JP2022067766A - Hot water supply system and server - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a hot water supply system and a server that allow a user to more preferably receive leased use of a hot water supply device.SOLUTION: A hot water supply system 1 includes: a hot water supply device 10; and a server 50 capable of communicating with the hot water supply device 10 via an external communication network 40. The hot water supply device 10 includes: a use state monitoring unit 111a that monitors, for each predetermined function of the hot water supply device 10, a use state of the function; and a use state transmission unit 133a that transmits use state information on the use state of the function to the server 50. The server 50 includes: a billing information generation unit 501a that generates billing information on a use charge of the hot water supply device 10 based on the use state information received from the use state transmission unit 133a; a storage unit 502 that stores a destination address of the billing information in association with the hot water supply device 10; and a billing information transmission unit 501b that transmits the billing information to the destination address via the external communication network 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a hot water supply system including a hot water supply device and a server, and a server capable of communicating with the hot water supply device via an external communication network.

Conventionally, a hot water supply device that supplies hot water generated by a water heater to a faucet in a kitchen, a bathtub, a curan, or the like is known. Further, in recent years, a hot water supply system including a server capable of communicating with a hot water supply device has been developed via an external communication network such as the Internet.

For example, in the bath system described in Patent Document 1 below, a bath device provided with a water heater and a server are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network. In this system, the bathing time detected by the bathing device is transmitted to the server, and further, the bathing time is transmitted from the server to the portable terminal associated with the bathing device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2020-47182

In recent years, the leasing business of hot water supply equipment has been developed. In this leasing business, a method of paying a fixed monthly usage fee to the business owner is adopted. The fixed amount is calculated based on the price of the water heater. Therefore, compared to a hot water supply device that has only a hot water supply function, the fixed amount is higher for a multi-function hot water supply device that has either a reheating function for the bath or a heating function for the floor, indoors, etc., and both functions are added. With the water heater, the fixed amount is even higher. For this reason, users who think that the need for reheating and heating functions is low at the beginning of leasing can easily avoid a water heater with multiple functions in order to reduce the usage fee. Even if these functions are needed later, it is difficult for the user to immediately switch to a water heater with multiple functions.

Therefore, the convenience of leasing the water heater is not convenient for the user, and it is difficult for the business owner to smoothly proceed with the development of the leasing business.

In view of such problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a hot water supply system and a server capable of more preferably leasing a hot water supply device by a user.

The first aspect of the present invention relates to a hot water supply system. The hot water supply system according to this aspect includes a hot water supply device and a server capable of communicating with the hot water supply device via an external communication network. Here, the water heater is used by transmitting a usage status monitoring unit for monitoring the usage status of the function and a usage status information regarding the usage status of the function to the server for each predetermined function of the hot water supply device. It is equipped with a status transmitter. Further, the server has a billing information generation unit that generates billing information regarding the usage fee of the hot water supply device based on the usage status information received from the usage status transmission unit, and the hot water supply device that uses the transmission destination address of the billing information. A storage unit that stores the billing information in association with the above, and a billing information transmission unit that transmits the billing information to the destination address via the external communication network are provided.

According to the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the usage fee is set based on the usage status for each predetermined function of the hot water supply device. As a result, the user can keep the usage fee low if he / she does not use the unnecessary function, and can use the function when he / she needs it even if the function is initially unnecessary. Therefore, the convenience of using the lease is increased for the user. In addition, billing information is sent from the server to the destination address to notify the user. As a result, the user can grasp the billing status in advance and can use the hot water supply device with peace of mind. Therefore, the user can more preferably continue to use the water heater for leasing.

In the hot water supply system according to this embodiment, the hot water supply device may be configured to include a plurality of flow paths through which hot water supplied to different hot water supply destinations flows. In this case, the predetermined function may be a function classified by the flow path.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to set a usage fee suitable for the usage status of each flow path provided in the hot water supply device.

In the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the hot water supply device may be configured to include an input unit having a plurality of operation buttons. In this case, the predetermined function may be a function classified by the operation button.

According to the above configuration, it is easy for the user to understand what kind of function the usage fee changes.

In the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the billing information generation unit may generate the billing information based on the number of times the function is used.

According to the above configuration, the amount of data transmitted to the server can be reduced.

In the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the billing information generation unit may generate the billing information based on the time when the function is used.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to set the usage fee according to the usage situation closer to the actual usage situation.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a server capable of communicating with a water heater via an external communication network. Here, the water heater is used by transmitting a usage status monitoring unit for monitoring the usage status of the function and a usage status information regarding the usage status of the function to the server for each predetermined function of the hot water supply device. It is equipped with a status transmitter. Further, the server has a billing information generation unit that generates billing information regarding the usage fee of the hot water supply device based on the usage status information received from the usage status transmission unit, and the hot water supply device that uses the transmission destination address of the billing information. A storage unit that stores the billing information in association with the above, and a billing information transmission unit that transmits the billing information to the destination address via the external communication network are provided.

According to the server according to this aspect, the same effect as that of the first aspect can be obtained.

In the server according to this embodiment, the hot water supply device may be configured to include a plurality of flow paths through which hot water supplied to different destinations flows. In this case, the predetermined function may be a function classified by the flow path.

Further, in the server according to this aspect, the hot water supply device may be configured to include an input unit having a plurality of operation buttons. In this case, the predetermined function may be a function classified by the operation button.

Further, in the server according to this aspect, the billing information generation unit may generate the billing information based on the number of times the function is used.

Further, in the server according to this aspect, the billing information generation unit may generate the billing information based on the time when the function is used.

According to these configurations, the same effects as those of the corresponding configurations of the first aspect can be achieved.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hot water supply system and a server capable of more preferably leasing the hot water supply device by the user.

