JP2019060531A - Unused function notification system and hot water system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an unused function notification system and a hot water system for enabling a user to effectively use functions provided in the hot water system.SOLUTION: An unused function notification system used for a hot water system 1 having a water heater 11 and a remote controller 12 configured so as to be communicable with the water heater 11 to remotely control the water heater 11 includes: the water heater 11 having a notification determination part for monitoring the presence or absence of the use of a notification object function predetermined as a notification object among a plurality of functions provided in the hot water system 1 and used by operation of the remote controller 12, and determining to notify information about the notification object function when notification reference time predetermined to the notification object function elapses during continuation of an unused state of the notification object function; and a communication terminal 6 having a notification part for notifying a user of the information about the notification object function determined to be notified by the notification determination part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a non-use function notification system for a hot water system having a water heater or the like.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, remote controls have been used to operate many devices such as television receivers and air conditioners. In Patent Document 1, for example, a remote control of a television receiver can communicate with a server through an access point and a network, and the remote control includes a display unit for displaying operation items corresponding to each function, and the display unit displays the The configuration that can customize the operation items to be Then, in the server, the usage rate of each operation item in the whole user is totaled according to the content of the user information (for example, by age group or gender), and a ranking according to the usage rate is created. Check the operation items of the uploaded remote control, and if there is an operation item that is not included on the uploaded remote control while it has a certain ranking (high usage rate), use of the operation item Describes a configuration for transmitting a message (information) proposing to the remote control.

  By the way, even in a hot water system having a water heater (heat source machine) or the like, a large number of functions are provided, and the user can operate the remote control to use these functions.

  For example, in Patent Document 2, in addition to a hot water supply function for supplying water to a water bath or shower, a water heater and a bathtub are connected by piping, and a pouring function for pouring water into the bathtub, a pouring function for bath water, automatic pouring A configuration having a bath reservation function for reserving driving is described. Furthermore, the water heater (hot-water supply heat source machine) and a hot-water-type heating device are connected by piping, and the structure which has a function which performs heating operation, and a heating reservation function which reserves heating operation is described.

  In addition, Patent Document 3 describes the configuration of a water heater having an immediate hot water function. In this water heater, the water input from the water inlet is heated by the heat exchanger and reaches the outlet, and the water passing from the inlet via the bypass reaches the outlet, and they are mixed to supply hot water from the outlet. It is configured to be supplied to the bung. And in order to realize an instant hot water function, the return passage for returning the hot and cold water from the outlet passage to the inflow passage is provided, and the circulation pump is provided in the return passage. When the instant hot water function is used, the circulating pump is operated to circulate hot water and keep it warm in the circulation path consisting of the outlet, return, inlet and heat exchangers. Thus, the amount of hot and cold water that is lower than the hot water supply set temperature can be reduced at the beginning of opening the hot water supply valve.

  Further, in Patent Document 4, in a water heater having a hot water supply function, a pouring function for pouring water into a bath, and a hot water pouring function for bath water, a UV lamp is provided in the hot water circulation channel for carrying out the hot water discharging function. A sterilizer is installed, and the configuration of a water heater capable of sterilization operation (UV sterilization operation), where sterilization is performed by irradiating ultraviolet light to hot water circulating in the circulation circulation channel by turning on a UV lamp. Have been described.

JP, 2013-219613, A JP, 2006-7111, A Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 11-159869 gazette JP, 2017-156060, A

  In recent years, a hot water system having a water heater or the like has been realized that has many functions as described above, and among these many functions, the function or usage of which the user does not know its existence There is a problem that there are functions that are not used because you do not know, and useful functions are not effectively used.

  The present invention has been made to solve the problems as described above, and provides a non-use function notification system and a hot water system that enable a user to effectively use the functions provided in the hot water system. It is an object.

  In order to achieve the above object, a nonuse function notification system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a hot water utilization facility, a remote control configured to be communicable with the hot water utilization facility, and remotely operating the hot water utilization facility; A non-use function notification system used for a hot water system having a function of using a notification target function predetermined as a notification target among a plurality of functions provided in the hot water system and used by the operation of the remote control The presence or absence of the notification target function is monitored, and it is decided to notify the information on the notification target function when the notification reference time set in advance for the notification target function has elapsed while the unused state of the notification target function is continuing. A notification determination unit for performing notification, and a notification unit for notifying a user of information related to the notification target function determined to be notified by the notification determination unit; It is equipped with a.

