JP3980862B2 - Water heater controller - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention provides a water heater control device.In placeRelated.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  Conventionally, a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-346453 is known as this type of water heater control device. In this technology, the presence / absence of water flow for each time zone is stored for a certain period, and the operation is turned on / off based on the presence / absence of water flow for each time zone.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  In the conventional hot water supply controller described above, the hot water usage pattern is identified by detecting the water flow. However, in a so-called hot water storage type hot water heater, a predetermined amount of hot water is stored in a can body, and a water temperature sensor and a water flow sensor are used in combination to maintain the hot water temperature in the hot water heater. Accordingly, the hot water temperature cannot be properly maintained by using only the water flow sensor, and unless the operation state for appropriately maintaining the hot water temperature can be discriminated, control corresponding to the hot water usage pattern cannot be performed accurately. Furthermore, it is necessary to detect the water flow for each time zone and execute control for turning the operation on and off for each time zone, and the control process is very complicated.
  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and prevents a wasteful operation with a simple control process and a small amount of information, and can be easily applied to a hot water storage type water heater.SetFor the purpose of provision.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1A can for storing water, a heating means for heating the water in the can, and a water temperature holding means for controlling the heating and non-heating in the heating means to perform the water temperature holding operation in the can. A memory for storing time information for stopping the water temperature holding operation in the water temperature holding means, and a water temperature holding operation for stopping the water temperature holding operation in the water temperature holding means in a stop time zone indicated by the time information stored in the memory Control means, and the water temperature holding operation control means is provided by the heating means only when the heating time outside the stop time zone by the heating means is separated from the stop time zone by a predetermined time or more within a predetermined period. The heating execution history is stored in the memory, and when the predetermined period elapses, there is no time less than the predetermined time from the stop time period in the heating time outside the stop time period by the heating means within the predetermined period. In this case, the time information in the memory is corrected based on the heating execution history stored in the memory, while the heating time outside the stop time zone by the heating means has a time less than a predetermined time from the stop time zone. If you do not correct the time information in the above memoryAs a configuration.
[0005]
  In the invention according to claim 1 configured as described above, the water stored in the can is heated by the heating means. The water temperature holding means controls the heating and non-heating by the heating means to perform the water temperature holding operation in the can. The water temperature holding means is controlled by the water temperature holding operation control means, and the water temperature holding operation control means stops the water temperature holding operation during the stop time indicated by the time information for stopping the water temperature holding operation stored in the memory.
[0006]
  That is, in the present invention, since the water temperature holding operation is stopped during the stop time stored in the memory, it is not necessary to determine whether the water temperature holding operation is necessary every day or every hour during the stop time. Control over time is very simple. Further, in the present invention, the stop and execution of the water temperature holding operation are controlled so that a predetermined amount of water is stored in the can body, and the water temperature is held so that an appropriate temperature hot water is immediately supplied at the time of use. It is suitable for use in a so-called hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to control so as not to wastefully heat the water in the can body by a simple control process.Furthermore, when reflecting the history of heating time, the history within a predetermined period is considered. If the history is acquired over a very long period of time, it is considered that heating is performed within a predetermined time before and after the stop time period with a high probability, so it may be said that the stop time is not updated at all. By appropriately adjusting, it becomes possible to update the stop time at a preferable pace.
[0007]
  Here, the heating means only needs to be able to heat the water in the can, and the heat source and structure are not particularly limited. For example, it is possible to adopt a structure that burns various fuels such as kerosene, city gas, LP gas, etc., and supplies the heat to the water in the can body. You may supply heat energy to water with the structure to convert. The structure for transmitting energy to water is not particularly limited, and a so-called heat exchanger is usually employed for efficient transmission.
[0008]
  The memory only needs to be able to store time information for stopping the water temperature holding operation, for example, various data such as storing the start and end times of the stop time zone, and storing the start time and the stop duration. Can be used as the time information. The water temperature holding operation control means only needs to be able to stop the water temperature holding operation during the stop time, and it is determined whether or not it is a stop time zone by referring to the memory while performing real-time timing. What is necessary is just to comprise so that a holding | maintenance operation | movement may be stopped.
[0009]
  As the water temperature maintaining means, it is only necessary to control the heating means to perform the water temperature maintaining operation in the can body.AndThe water temperature holding means is configured to detect a temperature change based on a water temperature sensor that detects the water temperature in the can.Good. That is, it is preferable to directly detect the water temperature in order to maintain the water temperature in the can body, and if the temperature change is detected by the water temperature sensor, the timing for driving the heating means to maintain the water temperature is easy. Can be determined.
[0010]
  The water temperature sensor only needs to be able to detect the temperature of the object to be measured, and various sensors such as a thermistor, a platinum resistance temperature detector, a thermocouple, and an infrared sensor can be employed. In addition, various methods can be adopted as control for maintaining the water temperature, and it is configured to detect the water temperature in the can and to perform feedback control on the detected temperature to maintain the water temperature, or the temperature is a predetermined temperature. Various controls are possible, for example, heating is continued until the amount reaches the value or the amount of heating is controlled so as to compensate for the amount of heat released.
[0011]
  Even if the water temperature holding operation control means stops the water temperature holding operation during the stop time, if the user uses hot water during the stop time, it is necessary to supply hot water, and heating is required. . Therefore, a configuration example suitable for determining whether or not the user actually used hot water is used.AndThe water temperature holding operation control means detects that the water temperature sensor is at a predetermined water temperature during the stop time of the water temperature holding operation, and either water flowing into the can body or water flowing out of the can body, or its When a predetermined water flow is detected by a water flow sensor that detects the combined water flow, the heating means is controlled to heat the water.Good.
[0012]
  That is, during the stop time of the water temperature holding operation, not only detection by the water temperature sensor but also detection by the water flow sensor is used in combination. The water temperature sensor determines the temperature inside the can, but the water temperature decreases with time during the stoppage time of the water temperature holding operation. Therefore, only with this water temperature sensor, it can be determined whether the user actually uses hot water. It cannot be judged. Therefore, it is possible to reliably determine that the user has actually used hot water by detecting the water flow with the water flow sensor. Furthermore, even if there is a water flow, if the water temperature is kept at a predetermined temperature, it is not necessary to carry out heating, and by using the water temperature sensor and the water flow sensor together, it is only necessary when the water temperature holding operation is stopped. Can be controlled to be heated.
[0013]
  Here, as the water flow sensor, it is only necessary to be able to detect either the inflow of water from the outside into the can body or the outflow of water from the can body to the outside. In addition, it is sufficient if the presence or absence of a water flow can be detected, but finer control can be performed if the flow rate can be detected as well as the presence or absence of a water flow. For example, a configuration in which the amount of heat supplied by the heating means is changed according to the flow rate can be adopted. Of course, this configuration is not limited to the stop time of the water temperature holding operation.
