JP2008292038A - Remote controller and hot water supply system of bath - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote controller operating in accordance with a hot water additional heating function of a hot-water supply machine of a bath while being connected with the remote controller. <P>SOLUTION: This remote controller installed in a kitchen operates the hot-water supply machine of bath in a remote control manner and informs a user of the information corresponding to the setting of the operation of the hot-water supply machine of the bath by a sound and/or display. This remote controller is provided with a communication circuit 2c receiving information related to the hot-water additional heating function set in the hot-water supply machine 10 from the hot-water supply machine 10 while being connected with the remote controller when one of the hot-water additional heating functions heating the hot water by the amount of hot water reduced in a hot-water storage tank and set in advance is set in the hot-water supply machine 10 of the bath, a display device 2e informing the user of the information corresponding to the setting of the operation of the hot-water supply machine 10 by a speaker 2h and display, and a microcomputer 2d controlling to inform the information corresponding to the setting of the operation of the hot-water additional heating function set in the hot-water supply machine 10 while being connected with the remote controller based on the information of the function when setting the operation in the hot-water supply machine 10 of the bath. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote controller and a bath hot water system that perform an operation in accordance with an additional function of a water heater.

  In recent years, water heaters having various side-effect functions have been developed. For example, in one of the conventional water heaters, the hot water reduced in the hot water storage tank is reduced to a predetermined amount of the total amount of the hot water storage tank (for example, only the upper part corresponding to 20% or 50% in the hot water storage tank) There are models that have a function that uses electric power (hereinafter referred to as daytime waking). This type of water heater starts and stops during the daytime (upper side extension) by input operation to the switch of the remote controller (hereinafter referred to as remote control) dedicated to the upper side extension model installed on the wall of the kitchen etc. Has been commanded.

  In addition, as a water heater of another model, a model with a function to increase the hot water reduced in the hot water storage tank only at night (midnight) (hereinafter referred to as midnight addition) There are models that prohibit the increase and save on electricity bills). This type of water heater is instructed to start and stop a midnight addition by an input operation to a switch of a remote controller dedicated to the midnight addition model installed on the wall of a kitchen or the like.

  The remote control of these daytime extra water heaters and the late night extra water heater remote control have their own voice, electronic sound notification function according to input operation, and model-specific display according to input operation. A function is provided so that the operator can be easily notified of the contents of the input operation by sound and display.

  Thus, in the conventional remote control, the contents of the input operation are notified to the operator by the voice and display unique to the model. For this reason, there is a difference in the notification content according to the input operation, the switch name, etc. for each of the hot water heaters (increase in the upper part and increase in the late night) with different functions for increasing the hot water in the reduced hot water storage tank. Until now, remote controllers that can only support one model (one-to-one model-specific remote controller) were produced for each model. Production efficiency, logistics efficiency, and remote control service efficiency were deteriorating. Furthermore, the consumer is troublesome in selecting a combination of the hot water heater and the remote controller when purchasing the remote controller. Also, when ordering or installing the remote control, there may be a difference in the model between the water heater and the remote control.

  In the remote control device described in Patent Document 1, when a water heater that cannot be supported by the remote control device is connected to the remote control device, the remote control device notifies the user that an incompatible water heater is connected.

JP 2000-324561 A

  However, in the above conventional technique, it is determined whether or not an unsupported hot water heater is connected by the remote control device without being limited to a predetermined function. Therefore, if an unsupported hot water heater is connected, There was a problem that the remote control could not be operated according to the function of the machine. In addition, when a function for increasing the hot water in the reduced hot water storage tank is set for each water heater, the remote controller can be operated for these water heaters according to the function for increasing the water heater. There was a problem that I could not.

  This invention is made in view of the above, Comprising: When the function which increases the hot water reduced in the hot water storage tank is set for every bath water heater, the hot water which the bath water heater in connection has has An object of the present invention is to obtain a remote controller and a bath hot water supply system that perform an operation according to an additional function.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a remote controller for remotely operating a bath water heater and notifying information according to operation settings for the bath water heater by sound and / or display. In the case of communicating with the bath water heater, and when any one of the preset warming functions among the functions of boosting the amount of hot water reduced in the hot water storage tank is set in the bath water heater, A communication unit that receives function information related to the side warming function set for the bath water heater from the bath water heater inside, and information according to the operation settings for the bath water heater to the outside by sound and / or display When performing the operation setting to the notifying unit and the bath water heater, according to the function setting, the operation setting to the additional function set in the connected bath water heater A control unit for controlling the notification unit to notify the information, characterized in that it comprises a.

