JP2019113287A - Water heating device - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent unexpected temperature change based on remote control, in a water heating device including a remote control function.SOLUTION: A water heating device 100 includes: a water heater 10; a human detection sensor 36 for detecting presence/absence of a person in a bathroom; and communication means for bi-directionally communicating between communication terminals 41A, 41B and the water heater 10. The communication terminals 41A, 41B are constituted so as to receive a temperature change command for changing at least one of a hot water supply temperature and a temperature of bathtub hot water. The communication means transfers the temperature change command from the communication terminals 41A, 41B to the water heater 10, when the human sensor 36 has detected that a person is not present in the bathroom. On the other hand, when the human detection sensor 36 has detected that a person is present in the bathroom, the communication means rejects the temperature change command from the communication terminals 41A, 41B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a hot water supply apparatus, and more particularly to a hot water supply apparatus having a remote control function.

  There is known a hot water supply apparatus having a remote control function capable of remotely controlling a hot water supply in a home by a communication terminal such as a portable terminal. For example, according to JP-A-2015-156598 (Patent Document 1), the communication processing apparatus receives a remote control signal transmitted from the communication terminal via the public network, and transmits the remote control signal to the controller of the water heater. An arrangement for outputting a control command based on the above is described. According to this, since the water heater can be operated based on the remote control signal from the outside, the convenience of the user can be enhanced.

  However, on the other hand, there is a concern that an erroneous remote control may cause the water heater to operate unintended by the user. For example, if the bather is using a shower etc. and remote control is performed to change the hot water supply temperature or the bath temperature from outside the house, the user may feel discomfort or discomfort to the person due to an unexpected temperature change. There is.

  As a measure to prevent such a problem, for example, according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-8723 (Patent Document 2), the bather operates the bathroom remote control and the bathroom priority mode (= the hot water setting temperature by the remote control outside the bathroom) In the case where the mode in which the change is prohibited is set, a configuration is described in which the change operation of the hot water supply set temperature in the communication terminal outside the home is not accepted.

JP, 2015-156598, A JP, 2016-8723, A

  However, the above measures are ineffective for a water heater that does not have the bathroom priority mode. Moreover, even if it is a hot-water supply apparatus which has a bathroom priority mode, when a bather forgets to set to a bathroom priority mode, a malfunction can not be prevented.

  This invention is made in view of the said subject, The objective is to prevent the sudden temperature change based on remote control in the hot-water supply apparatus provided with the remote control function.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, the hot water supply apparatus includes a water heater, a human detection sensor for detecting presence / absence of a person in the bathroom, and communication means for bidirectionally communicating between the communication terminal and the water heater. And The water heater has a hot water supply circuit connected to a hot water supply destination including a bathroom, and a follow-up circulation circuit for heating hot and cold water in a bathtub in the bathroom. The communication terminal is configured to receive a temperature change command for changing at least one of the hot water supply temperature and the temperature of the bath water. The communication means transfers a temperature change command from the communication terminal to the water heater when it is detected by the person detection sensor that a person is absent in the bathroom. On the other hand, when it is detected by the human detection sensor that a person is present in the bathroom, the communication means rejects the temperature change command from the communication terminal.

  According to the above-described water heater, when it is determined that a person is present in the bathroom, the temperature change instruction from the communication terminal is rejected, that is, the temperature change instruction is not received. It is prohibited to change the water temperature and bath temperature unintended by people inside. This makes it possible to prevent people in the bathroom from feeling discomfort or discomfort.

  Furthermore, in the above-described hot water supply apparatus, by determining whether or not the temperature change command can be executed based on the entry and exit information, not only unintended temperature change while a person is bathing in the bathtub but also leaving from the bathtub Unintended temperature changes can also be avoided when a person is washing their body in the bathroom.

  Preferably, when the communication means rejects the temperature change command from the communication terminal, the communication means notifies the communication terminal of rejection of the temperature change command. According to this, the communication terminal can notify the user of the communication terminal that the execution of the temperature change instruction has been prohibited by outputting a message indicating the notification by screen display or voice.

  Preferably, the communication means includes a remote controller configured to communicate with the water heater and the human detection sensor and to wirelessly communicate with the communication terminal. The remote control does not transfer the temperature change instruction to the water heater when the temperature detection instruction from the communication terminal is received and it is detected that a person is present in the bathroom by the person detection sensor.

  According to this configuration, since the remote control prohibits a user from changing the hot water supply temperature and the bath temperature unintended by the person in the bathroom, it is possible to prevent the person in the bathroom from feeling uncomfortable or uncomfortable. In addition, the remote control can notify the user inside the house that the temperature change command from the communication terminal outside the house is rejected.

  Preferably, the communication means includes a remote control configured to communicate with the water heater and the human detection sensor, and a server for wirelessly communicating between the remote control and the communication terminal. The server does not transfer the temperature change instruction to the remote control when the temperature detection instruction from the communication terminal is received and it is detected by the human detection sensor that a person is present in the bathroom.

  According to this configuration, since the server prohibits a user from changing the hot water supply temperature and the bath temperature unintended by a person in the bathroom, it is possible to prevent the person in the bathroom from feeling uncomfortable or uncomfortable.

  Preferably, when not transmitting the temperature change command to the remote control, the server notifies rejection of the temperature change command to the communication terminal and the remote control. According to this, even when the server rejects the temperature change command, the remote control can notify the user inside the house that the temperature change command from the communication terminal outside the home has been rejected.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the water heater communicates bi-directionally between the water heater, a person detection sensor for detecting presence or absence of a person in the bathroom, the communication terminal, the communication terminal and the water heater. And communication means for The water heater has a hot water supply circuit connected to a hot water supply destination including a bathroom, and a follow-up circulation circuit for heating hot and cold water in a bathtub in the bathroom. The communication terminal is configured to receive a temperature change command for changing at least one of the hot water supply temperature and the temperature of the bath water. The communication means is configured to transmit information indicating presence or absence of a person in the bathroom detected by the person detection sensor to the communication terminal. The communication terminal transfers the temperature change command to the water heater when the person detection sensor detects that a person is absent in the bathroom, while the temperature detection command is input by the person detection sensor. When it is detected that a person is present in the bathroom, the temperature change command is not transferred to the communication means.