[0014]
  The above-described memory only needs to be able to hold the above-described time information. However, the memory has a suitable configuration for enabling the water temperature holding operation to be controlled according to the life pattern of the user.AndThe above memory stores time information that can specify the time zone and day of the week.Good. That is, not only information that can specify the stop time zone but also information that can specify the day of the week is stored as time information. A general user has a different life pattern for each day of the week, and by storing a stop time zone for each day of the week, the water temperature holding operation can be controlled for each day of the week, and control according to the life pattern can be performed accurately. Implementation becomes possible.
[0015]
  Specifically, in households where household members do not go out on weekdays, the bedtime etc. are often different between weekdays and holidays, and the time during which the water temperature holding operation is stopped during bedtime Is different. In addition, it is preferable to stop the water temperature holding operation during the day, but it is preferable to continue the water temperature holding operation during the day on holidays. Therefore, if the day of the week can be specified by the time information, the water temperature holding operation can be easily performed at different timings on weekdays and holidays. Of course, Monday through Friday are generally weekdays, and Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are holidays. Can be implemented.
[0016]
  further,UpThe memory stores the heating execution history by the heating means, and the water temperature holding operation control means corrects the time information of the memory so as to approach the use state of the heating means in the heating execution history.Good. That is, the time information is configured to be updated with time, and the update is performed based on the heating execution history. Further, the time information is corrected so as to approach the usage state of the heating means in the heating execution history. Accordingly, the water temperature maintaining operation is performed according to the life pattern of the user.
[0017]
  Here, the heating execution history can be acquired by various configurations. However, it can be easily configured by storing the time when the heating is performed, and the actual use of the user can be acquired as a history. For example, detection by the water temperature sensor and the water flow sensor may be used in combination. If the time information is corrected so as to be close to the heating execution history, the time information can be corrected according to changes in the short-term and long-term lifestyle patterns of the user. As a short-term change in the life pattern, for example, it is possible to respond to a subtle change such as a change in work break or bedtime that cannot be specified on the day of the week. As a long-term change in the life pattern, for example, a hot water use / non-use pattern that changes according to a seasonal change can be used.
[0018]
  In order to determine whether or not a water heater has been used, it is preferable to determine whether or not heating has actually been performed, and a configuration in which time information is corrected based on the heating execution history is preferable. In order to correct the time information in accordance with the change in the time, it is possible to configure the time information to be corrected based on, for example, the use history of water in the can.
[0019]
  As an example suitable for correction of time information according to the heating execution historyAndThe water temperature holding operation control means corrects the time information so as to change either the start time or the end time of the water temperature holding operation or a combination thereof.Good. That is, since the stop time zone is specified in the time information, if the start time or end time can be changed, the length of the stop time can be easily changed, and the life pattern changes until later than before. Alternatively, it is possible to easily correspond to the stop time zone when the water temperature holding operation should be performed earlier than before.
[0020]
  In addition, the configuration for changing the start time or end time is to change the core of the stop time in the middle of the night or on weekdays that do not require water temperature maintenance, for example, when there is a core time zone in the normal stop time It is possible to respond to minute changes in life patterns. Furthermore, if both the start time and the end time can be changed, it is possible to easily respond to a significant change in the stop time zone. For example, it is possible to cope with a change between a winter season in which a water temperature maintaining operation is necessary even during the daytime and a summer season when almost no hot water is used during the daytime.
[0021]
  Furthermore, as an example suitable for correction of time information according to the heating execution historyAndThe water temperature holding operation control means corrects the time information so as to newly provide a stop time of the water temperature holding operation.Good. In other words, referring to the heating execution history, the time outside the stop time, that is, the time during which the heating is hardly performed during the water temperature holding operation can be set as a new stop time, and the winter season and the day when the water temperature holding operation is required even during the day. It is possible to cope with a change from the summer when almost no hot water is used therein, or to set a time zone completely different from the initial value set by default in the water heater as the stop time.
[0022]
  As a specific configuration example to reflect the heating execution historyAndThe water temperature holding operation control unit corrects the time information in the memory so that the heating time is outside the stop time when the heating unit performs heating a predetermined number of times during the stop time within a predetermined period. As compositionGood. That is, various methods can be adopted to reflect the heating execution history in the correction of the stop time, but here, the use of the hot water heater during the stop time and the use of the hot water heater outside the stop time are considered separately, Time information is corrected by heating a predetermined number of times during the stop time.
[0023]
  Therefore, if the heating operation is performed a predetermined number of times or more even during the stop time, the time during which the heating operation is performed will be outside the stop time thereafter, and the water temperature holding operation will be performed and the use of the water heater Immediately after that, it becomes possible to use hot water of appropriate temperature. Of course, if it is configured to perform heating when there is a predetermined amount of water flow, the water temperature in the can decreases, and heating is performed when there is a predetermined amount of water flow. The history when the water heater is actually used can be reliably reflected. In addition, since the history within a predetermined period is taken into account to reflect the history of the heating time, the stop time is updated when heating is performed at a certain frequency, and heating is rarely performed for a very long time. It is possible to prevent the stop time from being updated when it is performed.
[0024]
  further,UpThe water temperature holding operation control means is configured to store the memory so that a predetermined time before and after the stop time period is within the stop time when heating by the heating means is not performed within a predetermined time period and before and after the stop time period. As a configuration to correct the time informationGood. That is, here again, the use of the hot water heater during the stop time and the use of the hot water heater outside the stop time are considered separately, and when the heating is not performed a predetermined number of times within the predetermined time before and after the stop time period outside the stop time period. Correct the time information.
[0025]
  As a result of this correction, the stop time is extended so that one or both of the predetermined time before the stop time zone and the predetermined time after the stop time zone becomes the stop time. It can be a stop time. Therefore, useless heating can be prevented. Here too, the history within a predetermined period is taken into consideration when reflecting the history of the heating time. High if history is acquired for a very long timeprobabilityBecause it is considered that heating is performed within a predetermined time before and after the stop time period, it may be said that the stop time is not updated at all, but the stop time is updated at a preferable pace by appropriately adjusting the predetermined period. It becomes possible.
[0026]
  As a suitable configuration example of the above-mentioned predetermined periodAndThe predetermined period is a period in units of weeks and / or months.Good. That is, if the history on a weekly basis is reflected, it is possible to prevent the update execution of very frequent stop time. In addition, it is difficult to discriminate changes in life patterns in a few days, and it is necessary to acquire a history for a certain period of time. By acquiring the history in units of weeks, it is possible to accurately reflect life patterns.
[0027]
  Furthermore, if only the history is reflected on a weekly basis, it is difficult to cope with changes in life patterns over a longer period, for example, seasonal changes, but by reflecting the monthly history, relatively long-term seasonal changes, etc. The stop time can be updated according to the situation.
[0028]
  Also, in the configuration for maintaining the water temperature in the can, the water temperature holding operation is stopped during the pre-stored stop time, and the method for dealing with the change in the life pattern by correcting this stop time is not necessarily a substantial device. It does not have to be limited and functions as a method.