  According to this invention, when performing the operation setting to the bath water heater, information according to the operation setting to the side warming function is notified based on the information about the side warming function set to the bath water heater. There is an effect that it is possible to easily perform an operation according to the hot water replenishment function of the connected hot water heater.

  Embodiments of a remote controller (remote controller) and a hot water supply system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a hot water supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bath hot water system 100 includes a bath water heater (main body) 10, a kitchen remote controller 20, a bathroom remote controller 30, and a heat pump unit 400.

  The bath water heater (hot water supply unit) 10 is connected to the heat pump unit 40 by piping (not shown). The bath water heater 10 includes a hot water storage tank (not shown) and a control unit 1 a that controls the heat pump unit 40 and the hot water storage tank based on instructions from the kitchen remote controller 20 and the bathroom remote controller 30. The controller 1a controls the hot pump hot water supply control by controlling the heat pump unit 40 to increase the hot water (water) in the hot water storage tank by a predetermined set hot water amount at a predetermined set temperature. .

  The kitchen remote controller 20 is a remote controller that is disposed on the remote side of the bath water heater 10 or the heat pump unit 40 (wall surface such as a kitchen or a washroom). The kitchen remote controller 20 controls the bath water heater 10 to set and change set values such as a side set temperature and a set amount of hot water, and to perform an operation (start and stop) such as a side set function based on a command input from the user. A control unit 2a for instructing is provided.

  The kitchen remote controller 20 also includes a switch (operation switch) 2i for inputting a command to increase the hot water in the reduced hot water storage tank. The command input from the switch 2i is sent to the hot water heater 10 through the control unit 2a.

  The bathroom remote controller 30 is a remote controller disposed on the remote side of the bath water heater 10 and the heat pump unit 40 (wall surface in the bathroom), and has the same function as the kitchen remote controller 20. The bathroom remote controller 30 controls the bath water heater 10 to perform operations such as setting or changing the set value such as the additional temperature setting and the amount of hot water, and the operation (starting or stopping) of the additional heating function based on a command input from the user. It has the control part 3a to instruct | indicate.

  The kitchen remote controller 20 and the bathroom remote controller 30 according to the present embodiment notify information (message or the like) according to the side function to be set in the bath water heater 10 and the operation setting to the bath water heater 10 by sound or display.

  The heat pump unit 40 is installed in the vicinity of the bath water heater 10. The heat pump unit 40 has a control unit 4a that controls the amount of hot water (water) in the hot water storage tank based on an instruction sent from the control unit 1a of the bath water heater 10.

  In the hot water supply system 100, the control unit 1a of the hot water heater 10 is connected to the control unit 2a of the kitchen remote control 20, the control unit 3a of the bathroom remote control 30, and the control unit 4a of the heat pump unit 40, respectively.

  The bath water heater 10 has, for example, a model having a daytime extra function (upper side extra) or a model having a late night extra function as a function to increase hot water reduced in a hot water storage tank. Yes. In the bath hot water supply system 100 of the present embodiment, it is assumed that the bath water heater 10 of any one of these two models is attached. In other words, in the bath hot water supply system 100, a side-boost function that may be set in advance is limited.

  Next, a detailed configuration of each apparatus of the hot water supply system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the bath hot water supply system shown in FIG. The control unit 1a of the bath water heater 10 includes a power supply unit 1b, a communication circuit 1c, and a microcomputer (control microcomputer) 1d.

  The microcomputer 1d is a microcomputer that performs analysis of communication signals transmitted and received and control of transmission and reception of communication signals (control of the communication circuit 1c) in the bath hot water supply system 100 (between the kitchen remote controller 20, the bathroom remote controller 30, and the heat pump unit 40). is there. The microcomputer 1 d sends an instruction (communication signal) for controlling the heat pump unit 40 to the heat pump unit 40 based on an instruction (communication signal) from the kitchen remote controller 20 or the bathroom remote controller 30.

  The microcomputer 1d according to the present embodiment uses the kitchen remote controller 20 by using information (information on an additional function of the bath water heater 10) (hereinafter referred to as function information) according to a request from the kitchen remote controller 20 or the bathroom remote controller 30 as a communication signal. Or to the bathroom remote control 30. A communication signal from the microcomputer 1d is sent to the heat pump unit 40 via the communication circuit 1c.

