JP2015068521A - Remote controller for water heater - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote controller for water heater enabling an operator to be interested in the remote controller for water heater.SOLUTION: The modes of characters CHR1, CHR2 displayed on a display part 101 are determined so that the modes are changed as a water heater relevant operation related to operation of a water heater 12 is performed, and since the images of the characters CHR1, CHR2 are displayed on the display part 101 in the determined modes, mode change of the characters CHR1, CHR2 is visually recognized by an operator. Consequently, the operator can be interested in a remote controller 10 for water heater.

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote controller for a water heater for operating a water heater.

  For example, Patent Document 1 is disclosed as a conventional technique related to a remote controller for a water heater. The remote controller for water heater of Patent Document 1 has a saving function for saving energy consumed by the water heater to heat water and the amount of water used, and the saving function is turned on and off. Then, when the saving function is on, the remote controller for the water heater displays an acquisition effect that is a saving effect actually obtained by the saving function on the display screen. On the other hand, when the saving function is off, a prediction effect which is a saving effect predicted to be obtained if the saving function is on is displayed on the display screen.

JP 2013-50251 A

  By the way, although the remote controller for water heaters is installed, for example in a kitchen, a bathroom, etc., generally, the user is not interested in the remote controller for water heaters. This is the same when the remote controller for hot water supply of Patent Document 1 is used. However, in order for a user to make full use of the water heater remote control, for example, the operator who is the user needs to be interested in the water heater remote control.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a remote controller for a hot water heater that enables an operator to be interested in the remote controller for a hot water heater.

In order to achieve the above object, in the remote controller for a water heater according to the first aspect of the present invention, an operation unit (102) operated by an operator,
A display unit (101) for displaying an image;
The mode of the character (CHR1, CHR2) displayed on the display unit is determined so that the mode of the character changes so as to be related to the operation of the water heater (12) and the operation related to the water heater is performed. Character mode determining means (28, S101 to S111, S201 to S209, S301 to S307, S401 to S408, S501 to S507),
It is characterized by comprising display means (30, S113) for displaying an image of the character on the display unit in the form determined by the character form determining means.

  According to the above-described invention, the character mode displayed on the display unit is determined so as to change as the water heater related operation related to the operation of the water heater is performed, and the image of the character is determined. Since it is displayed on the display unit of the hot water heater remote control in the form, the change of the character aspect is visually recognized by the operator, thereby making it possible for the operator to be interested in the hot water heater remote control.

  In addition, each code | symbol in the parenthesis described in this column and the claim respond | corresponds to each code | symbol described in embodiment mentioned later.

It is the block diagram which showed the structure image of the remote controller 10 for hot water heaters of 1st Embodiment, and the hot water heater 12 operated and controlled by the remote controller 10 for hot water heaters. It is an external view of the remote controller 10 for hot water heaters of 1st Embodiment, Comprising: It is an external view of the remote controller 10 for hot water heaters on which the point confirmation screen when the acquired point PT1 is small is displayed. 4 is a flowchart showing a control process of a remote control unit 103 in the first embodiment. It is an external view of the remote controller 10 for hot water heaters of 1st Embodiment, Comprising: It is an external view of the remote controller 10 for hot water heaters in which the point confirmation screen when the acquired point PT1 is large is displayed. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the control processing which the remote control part 103 performs in 2nd Embodiment, Comprising: It is the flowchart which showed the step inserted between S107 of FIG. 3, S108, and S109. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the control processing which the remote control control part 103 performs in 3rd Embodiment, Comprising: It is the flowchart which showed the step inserted between S107 of FIG. 3, S108, and S109. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the control processing which the remote control part 103 performs in 4th Embodiment, Comprising: It is the flowchart which showed the step inserted between S107 of FIG. 3, S108, and S109. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the control processing which the remote control control part 103 performs in 5th Embodiment, Comprising: It is the flowchart which showed the step inserted between S107 of FIG. 3, S108, and S109.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration image of a hot water supply remote controller 10 of this embodiment and a hot water heater 12 operated by the hot water supply remote controller 10. FIG. 2 is an external view of the water heater remote control 10 of the present embodiment. The water heater 12 is a known electric water heater that heats water by electricity. For example, the water heater 12 supplies hot water to the outside of the water heater 12 such as a kitchen faucet, boiles the bath, or maintains the hot water temperature in the bath tub.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the water heater 12 includes a hot water storage tank 121 that stores hot water, a heat pump unit 122, and a water heater controller 123 that controls each device such as the heat pump unit 122 that constitutes the water heater 12. ing. In the water heater 12, water is heated by the heat pump unit 122, and the hot water obtained thereby is stored in the hot water storage tank 121. The hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 121 is supplied to the outside of the water heater 12 such as a kitchen faucet after the temperature is adjusted, for example, by mixing with tap water.

  In addition, the water heater 12 includes a sensor that a general water heater has, such as a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 121. Detection signals from the sensors are sequentially input to the water heater controller 123. The water heater control unit 123 is an electronic control device composed of a well-known microcomputer comprising a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. and its peripheral circuits, and operates the water heater 12 in accordance with a computer program stored in advance in the ROM. Various controls are executed. For example, the water heater controller 123 controls the heat pump unit 122 to heat the water and store the hot water in the hot water storage tank 121, the control to supply the hot water in the hot water storage tank 121 to the outside of the water heater 12, the control to fill the hot water in the bath, Executes heat insulation control of hot water in the bathtub.

