JP2023046523A - Hot water supply device and hot water supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

To promote the use of a function of remote control, in a hot water supply device that has a function capable of performing remote control from a terminal device through a server.SOLUTION: A hot water supply device 10 has a function capable of performing remote control via a server 50 from a mobile terminal device. The hot water supply device 10 comprises an operation display unit 131 that is an operation unit and a notification unit, a speaker 136 that is a notification unit, and a control unit 133. When application software that enables remote control is not installed on the mobile terminal device, the control unit 133 causes the operation display unit 131 and the speaker 136 to perform notification to prompt installation of the application software based on the operation display unit 131 accepting a predetermined operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a hot water supply apparatus having a function of remote control from a terminal device via a server, and a hot water supply system including the hot water supply apparatus and a server.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, water heaters are known that supply hot water generated by a water heater to kitchen faucets, bathtubs, faucets, and the like. Further, in recent years, a hot water supply system has been developed that includes a server that can communicate with the hot water supply apparatus via an external communication network such as the Internet.

In such a hot water supply system, for example, a function of transmitting setting information of the hot water supply apparatus such as hot water temperature to a terminal device such as a mobile terminal associated with the hot water supply apparatus via a server, and a function of remote operation of the hot water supply apparatus through a terminal. A function performed from the device via the server can be realized. An example of such a hot water supply system is described in Patent Literature 1, for example.

JP 2019-205120 A

In spite of having a remote control function, there are quite a few water heaters in which the function is not actually used. The reason for this is that users are not aware that the remote control function can be used, and that in order to use the remote control function, it is necessary to connect the water heater and the server so that they can communicate and perform initial settings. Also, it may be necessary to install application software on the terminal device.

Therefore, in order to promote the use of the remote control function, how to make the user aware of the remote control function, how to make the initial setting between the water heater and the server, and how to install the application software on the terminal device? The issue is whether the

In view of such problems, the present invention aims to promote the use of remote control functions in a hot water supply apparatus having a function of being remotely controlled from a terminal device via a server, and in a hot water supply system comprising the hot water supply apparatus and a server. aim.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a water heater having a function of remote control from a terminal device via a server. A hot water supply apparatus according to this aspect includes an operation unit, a notification unit, and a control unit. Here, the control unit includes a determination unit that determines whether application software enabling the remote operation is installed in the terminal device, and if the application software is not installed, the operation unit The notification unit is caused to perform notification to prompt installation of the application software based on reception of the predetermined operation.

According to the hot water supply apparatus of this aspect, it becomes easier for the user to install the application software into the terminal device, so it is possible to promote the use of the remote control function.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a water heater having a function of remote control from a terminal device via a server. A hot water supply apparatus according to this aspect includes an operation unit, a notification unit, and a control unit. Here, the control unit includes a determination unit that determines whether or not initial settings for communication between the hot water supply apparatus and the server have been performed, and if the initial settings have not been performed, the operation The notification unit is caused to perform notification prompting the implementation of the initial setting based on the reception of the predetermined operation by the notification unit.

According to the hot water supply apparatus according to this aspect, it becomes easier for the user to perform the initial setting, so it is possible to promote the use of the remote control function.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to a water heater having a function of remote control from a terminal device via a server. A hot water supply apparatus according to this aspect includes an operation unit, a notification unit, and a control unit. Here, the control unit includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the water heater has received the remote control from the terminal device in the past, and the water heater has never received the terminal device in the past. When the remote operation from the remote controller has not been received, based on the operation unit having received a predetermined operation, the notification unit is caused to perform notification prompting use of the remote operation function.

According to the hot water supply apparatus according to this aspect, it becomes easier for the user to use the function of remote control, so it is possible to promote the use of the function.

In the hot water supply apparatus according to the third aspect, the determination unit determines whether the application software enabling the remote operation is installed in the terminal device, and determines whether the water supply apparatus and the server communicate with each other. may be configured to determine whether or not the initialization of is performed. In this case, if the water heater has never received the remote control from the terminal device in the past and the application software has not been installed, the control unit prevents use of the remote control function. In addition to the prompt notification, the notification unit is caused to perform notification prompting the installation of the application software. It may be configured such that the notification section is caused to perform notification prompting the implementation of the setting.

According to the above configuration, the user can easily install the application software when the application software is not installed, and can easily perform the initial setting when the initial setting is not performed.

A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a water heater having a function of remote control from a terminal device via a server. A hot water supply apparatus according to this aspect includes an operation unit, a notification unit, and a control unit. Here, the control unit includes a determination unit that determines whether the hot water supply device has not received the remote operation from the terminal device for a predetermined period or longer, and When the remote operation from the remote controller has not been received, based on the operation unit having received a predetermined operation, the notification unit is caused to perform notification prompting use of the remote operation function.

According to the hot water supply apparatus according to this aspect, it becomes easier for the user to use the function of remote control, so it is possible to promote the use of the function.

In the hot water supply apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the predetermined operation may include the remote-operable first operation. In this case, the control unit is configured to cause the notification unit to notify that the first operation can be performed by the remote operation, based on the fact that the first operation has been performed. can be

According to the above configuration, the user can recognize that the operation performed by the operation unit can be remotely operated from the terminal device.

