JP2022069837A - Water heater and hot water supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a water heater and a hot water supply system enabling a user outside a bathroom to respond to a call from a user inside the bathroom to appropriately start conversation.SOLUTION: A water heater includes a bathroom remote controller provided in a bathroom and a control section. The control section is communicably connected to a pre-registered external communication terminal via an external communication network, and the bathroom remote controller is configured to enable a predetermined call operation. The control section transmits a call signal to the communication terminal when the call operation is performed, determines whether a predetermined conversation permission condition is satisfied when receiving a conversation request signal transmitted on the basis of a conversation request operation relative to the communication terminal that has received the call signal, and establishes communication connection enabling voice call via the external communication network between the bathroom remote controller and the communication terminal that has transmitted the conversation request signal when determining that the conversation permission condition is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a hot water supply device and a hot water supply system.

Conventionally, a hot water supply system and a hot water supply device for supplying hot water to a bathroom are provided with a bathroom remote controller provided in the bathroom. In addition to the hot water supply operation to the bathtub, this bathroom remote controller is configured to be able to execute a calling operation for a user in the bathroom (bathing person, etc.) to call another user (user outside the bathroom) outside the bathroom. There is something.

When a call operation is performed on the bathroom remote controller, a call signal is transmitted from the bathroom remote controller to a remote controller outside the bathroom such as a kitchen remote controller. Upon receiving the call signal, the remote controller outside the bathroom notifies the user outside the bathroom of the call from the user in the bathroom by a ringing tone or lighting of the ring lamp.

However, in such a conventional configuration, there is a problem that it is difficult to notice the call from the user in the bathroom when there is no user outside the bathroom near the remote controller outside the bathroom.

On the other hand, Patent Document 1 below discloses a configuration in which a call is notified to an alarm device other than the remote controller outside the bathroom based on the call signal. Further, Patent Document 2 below discloses a configuration in which a call is notified to remote controllers arranged in a plurality of rooms.

Recently, the control unit of the hot water supply device and the management device such as the server device are connected by communication, and the hot water supply device is remotely controlled using an external communication terminal such as a mobile phone connected to the management device via an external communication network. System is being developed. For example, in Patent Document 3 below, it is possible to perform operations related to hot water supply (chasing operation and automatic bath operation) using a communication terminal other than the dedicated remote controller. It is also conceivable to apply such a configuration to notify an external communication terminal of the call.

Japanese Patent No. 5224638 Japanese Patent No. 4039764 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-115787

In this way, by notifying the call based on the call signal on a plurality of remote controllers or communication terminals, it is possible to make it easier for the user outside the bathroom to notice the call from the user in the bathroom.

Here, it is conceivable that the user who possesses the external communication terminal may be away from the bathroom regardless of whether it is indoors or outdoors. Therefore, it is assumed that the user who receives the call wants to make a call with the user in the bathroom. For this purpose, it is conceivable to make a communication connection so that a call can be made between the external communication terminal that received the call and the bathroom remote controller. However, since the bathroom is a private space, there is room for further improvement in order to start a call with a user outside the bathroom while keeping the privacy of the user inside the bathroom.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and is a hot water supply device and a hot water supply device capable of appropriately starting a call by a user outside the bathroom answering a call from a user in the bathroom. The purpose is to provide a system.

In order to achieve the above object, the hot water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a hot water supply device including a bathroom remote control provided in a bathroom and a control unit, wherein the control unit is a pre-registered external device. The bathroom remote controller is configured to be communicable with a communication terminal via an external communication network, and the control unit is configured to enable a predetermined calling operation, and the control unit is connected to the communication terminal when the calling operation is performed. When a call request signal is transmitted and a call request signal transmitted based on a call request operation to the communication terminal that has received the call signal is received, it is determined whether or not a predetermined call permission condition is satisfied. A communication connection that enables a voice call via the external communication network between the bathroom remote controller and the communication terminal that has transmitted the call request signal when it is determined that the call permission condition is satisfied. Is configured to establish.

According to the above configuration, when a call operation is performed on the bathroom remote controller, a call signal is transmitted to the communication terminal via the external communication network, and the communication terminal can notify the call from the user in the bathroom. When a user who owns a communication terminal performs a call request operation to the communication terminal in response to a call from a user in the bathroom, a call request signal is transmitted to the control unit. Upon receiving the call request signal, the control unit determines whether or not the predetermined call permission condition is satisfied, and if it is determined that the call permission condition is satisfied, the control unit transmits the call request signal to the bathroom remote controller. Voice calls can be made with communication terminals. In this way, even if the call is made from the bathroom remote controller, the hot water supply device determines the condition before starting the call with the external communication terminal, so that the call between the user in the bathroom and the user outside the bathroom can be made. Can be started appropriately in consideration of the privacy of the user in the bathroom.

The control unit may determine that the call permission condition is satisfied when the call request signal is received and a predetermined call permission operation is performed on the bathroom remote controller.

According to this, when the user in the bathroom performs the call permission operation, it is possible to make a call between the user in the bathroom and the user outside the bathroom. Therefore, since the two parties can be started with the intention of the user in the bathroom to make a call, the privacy of the user in the bathroom can be appropriately protected.

When the call request signal is received, the control unit determines that the call permission condition is satisfied until the predetermined first period elapses after the call operation is performed, and the first period. After the lapse of time, it may be determined that the call permission condition is satisfied when the call request signal is received and the predetermined call permission operation for the bathroom remote control is performed.