  The water heater remote control 10 is an operating device for operating the water heater 12 in accordance with a user operation, and is installed in, for example, a kitchen or a bathroom. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the remote controller for hot water heater 10 includes a display unit 101 for displaying an image, an operation unit 102 operated by an operator who is a user of the remote controller for hot water heater 10, and a remote controller control unit 103. And.

  The display unit 101 is composed of a liquid crystal display device, and displays various images and numerical values to the user. In addition, a plurality of screens are alternatively displayed on the display unit 101 according to the operation of the operation unit 102. FIG. 2 shows a state where an eco screen, which is one screen among the plurality of screens, is displayed on the display unit 101. In addition to the eco screen, the display of the display unit 101 is switched to an operation screen for operating the water heater 12, an information display screen for displaying information related to the water heater 12 such as the amount of power consumed by the water heater 12, and the like. It is done.

  The operation unit 102 includes a plurality of keys pressed by the operator, and specifically includes four direction keys 102a, an enter key 102b, and an eco key 102c. In addition, key images may be displayed on the display unit 101 such as “End”, “Collection”, and “Help” in FIG. 2, for example, and the operator presses the direction key 102a and the enter key 102b. By operating and selecting a key image, it is possible to cause the remote control unit 103 to execute processing assigned to the key image.

  A remote control control unit 103 shown in FIG. 1 is an electronic control device composed of a well-known microcomputer comprising a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. and its peripheral circuits. Execute the process.

  For example, if an operation signal from the operation unit 102 is input to the remote control unit 103 and the operation signal changes the display of the display unit 101, the remote control unit 103 displays the display control signal according to the operation signal. The data is output to the unit 101 and the display unit 101 changes the display. If the operation signal from the operation unit 102 causes the water heater 12 to operate, the remote controller control unit 103 sends a command signal for instructing the operation of the water heater 12 based on the operation signal to the water heater of the water heater 12. Output to the control unit 123. And the water heater control part 123 will perform control of the water heater 12 according to the command signal, if the command signal is received. The remote control unit 103 also executes control shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 to be described later.

  In addition, for example, an operation signal from the operation unit 102 and detection signals from detection devices such as a temperature sensor and a watt hour meter included in the water heater 12 are sequentially input to the remote control unit 103. Further, from the remote control unit 103, for example, a command signal for instructing the operation of the water heater 12 is output to the water heater controller 123 of the water heater 12. In addition, a display control signal indicating the display content to be displayed on the display unit 101 is output to the display unit 101. For example, when an operation signal indicating that an operation for changing a display image on the display unit 101 has been performed is input from the operation unit 102 to the remote control unit 103, the remote control unit 103 displays a display corresponding to the operation signal. A control signal is output to the display unit 101 to cause the display unit 101 to change the display image.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the remote control unit 103 functionally includes a power consumption amount calculating unit 22, an electricity bill calculating unit 24, a carbon dioxide emission calculating unit 26, a character mode determining unit 28, and a display unit 30. I have.

  The power consumption calculating means 22 calculates the power consumption consumed by the water heater 12 within a preset measurement period. For example, a signal indicating the amount of power consumption is obtained from an watt-hour meter included in the water heater 12, and the power consumption amount within the measurement period is calculated by integrating the power consumption amount over the measurement period. Specifically, a plurality of types of measurement periods are provided, which are periods of days, weeks, months, and years. That is, the power consumption calculating means 22 calculates the power consumption per day, the power consumption per week, the power consumption per month, and the power consumption per year.

  The electricity bill calculation means 24 calculates an electricity bill based on each power consumption amount calculated by the power consumption amount calculation means 22 from an electricity bill map that is a predetermined relationship between the power consumption amount and the electricity bill. That is, the electricity bill calculation means 24 calculates the electricity bill for every day, the electricity bill for every week, the electricity bill for every month, and the electricity bill for every year. More specifically, the electricity bill calculated by the electricity bill calculating means 24 is an electricity bill for electricity used by the water heater 12, but since it is a calculated value according to the electricity bill map, the actual electricity bill is calculated. And may conflict. The electricity bill map is set in advance in the remote control unit 103 in accordance with, for example, the electricity bill setting of the power company, and is set so that the electricity bill increases as the power consumption increases.

  The carbon dioxide emission calculation means 26 is based on each power consumption calculated by the power consumption calculation means 22 from a conversion formula that is a predetermined relationship between the power consumption and the carbon dioxide emission. Calculate carbon dioxide emissions. That is, the carbon dioxide emission calculating means 26 calculates the daily carbon dioxide emission, the weekly carbon dioxide emission, the monthly carbon dioxide emission, and the yearly carbon dioxide emission. More specifically, the carbon dioxide emission amount is the mass of carbon dioxide emitted by the water heater 12. Further, since the carbon dioxide emission amount calculated by the carbon dioxide emission calculating means 26 is a calculated value, it may differ from the actual carbon dioxide emission amount, but if the calculated carbon dioxide emission amount is reduced, Actual carbon dioxide emissions are also reduced. The above conversion formula is a calculation formula in which, for example, the value obtained by multiplying the power consumption by a predetermined conversion coefficient is the carbon dioxide emission, and the carbon dioxide emission calculated from this conversion formula is the power consumption. It increases as it gets larger.

  The power consumption calculated by the power consumption calculation means 22, the electricity charges calculated by the electricity cost calculation means 24, and the carbon dioxide emissions calculated by the carbon dioxide emission calculation means 26 are displayed on the display unit 101. It is displayed in the displayed information display screen.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the eco screen displayed on the display unit 101 includes an image of a first character CHR1 that is a growing bean and an image of a rod-like second character CHR2. The character includes not only animals and plants but also graphics, and can be displayed as a picture.