  According to this configuration, since the communication terminal prohibits the user from changing the hot water supply temperature and the bath temperature unintended by the person in the bathroom, it is possible to prevent the person in the bathroom from feeling uncomfortable or uncomfortable.

  Preferably, when the communication terminal does not transfer the temperature change command to the communication unit, the communication terminal notifies the user of the communication terminal of rejection of the temperature change command. According to this, it is possible to notify the user of the communication terminal that the execution of the temperature change command has been prohibited.

  Preferably, if the communication terminal does not transfer the temperature change command to the communication unit, the communication terminal notifies the communication unit of rejection of the temperature change command. According to this, even when the communication terminal rejects the temperature change command, the remote control can notify the user inside the house that the temperature change command from the communication terminal outside the house is rejected.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent an unexpected temperature change based on remote control in a hot water supply device having a remote control function.

It is the schematic explaining the structure of the hot-water supply apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is the schematic which shows the structure of the hot-water supply apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the remote control function which the hot-water supply apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment 1 has. It is a state flow figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the hot-water supply apparatus (mainly kitchen remote control) in, when a portable terminal receives temperature change instruction | command of a user. It is a state flow figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the hot-water supply apparatus (mainly kitchen remote control) in, when a portable terminal receives temperature change instruction | command of a user. It is a state flow figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the hot-water supply apparatus (mainly kitchen remote control) in, when a portable terminal receives temperature change instruction | command of a user. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement of the kitchen remote control shown in FIGS. It is a state flow figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the hot-water supply apparatus (mainly server) when a portable terminal receives a user's temperature change instruction | command. It is a state flow figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the hot-water supply apparatus (mainly server) when a portable terminal receives a user's temperature change instruction | command. It is a state flow figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the hot-water supply apparatus (mainly portable terminal) in, when a portable terminal receives a temperature change instruction | command of a user. It is a state flow figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the hot-water supply apparatus (mainly portable terminal) in, when a portable terminal receives a temperature change instruction | command of a user. It is a state flow figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the hot-water supply apparatus (mainly portable terminal) in, when a portable terminal receives a temperature change instruction | command of a user. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement of the portable terminal shown in FIG. 11 and FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, the same or corresponding portions in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated in principle.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of a hot water supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Hot water supply apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment has a remote control function. In the specification of the present application, the remote control function means a function of remotely operating the hot water supply apparatus 100 by giving an operation command to the hot water supply apparatus 100 from the communication terminal via the public network.

  Referring to FIG. 1, water heating apparatus 100 includes water heater 10 and remote controllers 20 and 30. The water heater 10 is constituted by a fuel combustion type such as gas or a heat pump type, and supplies hot water. Hot water from the water heater 10 is supplied to a bath tub, a shower, a bath tub, a bathroom heater and dryer, etc. via a hot water supply pipe (not shown).

  The operation command for the water heater 10 is input by the remote controllers 20 and 30. The remote controller 20 is connected to the water heater 10 by a communication line 21. The remote controller 30 is connected to the water heater 10 by a communication line 31. For example, a two-core communication line is used for the communication lines 21 and 31. Communication between water heater 10 and remote controllers 20 and 30 may be in accordance with any known standard, and may be wired or wireless.

  The remote controller 20 is disposed outside the bathroom, for example, on the wall of the kitchen. Hereinafter, the remote controller 20 is also referred to as a "kitchen remote control 20". The kitchen remote control 20 includes an operation switch 22 for turning on and off the operation of the water heater 10, an operation switch 23, and a display unit 25. The operation switch 22 and the operation switch 23 can typically be configured by a push button or a touch button. The display unit 25 can typically be configured by a liquid crystal panel.

  The remote controller 30 is disposed on the wall of the bathroom. Hereinafter, the remote controller 30 is also referred to as a "bathroom remote control 30". The bathroom remote control 30 includes an operation switch 32, an operation switch 33, and a display unit 35. The operation switch 32 and the operation switch 33 can typically be configured by a push button or a touch button. The display unit 35 can typically be constituted by a liquid crystal panel.

  The kitchen remote controller 20 is configured to be able to communicate with the router 40 through the communication path 51 by wireless communication. The router 40 is configured to be accessible to the server 50 via the network 45 (the Internet). Therefore, the kitchen remote controller 20 can communicate bi-directionally with the server 50 via the router 40.

  The portable terminal 41A is configured to be accessible to the server 50 by a communication path 52A by wireless communication. The portable terminal 41A can typically use a smartphone. When a smartphone is used as the portable terminal 41A, the server 50 can be accessed by connecting to the network 45 via the base station 53. As a result, the portable terminal 41A can communicate bi-directionally with the kitchen remote controller 20 via the server 50 and the router 40.

  The router 40 is further configured to be accessible to the portable terminal 41B via a communication path 52B by wireless communication. The mobile terminal 41B can typically use a smartphone. The portable terminal 41 B can communicate bidirectionally with the kitchen remote control 20 via the router 40.

  As described later, water heating apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment can remotely operate water heater 10 by giving an operation command to water heating apparatus 100 from portable terminal 41A or 41B via the public network. Configured as. The portable terminals 41A and 41B correspond to an example of the "communication terminal".

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the hot water supply apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 2, water heating apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment includes water heating apparatus 10. A bath apparatus bath (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “bath”) 62 is a bath installed in the bathroom 60 and for a person M (a bather) to take a bath. The water heater 10 of the present embodiment can supply the hot water 64 to the bath 62.

