JP2023015929A - Hot water supply system, server, and hot water supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a hot water supply system, a server, and a hot water supply device that cause an overdue use charge to be paid by a user easily.SOLUTION: A hot water supply system 1 includes a hot water supply device 10 that can be used when a use charge is paid and a server 50 that can communicate with the hot water supply device 10 through an external communication network 40. The server 50 includes a limitation request transmission part 501a for transmitting a limitation request for causing the hot water supply device 10 to execute a hot water supply operation with its function limited, to the hot water supply device 10 in which the use charge is overdue. The server 50 further includes a stop request transmission part 501b for transmitting a stop request for causing the hot water supply device 10 to stop execution of the hot water supply operation with its function limited, to the hot water supply device 10 in which the overdue use charge is paid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

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

In recent years, a subscription business (leasing business) for water heaters has been developed. In this subscription business, the water heater can be used by paying a monthly usage fee to the business owner.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200002 describes a facility management system in which a server that can communicate with a rented (leased) hot water supply apparatus or the like via a network is used to manage the equipment.

Japanese Patent No. 4141769

It is conceivable that the user will be in arrears with the usage fee for the leased water heater. In this way, if the usage fee is not properly paid by the user, the business owner cannot obtain a proper profit, which may make it difficult to proceed smoothly with the subscription business.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a hot water supply system, a server, and a hot water supply apparatus that make it easier for a user to pay a delinquent usage fee.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a hot water supply system including a hot water supply apparatus that can be used by paying a usage fee, and a server that can communicate with the water supply apparatus via an external communication network. In the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the server transmits a restriction request to the water heater for which the usage fee is in arrears to allow the water heater to perform the hot water supply operation with its function restricted. A request transmission unit is provided.

According to the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the server transmits a restriction request to the hot water supply device whose usage fee is in arrears, and based on the restriction request, the hot water supply device performs the hot water supply operation with its functions restricted. It will be in a state to do. For this reason, the user is likely to pay the delinquent usage fee due to the user's feeling of inconvenience. Moreover, since the hot water supply operation itself is continuously performed, the user is unlikely to be greatly confused.

In the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the hot water supply device may be configured to include an input unit for receiving an input for setting a hot water supply temperature in hot water supply operation, and a function limiter. In this case, the function limiting unit may be configured to change the hot water supply temperature set by the input to the input unit based on the reception of the limit request, and fix the changed temperature. .

According to the above configuration, in the hot water supply device whose usage fee is in arrears, the hot water supply temperature in the hot water supply operation is changed as a state where the function is restricted, and the temperature is fixed at the changed temperature. People find it difficult to obtain hot water at a desired temperature and feel inconvenience. This makes it easier for the user to pay the delinquent usage fee.

In the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the hot water supply device may be configured to include a function limiter. In this case, the function limiting unit may be configured to reduce the flow rate of discharged hot water during the hot water supply operation based on the reception of the limitation request.

According to the above configuration, in the hot water supply device whose usage fee is in arrears, the function is restricted, and the flow rate of discharged hot water during the hot water supply operation is reduced, so that it is difficult for the user to obtain hot water at a desired flow rate. , feel inconvenient. This makes it easier for the user to pay the delinquent usage fee.

In the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the server causes the water heater for which the delinquent usage fee has been paid to stop the water heater from performing the hot water supply operation with the functions restricted. The configuration may further include a stop request transmission unit that transmits the request.

According to the above configuration, when the delinquent usage fee is paid, the water heater returns to a state in which the hot water supply operation is not performed in a state where the function is restricted, so that the user can use the water heater as usual. It becomes possible.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a hot water supply system including a hot water supply apparatus that can be used by paying a usage fee, and a server that can communicate with the water supply apparatus via an external communication network. In the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the hot water supply device includes an input unit that receives an input for setting a hot water supply temperature in a hot water supply operation, and a temperature setting unit that sets the hot water supply temperature based on the input received by the input unit. ,including. The server includes a change command transmission unit that transmits a temperature change command for changing the temperature of the hot water supply to the water heater for which the usage fee is in arrears. The temperature setting unit changes the hot water supply temperature set by the input to the input unit based on the temperature change command.

According to the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the temperature change command is transmitted from the server to the hot water supply device whose usage fee is in arrears, whereby the hot water supply temperature in the hot water supply operation is set by the input to the input unit. changed from the temperature For this reason, the user finds it difficult to obtain hot water at a desired temperature, which is inconvenient. This makes it easier for the user to pay the delinquent usage fee.

In the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the temperature setting unit may be configured to transmit a temperature setting notification to the server when the hot water supply temperature is set by an input to the input unit. In this case, the change command transmission unit may be configured to transmit the temperature change command to the water heater each time it receives the temperature setting notification from the water heater for which the usage fee is in arrears.

According to the above configuration, every time the temperature of hot water to be supplied is set by an input to the input unit, the temperature of hot water to be supplied is changed by transmitting a temperature change command from the server in the hot water supply device whose usage fee is in arrears. Substantially, the setting of the hot water supply temperature by the input to the input section is prohibited. As a result, the user is more likely to feel inconvenient, and the user is more likely to pay the delinquent charge.

In the above configuration, the change command transmission unit is configured to end transmission of the temperature change command based on the temperature setting notification to the water heater to which the delinquent usage fee has been paid. can be

With such a configuration, when the delinquent usage fee is paid, the transmission of the temperature change command from the server based on the temperature setting notification is completed, and the hot water supply device sets the hot water temperature according to the input to the input unit. Get back to being able. This allows the user to use the hot water supply apparatus as usual.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to a water heater that can be used by paying a usage fee, and a server that can communicate with the server via an external communication network. The server according to this aspect includes a restriction request transmission unit configured to transmit a restriction request to the water heater for which the usage fee is in arrears so as to cause the water heater to perform the hot water supply operation with its functions restricted. .

According to the server according to this aspect, the same effects as in the first aspect can be obtained.

A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a water heater that can be used by paying a usage fee, and a server that can communicate with the water heater via an external communication network. The hot water supply device includes an input unit that receives an input for setting a hot water supply temperature in hot water supply operation. The server includes a change command transmission unit configured to transmit a temperature change command for forcibly changing the hot water temperature set by the input to the input unit to the water heater for which the usage fee is in arrears. Prepare.

According to the server according to this aspect, the same effects as those of the second aspect can be obtained.

A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a water heater that is communicably connected to a server via an external communication network and that can be used by paying a usage fee. The server includes a limit request transmission unit that transmits a limit request to the hot water supply apparatus for which the usage fee is in arrears. The hot water supply device includes a function limiting unit that performs processing for causing the hot water supply device to perform a hot water supply operation in a state where the functions of the hot water supply device are limited based on the reception of the limitation request.

For example, the processing of the function limiting unit may include processing to change the hot water supply temperature in the hot water supply operation set by the user and fix it at the changed temperature, or processing to reduce the hot water flow rate during the hot water supply operation.

According to the hot water supply apparatus according to this aspect, the same effects as those of the first aspect can be obtained.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hot water supply system, a server, and a hot water supply apparatus that make it easier for a user to pay a delinquent usage fee.