  The character mode determining means 28 shown in FIG. 1 is a first character that is a character displayed on the display unit 101 in accordance with the number of operations related to the operation of the operation unit 102 and related to the operation of the water heater 12. The modes of CHR1 and second character CHR2 are determined. More specifically, the character mode determining means 28 is configured so that the first character CHR1 and the second character CHR2 change so that the modes of the first character CHR1 and the second character CHR2 change with a certain tendency as the water heater related operation is performed. The aspect of is determined. For example, paying attention to the first character CHR1 which is a plant, the character mode determination means 28 changes the mode of the first character CHR1 so that the beans as the first character CHR1 grow as the above-described water heater related operation is performed. decide. That is, the mode of the first character CHR1 is determined so that the mode of the first character CHR1 changes with a certain tendency of bean growth.

  In addition, the display unit 30 causes the display unit 101 to display the image of the first character CHR1 and the image of the second character CHR2 in the manner determined by the character mode determination unit 28. The character mode determining means 28 and the display means 30 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the control process of the remote control unit 103. When the power source of the water heater remote controller 10 is turned on, the remote controller control unit 103 periodically and repeatedly executes the control process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 correspond to the character form determining means 28, and S113 corresponds to the display means 30.

  First, in step S101 of FIG. 3 (hereinafter, “step” is omitted), the remote control unit 103 determines whether or not a heat recovery operation start operation, which is a user operation for starting the heat recovery operation of the water heater 12, has been performed. Determine. Specifically, the user operation is an operation performed on the operation unit 102 by the user. The heat recovery operation of the water heater 12 is one of known operations of the water heater 12, and in the heat recovery operation, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 121 of the water heater 12 and the hot water in the bath tub are respectively The hot water in the hot water storage tank 121 is heated by the heat of the hot water in the bathtub.

  If it is determined in S101 that the heat recovery operation start operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S102. On the other hand, if it is determined that the heat recovery operation start operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to S103.

  In S102, 1 is added to the point PT1. This point PT1 is a parameter for determining the mode of the first character CHR1 and the second character CHR2, and the initial value of the point PT1 is zero. After S102, the process proceeds to S103.

  In S103, it is determined whether or not a hot water usage display operation, which is a user operation for displaying the hot water usage in the water heater 12, has been performed. The amount of hot water used is the amount of hot water used. More specifically, the amount of hot water used is the amount of hot water supplied from the water heater 12 to the outside of the water heater 12 within a predetermined period. For example, a hot water supply flow sensor (not shown) that detects the flow rate of hot water flowing out of the hot water supply device 12 is provided in the hot water supply device 12, and detection signals from the hot water supply flow rate sensor are sequentially input to the remote control unit 103. Based on the detection signal, the remote control unit 103 accumulates the amount of hot water used every day, the amount of hot water used every week, the amount of hot water used every month, and the amount of hot water used every year. When a display operation is performed, the remote controller control unit 103 causes the display unit 101 to display each amount of hot water used.

  The hot water usage display operation and the heat recovery operation start operation correspond to the water heater related operations related to the operation of the water heater 12. Furthermore, if the user recognizes the amount of hot water used, the user tries to reduce the amount of hot water used, rather than not recognizing it. Moreover, if the heat recovery operation is started, the power consumption of the water heater 12 is thereby suppressed. Therefore, the hot water usage display operation and the heat recovery operation start operation correspond to the power consumption reduction operation that leads to the reduction of the power consumption consumed by the water heater 12 among the hot water heater related operations. In other words, the hot water usage display operation and the heat recovery operation start operation correspond to the electricity cost reduction operation that leads to the reduction of the electricity cost calculated by the electricity cost calculation means 24, and the carbon dioxide emission calculation means 26 calculates. This corresponds to a carbon dioxide emission reduction operation that leads to a reduction in carbon emissions.

  If it is determined in S103 that the hot water usage display operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that the hot water usage display operation is not performed, the process proceeds to S107.

  In S104, the point PT1 is incremented by 1 as in S102. After S104, the process proceeds to S105.

  In S105, it is determined whether or not the amount of hot water used in the water heater 12 has decreased. For example, the determination in S105 is performed by comparing the amount of hot water used for each day, and the latest daily hot water amount for the day is the amount of hot water for the previous day. When it is less than the amount of hot water used, it is determined that the amount of hot water used has decreased.

  If it is determined in S105 that the amount of hot water used has decreased, the process proceeds to S106. On the other hand, if it is determined that the amount of hot water used has not decreased, the process proceeds to S107.

  In S106, the point PT1 is incremented by 1 as in S102. After S106, the process proceeds to S107.

  In S107, it is determined whether or not a preset point addition operation has been performed. The point addition operation is one operation among the hot water heater related operations and is an operation in which the point PT1 is added. Of the many water heater related operations, any operation except the heat recovery operation start operation and the hot water usage display operation is preset as a point addition operation.

  If it is determined in S107 that the point addition operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S108. On the other hand, if it is determined that the point addition operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to S109.

  In S108, the point PT1 is incremented by 1 as in S102. After S108, the process proceeds to S109.

  In S109, it is determined whether or not the point PT1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value PT1t. The specified value PT1t is a threshold value set for changing the modes of the characters CHR1 and CHR2 stepwise as the point PT1 increases, and is updated in S110 described later.