  The communication circuit 1c converts the communication signal sent from the microcomputer 1d into a communication signal that can be transmitted and received in the bath hot water supply system 100, and transmits the communication signal to the kitchen remote controller 20, the bathroom remote controller 30, and the heat pump unit 40. The communication circuit 1c converts communication signals sent from the kitchen remote controller 20, the bathroom remote controller 30, and the heat pump unit 40 into communication signals that can be processed by the microcomputer 1d, and transmits the communication signals to the microcomputer 1d. The power supply unit 1b supplies power to the communication circuit 1c and the microcomputer 1d.

  The control unit 2a of the kitchen remote controller 20 includes a power supply unit 2b, a communication circuit 2c, a microcomputer 2d, a display 2e, an audio IC (Integrated Circuit) 2f, an amplifier 2g, a speaker 2h, and a switch 2i. ing.

  The microcomputer 2d is a microcomputer that performs analysis of communication signals transmitted and received and control of transmission / reception of communication signals (control of the communication circuit 2c) in the bath hot water supply system 100 (between the bath hot water heater 10, the bathroom remote controller 30, and the heat pump unit 40). It is. The microcomputer 2d sends a predetermined instruction (such as an instruction regarding an additional temperature of hot water, an amount of hot water set, etc.) to the bath water heater 10 based on an instruction input to the switch 2i.

  The microcomputer 2d of the present embodiment acquires function information from the bath water heater 10. Based on the function information sent from the bath water heater 10, the microcomputer 2 d notifies information corresponding to the additional function of the bath water heater 10 (information according to the operation when setting the additional water function). Function settings (temperature setting, hot water volume setting, etc.) corresponding to the control (message display control and voice output control) and the additional function of the bath water heater 10 are performed. The microcomputer 2d issues an output command (display command) to the display 2e and a voice phrase output command (voice command or stop command) to the voice IC 2f as notification control according to the function of the hot water heater 10. The microcomputer 2d analyzes the pressing signal from the switch 2i, and determines whether the function of increasing hot water in the hot water storage tank is in an operating state or a stopped state based on the analysis result. An instruction (communication signal) from the microcomputer 2d is sent to the bath water heater 10 via the communication circuit 2c.

  The communication circuit 2 c converts the communication signal sent from the microcomputer 2 d into a communication signal that can be transmitted and received in the bath hot water supply system 100 and transmits the communication signal to the bath hot water heater 10. The communication circuit 2c converts the communication signal sent from the bath water heater 10 into a communication signal that can be processed by the microcomputer 2d and transmits the communication signal to the microcomputer 2d.

  The display 2e includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel. The display 2e displays a message or the like corresponding to the function information of the bath water heater 10 based on an instruction from the microcomputer 2d. The display 2e displays, for example, “daytime” as a message indicating that a daytime extra day starts.

  The voice IC 2f outputs a voice phrase or the like corresponding to the function information of the hot water heater 10 to the amplifier 2g as a voice signal based on an instruction from the microcomputer 2d. The audio IC 2f outputs, for example, an audio signal “starts extra daytime” to the amplifier 2g as an audio phrase indicating that extra daytime starts. The amplifier 2g amplifies the audio signal from the audio IC 2f and outputs it to the speaker 2h. The speaker 2h outputs the audio signal from the amplifier 2g as an audio phrase.

  The switch 2i is a switch for sending a menu to be displayed on the display 2e (a menu feed switch 5a to be described later), and a switch for raising and lowering values such as a set temperature and a set amount of hot water (to be described later, an UP switch 5b and DOWN to be described later). A switch 5c) is provided. The switch 2i is externally input by the user with an instruction to start or stop the extra function during the day, an instruction to start or stop the extra function during the night, an extra set temperature, an amount of hot water, or the like. The switch 2i accepts various instructions from the user and sends the accepted instructions to the microcomputer 2d. The power supply unit 2b supplies power to the communication circuit 2c, the microcomputer 2d, the display 2e, the audio IC 2f, the amplifier 2g, the speaker 2h, and the switch 2i.