With the above configuration, the predetermined operation further includes a second operation for causing the water heater to perform a second function related to the first function performed by the first operation. obtain. In this case, the control unit is configured to cause the notification unit to notify that the first operation can be performed by the remote operation, based on the fact that the second operation has been performed. can be

With such a configuration, the user can recognize that the function related to the function executed by the operation performed on the operation unit can be executed by remote control.

For example, the first function can be a hot water filling function for supplying hot water to the bathtub, and the second function can be a function for reserving the start time of the hot water filling function. That is, the first function and the second function can be a function of reserving a predetermined function and a start time of the function, respectively.

Note that if the second operation is an operation that can be remotely operated, a notification to the effect that the second operation is possible by remote operation may also be performed.

A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a hot water supply system. A water heating system according to this aspect includes a water heating apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, and a server to which the water heating apparatus is communicatively connected via an external communication network. , provided.

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

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to promote the use of the remote control function in a water heater having a function of being remotely controlled from a terminal device via a server, and in a hot water supply system including the water heater and the server. can be done.

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. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of each device constituting the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the combustion system and piping of the water heater according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing control processing executed for the function of prompting installation of application software according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c) are diagrams showing an example of notification when an operation enabling remote control is performed with the kitchen remote controller according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5D is a diagram showing an example of notification when an operation that is not remotely controllable is performed with the kitchen remote controller according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6A is a flowchart showing control processing executed for the function of prompting implementation of initial settings according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of notification when an operation enabling remote control is performed with the kitchen remote controller according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing control processing executed for the function of prompting the use of the remote control function according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing control processing executed for the function of prompting the use of the remote control function according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing control processing executed for the function of prompting the use of the remote control function according to Modification 1. In FIG. FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of notification when the second operation is performed on the kitchen remote controller according to Modification 2. FIG.

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.

As shown in FIG. 1 , hot water supply system 1 includes hot water supply device 10 and server 50 , and is capable of communicating with mobile terminal device 30 via router 20 and external communication network 40 .

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. The hot water generated by the water heater 11 is supplied to a kitchen faucet, a bathtub 2 (see FIG. 3), a drain, etc. through pipes connected to the hot water supply ports 11a. When the water heater 11 has a floor heating function, a bathroom heating function, and a heating function using a panel heater, hot water is supplied from the water heater 11 to devices that realize these functions.

Remote controllers 12 and 13 are connected to water heater 11 and used to perform various settings for each function of water heater 10 . The remote controller 12 has a display section 121 and an operation section 122 , and the remote controller 13 has an operation display section 131 made up of a touch panel and an operation button 132 . By operating the operation 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 operation display unit 131 . Furthermore, the operator can start a function (operation) such as hot water filling by operating the operation unit 122 and the operation display unit 131 .

The remote controller 12 is installed in the bathroom, and the remote controller 13 is installed in a kitchen or the like outside the bathroom. 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".

The operation unit 122 of the bathroom remote control 12 includes an operation button 122a. The operation buttons 122a and 132 are buttons 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 operation display unit 131 are in the off state, and operations of operation buttons other than operation buttons 122a and 132 are not accepted. When the operation buttons 122a and 132 are operated to turn on the operation, the display unit 121 and the operation display unit 131 are lit to display the setting contents, and the operation of each operation button can be accepted.

Furthermore, operation unit 122 and operation display unit 131 include buttons for changing the temperature of hot water supply. Further, the operation unit 122 and the operation display unit 131 include buttons for executing a reheating function, adding hot water, adding water, an automatic bath function, and the like. The automatic bath function includes a hot water filling function for filling the bathtub 2 with hot water and a reheating function for keeping the hot water in the bathtub 2 warm. Further, the operation unit 122 and the operation display unit 131 include a button for an automatic bath (hot water filling) reservation function for setting the start time of the bath automatic function, that is, the hot water filling function.

The router 20 is a communication repeater for connecting each device existing in the building (here, the home H10) to the external communication network 40. 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 is connected to the external communication network 40 for managing remote control of the water heater 10 . Kitchen remote controller 13 communicates with server 50 via router 20 and external communication network 40 . When the mobile terminal device 30 exists in the home H10 , the mobile terminal device 30 communicates with the server 50 via the router 20 and the external communication network 40 . Also, when the mobile terminal device 30 is outside the home, the mobile terminal device 30 is connected to the external communication network 40 via the router 60 or the base station 70 installed outside, and communicates with the server 50 .

The kitchen remote controller 13 is loaded with a program for remote control (remote operation). Application software for remote control (remote operation) is downloaded from the server 50 and installed in the mobile terminal device 30 . These programs and application software contain address information (for example, IP address) for accessing the server 50 . The kitchen remote controller 13 and the mobile terminal device 30 access the server 50 based on this address information and perform communication.

Initial setting for communication between hot water supply apparatus 10 having a remote control (remote operation) function and server 50 in which application software is installed is performed. During initialization, the address information and ID information (identification information) of the kitchen remote controller 13 are transmitted from the kitchen remote controller 13 to the server 50 and registered in the server 50 .

Further, during or after the initial setting, portable terminal device 30 in which application software is installed and capable of remote control (remote operation) of hot water supply device 10 is connected to hot water supply device 10 by pairing processing. 10 and registered in the server 50 . Specifically, the ID information of water heater 10 (kitchen remote controller 13 ) and the ID information and address information of portable terminal device 30 are associated with each other and registered in server 50 .