  If it is determined in S109 that the point PT1 is equal to or greater than the specified value PT1t, the process proceeds to S110. On the other hand, if it is determined that the point PT1 is less than the specified value PT1t, the process proceeds to S112.

  In S110, the specified value PT1t is updated. Specifically, a value obtained by adding a predetermined value to the current specified value PT1t is set as a new specified value PT1t, and the specified value PT1t is increased stepwise. After S110, the process proceeds to S111.

  In S111, the mode of the first character CHR1 and the second character CHR2 displayed on the display unit 101 is determined. As for the first character CHR1, the mode of the first character CHR1 is determined so that the beans as the first character CHR1 grow. Specifically, a plurality of growth stages are set in advance that sequentially show the growth process of the bean that is the first character CHR1. For example, the first growth stage, the second growth stage, the third growth stage,... Are set in order from the initial stage in the growth process. In addition, images representing the growth stage modes are also set in advance corresponding to the respective growth stages. Therefore, determining the mode of the first character CHR1 means designating one growth stage among a plurality of preset growth stages. In S111, the growth stage of the first character CHR1 is updated to one grown by one stage.

  For example, the first character CHR1 in FIG. 2 is an aspect of the first growth stage in the process of growing beans. On the other hand, the first character CHR1 in FIG. 4 is the most grown-up aspect. That is, remote control unit 103 changes the mode of first character CHR1 stepwise from the mode of FIG. 2 to the mode of FIG. 4 as point PT1 increases. FIG. 4 is an external view of the water heater remote control 10 on which a point confirmation screen is displayed when the acquired point PT1 is large.

  Next, regarding the second character CHR2, the mode of the second character CHR2 is determined so that the number of stacks of the blocks CHR2a included in the second character CHR2 is increased by one. In other words, determining the mode of the second character CHR2 means determining the number of stacked layers of the block CHR2a. For example, the state of FIG. 4 is a state where the acquired points PT1 are larger than the state of FIG. 2, and therefore the number of stacked blocks CHR2a displayed in FIG. 4 is larger than that of FIG. .

  In S111, since the modes of the characters CHR1 and CHR2 are updated in this way, the modes of the characters CHR1 and CHR2 are the number of operations of the power consumption reduction operation, the electricity cost reduction operation, and the carbon dioxide emission reduction operation. It is decided according to. After S111, the process proceeds to S112.

  Returning to FIG. 3, in S <b> 112, it is determined whether or not a user operation for displaying a point confirmation screen for confirming the point PT <b> 1 on the display unit 101, that is, a point display operation has been performed. The point confirmation screen is one of a plurality of screens alternatively displayed on the display unit 101, and is an eco screen displayed on the display unit 101 in FIG. 2 or FIG. In this eco-screen, as the acquired point PT1 is larger, the acquired point PT1 is displayed by the second character CHR2 in which more blocks CHR2a are stacked. For example, the second character CHR2 shown in FIG. 2 is an aspect when the point PT1 is small, and the second character CHR2 shown in FIG. 4 is an aspect when the point PT1 is large. The point display operation is specifically an operation of pressing the eco key 102c in FIG.

  If it is determined in S112 that the point display operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S113. On the other hand, if it is determined that the point display operation has not been performed, this flowchart is terminated and the process starts again from S101.

  In S113, a point confirmation screen including images of the characters CHR1 and CHR2 is displayed on the display unit 101. At this time, the images of the characters CHR1 and CHR2 are displayed on the display unit 101 in the manner determined in S111. Specifically, an image representing a growth stage mode designated in S111 is selected from a plurality of images set in advance corresponding to each growth stage of the bean, and the first character CHR1 is selected. It is displayed with the image. Then, the second character CHR2 is displayed as an image in which the number of stacked blocks CHR2a determined in S111 is stacked.

  Note that the processing in each step of FIG. 3 described above constitutes means for realizing each function. The same applies to FIGS. 5 to 8 described later.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the modes of the characters CHR1 and CHR2 displayed on the display unit 101 are determined so as to change as the water heater related operation related to the operation of the water heater 12 is performed. Since the images of the characters CHR1 and CHR2 are displayed on the display unit 101 in the determined mode, the mode change of the characters CHR1 and CHR2 is visually recognized by the operator, whereby the operator can view the remote controller 10 for the water heater. It is possible to get interested.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the aspect of the first character CHR1 depends on the number of operations of the power consumption reduction operation, the electricity cost reduction operation, and the carbon dioxide emission reduction operation described above among the water heater related operations. Determined. Specifically, the mode of the first character CHR1 is determined so that the beans as the first character CHR1 grow as the operations are performed. Therefore, the operator can promote the growth of beans as the water heater operation that reduces the energy consumption of the water heater 12 is performed. That is, the operator operates the water heater remote control 10 so as to naturally reduce the energy consumption of the water heater 12 while enjoying the growth of beans.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, as described above, the hot water usage display operation and the heat recovery operation start operation correspond to the power consumption reduction operation, the electricity cost reduction operation, and the carbon dioxide emission reduction operation, and the use thereof When the hot water amount display operation or the heat recovery operation start operation is performed, the point PT1 is added. Therefore, the character mode determining means 28 determines the mode of the characters CHR1 and CHR2 according to the number of operations of the power consumption reduction operation, the electricity cost reduction operation, and the carbon dioxide emission reduction operation. Therefore, the operator can be encouraged to be interested in the characters CHR1 and CHR2 by changing the modes of the characters CHR1 and CHR2, and further, the power consumption reduction operation and the like can be prompted.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same or equivalent parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified. The same applies to third and later embodiments described later.