According to this, after the first period elapses after the user in the bathroom performs the call operation, the user in the bathroom performs the call permission operation between the user in the bathroom and the user outside the bathroom. On the other hand, until the first period elapses, it is possible to make a call between the two without requiring a call permission operation. Therefore, from the time when the user in the bathroom performs the call operation until the first period elapses, the call operation itself is the intention of the user in the bathroom to make a call, and after the first period elapses, the intention of the user in the bathroom to make a call separately. This makes it possible to prevent the time and effort required for the user in the bathroom from increasing while starting the conversation between the two parties triggered by the intention of the user in the bathroom to make a call.

The hot water supply device includes an out-of-bathroom remote controller provided outside the bathroom, and when the call operation is performed, the control unit gives a call notification by the out-of-bathroom remote controller and calls the communication terminal. A signal may be transmitted.

According to this, when the call operation is performed by the bathroom remote controller, the call is notified not only by the communication terminal but also by the remote controller outside the bathroom. As a result, the call from the bathroom is notified in more places, so that the call from the bathroom is more likely to be answered, and the call between the user in the bathroom and the user outside the bathroom is started. You can save time.

The hot water supply device includes an out-of-bathroom remote controller provided outside the bathroom, and when the call operation is performed, the control unit gives a call notification by the out-of-bathroom remote controller and uses the out-of-bathroom remote controller. The call signal may be transmitted to the communication terminal after a predetermined second period has elapsed from the start of the call notification.

According to this, when a call operation is performed on the bathroom remote controller, the call notification is first performed on the remote controller outside the bathroom, and then transmitted to the communication terminal. As a result, a ringing signal is sent to the external communication terminal when there is no person near the remote controller outside the bathroom or when it is expected that a person near the remote controller outside the bathroom cannot answer, so that the call signal is sent to the external communication terminal. You can reduce unnecessary notifications.

The hot water supply system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a hot water supply device having the above configuration, a management device for communication connection between the control unit and the external communication network, and the management device includes the communication terminal. It is configured to be communicated and connected via the external communication network.

According to the above configuration, since the management device relays the communication between the control unit and the bathroom remote controller and the communication terminal, the control unit and the communication terminal can be used even when the communication terminal is located in a place away from the bathroom such as outdoors. Signal transmission / reception between and between and a call between a user in the bathroom and a user outside the bathroom can be easily established via the management device.

The present invention has the configuration described above, and has an effect that a user outside the bathroom can appropriately start a call by answering a call from a user in the bathroom.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a hot water supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of call processing from the bathroom remote controller in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the state of each configuration at the time of calling in the system of FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the state of each configuration when a call request operation is performed for one communication terminal in the state of FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state of each configuration when a voice call is possible between the bathroom remote controller and one communication terminal in the state of FIG.

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

(One embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a hot water supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the hot water supply system 1 in the present embodiment includes a hot water supply device 10 and a management device 64.

The hot water supply device 10 includes a hot water supply device main body 2 that supplies hot water to a predetermined hot water supply location, a control device 8 that is connected to the hot water supply device main body 2 and includes a main control unit 4 that controls the hot water supply device main body 2, and a bathroom provided in the bathroom. It includes a remote controller 3a and an outdoor remote controller 3b provided outside the bathroom. The control device 8 is usually provided in the housing of the water heater main body 2. The hot water supply device main body 2 has, for example, a hot water supply function in a bath or a kitchen, a reheating function of a bath, and the like.

The bathroom remote controller 3a and the bathroom remote controller 3b are wall-mounted remote controller devices (dedicated remote controllers) installed on a wall surface or the like in the room. The main control unit 4 and the remote controllers 3a and 3b are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other by the communication line 5. The main control unit 4 communicates with the remote controllers 3a and 3b via the communication unit 6. Each of the remote controllers 3a and 3b is configured to be able to output an operation signal to the main control unit 4. The remote controllers 3a and 3b are also configured to be able to communicate with each other via the communication line 5.

As the communication line 5, for example, a two-core communication line capable of superimposing communication information on a power supply line is used. Information that is mutually communicated between the water heater main body 2 (main control unit 4) and each remote controller 3a, 3b is command data related to hot water supply (switching on / off of the operation mode of the hot water supply device main body 2, changing the hot water supply set temperature, etc.) ), Notification data of the hot water supply result (notification of reaching the bath set temperature, notification of abnormality, etc.), call signal from the bathroom remote controller 3a, voice call data described later, and the like are included.

The main control unit 4 includes a microcontroller and an integrated circuit composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. A signal path (not shown) for controlling each electrical component is provided between the main control unit 4 and each electrical component such as a blower and a bath pump constituting the hot water supply device main body 2. .. The control device 8 includes a storage unit 7 connected to the main control unit 4. The storage unit 7 is composed of, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The main control unit 4 executes various controls of the water heater main body 2 according to the control program stored in the ROM. The control program includes various programs related to the operation of each electrical component, and control of each electrical component is performed based on these programs.

The bathroom remote controller 3a is installed in the bathroom. The remote controller 3b outside the bathroom is configured as, for example, a kitchen remote controller installed in the vicinity of the kitchen.