  For this reason,canA water heater control method for controlling a water heater capable of heating water stored in the body and controlling the heating and non-heating to perform a water temperature holding operation in the can body, wherein the water temperature is set in advance. As a configuration comprising a water temperature holding operation control step for stopping the water temperature holding operation during the holding operation stop time.Good.
  That is, it is not necessarily limited to a substantial apparatus, and there is no difference that the method is also effective.
[0029]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the invention of claim 1,It becomes possible to control so that water in the can body is not heated unnecessarily by simple control processing, and the time zone in which the water heater is hardly used can be set as a stop time, thereby preventing unnecessary heating. A possible water heater control device can be provided.
[0032]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order.
(1) Water heater configuration:
(2) Configuration of control unit:
(3) Water heater operation processing:
(4) Water temperature holding operation:
(5) Stop time zone update processing:
(6) Start / end time change processing:
(7) Second embodiment:
(8) Other embodiments:
[0033]
  (1) Water heater configuration:
  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a hot water supply system to which a hot water supply controller according to the present invention is applied. In the figure, the hot water supply system includes a hot water heater 10, a remote controller 30, and an oil tank 40. The water heater 10 is a device that receives water supply from the outside through a water supply pipe 11a and supplies hot water to the outside through a hot water supply pipe 11b, and supplies hot water to a kitchen, a bathroom, and the like. The remote controller 30 is disposed in the vicinity of watering equipment such as a kitchen and a bathroom so that a user can operate. The user operates the remote controller 30 to turn on / off the water heater 10 and to indicate a hot water temperature. Can be implemented. The user's operation input made by the remote controller 30 is output to the control unit 20 of the water heater 10 as a predetermined signal via a predetermined signal line.
[0034]
  An oil tank 40 is also disposed outside the water heater 10. The oil tank 40 is a tank in which a predetermined amount of kerosene is stocked, and kerosene is supplied into the water heater 10 through the oil supply pipe 40a. The water heater 10 includes various devices, and the control unit 20, the water supply pipe 11a, the hot water supply pipe 11b, the oil leveler 12, the burner 13, the hot water supply temperature sensor 14a, the stored water temperature sensor 14b, the water supply temperature sensor 14c, and the flow rate. A sensor 15 and a can 16 are provided.
[0035]
  The can body 16 has a tank capable of storing a predetermined amount of water, is connected to the water supply pipe 11a, the hot water supply pipe 11b, and the burner 13, and includes a heat exchanger 16a therein. The heat exchanger 16a is connected to the burner 13 and exposed to the can 16 so that the heat generated in the burner 13 is transferred to the heat exchanger 16a and exchanged with the surrounding ambient water. The water is heated. The burner 13 includes a vaporizing mechanism (not shown) and is connected to the oil supply pipe 12b. The vaporization mechanism has a rotating part provided with a plurality of small holes on the outer periphery, and the kerosene supplied via the oil supply pipe 12b is rotated at the rotating part and jetted from the outer peripheral small holes by centrifugal force. Kerosene can be vaporized. That is, kerosene is vaporized without a heater. The vaporized kerosene burns in the burner 13 and becomes a heat source for the heat exchanger 16a. The on / off of the burner 13 is controlled by a control signal from the control unit 20. Thus, in this embodiment, the burner 13 corresponds to the heating means.
[0036]
  The oil supply pipe 12 b is connected to the oil leveler 12, and the oil supply pipe 40 a is connected to the oil leveler 12. The oil leveler 12 is a device that receives kerosene from the oil supply pipe 40a, temporarily stores kerosene, and stabilizes the kerosene surface. Further, the amount of kerosene supplied to the burner 13 through the oil supply pipe 12b is finely controlled by the electromagnetic pump 12a attached to the oil leveler 12, and the electromagnetic pump 12a is controlled by a control signal from the control unit 20. Is driven to supply an appropriate amount of kerosene to the oil supply pipe 12b.
[0037]
  The water in the can body 16 heated by the burner 13 and the heat exchanger 16a has a high temperature at the top due to convection, the hot water supply pipe 11b communicates with the top of the can body 16, and the water supply pipe at the bottom. 11a is communicated. When hot water is used in a watering facility such as the indoor sink or bathroom, the hot water flows out of the can body 16 through the hot water supply pipe 11b and flows in through the water supply pipe 11a. The control unit 20 can perform a water temperature holding operation for holding the water temperature accumulated in the can body 16 at the temperature indicated by the user using the remote controller 30.
[0038]
  When hot water is supplied from the water heater 10, the water temperature in the can 16 is lowered. Therefore, in order to stably supply hot water, it is necessary to turn on the burner 13 as appropriate to perform heating. Conditions for turning on 13 (hereinafter referred to as combustion conditions) are different between the water temperature holding operation and the water temperature holding operation being stopped. That is, during the water temperature holding operation, the combustion condition is that the water temperature in the can body 16 has decreased below the temperature indicated by the remote controller 30, and the water condition in the water temperature holding operation is stopped using the water in the can body 16. And it is combustion conditions that the water temperature in the can 16 fell below the temperature indicated by the remote controller 30.
[0039]
  The stored water temperature sensor 14b and the flow rate sensor 15 are used to determine whether or not this combustion condition is satisfied. That is, the water storage temperature sensor 14b is a thermistor, and can measure the water temperature by a resistance that varies depending on the water temperature, a voltage of the thermistor, or the like. The water storage temperature sensor 14 b is attached to the can 16 at the approximate center in the vertical direction, and measures a substantially average value of the water temperature accumulated in the can 16. The flow rate sensor 15 is a sensor that can detect the water flow rate in the water supply pipe 11a, and can detect the water flow rate by the rotation of an impeller rotated by the water flow in the water supply pipe 11a. Therefore, it is possible to determine the combustion condition during the water temperature holding operation by the water storage temperature sensor 14b, and it is possible to determine the combustion condition during the water temperature holding operation stop by the water storage temperature sensor 14b and the flow rate sensor 15.
[0040]
  Here, in the stop time of the water temperature holding operation, it is expected that the user hardly uses hot water and does not hold the water temperature. I cannot supply hot water. Therefore, the determination of the stored water temperature by the stored water temperature sensor 14b and the determination of the presence or absence of water flow (whether or not hot water is actually used) by the flow rate sensor 15 are used in combination. The control unit 20 receives detection signals from the hot water supply temperature sensor 14a and the stored water temperature sensor 14b, and the burner 13 is turned on when the combustion condition is met in either the water temperature holding operation or the water temperature holding operation stopped. In this way, the water in the can 16 is heated.
[0041]
  In the control of the burner 13, the amount of supplied heat is further controlled using the hot water temperature sensor 14a and the water temperature sensor 14c. The hot water temperature sensor 14a and the water temperature sensor 14c are also thermistors and can detect the water temperature in the same manner as the water temperature sensor 14b. The hot water temperature sensor 14a is attached to a part of the hot water supply pipe 11b in the vicinity of the connecting portion between the can body 16 and the hot water supply pipe 11b, and measures the water temperature immediately after flowing out of the can body 16. The water supply temperature sensor 14c is attached from the outer periphery of the water heater 10 in the water supply pipe 11a, and measures the water temperature immediately after flowing in from the outside.