  In the present embodiment, the flowchart executed by the remote control unit 103 is obtained by adding the steps of FIG. 5 to FIG. 3 which is the flowchart of the first embodiment. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in this point. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing steps inserted between S107 and S108 and S109 in FIG. In this embodiment, in addition to S101 to S111 in FIG. 3, S201 to S209 in FIG.

  In the flowchart of this embodiment, the process proceeds to S201 in FIG. 5 after S107 in FIG. 3 or after S108. In S201, it is determined whether or not a user operation for setting the operation mode of the water heater 12, that is, an operation mode setting operation has been performed. As the operation mode of the water heater 12, a hot water exhaust mode or an entrusted mode is alternatively selected. That is, when there is an operation for setting the operation mode to the hot water exhaust mode or the entrusted mode, it is determined that the operation mode setting operation has been performed.

  The hot water exhaustion mode is a mode in which hot water is boiled by the heat pump unit 122 after the hot water in the hot water storage tank 121 is used up. On the other hand, the entrusted mode is a mode in which hot water is automatically boiled by the heat pump unit 122 so that the hot water in the hot water storage tank 121 does not disappear based on the amount of hot water used within the measurement target period calculated sequentially. From such a difference between the two operation modes, in order to reduce the energy consumption of the water heater 12, the water heater 12 is preferably operated in the hot water exhaust mode.

  If it is determined in S201 that the operation mode setting operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S202. On the other hand, when it determines with operation mode setting operation not being performed, it progresses to S204.

  In S202, it is determined whether or not the operation mode set by the operation mode setting operation, that is, the operation mode after setting is the hot water exhaust mode. If it is determined in S202 that the operation mode after setting is a hot water exhaust mode, the process proceeds to S203. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation mode after setting is not the hot water exhaust mode, that is, when it is determined that the mode is the automatic mode, the process proceeds to S204.

  In S203, the point PT1 is added by 2. After S203, the process proceeds to S204.

  In S204, it is determined whether or not a user operation for setting the operation stop for stopping the operation of the water heater 12 or the operation stop setting operation for canceling the operation stop is performed. For example, the operator may set the operation stop of the water heater 12 by performing the operation stop setting operation when leaving the home where the water heater 12 is installed for several days.

  If it is determined in S204 that the operation stop setting operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S205. On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation stop setting operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to S207.

  In S205, it is determined whether or not the hot water heater 12 is set to be stopped by the operation stop setting operation. In S205, when it is determined that the operation stop of the water heater 12 is set, the process proceeds to S206. On the other hand, when it determines with the operation stop of the water heater 12 not being set, it progresses to S207.

  In S206, point PT1 is added by 3. After S206, the process proceeds to S207.

  In S207, it is determined whether or not a user operation for setting a bath warming time, that is, a bath warming time setting operation has been performed. The bath warming time is the time for warming the hot water in the bathtub, and the target warming temperature that is the target value of the hot water temperature during the warming is preset by the operator. When there is hot water in the bathtub, the water heater 12 maintains the temperature of the hot water at the target heat retention temperature over the bath heat retention time. In order to reduce the energy consumption of the water heater 12, it is preferable to set the bath heat insulation time short.

  If it is determined in S207 that the bath warming time setting operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S208. On the other hand, if it is determined that the bath warming time setting operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to S109 (see FIG. 3).

  In S208, it is determined whether or not the bath heat retention time set by the bath heat retention time setting operation is within a predetermined determination heat retention time. The determination heat retention time is set to 2 hours, for example. If it is determined in S208 that the bath heat retention time is within the determination heat retention time, the process proceeds to S209. On the other hand, if it is determined that the bath heat retention time is longer than the determination heat retention time, the process proceeds to S109 (see FIG. 3).

  In S209, 1 is added to the point PT1. After S209, the process proceeds to S109 (see FIG. 3).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the flowchart of the present embodiment is obtained by adding the step of FIG. 5 to the flowchart of the first embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. .

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the setting operation in which the determination in S202 of FIG. 5 is affirmed, the setting operation in which the determination in S205 is affirmed, and the setting operation in which the determination of S208 is affirmed are all described above. Corresponds to related operations. Further, since any of these setting operations leads to a reduction in power consumption of the water heater 12, the power consumption of the water heater 12, the electricity bill calculated by the electricity bill calculation means 24, and the carbon dioxide emission calculation means 26 are calculated. The operation setting of the water heater 12 is switched so that the amount of carbon dioxide discharged is reduced. When the determination in S202, S205, or S208 is affirmed, the point PT1 is added. Therefore, the character mode determination means 28 determines the mode of the characters CHR1 and CHR2 according to the number of operations for switching the operation setting of the water heater 12 so that the power consumption, the electricity bill, and the carbon dioxide emission amount are reduced. decide. For this reason, the operator can be encouraged to be interested in the characters CHR1 and CHR2 by changing the modes of the characters CHR1 and CHR2, and the operation settings of the water heater 12 can be set to reduce the power consumption and the like. It is possible to prompt the switching operation.

