JP2010164273A - Hot water supply remote control device and method and program of informing hot water supply temperature - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow safe and convenient use hot water supply by anyone. <P>SOLUTION: In a remote controller 2, when a user operates a temperature operating means 201 to change temperature setting, a control means 202 compares a temperature set value with a reference value stored in a storing means 203. When the temperature set value is the reference value, by vibrating a vibration means 204, the temperature operating means 201 to which the vibration means 204 is connected is vibrated, to present tactile sensation with respect to the user to make the user feel that the temperature set value is the reference value. This can make the user understand the temperature set value by sensation in his/her operating finger, to provide a hot water supply function convenient for visually- or hearing-unable persons and the elderly. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

In a conventional water heater, hot water temperature detection means is provided in the middle of a hot water supply pipe in the water heater, and when a set high temperature is detected, a warning notification is given by voice or display after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time of detection. There are some (see, for example, Patent Document 1). With this configuration, the user is informed of the timing when hot hot water is discharged, thereby calling attention. Some hot water remote controllers have a switch for notifying the set temperature of the water heater by voice so that the visually impaired person can check the current state of the water heater without looking at the display (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 2002-162115 A JP 2004-183972 A

  However, in the conventional configuration, the user can be notified by voice or display that hot water is hot, or the current state can be confirmed by voice using a switch, but a person with hearing impairment cannot use it. 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. There is also a problem that the voice is difficult to hear for elderly people who are far away. Furthermore, when using hot water in a shower or the like in a bathroom, it is not rare to notice that the desired temperature is not set while using the shower, and change the temperature setting with the hot water remote controller. That is, there is a problem that it is difficult to confirm the set value and it is not convenient to change the temperature setting while confirming with a display or sound while water drops are attached to the hot water remote controller or there is a shower sound.

  When using hot water with temperature setting with a hot water supply remote control device, the person who is blind or deaf or an elderly person can operate the temperature setting with his / her finger while tapping the setting value. An object of the present invention is to provide a hot water supply remote control device that improves the convenience of notification.

  A temperature operation means for a user to set a hot water supply temperature; a control means for controlling the hot water supply temperature; a storage means for holding a hot water supply temperature as a reference value; and a vibration means for vibrating the temperature operation means in accordance with the setting, When the control unit determines that the set value of the hot water supply temperature is set to the reference value held in the storage unit when the user sets the hot water supply temperature by the temperature operation unit, the temperature operation unit is controlled by the vibration unit. I try to vibrate.

  In this way, when the reference value (default value) of the hot water supply temperature that is normally used is set, the temperature operation means vibrates by the vibration means, so the reference value can be found with the sense of a finger while operating. Therefore, it is possible to set the hot water supply temperature conveniently without checking the display or sound of the hot water remote controller. Since it can be perceived with a finger, the convenience of setting the hot water supply temperature can be improved for those who are blind or deaf and for elderly people.

  By using the hot-water supply remote control device, the hot-water supply temperature notification method and the program of the present invention, it is possible to check the set temperature with the sense of a finger while operating even for the visually impaired or the elderly. There is an effect that can be.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a temperature operating means for setting a hot water supply temperature by a user, a control means for controlling the hot water supply temperature, a storage means for holding a hot water supply temperature as a reference value, and the temperature operating means according to settings. When the control means determines that the set value of the hot water supply temperature is set to a reference value held in the storage means when the user sets the hot water supply temperature with the temperature operation means, the vibration means A hot water supply remote control device that vibrates the temperature operation means is configured. When the user operates the temperature operation means with his / her finger to change the hot water supply temperature, when the hot water temperature setting reference value (default value) is set, the vibration means vibrates the temperature operation means. Since the set temperature can be confirmed with the sense of a finger, the convenience of the notification function of the hot water temperature setting is increased whether or not the operation of the hot water remote controller is confirmed or not.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the user sets the hot water supply temperature with the temperature operating means, the temperature operating means is vibrated gradually and strongly with the vibration means when the hot water supply temperature is set to increase with respect to a reference value. The hot water supply remote control device according to claim 1 is configured. When the user operates the temperature operation means with his / her finger to change the hot water supply temperature, when the temperature setting value of the hot water remote control device is gradually increased, the vibration means vibrates the temperature operation means gradually and strongly. Since the user's finger is informed that the temperature setting has been raised, it is possible to confirm that the temperature has been raised without having to check the operation of the hot water remote control device with the eyes or ears, which is safe and convenient. Rise.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the user sets the hot water supply temperature with the temperature operation means, the temperature operation means is vibrated gradually and weakly with the vibration means when the hot water supply temperature is set to be lowered with respect to the reference value. The hot water supply remote control device according to claim 1 is configured. When the user operates the temperature operation means with his / her finger to change the hot water supply temperature, when the temperature setting value of the hot water remote control device is gradually lowered, the vibration means vibrates the temperature operation means gradually and weakly. Since the user's finger is informed that the temperature setting is lowered, the temperature can be confirmed to be lowered without checking the operation of the hot water remote control device with eyes or ears, and safety and convenience are improved.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention comprises a hot water supply remote control device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, comprising vibration temperature setting means for setting a hot water supply temperature to be vibrated, and causing the temperature operating means to vibrate at a set desired hot water supply temperature. It is. Since the hot water supply temperature to be vibrated can be set by the vibration temperature setting means, the user can set the hot water supply temperature that the user often uses, the upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature, etc. Even if the operation of the remote control device is not confirmed with eyes or ears, the temperature set value can be perceived by vibration, and convenience can be further improved.

