JP7031251B2 - Remote monitoring system and relay device used for it - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a remote monitoring system for remotely monitoring hot water utilization equipment such as a water heater, and a relay device used thereof.

Conventionally, hot water utilization equipment such as a water heater has a function (for example, referred to as a maintenance monitor function) for acquiring information about the hot water utilization equipment from an operation terminal such as a remote controller attached to the hot water utilization equipment. The serviceman of the hot water utilization facility uses the maintenance monitor function to select a predetermined item corresponding to the desired information from the operation terminal, so that the corresponding information (corresponding information at a predetermined time interval in a predetermined period) ( For example, the incoming water temperature, the hot water temperature, the load voltage, etc.) can be acquired.

Further, conventionally, a remote monitoring system for remotely monitoring and operating equipment using a communication terminal such as a mobile phone has been known. Then, instead of the remote controller attached to the hot water utilization facility as the operation terminal in the maintenance monitor function, some configurations have been proposed in which the operation is performed from a communication terminal such as a tablet PC or a remote management device (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 1 to 1). 2).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-204845 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-67336

Since the above configuration is configured from the viewpoint of using a communication terminal etc. instead of the remote controller attached to the device, the serviceman should go to the place where the hot water utilization equipment is installed and verify it. Is assumed. Therefore, the maintenance monitor period is preset to a predetermined short period (for example, about 10 to 30 minutes) regardless of whether the maintenance monitor is performed from the remote controller or the communication terminal is used. As described above, in the conventional configuration, the serviceman does not go to the place where the hot water utilization facility is installed and performs a longer-term verification using a communication terminal or the like. In addition, the information acquisition period may differ depending on the information to be acquired (items to be selected) or the content to be verified. In such a case, the conventional configuration could not properly acquire the desired information.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides a remote monitoring system capable of acquiring various information about hot water utilization equipment for an appropriate period while being remote, and a relay device used therein. The purpose is to do.

In order to achieve the above object, the remote monitoring system according to one aspect of the present invention manages to communicate with the hot water utilization equipment, the relay device for communicating with the hot water utilization equipment, and the relay device via a communication network. The management device comprises the device, and the management device is configured to transmit a command for acquiring information about the hot water utilization facility to the relay device at a set transmission interval over a set transmission period, and the relay. The device includes an information acquisition unit that acquires at least one piece of information from a plurality of types of information regarding the hot water utilization facility and transmits the information to the management device according to the command transmitted from the management device, and the transmission period is , The setting can be changed.

According to the above configuration, a command for acquiring information about the hot water utilization equipment from the management device is sent to the relay device at a predetermined transmission interval in a predetermined transmission period, and the information corresponding to the relay device is transmitted from the hot water utilization facility accordingly. get. At this time, the transmission period for transmitting the command is configured so that the setting can be changed. That is, a user such as a serviceman can arbitrarily set the acquisition period of the desired information by setting the transmission period for transmitting the command according to the desired information. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to acquire various information about the hot water utilization facility from a remote location for an appropriate period.

The transmission interval may be configured so that the setting can be changed. Thereby, the desired information acquisition interval can be arbitrarily set according to the desired information acquisition period.

The range of the transmission interval that can be set according to the transmission period may be set, or the range of the transmission period that can be set according to the transmission interval may be set. As a result, for example, when the transmission period is long, the transmission interval is lengthened accordingly, and when the transmission period is short, the transmission interval is shortened accordingly. Therefore, for example, when the set transmission period is long, it is possible to prevent the communication amount from becoming excessive by lengthening the transmission interval accordingly. In addition, when you want to see the change in the local value, you can pinpoint the change in the local value by setting both the transmission period and the transmission interval short, and the acquired information becomes redundant. It can be prevented from becoming.

The management device may include a notification unit that notifies the user that the transmission period has expired. As a result, it is possible to notify the user of the acquisition of information when the transmission period ends, and it is possible to prevent the user's convenience from deteriorating even if the transmission period setting is changed.

