JP2010060233A - Water heater, hot-water supply temperature informing method or program for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water heater, allowing the visually or aurally impaired persons to use hot water safely and conveniently by surely cautioning about the supply of high temperature water when hot water is delivered by the water heater in various places such as a bathroom, a toilet and a kitchen. <P>SOLUTION: In the case where the water heater 1 is set to deliver high-temperature water above a predetermined temperature, in supply the hot water, a vibration means 211 provided on an operating means 212 operated by a user is vibrated at a preset temperature above the predetermined temperature so that on touching the operating means 212, the user can notice the supply of high temperature water beforehand by feeling. Since warning is given by feeling, even the visually or aurally impaired persons are enabled to use hot water always with high safety and convenience by cautioning of the operating means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a hot water supply device related to temperature notification of hot water set by a hot water supply device, a hot water temperature notification method, or a program.

  In a conventional water heater, a hot water temperature detecting means is provided in the middle of a tap pipe in the water heater, and when a set high temperature is detected, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time of detection, a warning notice is displayed by voice or display by the notifying means. There is something to do (see, for example, Patent Document 1). With this configuration, the user is notified of the timing at which hot hot water is discharged to alert the user.

In addition, when the set temperature of the water heater is changed in the water heater remote controller, if the temperature is set higher than a predetermined temperature, a warning is displayed on the display means that the hot water set temperature is high (for example, a patent) Reference 2).
JP 2002-162115 A JP 2005-233442 A

  However, in the conventional configuration, the user is notified by voice or display that hot water is hot, but it cannot be notified and alerted to a person with impaired eyes or ears. Actually, in the case of display, it is displayed on a remote controller or the like, but there is a problem that characters are generally small and difficult to see in the bathroom. Also, there is a problem that voice is difficult to hear for elderly people who are far away. Furthermore, when hot water is used in a shower or the like in a bathroom, it is often used without confirming the setting of the water heater remote control. In other words, when a family other than yourself uses hot water, the temperature setting may change, and hot hot water may be discharged. There is also a problem that it is difficult to tell that it is a high temperature setting.

  The present invention ensures that hot water can be used even by people who are blind or deaf when using hot water supply equipment in places such as bathrooms, washrooms, and kitchens, making it safer and more convenient. An object is to provide a hot water supply device that uses hot water.

  Hot water supply means for generating hot water, discharge means for discharging hot water supplied from the hot water supply means, temperature setting means for setting the temperature to be generated, and hot water in the hot water supply means according to the set temperature set by the temperature setting means According to the set temperature, the control means for generating the water, the operation means for the user to discharge or stop the water to discharge the hot water from the discharge means, and the vibration means provided in the operation means to vibrate the operation means The vibration means is controlled to vibrate the operation means.

  In this way, when the hot water supply device is set to output hot water of a predetermined temperature or higher, it is provided for operation means such as a curan operation lever that is operated by the user when trying to discharge hot water. By virtue of the vibration means (consisting of a motor, a piezoelectric element, etc.) that vibrates when set to a high temperature above a predetermined temperature, the user can touch the operation means so that the hot water is not discharged. You will be able to notice. In addition, since the operating means is always operated when hot water is used, it is more reliable and convenient as a reminder.

In addition, by changing the vibration pattern to be informed to the user for each temperature zone, it becomes possible to know which temperature zone is set when the operation means is touched, and the convenience is further improved.

  By using the hot water supply apparatus, the hot water temperature notification method and the program of the present invention, there is an effect that, when an operation of taking out hot water is performed, anyone can be notified of the hot water temperature reliably and conveniently.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided hot water supply means for generating hot water, discharge means for discharging hot water supplied from the hot water supply means, temperature setting means for setting the temperature to be generated, and a set temperature set by the temperature setting means. In response, control means for generating hot water by the hot water supply means, operation means for allowing the user to discharge water or stop water in order to discharge hot water from the discharge means, and vibration means provided in the operation means for vibrating the operation means And a hot water supply apparatus configured to control the vibration means according to a set temperature and vibrate the operation means.

  Thus, the hot water supply device can vibrate the operation means in accordance with the set temperature, so that when the hot water is to be discharged, the vibration means (motor or piezoelectric element) provided in the operation means such as a currant or a lever to be operated. And the like, it can be vibrated that the temperature is set higher than a predetermined temperature, so that the temperature setting value of the hot water supply device can be notified by touching the operating means.

  In addition, by providing vibration means in the operation means that must be operated when hot water is discharged and letting it know by vibration, it is possible to notify people with hearing and hearing disabilities, and it is possible to alert more reliably, so safety and convenience are improved. Rise.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the vibration means constitutes the hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1 which vibrates when a set temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature.