In the hot water supply system 1 , the portable terminal device 30 is associated with the hot water supply device 10 by pairing processing in the server 50 , and then application software is downloaded from the server 50 in response to a request from the portable terminal device 30 . can also be configured. In this case, the download history is left on the server 50 when the download is completed.

In this way, the application software is installed in the mobile terminal device 30, and the information about the mobile terminal device 30 is registered in the server 50, so that the user of the mobile terminal device 30 can use the mobile terminal device 30 both inside the home H10 and outside the home. , the portable terminal device 30 can be used to remotely control the hot water supply device 10 .

That is, regardless of whether the mobile terminal device 30 is inside the home H10 or outside the home, commands based on operations performed by the user on the mobile terminal device 30 are once transmitted to the server 50 via the external communication network 40. be. In response, server 50 transmits the received command to water heater 10 associated in advance with portable terminal device 30 that received the command. A command from server 50 is transmitted to kitchen remote controller 13 of corresponding water heater 10 via external communication network 40 and router 20 . In this way, by remote control from portable terminal device 30 , in hot water supply device 10 , settings requested by the user are performed, and functions requested by the user are started.

Among the functions such as the bath automatic function (filling hot water) of the water heater 10, the functions that can be operated by the mobile terminal device 30 are limited to functions suitable for remote control. . For example, the portable terminal device 30 can perform operations related to automatic bath (filling), reheating, and automatic bath reservation functions, but cannot perform operations related to adding hot water and adding water.

State information of water heater 10 is transmitted from kitchen remote control 13 to server 50 via router 20 at regular intervals. The state information is information indicating the current setting state and operating state of hot water supply apparatus 10 . The mobile terminal device 30 can acquire the latest state information from the server 50 and display it by using the application software of the hot water supply system 1 . Thereby, the user of portable terminal device 30 can monitor the state of hot water supply device 10 both at home H10 and outside the home.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of each device constituting the hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment.

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.

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. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the combustion system and piping of water heater 11 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, water heater 11 includes hot water supply section 210, reheating section 220, and bypass section 230 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG.

Hot water supply unit 210 includes a water supply pipe 211 , a hot water supply heat exchanger 212 , a hot water supply pipe 213 , a hot water supply combustor 214 , and an air supply fan 215 . The water supply pipe 211 is connected to the water pipe and the hot water heat exchanger 212 , and the hot water supply pipe 213 is connected to the hot water heat exchanger 212 , the bathroom faucet 3 and the external faucet 4 . Hot water supply combustor 214 is supplied with an amount of gas (fuel gas) corresponding to the degree of opening of proportional valve 216 through hot water supply gas pipeline 217 . When a gas solenoid valve (not shown) is opened, gas is supplied to the hot water supply gas pipeline 217 . Hot water supply combustor 214 uses gas as fuel and burns at an intensity corresponding to the amount of gas supplied.

Air supply fan 215 supplies combustion air to hot water supply combustor 214 . Air supply fan 215 includes a fan, a motor that drives the fan, and a rotation sensor that detects the rotation speed of the fan.

The reheating section 220 includes a return pipeline 221 , a bath heat exchanger 222 , a forward pipeline 223 , a bath combustor 224 and a circulation pump 225 . The return line 221 is connected to the circulation adapter 2a of the bathtub 2 and the bath heat exchanger 222, and the going line 223 is connected to the bath heat exchanger 222 and the circulation adapter 2a.

The bath combustor 224 is supplied with an amount of gas (fuel gas) corresponding to the degree of opening of a proportional valve 226 through a bath gas pipeline 227 . When a gas electromagnetic valve (not shown) is opened, gas is supplied to the bath gas pipeline 227 . The bath combustor 224 uses gas as fuel and burns at an intensity corresponding to the amount of gas supplied. Air supply fan 215 is shared between hot water supply section 210 and reheating section 220 , and combustion air is supplied from air supply fan 215 to bath combustor 224 . A circulation pump 225 and a water level sensor S1 are arranged in the return line 221 . Water level sensor S1 detects the water level in bathtub 2 based on the water pressure in return pipe 221 .

Bypass portion 230 includes a bypass pipe line 231 and a hot water supply electromagnetic valve 232 . Bypass line 231 is connected to hot water supply line 213 and return line 221 . Hot water supply electromagnetic valve 232 opens and closes bypass pipe 231 .

Control unit 111 controls hot water supply combustor 214, air supply fan 215 and proportional valve 216 of hot water supply unit 210, bath combustor 224, circulation pump 225 and proportional valve 226 of reheating unit 220, hot water supply electromagnetic valve 232 of bypass unit 230, and the like. to control.

When the bathroom faucet 3 or the external faucet 4 is opened, the hot water supply function is executed. Water from the water supply pipe is introduced into hot water supply heat exchanger 212 through water supply pipe 211, and hot water supply combustor 214 is combusted to heat hot water supply heat exchanger 212. FIG. The water introduced into hot water supply heat exchanger 212 is heated to become hot water, and the hot water is supplied to bathroom faucet 3 or external faucet 4 through hot water supply pipe 213 . When the bathroom faucet 3 or the external faucet 4 is closed, the water supply from the water pipe to the water supply pipe 211 stops, and the combustion of the hot water supply combustor 214 stops.

Control unit 111 also controls hot water supply unit 210 to perform a hot water filling function (automatic bath function). In this case, hot water supply electromagnetic valve 232 is opened, and water from the water supply pipe is introduced into hot water supply heat exchanger 212 through water supply pipe 211 and heated in hot water supply heat exchanger 212 . Hot water from hot water supply heat exchanger 212 is introduced into return conduit 221 through hot water supply conduit 213 and bypass conduit 231 .