The management device includes an item display unit that displays a plurality of types of items related to the hot water utilization facility on a display device connected to the management device so that they can be selected and input, and the management device selects and inputs to the item display unit. The command for acquiring the information corresponding to at least one item may be transmitted to the relay device. Thereby, desired information can be easily specified by selecting and inputting a plurality of types of items displayed by the item display unit.

The relay device according to another aspect of the present invention is used for the remote management system having the above configuration.

It is said that the present invention can provide a remote monitoring system and a relay device used thereof, which have the configuration described above and can acquire various information about hot water utilization equipment for an appropriate period while being remote. It works.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a remote monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a maintenance monitor screen displayed on the display device of the management device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an end time setting screen in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the acquisition interval setting screen in the present embodiment.

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

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a remote monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This remote monitoring system is a relay dedicated to a water heater that is communicably connected to a water heater 1 (for example, a combustion heating type water heater), which is an example of hot water utilization equipment, and a controller 1a built in the water heater 1. It includes a device 2 and a management device 5 composed of a computer connected to a communication network 4 such as the Internet. The management device 5 communicates with the relay device 2 via the communication network 4 and the wireless LAN router 3 (access point) connected to the communication network 4.

Further, the communication terminal 6 made of a tablet PC or the like communicates with the management device 5 via the communication network 4 or the like. This remote monitoring system uses a communication network 4, a wireless LAN router 3, and a communication terminal 6. The wireless LAN router 3 is owned by a resident (user) of a house in which the water heater 1 is installed. Further, the communication terminal 6 may be owned by a resident of a house in which the water heater 1 is installed, or may be owned by an administrator (service man or the like) of the water heater 1.

The number of houses in which the water heater 1 is installed may be one, but usually there are many, and the number of water heaters 1 constituting the remote monitoring system may be one, but usually there are many. Here, as a representative, only one water heater 1 is shown, and the relay device 2, the wireless LAN router 3, and the communication terminal 6 corresponding to only the water heater 1 are shown. In the following, what is illustrated will be described.

Further, in FIG. 1, one water heater 1 (controller 1a) is connected to one relay device 2, but a plurality of water heaters 1 are connected to one relay device 2. You may be. In this case, one or a plurality of controllers (system controllers) that centrally manage the plurality of water heaters 1 may be connected to the controller 1a of each water heater 1, and the system controller may be connected to the relay device 2. Instead of this, the controllers 1a provided in the plurality of water heaters 1 may be connected to each other, and one of the controllers 1a may be connected to one relay device 2.

The water heater 1 is installed at a predetermined place outdoors or indoors of a house, and has a hot water supply function of supplying hot water to a kitchen, a bathtub, or the like. The water heater 1 has a power supply unit (not shown) that converts an AC voltage supplied from an external AC power supply (commercial power supply) to generate a predetermined DC voltage, and the DC voltage generated by this power supply unit is internally used. In addition to being used in, it is supplied as a power supply voltage for its operation to the relay device 2 via the 2-core cable C1.

The relay device 2 is installed at a predetermined place outdoors or indoors in the house, and is connected to the controller 1a of the water heater 1 by a two-core cable C1. As a result, mutual communication (two-way communication) is performed between the relay device 2 and the controller 1a of the water heater 1 via the 2-core cable C1. Here, on the 2-core cable C1, communication information is superimposed on the operating power supply voltage supplied from the power supply unit to the relay device 2.

Further, when the connection setting between the wireless LAN router 3 and the wireless LAN is set, the relay device 2 can perform wireless communication by the wireless LAN between the wireless LAN router 3 and the wireless LAN router 3. The relay device 2 executes communication processing with the controller 1a of the water heater 1 and also executes communication processing with the management device 5 performed via the wireless LAN router 3 and the communication network 4. For example, the relay device 2 converts the device information transmitted from the controller 1a of the water heater 1 into a communication format and transmits the device information to the management device 5 via the wireless LAN router 3 and the communication network 4. Further, the information transmitted from the management device 5 via the communication network 4 and the wireless LAN router 3 is converted into a communication format and transmitted to the controller 1a of the water heater 1.