The effect or significance of the present invention will be further clarified by the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the embodiments shown below are merely examples for implementing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to those described in the following embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. 2 (a) and 2 (b) are diagrams showing the configurations of the bathroom remote controller and the kitchen remote controller according to the first embodiment, respectively. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a circuit block of each device constituting the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the combustion system and the piping of the water heater according to the first embodiment. 5 (a) and 5 (b) are diagrams showing the configurations of the usage status database and the billing database according to the first embodiment, respectively. FIG. 6A is a flowchart showing a process of monitoring and transmitting a usage status for each function performed in the control unit of the water heater according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing a process of generating and transmitting billing information performed by the control unit of the server according to the first embodiment. 7 (a) and 7 (b) are diagrams showing the configurations of the usage status database and the billing database according to the second embodiment, respectively.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, a business model in which the hot water supply device 10 is leased to the user is constructed in the hot water supply system 1. The hot water supply device 10 transmits usage status information regarding the usage status of the hot water supply device 10 to the server 50 via the external communication network 40. The server 50 calculates the usage fee of the hot water supply device 10 based on the received usage status information, and transmits the billing information including the calculated usage fee to the mobile terminal device 30 associated with the hot water supply device 10. do. The user can confirm the billing information of the hot water supply device 10 via the mobile terminal device 30. The usage fee is calculated, for example, by closing the month.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hot water supply system 1 includes a hot water supply device 10 and a server 50. When the mobile terminal device 30 is located in the home H10, the server 50 can communicate with the mobile terminal device 30 via the router 20 and the external communication network 40. Further, even when the mobile terminal device 30 is outside the home, the server 50 can communicate with the mobile terminal device 30 via the external communication network 40 and the communication system (base station or private router) arranged outside the home. Is.

The hot water supply device 10 includes a water heater 11 and remote controllers 12 and 13. The water heater 11 is a gas water heater that supplies hot water using gas as fuel. That is, the hot water supply device 10 is a combustion type hot water supply device that warms water with combustion gas generated by burning gas fuel. The hot water supply device 10 may be a combustion type hot water supply device that warms water with a combustion gas generated by burning oil fuel.

The hot water generated by the water heater 11 is supplied to a faucet in the kitchen, a bathtub, a curan, and the like. Further, hot water is supplied from the water heater 11 to each device that realizes the floor heating function, the indoor heating function, and the bathroom heating function.

The remote controllers 12 and 13 are connected to the water heater 11 and are used to perform various settings and execution instructions for each function of the water heater 10. The remote controller 12 includes a display unit 121 made of a liquid crystal panel and an input unit 122, and the remote controller 13 includes a display input unit 131 made of a touch panel and an operation button 132. By operating the input unit 122 according to the screen displayed on the display unit 121, the operator can make arbitrary settings for hot water filling, hot water supply temperature adjustment, and the like. The operator can also set the hot water filling and the like by operating the display input unit 131.

The remote controller 12 is installed in the bathroom, and the remote controller 13 is installed in the kitchen or the like. The remote controllers 12 and 13 are provided with audio windows 12a and 13a for inputting and outputting audio.

Hereinafter, the remote controller 12 installed in the bathroom is referred to as a "bathroom remote controller 12", and the remote controller 13 installed in a kitchen or the like is referred to as a "kitchen remote controller 13".

2A and 2B are diagrams showing the configurations of the bathroom remote controller 12 and the kitchen remote controller 13, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the input unit 122 of the bathroom remote controller 12 includes an operation button 122a, a bath automatic button 122b, a reheating button 122c, a footbath button 122d, a water addition button 122e, and a call button 122f. ..

The operation button 122a is a button for switching the water heater 11 between an operation on state and an operation off state. When the operation is on, when the hot water tap of the curan or the like is opened and water flow of a reference flow rate or more occurs, the water heater 11 burns and the generated hot water is supplied to the curan or the like. Therefore, it can be said that the operation button 122a is a button for executing the hot water supply function. The bath automatic button 122b is a button for executing the bath automatic function of maintaining the hot water temperature after filling the bathtub with hot water. The reheating button 122c is a button for executing the reheating function of reheating the hot water in the bathtub. The footbath button 122d is a button for executing the footbath function of adding hot water to the bathtub. The adding water button 122e is a button for performing the adding water function of adding water to the bathtub. The call button 122f is a button for executing a call function for making a call between the bathroom remote controller 12 and the kitchen remote controller 13.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the display input unit 131 of the kitchen remote controller 13 has a bath automatic button 131a, a reheating button 131b, a hot water button 131c, and a water button 131d, which are soft buttons displayed on the screen. , Call button 131e, floor heating button 131f, room heating button 131g and bathroom heating button 131h. The operation button 132, the automatic bath button 131a, the reheating button 131b, the additional hot water button 131c, the additional water button 131d, and the call button 131e are the operation button 122a, the automatic bath button 122b, the reheating button 122c, and the additional hot water button 122d, respectively. It is a button having the same function as the addition water button 122e and the call button 122f. The floor heating button 131f is a button for executing a floor heating function of supplying hot water to the floor heater to warm the floor. The indoor heating button 131g is a button for executing an indoor heating function of supplying hot water to an indoor heater such as a panel heater to heat the room. The bathroom heating button 131h is a button for executing a bathroom heating function of supplying hot water to a bathroom ventilation drying heater to heat the bathroom. The bathroom heating function includes heating for drying laundry and the like, that is, bathroom drying.

When the bathroom remote controller 12 and the kitchen remote controller 13 are in the operation off state, the display unit 121 and the display input unit 131 are in the off state, and operations of operation buttons other than the operation buttons 122a and 132 are not accepted. When the operation buttons 122a and 132 are operated and the operation is turned on, the display unit 121 and the display input unit 131 are lit to display the setting contents, and the operation of each operation button can be accepted.

Further, the input unit 122 and the display input unit 131 include a button (not shown) for changing the hot water supply temperature. The operator can change the set temperature of the hot water supply by operating this button.

Returning to FIG. 1, the router 20 is a communication repeater for connecting each device existing in the building (here, the home H10) to the external communication network 40. When the mobile terminal device 30 exists in the home H10, the mobile terminal device 30 is connected to the router 20 by wireless communication and can communicate with the server 50. The mobile terminal device 30 is, for example, a mobile phone. In addition, the mobile terminal device 30 may be another portable terminal device such as a portable tablet terminal. The external communication network 40 is, for example, the Internet.

A server 50 for managing the hot water supply device 10 is connected to the external communication network 40. The kitchen remote controller 13 communicates with the server 50 via the router 20 and the external communication network 40.

The application program of the hot water supply system 1 is downloaded from the server 50 and installed in the kitchen remote controller 13. This application program contains address information (for example, an IP address) for accessing the server 50. The kitchen remote controller 13 accesses and communicates with the server 50 based on this address information.

The address information of the kitchen remote controller 13 is transmitted to the server 50 and registered in the server 50 at the time of initial setting. Further, the ID information (identification information) of the kitchen remote controller 13 is transmitted from the kitchen remote controller 13 to the server 50 and registered in the server 50.