  5th invention is equipped with the vibration pattern setting means which sets a vibration pattern, The vibration operation pattern is changed according to setting values, such as a reference value of hot water supply temperature, an upper limit value, and a lower limit value, The said temperature operation means is vibrated. The hot water supply remote control device described in 1, 2, 3 or 4 is configured. Since the vibration pattern can be set and changed depending on the hot water temperature to be set, the hot water temperature can be easily understood with the sense of the user's finger, and convenience is enhanced.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a user sets a hot water supply temperature with an operation unit of a hot water remote controller, and compares the set hot water temperature with a reference hot water temperature stored in a memory of the hot water remote controller. When the set hot water temperature is a reference value, the hot water temperature notification method includes a step of vibrating the operation unit of the hot water remote controller with a vibration device. When the user operates the temperature operation means with his / her finger to change the hot water supply temperature, when the hot water temperature setting reference value (default value) is set, the vibration means vibrates the temperature operation means. Since the set temperature can be confirmed with the sense of a finger, the convenience of the notification function of the hot water temperature setting is increased whether or not the operation of the hot water remote controller is confirmed or not.

  7th invention is a program for making a computer implement | achieve at least one part of the hot-water supply apparatus of any one of Claims 1-5. 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 system configuration diagram of a hot water supply apparatus and a remote controller according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the remote controller. The configuration of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 1, a hot water supply apparatus 1 is a heat pump type hot water supply apparatus, 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 heat of air into a refrigerant (CO2 refrigerant), compressing it with a compressor, further increasing the temperature, and exchanging heat with water flowing in the piping. 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 includes temperature setting switches 2a and 2b for setting the hot water supply temperature. 2a is a temperature rise switch, and 2b is a temperature fall switch. The temperature increase switch 2a and the temperature decrease switch 2b are configured by a button switch, a membrane switch, a touch switch (electrostatic type, piezoelectric type), or the like. The remote controller 2 sets a hot water supply temperature setting, a hot water temperature setting for a bath, a hot water amount, and the like. It also has setting functions related to hot water storage, such as setting the amount of hot water that is boiled in the middle of the night and stored in the hot water storage tank unit 1b.

  Further, in the remote controller 2 of the present embodiment, a vibration device is connected to the temperature setting switches 2a and 2b so that the change state of the temperature setting can be informed. It also has a setting function to vibrate at the time of temperature setting according to the user's preference such as the reference value, upper limit value, and lower limit value to be vibrated by the vibration device. 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 bathtub 4, the shower 5, and the currant 6 of the bathroom 8. An operation lever 7 is provided on the upper portion of the currant 6, and hot water is discharged when the operation lever is depressed.

  The bathroom 8 includes a remote controller 2, a bathtub 4, a shower 5, and a currant 6. Also, the hot water supply device 1 and the remote controller 2 are connected by a communication line. When the remote controller 2 is operated, a control signal is transmitted to the hot water supply device 1 to control the hot water supply device 1 to change the hot water temperature, hot water filling, hot water storage amount setting, etc. Do.