  The water heater 10 includes a housing 1, a burner 2 (burning unit), a fan 3, a heat exchanger 4, a water supply pipe 5, a hot water supply pipe 6, a mixing valve 7, a circulation path 8, a temperature sensor 9, 17, a pump 16, a water level The sensor 11, the controller 12, the two-way valve 13, the electrical wiring 14, the switch 15 and the human detection sensor 36 are provided.

  The housing 1 is provided in communication with the inside and the outside of the housing 1 and has an exhaust port 1a for exhausting the combustion gas. The housing 1 can accommodate the burner 2, the fan 3, the heat exchanger 4, the water supply pipe 5, the hot water supply pipe 6, the mixing valve 7, the temperature sensor 9, the pump 16, the water level sensor 11, the controller 12, and the two-way valve 13. Is configured. In addition, the housing 1 is configured to be able to accommodate a part of the circulation passage 8.

  The burner 2 is configured to receive a supply of fuel gas from a fuel supply system (not shown) and perform a combustion operation. The burner 2 supplies the combustion gas to the heat exchanger 4. The burner 2 has a burner 2a for hot water supply and a burner 2b for follow-up.

  The heat exchanger 4 has a heat exchanger 4a for hot water supply and a heat exchanger 4b for recovery. The heat exchangers 4a and 4b are disposed above the burners 2a and 2b in the height direction of the water heater 10, respectively. The heat exchangers 4a and 4b are disposed in the vicinity of the exhaust port 1a.

  The heat exchanger 4a recovers the heat of the combustion gas supplied by the burner 2a. The heat exchanger 4b recovers the heat of the combustion gas supplied by the burner 2b. Each of the heat exchangers 4a and 4b is conducted by the primary heat exchanger, which heats the incoming water by heat exchange by sensible heat (combustion heat) of the combustion gas of the burner 2, and is conducted by the latent heat of the combustion exhaust gas from the burner 2 A secondary heat exchanger may be included to heat the water by heat exchange.

  The water supply pipe 5 is connected to one end of the heat exchanger 4a, and the hot water supply pipe 6 is connected to the other end. The water supply pipe 5 supplies tap water etc. to the heat exchanger 4a from the water inlet 5a. The hot water supply pipe 6 supplies the hot water heated by the heat exchanger 4 from the heat exchanger 4a to the outlet 6a. As a result, the tap water or the like supplied from the water supply pipe 5 is heated to a predetermined temperature (for example, a temperature set by the user) by the heat exchanger 4 a and is discharged from the hot water supply pipe 6. The hot water drawn into the hot water supply pipe 6 is supplied to a hot water supply tap (not shown) such as a kitchen or bathroom 60 or a predetermined hot water supply location such as a return pipe 8a. The water supply pipe 5 and the hot water supply pipe 6 are connected to the mixing valve 7.

  The temperature sensor 17 is provided in the hot water supply pipe 6, and detects a hot water temperature (hereinafter also referred to as "hot water supply temperature") after the water from the mixing valve 7 is mixed. Temperature sensor 17 is, for example, a thermistor.

  The fan 3 supplies combustion air to the burner 2. The fan 3 includes a fan 3a that supplies combustion air to the burner 2a, and a fan 3b that supplies combustion air to the burner 2b. Each of the fans 3a and 3b has a blade and a motor for rotating the blade, and when the current is applied to the motor, the blade is configured to rotate and supply combustion air. ing. The fans 3a and 3b are disposed below the burners 2a and 2b in the height direction of the water heater 10, respectively.

  The circulation path 8 is for circulating the hot and cold water 64 of the bathtub 62 in a state of being connected to the bathtub 62, and has a return pipe 8a and a forward pipe 8b. The return pipe 8a is connected to the input side of the heat exchanger 4b, and the forward pipe 8b is connected to the output side of the heat exchanger 4b.

  The return pipe 8 a supplies hot and cold water 64 from the bath 62 to the heat exchanger 4 b. The forward piping 8 b supplies hot and cold water 64 warmed by the heat exchanger 4 b from the heat exchanger 4 b to the bath 62. Thereby, the hot water 64 supplied from the bath 62 to the heat exchanger 4 b is heated by the combustion gas when flowing through the heat exchanger 4 b and is supplied again to the bath 62.

  The temperature sensor 9, the pump 16 and the water level sensor 11 are connected to the return pipe 8 a. The return pipe 8 a and the hot water supply pipe 6 are connected to the two-way valve 13. The two-way valve 13 is configured to supply hot and cold water from the hot water supply pipe 6 to the return pipe 8 a. By opening the two-way valve 13, hot water heated to a predetermined temperature is introduced into the bath 62 from the hot water supply pipe 6 via the return pipe 8a.

  The temperature sensor 9 detects the temperature of the hot water 64 in the circulation passage 8 to detect the temperature of the hot water 64 in the bath 62 (hereinafter also referred to as “bath temperature”). Temperature sensor 9 is, for example, a thermistor.

  The pump 16 circulates hot and cold water in the bath 62 and the circulation passage 8. When the pump 16 is operated, hot and cold water 64 from the bathtub 62 circulates in the path leading to the bathtub 62 via the return pipe 8a, the heat exchanger 4b and the forward pipe 8b. As a result, a "follow-up circulation circuit" is formed between the bath 62 and the heat exchanger 4b, in which the hot and cold water 64 is circulated.

  The water level sensor 11 detects the water level of the hot water 64 of the bath 62 based on the water pressure of the hot water 64 circulating in the circulation passage 8. Water level sensor 11 is, for example, a pressure sensor. In the present embodiment, the water level sensor 11 also has a bathing sensor for detecting that the person M has entered the bath 62 (bathing).

  The controller 12 controls the operation of the water heater 10 based on the user's input setting operation from the kitchen remote control 20 and the bathroom remote control 30 so that the hot water supply device 100 is operated according to the user's instruction. For example, the controller 12 can be configured to include a microcomputer and a memory.