The effects and significance of the present invention will become clearer from the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the embodiment shown below is merely one example of the implementation of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a hot water supply system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing configurations of a bathroom remote controller and a kitchen remote controller, respectively, according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing circuit blocks 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 piping of the water heater according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the control unit of the server in order to execute the function of coping with non-payment of usage fees according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing processing performed in the control unit of the kitchen remote control of the hot water supply apparatus in order to execute the function of coping with non-payment of usage charges according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7(a) is a flow chart showing processing performed in the control unit of the kitchen remote control and the control unit of the bathroom remote control of the hot water supply apparatus in order to execute the function of coping with the delinquency of usage charges according to the first embodiment. . FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing processing performed in the control unit of the water heater of the water heater in order to execute the function of coping with non-payment of usage charges according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9(a) is a flowchart showing processing performed by the control unit of the kitchen remote controller and the control unit of the bathroom remote controller of the hot water supply apparatus in order to execute the function of coping with non-payment of the usage fee according to the first embodiment. . FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of devices constituting a hot water supply system according to Modification 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the control unit of the server in order to execute the function of coping with non-payment of the usage fee according to Modification 1. FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of each device constituting the hot water supply system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed in the control unit of the server in order to execute the function of coping with non-payment of usage fees according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14(a) is a flowchart showing temperature forced change processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14(b) is a flow chart showing a process performed by the controller of the water heater of the water heater in order to execute the function of coping with non-payment of usage charges according to the second embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG.

In the present embodiment, a business model for leasing the hot water supply apparatus 10 to the user is constructed in the hot water supply system 1 . The leased water heating apparatus 10 is managed by the server 50 .

Water heater 10 transmits usage status information regarding the usage status of water heater 10 to server 50 via external communication network 40 . Server 50 calculates the charge for using water heater 10 based on the received usage information. The usage information is, for example, the usage time (operating time) and the number of times of usage (number of times of operation) of hot water supply apparatus 10, and the usage fee increases as the usage time and the number of times of use increase. The usage fee is calculated, for example, at the end of each month. Billing information including the calculated usage fee can be transmitted to mobile terminal device 30 associated with water heater 10 . The user can confirm billing information of hot water supply device 10 via portable terminal device 30 . Billing information may be sent to a fixed terminal such as a stationary personal computer.

Further, hot water supply system 1 has a function of coping with delinquency in payment of the usage fee in order to prevent continued use of hot water supply device 10 in a state in which payment of the usage fee is in arrears.

When the leased hot water supply device 10 is in arrears in payment of usage charges, server 50 transmits notification information to the delinquent water heating device 10 . When the notification information is received, hot water supply apparatus 10 performs notification prompting the user to pay the usage fee in arrears. The content of the notification includes the due date for payment. If the usage fee is not paid by the due date, server 50 transmits a restriction request to target hot water supply device 10 . When hot water supply apparatus 10 receives the restriction request, hot water supply operation is performed in a state in which functions are restricted (for example, in a state in which a change in the setting of hot water supply temperature is prohibited). This makes it difficult for the user to use water heater 10 until the user pays the delinquent usage fee.

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

The water heater 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 a fuel. That is, the water heater 10 is a combustion-type water heater that heats water with combustion gas generated by burning gas fuel. Water heater 10 may be a combustion-type water heater that heats water with combustion gas generated by burning oil fuel.

The hot water generated by the water heater 11 is supplied to a kitchen faucet, a bathtub, a faucet, and the like. Hot water is supplied from the water heater 11 to each device (heating terminal) that realizes the floor heating function, the room heating function, and the bathroom heating function.

Remote controllers 12 and 13 are connected to water heater 11 and used to perform various settings and execution instructions for each function of water heater 10 . The remote controller 12 has a display unit 121 made up of a liquid crystal panel and an input unit 122 , and the remote controller 13 has a display input unit 131 made up 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 arbitrarily set hot water filling, hot water supply temperature adjustment, and the like. In addition, the operator can also set hot water filling and the like by operating the display input unit 131 .

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

2(a) and 2(b) 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 has an operation button 122a, an automatic bath button 122b, a reheating button 122c, a hot water supply temperature setting button 122d, a bath temperature setting button 122e, and a call button 122f. included.

The operation button 122a is a button for switching the water heater 11 between an operation-on state and an operation-off state. In the operation ON state, when a hot water supply valve such as a tap is opened to generate water flow of a reference flow rate or more, the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply function is started, the water heater 11 performs a combustion operation, and the generated hot water is discharged to a tap. supplied to Therefore, it can be said that the operation button 122a is a button for executing the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply function.

The automatic bath button 122b is a button for executing the hot water supply operation of the automatic bath function that maintains the temperature of the hot water after filling the bathtub with hot water. The reheating button 122c is a button for executing the hot water supply operation of the reheating function of reheating hot water in the bathtub. The automatic bath function is a combination of a hot water supply function for supplying hot water into the bathtub and a reheating function for reheating the hot water in the bathtub to maintain the hot water temperature.

The hot water supply temperature setting button 122d is a button for setting the hot water supply temperature, which is the temperature of the hot water supplied to the caller or the like by the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply function. The bath temperature setting button 122e is a button for setting the bath temperature, which is the temperature of hot water stored in the bathtub. In the hot water supply operation of the automatic function, the bath temperature can also be said to be the hot water supply temperature when hot water is supplied to the bathtub by the hot water supply function.

The call button 122f is a button for executing a call function of making a call between the bathroom remote controller 12 and the kitchen remote controller 13. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the display input unit 131 of the kitchen remote controller 13 has soft buttons displayed on the screen, such as a bath auto button 131a, a reheating button 131b, a hot water supply temperature setting button 131c, and a bath temperature setting button. Button 131d, call button 131e, floor heating button 131f, room heating button 131g and bathroom heating button 131h are included. The operation button 132, the automatic bath button 131a, the reheating button 131b, the hot water temperature setting button 131c, the bath temperature setting button 131d, and the call button 131e are the operation button 122a, the automatic bath button 122b, the reheating button 122c, and the hot water temperature setting, respectively. This button has the same function as the button 122d, the bath temperature setting button 122e and the call button 122f. The floor heating button 131f is a button for executing the hot water supply operation of the floor heating function of supplying hot water to the floor heater to heat the floor. The indoor heating button 131g is a button for executing the hot water supply operation of the 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 the hot water supply operation of the bathroom heating function of supplying hot water to the bathroom ventilation/drying/heating machine to heat the bathroom. The bathroom heating function includes heating for drying laundry, that is, bathroom drying.

The operation button 132 is a button for switching the water heater 11 between an operation-on state and an operation-off state.

When bathroom remote controller 12 and kitchen remote controller 13 are in the operation OFF state, display unit 121 and display input unit 131 are in the off state, and operations of operation buttons 122b to 122f and 131a to 131h other than operation buttons 122a and 132 are not accepted. do not have. When the operation buttons 122a and 132 are operated to turn on the operation, 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.

Returning to FIG. 1, the router 20 is a communication repeater for connecting each device existing inside the building (here, the home H10) to the external communication network 40. FIG. 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. FIG. The mobile terminal device 30 is, for example, a mobile phone. In addition, the portable terminal device 30 may be another portable terminal device such as a portable tablet terminal. External communication network 40 is, for example, the Internet.