  By virtue of this, the operating means is vibrated at a temperature setting equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature. The safety of the water heater increases. In addition, anyone can use it safely as a hot water supply device.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vibration means vibrates with a different vibration pattern according to a set temperature range.

  Thus, by giving the operating means different vibrations depending on the temperature zone, for example, a comfortable vibration pattern indicating that the temperature is 35 to 45 ° C. is an appropriate temperature, and a stab indicating that the temperature exceeding 46 ° C. is a high temperature. By adding a new vibration pattern, you can understand the hot water setting zone without having to look at the remote controller setting value, so that you don't accidentally give out hot water. Because it can be confirmed by, safety and convenience can be improved.

  4th invention is provided with the human sensor means which detects that a user's hand approached the said operation means, and when the said human sensor sensor detects that the user's hand approached the said operation means, setting The vibrating means is vibrated according to the temperature.

  As a result, it is detected that the human hand is approaching by the human sensor means, and the vibration means is vibrated according to the set temperature, so that the operation means does not constantly vibrate according to the set temperature and the hot water is discharged. While doing so, it is possible to vibrate and let the user know the temperature setting value, and since it is not necessary to vibrate the vibration means when it is unnecessary, it is possible to save energy and increase convenience.

5th invention is equipped with the vibration pattern setting means which sets the vibration pattern of the said vibration means,
According to the temperature, the user sets a vibration pattern by the vibration pattern setting means and senses the set temperature by touching the operation means.

  Thus, by allowing the vibration pattern setting means to set the vibration pattern of the vibration means according to the temperature, it is possible to obtain a desired vibration pattern with the temperature setting suitable for the user's preference. This makes it possible to adjust the temperature of hot water, which is felt differently depending on the user's feeling.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a power generation means for generating electricity by a water flow and a power storage means for storing the generated power are provided, and the vibration means is driven by the power of the power storage means.

  As a result, every time hot water is discharged from the power generation means, power is generated by a water flow and is stored by the power storage means. There is no need to supply, wiring work is easier, and installation is easier.

  7th invention sets the temperature of the hot water produced | generated with the remote control of a hot water supply apparatus, the step which a user operates the operation means of a discharge device in order to discharge or stop the warm water from a discharge device, And a step of vibrating a vibration device provided in the operation means in accordance with the set temperature of the hot water supply temperature.

  Thus, the hot water supply device can vibrate the operation means in accordance with the set temperature, so that when the hot water is to be discharged, the vibration means (motor or piezoelectric element) provided in the operation means such as a currant or a lever to be operated. And the like, it can be vibrated that the temperature is set higher than a predetermined temperature, so that the temperature setting value of the hot water supply device can be notified by touching the operating means.

  In addition, it is provided in the operating means that must be operated when hot water is discharged, and is alerted by vibration, so that it is possible to notify a person with a blind or deaf person and to be alerted more reliably, thus increasing safety and convenience.

  An eighth invention is a program for causing a computer to realize at least a part of the hot water supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

  Accordingly, since it is a program, at least a part of the present invention can be realized with simple hardware by cooperating hardware resources such as an electric / information device and a computer. In addition, the program can be distributed / updated and installed easily by recording on a recording medium or distributing the program using a communication line.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hot water supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a hot water supply device and a currant that discharges hot water. In FIG. 1, a hot water supply apparatus 1 is a heat pump type hot water heater, and includes a heat pump unit 1a and a hot water storage tank unit 1b. The heat pump unit 1a is a system that makes hot water by absorbing air heat into a refrigerant (for example, CO ₂ refrigerant), compressing it with a compressor, and further exchanging heat with water flowing through a pipe. The produced hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank unit 1b, and when the user needs hot water, the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank unit 1b is used.

  The remote controller 2 is a remote controller that controls the hot water supply device 1. The remote controller 2 sets the temperature setting of the hot water for hot water supply, the hot water temperature setting of the bath, the hot water amount, and the like. It also has setting functions related to hot water storage, such as setting the amount of hot water to boil at midnight and storing in the hot water storage tank unit 1b. In addition, the remote controller 2 of the present embodiment has a function of setting a vibration pattern of the vibration device for understanding the temperature zone by touching an operation lever for hot water. Details will be described later.