  In FIG. 1, the hot water supply device 1 and the remote controller 2 are illustrated as being connected by wire for the sake of explanation. However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be communicated wirelessly. 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 remote controller 2 includes a temperature operation unit 201, a control unit 202, a storage unit 203, a vibration unit 204 (vibration device), a vibration temperature setting unit 205, a vibration pattern setting unit 206, and a communication unit 207. These functions cooperate to form a function of the remote controller 2 for controlling the hot water supply apparatus 1.

  The temperature operation means 201 is provided by a switch provided in the remote controller 2. The user operates the temperature operation means 201 to set and change the temperature of hot water discharged from the currant 6. Also, change and set the hot water temperature for the bath. The hot water supply temperature discharged from the currant can be set in a range of 32 ° C, 35 ° C, 37-48 ° C, 50, 55, 60 ° C. The hot water temperature of the bath is 33 to 48 ° C. In addition, the temperature range which can be set changes with kinds of hot water supply apparatus, and is not limited to the said range. Further, as described above, the switch is formed of a button switch, a membrane switch, a touch switch, or the like, and is connected to vibration means 204 described later so that the switch vibrates when the user changes the temperature.

  The control unit 202 provides a control function of the remote controller 2. Specifically, the remote controller 2 is made to function by storing necessary setting information in a storage unit 203 that is a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory) formed by a microcomputer or the like. The temperature setting value changed by the temperature operation unit 201 generates a control message by the control unit 202 and communicates via a communication unit 207 described later to control the hot water supply apparatus 1.

  The vibration means 204 (vibration device) is formed by a small motor or a piezoelectric device that is a tactile sense presentation element. The vibration means 204 is vibrated by operating the temperature operation means 201 to acquire a vibration pattern corresponding to the changed temperature set value and the changed state from the storage means 203 by the control means 202. Then, by vibrating the connected temperature operation means 201, the temperature setting state is fed back to the user's finger as a tactile sensation, so that the user knows what setting has been made.

  The vibration temperature setting means 205 is a setting switch that controls vibrations at meaningful temperature values such as a reference value (default value), an upper limit value, and a lower limit value for temperature setting. For example, a user-preferred temperature can be set and vibrated instead of a temperature that can be set by the hot-water supply device 1 such as a normal hot water supply temperature of 42 ° C., an upper limit of 48 ° C., and a lower limit of 32 ° C. . This allows the user to set the hot water supply device 1 so that it can be operated simply by touching it in consideration of safety when used by children, elderly people, the visually impaired and the like. Provided. When not set, a reference value, an upper limit value, a lower limit value, and the like according to the specifications of the hot water supply device 1 are set.

  As described above, the vibration pattern setting unit 206 sets a vibration pattern that vibrates at a meaningful temperature value. The vibration pattern setting means 206 is a setting switch provided on the remote controller 2. The setting is set by the user according to his / her preference. For example, if 42 ° C. is used as the reference value, the vibration pattern of the reference value is selected from the menu and set. The same applies to the upper limit value and the lower limit value. In addition to setting the vibration pattern for the temperature value, it is also possible to set it according to the meaning of the control such as a temperature rise setting and a temperature fall setting. When the temperature is raised or lowered, the vibration is strengthened as the temperature rises, and the vibration is weakened as the temperature is lowered. Not only the vibration intensity but also the vibration frequency can be changed, and the temperature difference can be expressed by the difference in vibration frequency. In addition, a vibration pattern of high-temperature hot water is set so as to notify that hot water is discharged. When the user does not set, the control is performed with the default vibration pattern. A plurality of types of vibration patterns are provided as functions of the remote controller 2.

  The communication means 207 communicates a control message (control signal) to the hot water supply device 1. A control message is generated by the control unit 202 based on a set value (for example, temperature setting change) set by the operation of the remote controller 2 and communicated to the hot water supply device 1 via the communication unit 207. And hot water supply apparatus 1 is controlled to the set value of the control message.

  Next, the operation / action of causing the user to perceive the set temperature by vibrating the temperature operation means 201 with the vibration means 204 when the hot water supply temperature is changed will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the remote controller when the user operates the temperature operation means 201 to change the hot water supply temperature.

  The user presses the temperature operation means 201 of the remote controller 2 with a finger to change the hot water supply temperature. At this time, the case where the reference value (default value) hot water supply temperature is set in advance as 40 ° C., upper limit value: 50 ° C., and lower limit value: 32 ° C. will be described. When the current hot water temperature setting is 42 ° C., the temperature is changed to 40 ° C. when the user presses the temperature lowering switch 2b of the remote controller 2 twice. The input of the temperature operation means 201 (temperature drop switch 2b) is changed from 42 ° C. to 40 ° C. by the control means 202 and recorded in the storage means 203 (S301).