A server 50 for managing water heater 10 is connected to external communication network 40 . Kitchen remote controller 13 communicates with server 50 via router 20 and external communication network 40 .

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

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. Furthermore, 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 .

Also, 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, address information (email address) of e-mails that can be received by the mobile terminal device 30 is registered as the address information of the mobile terminal device 30 . Server 50 uses this address information as a destination address to transmit billing information for water heater 10 (kitchen remote control 13 ) associated with mobile terminal device 30 .

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a circuit block of each device that constitutes the hot water supply system 1. As shown in FIG.

Water heater 11 includes control unit 111 , storage unit 112 , communication unit 113 , and detection unit 114 . The control unit 111 has 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 has a memory and stores a predetermined control program.

In this embodiment, the control program stored in the storage unit 112 provides the control unit 111 with the function of the function restriction unit 111a. As will be described later, upon receiving a request for restriction from server 50, function restriction unit 111a performs function restriction processing for causing water heater 10 to perform hot water supply operation with its functions restricted. Specifically, function limiting unit 111a changes the hot water supply temperature set by an input to input unit 122 (hot water supply temperature setting button 122d) or display input unit 131 (hot water supply temperature setting button 131c) as function limiting processing. , fixed at the changed temperature. Further, the function limiting unit 111a reduces the flow rate of discharged hot water during the hot water supply operation as function limiting processing.

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

The detection unit 114 includes various sensors arranged on 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 water heater 11. As shown in FIG.

The water heater 11 includes a first supply section 210 and a second supply section 220 inside a housing 200 forming its outer shell. For the hot water supply function, the first supply unit 210 generates hot water for hot water supply 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 heating functions including floor heating, room heating, and bathroom heating. Furthermore, the second supply unit 220 generates hot water for reheating and supplies it to the bathtub for the reheating function.

Further, the housing 200 accommodates a can body 250 forming a combustion chamber and a fan 260 for supplying combustion air to the inside of the can body 250 . An exhaust port 251 of the can body 250 is led to the outside from the upper surface of the housing 200 .

The first supply section 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 water flowing through the water inlet pipe 214 . The water inlet pipe 214 is supplied with water from a water source. Hot water generated by heat exchange in primary heat exchanger 211 and secondary heat exchanger 212 is discharged from hot water discharge pipe 215 . The discharged hot water is supplied to the kitchen and bathroom drains and the bathtub.

A bypass pipe 216 is provided between the water inlet pipe 214 and the hot water outlet pipe 215 . A flow control valve 217 controlled by the controller 111 is installed in the bypass pipe 216 . When the flow 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 hot water flowing through the hot water discharge pipe 215 is mixed with water to adjust the temperature of the hot water. The temperature of the hot water can also be adjusted by adjusting the flow rate of hot water flowing through the water inlet pipe 214 and the hot water outlet pipe 215 by means of a flow control valve 218 provided in the hot water outlet pipe 215 . A flow control valve 218 may be provided in the water inlet pipe 214 .

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

Flow paths 271a and 271b are connected to combustors 213 and 223, respectively. When the source gas solenoid valve 272 is opened, fuel gas is supplied to the combustors 213 and 223 at a flow rate defined by the proportional valves 273 and 274 . Thereby, the combustors 213 and 223 perform combustion with a predetermined combustion amount.

The second supply section 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 respectively recover heat from the combustion gas generated in the combustor 223 and heat the water flowing through the circulation pipes 234 and 233 .

As for the heating function, the hot water discharged from the circulation pipe 231 is supplied to the heating terminals that require hot water of relatively high temperature (for example, about 80° C.), ie, the indoor heater and the bathroom ventilating/drying/heating device. The hot water discharged from the circulation pipe 232 is supplied to a heating terminal, ie, a floor heater, which requires hot water at a relatively low temperature (for example, about 60°C). Hot water circulating through these heating terminals is returned to the circulation pipe 233 . That is, the flow pipes 231, 232, 233, the pipes connecting these flow pipes and the heating terminals, and the flow pipes 234, 235 constitute the circulation path between the heating terminals.

An expansion tank 236 and a pump 237 are installed to circulate hot water between the heating channel and the heating terminal. When the pump 237 is driven by the controller 111 , the hot water in the expansion tank 236 is introduced into each heating terminal through the circulation pipes 231 and 232 , and the hot water that has passed through each heating terminal is introduced into the circulation pipe 233 . returned. The hot water returned to the flow pipe 233 is 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 circulation pipe 232 . Also, the low-temperature hot water stored in the expansion tank 236 is circulated through the circulation pipe 234 to the primary heat exchanger 221 and heated to high-temperature hot water. After that, the hot water is supplied to the high temperature heating terminal through the circulation pipe 231 . At this time, the flow control valve 238 installed in the flow pipe 235 is appropriately opened by the controller 111 . Thereby, the low-temperature hot water in the expansion tank 236 is mixed with the high-temperature hot water flowing through the circulation pipe 231, and the temperature of the hot water discharged from the circulation pipe 231 is adjusted. 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 circulation pipes 231 and 232 are provided with on-off valves (not shown). When hot water is supplied only to the high-temperature heating terminals, the on-off valve of the low-temperature circulation pipe 232 is closed to supply hot water only to the low-temperature heating terminals. is supplied, the on-off valve of the high-temperature circulation pipe 231 is closed.

As for the reheating function, the hot water discharged from the circulation pipe 241 is supplied to the bathtub and then returned from the bathtub to the circulation pipe 243 . In other words, the flow pipes 241 and 242 and the pipes connecting these flow pipes and the bathtub constitute a circulation path to the bathtub. A pump 244 for circulating hot water between the circulation pipe 242 and the bathtub is installed. Furthermore, a liquid-liquid heat exchanger 245 for exchanging heat with hot water flowing through the circulation pipe 243 is installed in the circulation pipe 242 .

During reheating, the control unit 111 opens the on-off valve 246 while the pump 237 is driven by the control unit 111 . As a result, the hot water heated by the primary heat exchanger 221 flows through the circulation pipe 243 , and the liquid-liquid heat exchanger 245 heats and raises the temperature of the hot water flowing through the circulation pipe 242 . 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 circulation pipes 241 and 242 is heated by the liquid-liquid heat exchanger 245, so that the hot water in the bathtub is reheated.

In addition, various sensors are installed in the housing 200 for executing the operation of supplying hot water. That is, seven thermistors S 1 to S 7 (temperature sensors) are installed inside the housing 200 .

Thermistor S1 detects the temperature of hot water just before it is discharged from hot water outlet pipe 215, and thermistor S2 detects the temperature of hot water flowing through hot water outlet pipe 215 near the outlet of boiler body 250 as the hot water supply temperature. Thermistors S3 and S4 detect the temperature of hot water just before it is discharged from the distribution pipes 231 and 232 to each heating terminal, and thermistor S5 detects the temperature of the hot water returned from each heating terminal to the distribution pipe 233. do. Thermistor S6 detects the temperature of hot water just before it is discharged from circulation pipe 241 to the bathtub, and thermistor S7 detects the temperature of hot water returned to circulation pipe 242 from the bathtub.