  According to this configuration, the notification unit notifies the user of the information on the notification target function that has not been used during the notification reference time, so that a user who does not know the existence of the function can know the existence of the function. The user can effectively utilize the functions provided in the hot water system.

  The notification determination unit may be configured to exclude a function that has been used once even if the function is a predetermined notification target function from the notification targets. As described above, since the user knows the existence and use method of the function once used, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience of being notified by excluding the function from the notification target.

  The information on the notification target function may include information indicating how to use the notification target function. As described above, if the information on the notification target function includes the information indicating the usage method of the notification target function, the user can know the usage method, so that the user can validate the function provided in the hot water system. It will be easy to utilize.

  A warm water system according to a first aspect of the present invention is a warm water system including a warm water utilization facility, and a remote control configured to be communicable with the warm water utilization facility and remotely operating the warm water utilization facility. Monitoring the presence or absence of use of a notification target function predetermined as a notification target among a plurality of functions provided in the hot water system and used by an operation of the remote control in any one of the hot water utilization facility and the remote control A notification determination unit that determines to notify information related to the notification target function when a predetermined notification reference time for the notification target function has elapsed while the state in which the notification target function is not in use continues And communication with the hot water utilization facility, and information on the notification target function determined to be notified by the notification determination unit. And a management server for communicating via a communication network with a communication terminal owned by the user provided with a notification unit for notifying the user, and the communication server configured to be communicable via the communication network, and the information determined by the notification determination unit It further comprises a relay device for transmitting to the management server.

  According to this configuration, the notification unit provided in the user-owned communication terminal notifies the user of the information related to the notification target function that has not been used for the notification reference time, so the user who does not know the existence of the function The presence of the function can be known, and the user can effectively utilize the function provided in the hot water system.

  A warm water system according to a second aspect of the present invention is a warm water system including a warm water utilization facility, and a remote control configured to be communicable with the warm water utilization facility and remotely operating the warm water utilization facility. Monitoring the presence or absence of use of a notification target function predetermined as a notification target among a plurality of functions provided in the hot water system and used by an operation of the remote control in any one of the hot water utilization facility and the remote control A notification determination unit that determines to notify information related to the notification target function when a predetermined notification reference time for the notification target function has elapsed while the state in which the notification target function is not in use continues And the remote controller is configured to notify the user of information related to the notification target function determined to be notified by the notification determination unit. And a management server that communicates with a user-owned communication terminal provided with a unit via the communication network and the communication server via the communication network, and transmits the information determined by the notification determination unit to the management server It is configured as follows.

  According to this configuration, the notification unit provided in the user-owned communication terminal notifies the user of the information related to the notification target function that has not been used for the notification reference time, so the user who does not know the existence of the function The presence of the function can be known, and the user can effectively utilize the function provided in the hot water system.

  A warm water system according to a third aspect of the present invention is a warm water system including a warm water utilization facility, and a remote control configured to be communicable with the warm water utilization facility and remotely operating the warm water utilization facility. Monitoring the presence or absence of use of a notification target function predetermined as a notification target among a plurality of functions provided in the hot water system and used by an operation of the remote control in any one of the hot water utilization facility and the remote control A notification determination unit that determines to notify information related to the notification target function when a predetermined notification reference time for the notification target function has elapsed while the state in which the notification target function is not in use continues And the remote controller is configured to notify the user of information related to the notification target function determined to be notified by the notification determination unit. Part is provided.

  According to this configuration, the notification unit provided in the remote control notifies the user of the information on the notification target function that has not been used during the notification reference time, so the user who does not know the existence of the function has the existence of the function This allows the user to effectively utilize the functions provided in the hot water system.

  The notification determination unit may be configured to exclude a function that has been used once even if the function is a predetermined notification target function from the notification targets. As described above, since the user knows the existence and use method of the function once used, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience of being notified by excluding the function from the notification target.

  The information on the notification target function may include information indicating how to use the notification target function. As described above, if the information on the notification target function includes the information indicating the usage method of the notification target function, the user can know the usage method, so that the user can validate the function provided in the hot water system. It will be easy to utilize.

  A relay device according to an aspect of the present invention is a relay device used for the hot water system according to the first aspect described above.