Part of the hot water introduced into the return conduit 221 flows through the return conduit 221 toward the circulation adapter 2a and is poured into the bathtub 2 from the circulation adapter 2a. The rest of the hot water introduced into the return line 221 flows through the return line 221 toward the bath heat exchanger 222, flows through the bath heat exchanger 222 and the forward line 223, and enters the bathtub 2 from the circulation adapter 2a. be poured.

When hot water is supplied and hot water is stored in the bathtub 2, the return pipeline 221, the bath heat exchanger 222 and the forward pipeline 223 are filled with water. Thereby, the water level in the bathtub 2 can be detected by the water level sensor S1. When the water level sensor S1 detects that the water level in the bathtub 2 has reached a preset water level, the hot water supply electromagnetic valve 232 is closed, the water supply from the water pipe to the water supply pipe 211 is stopped, and the hot water supply combustor is activated. 214 combustion ceases.

In addition, the control unit 111 controls the reheating unit 220 to perform the reheating function. In this case, the circulation pump 225 operates and the bath combustor 224 burns. The hot water in the bathtub 2 circulates between the circulation path consisting of the return pipe 221, the bath heat exchanger 222 and the forward pipe 223 and the bathtub 2, and is heated by the bath heat exchanger 222 in the meantime.

The function of adding hot water and the function of adding water are performed by supplying hot water and water from hot water supply unit 210 to bathtub 2 . In the supplementary water function, the hot water supply combustor 214 does not burn.

In addition to the water level sensor S1, the water heater 11 includes a flow rate sensor S2 for detecting the flow rate of the water supply pipe 211, a thermistor S3 for detecting the temperature of the water introduced into the water supply pipe 211, and a water heater. A thermistor S4 for detecting the temperature of hot water after being heated by the heat exchanger 212 is provided. These sensors are included in the detection unit 114 of FIG.

Returning to FIG. 2, the bathroom remote controller 12 includes a control unit 123, a storage unit 124, a communication unit 125, and a speaker 126 in addition to the display unit 121 and the operation unit 122 described above. Display unit 121 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The operation unit 122 includes various operation buttons such as a temperature setting button. The display unit 121 may be a touch panel.

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 . Speaker 126 outputs audio based on the audio signal generated by control unit 123 . The control unit 123 reads the audio information stored in the storage unit 124 at any time and generates an audio signal. The sound output from the speaker 126 is output from the sound window 12a in FIG.

Kitchen remote controller 13 includes control unit 133 , storage unit 134 , communication unit 135 , speaker 136 , and wireless communication unit 137 in addition to operation display unit 131 and operation button 132 described above.

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 . Speaker 136 outputs audio based on the audio signal generated by control unit 133 . The control unit 133 reads the audio information stored in the storage unit 134 at any time and generates an audio signal. The sound output from the speaker 136 is output from the sound window 13a in FIG.

The wireless communication unit 137 is a wireless communication module capable of wireless communication with the router 20 . Address information and ID information of wireless communication unit 137 are registered in server 50 as address information and ID information of kitchen remote control 13 (water heater 10).

The server 50 includes a control section 501 , a storage section 502 and a communication section 503 . The control unit 501 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 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 .

As described above, in the hot water supply system 1 of Embodiment 1, application software must be installed in the mobile terminal device 30 in order to remotely operate the water heating device 10 from the mobile terminal device 30 . Therefore, if portable terminal device 30 associated with water heater 10 and installed with application software does not exist, the function of remotely controlling water heater 10 is not used in hot water supply system 1 .

Therefore, in the hot water supply system 1 of the first embodiment, the water heater 10 prompts the user to install the application software that enables remote operation when the mobile terminal device 30 does not have the application software installed therein. It has functions that can This function is performed in bathroom remote controller 12 and kitchen remote controller 13 . This function will be described below.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing control processing executed for the function of prompting installation of application software according to the first embodiment. This control process is executed by the control unit 123 of the bathroom remote controller 12 and the control unit 133 of the kitchen remote controller 13 .

The control processing by the control unit 133 of the kitchen remote controller 13 will be described below, but the control processing by the control unit 123 of the bathroom remote controller 12 is the same.

Referring to FIG. 4, control unit 133 monitors whether or not operation display unit 131 has received an operation using the operation button displayed on operation display unit 131 (S101). When the operation display unit 131 accepts an operation (S101: YES), the control unit 133 causes the operation display unit 131 to display the accepted operation, that is, a notification to the effect that the function assigned to the pressed operation button will start. screen display and sound from the speaker 136 (S102).

Next, the control unit 133 determines whether or not the operation received in S101 is a predetermined operation (S103). In the first embodiment, among the operations received by the operation display unit 131, operations that can be remotely operated by the mobile terminal device 30 are set as predetermined operations.

If the control unit 133 receives a predetermined operation in S101, that is, an operation that can be operated remotely (S103: YES), the installation of the application software to the portable terminal device 30 that operates the hot water supply apparatus 10 is completed. (S104). The control unit 133 includes a determination unit 133a (see FIG. 2) as a function provided by the control program stored in the storage unit 134, and the determination of S104 is executed by the function of the determination unit 133a.