Although not shown, the relay device 2 includes an arithmetic unit such as a microcontroller, a storage device for temporarily storing data, an input / output interface connected to the controller 1a of the water supply device 1 via a 2-core cable C1, and a wireless LAN. It is composed of a communication module and the like for performing data communication by a router 3 and a wireless LAN. With these configurations, the relay device 2 exhibits functions such as the information acquisition unit 21 and the like.

The information acquisition unit 21 acquires at least one piece of information (equipment state information) from a plurality of types of information (equipment state information) regarding the water heater 1 according to a command transmitted from the management device 5, and transmits the information to the management device 5.

The management device 5 includes a storage unit 5a composed of a flash memory, a hard disk drive, or the like. The storage unit 5a stores association information in which the serial number of the relay device 2 (identification information of the relay device 2) is associated with the user account (user identification information) transmitted from the communication terminal 6. Further, in the present embodiment, the identification information (BSSID) of the wireless LAN router 3 is included in the association information.

In addition, various device information transmitted from the relay device 2 is also stored in the storage unit 5a. These device information is transmitted from the relay device 2 to the management device 5 together with the serial number of the relay device 2. Then, the management device 5 stores the received device information in the storage unit 5a in association with the serial number of the relay device 2.

Further, in addition to the storage unit 5a, the management device 5 is composed of an arithmetic unit such as a microcontroller, a RAM, a communication module for transmitting and receiving data via the communication network 4, and the like, although not shown. With these configurations, the management device 5 exhibits functions such as a command transmission unit 51, an item display unit 52, and a notification unit 53.

The command transmission unit 51 transmits a command for acquiring the device status information of the water heater 1 to the relay device 2 at the set transmission interval over the set transmission period. The item display unit 52 displays on the display device connected to the management device 5 so that a plurality of types of items related to the state of the water heater 1 can be selected and input. In the present embodiment, the display device is a display unit (not shown) of a communication terminal 6 that is communicated and connected to the management device 5 via the communication network 4.

The communication terminal 6 is a mobile terminal such as a tablet PC or a smartphone, and can be connected to the communication network 4 via a base station of a 3G (third generation) or 4G (fourth generation) mobile phone network. Further, the communication terminal 6 can be connected to a wireless LAN.

If an application program dedicated to the remote monitoring system (hereinafter referred to as "system dedicated application") is installed in the communication terminal 6 and the association information is stored in the storage unit 5a of the management device 5, the serial of the relay device 2 is serialized. Using the user account associated with the number, the water supply device 1 can be remotely operated and the status can be confirmed via the management device 5 or the like.

For example, when the water heater 1 is remotely controlled, the resident or the serviceman operates the communication terminal 6 to log in to the user management site provided by the management device 5 and remotely control the water heater 1. Remote control information (command) is transmitted to the management device 5. Then, the management device 5 refers to the association information including the user account acquired at the time of login, and transmits the remote control information to the relay device 2 having the serial number included in the association information. The relay device 2 transmits the received remote control information to the controller 1a. The controller 1a controls the water heater 1 based on the received remote control information. The remote control information includes an on command for the operation switch of the remote controller of the water heater 1, an off command for the operation switch, and setting information for the hot water supply temperature.

When checking the status of the water heater 1, the resident or the serviceman operates the communication terminal 6 to log in to the user management site provided by the management device 5 and requests information on the status of the water heater 1. The device status request information for this is transmitted to the management device 5. Then, the management device 5 refers to the association information including the user account acquired at the time of login, and receives the device status information received from the relay device 2 having the serial number included in the association information and stores it in the storage unit 5a. Is transmitted to the communication terminal 6.