In addition, a flow rate sensor S8 for detecting the flow rate of hot water flowing through hot water outlet pipe 215 is installed in housing 200 . In the operation ON state, the control unit 111 operates the first supply unit 210 when the flow rate sensor S8 detects a flow rate equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. As a result, the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply function is started.

Thermistors S1 to S7 and flow sensor S8 are included in detection unit 114 in FIG.

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

The control unit 123 has a microcomputer and performs predetermined control according to a program stored in the storage unit 124 . The storage unit 124 has a memory and stores a predetermined control program.

Communication unit 125 communicates with water heater 11 and kitchen remote control 13 under the control of control unit 123 .

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

Kitchen remote controller 13 includes display input unit 131 and operation button 132 described above, as well as control unit 133 , storage unit 134 , communication unit 135 , microphone 136 , speaker 137 , and wireless communication unit 138 .

The control unit 133 has a microcomputer and performs predetermined control according to a program stored in the storage unit 134 . The storage unit 134 has a memory and stores a predetermined control program. Communication unit 135 communicates with water heater 11 and bathroom remote control 12 under the control of control unit 133 .

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

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

In this embodiment, in the bathroom remote controller 12 and the kitchen remote controller 13, the control programs stored in the storage units 124 and 134 give the control units 123 and 133 the functions of the notification processing units 123a and 133a. In the kitchen remote controller 13, the control program stored in the storage unit 134 gives the control unit 133 the function of the notification mode setting unit 133b. The notification mode setting unit 133b sets the notification mode based on the reception of notification information from the server 50, as will be described later. As will be described later, the notification processing units 123a and 133a instruct the display unit 121 and the display input unit 131, which are notification units, to pay the usage fee based on the establishment of a predetermined notification condition while the notification mode is set. Make a prompt notification.

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

In this embodiment, the control program stored in the storage unit 502 controls the functions of the restriction request transmission unit 501a, the function of the stop request transmission unit 501b, the function of the notification information transmission unit 501c, and the notification cancellation information transmission unit 501d. functions are given to the control unit 501 .

As will be described later, restriction request transmission unit 501a restricts water heating apparatus 10 to water heating apparatus 10 for which the usage fee is in arrears and for which the usage fee has not been paid by the due date. 10 transmits a restriction request to perform the hot water supply operation with the function restricted.

As will be described later, the stop request transmitting unit 501b sends a stop request to the water heater 10 to which the delinquent usage fee has been paid, to stop the water heater 10 from performing the hot water supply operation with its function restricted. to send.

As will be described later, the notification information transmitting unit 501c provides notification information for causing the display unit 121 or the like of the water heating device 10, for which the usage fee is in arrears, to perform notification prompting payment of the usage fee. to send.

Notification cancellation information transmitting unit 501d transmits cancellation information for canceling the notification mode to hot water supply device 10 for which payment of the delinquent usage fee has been made, as will be described later.

Hot water supply system 1 has a function of coping with non-payment of usage charges in order to prevent continued use of hot water supply apparatus 10 in a state where usage charges are delinquent.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the processing performed in the control unit 501 of the server 50 in order to execute the function of dealing with non-payment of usage fees. This processing is executed by the functions of the restriction request transmission unit 501a, the stop request transmission unit 501b, the notification information transmission unit 501c, and the notification cancellation information transmission unit 501d shown in FIG.

The control unit 501 monitors whether delinquency information indicating that the usage fee has been delinquent has been acquired (S101). In addition, the control unit 501 monitors whether or not payment information indicating that the delinquent usage fee has been paid has been acquired (S102). In addition, control unit 501 monitors whether or not water heater 10 has exceeded the due date for payment of the delinquent usage fee (S103).

When the usage fee is in arrears, a server (not shown) that manages the collection of the usage fee transmits delinquency information to the server 50 via the external communication network 40 . Further, when the payment of the delinquent usage fee is completed, the payment information is transmitted from the server to the server 50 . The non-payment information and the payment information include ID information of the water heater 10 (kitchen remote control 13) so that the target water heater 10 can be specified. In addition, the delinquency information includes the payment due date. The delinquency information and payment information may be transmitted from a terminal device such as a personal computer connected to the server 50 via a LAN or the like, or may be directly input to the server 50 from an input unit such as a keyboard.

The storage unit 502 of the server 50 stores the payment date extracted from the delinquency information in association with the ID information. The control unit 501 can determine whether or not the payment due date has passed by referring to the payment due date stored in the storage unit 502 . Overdue information may be received from a server that manages usage fee collection to determine if the payment due date has passed. In this case, the excess information includes the ID information of the water heater 10 whose due date has passed.

When the delinquency information is acquired (S101: YES), control unit 501 identifies the water heater 10 whose usage fee is in arrears from the ID information included in the delinquency information, and notifies the water heater 10 of the usage fee. Notification information is transmitted for notification to prompt payment (S104). For example, the notification information can be a notification request requesting notification. In this case, the payment due date is added to the notification request. Alternatively, the notification information may be notification data such as image data, text data, or voice data that prompts the user to pay the usage fee (including the due date for payment).

As will be described later, hot water supply apparatus 10 sets a notification mode based on reception of notification information, and appropriately issues a notification prompting payment of a usage fee during the notification mode.

When control unit 501 acquires the payment information (S102: YES), control unit 501 identifies water heating apparatus 10 for which the usage fee has been paid from the ID information included in the payment information, and confirms the payment due date in storage unit 502 for water heating apparatus 10. is referred to, it is determined whether or not it is within the payment deadline (S105).

If the payment is within the payment deadline (S105: YES), control unit 501 transmits cancellation information for canceling the notification mode to water heater 10 that has already paid (S106). For example, the release information can be a release request requesting release. Alternatively, the cancellation information can be a payment completion notification that notifies that payment of the usage fee has been completed.

As will be described later, in hot water supply apparatus 10, the notification mode is canceled based on the reception of the cancellation information, and the notification prompting payment of the usage fee is no longer performed.

As will be described later, when the due date for payment is overdue, water heater 10 executes a function restriction process based on a restriction request from server 50 to cause water heater 10 to perform hot water supply operation with its functions restricted. . Therefore, when control unit 501 determines that the payment is not within the payment deadline (the payment deadline has passed) (S105: NO), control unit 501 changes the function of water heating device 10 for which payment has been completed to water heating device 10 to a state where the function is restricted. A stop request is transmitted to stop the execution of the hot water supply operation, that is, to cancel the restriction by the function restriction processing (S107).

As will be described later, in hot water supply apparatus 10, the restriction due to the function restriction processing is canceled based on the reception of the stop request, and the hot water supply operation can be performed as usual.

When there is a water heater 10 whose payment due date for the delinquent usage fee has passed (S103: YES), control unit 501 transmits a restriction request to water heater 10 whose payment due date has passed (S108).

As will be described later, hot water supply apparatus 10 executes function restriction processing based on the reception of the restriction request, and water supply apparatus 10 performs the hot water supply operation with the function restricted.

Further, control unit 501 transmits cancellation information for canceling the notification mode to water heater 10 whose payment date has passed (S109). As a result, the notification mode is canceled in hot water supply apparatus 10 .