  The present invention has an effect that it can provide a non-use function notification system and a hot water system which has the configuration described above and enables the user to effectively use the function provided in the hot water system. Play.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a hot water system and a communication system including the non-use function notification system of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a hot water system and a communication system including the non-use function notification system of the second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a hot water system and a communication system including the non-use function notification system of the third embodiment. FIG. 4A is a timing chart showing an example of the state of use and non-use of a certain notification target function and timing when the notification determination unit determines to notify information on the notification target function. (B) is a timing chart showing an example of the use and non-use state of a certain notification target function and timing when the notification determination unit of the modification determines to notify information on the notification target function.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout all the drawings, and the redundant description will be omitted. Further, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a hot water system and a communication system including the non-use function notification system of the first embodiment.

  The hot water system 1 includes a water heater 11 which is an example of a hot water utilization facility, and a remote controller (remote controller) 12 for remotely operating the water heater 11.

  Further, the communication system used for the hot water system 1 includes a relay device 2 exclusively connected to the water heater 11 communicably connected to the controller 11 a built in the water heater 11 and a computer connected to the communication network 4 such as the Internet. And a communication terminal 6 comprising a mobile phone or the like owned by the user of the hot water system 1. The management server 5 communicates with the relay device 2 via the communication network 4 and the wireless LAN router 3 connected to the communication network 4. The communication terminal 6 communicates with the management server 5 via the communication network 4 or the like. The wireless LAN router 3 and the communication terminal 6 are owned by a resident (user) of a residence where the hot water system 1 is installed.

  As described above, the communication system uses the communication network 4, the wireless LAN router 3 and the communication terminal 6. In such a communication system, although there may be one house in which the hot water system 1 is installed, there are usually a large number. Here, representatively, only one hot water system 1 is illustrated, and the relay device 2, the wireless LAN router 3, and the communication terminal 6 corresponding to the hot water system 1 are illustrated. Below, what was illustrated is demonstrated.

  The water heater 11 is installed at a predetermined place outside or inside a house, and is, for example, a combustion heating water heater (heat source unit), which heats the heat exchanger using a heat exchanger, gas or kerosene as fuel. The apparatus, a pipe connected to a heat exchanger and the like to be a hot water flow path, a fuel pipe, various sensors, a controller 11a, and the like are housed in a housing. The controller 11a is configured by, for example, a microcontroller having a CPU and a memory (such as a RAM and a ROM), and controls the overall operation of the water heater 11.

  For example, in addition to a hot water supply function of supplying hot water to a hot water supply terminal such as a shower or a hot water supply tap, the hot water heater 11 has a hot water supply device 11 and a bathtub connected by piping and pouring a hot water to the bathtub It has a function etc.

  The remote control 12 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24 having a liquid crystal screen and the like. The control unit 22 is constituted by, for example, a microcontroller having a CPU and a memory (such as a RAM and a ROM), and controls the overall operation of the remote controller 12. The communication unit 21 of the remote controller 12 is connected to the controller 11a of the water heater 11 by a communication cable C2 formed of, for example, a two-core wire, and bidirectional communication is possible between the two. When the user operates the operation unit 23, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is input from the operation unit 23 to the control unit 22, and a control signal corresponding to the operation signal from the control unit 22 is the water heater 11 via the communication unit 21. The controller 11a is configured to be transmitted to the controller 11a, and the user can perform various settings such as the operation of the water heater 11 and the setting of the temperature of the hot water supply. Further, information indicating the operation state and the like of the water heater 11 is input from the controller 11 a of the water heater 11 to the communication unit 21, and is displayed on the display unit 24 by the control of the control unit 22. In addition, the set hot water temperature and the like are also displayed on the display unit 24. In addition, the remote control 12 may have a built-in speaker for outputting a buzzer sound, voice and the like.

  The relay device 2 is installed at a predetermined place outside or indoors of a house, and is connected to the controller 11a of the water heater 11 by a communication cable C1 made of, for example, a two-core wire. Thereby, mutual communication (two-way communication) is performed between the relay device 2 and the controller 11a of the water heater 11 via the communication cable C1.

  Further, the relay apparatus 2 is set to connect the wireless LAN router 3 with the wireless LAN, and wireless communication with the wireless LAN router 3 can be performed by the wireless LAN. The relay device 2 executes communication processing with the controller 11 a of the water heater 11 and also executes communication processing with the management server 5 performed via the wireless LAN router 3 and the communication network 4. The relay device 2 converts, for example, the communication format of the device information transmitted from the controller 11 a of the water heater 11 and transmits the device information to the management server 5 via the wireless LAN router 3 and the communication network 4. Further, the information transmitted from the management server 5 through the communication network 4 and the wireless LAN router 3 is converted into a communication format and transmitted to the controller 11 a of the water heater 11.