  The hot water supply pipe 3 is connected to the hot water storage tank unit 1 b and supplies hot water to the shower 5 and the currant 6 in the bathroom. An operation lever 7 is provided on the top of the currant 6, and when the operation lever 7 is depressed, the hot water is discharged and hot water enters the bathtub 4. The operating lever 7 includes a vibration device 8 that vibrates the operating lever 7 in accordance with the temperature setting. In FIG. 1, for the sake of explanation, the vibration device 8 is shown as being attached to the upper portion, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the vibration device 8 may be built in the operation lever 7. Although not shown, hot water is supplied to the hot water storage tank unit 1b by piping to other places used in a house, such as a washroom and a currant such as a kitchen.

  In FIG. 2, the hot water supply apparatus 1 includes hot water supply means 201, control means 202, storage means 203, temperature setting means 204, vibration pattern setting means 205, and wireless communication means 206. The hot water supply means 201 cooperates with the heat pump unit 1 a and the hot water storage tank unit 1 b to generate hot water as set by the remote controller 2 and supply the hot water to the currant 6 through the hot water piping 3.

  The control means 202 provides a control function of the hot water supply device 1. Specifically, necessary setting information is stored in a storage unit 203 that is a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and is configured to function as a hot water supply device 1. . The temperature setting means 204 is provided by a switch provided in the remote controller 2. The user operates the temperature setting means 204 to set and change the temperature of hot water discharged from the currant 6. The hot water supply temperature can be set in the range of 32 ° C, 35 ° C, 38-47 ° C, and 60 ° C. Also set the hot water temperature of the bath.

  The vibration pattern setting unit 205 sets a vibration pattern for vibrating the operation lever 7 for each temperature. The setting is set by the user according to his / her preference. For example, if it is used at 40 to 42 ° C., an appropriate temperature vibration pattern is selected from the menu and set. Select and set from temperature range and vibration pattern menu prepared in advance. Moreover, the vibration pattern of high-temperature hot water is set so that the temperature exceeding 45 ° C. informs that hot hot water comes out.

  Even if the user does not set the vibration pattern of the high temperature hot water caution notification, it may be set at a default setting of 60 ° C. or higher. If it is 60 ° C. or higher, the vibration pattern of the high temperature hot water may not be changed for safety. A plurality of types of vibration patterns are provided as functions of the hot water supply device 1.

  The wireless communication unit 206 performs communication for controlling the vibration device 8 included in the currant 6. When the temperature setting is changed by the temperature setting unit 204, the temperature setting information is stored in the storage unit 203 by the control unit 202. The control unit 202 generates a temperature setting update message, and transmits the message from the wireless communication unit 206 to the second wireless communication unit 207 of the curan 6. Further, when the vibration pattern setting is changed by the vibration pattern setting unit 205, a vibration pattern setting update message is generated by the control unit and transmitted from the wireless communication unit 206. Although not shown, an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves is connected to the wireless communication unit 206 and a second wireless communication unit 207 described later.

  The second wireless communication unit 207 receives the temperature setting update message or the vibration pattern setting update message from the wireless communication unit 206 of the remote controller 2. When the message is received, the second control unit 208 analyzes the message and records setting information in the second storage unit 209.

  The human sensor unit 210 detects that a human hand approaches or touches the operation unit 212 (operation lever 7). It consists of an infrared sensor. When a hand comes close to the operation lever 7 with the human sensor 210, vibration control is performed on a vibration unit 211 described later.

The vibration means 211 (vibration device 8) is formed by a small motor, a piezoelectric device, or the like. When a hot water notification message is received from the wireless communication means 206 of the remote controller 2, the second control means 208 confirms the hot water supply temperature, and sets the vibration pattern set according to the temperature to the second storage means 209.
Read from. And the vibration means 211 is driven with the vibration pattern according to temperature. The vibration means 211 is attached to the operation means 212 (operation lever 7), and when the vibration means 211 is driven, the operation means 212 vibrates with the vibration pattern.

  When the user operates the operation unit 212, the discharge unit 213 discharges hot water having a set temperature from the discharge unit 213 through the hot water supply pipe 3 from the hot water supply unit 201.

  Next, the operation and action when the user depresses the operation lever 7 (operation means 212) and performs a hot water operation will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of giving a vibration pattern to the operation lever 7 (operation means 212) according to the hot water supply temperature setting.

  The user sets the hot water supply temperature with the temperature setting means 204 of the remote controller 2 (S401). For example, suppose that it set to 40 degreeC at this time. Since the hot water supply temperature has been changed, a temperature setting update message is generated by the control unit 202 and transmitted from the wireless communication unit 206 to the second wireless communication unit 207 of the curan 6. When the electronic message is received, the second control unit 208 determines that the temperature setting is updated, and stores the hot water supply temperature setting as 40 ° C. in the second storage unit 209. At this time, the vibration pattern is set in advance, and it is assumed that the temperature is set to an appropriate temperature when the temperature is 45 ° C. or lower and the high temperature when the temperature exceeds 45 ° C. This setting can be arbitrarily changed as described above. It is set to vibrate with a gentle vibration pattern at an appropriate temperature, and is set to vibrate with a steep vibration pattern at a high temperature.