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing processing performed in control unit 133 of kitchen remote control 13 of hot water supply apparatus 10 in order to execute the function of coping with delinquency of usage charges. This processing is processing for setting and canceling the notification mode, and is executed by the function of the notification mode setting unit 133b in FIG.

The control unit 133 monitors whether or not notification information has been received from the server 50 (S201). When water heater 10 is in arrears of usage charges, notification information is transmitted to water heater 10 by the process of step S104 in FIG. When receiving the notification information (S201: YES), the control unit 133 sets a notification mode in which a notification prompting payment of the usage fee is performed (S202).

Next, the control unit 133 monitors whether or not information for canceling the notification mode has been received from the server 50 (S203). When the delinquent usage fee is paid, cancellation information is transmitted to water heater 10 by the process of step S106 in FIG. Further, when the due date for payment of the delinquent usage fee has passed, cancellation information is transmitted to water heater 10 by the process of step S109 in FIG. When receiving the cancellation information (S203: YES), the control unit 133 cancels the notification mode (S204).

FIG. 7(a) is a flow chart showing processing performed in control unit 133 of kitchen remote controller 13 and control unit 123 of bathroom remote controller 12 of water heater 10 in order to execute the function of dealing with delinquency of usage charges. This process is a notification process for performing a notification prompting payment of the usage fee. The notification process by the kitchen remote controller 13 is executed by the function of the notification processing unit 133a in FIG. , is executed by the function of the notification processing unit 123a in FIG.

The notification processing executed by the kitchen remote controller 13 will be described below, but the notification processing executed by the bathroom remote controller 12 is the same.

When the notification mode is set by the process of FIG. 6, the notification process of FIG. 7(a) is started.

The control unit 133 monitors whether or not a predetermined notification condition is satisfied (S301). For example, the notification condition can be that the operation button 132 and the operation buttons 131a to 131h displayed on the display input unit 131 have been pressed. In addition, the notification condition may be that the hot water supply operation of each function such as the hot water supply function is started. If the notification is made at regular time intervals, the notification condition may be that a certain period of time has elapsed. The number of notification conditions may be one or plural.

When a notification condition is established, for example, when a button operation of the kitchen remote control 13 is performed (S301: YES), the control unit 133 displays a notification screen 610 on the display input unit 131 as a notification unit as a notification prompting payment of the usage fee. is displayed (S302). A user who sees the notification screen 610 can recognize that payment is required because the usage fee is in arrears.

FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of the notification screen 610. As shown in FIG. The notification screen 610 includes a message 611 prompting payment of the usage fee and a payment due date 612 . When the notification information transmitted from the server 50 is a notification request, image data (notification data) of the notification screen 610 including the payment date added to the notification request is generated and stored in the storage unit 134 . When the notification information is image data (notification data) itself, the image data is stored in the storage unit 134 . These image data (notification data) are output to the display input unit 131, and the notification screen 610 is displayed.

After the predetermined time has passed, the notification screen 610 is closed. Alternatively, if notification screen 610 includes a confirmation button, notification screen 610 is closed when the confirmation button is pressed.

Instead of or in addition to the notification by the notification screen 610, the control unit 133 may output a message prompting payment of the usage fee and the due date by voice from the speaker 137, which is the notification unit. Further, the notification (notification screen 610, etc.) includes a notification to the effect that if the usage fee is not paid by the due date, water heater 10 will perform the hot water supply operation with its functions restricted. may

If the notification mode is canceled by the process of FIG. 6 (S303: YES) while the satisfaction of the notification condition is being monitored, the control unit 133 terminates the notification process.

Thus, in hot water supply apparatus 10, while the notification mode is set in kitchen remote controller 13 and bathroom remote controller 12, every time the notification condition is satisfied, notification prompting payment of the usage fee is performed.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a process performed in control unit 111 of water heater 11 of water heater 10 in order to execute the function of coping with delinquency of usage charges. This processing is executed by the function of the function restriction unit 111a in FIG.

The control unit 111 monitors whether or not a restriction request has been received from the server 50 (S401). When the due date for payment has passed without payment of the delinquent usage fee, a restriction request is transmitted to water heater 10 by the process of step S108 in FIG. Upon receiving the restriction request (S401: YES), the control unit 111 performs steps S402 and S403 as function restriction processing. That is, the control unit 111 changes the hot water supply temperature set by operating the hot water supply temperature setting buttons 122d and 131c to a predetermined temperature and fixes it at the predetermined temperature. (S402). The predetermined temperature can be, for example, a temperature higher or lower than the set hot water supply temperature by a predetermined value. Also, the predetermined temperature can be a random temperature.

Further, control unit 111 reduces the amount of opening of flow control valve 218 of first supply unit 210 of water heater 11 compared to the normal time, thereby reducing the flow rate of hot water discharged from hot water discharge pipe 215 of water heater 10. (S403).

With such function restriction processing, hot water supply apparatus 10 enters a state in which the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply function is performed in a state in which the function is restricted.

In addition, for example, as function restriction processing, the bath temperature set by operating the bath temperature setting buttons 122e and 131d (also the hot water supply temperature when hot water is filled) may be changed and fixed at the changed temperature. good. Also, the bath water level set by the bath water level setting button (not shown) of the input unit 122 and the display input unit 131 may be changed and fixed at the changed water level. Furthermore, by fixing the temperature of the hot water supplied to the heating terminal, the output of the heating terminal may be fixed and may not be changed by operations on the input unit 122, the display input unit 131, or the like.

Next, the control unit 111 monitors whether or not a stop request has been received from the server 50 (S404). When the delinquent usage fee is paid, a stop request is transmitted to water heater 10 by the process of step S107 in FIG. Upon receiving the stop request (S404: YES), the control unit 111 cancels the restriction by the function restriction processing through the processing of steps S405 and S406.

That is, the control unit 111 releases the fixed hot water supply temperature (S405) so that the setting can be changed by operating the hot water supply temperature setting buttons 122d and 131c. At this time, the hot water supply temperature may be returned to the temperature set before the limit. Further, the control unit 111 resets the opening amount of the flow rate control valve 218 to cancel the reduction of the hot water flow rate (S406).

In this way, hot water supply apparatus 10 stops performing the hot water supply operation with the function restricted, and enters a state in which normal hot water supply operation can be performed.

FIG. 9(a) is a flow chart showing processing performed in control unit 133 of kitchen remote controller 13 and control unit 123 of bathroom remote controller 12 of water heater 10 in order to execute the function of dealing with delinquency of usage charges. This process is a notification process for notifying that the function is restricted due to non-payment of usage fees, and is executed by the functions of the notification processing units 123a and 133a.

The notification processing executed by the kitchen remote controller 13 will be described below, but the notification processing executed by the bathroom remote controller 12 is the same.

When the restriction request from the server 50 is received, the notification process of FIG. 9(a) is started.

The control unit 133 monitors whether or not a predetermined notification condition is satisfied (S501). For example, the notification condition can be that the operation button 132 and the operation buttons 131a to 131h displayed on the display input unit 131 have been pressed. In addition, the notification condition may be that the hot water supply operation of each function such as the hot water supply function is started. If the notification is made at regular time intervals, the notification condition may be that a certain period of time has elapsed. The number of notification conditions may be one or plural.