  The management server 5 includes a storage unit 5 a that stores association information, and a storage unit 5 b that stores device information transmitted from the controller 11 a of the water heater 11 via the relay device 2. The management server 5 may be configured of a plurality of computers connected to the communication network 4.

  The association information stored in the storage unit 5a is, for example, information in which the serial number of the relay device 2 and the user account transmitted from the communication terminal 6 are associated.

  Further, as the device information stored in the storage unit 5b, the device configuration information transmitted to the relay device 2 first after the power is turned on from the controller 11a of the water heater 11, and periodically (for example, one hour from the controller 11a of the water heater 11) There are operation state information, error information and the like indicating the operation state of the water heater 11 transmitted to the relay device 2 in the interval). Here, the device configuration information is information indicating the type and the like of the water heater 11, and the operation state information is information including the hot water supply set temperature of the water heater 11, the number of combustion operations, the combustion operation time and the like. The error information is information indicating an abnormality when a certain abnormality occurs in the water heater 11, and is information also displayed on the remote controller 12.

  The device information is transmitted from the relay device 2 to the management server 5 together with the serial number of the relay device 2. Then, the management server 5 stores the received device information in the storage unit 5 b in association with the serial number of the relay device 2.

  The communication terminal 6 is a mobile terminal owned by a user such as a smartphone, and can be connected to the communication network 4 via a base station or the like of a 3G (third generation) or 4G (fourth generation) mobile phone network. An application program dedicated to the hot water system (hereinafter referred to as “system dedicated application”) is installed in the communication terminal 6, and the user operates the communication terminal 6 to activate the system dedicated application, and the management server 5 The remote control of the water heater 11 and the status confirmation can be performed via the communication device.

[Not used function notification system]
The unused function notification system in the present embodiment includes a notification determination unit and a notification unit described later. Here, an example in which the notification determination unit is provided in the controller 11 a of the water heater 11 and the notification unit is provided in the communication terminal 6 will be described.

  The hot water system 1 has a plurality of functions that the user can use by operating the remote control 12. For example, there are a pouring function to fill the bath of the water heater 11, a pouring function, a bath reservation function, an energy consumption display function, and the like. Among these functions, a function (notification target function) to be notified of the nonuse or the like is predetermined. As the notification target function, for example, a reaping function, a back reservation function, an energy consumption display function, and the like may be defined.

  In the reheating function, a reheating circulation flow path for circulating bath water between the water heater 11 and the tub is formed, and heating is performed while circulating the bath water in the reheating circulation flow path to raise the temperature of the bath water Function.

  The bath reservation function is, for example, a function to reserve a time when filling of the bathtub is completed by an automatic pouring operation that automatically performs a pouring and pouring function to the bathtub.

  In addition, the energy consumption display function operates the remote control 12 to display the fuel consumption and water consumption per unit time in the water heater 11, the fuel consumption and water consumption per single use, etc. This is a function to be displayed on 24.

  Moreover, when the water heater 11 is connected to a hot water system heating apparatus such as a hot water system floor heating panel and configured to be able to carry out the heating operation, the heating reservation function for reserving the heating operation is also a notification target function. Good. The heating reservation function is a function of operating the remote control 12 to reserve the start time and the end time of the heating operation.

  In addition, when the hot water heater 11 is equipped with an instant hot water function for reducing the amount of hot water that is lower than the hot water supply set temperature at the beginning of opening the shower or hot water supply tap, the quick hot water function or The hot water reservation function may be a notification target function. The instant hot water function can be used by operating the remote control 12. The instant hot water reservation function is a function of operating the remote controller 12 to reserve the start time and the end time of the instant hot water function.

  Moreover, the water heater 11 may be equipped with a UV sterilization operation (sterilization operation) function. In this case, for example, among the reheating circulation flow paths for circulating bath water formed between the bath and the water heater 11, hot water (bath water) flowing through the flow path in the circulation flow path in the water heater 11. ) Is provided with a UV lamp (sterilization lamp) for irradiating ultraviolet light, and is configured to perform a UV sterilization operation for irradiating ultraviolet light by turning on the UV lamp while circulating bath water. When the UV sterilization operation function is provided, the reservation function of the UV sterilization operation may be a notification target function. The reservation function is a function of operating the remote controller 12 to reserve the end time and the like of the UV sterilization operation.