  Then, when the hand is brought close to the operation means 212 in order to take out the hot water, the presence sensor means 210 detects that the hand has approached (S402).

  The second control means 208 acquires from the second storage means 209 the current hot water supply temperature and which vibration pattern the temperature is (S403).

  When the set temperature acquired by the second control means 208 is 40 ° C., the appropriate temperature setting is 45 ° C. or less, so it is determined that the temperature is appropriate (S404).

  When the temperature is appropriate, the second control unit 208 controls the vibration by driving the vibration unit 211 with a gentle vibration pattern that is a vibration pattern at an appropriate temperature. The driven vibration means 211 causes the operation means 212 to vibrate with a gentle vibration pattern, and when the user touches the operation means 212, the user is made aware (S405).

  When the user who has touched the operation means 212 feels that there is a gentle vibration, the user recognizes that the current hot water supply temperature setting is the desired temperature setting, and presses down the operation means 212 as it is, so that the discharge means Hot water is discharged from 213. When the hot water is discharged and the user releases his hand from the operation means 212, the vibration means 211 stops vibrating. If the operation means 212 is not operated after detection by the human sensor means 210, the vibration control is stopped in a certain time.

  A case where the user's family has set the hot water supply temperature to 50 ° C. by the temperature setting unit 204 of the remote controller 2 in S401 described above will be described. As for the operation, the description of the processing is omitted.

  When the user puts his hand close to the operation means 212 in order to take out hot water, the human sensor means 210 detects that the vibration means 211 is driven. At this time, since the hot water supply temperature is set to 50 ° C., vibration control is performed with a high-temperature vibration pattern. That is, the operation means 212 is vibrated with a steep vibration pattern, and the user touching the operation means 212 is informed that the hot water supply temperature is set to a high temperature (S406). And the user who touched the operation means 212 recognizes that it is unintentionally set to high temperature when touching the operation means 212 before pouring out hot water.

In this way, the hot water supply device 1 can vibrate the operation means 212 according to the set temperature, so that it is provided in the operation lever 7 (operation means 212) of the curan 6 to be operated when trying to take out hot water. The vibration means 211 (comprising a motor, a piezoelectric element, etc.) can vibrate that the temperature is set higher than a predetermined temperature, so that the temperature setting value of the hot water supply device 1 is notified by touching the operation means 212. become able to. In addition, by providing the operating means 212 that is always operated when hot water is discharged and making it tactile by vibration, it is possible to notify even a person with impaired eyes and ears, and it is possible to call attention more reliably, so safety and convenience are improved.

  In addition, by vibrating the operation means 212 at a temperature setting higher than a predetermined temperature, if the temperature is set to a temperature higher than the predetermined temperature, for example, 50 ° C. or higher, it can be alerted that the temperature setting is high. The safety of using hot water supply equipment is increased. As a hot water supply device, it can be used by anyone who is visually impaired or an elderly person by touching the part to be operated without fail, so everyone can use it more safely.

  Further, by giving the operating means 212 different vibrations depending on the temperature zone, for example, a comfortable gentle vibration pattern indicating that the temperature is 45 ° C. or lower is an appropriate temperature, and a temperature exceeding 45 ° C. is a high temperature. By adding a stunning vibration pattern that feels dangerous, it is possible to understand the hot water setting zone without looking at the set value of the remote control 2, so that hot water is not accidentally discharged and the temperature is appropriate. This can also be confirmed in the operation of taking out hot water, so safety and convenience can be improved.

  Further, by detecting that the human hand is approaching by the human sensor means 210 and vibrating the vibration means 211 according to the set temperature, the operation means 212 is vibrated without constantly vibrating according to the set temperature. It is possible to vibrate and let the user know the temperature setting value when taking out hot water, and it is not necessary to vibrate the vibration means 211 when it is unnecessary, thus saving energy and increasing convenience. .

  Further, by allowing the vibration pattern setting means 205 to set the vibration pattern of the vibration means 211 according to the temperature, it is possible to obtain a desired vibration pattern with a temperature setting that suits the user's preference. It will be possible to adjust the temperature of the hot water, which will vary depending on the person, improving convenience.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 is a block configuration diagram of the currant 6 provided with the power generation means and the power storage means in the second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  The power generation unit 301 is a power generation unit provided in a part of the discharge unit 213 of the currant 6. The power generation means 301 includes a water wheel that rotates in a water flow and a generator that converts the rotational energy of the water wheel into electric energy. Power is generated by rotating the gears with the water flow at the time of tapping.