Further, the address information of the mobile terminal device 30 is registered in the server 50 in association with the ID information of the kitchen remote controller 13. For example, the e-mail address information (Email address) that can be received by the mobile terminal device 30 is registered as the address information of the mobile terminal device 30. As will be described later, the server 50 uses this address information as a transmission destination address to transmit billing information for the hot water supply device 10 (kitchen remote controller 13) associated with the mobile terminal device 30.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of each device constituting the hot water supply system 1.

The water heater 11 includes a control unit 111, a storage unit 112, a communication unit 113, and a detection unit 114. The control unit 111 includes a microcomputer and controls each unit in the water heater 11 according to a program stored in the storage unit 112. The storage unit 112 includes a memory and stores a predetermined control program.

In the present embodiment, the function of the usage status monitoring unit 111a is given to the control unit 111 by the control program stored in the storage unit 112. As will be described later, the usage status monitoring unit 111a monitors the usage status of each predetermined function of the water heater 10.

The communication unit 113 communicates with the bathroom remote controller 12 and the kitchen remote controller 13 according to the control from the control unit 111. The communication unit 113 is connected to the communication unit 125 of the bathroom remote controller 12 and the communication unit 135 of the kitchen remote controller 13 via the two-core communication lines L1 and L2. Further, the two-core communication lines L1 and L2 are connected to each other inside the communication unit 113. Therefore, the communication unit 125 of the bathroom remote controller 12 and the communication unit 135 of the kitchen remote controller 13 are connected to each other by the two-core communication lines L1 and L2. Therefore, the signal transmitted from any of the communication units 113, 125, and 135 is simultaneously transmitted to the other communication unit.

The detection unit 114 includes various sensors arranged in the water heater 11. For example, the detection unit 114 includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of hot water, a flow rate sensor for detecting the supply of hot water, and the like.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the combustion system and piping of the water heater 11.

The water heater 11 includes a first supply unit 210 and a second supply unit 220 in a housing 200 that forms an outer shell thereof. The first supply unit 210 generates hot water for hot water supply for the hot water supply function and supplies it to a hot water supply terminal such as a faucet or a bathtub. The second supply unit 220 generates hot water for heating and supplies it to a heating terminal such as a floor heater for a heating function including floor heating, room heating and bathroom heating. Further, the second supply unit 220 generates hot water for reheating and supplies it to the bathtub for the reheating function.

Further, the housing 200 houses a can body 250 constituting a combustion chamber and a fan 260 for supplying combustion air to the inside of the can body 250. The exhaust port 251 of the can body 250 is guided to the outside from the upper surface of the housing 200.

The first supply unit 210 includes a primary heat exchanger 211, a secondary heat exchanger 212, and a combustor 213. The combustor 213 is a gas burner that burns fuel gas. The primary heat exchanger 211 and the secondary heat exchanger 212 recover heat from the combustion gas generated in the combustor 213 to heat and raise the temperature of the water flowing through the water inlet pipe 214. Water from a water source is supplied to the water inlet pipe 214. The hot water generated by the heat exchange in the primary heat exchanger 211 and the secondary heat exchanger 212 is discharged from the hot water outlet pipe 215. The hot water is supplied to the faucets in the kitchen and bathroom, and to the bathtub.

A bypass pipe 216 is provided between the water inlet pipe 214 and the hot water outlet pipe 215. A flow rate control valve 217 controlled by the control unit 111 is installed in the bypass pipe 216. When the flow rate control valve 217 is opened, water flows from the water inlet pipe 214 to the hot water outlet pipe 215 via the bypass pipe 216. In this way, the temperature of the hot water is adjusted by mixing the hot water flowing through the hot water pipe 215 with the hot water.

The water inlet pipe 214, the hot water outlet pipe 215, and the bypass pipe 216 constitute a hot water supply flow path F1 for a hot water supply function, which uses a hot water outlet such as a faucet or a bathtub as a hot water outlet.

Fuel gas is supplied to the combustor 213 via the gas pipe 271. A source gas solenoid valve 272 for switching between supply and cutoff of fuel gas is installed in the gas pipe 271. The original gas solenoid valve 272 is controlled by the control unit 111. The gas pipe 271 branches into two flow paths 271a and 271b on the downstream side of the original gas solenoid valve 272. Proportional valves 273 and 274 for controlling the flow amount of fuel gas are installed in the flow paths 271a and 271b, respectively. The proportional valves 273 and 274 are controlled by the control unit 111.

The flow paths 271a and 271b are connected to the combustors 213 and 223, respectively. When the original gas solenoid valve 272 is opened, the flow amount of fuel gas defined by the proportional valves 273 and 274 is supplied to the combustors 213 and 223. As a result, the combustors 213 and 223 burn with a predetermined amount of combustion.

The second supply unit 220 includes a primary heat exchanger 221, a secondary heat exchanger 222, and a combustor 223. The combustor 223 is a gas burner that burns fuel gas. The primary heat exchanger 221 and the secondary heat exchanger 222 recover heat from the combustion gas generated in the combustor 223, respectively, to heat and raise the temperature of the water flowing through the flow pipes 234 and 233.

The distribution pipes 231 to 235 configure the heating flow path F2 for the heating function, which has a heating terminal such as a floor heater, an indoor heater, and a bathroom ventilation drying heater as a hot water supply destination. A reheating flow path F3 for a reheating function, which uses a bath as a hot water supply destination, is configured.

Regarding the heating function, the hot water discharged from the distribution pipe 231 is supplied to a heating terminal that requires hot water at a relatively high temperature (for example, about 80 ° C.), that is, an indoor heater and a bathroom ventilation drying heater. The hot water discharged from the distribution pipe 232 is supplied to a heating terminal that requires hot water at a relatively low temperature (for example, about 60 ° C.), that is, a floor heater. The hot water circulated through these heating terminals is returned to the distribution pipe 233. That is, the distribution pipes 231 and 232, 233, the pipes connecting these distribution pipes and the heating terminal, and the distribution pipes 234 and 235 form a circulation path between the distribution pipes and the heating terminal.

An expansion tank 236 and a pump 237 are installed to circulate hot water between the heating flow path and the heating terminal. When the pump 237 is driven by the control unit 111, the hot water in the expansion tank 236 is introduced into each heating terminal through the distribution pipes 231 and 232, and the hot water passing through each heating terminal is further introduced into the distribution pipe 233. Will be returned. The hot water returned to the distribution pipe 233 is heated and heated by the secondary heat exchanger 222 and stored in the expansion tank 236.