  Here, in the controller 11a of the water heater 11, a predetermined notification target function and a notification reference time for each notification target function are stored in an internal memory. Then, when each notification target function is used (executed), a control signal corresponding thereto is input from the remote control 12 to the controller 11a. Therefore, the controller 11a receives the control signal from the remote controller 12 by operating the remote controller 12, and the notification target function is used depending on whether the input control signal is a control signal for using the notification target function. Can be determined.

  In this manner, the controller 11a monitors the presence or absence of use of each notification target function, and while the state in which each notification target function is not in use continues, a notification reference time predetermined for the notification target function Functions as a notification determination unit that determines to notify information on the notification target function when e.

  As a specific example, for example, the controller 11a measures a time period (non-use continuation time period) in which the hot water system 1 is installed and each notification target function is not continuously used from the power on start time point, When it is decided to notify the information on the notification target function when the time reaches the notification reference time, the non-use continuation time being measured is reset to 0 and the measurement is continued. Further, when the controller 11a determines to broadcast information related to the notification target function, the controller 11a transmits the determined information to the relay device 2 to transmit the information to the management server 5 (details will be described later).

  FIG. 4A is a timing chart showing an example of the use and non-use state of a certain notification target function and timing when the notification determination unit (here, the controller 11a) determines to notify information on the notification target function. It is a chart. In FIG. 4A, Ts is a notification reference time.

  In the case of FIG. 4A, the status of the notification target function is not used for the period from time 0 to t3, time t4 to t6, and time t7 to t9, and is not used, and the other periods are It has been in use. Then, the notification determination unit determines to notify information on the notification target function each time the notification reference time Ts elapses (at times t1, t2, t5, and t8) while the non-use state continues. (Notice decision).

  Further, as a modification of the notification determination unit, the notification target function that has been used once may be excluded from the notification targets. FIG. 4B shows an example of the state of use and non-use of a certain notification target function in the case of this modification, and the timing when the notification determination unit determines to notify information on the notification target function. It is a timing chart, and shows the case where transition of the state of a notice object function is the same as that of the case of Drawing 4 (A).

  In the case of the modification, as shown in FIG. 4B, after the notification target function is used once between time t3 and t4, the determination of notifying information on the notification target function by the notification determination unit is It is not done. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 4A, the notification determination is not made even at time t5 or t8 at which the notification determination is made or after that. In this case, for example, after determining that the notification target function is used at time t3, the controller 11a may not measure the non-use continuation time.

  In another modification, the notification determination unit may determine to notify information on the notification target function only when the notification reference time Ts has elapsed for the first time. In this case, only when the notification reference time Ts passes for the first time, notification of information related to the notification target function is performed from the notification unit.

  Next, an example of a notification reference time is shown. For example, the notification reference time for the repelling function is set to one week, the notification reference time for the bath reservation function is 30 days, and the notification reference time for the energy consumption display function is 30 days.

  Moreover, about a heating reservation function, alerting | reporting reference time is defined as 30th, and the alerting | reporting object period is defined, for example from November 1st to March 31 of the following year. In this case, in the period excluding the notification target period (period from April 1 to October 31), notification of the unused function is not performed (the heating reservation function is not set as the notification target function).

  Further, a notification reference time for the instant hot water function and the instant hot water reservation function, and a notification reference time for the reservation function of the UV sterilization operation are appropriately determined.

  As described above, when the controller 11a decides to notify the information on the notification target function, the controller 11a transmits the determined information (notification decision information) to the relay device 2, and the relay device 2 further transmits the wireless LAN router 3 And transmit to the management server 5 via the communication network 4.

  Then, when the management server 5 receives the notification determination information, the management server 5 notifies the communication terminal 6 corresponding to the relay apparatus 2 based on the association information stored in the storage unit 5a, for example, the notification target related to the notification determination information by e-mail. Send information about features. Note that instead of the e-mail, information on the notification target function may be transmitted using a system dedicated application. Here, the communication terminal 6 functions as a notification unit that notifies the user of information related to the notification target function.