  Note that the setting operation in which the determination in S202 is affirmed, the setting operation in which the determination in S205 is affirmed, and the setting operation in which the determination in S208 is affirmed all lead to a reduction in power consumption of the water heater 12. The power consumption reduction operation, the electricity cost reduction operation, and the carbon dioxide emission reduction operation are also applicable.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the present embodiment, the flowchart executed by the remote controller 103 is obtained by adding the steps of FIG. 6 to FIG. 3 that is the flowchart of the first embodiment. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in this point. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing steps inserted between S107 and S108 and S109 in FIG. In the present embodiment, in addition to S101 to S111 in FIG. 3, S301 to S307 in FIG.

  In the flowchart of this embodiment, the process proceeds to S301 in FIG. 6 after S107 in FIG. 3 or after S108. In S301, it is determined whether or not the date has been updated. For example, the remote controller control unit 103 has a calendar function for marking the date and time, and determines whether or not the date has been updated by the calendar function.

  If it is determined in S301 that the date has been updated, the process proceeds to S302. On the other hand, if it is determined that the date has not been updated, the process proceeds to S109 (see FIG. 3).

  In S302, it is determined whether or not a birthday, which is one of registered dates and times registered in advance, has been visited. That is, it is determined whether or not the current date is a birthday. The registration date and time is a date and time registered in advance by the operator, and the remote controller 10 for hot water heater can set and register a plurality of registration dates and times by the operator.

  If it is determined in S302 that the current date is a birthday, the process proceeds to S303. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current date is not a birthday, the process proceeds to S304.

  In S303, the point PT1 is incremented by 5. After S303, the process proceeds to S304.

  In S304, it is determined whether a wedding anniversary, which is one of the registration dates, has come. That is, it is determined whether or not the current date is a wedding anniversary date.

  If it is determined in S304 that the current date is the wedding anniversary date, the process proceeds to S305. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current date is not a wedding anniversary, the process proceeds to S306.

  In S305, the point PT1 is incremented by 3. After S305, the process proceeds to S306.

  In S306, it is determined whether or not the New Year, which is one of the registration dates, has come. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the current date is January 1, which is the first day of the New Year.

  If it is determined in S306 that the current date is January 1, the process proceeds to S307. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current date is not January 1, the process proceeds to S109 (see FIG. 3).

  In S307, the point PT1 is incremented by 1. After S307, the process proceeds to S109 (see FIG. 3).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the flowchart of this embodiment is obtained by adding the step of FIG. 6 to the flowchart of the first embodiment, and therefore, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. .

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the point PT1 is added according to the number of times that the registered date and time registered in advance is reached, and the character CHR1 and CHR2 modes are determined according to the point PT1 in S111 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the point PT1 is added to the date and time related to the operator, and the modes of the characters CHR1 and CHR2 change. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the operator to consciously look at the display unit 101 of the water heater remote control 10.

  Note that this embodiment can be combined with the second embodiment described above.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the present embodiment, the flowchart executed by the remote controller 103 is obtained by adding the steps of FIG. 7 to FIG. 3 which is the flowchart of the first embodiment. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in this point. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing steps inserted between S107 and S108 and S109 in FIG. In this embodiment, in addition to S101 to S111 in FIG. 3, S401 to S408 in FIG.

  In the flowchart of the present embodiment, the process proceeds to S401 in FIG. 7 after S107 in FIG. 3 or after S108. In S401, it is determined whether or not a power consumption amount display operation, which is a user operation for displaying the power consumption amount of the water heater 12, has been performed. Since the power consumption is displayed in an information display screen among a plurality of screens alternatively displayed on the display unit 101, the power consumption display operation is a display of the information display screen on the display unit 101. Operation.

  If it is determined in S401 that the power consumption display operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S402. On the other hand, if it is determined that the power consumption display operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to S109 (see FIG. 3).

  In S402, 1 is added to the point PT1. After S402, the process proceeds to S403.

  In S403, it is determined whether the power consumption of the water heater 12 is equal to or greater than the first determination value X01. For example, the determination in S403 is performed by comparing the power consumption per day with the first determination value X01, and the latest daily power consumption is the power consumption of the previous day. In S403, it is determined whether the power consumption of the previous day is greater than or equal to the first determination value X01.

  If it is determined in S403 that the power consumption is greater than or equal to the first determination value X01, the process proceeds to S109 (see FIG. 3). On the other hand, if it is determined that the power consumption is less than the first determination value X01, the process proceeds to S404.

  In S404, it is determined whether the power consumption amount of the water heater 12 is equal to or greater than the second determination value X02. The power consumption to be determined in S404 is the power consumption of the previous day as in S403. If it is determined in S404 that the power consumption is greater than or equal to the second determination value X02, the process proceeds to S405. On the other hand, if it is determined that the power consumption is less than the second determination value X02, the process proceeds to S406.

  In S405, the point PT1 is incremented by 1. After S405, the process proceeds to S109 (see FIG. 3).

  In S406, it is determined whether the power consumption of the water heater 12 is equal to or greater than the third determination value X03. The power consumption to be determined in S406 is the power consumption of the previous day as in S403. If it is determined in S406 that the power consumption is greater than or equal to the third determination value X03, the process proceeds to S407. On the other hand, when it determines with power consumption being less than the 3rd determination value X03, it progresses to S408.

  The first determination value X01, the second determination value X02, and the third determination value X03 are threshold values set experimentally in advance. The first determination value X01 is set larger than the second determination value X02, and the second determination value X02 is set larger than the third determination value X03.

  In S407, the point PT1 is added by 2. After S407, the process proceeds to S109 (see FIG. 3). In S408, the point PT1 is incremented by 3. After S408, the process proceeds to S109 (see FIG. 3).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the flowchart of this embodiment is obtained by adding the step of FIG. 7 to the flowchart of the first embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. .