The low-temperature hot water stored in the expansion tank 236 is supplied to the low-temperature heating terminal through the distribution pipe 232. Further, the low-temperature hot water stored in the expansion tank 236 is circulated to the primary heat exchanger 221 through the flow pipe 234, and is heated to a high-temperature hot water. After that, the hot water is supplied to the high temperature heating terminal through the distribution pipe 231. At this time, the flow rate control valve 238 installed in the distribution pipe 235 is appropriately opened by the control unit 111. As a result, the low-temperature hot water in the expansion tank 236 is mixed with the high-temperature hot water flowing through the distribution pipe 231 to adjust the temperature of the hot water discharged from the distribution pipe 231. In this way, low-temperature or high-temperature hot water is circulated between each heating terminal and the primary heat exchanger 221 and the secondary heat exchanger 222. The distribution pipes 231 and 232 are provided with an on-off valve (not shown), and when hot water is supplied only to the high-temperature heating terminal, the on-off valve of the low-temperature distribution pipe 232 is closed and the hot water is supplied only to the low-temperature heating terminal. At the time of supply, the on-off valve of the high temperature distribution pipe 231 is closed.

Regarding the reheating function, the hot water discharged from the distribution pipe 241 is supplied to the bathtub and then returned from the bathtub to the distribution pipe 243. That is, the circulation pipes 241 and 242 and the pipes connecting these distribution pipes and the bathtub form a circulation path between the flow pipes and the bathtub. A pump 244 for circulating hot water to and from the bathtub is installed in the distribution pipe 242. Further, the flow pipe 242 is provided with a liquid-liquid heat exchanger 245 for exchanging heat with the hot water flowing through the flow pipe 243.

At the time of reheating, the on-off valve 246 is opened by the control unit 111 while the pump 237 is driven by the control unit 111. As a result, the hot water heated and heated by the primary heat exchanger 221 flows through the flow pipe 243, and the hot water flowing through the flow pipe 242 is heated and heated by the liquid-liquid heat exchanger 245. The heated hot water is supplied to the bathtub by driving the pump 244. In this way, the hot water circulating between the bathtub and the distribution pipes 241 and 242 is heated and heated by the liquid-liquid heat exchanger 245, so that the hot water in the bathtub is reheated.

Further, various sensors for executing the hot water supply operation are installed in the housing 200. That is, seven thermistors S1 to S7 (temperature sensors) are installed in the housing 200.

The thermistor S1 detects the temperature of the hot water immediately before the hot water is discharged from the hot water pipe 215, and the thermistor S2 detects the temperature of the hot water flowing through the hot water pipe 215 near the outlet of the can body 250. Thermistors S3 and S4 detect the temperature of the hot water immediately before being discharged from the distribution pipes 231 and 232 to each heating terminal, respectively, and the thermistor S5 detects the temperature of the hot water returned from each heating terminal to the distribution pipe 233. do. The thermistor S6 detects the temperature of the hot water immediately before the hot water is discharged from the distribution pipe 241 to the bathtub, and the thermistor S7 detects the temperature of the hot water returned from the bathtub to the distribution pipe 242.

In addition, a flow rate sensor S8 for detecting the flow rate of hot water flowing through the hot water discharge pipe 215 is installed in the housing 200. When the flow rate sensor S8 detects a flow rate of a predetermined amount or more, the control unit 111 operates the first supply unit 210. Thermistors S1 to S7 and a flow rate sensor S8 are included in the detection unit 114 of FIG.

In the present embodiment, the usage status of each of the hot water supply function, the heating function, and the reheating function classified by the hot water supply flow path F1, the heating flow path F2, and the reheating flow path F3 is monitored by the usage status monitoring unit 111a. When any of the functions is used, the usage status monitoring unit 111a associates the information indicating one use or the usage time with the used function as the usage status information indicating the usage status of the function at any time. , Send to the kitchen remote controller 13.

Returning to FIG. 3, the bathroom remote controller 12 includes a control unit 123, a storage unit 124, a communication unit 125, a microphone 126, and a speaker 127, in addition to the display unit 121 and the input unit 122 described above.

The control unit 123 includes a microcomputer and performs predetermined control according to a program stored in the storage unit 124. The storage unit 124 includes a memory and stores a predetermined control program. The communication unit 125 communicates with the water heater 11 and the kitchen remote controller 13 according to the control from the control unit 123.

The microphone 126 collects voice through the voice window 12a and outputs a voice signal. The speaker 127 outputs the voice based on the voice signal through the voice window 12a. In the call function, the voice input to the microphone 126 is transmitted to the kitchen remote controller 13, and the voice received from the kitchen remote controller 13 is output from the speaker 127.

In addition to the display input unit 131 and the operation button 132 described above, the kitchen remote controller 13 includes a control unit 133, a storage unit 134, a communication unit 135, a microphone 136, a speaker 137, and a wireless communication unit 138.

The control unit 133 includes a microcomputer and performs predetermined control according to a program stored in the storage unit 134. The storage unit 134 includes a memory and stores a predetermined control program.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the storage unit 134 is provided with a usage status database for each of the hot water supply function, the heating function, and the reheating function, in which the cumulative value of the usage status information related to the functions is held. .. Specifically, the usage database holds the cumulative number of uses or the cumulative usage time for each function.

In the present embodiment, the function of the usage status transmission unit 133a is given to the control unit 133 by the control program stored in the storage unit 134.

When the usage status transmission unit 133a receives the usage status information (information indicating one use or the usage time) from the usage status monitoring unit 111a of the water heater 11, the usage status database of the storage unit 134 is updated. That is, the usage status information of the corresponding function is accumulated in the usage status database. For example, if information indicating one use is received, the number of uses is increased by one. When the usage time is received, the received usage time is added to the current usage time.

The usage status transmission unit 133a transmits the usage status information for each function in the usage status database to the server 50 together with its own ID information at a predetermined timing. Identification information for identifying the function is added to the usage status information for each function. The usage information in the usage database is cleared after the information is transmitted.