The control unit 133 is a notification unit that, when a notification condition is established, for example, when a button operation of the kitchen remote control 13 is performed (S501: YES), is a notification to the effect that the function is restricted due to non-payment of the usage fee. The notification screen 620 is displayed on the display input unit 131 (S502). A user who sees notification screen 620 can recognize that hot water supply apparatus 10 cannot be used as before due to non-payment of usage fees.

FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of the notification screen 620. As shown in FIG. The notification screen 620 includes a message 621 to the effect that the function is restricted due to non-payment of usage fees.

After the predetermined time has elapsed, the notification screen 620 is closed. Alternatively, if notification screen 620 includes a confirmation button, notification screen 620 is closed when the confirmation button is pressed.

In place of or in addition to the notification on the notification screen 620, the control unit 133 may output a voice from the speaker 137, which is the notification unit, to the effect that the function is restricted due to non-payment of the usage fee. .

If a stop request from the server 50 is received while the fulfillment of the notification condition is being monitored (S503: YES), the control unit 133 terminates the notification process.

In this manner, hot water supply apparatus 10 notifies that the function is restricted due to delinquency in payment of usage charges each time the notification condition is satisfied.

<Effect of Embodiment 1>
According to Embodiment 1, the following effects can be achieved.

A restriction request is transmitted from the server 50 to the hot water supply device 10 whose usage fee is in arrears, and based on the restriction request, the hot water supply device 10 performs the hot water supply operation with its functions restricted. For this reason, the user is likely to pay the delinquent usage fee due to the user's feeling of inconvenience. Moreover, since the hot water supply operation itself is continuously performed, the user is unlikely to be greatly confused.

Furthermore, in the hot water supply device 10 for which the usage fee is in arrears, the function is restricted, and the hot water supply temperature in the hot water supply operation is changed and fixed at the changed temperature. It becomes difficult to obtain hot water at the temperature of This makes it easier for the user to pay the delinquent usage fee.

Furthermore, in the hot water supply device 10 for which the usage fee is in arrears, the function is limited, and the flow rate of hot water is reduced during the hot water supply operation. feel. This makes it easier for the user to pay the delinquent usage fee.

Furthermore, when the delinquent usage fee is paid, the water heater 10 returns to a state in which the hot water supply operation is not performed in a state where the function is restricted, so that the user can use the water heater 10 as usual. Become.

<Modification 1>
In the above-described first embodiment, the server 50 transmits notification information to the water heater for which the usage fee is in arrears to prompt payment of the usage fee. Server 50 transmits a restriction request to water heating apparatus 10 for which the payment has not been made by the time the payment is made, to allow water heating apparatus 10 to perform the hot water supply operation with its functions restricted.

On the other hand, in Modification 1, server 50 restricts hot water heater 10 for which the usage fee is in arrears without notifying that the payment date is specified and waiting for payment of the usage fee by the payment date. Request is sent.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of devices constituting hot water supply system 1 according to Modification 1. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, in Modification 1, in kitchen remote controller 13 of hot water supply apparatus 10, control unit 133 is not provided with the functions of notification processing unit 133a and notification mode setting unit 133b. Further, in bathroom remote controller 12 of water heater 10, control unit 123 is not provided with the function of notification processing unit 123a. Further, in the server 50, the control unit 501 is not provided with the functions of the notification information transmission unit 501c and the notification cancellation information transmission unit 501d.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the control unit 501 of the server 50 in order to execute the function of coping with non-payment of the usage fee according to Modification 1. As shown in FIG. This processing is executed by the function of the restriction request transmission unit 501a and the function of the stop request transmission unit 501b in FIG.

In Modified Example 1, the process of FIG. 11 is executed instead of the process of FIG. 5 of the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11 , when the delinquency information is acquired (S601: YES), control unit 501 identifies water heater 10 in which delinquency has occurred from the ID information included in the delinquency information. A restriction request is sent (S603). Further, when the payment information is acquired (S602: YES), control unit 501 identifies water heating apparatus 10 for which payment has been completed from the ID information included in the payment information, and transmits a stop request to water heating apparatus 10. (S604).

In the hot water supply apparatus 10, as in the first embodiment, the processing for restricting the functions shown in FIG. 8 and the notification processing shown in FIG. 9(a) are executed. As a result, the user of the water heater 10 for which the usage fee is in arrears cannot use the water heater 10 as usual, and the user is notified that the function is restricted due to the non-payment of the usage fee. be done.

On the other hand, in hot water supply apparatus 10, the notification mode setting and cancellation processing of FIG. 6 is not executed, and the notification processing of FIG. 7A is not executed.

Also in the configuration of Modification 1, the same effects as those of Embodiment 1 can be obtained.

<Embodiment 2>
In the second embodiment, a temperature change command for forcibly changing the hot water temperature is transmitted from the server 50 to the hot water supply device 10 whose usage fee is in arrears, and the input unit 122 (hot water temperature setting button 122d) is operated. The set hot water temperature is changed by operating the display input unit 131 (hot water temperature setting button 131c). Thereafter, every time the temperature of hot water supply is changed by operating input unit 122 or display input unit 131, a temperature change command is transmitted from server 50 to change the temperature of hot water supply. As a result, setting of the hot water supply temperature by input to the input unit 122 (hot water supply temperature setting button 122d) or the like is substantially prohibited.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of each device constituting the hot water supply system 1 according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the second embodiment, in the water heater 11 of the water heater 10, the control program stored in the storage unit 112 replaces the function of the function limiting unit 111a of the first embodiment with the temperature setting function. The function of the unit 111b is provided to the control unit 111. FIG. Temperature setting unit 111b sets the hot water supply temperature based on the button operation input received by input unit 122 and display input unit 131 . In addition, temperature setting unit 111 b transmits temperature setting notification to server 50 when hot water supply temperature is set by input to input unit 122 and display input unit 131 . Further, temperature setting unit 111b changes the hot water supply temperature set by the input to input unit 122 and display input unit 131 based on the temperature change command transmitted from server 50 .

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the control program stored in the storage unit 502 in the server 50 replaces the functions of the restriction request transmission unit 501a and the stop request transmission unit 501b of the first embodiment, and the change command transmission unit 501e function is provided to the control unit 501 . Change command transmission unit 501e transmits a temperature change command to hot water supply device 10 whose usage fee is in arrears. Further, after transmitting the first temperature change command, change command transmitting unit 501e transmits a temperature change command to water heater 10 each time it receives a temperature setting notification from water heater 10 whose usage fee is in arrears. do.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the processing performed by the control unit 501 of the server 50 in order to execute the function of dealing with non-payment of usage fees. This processing is executed by the functions of the change command transmission unit 501e, the notification information transmission unit 501c, and the notification cancellation information transmission unit 501d shown in FIG.

As in the first embodiment described above, when the delinquency information is acquired in step S701 (S701: YES), the control unit 501 transmits notification information to the water heating apparatus 10 in which the usage fee is delinquent (S704). Further, in step S702, control unit 501 determines that payment information has been acquired (S702: YES), and further in step S705, if it determines that payment is within the time limit (S705: YES), water heating apparatus 10 that has already been paid. , the release information for releasing the notification mode is transmitted (S706).