  The management server 5 prestores information on all notification target functions. The information on the notification target function may be, for example, information indicating the presence of the notification target function, or information indicating that the function is not used, or information indicating the usage of the function in addition to this. It may be

  In the present embodiment, the user looks at the information related to the notification target function displayed on the screen of the communication terminal 6, and the user who does not know the existence of the function can know the existence of the function, and the user operates the hot water system 1 It is possible to make effective use of the functions provided in In addition, if the usage method of the function is indicated as the information on the notification target function, the user can know the usage method, so that the user can effectively utilize the function provided in the hot water system 1 It will be easier.

  As for the notification target function that has been used once, the user should know the existence and usage of that function, so after being used once, as in the case of the modified example shown in FIG. By excluding from the notification target and not notifying the information on the notification target function, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience caused by the notification.

  In addition, since the user may not use a certain notification target function according to his / her intention, in the present embodiment, the user operates communication terminal 6 so as not to notify information on the notification target function. It may be configured to be able to. In this case, the user operates the communication terminal 6 to log in to the user management site provided by the management server 5, and performs the predetermined operation for not notifying the information on the notification target function, thereby the non notification notification information Transmit to the management server 5. Then, the management server 5 refers to the association information including the user account acquired at the time of login, and transmits non-announcement instruction information to the relay device 2 having the serial number included in the association information. The relay device 2 transmits the received non-announcement command information to the controller 11a. The controller 11a does not determine to notify information on the notification target function based on the received non-notification instruction information. The notification determination information from the controller 11a may be transmitted to the management server 5, and the management server 5 may receive non notification notification information from the communication terminal 6. After that, even if the notification determination information from the controller 11a is received, the information on the notification target function may not be transmitted to the communication terminal 6.

  In addition, although one hot water heater 11 was illustrated as a warm water utilization installation in this embodiment, the system which a hot water utilization installation connects and operates the several hot water supply 11 may be sufficient. In this case, information may be transmitted and received between the controller 11a of one of the plurality of water heaters 11 and the management server 5 via the communication network 4 or the like, or the controller of the plurality of water heaters 11 A system controller communicably connected to 11 a may be provided, and may be configured to transmit and receive information between the system controller and the management server 5 via the communication network 4 or the like. The same applies to the second and third embodiments described below.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a hot water system and a communication system including the non-use function notification system of the second embodiment. Here, parts different from FIG. 1 will be mainly described.

  The relay device 2 is used in the first embodiment as a communication unit for the hot water system 1, but in the second embodiment, the communication unit 7 having the relay device 2A and the 3G router 3A is used. In this case, the association information stored in the storage unit 5a of the management server 5 is, for example, information in which the serial number of the communication unit 7 and the user account transmitted from the communication terminal 6 are associated.

  In the communication unit 7, the relay device 2A, the 3G router 3A, and the like are accommodated in a housing, and the relay device 2A and the 3G router 3A are connected by a LAN cable L1.

  Similar to the relay device 2 of FIG. 1, the relay device 2A of FIG. 2 is connected to the controller 11a of the water heater 11 by the communication cable C1, and both are connected to the controller 11a of the water heater 11 via the communication cable C1. Two-way communication is performed.

  On the other hand, although the relay device 2 of FIG. 1 is configured to be able to communicate with the management server 5 via the wireless LAN router 3 and the communication network 4, the relay device 2A of FIG. 2 is a 3G router 3A, the communication network 4, etc. Are configured to be communicable with the management server 5. Here, the relay apparatus 2A and the 3G router 3A can perform, for example, LAN communication based on the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. The 3G router 3A can be connected to the communication network 4 via a base station or the like of a 3G or 4G mobile phone network, and can communicate with the management server 5 connected to the communication network 4.

  In the present embodiment, the communication path between the relay apparatus 2A and the management server 5 is different from that of the first embodiment, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. That is, in the case of the present embodiment, the notification determination information generated by the controller 11a of the water heater 11 is transmitted from the controller 11a to the management server 5 via the relay device 2A, the 3G router 3A, the communication network 4 and the like. When receiving the notification determination information, the management server 5 transmits information on the notification target function related to the notification determination information to the communication terminal 6 as in the first embodiment. Therefore, also in this second embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Third Embodiment
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a hot water system and a communication system including the non-use function notification system of the third embodiment. Here, parts different from FIG. 1 will be mainly described.