Each of the remote controllers 3a and 3b is configured to be able to output an operation signal to the main control unit 4. For this purpose, each remote controller 3a, 3b has an input operation unit 34a, 34b for performing an input operation by the user, a notification unit 31a, 31b for notifying information from the hot water supply device main body 2, and a hot water supply device main body 2 (mainly). It includes a communication unit 32 for communicating with the control unit 4), a storage unit 33, and remote control units 38a and 38b. Although not shown, the notification units 31a and 31b are, for example, a display (display unit) displaying the current set temperature, operation confirmation display, current time, etc. for hot water supply and / or bath water, a set temperature arrival sound, and a warning sound. , Includes a speaker (sound output unit) that outputs a predetermined announcement or the like.

The input operation units 34a and 34b include a plurality of operation buttons. The remote control units 38a and 38b are configured by a microcontroller or the like, and when any one of a plurality of operation buttons is pressed, an operation signal corresponding to the pressed operation button is generated. The generated operation signal is sent to the main control unit 4 via the communication units 32 and 6, and the main control unit 4 controls the hot water supply device main body 2 based on the received operation signal.

Further, the bathroom remote controller 3a is configured to enable voice communication with the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom. In the present embodiment, the input operation unit 34a of the bathroom remote controller 3a includes a call button 41. Further, the input operation unit 34b of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom is provided with a call button 42.

In addition to the buttons 41 and 42, for example, the input operation unit 34b of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom includes, although not shown, a temperature rise button, a temperature drop button, an on / off button, a repelling button, and a bath automatic button. Further, although not shown, the input operation unit 34a of the bathroom remote controller 3a includes a priority button in addition to the above buttons of the remote controller outside the bathroom.

The control unit of the hot water supply device 10 composed of the main control unit 4 and the remote control units 38a and 38b of the remote controllers 3a and 3b is connected to the management device 64 via an external communication network 63 such as the Internet. The management device 64 is configured as a server device that is communicated and connected to an external communication terminal (two communication terminals 61A and 61B in the example of FIG. 1) other than the remote controllers 3a and 3b via the external communication network 63. The control unit is communicated and connected to a router 62 such as a wireless LAN router via a relay device. In the present embodiment, the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom functions as the relay device. Therefore, the out-of-bathroom remote controller 3b includes an external communication unit 39 that is communicatively connected to the router 62. The router 62 communicates with the management device 64 via the external communication network 63.

The communication terminals 61A and 61B are mobile terminals such as smartphones, and can be connected to the external communication network 63 via a base station of a 3G (third generation) to 5G (fifth generation) mobile phone network. Further, the communication terminals 61A and 61B can be connected to a wireless LAN. That is, when the router 62 is configured as a wireless LAN router and the communication terminals 61A and 61B are located at a location where the router 62 can be connected to the wireless LAN (for example, the communication terminals 61A and 61B are possessed). When the user is indoors), the communication terminals 61A and 61B communicate with the management device 64 via the router 62 and the external communication network 63. Further, when the communication terminals 61A and 61B are not located in a place where the router 62 can be connected to the wireless LAN, or when the router 62 is not configured as a wireless LAN router, the communication terminals 61A and 61B communicate with each other externally. It communicates with the management device 64 via the network 63.

The remote controller 3b outside the bathroom, which functions as a relay device, executes communication processing with the control unit and also performs communication processing with the management device 64 via the router 62 and the external communication network 63. For example, the out-of-bathroom remote controller 3b converts the device information transmitted from the main control unit 4 into a communication format and transmits the device information to the management device 64 via the router 62 and the external communication network 63. Further, the remote controller control unit 38b of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom acquires the information transmitted from the management device 64 via the external communication network 63 and the router 62, and if necessary, converts the communication format to the main control unit. 4 or the bathroom remote controller 3a is transmitted to the remote controller control unit 38a.

The communication terminals 61A and 61B are registered in advance for each hot water supply device 10 (outside bathroom remote controller 3b) by the management device 64. The management device 64 includes a storage unit 64a for storing the association information. The association information is information in which the serial number (identification information of the relay device) of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom is associated with the user account (user identification information) transmitted from the communication terminals 61A and 61B. The user account information may include information such as an application login ID, a user name, or identification IDs of communication terminals 61A and 61B. The management device 64 may register a plurality of (for example, up to 8 accounts) communication terminals 61A and 61B for one hot water supply device 10.

Further, the storage unit 64a of the management device 64 stores the device information transmitted from the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom. Here, as the device information, the device configuration information first transmitted from the main control unit 4 to the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom after the power is turned on, and the device information is periodically (for example, at 1 hour intervals) transmitted from the main control unit 4 to the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom. There is operation state information, error information, etc. indicating the operation state of the hot water supply device main body 2. Here, the device configuration information is information indicating the type of the hot water supply device main body 2, and the operation state information is information including the hot water supply set temperature, the number of combustion operations, the combustion operation time, and the like of the hot water supply device main body 2. The error information is information indicating the abnormality when an abnormality occurs in the hot water supply device main body 2, and is also information displayed on the remote controllers 3a and 3b.

Further, the storage unit 64a of the management device 64 may store entry information indicating the user's entry status into the bathroom. For example, when the bathroom remote controller 3a or the like is provided with a motion sensor, the entry information may include information on whether or not the user is in the bathroom and / or the elapsed time since the user entered the bathroom. Further, when the hot water supply device 10 is provided with a water level sensor for detecting the water level of the bathtub, it may be detected whether or not the user is in the bathtub by the amount of increase / decrease in the water level per unit time. In this case, the entry information may include information about whether the user is in the bathtub and / or the elapsed time since the user entered the bathtub.