Next, in the second embodiment, when the control unit 501 determines in step S703 that there is a water heater 10 for which the due date for payment of the delinquent usage fee has passed (S703: YES), the controller 501 Information for canceling the notification mode is transmitted to the device 10 (S708), and temperature forced change processing is started (S709).

FIG. 14(a) is a flowchart showing the forced operation stop process.

Control unit 501 transmits a temperature change command to water heater 10 whose payment date has passed (S801). After that, control unit 501 monitors whether or not a temperature setting notification has been received from water heating apparatus 10 whose due date has passed (S802). As will be described later, water heater 10 transmits a temperature setting notification to server 50 when the hot water temperature is set by an input to input unit 122 or display input unit 131 (operation of hot water temperature setting buttons 122d and 131c). .

When control unit 501 receives a temperature setting notification from water heating apparatus 10 whose payment date has passed (S802: YES), control unit 501 transmits a temperature change command to water heating apparatus 10 (S803). In this way, every time the hot water supply temperature setting is changed in hot water supply apparatus 10 whose payment due date has passed, server 50 transmits a temperature change command to the hot water supply apparatus 10 .

Returning to FIG. 13, in step S702, the control unit 501 determines that the deposit information has been acquired (S702: YES), and further determines in step S705 that the payment is not within the payment deadline (S705: NO). The forcible temperature change process that is being executed for hot water supply device 10 is stopped (S707).

FIG. 14(b) is a flow chart showing a process performed by control unit 111 of water heater 11 of water heater 10 in order to execute the function of coping with delinquency of usage charges. This processing is executed by the function of the temperature setting unit 111b in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 14(b), control unit 111 monitors whether or not a hot water supply temperature setting input is performed through display unit 121 (hot water supply temperature setting button 122d) or the like (S901). Then, when the setting input is performed (S901: YES), the control unit 111 sets the hot water supply temperature based on the setting input (S902). Furthermore, the control unit 111 transmits a temperature setting notification to the server 50 (S903).

Along with the monitoring in step S901, the control unit 111 monitors whether or not a temperature change command has been received from the server 50 (S904).

If the due date for payment of the charge for use of hot water supply apparatus 10 is not overdue, server 50 does not transmit a temperature change command. Therefore, the control unit 111 repeats the processing of steps S901 to S903.

On the other hand, when water heater 10 is overdue for payment of the usage fee, server 50 first transmits a temperature change command, and thereafter every time water heater 10 transmits a temperature setting notification, server 50 A temperature change command is sent promptly. When the controller 111 receives the temperature change command (S904: YES), it changes the hot water supply temperature to a predetermined temperature (S905).

The temperature to be changed, that is, the information of the predetermined temperature may be included in the temperature change command, or may be stored in the storage unit 112 in advance and acquired by the control unit 111 from the storage unit 112 . The predetermined temperature can be, for example, a temperature higher or lower than the set hot water supply temperature by a predetermined value. Also, the predetermined temperature can be a random temperature.

Thus, in hot water supply device 10 whose payment due date has passed, the temperature of hot water supply is changed to the predetermined temperature, and after that, setting of the temperature of hot water supply by the user is substantially prohibited. Therefore, hot water supply apparatus 10 enters a state in which the hot water supply operation is performed in a state where the setting of the hot water supply temperature is restricted.

14(b), the bath temperature set by operating the bath temperature setting buttons 122e and 131d (which is also the hot water supply temperature when hot water is filled) is compulsorily set in the hot water supply device 10 whose usage fee is in arrears. may be changed to

In the hot water supply apparatus 10, similarly to the first embodiment, the notification mode setting and cancellation processing of FIG. 6 is executed, and the notification processing of FIG. 7(a) is also executed. On the other hand, in bathroom remote controller 12 and kitchen remote controller 13, the notification process shown in FIG. 9(a) is not performed. Instead, when the hot water supply temperature is forcibly changed in step S905 of FIG. ) is displayed on the display unit 121 and the display input unit 131, or the above notification is performed by voice from the speakers 127 and 137, the control unit 123 of the bathroom remote controller 12 and the kitchen remote controller It is preferable to instruct the control unit 133 of 13.

<Effect of Embodiment 2>
According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

A temperature change command is transmitted from server 50 to water heater 10 for which the usage fee is in arrears, and the hot water supply temperature in the hot water supply operation is changed to the temperature set by input to input unit 122 or display input unit 131. is changed from For this reason, the user finds it difficult to obtain hot water at a desired temperature, which is inconvenient. This makes it easier for the user to pay the delinquent usage fee.

Further, in hot water supply device 10 in which the usage fee is in arrears, every time the hot water temperature is set by inputting to input unit 122 or display input unit 131, a temperature change command is transmitted from server 50 to change the hot water temperature. Therefore, setting of the hot water supply temperature by input to the input unit 122 or the like is substantially prohibited. As a result, the user is more likely to feel inconvenient, and the user is more likely to pay the delinquent charge.

Further, when the delinquent usage fee is paid, the transmission of the temperature change command from server 50 based on the temperature setting notification is completed, and hot water supply device 10 changes the hot water supply temperature according to the input to input unit 122 or display input unit 131. Return to configurable state. This allows the user to use hot water supply apparatus 10 as usual.

It should be noted that a modification similar to that of modification 1 may be applied to the second embodiment. In this case, in the second embodiment, the processes of steps S603 and S604 of FIG. 11 are replaced with the processes of steps S709 and S707 of FIG. In hot water supply apparatus 10, the notification stop mode setting and cancellation processing in FIG. 6 and the notification processing in FIG. 7(a) are not executed.

<Other modification examples>
In Embodiments 1 and 2 above, when a service suspension date that is later than the payment date is set in the server 50, and there is a hot water heater 10 that wants to pay the usage fee before the service suspension date has passed, Operation prohibition information for prohibiting hot water supply operation may be transmitted from server 50 to hot water supply apparatus 10 . In this case, in water heater 10, for example, the operation prohibition mode is set based on the operation prohibition information, and the button operation of kitchen remote controller 13 or bathroom remote controller 12 is disabled, whereby the hot water supply function and the like are disabled. The hot water supply operation related to all the functions of , or the hot water supply operation related to a part of the functions cannot be performed. When the usage fee is paid, the cancellation information is transmitted from the server 50 to the hot water supply apparatus 10 for which the payment has been completed, the operation prohibition mode is canceled, and the hot water supply operation is performed as usual. In the case of such a configuration, it is preferable that the usage stop date is notified in advance by the notification screen 620 or the like in FIG. 9(b). Similarly, in Modification 1, the hot water supply operation may be prohibited when the due date for payment has passed.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the hot water supply temperature in the hot water supply operation is changed and fixed at the temperature after the change as the function of the hot water supply apparatus 10 for which the usage fee is in arrears is limited. . However, the hot water supply temperature of hot water supply device 10 whose usage fee is in arrears may be fixed without being changed.