[0042]
  The control unit 20 calculates the amount of heat discharged from the hot water supply based on the detected value of the hot water temperature sensor 14a and the detected value of the flow rate sensor 15, and based on the detected value of the hot water temperature sensor 14c and the detected value of the flow rate sensor 15. Calculate the inflow heat due to water supply. Then, the burner 13 is driven so that the difference between them, that is, the net outflow heat amount is calculated and the heat amount substantially the same as the outflow heat amount can be given to the water in the can body 16 from the heat exchanger 16a.
[0043]
  The above configuration is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the configuration of each part can be replaced by other devices. For example, the burner 13 only needs to be able to heat the water in the can 16, and is not necessarily limited to heating by a flame, and can be appropriately changed such as heating by high frequency applied to the coil. Further, the heat exchanger 16a is not particularly limited as long as it can transfer heat from the heat source to water. When burning the flame, the fuel is not limited to the kerosene, and various fuels such as city gas and LP gas can be employed.
[0044]
  The hot water temperature sensor 14a, the stored water temperature sensor 14b, and the feed water temperature sensor 14c only need to be able to detect the water temperature, and various values such as a resistance value, a voltage value, and a current value can be used for detecting the water temperature. In addition to the thermistor, the sensor itself may be a temperature sensor based on a resistance value of a metal such as a platinum resistance thermometer or a sensor such as a thermocouple. Of course, other sensors such as an infrared sensor may be used. The flow rate sensor 15 is only required to be able to detect the flow rate, and various sensors such as a sensor that uses the movement of the float and a sensor that detects Karman vortices can be employed in addition to the sensor based on the impeller. As long as altitude control is not performed, a sensor that detects the presence or absence of a flow may be used instead of a sensor that detects a flow rate. The driving method of the burner 13 and the concept of the amount of supplied heat are not limited to those described above, and various algorithms can be employed as long as the heating operation can be performed so that the water temperature can be maintained.
[0045]
  (2) Configuration of control unit:
  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 20. The control unit 20 includes a control system including a CPU 21, a ROM 22, and a RAM 23, and an interface system including a remote control I / F 24, an A / D converter 25a, a flow rate sensor I / F 25b, an electromagnetic pump I / F 26, and a burner I / F 27. ing. The CPU 21 uses the RAM 23 connected via the bus as a work area and executes a control program stored in the ROM 22 connected via the bus to control the electromagnetic pump 12a, the burner 13, and the remote controller 30. To do.
[0046]
  That is, the CPU 21 is connected to the remote control I / F 24, the A / D converter 25a, the flow sensor I / F 25b, the electromagnetic pump I / F 26, and the burner I / F 27 via a bus, and through these interfaces. Input and output various control signals. The remote control I / F 24 is connected to the remote control 30, outputs a digital signal corresponding to the operation performed by the user with the remote control 30 to the bus, and inputs a predetermined control signal from the bus to the remote control 30. Output. The CPU can grasp the temperature of the hot water held in the water temperature holding operation by this digital signal.
[0047]
  The A / D converter 25a is connected to the hot water temperature sensor 14a, the stored water temperature sensor 14b, and the supplied water temperature sensor 14c, and converts the analog signals input from these sensors to indicate the detected temperature of each sensor. Convert to digital data and output to bus. Therefore, the CPU 21 can grasp the hot water supply temperature, the water supply temperature, and the water storage temperature based on these digital data. The flow sensor 15 is configured to output a number of pulses corresponding to the rotation speed of the impeller, and the flow sensor I / F 25b inputs the pulse and outputs digital data indicating the water flow rate to the bus. Therefore, CPU21 can grasp | ascertain the flow volume in the water heater 10 based on this digital data.
[0048]
  The electromagnetic pump I / F 26 is an interface that converts a predetermined control signal output from the CPU 21 into a driving signal for the electromagnetic pump 12a and outputs the converted signal. The burner I / F 27 outputs a predetermined control signal output from the CPU 21 to the driving signal for the burner 13. It is an interface that converts to and outputs. Therefore, the CPU 21 can determine whether or not the heating by the burner 13 is to be performed in order to maintain the hot water temperature as instructed by the remote controller 30 based on the detection contents of the respective sensors. Then, the electromagnetic pump 12a is driven to supply appropriate fuel to the burner 13, and the burner 13 is driven to perform appropriate heating. Thus, in the present embodiment, the hot water temperature sensor 14a, the stored water temperature sensor 14b, the feed water temperature sensor 14c, the flow rate sensor 15, the A / D converter 25a, the flow rate sensor I / F 25b, the electromagnetic pump I / F 26, and the burner I. / F27 and CPU 21 constitute the water temperature holding means.
[0049]
  On the other hand, in this embodiment, in order to perform the water temperature holding operation outside the stop time, the control system of the CPU 21, ROM 22, and RAM 23 performs time measurement processing, determination of whether or not it is stop time, and the like. It has become. Furthermore, in order to sequentially change to a stop time zone according to a user's life pattern, a stop time zone change process or the like is executed. For this reason, the CPU 21 includes a timer unit 21a. The timer unit 21 a is a circuit that measures time based on a predetermined oscillation signal. The predetermined time is set as a default at the shipping stage of the water heater 10 and functions as a clock, and the current time is changed by operating the remote controller 30. You can also.
[0050]
  In addition, although it is driven by power from a power source (not shown) that normally supplies power to the water heater 10, it receives power from the backup power source 50 even when it is not receiving power from the power source. The clocking operation continues to be executed. The timer unit 21 a can be configured by a general-purpose real-time clock IC that is separate from the CPU 21, or the timer unit can be mounted outside the control unit 20, for example, in the remote controller 30.
[0051]
  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of the contents stored in the ROM 22. Various data are stored in the ROM 22 in advance, and calendar data 22a, a predetermined control program 22b, and stop time data 22c are stored as shown in FIG. In the calendar data 22a, a calendar for several decades is stored together with the day of the week, and the day of the week can be determined in the process described later. The control program 22b is appropriately read into the work area of the RAM 23 and executed as necessary. The stop time data 22c is data for specifying a stop time zone in which the water temperature holding operation is stopped, and includes data for weekdays (usually Monday to Friday) and data for holidays (Saturday, Sunday, and holidays). .
[0052]
  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of the contents stored in the RAM 23. In addition to the control program 22b (not shown), the RAM 23 stores various data necessary for executing the control program 22b. The stop time data 23a is data for designating a time zone during which the water temperature holding operation is stopped. During the initial operation of the water heater 10, the stop time data 22c stored in the ROM 22 is transferred and used as an initial value. However, it is data of the property which can be rewritten sequentially according to use of the water heater 10. The operation time data 23b is data indicating the date and time when the burner 13 is driven, and includes weekday data and holiday data. This data is date / time data obtained by referring to the timer unit 21a, and the driving time of the burner 13 is stored together with the date. The operation time data 23b is cleared every two weeks, and is used to update the stop time data 23a in consideration of the use history of the burner 13 every two weeks.