Further, the hot water supply device 10 has a function of assigning and registering a combination (individual setting) of bath settings such as bath temperature, hot water supply (shower) temperature, and water level to one of a plurality of operation buttons on the bathroom remote controller 3a. You may be. As a result, the individual settings of the plurality of users can be registered in the plurality of operation buttons. In this case, the room entry information may include information about which personal setting is enabled (which operation button is pressed). As a result, for example, if the first operation button is enabled, it is inferred that user A is taking a bath, and if the second operation button is enabled, it is inferred that user B is taking a bath. Will be done.

These device information and / or room entry information are transmitted from the out-of-bathroom remote controller 3b to the management device 64 together with the serial number of the out-of-bathroom remote controller 3b. Then, the management device 64 stores the received device information and / or room entry information in the storage unit 64a in association with the serial number of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom.

If an application program dedicated to the hot water supply device is installed in the communication terminals 61A and 61B and the association information is stored in the storage unit 64a of the management device 64, the user associated with the serial number of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom Using the account, the hot water supply device main body 2 can be remotely controlled and the status can be confirmed via the management device 64 or the like. That is, the management device 64 permits communication via the management device 64 between the communication terminals 61A and 61B associated with the association information stored in the storage unit 64a and the remote controller 3b (relay device) outside the bathroom. As a result, the management device 64 can relay the communication between the control unit and the bathroom remote controller 3a and the communication terminals 61 and 61B.

A plurality of communication terminals 61A and 61B may be associated with the serial number of one out-of-bathroom remote controller 3b. Therefore, communication between the plurality of communication terminals 61A and 61B and one out-of-bathroom remote controller 3b (relay device) is possible via the management device 64.

The communication terminals 61A and 61B have a display unit 70 having a touch panel capable of inputting operations by touch operation. Information (for example, the model name, model number, etc. of the hot water supply device 10) that specifies the hot water supply device 10 to be operated (transmits the operation signal) using the communication terminals 61A and 61B is displayed on the hot water supply operation screen displayed on the display unit 70. ) And a plurality of operation items corresponding to the water heater 10. Each of the plurality of operation items is configured as a virtual operation button that can be touch-operated. A plurality of virtual operation buttons constitute an input operation unit for the hot water supply device 10 in the communication terminals 61A and 61B.

The plurality of virtual operation buttons include various virtual operation buttons corresponding to the input operation unit 34b of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom. Therefore, the communication terminals 61A and 61B can display virtual operation buttons such as a call button 71, an on / off button, a chasing button, and a bath automatic button on the display unit 70.

For example, when the repelling button displayed on the display unit 70 of the communication terminals 61A and 61B is touch-operated, the repelling operation is started from the communication terminals 61A and 61B to the main control unit 4 of the corresponding hot water supply device 10 via the management device 64. Send a signal. Further, when the automatic bath button is touch-operated, the automatic bath operation start signal is transmitted from the communication terminals 61A and 61B to the main control unit 4 of the corresponding hot water supply device 10 via the management device 64.

Further, the communication terminals 61A and 61B may display a reservation button as a virtual operation button on the display unit 70. The reservation button is a button for executing a reservation operation that completes hot water filling and boiling at a set time. When the reservation button is touch-operated, the set time setting screen (not shown) is displayed, and by inputting the set time, the main control unit 4 of the corresponding hot water supply device 10 is displayed from the communication terminals 61A and 61B via the management device 64. Alternatively, the reservation signal is transmitted to the remote controller control unit 38b of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom together with the input set time.

In this way, the main control unit 4 executes a hot water supply operation other than the hot water supply temperature changing operation for the hot water supply device main body 2 based on the operation from the communication terminals 61A and 61B. In this way, the communication terminals 61A and 61B function as a general-purpose (or sub) remote controller capable of operating the hot water supply device 10.

The hot water supply system 1 in the present embodiment is configured to enable voice communication between the bathroom remote controller 3a and the out-of-bathroom remote controller 3b or the communication terminals 61A and 61B. Hereinafter, the call processing from the bathroom remote controller 3a will be described. In the call processing in the present embodiment, the remote control unit 38b of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom provided with the external communication unit 39 operates as the main body of the call processing.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of call processing from the bathroom remote controller in the present embodiment. 3 to 5 are schematic views showing the state of each configuration at a predetermined timing in the call processing from the bathroom remote controller in the system of FIG. 1. Note that FIG. 2 shows the flow of processing for making a call between the bathroom remote controller 3a and the communication terminals 61A and 61B.

The bathroom remote controller 3a is configured to enable a predetermined calling operation for making a voice call with the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom or the communication terminals 61A and 61B. In the present embodiment, the calling operation is set to press the call button 41 of the bathroom remote controller 3a. The control unit (remote control unit 38b of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom) monitors whether or not the call button 41 of the bathroom remote controller 3a is pressed (step S1).

When the remote control unit 38a of the bathroom remote controller 3a detects the pressing operation of the call button 41, the remote controller control unit 38a transmits a call button operation detection signal to the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom. The remote control unit 38b of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom detects that the call button 41 of the bathroom remote controller 3a is pressed by receiving the call button operation detection signal.

When the pressing operation of the call button 41 is detected (Yes in step S1), the remote control control unit 38b generates a calling signal based on the calling operation and transmits the calling signal to the communication terminals 61A and 61B (step S2).