The device status information includes, for example, water inlet temperature, hot water temperature, load voltage, fuel (gas) or water consumption per unit time, number of combustion operations, combustion operation time, fuel (gas) or water consumed in combustion operation. It is information including the consumption amount of, a hot water supply set temperature, and the like. The device status information may include error information indicated by a preset error code or the like.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a maintenance monitor screen displayed on the display device of the management device according to the present embodiment. The item display unit 52 displays the maintenance monitor screen 60 on a display device (for example, a display unit of the communication terminal 6) connected to the management device 5. The maintenance monitor screen 60 is a screen mainly used by the serviceman of the water heater 1. For example, the URL of the management device 5 is accessed from a Web browser installed in the communication terminal 6, or a dedicated application is executed. , The user ID registered for each service person is input, and authentication is performed, so that the user ID is displayed after logging in to the remote monitoring system. As described above, the item display unit 52 displays on the maintenance monitor screen 60 so that a plurality of types of items related to the state of the water heater 1 can be selected and input.

The maintenance monitor screen 60 includes a device selection screen 61, an item selection screen 62, a data display screen 63, and a system selection screen 64. The device selection screen 61 is a first sub screen for selecting a display target device for displaying item information from a plurality of water heaters WH1 to WH24 and a plurality of system controllers SC1 to SC3. When the relay device 2 is connected to the controller 1a of one water heater 1 without using the system controller as in the configuration of FIG. 1, the device selection screen 61 may not be displayed and may be left blank. It may be displayed.

The item selection screen 62 is a second sub screen for selecting one or a plurality of items from a plurality of (for example, 100) items. Here, identification numbers 00 to 99 are displayed as identifiers corresponding to each of the 100 items, and the user can select and input one or a plurality of identification numbers. That is, on the item selection screen 62, a plurality of types of items related to the device selected on the device selection screen 61 are displayed so that they can be selected and input.

The data display screen 63 is a third sub screen for displaying information about all the items selected on the item selection screen 62 for all the display target devices selected on the device selection screen 61.

The system selection screen 64 is a fourth sub-screen for inputting or selecting user information, device status information acquisition period and acquisition interval, or displaying data acquisition information.

When a user such as a serviceman inputs a customer ID (ID of a user or the like of the water heater 1; monitor03 in the example of FIG. 2) in the customer ID input box 64a of the system selection screen 64 and selects the enter button 64b, the device The system configuration (for example, a water heater and a system controller) set corresponding to the customer ID is displayed on the selection screen 61 so as to be selectable. Devices that are not connected on the device selection screen 61 cannot be selected.

When a plurality of users (servicemen) input the same customer ID in a duplicate period and the enter button 64b is selected, the maintenance monitor screen operated by the user who first selects the enter button 64b. 60 may be regarded as a valid operation and the operation of another user may not be accepted. At this time, the management device 5 may display on the display unit of the communication terminal 6 of the other user that another user is using the maintenance monitor function with the same customer ID. At this time, the expected waiting time may also be displayed. Further, the maintenance monitor screen 60 displayed on the communication terminal 6 of the user who can effectively operate the maintenance monitor screen 60 may be displayed (shared) on the communication terminal 6 of another user.

When the user selects a desired device on the device selection screen 61 and operates the information acquisition start button 64c on the system selection screen 64 with at least one item corresponding to the desired device status information selected on the item selection screen 62. The command transmission unit 51 of the management device 5 generates a command for acquiring information corresponding to at least one item selected and input by the user on the maintenance monitor screen 60, and transmits the command to the relay device 2.

The information acquisition unit 21 of the relay device 2 receives at least one information (device status information) from a plurality of types of information related to the corresponding device according to the command sent from the management device 5 (at the timing when the command is received). It is acquired and the acquired device status information is transmitted to the management device 5. The item display unit 52 of the management device 5 displays the acquired device status information on the data display screen 63.

The command transmission unit 51 transmits the command for a predetermined transmission period and at a predetermined transmission interval. Therefore, the information acquisition unit 21 acquires the corresponding device status information each time the command is received and transmits it to the management device 5. The data acquisition start date / time (command transmission start date / time) and update date / time (latest data acquisition date / time) in the set transmission period are displayed on the data acquisition status display unit 64g of the system selection screen 64. Further, the data acquisition status display unit 64g also displays the response time from the command transmission to the data reception. Further, the end time may be displayed on the data acquisition status display unit 64g.