  And the control means 202 acquires the reference value (40 degreeC) preset by the memory | storage means 203, and confirms whether a setting value is a reference value (40 degreeC) (S302). If it is the reference value, the control means 202 acquires the vibration pattern of the reference value set in the storage means 203, vibrates the vibration means 204, vibrates the connected temperature operation means 201, and applies it to the user's finger. A tactile sensation is presented and the current set value is recognized as the reference hot water supply temperature (S303, S304).

  Next, when the temperature operation unit 201 (temperature rise switch 2a) is pressed once with the current setting value of 42 ° C., the control unit 202 first determines that it is not the reference value compared with the reference value (40 ° C.). (S302). Then, the control means 202 compares and determines whether the input of the temperature operation means 201 is a temperature rise (S305). If the operation is a temperature increase operation, the control unit 202 acquires the vibration pattern of the temperature increase set in the storage unit 203 and vibrates the vibration unit 204. Then, the connected temperature operation means 201 is vibrated, a tactile sensation is presented to the user's finger, and the change input of the temperature setting is recognized as the hot water supply temperature increase setting (S306, S307).

  When the temperature operation means 201 (temperature rise switch 2a) is continuously pressed, the hot water supply temperature changes as 42 ° C., 43 ° C., 44 ° C.,. It is possible to change the hot water supply temperature until the set upper limit value 50 ° C. in the present embodiment. If the hot water supply temperature is continuously changed, the control means 202 controls the vibration intensity of the temperature rise vibration pattern of the vibration means 204 to increase every time the temperature rises, so that the temperature rises. Present tactile sensation to the user's finger. Although not shown, when the upper limit value (50 ° C.) is reached, the vibration means 204 vibrates with the vibration pattern set to the upper limit value and presents the tactile sense that the set value has reached the upper limit value.

  Next, when the temperature operating means 201 (temperature drop switch 2b) is pressed once with the current setting value of 40 ° C., the control means 202 is first compared with the reference value (40 ° C.) and determined not to be the reference value. (S302). Then, the control means 202 compares and determines whether the input of the temperature operation means 201 is a temperature rise (S305). When the temperature is not increased, the control means 202 compares and determines whether the temperature is decreased (S308). When the operation is a temperature lowering operation, the control unit 202 acquires the temperature lowering vibration pattern set in the storage unit 203 and vibrates the vibration unit 204. Then, the connected temperature operation means 201 is vibrated, a tactile sensation is presented to the user's finger, and the temperature setting change input is recognized as the hot water supply temperature lowering setting (S309, S310).

When the temperature operating means 201 (temperature drop switch 2b) is continuously pressed, the hot water supply temperature changes to 39 ° C., 38 ° C., 37 ° C., 35 ° C., and 32 ° C. It is possible to change the hot water supply temperature until the set lower limit value 32 ° C. in the present embodiment. When the hot water supply temperature is continuously changed, the control means 202 performs control so that the vibration intensity of the temperature decrease vibration pattern of the vibration means 204 becomes smaller each time the temperature decreases. Although not shown, when the lower limit value (32 ° C.) is reached, the vibration means 204 vibrates with the vibration pattern set to the lower limit value, and presents the tactile sense that the set value has reached the lower limit value. This process is repeated every time the hot water supply temperature is changed.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, when the user operates the temperature operation means 201 with his / her finger to change the hot water supply temperature, if the hot water temperature setting reference value (default value) is set, the vibration means 204 is set. Since the temperature operation means 201 is vibrated, the set value of the temperature setting can be confirmed by presenting a tactile sensation to the user's finger, whether or not the operation of the hot water remote control device is confirmed with or without eyes or ears. It becomes possible to improve convenience. By tactile notification of the reference value (default hot water temperature used by the user, etc.), the base point of the normal hot water temperature can be recognized, and it can be recognized whether it is above or below that temperature for convenience and operability. Rise. In addition, the temperature setting can be recognized by the tactile sensation of the finger, so that it is easy to use for those who are blind or deaf or elderly.