[0053]
  The set temperature data 23c is temperature data input based on an operation input of the remote controller 30, and is data indicating a user-desired hot water temperature. The stop time data update time 23d is data indicating the time when the stop time data 23a is updated, and is used when the stop time data 23a is updated based on the use history of the burner 13. The first half counter 23e1 and the second half counter 23e2 are counters that are incremented when the burner 13 is driven during the stop time, and the first half counter 23e1 is incremented when the burner 13 is driven during the first half of the stop time. When the burner 13 is driven in the second half of the stop time, the second half counter 23e2 is incremented.
[0054]
  (3) Water heater operation processing:
  Next, processing executed by the control system with the above configuration will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process when the burner 13 is controlled in the operation process of the entire water heater 10, and this process is repeatedly executed with respect to the control of the burner 13. When the water heater 10 is operated, the water temperature holding operation by the burner 13 is stopped in the stop time period, and this stop time varies depending on the day of the week. Therefore, the stop time is set for each day of the week. That is, in step S100, the CPU 21 reads the current date and time based on the time measured by the time measuring unit 21a, and in step S105, refers to the calendar data 22a to determine the day of the week of the read date and time.
[0055]
  In step S110, it is determined whether or not the present day is a weekday as a result of the determination. If it is determined in step S110 that the current day is a weekday, the weekday stop time is set to be used in step S115. If it is not determined in step S110 that it is a weekday, in step S120, a holiday stop time is set to be used. In step S125, it is determined whether or not the current time referred to in step S100 is within the stop time set as described above.
[0056]
  If it is not determined in step S125 that the current time is within the stop time, a water temperature holding operation described in detail later is executed in step S127. When it is determined in step S125 that it is within the stop time, the water temperature holding operation is not executed, and the burner 13 is turned off in step S130. For example, when the water temperature holding operation has been executed until immediately before, the burner 13 is turned off by the processing of step S130. Thus, in this embodiment, CPU21 and the time measuring part 21a which can perform the process of step S125 comprise the said water temperature holding | maintenance operation control means.
[0057]
  Even if it says that the water temperature holding operation is not performed after step S130, the user may use hot water while the water temperature holding operation is stopped. Further, if the water temperature holding operation is stopped and held for a long time in winter, the water in the can 16 may freeze. Therefore, the process of step S135 is performed for these measures, and in step S135, it is determined whether hot water has been used based on the signal from the flow rate sensor 15. If it is not determined in step S135 that hot water has been used, it is determined in step S160 whether it is necessary to prevent freezing. In this determination, the stored water temperature sensor 14b determines whether the stored water temperature has dropped below a predetermined temperature, or an outside air temperature sensor (not shown) is configured, and the outside air temperature sensor reduces the outside air below the predetermined temperature. It can be realized by determining whether or not it is.
[0058]
  If it is not determined in step S160 that freezing prevention is necessary, the processes in and after step S125 are repeated. When it is determined in step S160 that freeze prevention is necessary, freeze prevention processing is performed in step S170. Here, the freeze prevention process can be performed by a process such as turning on the burner 13 or turning on the burner 13 for a predetermined time until it is determined that the water storage temperature sensor 14b has reached a predetermined temperature or higher.
[0059]
  When it is determined in step S135 that hot water has been used, the set temperature data 23c is referred to in step S140, and it is determined whether or not the temperature detected by the water storage temperature sensor 14b is equal to or lower than the set temperature. . If it is not determined in step S140 that the temperature is equal to or lower than the set temperature, the processes in and after step S125 are repeated. When it is determined in step S140 that the temperature is equal to or lower than the set temperature, in step S145, the net outflow heat amount is compensated based on the detection values of the hot water supply temperature sensor 14a, the flow rate sensor 15, and the supply water temperature sensor 14c. The burner 13 is driven. That is, it is determined in steps S135 and S140 whether or not the combustion conditions during the water temperature holding operation stop are met.
[0060]
  In step S150, a stop time zone update process, which will be described later, is performed in order to update the stop time slot. In step S155, a start / end time change process, which will be described later, is performed in order to change the start time and end time of the stop time. By these processes, the stop time data 23a is sequentially updated according to the use of the water heater 10, and the water temperature maintaining operation is executed in a time zone in which each user frequently uses the water heater 10. The water temperature holding operation is stopped during a time period when it is not used. That is, the stop time is changed according to the life pattern of the user. Thereafter, the flow shown in FIG. 5 is repeatedly executed.
[0061]
  (4) Water temperature holding operation:
  According to the above flow, the water temperature in the can 16 is maintained during the time period when the user uses the water heater 10, and hot water is immediately supplied when the hot water is used within the time period. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the water temperature maintaining operation. In this process, the burner 13 is turned on when the combustion condition during the water temperature holding operation is met. In step S200, the set temperature data 23c is referred to, and the temperature detected by the water storage temperature sensor 14b is determined. It is determined whether or not the temperature is lower than the set temperature. When it is determined in step S200 that the temperature is equal to or lower than the set temperature, in step S210, the net outflow heat quantity is compensated based on the detected values of the hot water supply temperature sensor 14a, the flow rate sensor 15, and the supply water temperature sensor 14c. The burner 13 is driven as follows.
[0062]
  When it is not determined in step S200 that the temperature is equal to or lower than the set temperature, the burner 13 is not driven. Thus, during the water temperature holding operation, the actual water flow is not discriminated for driving the burner 13, and hot water at the set temperature can always be held regardless of whether or not the user has used hot water. Therefore, it is possible to immediately use hot water at an appropriate temperature during the water temperature holding operation. Furthermore, in order to change a stop time according to a user's life pattern also during this water temperature maintenance operation | movement, the stop time zone update process mentioned later in step S220 is performed.
[0063]
  (5) Stop time zone update processing:
  As described above, in this embodiment, the stop time zone is updated during the water temperature holding operation and during the water temperature holding operation stop, and the user actually drives the burner 13 using the water heater 10. The water temperature holding operation is executed during the time zone, and the stop time data 23a in the RAM 23 is sequentially changed so that the user stops the water temperature holding operation during the time zone when the water heater 10 is not used. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the stop time zone update process.
[0064]
  In step S300, the CPU 21 reads the current date and time based on the time measured by the time measuring unit 21a. In step S305, the CPU 21 determines the day of the read date and time with reference to the calendar data 22a. In step S310, it is determined whether or not the present day is a weekday. If it is determined in step S310 that it is a weekday, it is added to the operation time data 23b as an operation time for weekdays in step S315. Remember. If it is not determined in step S310 that it is a weekday, in step S320, the operation time data 23b is additionally stored as a holiday operation time. That is, since the stop time zone update process is executed after the burner 13 is turned on in both the water temperature holding operation and the water temperature holding operation stop, the operation time of the burner 13 is stored in steps S315 and S320. Will be. Of course, even if the flow rate sensor 15 determines whether or not a water flow has been detected so that the operation time is stored only when the user actually uses hot water during the water temperature maintaining operation, good.