When the call signal is transmitted to the communication terminals 61A and 61B, the call signal is transmitted from the external communication unit 39 of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom to the management device 64 via the router 62 and the external communication network 63. Upon receiving the call signal, the management device 64 transmits the call signal to the corresponding communication terminals 61A and 61B. The management device 64 transmits the received ringing signal to the corresponding communication terminals 61A and 61B via the external communication network 63 (and, in some cases, the router 62).

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the state of each configuration at the time of calling in the system of FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, when the communication terminals 61A and 61B receive the call signal, the display unit 70 notifies the display unit 70 that there is a call from the bathroom (display and / or voice output). If the app is not running, you may start the app automatically. In the example of FIG. 3, the call state display screen 72 that displays the call state is displayed on the display unit 70. Further, the communication terminals 61A and 61B display a virtual call button 71 on the display unit 70 (make touch operation possible).

Further, the communication terminals 61A and 61B display the bathroom state display screen 73 on the display unit 70. The bathroom status display screen 73 may display device information and / or room entry information in the hot water supply device 10 associated with the communication terminals 61A and 61B (user accounts). In the example of FIG. 3, the bathroom state display screen 73 displays the elapsed time from the start of bathing (after entering the bathroom or after entering the bathtub) and the set temperature of the bath. This information is acquired from the management device 64.

In the present embodiment, the remote controller control unit 38b creates and transmits a call signal, and at the same time, the notification unit 31b of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom notifies (displays and / or outputs) a call from the bathroom.

After transmitting the ringing signal, the remote control control unit 38b monitors the reception of the call request signal from the communication terminals 61A and 61B (step S3). The communication terminals 61A and 61B determine that the call request operation has been performed when the call button 71 displayed on the display unit 70 is touch-operated, and the remote control unit 38a of the bathroom remote controller 3a via the management device 64. Send a call request signal.

When the call request signal is received (Yes in step S3), the remote control control unit 38b determines whether or not the predetermined call permission condition described later is satisfied (condition determination process) (step S4).

In the condition determination process, the remote controller control unit 38b that has received the call request signal transmits the determination request signal to the bathroom remote controller 3a. When the remote control unit 38a of the bathroom remote controller 3a receives the determination request signal, the remote controller control unit 38a notifies the notification unit 31a of the bathroom remote controller 3a that a call request has been made.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the state of each configuration when a call request operation is performed for one communication terminal in the state of FIG. The example of FIG. 4 shows a case where a call request operation (operation of pressing the call button 71) is performed on the communication terminal 61A. At this time, the management device 64 transmits the user account information (user name, etc.) corresponding to the user (user A) possessing the communication terminal 61A together with the call request signal to the remote control unit 38b.

On the call status display screen 72 of the communication terminal 61A that has performed the call request operation, a display indicating that a call request is in progress is displayed. Further, the remote control unit 38b of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom that has received the call request signal may notify the notification unit 31b that another user (user A) is answering.

Here, in the present embodiment, the storage unit 64a of the management device 64 calls from the bathroom remote controller 3a according to the signal transmitted and received between the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom and the communication terminals 61A and 61B in the call processing. Remember the state. The management device 64 may transmit a state change signal to the predetermined communication terminals 61A and 61B according to the change in the calling state.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the management device 64 receives a call request signal from the communication terminal 61A, the management device 64 transmits a state change signal to the other communication terminal 61B, and the call status display screen of the other communication terminal 61B. 72 may indicate that another user is answering (meaning that a call request operation has been performed).

Further, when the call button 42 of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom is pressed before the communication terminals 61A and 61B while the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom and the communication terminals 61A and 61B are informing the call from the bathroom, the bathroom. The remote controller control unit 38b of the external remote controller 3b performs condition determination processing, and when the call permission condition is satisfied, starts a voice call between the bathroom remote controller 3a and the bathroom remote controller 3b.

In this case, the remote controller control unit 38b may transmit a signal to the management device 64 to the effect that the call request operation has been performed by the call button 42 of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom. When the management device 64 receives the signal, it transmits a status change signal to the communication terminals 61A and 61B, and the call status display screen 72 of the communication terminals 61A and 61B indicates that another user is responding. It may be displayed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the notification unit 31a of the bathroom remote controller 3a notifies (notifies by display and / or voice) that a call request has been made. Further, the notification unit 31a of the bathroom remote controller 3a notifies who the call request comes from based on the user account information included in the call request signal. Further, the notification unit 31a of the bathroom remote controller 3a notifies the content of the call permission operation when the call request is accepted and the call is started with the user who possesses the communication terminal 61A. In the present embodiment, the call permission operation is set to press the call button 41 during the notification of the call request.

The remote control unit 38a of the bathroom remote controller 3a monitors the presence or absence of a call permission operation, and when the call permission operation is detected, transmits a call permission operation signal to the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom. The remote controller control unit 38b of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom determines that the call permission condition is satisfied when the call permission operation signal is received within a predetermined period after the determination request signal is transmitted.

When the remote control control unit 38b determines that the call permission condition is satisfied (Yes in step S4), voice via the external communication network 63 between the bathroom remote controller 3a and the communication terminal 61A that has transmitted the call request signal. Establish a communication connection that enables a call (step S5). The call between the bathroom remote controller 3a and the communication terminal 61A is established by mutual communication by VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state of each configuration when a voice call is possible between the bathroom remote controller and one communication terminal in the state of FIG. When a communication connection that enables voice communication is established between the bathroom remote control 3a and the communication terminal 61A, as shown in FIG. 5, the notification unit 31a of the bathroom remote control 3a and the call status display screen 72 of the communication terminal 61A are displayed. The fact that a call is in progress is displayed, and a call can be made between the user in the bathroom and the user who possesses the communication terminal 61A.