The usage status transmission unit 133a transmits the usage status information for each function at least once in the unit setting period (for example, one month) for calculating the usage charge of the hot water supply device 10 via the wireless communication unit 138 to the server. Send to 50. Alternatively, the usage status transmission unit 133a may transmit usage status information a plurality of times during the unit setting period. When transmission is performed once during the unit setting period, the usage status information (number of uses, usage time) for each function accumulated during the unit setting period is transmitted to the server 50, and multiple transmissions are performed during the unit setting period. If so, the usage status information for each function accumulated between the previous transmission and the current transmission is transmitted to the server 50.

The communication unit 135 communicates with the water heater 11 and the bathroom remote controller 12 according to the control from the control unit 133.

The microphone 136 collects voice through the voice window 13a and outputs a voice signal. The speaker 137 outputs the voice based on the voice signal through the voice window 13a. In the call function, the voice input to the microphone 136 is transmitted to the bathroom remote controller 12, and the voice received from the bathroom remote controller 12 is output from the speaker 137.

The wireless communication unit 138 is a wireless communication module capable of wireless communication with the router 20. The address information and ID information of the wireless communication unit 138 are registered in the server 50 as the address information and ID information of the kitchen remote controller 13 (hot water supply device 10).

The server 50 includes a control unit 501, a storage unit 502, and a communication unit 503. The control unit 501 includes a CPU and performs predetermined control according to a program stored in the storage unit 502. The storage unit 502 includes a memory and a hard disk, and stores a predetermined control program and database. The communication unit 503 performs predetermined control according to the control from the control unit 501.

In the present embodiment, the control program stored in the storage unit 502 imparts the function of the charge information generation unit 501a and the function of the charge information transmission unit 501b to the control unit 501.

The billing information generation unit 501a calculates the usage charge of the hot water supply device 10 in the unit setting period based on the usage status information for each function received from the usage status transmission unit 133a of the kitchen remote controller 13, and charges including the calculated usage charge. Generate information. The charge information transmission unit 501b transmits the charge information generated by the charge information generation unit 501a to the mobile terminal device 30 associated with the kitchen remote controller 13.

A billing database is stored in the storage unit 502 of the server 50. FIG. 5B shows the configuration of the billing database.

In the billing database, the cumulative usage value for each function, the usage fee, and the destination address in the hot water supply device 10 specified by the kitchen remote control ID are held in association with each kitchen remote control ID.

The "kitchen remote control ID" means the ID information of the kitchen remote control 13 (ID information of the wireless communication unit 138). The "period usage cumulative value" means the usage cumulative value of each function of the water heater 10 in the unit setting period currently in progress. "Usage fee" means a usage fee calculated based on the cumulative usage value for a period. "Destination Address" means the destination address of billing information. In the present embodiment, the address information (Email address) of the e-mail that can be received by the mobile terminal device 30 is set as the destination address.

The "period usage cumulative value" is a value obtained by accumulating the usage status information received from the kitchen remote controller 13 in the unit setting period currently in progress. For example, when the number of times each function is used is used to calculate the usage fee, the cumulative usage value for the period is calculated by accumulating the number of times of use received as usage status information from the kitchen remote controller 13 in the unit setting period currently in progress. Will be done. When the usage time of each function is used to calculate the usage fee, the cumulative usage time is calculated by accumulating the usage time received as usage status information from the kitchen remote controller 13 during the unit setting period currently in progress. Will be done.

When the usage status information is transmitted only once from the kitchen remote controller 13 during the unit setting period, that is, at the end of the unit setting period, the cumulative value of the usage status information in the unit setting period is transferred from the kitchen remote controller 13 to the server 50. When transmitted, this cumulative value is retained as it is in the period use cumulative value shown in FIG. 5 (b).

The "usage fee" is calculated as follows. That is, by multiplying the cumulative period usage charge for each function by the charge per unit usage value specified for that function (hereinafter referred to as "unit charge"), an individual usage charge for each function can be obtained. Then, the usage fee is calculated by adding up all the individual usage fees. The unit charge can be the same for all functions. Alternatively, the unit charge may be different for each function. For example, the function with the highest unit charge may be in the order of the heating function, the reheating function, and the hot water supply function.

Even if the cumulative usage period for each function is zero, a fixed amount of individual usage charges may be incurred. Further, as the cumulative value of period use for each function increases, the unit charge may be gradually lowered.

FIG. 6A is a flowchart showing a process of monitoring and transmitting a usage status for each function performed by the control unit 111 of the water heater 11. This process is executed by the function of the usage status monitoring unit 111a of FIG.

The control unit 111 monitors whether or not any of the hot water supply function, the reheating function, and the heating function is used (S101). Then, when any of the functions is used (S101: YES), the control unit 111 associates the usage status information of the function, that is, the information indicating one use or the usage time with the function. For example, the identification information for identifying the function is added and transmitted to the kitchen remote controller 13 (S102).

When the hot water supply function is used, the flow rate sensor S8 provided in the hot water outlet pipe 215 detects a flow rate of a predetermined amount or more. When the flow rate sensor S8 does not detect a flow rate of a predetermined amount or more, the control unit 111 transmits information indicating one use with the identification information of the hot water supply function added. Alternatively, the control unit 111 measures the time when the flow rate sensor S8 detects a flow rate of a predetermined amount or more, adds the identification information of the hot water supply function as the usage time, and transmits the time.

When the reheating function is used, the control unit 111 operates the pump 244 provided in the distribution pipe 242. When the control unit 111 gives an instruction to operate the pump 244 and then gives an instruction to stop the pump 244, the control unit 111 transmits information indicating one use with the identification information of the reheating function added. Alternatively, the control unit 111 measures the operating time of the pump 244, adds the identification information of the reheating function as the usage time, and transmits it.

When the heating function is used, the control unit 111 operates the pump 237 provided in the distribution pipe 234. When the control unit 111 gives an instruction to operate the pump 237 and then gives an instruction to stop the pump 237, the control unit 111 transmits information indicating one use with the identification information of the heating function added. Alternatively, the control unit 111 measures the operating time of the pump 237, adds the identification information of the reheating function as the usage time, and transmits the pump 237.

When low-temperature hot water is discharged from the distribution pipe 232 due to the floor heating function, the pump 237 is duty-controlled and operates intermittently. Therefore, in this case, information indicating one use is transmitted when the pump 237 is stopped in order to end the reheating, not when the pump 237 is temporarily stopped in the duty control. Further, the operating period of the pump while the duty control is performed is defined as the operating time, and the stopping period is not included in the operating time. The period during which the pump 237 is intermittently operated by duty control may be defined as the usage time.