[0065]
  In step S325, it is determined whether or not two weeks have elapsed since the update of the operation time data 23b, that is, whether or not the oldest data of the operation time data 23b is two weeks or more before the current time. If it is not determined in S325 that two weeks have elapsed since the update of the operation time data 23b, the process returns to the original process without updating the stop time data. When it is determined in step S325 that two weeks have elapsed since the update of the operation time data 23b, the operation time data 23b is referred to, and the difference between the dates is considered to be 3 in the accumulated data. It is determined whether there is an interval of time or more.
[0066]
  When it is determined in step S330 that there is an interval of 3 hours or more, the stop time data is updated in step S335 with the time zone having the interval of 3 hours or more as a new stop time zone. At this time, when there are two or more time zones having an interval of 3 hours or more, each of the two or more time zones may be set as a stop time zone, or various modes such as a stop time only at night can be adopted. . If it is not determined in step S330 that there is an interval of 3 hours or more, the data content of the stop time data 23a is deleted in step S340 so that no stop time is provided.
[0067]
  In step S345, the time when the stop time data 23a is updated (the stop time data update time 23d) is stored in the RAM 23 for use later when processing for changing the start / end time of the stop time is performed. . In step S350, the operation time data 23b is once cleared and the process returns to the original process. That is, in this embodiment, the history of the burner 13 operation time is accumulated for two weeks, and the stop time data 23a is updated based on the accumulated content. Of course, the processes in steps S325 to S350 are performed while distinguishing between weekday and holiday data. If the current day is a weekday, the process is performed with weekday data. If the current day is a holiday, the process is performed with holiday data. Do. In addition, in the update of the stop time data in step S335, the start time and the end time may be specified in minute units, or roughly specified every 30 minutes or every hour.
[0068]
  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how the stop time zone is updated by the stop time zone update process. In the present embodiment, a start / end time change process, which will be described later, is executed in addition to the stop time period update process, and the change of the stop time period is a combination of these processes. A stop time zone update process is extracted, and an update example from the initial value will be described. In FIG. 8, the stop time and the operation time of the burner 13 are shown on the time axis, and the upper time axis shows the stop time on weekdays based on the initial value. In addition, the lower time axis indicates the weekday stop time after the update, and the middle time axis indicates a state at a certain time point when the operation time history is being accumulated. The operation time is indicated by a white triangle.
[0069]
  As described above, the initial value of the stop time data 23a is the start time “0:00” and the end time “6:00” as stored in the ROM 22, and in the initial state, the stop time indicated by the arrow at the top of FIG. The water temperature holding operation stops in the time zone. When the water heater 10 is operated, the water temperature holding operation is stopped during the stop time period, and the processes shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 are executed while the water temperature holding operation is performed outside the stop time period. When the water heater 10 is used and the burner 13 is turned on, the driving time of the burner 13 is recorded by the processing of steps S300 to S320 in FIG.
[0070]
  When two weeks have passed since the recording, it is determined in step S330 whether or not there is an interval of 3 hours or more. However, in this determination, the date is not distinguished, so it is stored as the operation time data 23b. As shown in the lower part of FIG. 8, all the storage times for two weeks are compared on one time axis. In this example, the stored time is concentrated between “6:50” and “8:00” and between “19:00” and “22:30”. Accordingly, in step S330, it is determined that the time period from “8:00” to “19:00” and the time period from “22:30” to “6:50” are intervals of 3 hours or more. The time zone is stored in the RAM 23 as new stop time data 23a.
[0071]
  Accordingly, the water temperature maintaining operation is not performed in these two time periods for at least two weeks thereafter, and excess fuel consumption can be prevented. A suitable living pace in such a stop time zone is, for example, a household of a single person who goes out at work during the daytime on weekdays. In such a household, fuel consumption can be suppressed in a time zone in which the burner 13 is hardly used, which is very beneficial. Since the update of this stop time period distinguishes weekdays and holidays, work is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (holidays), and even if the burner 13 is used frequently during the daytime, there will be no effect on the stop time period on weekdays. Even if there is a living pace other than on weekdays, such as when the wake-up time is usually delayed on holidays, the stop time matches the living pace. Of course, in this stop time zone update process, it is possible to cope with any living pace other than the pace of the single person and the like, and wasteful fuel consumption can be prevented.
[0072]
  (6) Start / end time change processing:
  As described above, even when the water temperature holding operation is stopped, when the hot water supply operation is actually performed, the hot water supply operation is performed and the burner 13 is turned on. However, the water temperature in the can 16 is not held while the water temperature holding operation is stopped. Therefore, the hot water temperature may be insufficient. If hot water is frequently used during the stop time, it is assumed that it is more convenient to change the stop time. In this embodiment, the start time of the stop time and the burner 13 drive history during the stop time The end time can be changed.
[0073]
  FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of a start / end time change process for changing the start time and end time of the stop time. This start / end time changing process is step S155 of FIG. 5 and after the burner 13 is turned on in step S145 during the water temperature holding operation stop process after step S135, the stop time zone update process of step S150 is performed. Will be implemented. In step S400, it is determined whether or not the day of the week determined in step S310 is a weekday. If it is determined in step S400 that the day of the week is a weekday, the current time read in step S300 is the same as the weekday. In step S405, it is determined whether or not two weeks or more have elapsed since the stop time data update time 23d.
[0074]
  If it is determined in step S400 that it is not a weekday, it is determined in step S410 whether or not the current time read in step S300 has passed one month or more from the stop time data update time 23d for holidays. If the determination in step S405 and step S410 is affirmative, the stored content of the stop time data update time 23d is cleared in step S450 without changing the start / end time of the stop time, and the original processing is performed. Return to. If the determinations in steps S405 and S410 are negative, it is determined in step S415 whether or not the current time read in step S300 corresponds to the first half of the stop time.
[0075]
  If it is determined in step S415 that the current time corresponds to the first half of the stop time, the first half counter 23e1 is incremented in step S420. In step S425, it is determined whether or not the first half counter 23e1 is equal to or greater than “3” count. When it is determined that the first half counter 23e1 is equal to or greater than “3” count, it is the data within the operation time data 23b and is the stop time. The stop time data is changed in step S430 with the latest time existing in the first half as a new start time. If it is not determined in step S425 that the first half counter 23e1 has reached “3” or more, the process returns to the original process without changing the start time of the stop time.