At this time, in the other communication terminal 61B, the application may be automatically terminated, or the call status display screen 72 may notify that the user in the bathroom is talking to another person. Similarly, the notification unit 31b of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom may end the notification regarding the call, or may notify that the user in the bathroom is talking to another person.

The remote controller control unit 38b of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom monitors the reception of the call stop signal from the bathroom remote controller 3a or the communication terminal 61A after the start of the call (step S6). When the call button 41 of the bathroom remote controller 3a during a call is pressed, the remote controller control unit 38a of the bathroom remote controller 3a transmits a call stop signal to the remote controller control unit 38b of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom. Similarly, when the call button 71 of the communication terminal 61A during a call is pressed, the communication terminal 61A transmits a call stop signal to the remote control unit 38b of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom.

When the remote control unit 38b receives the call stop signal (Yes in step S6), it executes a voice call completion process such as canceling the communication connection of the voice call, and ends the voice call (step S7). At this time, the management device 64 resets the call state stored in the storage unit 64a to the state without a call. Along with this, at each of the communication terminals 61A and 61B, the application is terminated or the application displays (reset) a predetermined home screen.

When the call permission condition is not satisfied in the condition determination process (step S4), the remote control control unit 38b determines whether or not the predetermined call termination condition is satisfied (step S8). When the remote control control unit 38b determines that the call end condition is satisfied (Yes in step S8), the remote control control unit 38b performs a call end process (step S9).

For example, the call end condition may be satisfied when the call period has elapsed. The ringing period may be set as an elapsed time after receiving the call request signal, or may be set as an elapsed time after transmitting the ringing signal. In addition to or instead of this, the call termination condition may be satisfied when the call button 71 is pressed again on the communication terminal 61A that made the call request.

The remote controller control unit 38b terminates the notification in the notification units 31a and 31b of the remote controllers 3a and 3b as the call termination process. Further, the remote controller control unit 38b transmits a notification end signal to end the notification in each of the communication terminals 61A and 61B.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the calling operation is performed on the bathroom remote control 3a, the calling signal is transmitted to the communication terminals 61A and 61B via the external communication network 63, and the communication terminal 61A , 61B can notify the call from the user in the bathroom. This makes it possible to call even a user who is not near the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom. Further, since the call can be made to a plurality of communication terminals 61A and 61B, the possibility of answering the call can be improved.

Further, when a user possessing the communication terminals 61A and 61B performs a call request operation to the communication terminals 61A and 61B in response to a call from a user in the bathroom, a call request is made to the control unit (remote control unit 38b). The signal is transmitted. Upon receiving the call request signal, the control unit determines whether or not the predetermined call permission condition is satisfied, and if it is determined that the call permission condition is satisfied, the control unit transmits the call request signal to the bathroom remote controller 3a. Voice communication is possible with the communication terminals 61A and 61B.

In this way, even if the call is made from the bathroom remote controller 3a, the user in the bathroom and the user outside the bathroom are used by determining the condition on the hot water supply device 10 side before starting the call with the external communication terminals 61A and 61B. Calls to and from can be appropriately initiated in consideration of the user's privacy in the bathroom.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the management device 64 relays the communication between the control unit (remote control unit 38b) and the bathroom remote controller 3a and the communication terminals 61A and 61B, the communication terminals 61A and 61B are in the bathroom such as outdoors. Even when located at a location away from the bathroom, signal transmission / reception between the control unit and the communication terminals 61A and 61B and a call between the user in the bathroom and the user outside the bathroom can be easily established via the management device 64. Can be done.

Further, in the present embodiment, the user in the bathroom performs a call permission operation, so that a call can be made between the user in the bathroom and the user outside the bathroom. Therefore, since the two parties can be started with the intention of the user in the bathroom to make a call, the privacy of the user in the bathroom can be appropriately protected.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the call operation is performed, the control unit performs a call notification with the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom and transmits a call signal to the communication terminals 61A and 61B. As a result, when the call operation is performed on the bathroom remote controller 3a, the call is notified not only by the communication terminals 61A and 61B but also by the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom. As a result, the call from the bathroom is notified in more places, so that the call from the bathroom is more likely to be answered, and the call between the user in the bathroom and the user outside the bathroom is started. You can save time.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the communication terminals 61A and 61B perform a call notification from the bathroom, the state of the bathroom is displayed on the display unit 70 together with the content of the call notification. Therefore, when the call from the bathroom is notified, the state in the bathroom can be grasped to some extent without making a call. This can be used as a reference for the degree of urgency when calling from the bathroom.

In the present embodiment, the mode of calling the bathroom remote controller 3b and the communication terminals 61A and 61B based on the call operation from the bathroom remote controller 3a has been described, but either the bathroom remote controller 3b or the communication terminals 61A or 61B has been described. It is also possible to call the bathroom remote controller 3a from above.

For example, when the call button 71 is pressed on the communication terminal 61A, the information is sent to the management device 64. In response to this, the management device 64 generates a call signal and transmits it to the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom. The subsequent flow can be described by replacing the call request signal with a call signal in the above description regarding the call processing when the call operation is performed from the bathroom remote controller 3a.