  The control unit 3a of the bathroom remote controller 30 includes a power supply unit 3b, a communication circuit 3c, a microcomputer 3d, a display 3e, an audio IC 3f, an amplifier 3g, a speaker 3h, and a switch 3i. Since the control part 3a of the bathroom remote control 30 has the same function as the control part 2a of the kitchen remote control 20, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The control unit 4a of the heat pump unit includes a power supply unit 4b, a communication circuit 4c, and a microcomputer 4d. The microcomputer 4d is a microcomputer that performs analysis of communication signals transmitted / received in the bath hot water supply system 100 (between the bath water heater 10, the kitchen remote controller 20, and the bathroom remote controller 30) and communication signal transmission / reception control (control of the communication circuit 4c). It is. On the basis of an instruction (communication signal) from the bath water heater 10, the microcomputer 4 d causes the hot water in the hot water storage tank to be pumped up to a predetermined additional temperature by a predetermined set amount of hot water.

  The communication circuit 4 c converts the communication signal sent from the microcomputer 4 d into a communication signal that can be transmitted and received in the bath hot water system 100 and transmits the communication signal to the bath water heater 10. The communication circuit 4c converts the communication signal sent from the bath water heater 10 into a communication signal that can be processed by the microcomputer 4d, and transmits the communication signal to the microcomputer 4d.

  The power supply unit 4b supplies power to the communication circuit 4c and the microcomputer 4d. The power supply unit 1b and the communication circuit 1c are connected to the power supply unit 2b, the communication circuit 2c, the power supply unit 3b, the communication circuit 3c, the power supply unit 4b, and the communication circuit 4c.

  The communication circuits 2c and 3c here correspond to the communication unit and the second communication unit described in the claims, and the audio ICs 2f and 3f, the amplifiers 2g and 3g, the speakers 2h and 3h, and the display unit here 2e and 3e correspond to the notification unit described in the claims. The microcomputers 2d and 3d here correspond to the control unit and the second control unit described in the claims. The communication circuit 1b here corresponds to the first communication unit described in the claims, and the microcomputer 1d corresponds to the first control unit described in the claims.

  Next, the configuration of the kitchen remote controller 20 will be described. FIG. 3 is a top view showing the configuration of the kitchen remote control. FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of the front side of the kitchen remote controller 20 shown in FIG.

  The kitchen remote controller 20 is provided with a switch 2i, a display 2e, and a speaker 2h for outputting an electronic sound or a voice phrase on the surface side. The display device 2e shown in FIG. 3 shows a case where both the daytime extra function and the late night extra function are stopped (display state).

  The switch 2i includes, for example, four switches including a menu advance switch 5a, an UP switch 5b, a DOWN switch 5c, and a determination switch 5d. The user changes various setting items (an additional set temperature, a set amount of hot water, etc.) by pressing the switch 2i. When changing the setting item, for example, the setting item is displayed on the display 2e in a hierarchical structure. When the menu advance switch 5a is pressed, the setting item displayed on the display 2e is changed. The user displays the setting item to be changed by pressing the menu advance switch 5a a predetermined number of times. Also, when the UP switch 5b is pressed, the setting item value (an additional set temperature, etc.) is increased, and when the DOWN switch 5c is pressed, the setting item value is decreased. To do. Further, when the determination switch 5d is pressed, the value of the changed setting item is confirmed. The bathroom remote controller 30 has the same configuration as the kitchen remote controller 20.

  Next, information to be displayed on the display device 2e will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of information displayed on the display when the kitchen remote controller of FIG. 3 is connected to a model having a daytime extra function. The display 2e of the kitchen remote controller 20 displays various information using the lighting sections 6a to 6d, which are display areas, when the kitchen remote controller 20 is connected to a model having a daytime function.

  When the indicator 2e is connected to the bath water heater 10 having a daytime extra function, the indicator 2a lights, for example, “daytime” indicating that the daytime extra function is operating on the lighting unit 6a. Further, when an instruction to change the setting item related to the daytime extra function is input via the switch 2i, the indicator 2e blinks the letters “daytime” on the lighting unit 6b.

  In addition, when an instruction to start the daytime extra function is input via the switch 2i, the indicator 2e lights the character "ON" on the lighting unit 6c, and an instruction to stop the daytime extra function is given to the switch 2i. When the input is made via the, the lighting section 6d is lit with the character "OFF".

