponding to a supply level of hot water.   5. The remote control system according to claim 4, wherein the second predetermined time point is each time when a second predetermined time elapses after the hot water supply apparatus starts a hot water supply operation.   The consumption level monitoring means includes, as the water consumption monitoring data, data indicating the total amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply apparatus during the most recent second predetermined time, and when the most recent second predetermined time has elapsed. Data indicating the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply device per unit time in the unit, and data indicating the average value of the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply device per unit time during the most recent second predetermined time, Data indicating the total amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply device between the start of operation of the hot water supply device and the elapse of the second predetermined time, and the latest data from the start of operation of the hot water supply device Transmitting at least one of the data indicating the average value of the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply device per unit time until the elapse of the second predetermined time. Contract The remote device system of claim 5, wherein. The device body is a hot water supply device having a function of performing a hot water filling operation for supplying a predetermined amount of hot water to a bathtub,
The consumption level notification prohibiting means for prohibiting the ringing of the ringing means by the consumption level notification means during execution of the hot water filling operation is provided. Remote control system.   The remote control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the remote control device includes volume changing means for changing the volume of the sounding means in accordance with a user operation. .   9. The remote control system according to claim 8, wherein a plurality of the remote control devices are provided, and each of the remote control devices is provided with the volume changing means.

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