(Other embodiments)
From the above description, many improvements and other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description should be construed as an example only and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best aspects of carrying out the present invention. The details of its structure and / or function can be substantially changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, a mode in which a call permission operation is required for a call request signal from the communication terminals 61A and 61B is exemplified, but from the time when the call operation is performed until a predetermined first period elapses. May make the call permission operation unnecessary (omitted).

In this case, the control unit (remote control unit 38b of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom) measures the time after the calling operation is performed by a timer or the like built in the remote controller control unit 38b. When the call request signal is received, the control unit determines that the call permission condition is satisfied until the predetermined first period elapses after the call operation is performed, and after the first period elapses, the control unit determines that the call permission condition is satisfied. A predetermined call permission operation is permitted for the bathroom remote control 3a, and when the call permission operation is performed, it is determined that the call permission condition is satisfied.

According to this, after the first period elapses after the user in the bathroom performs the call operation, the user in the bathroom performs the call permission operation between the user in the bathroom and the user outside the bathroom. On the other hand, until the first period elapses, it is possible to make a call between the two without requiring a call permission operation. Therefore, from the time when the user in the bathroom performs the call operation until the first period elapses, the call operation itself is the intention of the user in the bathroom to make a call, and after the first period elapses, the intention of the user in the bathroom to make a call separately. This makes it possible to prevent the time and effort required for the user in the bathroom from increasing while starting the conversation between the two parties triggered by the intention of the user in the bathroom to make a call.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the call operation is performed, the call notification is performed by the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom and the call signal is transmitted to the communication terminals 61A and 61B. The call signal may be transmitted to the communication terminals 61A and 61B after the call notification is performed by the remote controller 3b.

Also in this case, the control unit (remote control unit 38b of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom) measures the time after the call operation is performed by a timer or the like built in the remote controller control unit 38b. When the call operation is performed, the control unit performs (starts) a call notification with the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom, and communicates after a predetermined second period has elapsed from the start of the call notification with the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom. A call signal is transmitted to the terminals 61A and 61B.

According to this, when the calling operation is performed by the bathroom remote controller 3a, the calling notification is first performed by the bathroom remote controller 3b, and then transmitted to the communication terminals 61A and 61B. As a result, a ringing signal is transmitted to the external communication terminals 61A and 61B when it is expected that there is no person near the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom or a person near the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom cannot answer. Unnecessary notifications to the communication terminals 61A and 61B can be reduced.

The notification of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom may be terminated when the second period elapses, or the call notification by the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom may be continued even after the elapse of the second period. Further, the communication terminal does not require the call permission operation until the predetermined first period elapses after the call operation is performed, and after the predetermined second period elapses after the call notification is performed by the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom. It may be combined with the mode of transmitting a call signal to 61A and 61B.

At this time, the second period may be set to the same period as the first period. In this case, the call permission operation is not required during the period (second period) in which only the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom can answer, and the call permission operation is required when a call is requested from the communication terminals 61A and 61B.

Alternatively, the second period may be set to a shorter period than the first period. In this case, after the period in which only the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom can answer (second period) elapses, the period in which the call permission operation is unnecessary (first period) ends. That is, there may be a case where the call permission operation is not required even when a call is requested from the communication terminals 61A and 61B.

Alternatively, the second period may be set to a longer period than the first period. In this case, after the period in which the call permission operation is not required (first period) elapses, the period in which only the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom can answer (second period) ends. That is, when a call is requested from the communication terminals 61A and 61B, a call permission operation may be required, and a call permission operation may be required even during a period in which only the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom can answer (before the lapse of the second period).

Further, in the present embodiment, the embodiment in which the calling operation is set to press the call button 41 of the bathroom remote controller 3a is exemplified, but in addition to or in place of this, another operation may be performed. It may be set for a call operation. For example, the bathroom remote controller 3a may include an emergency call button (not shown) in addition to the call button 41.

In this case, even when the emergency button is pressed, the call signal is transmitted to the communication terminals 61A and 61B in the same manner as when the call button 41 is pressed. However, the bathroom status display screens 73 of the communication terminals 61A and 61B that have received the call signal based on the emergency button operation may be notified that the emergency button is urgent (the emergency button has been pressed). Further, when a call request is made from the communication terminals 61A and 61B for the call signal based on the emergency button operation, the remote controller control unit 38b of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom is assumed to satisfy the call permission condition (or the condition). A communication connection may be established that enables voice communication between the bathroom remote controller 3a and the communication terminals 61A and 61B (without making a determination).

In addition, the control unit determines whether or not the predetermined calling condition is satisfied based on the room entry information, and if the calling condition is satisfied, the control unit pretends that the calling operation has been performed (automatically performs the calling operation). ) A ringing signal may be transmitted. For example, the calling condition is satisfied when the time after entering the bathroom or the bathtub is equal to or longer than the reference time.

Further, in the above embodiment, the embodiment in which the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom functions as a relay device for communication connection with the router 62 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the bathroom remote controller 3a may function as a relay device, or a relay device may be provided separately from these remote controllers 3a and 3b. That is, in the above embodiment, the configuration in which the external communication unit 39 is provided on the bathroom remote controller 3b is illustrated, but instead, the external communication unit 39 controls the bathroom remote controller 3a, the hot water supply device main body 2, and the control. It may be provided in the relay device connected to the device 8 or the communication line 5.