For example, as described above, when the installed mobile terminal device 30 and the hot water supply device 10 are associated by the pairing process in the server 50, the control unit 133 (the determination unit 133a) instructs the server 50 to to inquire whether or not portable terminal device 30 is registered in association with hot water supply device 10 . Then, if there is registration, the control unit 133 determines that the installation has been completed. Alternatively, when application software is downloaded to the mobile terminal device 30 after the pairing process in the server 50, the control unit 133 (determining unit 133a) notifies the server 50 of the download history to the mobile terminal device 30. inquire whether or not Then, if there is a download history, the control unit 133 determines that the installation has been completed. The presence or absence of registration of mobile terminal device 30 and the presence or absence of download history may be notified from server 50 to water heater 10 in advance and stored in storage unit 134 of kitchen remote controller 13 . In this case, the control section 133 refers to the storage section 134 .

If the application software has been installed (S104: YES), the control unit 133 ends the control process.

On the other hand, if the installation of the application software is not completed (S104: NO), the control unit 133 notifies the user to use the remote control function by the screen display on the operation display unit 131 and the sound from the speaker 136. (S105). The notification includes notification that the operation accepted in S101 can be performed by remote control.

Next, the control unit 133 notifies the user to install the application software to the mobile terminal device 30 by the screen display on the operation display unit 131 and the sound from the speaker 136 (S106). After that, the control unit 133 terminates the control process.

If the operation accepted in S101 is not the predetermined operation, that is, the operation cannot be remotely operated (S103: NO), the control unit 133 ends the control process without executing the processes of S104 to S106.

FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c) are diagrams showing an example of notification when an operation enabling remote control is performed with the kitchen remote controller 13 according to the first embodiment.

For example, when an operation related to the automatic bath reservation function is performed, as shown in FIG. 5A, the operation display unit 131 displays that the automatic bath function will start at the reserved time and hot water will be filled. It is notified by the screen and the voice output from the voice window 13a.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5(b), a notification notifying that the bath reservation (reservation of the start time of the bath automatic function) can be performed by the remote control function (application software) and recommending the use of the function is operated. This is performed by the screen display on the display unit 131 and the voice from the voice window 13a.

After that, as shown in FIG. 5(c), a two-dimensional code managed by the server 50 is displayed on the operation display unit 131 to direct users to the application software download site. is notified by This prompts the user to install the application software. When the user reads the two-dimensional code with his mobile terminal device 30, the download site is displayed on the display section of the mobile terminal device 30. FIG.

FIG. 5D is a diagram showing an example of notification when an operation that is not remotely controllable is performed with the kitchen remote controller 13 according to the first embodiment.

For example, when an operation related to the adding hot water function is performed, as shown in FIG. and the voice output from the voice window 13a. After that, even if the installation of the application software to the portable terminal device 30 is not completed, a notice recommending the use of the remote control function or prompting the installation as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C is provided. Not done.

4 is executed by the control unit 123 of the bathroom remote controller 12, in the processing of S104, the control unit 123 sends the portable terminal device 30 to the server 50 via the control unit 133 of the kitchen remote controller 13. Inquires about the presence or absence of registration and the presence or absence of download history. Alternatively, whether the mobile terminal device 30 is registered or whether there is a download history notified from the server 50 is stored in the storage unit 124 of the bathroom remote controller 12, and the control unit 123 refers to the storage unit 124 in the process of S104.

<Effect of Embodiment 1>
According to the first embodiment, when application software enabling remote operation is not installed in the mobile terminal device 30, the application software is activated based on the operation display unit 131 (operation unit 122) receiving a predetermined operation. is notified by the operation display unit 131 (display unit 121) and the speaker 136 (speaker 126), which are the notification units. This makes it easier for the user to install application software on the mobile terminal device 30 . Therefore, in hot water supply system 1 and hot water supply device 10, utilization of the remote control function can be promoted.

Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the predetermined operation includes an operation that can be remotely operated, and based on the fact that the operation is performed, a notification that the operation is possible by remote operation is provided. Thereby, the user can recognize that the operation performed by the operation display unit 131 (the operation unit 122 ) can be remotely operated from the portable terminal device 30 .

<Embodiment 2>
In hot water supply system 1, in order to perform remote operation of water heater 10 from portable terminal device 30, initial settings for enabling communication between water heater 10 and server 50 need to be performed. . Therefore, if the initial setting is not completed, the function of remotely controlling hot water supply device 10 is not used in hot water supply system 1 .

Therefore, the hot water supply system 1 of the second embodiment has a function capable of prompting the user to perform the initial setting when the initial setting between the hot water supply apparatus 10 and the server 50 is not completed. This function is performed in bathroom remote controller 12 and kitchen remote controller 13 .

FIG. 6A is a flowchart showing control processing executed for the function of prompting implementation of initial settings according to the second embodiment. This control process is executed by the control unit 123 of the bathroom remote controller 12 and the control unit 133 of the kitchen remote controller 13 .

The control processing by the control unit 133 of the kitchen remote controller 13 will be described below, but the control processing by the control unit 123 of the bathroom remote controller 12 is the same.

Referring to FIG. 6A, when operation display unit 131 accepts an operation (S201: YES), control unit 133 notifies the operation display unit 131 of starting the function assigned to the accepted operation. This is done by the screen display at 131 and the sound from the speaker 136 (S202).

Next, when the control unit 133 receives a predetermined operation in S201, that is, an operation that can be operated remotely (S203: YES), the control unit 133 determines whether the initial setting has been completed between the water heater 10 and the server 50. is determined (S204). The determination of S204 is executed by the function of the determination unit 133a.