  The controller 12 is electrically connected to the burners 2a and 2b, the fans 3a and 3b, the temperature sensors 9 and 17, the pump 16, the water level sensor 11, the two-way valve 13, the electrical wiring 14 and the switch 15. The electrical wiring 14 is configured to supply power to the controller 12 by being connected to a power supply (not shown). The controller 12 is communicably connected to the bathroom remote control 30 and the kitchen remote control 20. Communication between these devices may be in accordance with any known standard, and may be wired or wireless.

  The switch 15 drives the water level sensor 11. When the person detection sensor 36 detects that the person M has entered the bathroom 60, the switch 15 is turned on (on), and when the person detection sensor 36 detects that the person M has left the bathroom 60, the switch 15 is configured to be turned off. The water level sensor 11 is driven when the switch 15 is in the ON state, detects the water level of the hot water 64 of the bath 62, and outputs a signal indicating the detected water level to the controller 12.

  The bathroom remote control 30 is installed on the wall of the bathroom 60. The display unit 35 of the bathroom remote control 30 can display the water level and temperature of the hot water 64 of the bathtub 62. The operation switch 33 can receive the setting operation regarding the water level and temperature of the hot water 64 of the bathtub 62.

  The kitchen remote control 20 is installed outside the bathroom 60 (for example, a wall of the kitchen). The display unit 25 of the kitchen remote controller 20 can display the set hot water supply temperature, the temperature of the hot water 64 of the bath 62, and the like. The operation switch 23 can receive a setting operation regarding the operation of the water heater 10.

  The human detection sensor 36 is installed inside the bathroom 60, and is configured to detect the presence or absence of the person M in the bathroom 60. The human detection sensor 36 is, for example, a pyroelectric infrared sensor. The pyroelectric infrared sensor generates a detection signal when a change in thermal energy occurs in the field of view due to the movement of an object or the like. Therefore, when a person moves in the bathroom 60, a detection signal is generated accordingly. The human detection sensor 36 is incorporated in the case of the bathroom remote control 30, and is disposed so that the inside of the bathroom 60 can be viewed from the opening provided in the case. The human detection sensor 36 is not limited to the pyroelectric infrared sensor, and may be, for example, a radio wave sensor and an ultrasonic sensor.

  Also, the human detection sensor 36 may be provided, for example, in a case of a bathroom heater (not shown) installed on the ceiling of the bathroom 60. Alternatively, the human detection sensor 36 may be, for example, a switch operated by the human M when entering the room, such as a light switch of the bathroom 60.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram for explaining the remote control function of water heating apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 3, water heater 10 has controller 12 and communication unit 18. The controller 12 incorporates a microcomputer, a memory, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) not shown, and an input / output interface. The communication unit 18 has a communication function using the communication lines 21 and 31. The controller 12 controls the operation of the water heater 10 in accordance with a user command input to the kitchen remote control 20 and the bathroom remote control 30. Typically, the controller 12 controls the temperature of the hot water supplied from the water heater 10.

  The kitchen remote controller 20 includes a drive switch 22 and an operation switch 23, a display unit 25, a control unit 26, and communication units 27 and 28. The control unit 26 can be configured to include a microcomputer and a memory. The communication unit 28 has a communication function using the communication line 21. The communication unit 27 is configured of, for example, a wireless local area network (LAN) module, and can access the server 50 through the communication path 51 via the router 40.

  The bathroom remote control 30 includes an operation switch 32 and an operation switch 33, a display unit 35, a human detection sensor 36, a control unit 37, and a communication unit 38. The control unit 37 can be configured to include a microcomputer and a memory. The communication unit 38 has a communication function using the communication line 31. Therefore, each of the water heater 10, the kitchen remote controller 20, and the bathroom remote controller 30 can mutually communicate bidirectionally using the communication units 31, 28, 38 and the communication lines 21, 31.

  In the above configuration, the controller 12 of the water heater 10 receives the detection signal transmitted from the human detection sensor 36 incorporated in the bathroom remote control 30 via the communication unit 38, the communication line 31 and the communication unit 18. The controller 12 determines whether a person is present or absent in the bathroom 60 based on the detection signal transmitted from the person detection sensor 36. For example, when the human detection sensor 36 is a pyroelectric infrared sensor, the controller 12 determines that a person has entered the bathroom 60 when there is a change in thermal energy from the ambient temperature condition. Moreover, the controller 12 determines that a person has left the bathroom 60 when there is no change in thermal energy continuously for a predetermined time.

  The controller 12 also determines, based on a detection signal transmitted from the water level sensor 11, whether a person has entered the bath 62 (bathed) or has a person left the bath 62 (discarded). . Specifically, when the water level sensor 11 detects an increase in the water level of the bathtub 62 despite the fact that the controller 12 does not have water or the like to the bathtub 62, a person entered the bathtub 62 (that is, a person bathed It is determined that When it is determined that the water level sensor 11 has lowered the water level of the bathtub 62 after determining that a person has taken a bath, it is determined that a person has left the bathtub 62 (that is, the person has taken a bath).

  The controller 12 also determines the temperature (bath temperature) of the hot water 64 of the bath 62 based on the temperature of the hot water 64 flowing through the return pipe 8 a detected by the temperature sensor 9.

  The controller 12 controls the operation of the two-way valve 13, the burners 2a and 2b, the fans 3a and 3b, and the pump 16 based on the determination results. Specifically, the controller 12 operates the two-way valve 13 to supply the hot water 64 from the hot water supply pipe 6 to the bathtub 62 so that the water level of the bathtub 62 determined by the detection signal of the water level sensor 11 becomes the set water level. . Further, when the controller 12 determines that a person's room entering the bathroom 60 is determined by the detection signal of the person detection sensor 36, the burner 2a and the fan are set such that the bath temperature determined from the detection signal of the temperature sensor 9 becomes the set temperature. 3a and the pump 16 are operated to heat the hot water 64. Further, the controller 12 stops the burner 2a, the fan 3a and the pump 16 when it is determined that the room from the bathroom 60 has been evacuated from the detection signal of the person detection sensor 36.