In Embodiments 1 and 2 above, the reporting unit (display unit 121, display input unit 131) of water heating device 10 receives notification information from server 50 to water heating device 10 whose usage fee is in arrears. A notification was sent to encourage payment of the usage fee. However, in addition to or in place of the water heating device 10 for which the usage fee is in arrears, the notification information is transmitted from the server 50 to the mobile terminal device 30 associated with the water heating device 10, and the mobile terminal The device 30 may issue a notification prompting the user to pay the usage fee. Furthermore, a fixed terminal device such as a stationary personal computer placed in the home H10 may be the transmission destination of the notification information. The notification information may be transmitted periodically, or may be transmitted only once.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the notification mode is set based on the reception of the notification information from the server 50 in the hot water supply apparatus 10, and every time the predetermined notification condition is satisfied while the notification mode is set, A notification prompting payment of the usage fee was issued. However, based on the reception of the notification information, notification may be made to prompt payment of the usage fee once or a predetermined number of times. In this case, the notification mode setting unit 133b becomes unnecessary, and the notification processing units 123a and 133a perform notification based on the reception of the notification information.

Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the function limiting unit 111a is provided in the water heater 11, the notification processing units 123a and 133a are provided in the bathroom remote controller 12 and the kitchen remote controller 13, and the notification mode setting unit 133b is provided in the kitchen remote controller 13. However, the arrangement of these parts in water heater 10 is not limited to this. For example, the notification processing unit and the notification mode setting unit may be provided in water heater 11 . In this case, when water heater 11 issues a notification instruction to bathroom remote controller 12 and kitchen remote controller 13, these remote controllers 12 and 13 issue a notification prompting payment of the usage fee. Also, the notification mode setting section may be provided in the bathroom remote controller 12 , and the function limiting section may be provided in the bathroom remote controller 12 or the kitchen remote controller 13 . Similarly, the arrangement position of the temperature setting unit of the second embodiment in the water heater 10 is not limited to the position of the second embodiment.

Furthermore, in Embodiments 1 and 2, the wireless communication unit 138 is provided in the kitchen remote controller 13 that constitutes the water heater 10, but the wireless communication unit is provided in the water heater 11 or the bathroom remote controller 12 so that the water heater 11 or the bathroom remote controller 138 is provided. A remote control 12 may be connected to the router 20 . Alternatively, in addition to water heater 11 , bathroom remote controller 12 and kitchen remote controller 13 , a control unit having a wireless communication section may be arranged in water heater 10 and connected to router 20 .

Furthermore, the configuration of the hot water supply apparatus 10 is not limited to the configurations shown in the first and second embodiments, and may be other configurations. For example, water heater 10 may be configured without the heating function or may be configured without the reheating function. Water heater 10 may be configured without one or two of the floor heating function, room heating function, and bathroom heating function included in the heating function. Furthermore, hot water supply apparatus 10 may be configured to have only the hot water supply function. Furthermore, the water heater 10 is not limited to one that uses gas fuel, and may be a water heater that uses oil as fuel.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the function restriction unit, the notification processing unit, the notification mode setting unit, the restriction request transmission unit, the stop request transmission unit, the notification information transmission unit, and the notification cancellation information transmission unit are software functions according to the control program. However, they may be realized by hardware using logic circuits. The same applies to the temperature setting section of the second embodiment.

Furthermore, in Embodiments 1 and 2, the water heater 10 is a combustion type water heater that heats water with combustion gas generated by burning fuel, but the configuration of the water heater 10 is not limited to this. For example, hot water supply apparatus 10 may be a cogeneration type hot water supply apparatus that generates electric power with a generator and uses exhaust heat from the generator to generate hot water.

Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, in the hot water supply system 1, the hot water supply device 10 transmits the usage status information regarding the usage status of the hot water supply device 10 to the server 50 via the external communication network 40, and the usage status information In other words, the usage fee is changed according to the state of use of the water heater 10 . However, hot water supply system 1 may be configured such that hot water supply apparatus 10 does not transmit usage information to server 50 . In this case, the usage fee may be a fixed fee.

In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately modified in various ways within the scope of the claims.

1 hot water supply system 10 hot water supply apparatus 40 external communication network 50 server 111a function restriction unit 111b temperature setting unit 122 input unit 131 display input unit (input unit)
501a restriction request transmitter 501b stop request transmitter 501c notification information transmitter 501d notification cancellation information transmitter 501e change command transmitter

Claims (10)

A hot water supply system comprising a hot water supply apparatus that can be used by paying a usage fee, and a server that can communicate with the water supply apparatus via an external communication network,
The server includes a restriction request transmission unit configured to transmit a restriction request to the water heater for which the usage fee is in arrears to allow the water heater to perform hot water supply operation with its functions restricted.
A hot water supply system characterized by: In the hot water supply system according to claim 1,
The water heater is
an input unit that receives an input for setting the temperature of hot water supply in hot water supply operation;
and
The function limiting unit changes the hot water supply temperature set by the input to the input unit based on the reception of the limit request, and fixes the changed temperature.
A hot water supply system characterized by: The hot water supply system according to claim 1 or 2,
The water heater includes a function limiter,
The function limiting unit reduces a hot water flow rate during the hot water supply operation based on the reception of the limitation request.
A hot water supply system characterized by: The hot water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The server includes a stop request transmission unit configured to transmit a stop request to the water heater to which the delinquent usage fee has been paid so as to stop the water heater from performing the hot water supply operation with the functions restricted. further including
A hot water supply system characterized by: A hot water supply system comprising a hot water supply apparatus that can be used by paying a usage fee, and a server that can communicate with the water supply apparatus via an external communication network,
The water heater is
an input unit that receives an input for setting the temperature of hot water supply in hot water supply operation;
a temperature setting unit that sets the hot water supply temperature based on the input received by the input unit;
the server includes a change command transmission unit that transmits a temperature change command for changing the temperature of the hot water supply to the water heater for which the usage fee is in arrears;
The temperature setting unit changes the hot water supply temperature set by the input to the input unit based on the temperature change command.
A hot water supply system characterized by: In the hot water supply system according to claim 5,
When the hot water supply temperature is set by the input to the input unit, the temperature setting unit transmits a temperature setting notification to the server,
The change command transmission unit transmits the temperature change command to the water heater each time it receives the temperature setting notification from the water heater for which the usage fee is in arrears.
A hot water supply system characterized by: In the hot water supply system according to claim 6,
The change command transmission unit terminates transmission of the temperature change command based on the temperature setting notification to the water heater to which the delinquent usage fee has been paid.
A hot water supply system characterized by: In a water heater that can be used by paying a usage fee and a server that can communicate via an external communication network,
a restriction request transmission unit configured to transmit a restriction request to the water heater for which the usage fee is in arrears to allow the water heater to perform hot water supply operation in a state where the function of the water heater is restricted;
A server characterized by: A hot water heater that can be used by paying a usage fee, and a server that can communicate with the hot water heater via an external communication network,
The hot water supply device includes an input unit that receives an input for setting a hot water temperature in hot water supply operation,
The server includes a change command transmission unit configured to transmit a temperature change command for forcibly changing the hot water temperature set by the input to the input unit to the water heater for which the usage fee is in arrears. comprising
A server characterized by: In a water heater that is communicably connected to a server via an external communication network and that can be used by paying a usage fee,
the server includes a restriction request transmission unit configured to transmit a restriction request to the water heater for which the usage fee is in arrears;
The water heater includes a function limiting unit that performs processing for causing the water heater to perform the hot water supply operation with the functions of the water heater limited, based on the reception of the request for limitation.
A water heater characterized by:

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