[0076]
  On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S415 that the current time corresponds to the first half of the stop time, the second half counter 23e2 is incremented in step S435. In step S440, it is determined whether or not the latter half counter 23e2 is equal to or greater than “3” count. When it is determined that the latter half counter 23e2 is equal to or greater than “3” count, it is the data within the operation time data 23b and is the stop time. The stop time data is changed in step S445 with the earliest time as a new end time. If it is not determined in step S440 that the latter half counter 23e2 is equal to or greater than “3”, the process returns to the original process without changing the end time of the stop time. Of course, if the current time is a weekday, the stop time data 23a for the holiday is changed if the current time is a weekday.
[0077]
  By the above process, when the burner 13 is frequently driven in the first half of the stop time, the start time of the stop time is changed, and when the burner 13 is frequently driven in the second half of the stop time, the stop time is changed. The end time is changed, and the time when the burner 13 is driven is outside the stop time. Therefore, after this change, hot water at an appropriate temperature can be used immediately when hot water is used at the same time as the frequently driven time. As is apparent from the flowchart of FIG. 9, the term “frequently” means that the burner 13 is turned on three times or more within two weeks for weekdays, and three or more times within one month for holidays. This is a case where 13 is turned on.
[0078]
  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how the stop time is changed by the start / end time changing process. In the present embodiment, the stop time zone update process is executed in addition to the start / end time change process, and the change of the stop time is a combination of these processes. Here, for simplicity, the start / end time shown in FIG. A change process is extracted and an example of updating from the initial value will be described. Also in FIG. 10, the stop time and the operation time of the burner 13 are shown on the time axis, and the upper time axis shows the stop time on weekdays based on the initial value. In addition, the lower time axis indicates the weekday stop time after the update, and the middle time axis indicates a state at a certain time point when the operation time history is being accumulated. The operation time is indicated by a white triangle.
[0079]
  As described above, in the initial state, the water temperature holding operation stops in the stop time zone indicated by the arrow in the upper part of FIG. When the water heater 10 is used and the burner 13 is turned on, the stop time data 23a is updated every two weeks in steps S335 and S340 of FIG. It can be said that the initial state is realized by first updating the stop time data 23a. When the burner 13 is driven during the stop time within 2 weeks after the update, it is determined whether the drive time of the burner 13 is the first half or the second half of the stop time by the process of S415 in FIG. In steps S420 and S435, the first half counter 23e1 and the second half counter 23e2 are appropriately incremented. As shown in the middle part of FIG. 10, when the burner 13 is driven twice from “0:00” to “1:00” and once from “5:00” to “6:00” during the stop time, the first half The counter 23e1 is “2”, and the latter half counter 23e2 is “1”.
[0080]
  When the burner 13 is driven again from “0:00” to “3:00” which is the first half of the stop time within 2 weeks after the update of the stop time data 23a while continuing the operation of the water heater 10, FIG. 10, the first half counter 23 e 1 becomes “3”, and the start time of the stop time is changed in step S 430. At this time, the latest time in the stop time becomes the new start time, and in FIG. 10, “0:45” is the new start time, and this start time is stored in the RAM 23 as the new stop time data 23a.
[0081]
  Therefore, after that, the start of stopping the water temperature holding operation is delayed, and even if hot water is used between about “0:00” and “10:00”, hot water at an appropriate temperature can be used immediately. In this process, it is possible to change the stop time zone without greatly shifting the stop time zone itself, and even if the life pace does not change drastically, the user whose life pace is not strictly determined, for example, The water temperature maintaining operation can be performed in accordance with the user's pace of life where the bedtime and the wake-up time are slightly different from day to day.
[0082]
  (7) Second embodiment:
  In the start / end time changing process according to the above embodiment, the start time and the end time are changed when the burner 13 is driven a plurality of times while the water temperature holding operation is stopped. It is more convenient to incorporate the time during which the burner 13 is not driven into the stop time. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the start time and the end time are changed so as to extend the stop time when the water temperature holding operation is being performed and the burner 13 is hardly driven before and after the stop time of the water temperature holding operation. .
[0083]
  FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of the water temperature holding operation 2 for changing the start time and end time according to the drive history of the burner 13 during the water temperature holding operation. This process can be implemented by changing the software in the same hardware configuration as in the first embodiment. For example, the start / end time change process of step S155 shown in FIG. 5 is not executed, and the water temperature holding operation 2 shown in FIG. 11 may be executed instead of the water temperature holding operation shown in step S127. Further, the data used in this process may be appropriately stored in the RAM 23, and the stop time data 23a, the operation time data 23b, the set temperature data 23c, and the stop time data update shown in FIG. 4 are updated as in the first embodiment. In addition to storing the time 23d, a drive flag 23f (not shown) is stored as data used in the processing according to the present embodiment.
[0084]
  The drive flag 23f is a flag that is turned on when the burner 13 is driven within one hour before and after the stop time zone during the water temperature maintaining operation, and has flags for weekdays and holidays. ing. Also, a start time flag and an end time flag are prepared. Other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and common configurations will be described using the same reference numerals. In the water temperature maintaining operation 2 according to the present embodiment, the current date and time are read out based on the time measured by the time measuring unit 21a in step S500, and the stop time data is updated after referring to the stop time data update time 23d in step S505. Determine whether more than a month has passed.
[0085]
  If it is not determined in step S505 that two months or more have elapsed after the update of the stop time data, the processing after step S510 is executed to perform the water temperature holding operation and the drive history acquisition of the burner 13. When it is determined in step S505 that two months or more have elapsed after the update of the stop time data, the processes after step S555 are executed in order to appropriately change the stop time data 23a. In step S510, with reference to the set temperature data 23c, it is determined whether or not the temperature detected by the water storage temperature sensor 14b is equal to or lower than the set temperature. If it is determined in step S510 that the temperature is equal to or lower than the set temperature, in step S515, the net outflow heat quantity is compensated based on the detection values of the hot water supply temperature sensor 14a, the flow rate sensor 15, and the supply water temperature sensor 14c. The burner 13 is driven as follows. StepS510If it is not determined that the temperature is equal to or lower than the set temperature, the process returns to the original process from the process shown in FIG.
[0086]
  In step S520, the current day of the week is determined based on the current time read in step S500 to obtain the drive history of the burner 13, and in step S525, it is determined whether the current day of the week is a weekday. . If it is determined in step S525 that it is a weekday, it is determined in step S530 whether or not the current time is one hour or more away from the weekday stop time zone by referring to the stop time data 23a. That is, it is determined whether or not the current time is one hour or more earlier than the start time or one hour or more later than the end time.
[0087]
  If it is determined in step S530 that the current time is one hour or more away from the stop time zone, the current time is stored as the operation time data 23b in step S535. If it is not determined in step S530 that the current time is one hour or more away from the stop time zone, the drive flag 23f is turned on in step S540. As a result, if it is within one hour from the start time, the flag for the start time is turned on, and if it is within one hour from the end time, the flag for the end time is turned on. That is, the history is retained only when the burner 13 is driven at a time one hour or more away from the stop time zone.