In this way, when the usage status information for each function, that is, the information indicating one use or the usage time is transmitted to the kitchen remote controller 13, each time the usage status information is transmitted, in the usage status database of FIG. 5A, for each function. Usage information is accumulated in. Then, when a predetermined timing arrives, the accumulated usage status information for each function, that is, the number of times of use or the usage time for each function is transmitted to the server 50.

FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing a process of generating and transmitting billing information performed by the control unit 501 of the server 50.

When the control unit 501 receives the usage status information for each function from the kitchen remote controller 13 (S201: YES), the control unit 501 obtains the kitchen remote controller ID on the billing database of FIG. 5 (b) based on the ID information received together with the usage status information. Identify. Then, the control unit 501 updates the period usage cumulative value for each function associated with the specified kitchen remote controller ID based on the usage status information for each function received in step S201 (S202). After that, the control unit 501 determines whether or not the unit setting period for billing (for example, one month) has elapsed, that is, whether or not the unit setting period has expired (S203).

If the unit setting period has not elapsed (S203: NO), the control unit 501 returns the process to step S101 and repeats the same process. As a result, each time the control unit 501 receives the usage status information for each function from the kitchen remote controller 13 (S201: YES), the period for each function associated with the ID information of the kitchen remote controller 13 on the billing database. Update the usage cumulative value.

When the unit setting period elapses (S203: YES), the control unit 501 generates billing information in the unit setting period by the function of the billing information generation unit 501a of FIG. 3 (S204). Specifically, the control unit 501 sets the usage charge for the unit setting period based on the period usage cumulative value for each function on the billing database. The usage fee reflects the usage status (number of times of use, usage time) of each of the hot water supply function, the reheating function, and the heating function. Therefore, there is no usage fee for functions that are not used at all.

The control unit 501 registers the usage fee thus acquired in the billing database in association with the ID information of the corresponding kitchen remote controller 13.

After that, the control unit 501 transmits the generated billing information to the mobile terminal device 30 associated with the kitchen remote controller 13 by the function of the billing information transmission unit 501b of FIG. 3 (S205). Specifically, the control unit 501 transmits the billing information to the destination address (here, the Email address) associated with the ID information of the kitchen remote controller 13 in the billing database. As a result, the control unit 501 ends the process in FIG. 6B.

The user of the hot water supply device 10 can refer to the billing information transmitted in step S205 of FIG. 6B in his / her mobile terminal device 30. As a result, the user can smoothly grasp the usage status of his / her own water heater 10 during the unit setting period and the usage fee due to this.

<Effect of embodiment>
According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

The usage fee is set based on the usage status of each predetermined function of the water heater 10. As a result, the user can keep the usage fee low if he / she does not use the unnecessary function, and can use the function when he / she needs it even if the function is initially unnecessary. Therefore, the convenience of using the lease is increased for the user. Further, the billing information is transmitted from the server 50 to the destination address and notified to the user. As a result, the user can grasp the billing status in advance before paying the usage fee, and can use the hot water supply device 10 with peace of mind. Therefore, the user can more preferably continue to use the hot water supply device 10 for leasing.

The reheating function, floor heating function, and indoor heating function are often used in winter, but are rarely used except in winter. The bathroom heating (drying) function is often used during the rainy season. As described above, the usage status of the function of the hot water supply device 10 may change depending on the season, but in the present embodiment, charging can be performed according to the usage status of each function according to the season.

The hot water supply device 10 is provided with three flow paths, a hot water supply flow path F1, a heating flow path F2, and a reheating flow path F3, through which hot water supplied to different hot water supply destinations flows, and predetermined functions are classified by the flow paths. It is said to have a hot water supply function, a reheating function, and a heating function. As a result, it is possible to set a usage fee suitable for the usage status of each of the flow paths F1 to F3 provided in the hot water supply device 10.

When the billing information generation unit 501a generates billing information based on the number of times each function of the hot water supply function, the reheating function, and the heating function is used, the amount of data (number of bits) transmitted to the server 50 is calculated as compared with the usage time. Can be reduced. By reducing the amount of data, LPWA (Low Power, Wide Area) communication becomes possible, so transmission to the server 50 without using the router 20 becomes possible, and the system can be configured at low cost. .. In addition, unlike the usage time, measurement is not required, which facilitates the acquisition of information.

When the billing information generation unit 501a generates billing information based on the usage time of each function, it is possible to set the usage fee according to the usage situation closer to the actual usage than the number of times of usage.

<Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, the usage status of each of the hot water supply function, the heating function, and the reheating function classified by the hot water supply flow path F1, the heating flow path F2, and the reheating flow path F3 is monitored by the usage status monitoring unit 111a.

On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the operation buttons 122a, 132, the bath automatic buttons 122b, 131a, the reheating buttons 122c, 131b, the footbath buttons 122d, 131c, and the footwater provided in the bathroom remote control 12 and the kitchen remote control 13 are provided. Hot water supply function, bath automatic function, reheating function, additional hot water function, which are classified by 9 types of operation buttons: buttons 122e, 131d, call buttons 122f, 131e, floor heating button 131f, room heating button 131g, and bathroom heating button 131h. The usage status of each of the nine functions of the water addition function, the call function, the floor heating function, the room heating function, and the bathroom heating function is monitored by the usage status monitoring unit 111a.

Then, the usage status information for each of the above nine types of functions is transmitted to the server 50 by the usage status transmission unit 133a, and in the server 50, the billing information generation unit 501a is based on the cumulative usage value for each of the nine types of functions. The usage fee is set.

In the present embodiment, the storage unit 134 of the kitchen remote controller 13 holds the usage status database shown in FIG. 7 (a), and the storage unit 502 of the server 50 holds the billing database shown in FIG. 7 (b). ing.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the usage status database holds the cumulative value of the usage status information related to each of the nine types of functions. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the billing database holds the cumulative value of the period usage related to each of the nine functions.

Similar to the first embodiment, when the process of FIG. 6A is executed in the control unit 111 of the water heater 11 and any of the nine functions is used, the usage status information of the function is used. That is, information indicating one use or usage time is transmitted to the kitchen remote controller 13 in association with the function.