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of information displayed on the display when the kitchen remote controller of FIG. 3 is connected to a model having a function of adding to the night. The display 2e of the kitchen remote controller 20 displays various information using the lighting sections 7a, 7b, 6c, and 6d, which are display areas, when the kitchen remote controller 20 is connected to a model having an additional function late at night.

  When the display device 2e is connected to the bath water heater 10 having a late-night addition function, the display unit 2a lights, for example, “midnight” indicating that the late-night addition function is in operation. Further, when an instruction to change the setting item related to the late night addition function is input via the switch 2i, the display 2e blinks the letters “midnight” on the lighting unit 7b.

  In addition, when an instruction to start the midnight addition function is input via the switch 2i, the display 2e lights the character "ON" on the lighting unit 6c, and an instruction to stop the midnight addition function is issued to the switch 2i. When the input is made via the, the lighting section 6d is lit with the character "OFF".

  Next, a processing procedure (control processing flow) of the hot water supply system 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the bath hot water supply system according to the embodiment. In FIG. 6, a processing procedure of the bath hot water supply system 100 when the kitchen remote controller 20 is connected to a model having a daytime extra function will be described.

  When the kitchen remote controller 20 is connected to the bath water heater 10 having a daytime extra function, the microcomputer 1d of the bath water heater 10 indicates model information indicating that the bath water heater 10 has a daytime extra function. (Communication signal) is output to the communication circuit 1c. This communication signal is sent from the communication circuit 1c to the communication circuit 2c of the kitchen remote controller 20.

  The communication circuit 2c of the kitchen remote controller 20 receives the model information from the bath water heater 10 and sends it to the microcomputer 2d. The microcomputer 2d determines which model the model information from the bath water heater 10 indicates. The microcomputer 2d determines, for example, whether the bath water heater 10 has a daytime sideward function or a midnight sideward function. Here, the microcomputer 2d determines whether or not the model information is increased during the daytime (step S10).

  When the model information received from the bath water heater 10 is model information for extra daytime (step S10, Yes), the microcomputer 2d of the kitchen remote controller 20 determines to set the daytime extra function for the kitchen remote controller 20. (Step S20). For example, the microcomputer 2d sets a flag indicating that the extra daytime function is set in a memory built in the microcomputer 2d.

  On the other hand, if the model information received from the bath water heater 10 is not daytime extra model information (No in step S10), the microcomputer 2d of the kitchen remote controller 20 does not set the daytime extra function on the kitchen remote controller 20. Confirm (step S30).

  The microcomputer 2d of the kitchen remote controller 20 determines whether or not to set the daytime extra function on the kitchen remote controller 20, and then the menu feed switch 5a displays a predetermined number of times (the number of times the day extra function item is displayed). ) Is determined (step S40).

  If the item of the daytime extra function is not selected (displayed) by pressing the menu advance switch 5a (No in step S40), the microcomputer 2d of the kitchen remote control 20 waits until the menu advance switch 5a is pressed a predetermined number of times or more. To do.

  When the item of the daytime extra function is selected by pressing the menu advance switch 5a (Yes in step S40), the microcomputer 2d of the kitchen remote controller 20 determines whether or not to set the daytime extra function. Is discriminated (step S50). Thereby, the microcomputer 2d determines whether or not the bath water heater 10 is a model that can use the extra daytime function.

  If it is determined that the daytime extra function setting is to be performed (step S50, Yes), the microcomputer 2d of the kitchen remote control 20 displays information related to the extra daytime on the display 2e. The display 2e displays, for example, the display screen shown in FIG. Thereby, it will be in the state which can carry out start operation or stop operation of the operation of a daytime extra function (step S60).

  The display device 2e displays that the setting item that can be changed is the daytime extra function by, for example, lighting the letters “daytime” on the lighting unit 6b. Further, when the daytime extra function is in operation, the display 2e blinks the “ON” character of the lighting unit 6c and the “Daytime” character of the lighting unit 6a in synchronization with each other. Further, when the daytime extra function is stopped, the indicator 2e blinks the character “OFF” on the lighting portion 6d. The change operation for changing the operation state (start or stop) of the daytime extra function is performed by pressing the UP switch 5b or the DOWN switch 5c.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the setting of the daytime extra function is not performed (step S50, No), the microcomputer 2d of the kitchen remote controller 20 cannot use the extra function of the daytime because the bath water heater 10 cannot use the extra daytime function. 2 Display information related to other functions (usable functions) different from the daytime extra function on the display 2e. Then, the setting process for the extra daytime function is terminated. The microcomputer 2d may end the setting process for the extra daytime function without causing the display 2e to display other functions in the process of step S70.