[0088]
  This history acquisition process is the same even if the current day is a holiday. If it is not determined in step S525 that it is a weekday, it is determined in step S545 whether the current time is one hour or more away from the holiday stop time zone. If it is determined that the distance is one hour or longer, the current time is stored as the operation time data 23b in step S550. If it is not determined in step S545 that the current time is one hour or more away from the stop time zone, the drive flag 23f is turned on in step S540. Again, if it is within one hour from the start time, the flag for the start time is turned on, and if it is within one hour from the end time, the flag for the end time is turned on. Of course, it is determined whether or not a water flow is detected by the flow sensor 15 before the storage processing in steps S535 and S550 so that the operation time is stored only when the user actually uses hot water. May be used in combination.
[0089]
  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S505 that two or more months have elapsed since the update of the stop time data, it is determined in step S555 whether or not the drive flag 23f is turned on, that is, within one hour from the stop time zone. It is determined whether or not the burner 13 has been driven or limited to a time that is one hour or more away from the stop time zone. When it is determined in step S555 that the drive flag 23f is turned on, the burner 13 is driven within one hour from the stop time zone for two months, so that the stop time data update time 23d is set. Clear and register the current time. That is, the next two months are processed without changing the stop time zone.
[0090]
  If it is not determined in step S555 that the drive flag 23f is on, the start time or end time is changed with reference to the stop time data 23a and the operation time data 23b in step S560. Of course, if the driving flag 23f for the start time is off, the start time is changed, and if the driving flag 23f for the end time is off, the end time is changed. In step S565, the operation time data 23b is cleared for processing for the next two months. As described above, referring to the drive history of the burner 13 in units of two months and changing the stop time data, it is possible to cope with seasonal changes in the user's life pattern.
[0091]
  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how the stop time is changed based on the drive history of the burner 13 during the water temperature holding operation in the water temperature holding operation 2. Also in FIG. 12, the stop time and the operation time of the burner 13 are shown on the time axis, and the upper time axis shows the stop time on weekdays based on the initial value. In addition, the lower time axis indicates the weekday stop time after the update, and the middle time axis indicates a state at a certain time point when the operation time history is being accumulated. The operation time is indicated by a white triangle.
[0092]
  As described above, in the initial state, the water temperature holding operation stops in the stop time zone indicated by the arrow in the upper part of FIG. When the water heater 10 is used in the time zone indicated by the white triangle in the middle of FIG. 12, the burner 13 is driven within one hour before the start time “0:00”. The driving flag 23f for the start time is turned on in the previous driving. However, regarding the end time “6:00”, since the burner 13 is not driven within one hour thereafter, the drive flag 23f for the end time is off, and the end time is changed in step S560. As shown in FIG. 4, the stop time zone is extended.
[0093]
  (8) Other embodiments:
  As described above, in the present invention, in the water heater 10 that accumulates and holds hot water in the can 16, the water temperature holding operation is not performed during the set stop time while the water temperature holding operation is normally performed. Therefore, useless fuel consumption can be prevented. Even if wasteful fuel consumption is prevented, the stop time of the water temperature holding operation is sequentially changed based on the drive history of the burner 13, so the execution time is the water temperature in the time zone that the user actually uses. It is customized so that the holding operation is performed, and the usability is not deteriorated.
[0094]
  The configuration for making changes based on the drive history of the burner 13 is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and various changes can be made. For example, stop time zone update processing that updates the stop time based on the length of time that was not used, start / end time change processing that changes the stop time based on use during the stop time, and use during the water temperature holding operation Either the water temperature holding operation 2 for changing the stop time based on the hot water heater may be executed, or any combination thereof may be executed.
[0095]
  In addition, as described above, in addition to setting Monday to Friday as a weekday and other days as holidays, it is possible to select only Sunday as a holiday or select any day of the week as a holiday. It is possible to do. The cycle for updating the stop time is not limited to the above two weeks, one month, two months, etc., and can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, it is not essential that the determination index is 3 hours in step S330 in the stop time update process, and it can be increased or decreased as appropriate. In steps S425 and S435 of the start / end time change process, the determination index is a "3" counter. It is not essential that it can be increased or decreased as appropriate, and it is not essential that the determination index is “1” time in steps S530 and S545 of the water temperature maintaining operation, and it can be increased or decreased as appropriate.
[0096]
  As described above, in the present invention, a predetermined stop time for stopping the water temperature holding operation is provided in the water heater capable of performing the water temperature holding operation in the can body by heating the water stored in the can body with the heating means. This stop time is stored in the memory and is sequentially updated to reflect the water heating execution history in the can. Therefore, it becomes a stop time reflecting the heating execution history with the use of the water heater, and wasteful operation can be prevented with a simple control process and a small amount of information.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a hot water supply system to which a hot water supply controller according to the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of contents stored in a ROM.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of storage contents of a RAM.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process for controlling a burner.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a water temperature holding operation process.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing stop time zone update processing;
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a stop time zone is updated.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a start / end time change process.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how the stop time is changed.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a water temperature holding operation.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how the stop time is changed.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 ... Water heater
11a ... water supply pipe
11b ... Hot water supply pipe
12 ... Oil leveler
12a ... Electromagnetic pump
12b ... refueling pipe
13 ... Burner
14a ... Hot water temperature sensor
14b ... Storage temperature sensor
14c ... Water temperature sensor
15 ... Flow sensor
16 ... can body
16a ... heat exchanger
20 ... Control unit
21 ... CPU
21a ... Timekeeping section
22 ... ROM
22a ... Calendar data
22b ... Control program
22c: Stop time data
23 ... RAM
23a: Stop time data
23b ... operation time data
23c ... Set temperature data
23d: Stop time data update time
23e1 ... first half counter
23e2 ... Second half counter
23f ... Drive flag
24 ... Remote control I / F
25a ... A / D converter
25b ... Flow sensor I / F
26 ... Electromagnetic pump I / F
27 ... Burner I / F
30 ... Remote control
40 ... Oil tank
40a ... refueling pipe
50 ... Backup power supply

Claims (1)

A can for storing water, a heating means for heating the water in the can, and a water temperature holding means for controlling the heating and non-heating in the heating means to perform the water temperature holding operation in the can. A memory for storing time information for stopping the water temperature holding operation in the water temperature holding means, and a water temperature holding operation for stopping the water temperature holding operation in the water temperature holding means in a stop time zone indicated by the time information stored in the memory Control means,
The water temperature holding operation control means stores the history of heating execution by the heating means in the memory only when the heating time outside the stop time zone by the heating means is separated from the stop time zone by a predetermined time or more within a predetermined period. Stored in the memory when a time less than a predetermined time from the stop time period does not exist in the heating time outside the stop time period by the heating means within the predetermined period when the predetermined period has elapsed. While correcting the time information of the memory based on the heating execution history, if there is a time less than a predetermined time from the stop time zone in the heating time outside the stop time zone by the heating means, the time information of the memory It is characterized by not correcting the water heater control device.

Images