When the usage status information is information indicating one use, one of the eight operation buttons excluding the operation buttons 122a and 132 is operated when the operation is on by the operation of the operation buttons 122a and 132. When is operated, the control unit 111 transmits, when the function corresponding to the operated operation button is completed, information indicating one use, with the identification information of the function added. Further, when the operation is on, the flow rate sensor S8 detects a flow rate of a predetermined amount or more without operating the bath automatic buttons 122b, 131a, the water heater buttons 122d, 131c, and the water heater buttons 122e, 131d. After that, when the detection is stopped, the control unit 111 transmits the information indicating one use with the identification information of the hot water supply function added.

When the usage status information is the usage time, the flow rate sensor S8 detects a flow rate of a predetermined amount or more without operating the bath automatic buttons 122b, 131a, the water heater buttons 122d, 131c, and the water heater buttons 122e, 131d. The control unit 111 transmits the time during which the detection continues as the usage time with the identification information of the hot water supply function added. Further, when the reheating buttons 122c and 131b are operated, the control unit 111 transmits the time when the pump 244 is operated as the usage time with the identification information of the reheating function added.

In the adding hot water function, hot water flows through the hot water outlet pipe 215, and in the adding water function, water flows through the hot water outlet pipe 215. When the addition water buttons 122d, 131c or the addition water buttons 122e, 131d are operated, the control unit 111 sets the time when the flow rate sensor S8 detects a flow rate of a predetermined amount or more as the usage time, and the addition water function or the addition water. The function identification information is added and transmitted.

When the call buttons 122f and 131e are operated to start the call function, the control unit 111 measures and uses the call time from the start until the call function ends by pressing the call buttons 122f and 131e again. As the time, the identification information of the call function is added and transmitted.

When the floor heating button 131f, the room heating button 131g, or the bathroom heating button 131h is operated, the control unit 111 identifies the floor heating function, the room heating function, or the bathroom heating function by using the time when the pump 237 is operated as the usage time. Add information and send. In the floor heating function, the pump 237 operates intermittently by duty control. Therefore, the operating period of the pump 237 while the duty control is being performed is set as the usage time, and the stop period is not included in the usage time. In the floor heating function, the period during which the pump 237 is intermittently operated by duty control may be set as the usage time.

The automatic bath function is a function in which after the hot water is supplied to the bathtub by the hot water supply function, the reheating is automatically performed by the reheating function when the hot water temperature drops. Therefore, when the bath automatic buttons 122b and 131a are operated, the control unit 111 sets the total time of the time when the flow rate sensor S8 detects a flow rate of a predetermined amount or more and the time when the pump 244 operates as the usage time. The identification information of the automatic function is added and sent.

In this way, when the usage status information for each of the nine functions, that is, the information indicating one use or the usage time is transmitted to the kitchen remote controller 13, each time it is transmitted, in the usage status database of FIG. 7A. , Usage information is accumulated for each function. Then, when a predetermined timing arrives, the accumulated usage status information for each function, that is, the number of times of use or the usage time for each function is transmitted to the server 50.

Similar to the first embodiment, the process of FIG. 6B is executed in the control unit 501 of the server 50. The control unit 501 sets the usage charge for the unit setting period based on the period usage cumulative value for each of the nine types of functions on the charge database by the function of the charge information generation unit 501a. Specifically, the cumulative value of the period usage for each of the nine types of functions is multiplied by the unit charge specified for that function, and the individual usage charge for each function is obtained. Then, all the individual usage charges are added up and the usage charge is calculated.

<Effect of embodiment>
According to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved except for the effects when the predetermined functions are the hot water supply function, the reheating function, and the heating function classified by the flow path. ..

Further, the predetermined functions are defined as 9 types of functions classified by 9 types of operation buttons. This makes it easy for the user to understand what kind of function the usage fee changes.

<Change example>
Although the first and second embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the application examples of the present invention also have various changes in addition to the above-described embodiment. It is possible.

In the first and second embodiments, the kitchen remote controller 13 accumulates usage status information (information indicating one use, usage time) in the usage status database of the storage unit 134, and each time a predetermined timing arrives, the usage status information is accumulated in the usage status database. It was transmitted to the server 50 by the usage status transmission unit 133a. However, the usage status database may not be provided, and the usage status transmission unit 133a may transmit the information to the server 50 each time the usage status information is received from the water heater 11.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the destination of the billing information is the mobile terminal device 30, but the destination of the billing information is not limited to this. For example, a fixed terminal device such as a stationary personal computer arranged in the home H10 may be a destination for transmitting billing information. In this case, the billing information may be set to, for example, an e-mail address that can be received by the fixed terminal device.

Further, the transmission of the billing information does not necessarily have to be performed by e-mail, and may be performed by another method. For example, the billing information may be notified by the push notification to the mobile terminal device 30. In this case, the destination address registered in the billing database is changed to the address information for performing push notification to the mobile terminal device 30.

Further, the billing information may be transmitted from the server 50 to the kitchen remote controller 13 and displayed on the kitchen remote controller 13. In this case, the router 20 relays the communication between the server 50 and the wireless communication unit 138 of the kitchen remote controller 13, so that the billing information is transmitted from the server 50 to the kitchen remote controller 13.

In addition to the usage charges included in the billing information, the individual usage charges calculated for each function are retained in the billing database, and the individual usage charges for each function during the unit setting period are carried together with the overall usage charges. It may be transmitted to the terminal device 30. Further, the usage status information for each function in the unit setting period may be transmitted to the mobile terminal device 30.

Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 6B, the billing information is transmitted to the destination address at the end of the unit setting period, but at a predetermined time within the unit setting period such as an intermediate point of the unit setting period, that time point. Billing information including the usage charges up to may be sent to the destination address. As a result, the user can grasp the usage fee and the usage status of the hot water supply device 10 in the middle of the unit setting period, and can predict the usage fee in the unit setting period. Further, by grasping the usage fee and the usage status of the hot water supply device 10 in the middle of the unit setting period, the user can appropriately modify the usage frequency and the like for each function of the hot water supply device 10 thereafter.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, for example, one month is exemplified as the unit setting period for billing, but the unit setting period is not limited to this. For example, the unit setting period may be set to another period such as 2 months or 3 months.