  The controller 12 further indicates information indicating whether a person is present or absent in the bathroom 60 (hereinafter also referred to as “entry / exit information”), and indicates whether a person has or has taken a bath in the bathtub 62. Information (hereinafter also referred to as “entry / retraction bath information”), information indicating a hot water supply temperature (hereinafter referred to as “hot water supply temperature information”), and information indicating a bath temperature (hereinafter referred to as “bath temperature information”) The communication unit 18 transmits the data to the control unit 26 of the kitchen remote controller 20 via the communication line 21 and the communication unit 28.

  The control unit 26 of the kitchen remote control 20 can upload the entry and exit information, the entry and exit information, the hot water supply temperature information, and the bath temperature information received from the controller 12 from the communication unit 27 to the server 50 via the router 40. .

  The portable terminal 41A has an access function to the server 50. Therefore, the portable terminal 41A can bidirectionally communicate with the kitchen remote controller 20 using the communication path 52A, the base station 53, the network 45, the server 50, the router 40, the communication path 51, and the communication unit 27. For example, by accessing the server 50, the portable terminal 41A can acquire entry / exit information, entry / exit bath information, hot water supply temperature information, and bath temperature information stored in the server 50.

  The portable terminal 41 B can communicate with the kitchen remote controller 20 bi-directionally using the communication paths 52 B and 51 via the router 40 and the communication unit 27. Therefore, the portable terminal 41B can obtain entry / exit information, entry / exit bath information, hot water supply temperature information, and bath temperature information from the kitchen remote control 20. The portable terminals 41A and 41B can display the acquired information on the screen.

  The portable terminals 41A and 41B can further receive an operation command of the water heater 10 from the user. For example, the user can input an operation command of water heater 10 by screen operation of the smartphone. The operation command received by the portable terminals 41A and 41B includes a command for changing the hot water supply temperature or the bath temperature (hereinafter, also referred to as a "temperature change command"). Therefore, the user can remotely change the hot water supply temperature and the bath temperature using, for example, the portable terminals 41A and 41B from outside.

  The user command input to the portable terminal 41A is uploaded to the server 50. When the kitchen remote controller 20 downloads a user command from the server 50, the kitchen remote controller 20 transfers the user command to the controller 12 of the water heater 10.

  The user command input to the portable terminal 41 B is transmitted to the kitchen remote control 20 via the router 40. The kitchen remote control 20 transfers the received user command to the controller 12 of the water heater 10.

  The controller 12 controls the operation of the water heater 10 according to the transferred user command. Specifically, when a temperature change command to raise the hot water supply temperature is given, the controller 12 causes the burner 2a to be set so that the hot water supply temperature detected by the temperature sensor 17 matches the hot water supply set temperature instructed by the temperature change command. Control the amount of heat generated by On the other hand, when a temperature change command to lower the hot water supply temperature is given, the controller 12 causes the mixing valve 7 to make the hot water supply temperature detected by the temperature sensor 17 match the hot water supply set temperature instructed by the temperature change command. Control the opening degree of

  Also, when a temperature change command to increase the bath temperature is given, the controller 12 executes a follow-up operation of circulating and heating the hot water 64 in the bath 62. The controller 12 operates the pump 16 to circulate the hot water 64 through the follow-up circulation circuit, thereby raising the temperature of the hot water 64. When the bath temperature detected by the temperature sensor 9 reaches the bath set temperature instructed by the temperature change command, the controller 12 stops the follow-up operation.

  On the other hand, when a temperature change command to lower the bath temperature is given, the controller 12 opens the two-way valve 13 while the burners 2a and 2b are stopped, thereby passing the hot water supply pipe 6 through the return pipe 8a. Then, an additive water operation is performed to introduce non-heated water into the bath 62. When the bath temperature detected by the temperature sensor 9 reaches the bath set temperature instructed by the temperature change command, the controller 12 stops the addition water operation.

  In addition to the change instruction of the hot water supply temperature and the bath temperature, the "temperature change instruction" in the present specification can include "a follow-up operation instruction" and a "addition water operation instruction". The follow-up operation command is a command for raising the bath temperature to a temperature higher by a predetermined temperature when the follow-up operation is instructed. That is, the "temperature change command" in the present specification includes an operation command that leads to a change in the hot water supply temperature or the bath temperature.

  As described above, according to the water heating apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the user can remotely control the water heating apparatus 10 using the portable terminals 41A and 41B. This remote control includes changing the hot water supply temperature and the bath temperature.

  However, as shown in FIG. 1, in the situation where a person is taking a bath in the bathroom 60, when the hot water supply temperature or the bath temperature is changed at a timing unexpected by the person performing remote control of the water heater 10. Can happen. For example, if the hot water supply temperature is changed by remote control while a person is taking a shower in the bathroom 60, the person may feel uncomfortable or even uncomfortable. The same can be said by changing the bath temperature by remote control while a person is bathing.

  Therefore, in the hot water supply apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, when it is determined that a person is in the bathroom 60, the temperature change instruction from the portable terminals 41A and 41B is not received, that is, the temperature change It will be configured to reject the command. According to this, since a change in the hot water supply temperature and the bath temperature unintended by a person in the bathroom 60 is prohibited, it is possible to prevent the person from feeling uncomfortable or uncomfortable.

  Hereinafter, the operation of water heating apparatus 100 when a temperature change command is input from portable terminals 41A and 41B will be described.

  FIGS. 4 and 5 are state flow diagrams for describing the operation of water heating apparatus 100 when portable terminal 41A receives a temperature change command from the user.

  Referring to FIG. 4, water heater 10 transmits to / from kitchen remote control 20 bathing / removing bath information based on a detection signal of water level sensor 11. The bathroom remote control 30 transmits information on entering and leaving the room based on the detection signal of the human detection sensor 36 to the water heater 10 and the kitchen remote control 20.

  The kitchen remote control 20 uploads the received entry and exit bath information and entry and exit information to the server 50. In FIG. 4, it is assumed that the entry and exit bath information indicates that a person is leaving the bath 62, and the entry and exit information indicates that the person is absent in the bathroom 60.