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the smaller the amount of power consumed by the water heater 12, the more points PT1 are added, and the mode of the characters CHR1 and CHR2 is determined according to the point PT1 in S111 (see FIG. 3). . In short, the modes of the characters CHR1 and CHR2 are determined according to the amount of power consumed by the water heater 12, in other words, according to the amount of energy consumed by the water heater 12. Therefore, the mode change of the characters CHR1 and CHR2 can prompt the operator to be interested in the characters CHR1 and CHR2, and thus the water heater 12 can reduce the amount of energy consumed by the water heater 12. Can be urged to operate.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, as the power consumption amount of the water heater 12 is smaller, the point PT1 is added more. Therefore, as the operator attempts to reduce the power consumption amount, the beans that are the characters CHR1 grow faster. Thereby, it is possible to promote the reduction of the power consumption.

  Note that this embodiment can be combined with any or all of the second and third embodiments described above.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the present embodiment, the flowchart executed by the remote controller 103 is obtained by adding the steps of FIG. 8 to FIG. 3 which is the flowchart of the first embodiment. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in this point. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing steps inserted between S107 and S108 and S109 in FIG. In the present embodiment, in addition to S101 to S111 in FIG. 3, S501 to S507 in FIG.

  In the flowchart of the present embodiment, the process proceeds to S501 in FIG. 8 after S107 in FIG. 3 or after S108. In S501, it is determined whether a preset measurement period has elapsed. The measurement period is a period in which the power consumption of the water heater 12 is integrated, and may be, for example, one day, one week, one month, or one year. For example, if the measurement period is one month, in S501, the remote control unit 103 determines that the measurement period has elapsed when the date changes from the last day of the month to the first day of the next month.

  If it is determined in S501 that the measurement period has elapsed, the process proceeds to S502. On the other hand, if it is determined that the measurement period has not elapsed, the process proceeds to S109 (see FIG. 3).

  In S502, it is determined whether the power consumption amount of the water heater 12 is equal to or greater than the first determination value X11. The power consumption amount compared with the first determination value X11 is the power consumption amount consumed within the measurement period determined to have elapsed in S501. For example, if the measurement period is one month, it is the latest monthly power consumption, that is, the previous month's power consumption.

  If it is determined in S502 that the power consumption is greater than or equal to the first determination value X11, the process proceeds to S109 (see FIG. 3). On the other hand, if it is determined that the power consumption is less than the first determination value X11, the process proceeds to S503.

  In S503, it is determined whether the power consumption of the water heater 12 is equal to or greater than the second determination value X12. The power consumption to be determined in S503 is the same power consumption as in S502. If it is determined in S503 that the power consumption is greater than or equal to the second determination value X12, the process proceeds to S504. On the other hand, if it is determined that the power consumption is less than the second determination value X12, the process proceeds to S505.

  In S504, the point PT1 is incremented by 1. After S504, the process proceeds to S109 (see FIG. 3).

  In S505, it is determined whether the power consumption of the water heater 12 is equal to or greater than the third determination value X13. The power consumption to be determined in S505 is the same power consumption as in S502. If it is determined in S505 that the power consumption is greater than or equal to the third determination value X13, the process proceeds to S506. On the other hand, if it is determined that the power consumption is less than the third determination value X13, the process proceeds to S507.

  The first determination value X11, the second determination value X12, and the third determination value X13 are threshold values set experimentally in advance. The first determination value X11 is set larger than the second determination value X12, and the second determination value X12 is set larger than the third determination value X13.

  In S506, the point PT1 is incremented by 2. After S506, the process proceeds to S109 (see FIG. 3). In S507, the point PT1 is incremented by 3. After S507, the process proceeds to S109 (see FIG. 3).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the flowchart of the present embodiment is obtained by adding the step of FIG. 8 to the flowchart of the first embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. .

  Further, according to the present embodiment, as in the above-described fourth embodiment, the modes of the characters CHR1, CHR2 are determined according to the power consumption amount of the water heater 12, so that, similarly to the fourth embodiment, The mode change of the characters CHR1 and CHR2 can prompt the operator to be interested in the characters CHR1 and CHR2, and the operator operates the water heater 12 so that the energy consumption of the water heater 12 is reduced. Can be encouraged.

  Note that this embodiment can be combined with any or all of the second, third, and fourth embodiments described above.

(Other embodiments)
(1) In the first embodiment described above, the water heater 12 is an electric water heater, but it may be a water heater that uses an energy source other than electricity, such as gas or petroleum.

  (2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the water heater remote controller 10 is an operating device for operating the water heater 12, but may have other functions. For example, the remote controller 10 for a hot water heater is obtained by adding a function of a remote controller for a hot water heater for operating a hot water heater to a home energy management system (HEMS) having an energy management function such as household electric power. Also good.

  (3) In each of the embodiments described above, the electricity bill map has a predetermined relationship between the power consumption and the electricity bill, but the rising slope of the electricity bill with respect to the power consumption in the electricity bill map is the power consumption. The amount of electricity can be changed according to the time of use.

  (4) In each of the above-described embodiments, the first character CHR1 is a bean that is a kind of plant, but it is not limited to a plant and may be an animal including a human. If the first character CHR1 is an animal, the character mode determination means 28 determines the mode of the first character CHR1 so that the animal as the first character CHR1 grows as the water heater related operation is performed. .