For example, when the initial setting is completed, information indicating the completion is stored in storage unit 134 of kitchen remote controller 13 . If information indicating completion is stored in the storage unit 134, the control unit 133 (determining unit 133a) determines that the initial setting has been completed.

If the initial settings have been completed (S204: YES), the control unit 133 terminates the control process.

On the other hand, if the initial settings have not been completed (S204: NO), the control unit 133 notifies the user to use the remote control function by the screen display on the operation display unit 131 and the sound from the speaker 136 (S205). ). The notification includes notification that the operation accepted in S201 can be performed by remote control.

Next, control unit 133 issues a notification prompting the execution of initial settings between hot water supply apparatus 10 and server 50 through screen display on operation display unit 131 and sound from speaker 136 (S206). After that, the control unit 133 terminates the control process.

If the operation accepted in S201 is not the predetermined operation, that is, the operation cannot be remotely operated (S203: NO), the control unit 133 ends the control process without executing the processes of S204 to S206.

FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of notification when an operation enabling remote control is performed with the kitchen remote controller 13 according to the second embodiment.

For example, when the automatic bath reservation function is operated, after the notifications shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are made, the notification shown in FIG. 6(b) is made. That is, a two-dimensional code that guides the user to a site explaining the initial setting procedure is displayed on the operation display unit 131, and a voice recommending reading of the two-dimensional code is output from the voice window 13a. This prompts the user to perform initial settings. When the user reads the two-dimensional code with his mobile terminal device 30 , the site is displayed on the display section of the mobile terminal device 30 . Application software to be installed in the mobile terminal device 30 may be downloaded from this site.

6A is executed by the control unit 123 of the bathroom remote controller 12, in the processing of S204, the control unit 123 inquires of the control unit 133 of the kitchen remote controller 13 whether the initial setting has been completed.

<Effect of Embodiment 2>
According to the second embodiment, when the initial setting for communication between hot water supply apparatus 10 and server 50 is not performed, operation display unit 131 (operation unit 122) receives a predetermined operation. The operation display unit 131 (display unit 121) and the speaker 136 (speaker 126), which are the notification units, give a notification to prompt the implementation of the initial setting. This makes it easier for the user to perform initial settings. Therefore, in hot water supply system 1 and hot water supply device 10, utilization of the remote control function can be promoted.

Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the user can recognize that the operation performed on the operation display unit 131 (the operation unit 122) can be remotely operated from the portable terminal device 30. FIG.

<Embodiment 3>
Even though the hot water supply apparatus 10 has a remote control function, the function is not used at all or the frequency of use of the function is extremely low due to low user awareness of the function. It is feared that

Therefore, the hot water supply system 1 of Embodiment 3 has a function of prompting the user to use the remote control function when the remote control function is not used at all.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing control processing executed for the function of prompting the use of the remote control function according to the third embodiment. This control process is executed by the control unit 123 of the bathroom remote controller 12 and the control unit 133 of the kitchen remote controller 13 .

The control processing by the control unit 133 of the kitchen remote controller 13 will be described below, but the control processing by the control unit 123 of the bathroom remote controller 12 is the same.

Referring to FIG. 7, when operation display unit 131 accepts an operation (S301: YES), control unit 133 causes operation display unit 131 to notify that the function assigned to the accepted operation is to be started. This is done by screen display and sound from the speaker 136 (S302).

Next, when the control unit 133 receives a predetermined operation in S301, that is, an operation that can be remotely operated (S303: YES), the water heater 10 has never received a remote operation from the portable terminal device 30 in the past. It is determined whether or not there is any problem (S304). The determination of S304 is executed by the function of the determination unit 133a.

For example, when receiving a remote operation from the mobile terminal device 30 , the control unit 133 stores reception information indicating that the remote operation has been received in the storage unit 134 . If reception information is stored in the storage unit 134, the control unit 133 (determining unit 133a) determines that the remote control has been received at least once in the past.

If remote control has been received in the past (S304: NO), the control unit 133 terminates the control process.

On the other hand, if there has never been a remote operation in the past (S304: YES), the control unit 133 prompts the use of the remote operation function by the screen display on the operation display unit 131 and the sound from the speaker 136. Notification is made (S305). The notification includes notification that the operation accepted in S301 can be performed by remote control.

For example, when an operation related to the automatic bath reservation function is performed, as shown in FIG. and the notification to recommend the use of the function is performed by the screen display on the operation display unit 131 and the voice from the voice window 13a.

If the operation accepted in S301 is not the predetermined operation, that is, the operation cannot be remotely operated (S303: NO), the control unit 133 ends the control process without executing the processes of S304 and S305.

7 is executed by the control unit 123 of the bathroom remote controller 12, in the processing of S304, the control unit 123 inquires of the control unit 133 of the kitchen remote controller 13 whether remote operation is accepted.

<Effect of Embodiment 3>
According to the third embodiment, when hot water supply apparatus 10 has never received a remote operation from portable terminal device 30 in the past, remote A notification prompting the user to use the operation function is provided by the operation display unit 131 (display unit 121) and the speaker 136 (speaker 126), which are notification units. This makes it easier for the user to recognize the function of remote control and to use the function. Therefore, in hot water supply system 1 and hot water supply device 10, utilization of the remote control function can be promoted.

Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the user can recognize that the operation performed on the operation display unit 131 (the operation unit 122) can be remotely operated from the portable terminal device 30. FIG.

<Embodiment 4>
In the hot water supply system 1 of Embodiment 3, when the remote control function is not used at all, the user is notified to use the remote control function.

On the other hand, in the hot water supply system 1 of Embodiment 4, when the remote control function has not been used for a predetermined period of time or longer, a notification prompting the user to use the remote control function is provided.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing control processing executed for the function of prompting the use of the remote control function according to the fourth embodiment. In the control process of FIG. 8, as in the control process of FIG. 7, the processes of S301 to S303 and S305 are executed, and the determination process of S306 is executed instead of the determination process of S304 of the control process of FIG. .

That is, when the control unit 133 receives a predetermined operation in S301, that is, an operation that can be remotely operated (S303: YES), the hot water supply apparatus 10 has not received a remote operation from the mobile terminal device 30 for a predetermined period or longer. It is determined whether or not there is (S306). The determination of S306 is executed by the function of the determination unit 133a.

For example, when receiving a remote operation from the mobile terminal device 30 , the control unit 133 stores history information of the remote operation including the reception time in the storage unit 134 . Based on the reception time stored in the storage unit 134, the control unit 133 (determining unit 133a) determines whether or not a predetermined period of time or more has elapsed since the latest remote operation.

If the control unit 133 has not received a remote operation for a predetermined period of time or more (S306: NO), the control unit 133 notifies the user to use the remote operation function by the screen display on the operation display unit 131 and the sound from the speaker 136 ( S305).

8 is executed by the control unit 123 of the bathroom remote controller 12, the control unit 123 receives remote operation history information from the control unit 133 of the kitchen remote controller 13 in the process of S306.

<Effect of Embodiment 4>
According to the fourth embodiment, the same effects as those of the third embodiment can be obtained.

Although Embodiments 1 to 4 have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of Embodiments 1 to 4, and various modifications are possible.

<Modification 1>
In the above-described third embodiment, when the hot water supply apparatus 10 has never received a remote operation from the mobile terminal device 30 in the past, the notification prompting the use of the remote operation function is performed.

Among the reasons why the remote control function has never been used by the user in the past are that the application software is not installed in the mobile terminal device 30 and that the initial setting is performed between the hot water supply device 10 and the server 50. It may include things that are not done.

Therefore, in Modification 1, if the remote control function has never been used in the past, and if the application software has not been installed, a notification prompting the user to install the application software is provided. If the setting has not been performed, a notification prompting the user to perform the initial setting is provided.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing control processing executed for the function of prompting the use of the remote control function according to Modification 1. In FIG. In the process of FIG. 9, the processes of S311 to S314 are added to the process of FIG.

Referring to FIG. 9, when control unit 133 issues a notification prompting use of the remote control function in S305, control unit 133 determines whether or not initial setting has been completed between hot water supply apparatus 10 and server 50. (S311). The determination of S311 is executed by the function of the determination unit 133a. If the initial setting has not been completed (S311: NO), control unit 133 causes the screen display on operation display unit 131 and the sound from speaker 136 to perform the initial setting between hot water supply device 10 and server 50. A prompting notification is made (S312).

On the other hand, if the initial setting has been completed (S311: YES), control unit 133 determines whether installation of application software has been completed for portable terminal device 30 that operates hot water supply apparatus 10. (S313). The determination of S313 is executed by the function of the determination unit 133a. If the installation of the application software is not completed (S313: NO), the control unit 133 notifies the mobile terminal device 30 to install the application software by the screen display on the operation display unit 131 and the sound from the speaker 136. (S314).

According to Modification 1, when the initial setting between water heater 10 and server 50 has not been performed, it becomes easier for the user to perform the initial setting. Easier to install software.

It should be noted that when the notification prompting the implementation of the initial setting is performed, the notification prompting the installation of the application software may be performed.

As another modified example of the third embodiment, unlike the first modified example, it is determined whether or not the application software is installed and whether or not the initial settings are performed. A configuration may be adopted in which at least one of the notification prompting the user to perform the initial setting and the notification prompting the implementation of the initial setting is performed.

<Modification 2>
In Embodiments 1 to 4 above, the predetermined operation may include a second operation that causes water heater 10 to perform a second function related to a first function that is performed by a remote-operable first operation. good. For example, the first function and the first operation can be an automatic bath function (hot water filling function) that supplies hot water to the bathtub 2 and an operation related to this function, and the second function and the second operation can be , a function for reserving the start time of the bath automatic function (hot water filling function) and an operation related to the function. That is, the first function and the second function can be a function of reserving a predetermined function and a start time of the function, respectively. The second operation may be a remotely operable operation or an unremotely operable operation. That is, in Embodiments 1 to 4 above, the reservation function is an operation that allows remote operation, but it may be an operation that does not allow remote operation.