  After entering the state in which the operation of the daytime extra function can be started or stopped, the microcomputer 2d determines whether or not the determination switch 5d is pressed (whether there is an operation for confirming the daytime extra function). (Step S80). If the determination switch 5d has not been pressed (step S80, No), the microcomputer 2d waits until the determination switch 5d is pressed.

  When the determination switch 5d is pressed (step S80, Yes), the microcomputer 2d is set to start the operation of the daytime extra function (input of the start operation) or is set to stop the operation of the daytime extra function. It is determined whether (stop operation input) has been performed (step S90).

  If the setting for starting the operation of the daytime extra function is performed (step S90, Yes), the microcomputer 2d of the kitchen remote controller 20 instructs the communication circuit 2c to start the operation of the daytime extra function (communication signal for the start instruction). ) Is output. The communication circuit 2c transmits a communication signal of this start instruction to the bath water heater 10.

  The microcomputer 1d of the bath water heater 10 receives a communication signal for a start instruction sent from the kitchen remote controller 20 via the communication circuit 1c. Thereby, the microcomputer 2d starts operation of the extra day function.

  At this time, the microcomputer 2d of the kitchen remote controller 20 causes the display 2e to display information indicating that the operation of the extra day function has started. The display 2e displays, for example, the display screen shown in FIG. 4, and lights the “ON” character on the lighting unit 6c.

  Further, the microcomputer 2d of the kitchen remote controller 20 causes the voice IC 2f to output a voice phrase (voice signal) indicating that the operation of the extra day function has started. . This audio signal is output (spoken) by the speaker 2h via the amplifier 2g. From the speaker 2 h, for example, a voice phrase “starting extra daytime” is output. Thus, the operator is notified by voice that the daytime extra function has started to operate (step S100).

  On the other hand, if the setting for stopping the operation of the daytime extra function is made (No in step S90), an instruction to stop the operation of the daytime extra function from the microcomputer 2d of the kitchen remote controller 20 to the communication circuit 2c (stop instruction Communication signal). The communication circuit 2c transmits a communication signal of this stop instruction to the hot water heater 10.

  The microcomputer 1d of the bath water heater 10 receives a stop instruction communication signal sent from the kitchen remote controller 20 via the communication circuit 1c. Thereby, the microcomputer 2d stops the operation of the extra day function.

  At this time, the microcomputer 2d of the kitchen remote controller 20 displays information indicating that the operation of the extra daytime function is stopped on the display 2e. The display 2e displays, for example, the display screen shown in FIG. 4 and lights the character “OFF” on the lighting unit 6c.

  In addition, the microcomputer 2d of the kitchen remote controller 20 causes the audio IC 2f to output an audio phrase (audio signal) indicating that the operation of the extra day function has been stopped. . This audio signal is output (spoken) by the speaker 2h via the amplifier 2g. From the speaker 2h, for example, a voice phrase “stopping extra daytime” is output. Thereby, the operator is notified by voice that the extra daytime function has stopped (step S110).

  Note that the setting process of the late night addition function is also performed according to the same processing procedure as that of the flowchart of FIG. When the late night addition function is set, the display screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display 2e. In addition, the setting process of the daytime extra function and the setting process of the late night extra function by the bathroom remote controller 30 are also performed according to the same processing procedure as the flowchart of FIG.

  As described above, in the hot water supply system 100, when the function of increasing the hot water in the hot water storage tank that has been reduced is set for each hot water heater 10, any type of the hot water heater 10 and the kitchen remote controller 20 are used. Even if is connected, since the side function (model) of the hot water heater 10 to which the kitchen remote controller 20 is connected is automatically recognized, a function switching operation by a changeover switch or the like becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the kitchen remote controller 20 is easy to use.

  Moreover, since the notification content and display content of the message are selected according to the model of the hot water heater 10 connected to the kitchen remote controller 20, the operability of the kitchen remote controller 20 is not deteriorated. Moreover, since the control operation according to the model of the hot water heater 10 can be performed only by the user (operator) operating the switch 2i, the kitchen remote controller 20 is convenient for the operator.