  When the temperature change command of the user is input, the portable terminal 41A uploads the temperature change command to the server 50.

  When the kitchen remote controller 20 downloads a temperature change command from the server 50, it determines whether or not the temperature change command can be executed based on the entry / exit information. In the example of FIG. 4, since a person is absent in the bathroom 60, it is determined that there is no possibility that the person may feel discomfort or discomfort even if the hot water supply temperature and the bath temperature are changed. Therefore, the kitchen remote control 20 determines that the temperature change command can be executed.

  If it is determined that the temperature change command is executable, the kitchen remote control 20 transfers the temperature change command to the water heater 10. When the controller 12 of the water heater 10 receives the temperature change command, the controller 12 controls the operation of the water heater 10 according to the temperature change command.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 5, the entry / exit bath information indicates that a person is taking a bath from the bathtub 62, and the entry / exit information indicates that a person is in the bathroom 60. In the example of FIG. 5, since a person is present in the bathroom 60, it is determined that changing the hot water supply temperature and the bath temperature may cause the person to have a sense of discomfort or discomfort. Therefore, the kitchen remote control 20 determines that the temperature change command can not be executed.

  If it is determined that the temperature change command is not executable, the kitchen remote control 20 prohibits the temperature change based on the temperature change command. Therefore, the kitchen remote control 20 does not transfer the temperature change command to the water heater 10. The kitchen remote control 20 can use the display unit 25 to notify the user inside the house that the temperature change instruction from outside the house has been rejected. The kitchen remote controller 20 can further notify the portable terminal 41A that the temperature change command has been rejected via the server 50.

  When receiving the notification from the kitchen remote control 20, the portable terminal 41A can notify the user that execution of the temperature change instruction has been prohibited by outputting a message indicating the notification by screen display or by voice.

  FIG. 6 is a state flow diagram for describing the operation of water heating apparatus 100 when portable terminal 41B receives a temperature change command from the user.

  The water heater 10 transmits to the kitchen remote controller 20 bathing / removing information based on a detection signal of the water level sensor 11. The bathroom remote control 30 transmits information on entering and leaving the room based on the detection signal of the human detection sensor 36 to the water heater 10 and the kitchen remote control 20.

  The kitchen remote control 20 can transmit the received entry and exit bath information and entry and exit information to the portable terminal 41 B via the router 40. In FIG. 6, the entry / exit bath information indicates that a person is taking a bath from the bathtub 62, and the entry / exit information indicates that a person is present in the bathroom 60.

  When the user's temperature change command is input, the portable terminal 41 B transmits the temperature change command to the kitchen remote controller 20 via the router 40.

  In the example of FIG. 6, since a person is present in the bathroom 60, the kitchen remote controller 20 determines that the temperature change command can not be executed, as in FIG. Therefore, the kitchen remote control 20 prohibits the temperature change based on the temperature change command, and does not transfer the temperature change command to the water heater 10. The kitchen remote control 20 can use the display unit 25 to notify the user inside the house that the temperature change instruction from outside the house has been rejected. The kitchen remote controller 20 can further notify the portable terminal 41 B that the temperature change command has been rejected via the router 40.

  When receiving the notification from the kitchen remote control 20, the portable terminal 41B can notify the user that execution of the temperature change instruction has been prohibited by outputting a message indicating the notification by screen display or by voice.

  In FIGS. 4 to 6, the kitchen remote controller 20 determines whether it is possible to execute the temperature change command from the portable terminals 41A and 41B and explains the configuration that is mainly responsible for prohibiting the temperature change when it can not be executed. did. The operation of the kitchen remote control 20 can be represented by the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 7 is repeatedly executed by the control unit 26 of the kitchen remote controller 20 at a predetermined cycle.

  Referring to FIG. 7, control unit 26 of kitchen remote control 20 receives entry / exit information from bathroom remote control 30 in step S01. Control unit 26 further receives on / off bath information from water heater 10 in step S02.

  At step S03, control unit 26 determines whether or not a temperature change command from portable terminals 41A and 41B has been received. If it is determined that the temperature change command has not been received from any of the portable terminals 41A and 41B (at the time of NO determination at S03), the control unit 26 ends the process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S03 that a temperature change command from any of portable terminals 41A and 41B has been received (YES determination in S03), control unit 26 proceeds to step S04, and based on the entry / exit information. It is determined whether a person is in the bathroom 60 or not. When a person is absent in the bathroom 60 (at the time of NO determination of S04), the control unit 26 determines that the temperature change command can be executed, and transfers the temperature change command to the water heater 10 in step S05. .

  On the other hand, when a person is present in the bathroom 60 (YES determination in S04), the control unit 26 determines that the temperature change command can not be executed, and based on the temperature change command in step S06. Prohibit temperature change. In step S07, control unit 26 notifies the portable terminal that has transmitted the temperature change instruction via server 50 that the temperature change instruction can not be executed.

  As described above, according to water heating apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, when it is determined that a person is present in bathroom 60, a temperature change command from portable terminals 41A and 41B is rejected. Therefore, unintended changes in the hot water supply temperature and the bath temperature by people in the bathroom are prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to prevent people from feeling uncomfortable or uncomfortable.

  Furthermore, in the hot water supply apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, an unintended temperature change while a person is bathing in the bath tub 62 is configured by determining whether or not the temperature change command can be executed based on the entering and leaving information. In addition, unintended temperature changes can also be avoided when a person out of the tub 62 is washing his body in the bathroom 60.

Second Embodiment
In the following embodiments, configurations in which the subject that determines whether or not the temperature change instruction from the portable terminals 41A and 41B is executable will be sequentially described. In the second embodiment, the operation of water heating apparatus 100 mainly with server 50 will be described.

  FIGS. 8 and 9 are state flow diagrams for describing the operation of water heating apparatus 100 when portable terminal 41A receives a user's temperature change command.