  The power storage unit 302 is a secondary battery or a capacitor that stores the electricity generated by the power generation unit 301. The electric power stored in the power storage means 302 drives electronic components such as the second control means 208, the second wireless communication means 207, and the vibration means 211 provided in the currant 6.

  By doing in this way, the vibration means 211 etc. which are incorporated in the currant 6 can be operated without supplying electric power from the hot water supply apparatus 1, wiring work is facilitated, and installation is also improved.

  In the first and second embodiments, the hot water supply apparatus has been described using currants, but a shower may be used. Further, there may be a plurality of operation means 212 for applying vibration. Moreover, although the heat pump water heater was demonstrated as the hot water supply apparatus 1, it is an apparatus with a hot water supply function such as an electric water heater, a gas water heater, a cogeneration system using a fuel cell or a gas engine, and a control means such as a remote controller. If there is something.

In addition, although it has been described that wireless communication is performed between the remote controller 2 of the hot water supply device 1 and the currant 6, it does not depend on the radio wave band. Specific low-power radio, wireless LAN, 2.4 GHz band Zigbee, etc. generally used in the home are used. Moreover, although it demonstrated as communicating by radio | wireless communication, it does not need to use radio | wireless and may be wired and controlled.

  Moreover, although it described that the microcomputer was mounted in the currant 6, you may make it control directly from the control means of the remote control 2 or the hot-water supply apparatus 1. FIG. Moreover, it does not depend on the place used, and may be a general household, a commercial facility, or a business use.

  The human sensor means 210 is provided to make the timing for operating the vibration means 211 efficient, but may be omitted. The human sensor means 210 may be other than infrared detection, and may be a capacitance detection, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like as long as it can detect that the operation means 212 is being operated. .

  The means described in this embodiment is a program for cooperating hardware resources such as a CPU (or microcomputer), a RAM, a ROM, a storage / recording device, an electrical / information device including an I / O, a computer, a server, You may implement with the form. In the form of a program, new functions can be easily distributed / updated and installed by recording them on a recording medium such as magnetic media or optical media or distributing them via a communication line such as the Internet.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The hot water supply apparatus, hot water supply temperature notification method and program according to the present invention can be used for apparatuses and systems that provide hot water supply functions for home use and business use.

The system block diagram of the hot water supply apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention The block diagram which shows the hot-water supply apparatus and currant in Embodiment 1 of this invention The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the hot water supply apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. Block diagram of a currant provided with a power generation function in Embodiment 2 of the present invention

Explanation of symbols

1 Hot-water supply device 2 Remote control 6 Karan (discharge device)
7 Operation lever (operation means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 Vibration apparatus 201 Hot-water supply means 202 Control means 204 Temperature setting means 205 Vibration pattern setting means 210 Human sensor means 211 Vibration means 212 Operation means 213 Discharge means 301 Power generation means 302 Power storage means

Claims (8)

Hot water supply means for generating hot water, discharge means for discharging hot water supplied from the hot water supply means, temperature setting means for setting the temperature to be generated, and hot water in the hot water supply means according to the set temperature set by the temperature setting means According to the set temperature, the control means for generating the water, the operation means for the user to discharge or stop the water to discharge the hot water from the discharge means, and the vibration means provided in the operation means to vibrate the operation means A hot water supply apparatus for controlling the vibration means to vibrate the operation means. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vibration means vibrates when the set temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vibration means vibrates with different vibration patterns according to a set temperature zone. Human sensor means for detecting that the user's hand is close to the operating means is provided, and when the human sensor means detects that the user's hand is close to the operating means, vibration means is provided according to the set temperature. It is made to vibrate, The hot water supply apparatus of any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. A vibration pattern setting means for setting a vibration pattern of the vibration means is provided, and the user sets a vibration pattern with the vibration pattern setting means according to the temperature, and senses the set temperature by touching the operation means. The hot water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The hot water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a power generation unit configured to generate power by a water flow and a power storage unit configured to store the generated power, and the vibration unit is driven by the power of the power storage unit. . Setting the temperature of the hot water generated by the remote controller of the water heater,
A step in which the user operates the operating means of the discharge device in order to discharge or stop the warm water from the discharge device;
Oscillating a vibration device provided in the operation means according to a set temperature of hot water;
A method for notifying the hot water supply temperature. The program for making a computer implement | achieve at least one part of the hot water supply apparatus of any one of Claims 1-6.

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