Further, the usage status information indicating the usage status for each function of the hot water supply device 10 is not limited to the number of times of use and the usage time for each function exemplified in the above embodiments 1 and 2, but is based on the usage status of the hot water supply device 10. Other information may be used as long as the usage fee can be set.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, any one of the plurality of parameters (the number of times of use and the time of use in the above) exemplified as the usage status information is used for setting the usage fee, but these parameters are combined. Thereby, the cumulative usage value for the period for setting the usage fee may be acquired.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the usage status monitoring unit 111a is provided in the water heater 11 and the usage status transmission unit 133a is provided in the kitchen remote controller 13, but the usage status monitoring unit 111a and the usage status transmission unit 133a are provided. The placement is not limited to this. For example, the usage status monitoring unit 111a may be provided on the bathroom remote controller 12 or the kitchen remote controller 13. Alternatively, when a control device other than that shown in FIG. 3 is arranged in the hot water supply system 1, the control device may be provided with a usage status monitoring unit 111a, and if the control device can communicate with the server 50, this control device may be provided. The control device may be provided with a usage status transmission unit 133a.

When the usage status monitoring unit is arranged in a device other than the water heater 11 in this way, information for monitoring the usage status of this device (for example, the detection result of the flow rate sensor S8 or the pump 237, 244). The detection result of the presence or absence of operation) is transmitted at any time. The usage status monitoring unit monitors the usage status of each function of the hot water supply device 10 based on the received information.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the wireless communication unit 138 is provided in the kitchen remote controller 13 constituting the hot water supply device 10, but the wireless communication unit is provided in the water heater 11 and the water heater 11 is connected to the router 20. You may. Alternatively, a control unit provided with a wireless communication unit other than the water heater 11, the bathroom remote controller 12, and the kitchen remote controller 13 may be arranged in the hot water supply device 10, and this control unit may be connected to the router 20. In this case, the control by the kitchen remote controller 13 in the first and second embodiments is performed by the control unit.

Further, the configuration of the hot water supply device 10 is not limited to the configuration shown in the first and second embodiments, and may be another configuration. For example, the hot water supply device 10 may not have a heating function because it does not have a heating flow path F2, or may not have a reheating function because it does not have a reheating flow path F3. There may be. Further, the hot water supply device 10 may be configured not to have one or two of the floor heating function, the indoor heating function and the bathroom heating function included in the heating function. When the hot water supply device 10 does not have a heating function, the predetermined functions of the first embodiment are the hot water supply function and the reheating function, and when the hot water supply device 10 does not have the reheating function, the predetermined functions of the first embodiment. Has a hot water supply function and a heating function. Further, the hot water supply device 10 is not limited to the one using gas fuel, and may be a hot water supply device using oil as fuel.

In addition, not all of the nine functions mentioned in the second embodiment may be subject to monitoring of the usage status. Further, operation buttons other than the nine types mentioned in the second embodiment are included in the input unit 122 of the bathroom remote controller 12 and the display input unit 131 of the kitchen remote controller 13, and the function corresponding to the operation buttons is to monitor the usage status. May be the subject of.

Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the usage status monitoring unit, the usage status transmission unit, the billing information generation unit, and the billing information transmission unit are realized by the functions of the software by the control program, but these use a logic circuit. It may be realized by the existing hardware.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the hot water supply device 10 is a combustion type hot water supply device that heats water with combustion gas generated by burning fuel, but the configuration of the hot water supply device 10 is not limited to this. For example, the hot water supply device 10 may be a cogeneration type hot water supply device that generates electric power by a generator and also generates hot water by utilizing exhaust heat from the generator.

In addition, various modifications of the embodiment of the present invention can be made as appropriate within the scope of the claims.

1 Hot water supply system 10 Hot water supply device 40 External communication network 50 Server 111a Usage status monitoring unit 133a Usage status transmission unit 501a Charge information generation unit 501b Charge information transmission unit F1 Hot water supply flow path (flow path)
F2 heating flow path (flow path)
F3 reheating flow path (flow path)
122 Input section 122a Operation button (operation button)
122b Bath automatic button (operation button)
122c Reheating button (operation button)
122d Addition hot water button (operation button)
122e Addition water button (operation button)
122f Call button (operation button)
131 Operation input section (input section)
131a Automatic bath button (operation button)
131b Reheating button (operation button)
131c Addition hot water button (operation button)
131d Addition water button (operation button)
131e Call button (operation button)
131f Floor heating button (operation button)
131g Room heating button (operation button)
131h Bathroom heating button (operation button)
132 Operation button (operation button)

Claims (10)

With a water heater,
A server capable of communicating with the water heater via an external communication network is provided.
The water heater is
For each predetermined function of the water heater, the usage status monitoring unit that monitors the usage status of the function and the usage status monitoring unit
A usage status transmission unit that transmits usage status information regarding the usage status of the function to the server is provided.
The server
A billing information generation unit that generates billing information regarding the usage charge of the water heater based on the usage status information received from the usage status transmission unit.
A storage unit that stores the destination address of the billing information in association with the water heater, and
A billing information transmission unit that transmits the billing information to the destination address via the external communication network is provided.
A hot water supply system characterized by that. In the hot water supply system according to claim 1,
The water heater includes a plurality of flow paths through which hot water supplied to different hot water supply destinations flows.
The predetermined function is a function classified by the flow path.
A hot water supply system characterized by that. In the hot water supply system according to claim 1,
The water heater includes an input unit having a plurality of operation buttons.
The predetermined function is a function classified by the operation button.
A hot water supply system characterized by that. In the hot water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The billing information generation unit generates the billing information based on the number of times the function is used.
A hot water supply system characterized by that. In the hot water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The billing information generation unit generates the billing information based on the time when the function is used.
A hot water supply system characterized by that. A server that can communicate with the water heater via an external communication network.
The hot water supply device includes a usage status monitoring unit that monitors the usage status of the function for each predetermined function of the hot water supply device, and a usage status transmission unit that transmits usage status information regarding the usage status of the function to the server. And with
The server
A billing information generation unit that generates billing information regarding the usage charge of the water heater based on the usage status information received from the usage status transmission unit.
A storage unit that stores the destination address of the billing information in association with the water heater, and
A billing information transmission unit that transmits the billing information to the destination address via the external communication network is provided.
A server that features that. In the server according to claim 6,
The water heater includes a plurality of flow paths through which hot water supplied to different destinations flows.
The predetermined function is a function classified by the flow path.
A server that features that. In the server according to claim 6,
The water heater includes an input unit having a plurality of operation buttons.
The predetermined function is a function classified by the operation button.
A server that features that. In the server according to any one of claims 6 to 8.
The billing information generation unit generates the billing information based on the number of times the function is used.
A server that features that. In the server according to any one of claims 6 to 8.
The billing information generation unit generates the billing information based on the time when the function is used.
A server that features that.

Images