  In this embodiment, when the kitchen remote controller 20 is connected to the bath water heater 10, the setting related to the daytime extra function is performed, but the setting related to the daytime extra function may be performed at other timings. For example, when the kitchen remote controller 20 is started up or when the kitchen remote controller 20 is reset, the setting related to the daytime extra function may be performed, or when the abnormality occurs in the kitchen remote controller 20, the setting related to the daytime extra function is performed. May be.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the kitchen remote controller 20 is connected to the bath water heater 10, the setting related to the daytime extra function is performed. However, the information about the extra function that has been set once is stored and stored thereafter. Settings may be made according to the additional function. Thereby, it is not necessary to make a setting related to the side heating function of the bath water heater 10 every time the kitchen remote controller 20 is connected to the bath water heater 10. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently make a setting related to the additional function.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the bath hot water supply system 100 performs the control process according to the flowchart of FIG. 6 is described. However, the present invention is not limited to the control method of FIG. May be. For example, a control program corresponding to the model of the bath water heater 10 is prepared in advance for each model of the bath water heater 10 in the kitchen remote controller 20. When the kitchen remote controller 20 once determines the model of the bath water heater 10, a control program corresponding to the model of the bath water heater 10 is subsequently executed. Moreover, although the case where the kitchen remote controller 20 or the bathroom remote controller 30 and the bath water heater 10 are connected via a wire has been described, a communication signal is transmitted between the kitchen remote controller 20 or the bathroom remote controller 30 and the bath water heater 10 by radio. May be sent and received.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the kitchen remote controller 20 is connected to either the bath water heater 10 having a daytime wrinkle function or the bath water heater 10 having a late night wrinkle function, and according to the connected bath water heater 10. Although the case where the function setting is performed has been described, the bath water heater 10 may be a model having both of these functions, or may be a model not having both of these functions. When the kitchen remote controller 20 is connected to the bath water heater 10 having both functions, the bath water heater 10 is a function (intermediate function) that combines a part of the daytime aside function and a part of the midnight aside function (combination) Function information) may be transmitted to the kitchen remote controller 20. In this case, the kitchen remote controller 20 performs an operation corresponding to the intermediate function.

  Further, the bath water heater 10 may be configured to be able to set four types of functions such as a daytime extra function, a late night extra function, an intermediate function, and other functions (other functions). In this case, the kitchen remote controller 20 uses the information corresponding to the operation setting for the daytime extra function, the information corresponding to the operation setting for the midnight extra function, the information corresponding to the operation setting for the combination function, and the operation to other functions. Any of the information according to the setting is notified to the user. Thereby, even if various warming functions can be set in the bath water heater 10, the kitchen remote controller 20 can perform an operation according to the warming function of the bath water heater 10.

  Further, in the present embodiment, for the function of increasing the hot water in the hot water storage tank that has been reduced, 1 based on the combination of the bath water heater 10 and the kitchen remote controller 20 when the kitchen remote controller 20 is installed. Although the two functions are fixedly used, the functions used by the kitchen remote controller 20 and the bath water heater 10 may not be fixed.

  For example, the bath water heater 10 determines the superiority of each function by learning the usage environment of the bath hot water system 100 for a predetermined period. The bath water heater 10 flexibly changes the function used when the hot water in the reduced hot water storage tank is increased based on the determination result regarding the superiority of each function. Specifically, the bath water heater 10 determines that there is an advantage in energy saving when the hot water in the hot water storage tank remains in a predetermined amount or more every day, and has a function for adding a midnight (use permission) ). On the other hand, the bath water heater 10 determines that there is a possibility that the hot water in the hot water storage tank will run out when the hot water in the hot water storage tank becomes less than a predetermined amount every day. No additional function (use prohibited).

  In the present embodiment, in the hot water supply system 100, the communication circuit 1c of the hot water heater 10 transmits / receives communication signals to / from the kitchen remote controller 20, the bathroom remote controller 30, and the heat pump unit 40 through a common communication path. However, in addition to the communication path between the kitchen remote controller 20 and the bathroom remote controller 30, a communication circuit and a communication path dedicated to the heat pump unit 40 may be provided.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the hot water supply method is the heat pump type hot water heater 10 has been described, but the hot water supply method may be a conventional heater-type electric water heater. In this case, instead of the heat pump unit 40 as a heat source, an additional heater is built in the bath water heater 10. Then, the side heater for the hot water heater 10 is directly controlled by the control unit 1a of the hot water heater 10.