  (5) In each of the above-described embodiments, the acquired point PT1 is indicated by the second character CHR2 such as a bar graph on the point confirmation screen, but may be indicated by a numerical display or a line graph.

  (6) In the first embodiment described above, the flowchart of FIG. 3 includes S101 to S106, but there may be a configuration without S101 and S102, or a configuration without S103 to S106.

  (7) In the first embodiment described above, the flowchart of FIG. 3 includes S107 and S108, but there may be a configuration without S107 and S108.

  (8) In the first embodiment described above, the flowchart of FIG. 3 includes S105 and S106, but there may be a configuration without S105 and S106.

  (9) The flowchart of the second embodiment described above is obtained by adding S201 to S209 of FIG. 5 to the flowchart of FIG. 3, but other steps may be further added. Specifically, the above-mentioned other steps are set operations that lead to a reduction in power consumption of the water heater 12 by setting operations other than the operation mode setting operation, the operation suspension setting operation, and the bath warming time setting operation. In this case, the point PT1 is added.

  (10) In the third embodiment described above, the registration date and time such as the birthday is registered in advance by the operator, but does not need to be registered by the operator. For example, in the manufacturing process of the remote controller for hot water heater 10 It may be registered in advance.

  (11) In each of the above-described embodiments, the display unit 101 and the operation unit 102 of the water heater remote control 10 are configured as separate devices, but need not be separate devices. For example, the display unit 101 and the operation unit 102 may be configured by a single touch panel display.

  (12) In each of the embodiments described above, the remote controller control unit 103 and the water heater controller 123 are configured as separate control devices, but the remote controller controller 103 and the water heater controller 123 are integrated into one unit. It does not matter even if the control device is configured.

  (13) In each of the above-described embodiments, the processing of each step shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 5 to 8 is realized by a computer program, but may be configured by hardware logic. .

  In addition, this invention is not limited to above-described embodiment, In the range described in the claim, it can change suitably. Further, the above embodiments are not irrelevant to each other, and can be combined as appropriate unless the combination is clearly impossible. In each of the above-described embodiments, it is needless to say that elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily essential unless explicitly stated as essential and clearly considered essential in principle. Yes. Further, in each of the above embodiments, when numerical values such as the number, numerical value, quantity, range, etc. of the constituent elements of the embodiment are mentioned, it is clearly limited to a specific number when clearly indicated as essential and in principle. The number is not limited to the specific number except for the case. In each of the above embodiments, when referring to the material, shape, positional relationship, etc. of the constituent elements, etc., unless otherwise specified, or in principle limited to a specific material, shape, positional relationship, etc. The material, shape, positional relationship, etc. are not limited.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Remote controller for water heater 101 Display part 102 Operation part 12 Water heater 28 Character aspect determination means 30 Display means

Claims (10)

An operation unit (102) operated by an operator;
A display unit (101) for displaying an image;
The aspect of the character (CHR1, CHR2) displayed on the display unit is changed so that the operation related to the water heater (12) is related to the operation of the water heater (12) and the operation of the water heater is changed. Character mode determining means (28, S101 to S111, S201 to S209, S301 to S307, S401 to S408, S501 to S507) to be determined;
A remote controller for a water heater, comprising: display means (30, S113) for displaying an image of the character on the display unit in a mode determined by the character mode determining means. The character (CHR1) is an animal or a plant,
2. The water heater according to claim 1, wherein the character mode determining means determines a mode of the character so that an animal or a plant as the character grows as the operation related to the water heater is performed. Remote control. The water heater is an electric water heater;
The said character aspect determination means determines the aspect of the said character according to the frequency | count of operation which leads to reduction of the power consumption amount which the said water heater consumes among the said water heater related operations. Or the remote control for water heaters of 2. The water heater is an electric water heater;
The character mode determining means determines the character mode according to the number of operations for switching the operation setting of the water heater so that the power consumption consumed by the water heater is reduced among the water heater related operations. The remote controller for a water heater according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the remote controller is determined. An electricity bill calculating means (24),
The water heater is an electric water heater;
The electricity bill calculating means calculates the electricity bill based on the power consumption amount from a predetermined relationship in which the electricity bill increases as the power consumption amount consumed by the water heater increases.
The character mode determining means determines the character mode according to the number of operations that lead to reduction of the electricity bill calculated by the electricity bill calculating means among the water heater related operations. Item 3. A remote controller for a water heater according to item 1 or 2. An electricity bill calculating means (24),
The water heater is an electric water heater;
The electricity bill calculating means calculates the electricity bill based on the power consumption amount from a predetermined relationship in which the electricity bill increases as the power consumption amount consumed by the water heater increases.
The character mode determining means determines the character's character according to the number of operations for switching the operation setting of the water heater so that the electricity cost calculated by the electricity cost calculating means is reduced among the water heater related operations. The remote controller for a hot water heater according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an aspect is determined.   The said character aspect determination means determines the aspect of the said character according to the frequency | count of operation which leads to reduction of the carbon dioxide emission amount of the said water heater among the said water heater related operations. The remote controller for a water heater according to 2.   The character mode determination means determines the character mode according to the number of operations for switching the operation settings of the water heater so that the carbon dioxide emission amount of the water heater is reduced among the water heater related operations. The water heater remote control according to claim 1 or 2, wherein   The hot water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the character mode determining unit determines the mode of the character according to the number of times a registered date and time registered in advance has been visited. Remote controller.   The remote controller for a hot water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the character mode determining means determines the mode of the character according to the amount of energy consumed by the water heater.

Images