  Further, when the user changes the hot water supply temperature by operating the temperature operation means 201 with a finger and gradually increases the temperature setting value of the remote controller 2, the vibration means 204 causes the temperature operation means 201 to vibrate gradually and strongly. Since the user's finger is informed that the temperature setting has been raised, it is possible to confirm that the temperature has been raised without having to confirm the operation of the remote controller 2 with the eyes or ears. Will increase.

  Further, when the user changes the hot water supply temperature by operating the temperature operation means 201 with a finger and gradually lowers the temperature setting value of the hot water remote controller, the vibration means 204 causes the temperature operation means 201 to vibrate gradually and weakly. As a result, the user's finger is informed that the temperature setting has been lowered, so that the temperature can be confirmed to be lowered without checking the operation of the remote controller 2 with the eyes or ears, and safety and convenience are improved. .

  In addition, since the hot water temperature to be vibrated can be set by the vibration temperature setting means 205, the user can set the hot water temperature that the user often uses, the upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature, etc. Even if the operation of the remote controller 2 is not confirmed with eyes or ears, the temperature set value can be perceived by vibration, so that it can be perceived while setting a safe use range, thereby improving usability.

  In addition, since the vibration pattern setting means 206 can set the vibration pattern at a meaningful hot water temperature as desired, the hot water temperature when changing the temperature setting can be easily recognized by the difference in the vibration pattern. Convenience will also increase.

  In the present embodiment, the heat pump water heater has been described as the hot water supply apparatus 1, but the apparatus has 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. Any device having a control means such as a remote controller may be used. Moreover, although it demonstrated that it communicates between the hot water supply apparatus 1 and the remote control 2, it does not depend on a communication system. It may be wired or wireless. In the case of wireless, it is used in specific low power wireless, wireless LAN, 2.4 GHz band, etc. generally used in the home. Moreover, it does not depend on the place used, and may be a general household, a commercial facility, or a business use. Moreover, although the hot water temperature to vibrate has been described using the reference value, the upper limit value, and the lower limit value, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to set a hot water temperature that is meaningful to the user and has the same effect. . Further, the current hot water supply temperature setting state may be presented by tactile sensation by the vibration means before the temperature operation means is pressed, that is, at the time when the temperature operation means is touched. 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 remote control device, the hot water supply temperature notification method and program according to the present invention can be used for a device for providing a hot water supply function for home use and business use, a tactile sensation of setting in the system, and a notification function.

System configuration diagram of hot water supply apparatus and remote controller in Embodiment 1 of the present invention FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a remote controller according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the remote control in Embodiment 1 of this invention.

2 Remote control (hot water remote control device)
201 Temperature operating means 202 Control means 203 Storage means 204 Vibration means 205 Vibration temperature setting means 206 Vibration pattern setting means

Claims (7)

A temperature operation means for a user to set a hot water supply temperature; a control means for controlling the hot water supply temperature; a storage means for holding a hot water supply temperature as a reference value; and a vibration means for vibrating the temperature operation means in accordance with the setting, When the control unit determines that the set value of the hot water supply temperature is set to the reference value held in the storage unit when the user sets the hot water supply temperature by the temperature operation unit, the temperature operation unit is controlled by the vibration unit. Hot water remote control device to vibrate. 2. The temperature control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the user sets the hot water supply temperature with the temperature operation unit, the temperature operation unit is vibrated gradually and strongly with the vibration unit when the hot water supply temperature is set to be higher than a reference value. Hot water remote control device. 2. The temperature control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the user sets the hot water supply temperature with the temperature operation means, the temperature operation means is vibrated gradually and weakly with the vibration means when the hot water supply temperature is set to be lower than a reference value. Hot water remote control device. The hot water supply remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an oscillating temperature setting means for setting a hot water temperature to be vibrated, and causing the temperature operating means to vibrate at a set desired hot water temperature. The vibration pattern setting means for setting the vibration pattern is provided, and the temperature operation means is vibrated by changing the vibration pattern according to a set value such as a reference value, an upper limit value, and a lower limit value of the hot water supply temperature. The hot water supply remote control device according to item 1. A step in which a user sets a hot water supply temperature with an operation unit of the hot water remote controller, a step of comparing the set hot water temperature with a hot water temperature of a reference value held in a memory of the hot water remote controller, and the set hot water A hot water supply temperature notification method comprising a step of vibrating an operation unit of a hot water supply remote control device with a vibration device when the temperature is a reference value. The program for making a computer implement | achieve at least one part of the hot-water supply remote control apparatus of any one of Claims 1-5.

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