  The hot water system 1A includes a remote control 13 in place of the remote control 12 of FIG. The remote controller 13 is configured to be able to communicate with the management server 5 via the wireless LAN router 3 and the communication network 4 without using the relay device 2 of FIG. In other words, the remote controller 13 is configured to have the function of the relay device 2 in addition to the function of the remote controller 12 of FIG. 1. In this case, the association information stored in the storage unit 5a of the management server 5 is, for example, information in which the serial number of the remote controller 13 and the user account transmitted from the communication terminal 6 are associated.

  The remote controller 13 includes, for example, a communication unit 21, a control unit 22a, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, a wireless communication unit 25, and the like. The control unit 22a is configured by, for example, a microcontroller having a CPU and a memory (such as a RAM and a ROM), and controls the overall operation of the remote control 13. The communication unit 21, the operation unit 23, and the display unit 24 are the same as the remote control 12 of FIG. 1, and the control unit 22a has the same function as the control unit 22 of the remote control 12 of FIG.

  The remote controller 13 includes a wireless communication unit 25 for communicating with the management server 5 via the wireless LAN router 3 and the communication network 4. The wireless communication unit 25 performs communication processing for performing wireless communication with the wireless LAN router 3. The control unit 22 a causes the wireless communication unit 25 to transmit information to be transmitted to the management server 5 among the information received from the controller 11 a of the water heater 11. In addition, the information to be transmitted to the controller 11 a among the information transmitted from the management server 5 and received by the wireless communication unit 25 is transmitted from the communication unit 21.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the notification determination information generated by the controller 11 a of the water heater 11 is transmitted from the controller 11 a to the management server 5 via the remote controller 13, the wireless LAN router 3 and the communication network 4. When receiving the notification determination information, the management server 5 transmits information on the notification target function related to the notification determination information to the communication terminal 6 as in the first embodiment. Therefore, also in the third embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the controller 11a of the water heater 11 is provided with the notification determination unit. However, the remote control 12, 13 may be provided with the notification determination unit. In this case, for example, the notification determination unit may be configured by the control units 22 and 22a. In this case, the notification determination information generated by the remote controller 12 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is transmitted to the management server 5 via the controller 11a. Further, the notification determination information generated by the remote controller 13 in FIG. 3 is transmitted from the remote controller 13 to the management server 5 via the wireless LAN router 3.

  In the first to third embodiments, the management server 5 may be configured to function as a notification determination unit. In this case, the management server 5 can determine whether the notification target function is used or not based on the device information (driving condition information) transmitted from the controller 11a and stored in the storage unit 5b. Here, the driving state information includes information indicating whether the notification target function is being executed (used).

  In the first to third embodiments, the notification unit for notifying the communication terminal 6 of the information on the notification target function is provided. However, the remote control 12 or 13 may be provided with the notification unit. In this case, for example, the display unit 24 may be a notification unit. Further, in this case, all of the non-use function notification systems are included in the hot water systems 1 and 1A. Furthermore, in this case, as described above, the remote control 12 or 13 may be provided with the notification determination unit. As described above, when the notification determination unit is provided in the remote control 12 or 13, the information on all the notification target functions can be stored in advance in the remote control 12 or 13 or the controller 11 a. Further, when the remote controller 12 or 13 is provided with a notification unit, for example, the display unit 24 may be used as a notification unit to display information on a notification target function on the display unit 24. Moreover, it is also possible to set it as the structure by which the alerting | reporting part was provided in both the communication terminal 6 and remote control 12,13.

  Moreover, since the user may not use a certain notification target function according to his / her intention, when the remote control 12 or 13 is provided with the notification unit as described above, the user can use the remote control 12 or 13 The user may be configured to be able to operate so as not to notify information on the notification target function. In this case, when the remote controller 12 or 13 is set not to notify the information on the notification target function, the notification determination unit (the controller 11a or the remote control 12 or 13) decides to notify the information on the notification target function. May be configured not to When the controller 11a functions as a notification determination unit, after setting is made so as not to notify information on the notification target function, the remote control 12, 13 receives the notification determination information from the controller 11a, but the notification target You may comprise so that the information regarding a function may not be alert | reported.

  In the first embodiment, the relay device 2 may be included in the hot water system 1 of FIG. 1. In the second embodiment, the hot water system 1 of FIG. 2 may include the communication unit 7 as a relay device.