  As described above, according to the embodiment, when the hot water supply function is set for each bath water heater, the setting corresponding to the side hot function of the bath water heater connected to the kitchen remote controller 20 is set. Therefore, the kitchen remote controller 20 can perform an operation according to the side-up function of the connected hot water heater. Therefore, the kitchen remote controller 20 can operate as a common remote controller that can support various types of bath water heaters 10. Thereby, only one model of the kitchen remote controller 20 needs to be produced, and the production efficiency and distribution efficiency of the kitchen remote controller 20 and the service efficiency relating to the provision of the kitchen remote controller 20 are improved.

  In addition, when the kitchen remote controller 20 is ordered or installed, the model difference between the bath water heater 10 and the kitchen remote controller 20 does not occur. Moreover, since the notification function by voice, electronic sound, etc. according to the model of the bath water heater 10 and the display function for visually recognizing information are not unified among the models of the bath water heater 10, conventionally The operability of the remote control that has been used is not lost.

  As described above, the remote controller and bath hot water supply system according to the present invention are suitable for the operation according to the side function of the water heater.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the bath hot water supply system based on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the bath hot water supply system shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the structure of a kitchen remote control. It is a figure which shows an example of the information displayed on a display, when a kitchen remote control is connected to the model which has a daytime extra function. It is a figure which shows an example of the information displayed on a display, when a kitchen remote control is connected to the model which has a late-night addition function. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the bath hot water supply system which concerns on embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1a, 2a, 3a, 4a Control unit 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b Power supply unit 1c, 2c, 3c, 4c Communication circuit 1d, 2d, 3d, 4d Microcomputer 2e, 3e Display 2f, 3f Audio IC
2g, 3g Amplifier 2h, 3h Speaker 2i, 3i Switch 5a Menu feed switch 5b UP switch 5c DOWN switch 5d Determination switch 6a-6d, 7a, 7b Lighting unit 10 Hot water heater 20 Kitchen remote controller 30 Bathroom remote controller 40 Heat pump unit 100 Hot water system

Claims (4)

In a remote controller for remotely operating the bath water heater and notifying information according to the operation setting to the bath water heater by sound and / or display,
While communicating with the bath water heater, if any one of the preset warming functions among the functions of increasing the amount of hot water reduced in the hot water storage tank is set in the bath water heater, A communication unit that receives functional information related to the side heating function set in the bath water heater from the bath water heater;
An informing unit for informing the outside by sound and / or display information corresponding to the operation setting to the bath water heater;
The notifying unit for notifying information according to the operation setting for the side hot water function set in the connected warm water heater, based on the function information, when performing the operation setting for the warm water heater. A control unit for controlling
A remote controller comprising: Aside-up function set in the bath water heater is a daytime side-up function that increases the hot water of the hot water storage tank to a predetermined amount with daytime power, a late-night side-up function that increases hot water of the hot water storage tank with late-night power, A combination function combining a part of the daytime sideward function and a part of the late nightside function, or another function other than the daytime sideward function and the midnight sideward function,
The control unit includes information according to the operation setting to the daytime extra function, information according to the operation setting to the late night extra function, information according to the operation setting to the combination function, or the other function. The remote controller according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is controlled so as to notify any of the corresponding information based on the function information.   The control unit stores the function information acquired via the communication unit, and then performs operation setting to the bath water heater when the notification is made based on the stored function information. The remote controller according to claim 1, wherein the remote controller is controlled. A bath water heater system having a bath water heater using an electric water heater, and a remote controller for remotely operating the bath water heater and notifying information according to operation settings for the bath water heater by sound and / or display In
The bath water heater is
It is set to the own device when it communicates with the remote controller and any one of the preset renewal functions among the functions to increase the amount of hot water reduced in the hot water storage tank is set to the own device. A first communication unit for transmitting function information related to the additional function to the remote controller;
Based on an instruction from the remote controller, a first control unit that controls a side-by-side function set in the device;
With
The remote controller is
A second communication unit that communicates with the bath water heater and receives the function information from the bath water heater;
An informing unit for informing the outside by sound and / or display information corresponding to the operation setting to the bath water heater;
The notifying unit for notifying information according to the operation setting for the side hot water function set in the connected warm water heater, based on the function information, when performing the operation setting for the warm water heater. A second control unit for controlling
A hot water supply system characterized by comprising:

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