Further, in the above embodiment, the configuration including one remote controller 3b outside the bathroom is exemplified, but a plurality of remote controllers 3b outside the bathroom may be provided. In this case, any one of the plurality of remote controllers 3b outside the bathroom may function as a relay device. Further, the number of communication terminals corresponding to one hot water supply device 10 is not limited to two in the above embodiment, and may be one or three or more.

Further, in the above embodiment, the communication terminals 61A and 61B exemplify a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, but the present invention is not limited to this. The communication terminals 61A and 61B may be stationary communication terminals. For example, the communication terminals 61A and 61B may be personal computers, smart speakers capable of voice operation input, or electronic devices such as smart televisions capable of communicating with an external communication network 63. It may be.

Further, in the above embodiment, the Internet is exemplified as the external communication network 63, but the external communication network 63 is based on a predetermined communication standard capable of communicating with the relay device of the hot water supply device 10, regardless of whether it is wired communication or wireless communication. It is not particularly limited as long as it is a communication network. For example, the ECHONET Lite (registered trademark) standard or the like can be used as the external communication network 63. In this case, a communication adapter dedicated to the communication standard is provided as a relay device. Further, as the communication terminals 61A and 61B, a controller (HEMS controller or the like) capable of collectively operating a plurality of equipment (air conditioner, lighting equipment, household power generation equipment, etc.) can be adopted.

Further, in the above embodiment, the embodiment in which the communication terminals 61A and 61B communicate with the hot water supply device 10 (remote control unit 38b of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom) via the management device 64 is exemplified, but the mode is illustrated without the control device 64. You may communicate with. For example, the communication terminals 61A and 61B may be connected to the router 62 by wireless LAN, and the communication terminals 61A and 61B and the hot water supply device 10 may be paired via the router 62.

In other words, the management device 64 does not have to be a server device. For example, the management device 64 may be provided in the hot water supply device 10. For example, the management device 64 may be configured as one of the control blocks in the control device 8. Further, the management device 64 may be provided on the remote controllers 3a and 3b. Further, when a relay device is separately provided, it may be provided in the relay device. In these cases, the control unit (main control unit 4, remote control control units 38a, 38b) is communicatively connected to the management device 64 without going through the external communication network 63. Further, the external communication network 63 for communicating and connecting the management device 64 and the communication terminals 61A and 61B may be a LAN.

Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which the remote control unit 38b of the remote controller 3b outside the bathroom operates as the main body of the call processing (generates a call signal, performs condition determination processing, etc.) is shown, but the main control unit 4 or the bathroom The remote control unit 38a of the remote control 3a may operate as the main body of call processing. Alternatively, when a relay device is separately provided, the control unit of the relay device may operate as the main body of the call processing. Alternatively, instead of any one of the main control unit 4, the remote control unit 38a, 38b, or the control unit of the relay device collectively acting as the main body of the call processing, a plurality of control units cooperate to perform the call processing. good.

From the above, the "control unit" in the claims may be the main control unit 4, the remote control units 38a, 38b of any of the remote controllers 3a, 3b, or a separate relay device. When provided, it may be a control unit of a relay device, or may be composed of some or all of them.

Further, in the above embodiment, the storage unit 64a has been described as storing the current call state, but in addition to or instead of this, the past call history may be stored. Further, it may be possible to view the call history from the communication terminals 61A and 61B.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful for a user outside the bathroom to respond appropriately to a call from a user in the bathroom to appropriately start a call.

1 Hot water supply system 3a Bathroom remote controller 3b Outside bathroom remote controller 4 Main control unit (control unit)
10 Water heaters 38a, 38b Remote control unit (control unit)
61A, 61B Communication terminal 63 External communication network 64 Management device

Claims (6)

In a hot water supply device equipped with a bathroom remote controller and a control unit provided in the bathroom
The control unit is connected to a pre-registered external communication terminal so as to be able to communicate with each other via an external communication network.
The bathroom remote controller is configured to be capable of a predetermined calling operation.
The control unit
When the calling operation is performed, a calling signal is transmitted to the communication terminal to perform the calling operation.
When a call request signal transmitted based on a call request operation to the communication terminal that has received the call signal is received, it is determined whether or not the predetermined call permission condition is satisfied.
When it is determined that the call permission condition is satisfied, a communication connection is established between the bathroom remote controller and the communication terminal that has transmitted the call request signal to enable voice communication via the external communication network. Hot water supply device. The first aspect of claim 1 is that the control unit determines that the call permission condition is satisfied when the call request signal is received and a predetermined call permission operation is performed on the bathroom remote controller. The hot water supply device described. When the call request signal is received, the control unit determines that the call permission condition is satisfied until the predetermined first period elapses after the call operation is performed, and the first period. The first aspect of claim 1, wherein after the lapse of time, it is determined that the call permission condition is satisfied when the call request signal is received and the predetermined call permission operation for the bathroom remote control is performed. Hot water supply device. The hot water supply device includes an out-of-bathroom remote controller provided outside the bathroom.
The hot water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit performs a call notification by the remote controller outside the bathroom and transmits the call signal to the communication terminal when the call operation is performed. .. The hot water supply device includes an out-of-bathroom remote controller provided outside the bathroom.
When the call operation is performed, the control unit performs a call notification by the remote controller outside the bathroom, and after a predetermined second period has elapsed from the start of the call notification by the remote controller outside the bathroom, the communication terminal. The hot water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which transmits the call signal to the user. The hot water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
A management device for communication connection between the control unit and the external communication network is provided.
The management device is a hot water supply system in which communication is connected to the communication terminal via the external communication network.

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