  In addition, in said 1st and 2nd embodiment, although the warm water system 1 and the management server 5 are comprised so that communication is possible, it does not restrict to this. For example, the hot water system 1 may not be connected to the relay device 2 or the communication unit 7. In this case, one of the controller 11a and the remote controller 12 functions as a notification determination unit, and the remote controller 12 functions as a notification unit. Therefore, it becomes the structure by which all of a non-use function alerting | reporting system is contained in the warm water system 1. FIG.

  Moreover, in said 1st-3rd embodiment, although the hot-water heater 11 was mentioned as an example as a warm water utilization installation, it does not restrict to this, for example, a circulation flow path is provided between bathtubs, and a circulation flow path The filtration apparatus etc. which filter the hot and cold water of the bathtub which flows through may be sufficient.

  From the above description, many modifications and other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description should be taken as exemplary only, and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the present invention. The structural and / or functional details may be substantially altered without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful as a non-use function notification system, a hot water system, etc., which enables a user to effectively utilize the function provided in the hot water system.

1, 1A hot water system 2, 2A relay device 4 communication network 5 management server 6 communication terminal 7 communication unit 11 water heater 12, 13 remote control

Claims (9)

A non-use function notification system used for a hot water system comprising: a hot water utilization facility; and a remote control configured to be communicable with the hot water utilization facility and for remotely operating the hot water utilization facility,
It monitors the presence or absence of use of a notification target function predetermined as a notification target among a plurality of functions provided in the hot water system and used by the operation of the remote control, and the state in which the notification target function is not used continues And a notification determination unit configured to determine to notify information on the notification target function when a predetermined notification reference time has elapsed for the notification target function.
A notification unit that notifies a user of information related to the notification target function determined to be notified by the notification determination unit;
Unused function notification system equipped with. The notification determination unit is configured to exclude a function that has been used once even if the predetermined notification target function is selected, from the notification targets.
The nonuse function alerting | reporting system of Claim 1. The information on the notification target function includes information indicating how to use the notification target function.
The nonuse function alerting | reporting system of Claim 1 or 2. A hot water system comprising: a hot water utilization facility; and a remote control configured to be communicable with the hot water utilization facility and remotely operating the hot water utilization facility,
Monitoring the presence or absence of use of a notification target function predetermined as a notification target among a plurality of functions provided in the hot water system and used by the operation of the remote control in any one of the hot water utilization facility and the remote control A notification determination unit configured to determine notification of information on the notification target function when a predetermined notification reference time for the notification target function elapses while the not-in-use state of the notification target function continues; Provided
A user-owned communication terminal and a communication network provided with a notification unit that communicates with the hot water utilization facility and notifies the user of information related to the notification target function determined to be notified by the notification determination unit It further comprises a relay server that is configured to be communicable via the communication network and a management server that performs communication, and transmits the information determined by the notification determination unit to the management server.
Hot water system. A hot water system comprising: a hot water utilization facility; and a remote control configured to be communicable with the hot water utilization facility and remotely operating the hot water utilization facility,
Monitoring the presence or absence of use of a notification target function predetermined as a notification target among a plurality of functions provided in the hot water system and used by the operation of the remote control in any one of the hot water utilization facility and the remote control A notification determination unit configured to determine notification of information on the notification target function when a predetermined notification reference time for the notification target function elapses while the not-in-use state of the notification target function continues; Provided
The remote controller is configured to communicate with a user-owned communication terminal provided with a notification unit for notifying the user of information on the notification target function determined to be notified by the notification determination unit via a communication network; The apparatus is configured to be communicable via the communication network, and configured to transmit the information determined by the notification determination unit to the management server.
Hot water system. A hot water system comprising: a hot water utilization facility; and a remote control configured to be communicable with the hot water utilization facility and remotely operating the hot water utilization facility,
Monitoring the presence or absence of use of a notification target function predetermined as a notification target among a plurality of functions provided in the hot water system and used by the operation of the remote control in any one of the hot water utilization facility and the remote control A notification determination unit configured to determine notification of information on the notification target function when a predetermined notification reference time for the notification target function elapses while the not-in-use state of the notification target function continues; Provided
The remote control is provided with a notification unit for notifying a user of information on the notification target function determined to be notified by the notification determination unit.
Hot water system. The notification determination unit is configured to exclude a function that has been used once even if the predetermined notification target function is selected, from the notification targets.
The hot water system according to any one of claims 4 to 6. The information on the notification target function includes information indicating how to use the notification target function.
The hot water system according to any one of claims 4 to 7. The relay apparatus used for the warm water system of Claim 4.

Images