  Referring to FIG. 8, water heater 10 transmits to / from kitchen remote control 20 bathing / removing bath information based on a detection signal of water level sensor 11. The bathroom remote control 30 transmits information on entering and leaving the room based on the detection signal of the human detection sensor 36 to the water heater 10 and the kitchen remote control 20.

  The kitchen remote control 20 uploads the received entry and exit bath information and entry and exit information to the server 50. In FIG. 8, it is assumed that the entry / exit bath information indicates that a person is leaving the bath 62, and the entry / exit information indicates that the person is absent in the bathroom 60.

  When the temperature change command of the user is input, the portable terminal 41A uploads the temperature change command to the server 50.

  When receiving the temperature change command, the server 50 determines whether or not the temperature change command can be executed based on the entry / exit information. In the example of FIG. 8, since a person is absent in the bathroom 60, it is determined that there is no possibility that the person may feel discomfort or discomfort even if the hot water supply temperature and the bath temperature are changed. Therefore, the server 50 determines that the temperature change command can be executed.

  If it is determined that the temperature change command is executable, the server 50 transfers the temperature change command to the kitchen remote control 20. The kitchen remote control 20 transfers a temperature change command to the water heater 10. When the controller 12 of the water heater 10 receives the temperature change command, the controller 12 controls the operation of the water heater 10 according to the temperature change command.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 9, the entry / exit bath information indicates that a person is leaving the bath 62, and the entry / exit information indicates that a person is present in the bathroom 60. . In the example of FIG. 9, since a person is present in the bathroom 60, it is determined that changing the hot water supply temperature and the bath temperature may cause the person to have a sense of discomfort or discomfort. Therefore, the server 50 determines that the temperature change command can not be executed.

  If it is determined that the temperature change command is not executable, the server 50 prohibits the temperature change based on the temperature change command. Therefore, the server 50 does not transfer the temperature change command to the kitchen remote control 20. The server 50 can notify the kitchen remote controller 20 that the temperature change command has been rejected. Thereby, the kitchen remote control 20 can notify the user at home that the temperature change command from outside the home has been rejected. The server 50 can further notify the portable terminal 41A that the temperature change command has been rejected.

  When receiving the notification from the server 50, the portable terminal 41A can notify the user that execution of the temperature change instruction has been prohibited by outputting a message indicating the notification by screen display or by voice.

  The operation of the server 50 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 can use the flowchart of FIG. 7. However, in the second embodiment, the flowchart of FIG. 7 is repeatedly executed by the server 50 at a predetermined cycle.

  As described above, the water heating apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment mainly includes the server 50 that relays communication between the kitchen remote control 20 and the portable terminal 41A, and a person is present in the bathroom 60. Is configured to reject the temperature change command from the portable terminal 41A. Therefore, the same operation and effect as the water heater according to the first embodiment can be obtained.

  It should be noted that in response to a temperature change command from portable terminal 41B communicating with kitchen remote control 20 via router 40, as described in the first embodiment, kitchen remote control 20 determines whether the temperature change command can be executed or not. It can be configured.

Third Embodiment
In the third embodiment, the operation of water heating apparatus 100 mainly composed of portable terminals 41A and 41B will be described.

  FIGS. 10 and 11 are state flow diagrams for describing the operation of water heating apparatus 100 when portable terminal 41A receives a temperature change command from the user.

  Referring to FIG. 10, water heater 10 transmits to / from kitchen remote control 20 bathing / removing bath information based on a detection signal of water level sensor 11. The bathroom remote control 30 transmits information on entering and leaving the room based on the detection signal of the human detection sensor 36 to the water heater 10 and the kitchen remote control 20.

  The kitchen remote control 20 uploads the received entry and exit bath information and entry and exit information to the server 50. In FIG. 10, it is assumed that the entry and exit bath information indicates that a person is leaving the bath 62, and the entry and exit information indicates that the person is absent in the bathroom 60.

  The portable terminal 41A downloads entry / exit information and entry / exit information from the server 50. When the temperature change command of the user is input, the portable terminal 41A determines whether or not the temperature change command can be executed based on the entry / exit information. In the example of FIG. 10, since a person is absent in the bathroom 60, it is determined that there is no possibility that the person may feel discomfort or discomfort even if the hot water supply temperature and the bath temperature are changed. Therefore, the portable terminal 41A determines that the temperature change command can be executed.

  If it is determined that the temperature change command is executable, the portable terminal 41A uploads the temperature change command to the server 50. The server 50 downloads the temperature change command and transfers it to the kitchen remote control 20. The kitchen remote control 20 transfers a temperature change command to the water heater 10. When the controller 12 of the water heater 10 receives the temperature change command, the controller 12 controls the operation of the water heater 10 according to the temperature change command.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 11, the entry / exit bath information indicates that a person is taking a bath from the bathtub 62, and the entry / exit information indicates that a person is in the bathroom 60. In the example of FIG. 11, since a person is present in the bathroom 60, it is determined that changing the hot water supply temperature and the bath temperature may cause the person to feel discomfort or discomfort. Therefore, the portable terminal 41A determines that the temperature change command can not be executed.

  If it is determined that the temperature change command is not executable, the portable terminal 41A prohibits the temperature change based on the temperature change command. Therefore, the portable terminal 41A does not transfer the temperature change command to the server 50. The portable terminal 41A can notify the kitchen remote controller 20 via the server 50 that the temperature change command has been rejected. Thereby, the kitchen remote control 20 can notify the user at home that the temperature change command from outside the home has been rejected. The portable terminal 41A further notifies the user that execution of the temperature change instruction has been prohibited by notifying that the temperature change instruction can not be performed using screen display or sound.

  FIG. 12 is a state flow diagram for describing the operation of water heating apparatus 100 when portable terminal 41B receives a user's temperature change command.

  The water heater 10 transmits to the kitchen remote controller 20 bathing / removing information based on a detection signal of the water level sensor 11. The bathroom remote control 30 transmits information on entering and leaving the room based on the detection signal of the human detection sensor 36 to the water heater 10 and the kitchen remote control 20.