When the control unit 133 determines that the operation received by the operation display unit 131 is the second operation in S103 of the control processing in FIG. is notified by the screen display on the operation display unit 131 which is the notification unit and the sound from the speaker 136 . At this time, if the second operation is an operation that can be remotely operated, it is also notified that the second operation is possible by remote operation. 6A, 7 and 8, the control unit 133 performs similar operations.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of notification when the second operation is performed on the kitchen remote control 13 according to Modification 2. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10( a ), when the operation related to the automatic bath reservation function is an operation that can be operated remotely, when the operation is accepted by the operation display unit 131 , the operation display unit 131 and the speaker 136 After notification to the effect that the automatic bath reservation function is to be started, notification is made to the effect that the operation related to the automatic bath reservation function and the operation related to the automatic bath function can be performed by remote control.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the operation related to the automatic bath reservation function is an operation that cannot be remotely operated, when the operation is accepted by the operation display unit 131, the operation display unit 131 and After the speaker 136 notifies that the automatic bath reservation function is to be started, it is notified that the operation related to the automatic bath function can be performed by remote control.

According to Modification 2, the user can recognize that the function related to the function executed by the operation performed on the operation display unit 131 can be executed by remote control.

<Other modification examples>
In the above-described Embodiments 1 to 4, each notification such as the notification prompting the use of the remote control function is performed by both the screen display on the operation display unit 131 and the sound from the speaker 136, but only one of them is used. may be done.

Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, in the control processing of FIGS. 4 and 6A, the notification prompting the use of the remote control function of S105 and S205 is performed. However, the notification to prompt the use of the remote control function may not be provided.

Furthermore, in Embodiment 4, it is determined whether or not the number of remote operations performed within a predetermined period of time is less than a predetermined number of times, and if the number of times is less than the predetermined number of times, a notification prompting the user to use the remote control function is provided. You may do so.

Furthermore, in Embodiments 1 to 4 above, water heater 10 can be remotely controlled from mobile terminal device 30 . However, hot water supply apparatus 10 may be remotely controlled from a terminal device other than portable terminal device 30, such as a stationary personal computer.

Furthermore, in Embodiments 1 to 4, the wireless communication unit 137 for communicating with the router 20 is provided in the kitchen remote controller 13 constituting the water heater 10, but the wireless communication unit , and the water heater 11 and the bathroom 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 water heater 11 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, and may be another configuration. For example, in the configuration of FIG. A reheating function may be performed by adding to Moreover, the water heater 11 may be configured to perform only the hot water supply function without having the reheating unit 220 and the bypass unit 230 . Furthermore, the water heater 11 may be configured to include a heating unit that performs a hot water supply operation for heating functions such as floor heating and bathroom heating, in addition to the configuration of FIG. 3 .

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. Hot water supply apparatus 10 may be of a storage type using a storage tank, or may be configured to further include a power generation unit such as a fuel cell.

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 device 30 portable terminal device (terminal device)
40 external communication network 50 server 121 display unit (notification unit)
122 operation unit 123 control unit 126 speaker (notification unit)
131 operation display unit (operation unit, notification unit)
133 control unit 133a determination unit 136 speaker (notification unit)

Claims (8)

In a water heater having a function of being remotely controlled from a terminal device via a server,
Equipped with an operation unit, a notification unit and a control unit,
The control unit
a determination unit that determines whether application software that enables the remote operation is installed in the terminal device;
If the application software is not installed, causing the notification unit to perform notification prompting installation of the application software based on the operation unit having received a predetermined operation;
A water heater characterized by: In a water heater having a function of being remotely controlled from a terminal device via a server,
Equipped with an operation unit, a notification unit and a control unit,
The control unit
a determination unit that determines whether initial settings for communication between the hot water supply apparatus and the server are performed;
If the initial setting has not been performed, causing the notification unit to perform notification prompting the implementation of the initial setting based on the operation unit having received a predetermined operation;
A water heater characterized by: In a water heater having a function of remote control from a terminal device via a server,
Equipped with an operation unit, a notification unit and a control unit,
The control unit
a judgment unit for judging whether or not the water heater has received the remote operation from the terminal device in the past,
When the hot water supply apparatus has never received the remote operation from the terminal device in the past, the notification prompting the user to use the remote control function based on the reception of the predetermined operation by the operation unit. let the department do
A water heater characterized by: In the water heater according to claim 3,
The determination unit determines whether or not the application software enabling the remote control is installed in the terminal device, and whether or not initial settings for communication between the hot water supply device and the server have been performed. to determine
When the hot water supply device has never received the remote control from the terminal device in the past, the control unit
When the application software is not installed, causing the notification unit to perform notification to prompt installation of the application software in addition to notification to prompt use of the remote control function,
When the initial setting has not been performed, causing the notification unit to perform a notification to prompt the implementation of the initial setting in addition to the notification to prompt the use of the remote control function;
A water heater characterized by: In a water heater having a function of being remotely controlled from a terminal device via a server,
Equipped with an operation unit, a notification unit and a control unit,
The control unit
a determination unit that determines whether the hot water supply device has not received the remote operation from the terminal device for a predetermined period or longer;
When the hot water supply apparatus has not received the remote operation from the terminal device for a predetermined period or longer, the notification prompting the use of the remote control function is provided based on the reception of the predetermined operation by the operation unit. let the department do
A water heater characterized by: The water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The predetermined operation includes the remote-operable first operation,
The control unit causes the notification unit to notify that the first operation can be performed by the remote operation, based on the fact that the first operation has been performed.
A water heater characterized by: In the water heater according to claim 6,
the predetermined operation includes a second operation for causing the water heater to execute a second function related to the first function executed by the first operation;
The control unit causes the notification unit to notify that the first operation can be performed by the remote operation, based on the fact that the second operation has been performed.
A water heater characterized by: a water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 7;
a server to which the water heater is communicably connected via an external communication network;
A hot water supply system comprising:

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