  The kitchen remote control 20 can transmit the received entry and exit bath information and entry and exit information to the portable terminal 41 B via the router 40. In FIG. 12, the entry / exit bath information indicates that a person is taking a bath from the bathtub 62, and the entry / exit information indicates that a person is in the bathroom 60.

  When the user's temperature change command is input, the portable terminal 41B determines whether or not the temperature change command can be executed based on the entry / exit information. In the example of FIG. 12, since a person is present in the bathroom 60, the portable terminal 41B determines that the temperature change command can not be executed as in FIG. Therefore, the portable terminal 41B prohibits the temperature change based on the temperature change command, and does not transmit the temperature change command to the kitchen remote controller 20. The portable terminal 41B further notifies the user that execution of the temperature change instruction has been prohibited by notifying that the temperature change instruction has been rejected using screen display or sound.

  The operations of the portable terminals 41A and 41B shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 can be represented by the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 13 is repeatedly executed by the portable terminals 41A and 41B at a predetermined cycle.

  Referring to FIG. 13, portable terminals 41A and 41B receive entry / exit information from bathroom remote control 30 in step S11. The portable terminals 41A and 41B further receive the bathing and bathing information from the water heater 10 in step S12.

  In step S13, the portable terminals 41A and 41B determine whether or not the user's temperature change command has been input. If it is determined that the user's temperature change command is not input (NO at S13), the portable terminals 41A and 41B end the processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the user's temperature change command has been input (YES in S13), the portable terminals 41A and 41B proceed to step S14 and enter the bathroom 60 based on the entering and leaving information. Determine whether a person is in the room. When a person is absent in the bathroom 60 (at the time of NO determination at S14), the portable terminals 41A and 41B determine that the temperature change instruction can be executed, and send the temperature change instruction to the kitchen remote control 20 at step S15 Transmit

  On the other hand, when a person is present in the bathroom 60 (YES in S14), the portable terminals 41A and 41B determine that the temperature change command can not be executed, and the temperature change command is determined in step S16. Prohibit temperature change based on. In step S17, the portable terminals 41A and 41B notify the user that the temperature change instruction can not be executed.

  As described above, water heating apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment mainly rejects the user's temperature change command when a person is present in bathroom 60, mainly using portable terminals 41A and 41B. Configured Therefore, the same operation and effect as the water heater according to the first embodiment can be obtained.

  It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is indicated not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include all the modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 case, 1a exhaust port, 2,2a, 2b burner, 3,3a, 3b fan, 4, 4a, 4b heat exchanger, 5 water supply piping, 5a water inlet, 6 hot water supply piping, 6a outlet port, 7 mixing valve , 8 circulation path, 8a return piping, 8b forward piping, 9, 17 temperature sensor, 10 water heater, 11 water level sensor, 12 controller, 13 two-way valve, 14 electric wiring, 15 switch, 16 pump, 18, 27, 28 , 38 communication unit, 20 kitchen remote control, 21, 31 communication line, 30 bathroom remote control, 22, 32 operation switch, 23, 33 operation switch, 25, 35 display unit, 26, 37 control unit, 36 person detection sensor, 41 A, 41B portable terminal, 45 network, 50 servers, 51, 52A, 52B communication path, 53 base stations, 60 baths, 62 baths, 64 hot water, 1 00 Water heater.

Claims (8)

A water heater having a hot water supply circuit connected to a hot water supply destination including a bathroom, and a follow-up circulation circuit for heating hot and cold water in a bath in the bathroom;
A human detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person in the bathroom;
A communication terminal and communication means for bidirectionally communicating between the water heater;
The communication terminal is configured to receive a temperature change command for changing at least one of a hot water supply temperature and a hot water temperature of the bathtub.
The communication means transfers the temperature change command from the communication terminal to the water heater while the person detection sensor detects that a person is absent in the bathroom, while the person detection sensor The hot water supply apparatus which rejects the said temperature change instruction | command from the said communication terminal, when it is detected that a person is in room in the said bathroom by this.   The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit notifies the communication terminal of rejection of the temperature change instruction when the temperature change instruction from the communication terminal is rejected. The communication means includes a remote controller configured to communicate with the water heater and the human detection sensor, and to wirelessly communicate with the communication terminal.
When the remote control receives the temperature change command from the communication terminal, and the person detection sensor detects that a person is present in the bathroom, the temperature change to the water heater The water heater according to claim 1, wherein the command is not transferred. The communication means is
A remote control configured to communicate with the water heater and the person detection sensor;
A server for wirelessly communicating between the remote control and the communication terminal;
The server receives the temperature change instruction from the communication terminal, and when the person detection sensor detects that a person is in the bathroom, the temperature change instruction to the remote control The water heater according to claim 1, wherein the water heater is not transferred.   The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the server notifies rejection of the temperature change instruction to the communication terminal and the remote control when not transferring the temperature change instruction to the remote control. A water heater having a hot water supply circuit connected to a hot water supply destination including a bathroom, and a follow-up circulation circuit for heating hot and cold water in a bath in the bathroom;
A human detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person in the bathroom;
A communication terminal configured to receive a temperature change command for changing at least one of a hot water supply temperature and a temperature of hot and cold water in the bath;
Communication means for bidirectionally communicating between the communication terminal and the water heater;
The communication unit is configured to transmit information indicating presence or absence of a person in the bathroom detected by the person detection sensor to the communication terminal.
The communication terminal transfers the temperature change command to the water heater while the temperature change command is input when the person detection sensor detects that a person is absent in the bathroom In the water heater, the temperature change command is not transferred to the communication unit when the presence of a person in the bathroom is detected by the person detection sensor.   The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the communication terminal notifies a user of the communication terminal of rejection of the temperature change instruction when the temperature change instruction is not transferred to the communication unit.   The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the communication terminal notifies rejection of the temperature change instruction to the communication unit when the temperature change instruction is not transferred to the communication unit.

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