When the information acquisition stop button 64j on the system selection screen 64 is selected after the acquisition of the device status information is started, the command transmission unit 51 stops the transmission of the command. In this case, the data display screen 63 displays the desired device status information acquired between the start of acquisition of the device status information and the selection of the information acquisition stop button 64j.

Further, the command transmission unit 51 stops the transmission of the command after the end of the predetermined transmission period (after the lapse of the end time). As a result, finally, the data display screen 63 displays the desired device state information acquired at predetermined time intervals in a predetermined period. In the example of FIG. 2, the data display screen 63 is configured to display a list of the numerical values of the acquired device status information, but in addition to or instead of this, the data display screen 63 is configured to be able to display a graph. You may.

After the transmission period ends, the notification unit 53 notifies the user that the transmission period has ended. The mode of notification is not particularly limited, but for example, the notification unit 53 displays a text such as “data acquisition completed” on the data acquisition status display unit 64g of the system selection screen 64. In addition to or instead of this, the notification unit 53 sends a data acquisition completion e-mail to a predetermined e-mail address such as a pre-registered e-mail address corresponding to, for example, a user ID (serviceman's ID). The user may be notified by such means. By performing the notification, it is possible to notify the user of the acquisition of information at the end of the transmission period, and it is possible to prevent the user's convenience from deteriorating even if the setting of the transmission period is changed.

The device status information transmitted to the management device 5 is stored in association with the customer ID for each series of data groups acquired during the set information acquisition period (between the command transmission start time and the transmission end time). It is stored in the unit 5a as a data acquisition history. Further, when the user selects the data output button 64f on the system selection screen 64, the acquired device status information can be output in a predetermined data format (for example, csv format). This makes it possible to store and use the acquired device status information in, for example, the user's communication terminal 6. In the present embodiment, the device status information that can be output is a series of data groups in the latest information acquisition period, but a series of data groups in the past information acquisition period can be read from the data acquisition history and output. It may be configured.

Here, the transmission period of the above command is configured so that the setting can be changed. For this purpose, the system selection screen 64 has an end time setting button 64d for setting and changing the transmission period (information acquisition end time) of the above command. When the user selects the end time setting button 64d, the end time setting screen (fifth sub screen) for setting the end time of the information acquisition period is displayed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an end time setting screen in the present embodiment. The end time setting screen 65 may be configured as a screen (tab or window) different from the maintenance monitor screen 60, or may be configured as a pull-down menu screen of the end time setting button 64d. In the example of FIG. 3, the end time setting screen 65 includes a date setting unit 65a, a time setting unit 65b, a date reset unit 65c, and a determination button 65d.

The date setting unit 65a is configured so that a desired end date can be selected. In FIG. 3, the date setting unit 65a includes a calendar display unit, and is configured so that a desired end date can be selected from the calendar display unit. When the date reset unit 65c is selected, the date is reset to a predetermined date (for example, an operation date) regardless of the selection date in the date setting unit 65a.

The time setting unit 65b is configured so that a desired end time can be selected. In the example of FIG. 3, hours, minutes, and seconds are configured to be selectable. When the user selects the decision button 65d after the end time selection input is completed, the command transmission unit 51 sets the end time of the transmission period for transmitting the command to the selection input time. The set end time is stored in the storage unit 5a. After selecting the decision button 65d, the end time setting screen 65 is closed and the maintenance monitor screen 60 is displayed again. The set end time (end time) is displayed on the end time setting button 64d.

Further, the transmission interval for transmitting the above command is configured so that the setting can be changed. For this purpose, the system selection screen 64 has an acquisition interval setting button 64e for setting and changing the transmission interval (acquisition interval of device status information) of the above command. When the user selects the acquisition interval setting button 64e, the acquisition interval setting screen (sixth sub screen) for setting the acquisition interval of the device status information is displayed.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the acquisition interval setting screen in the present embodiment. The acquisition interval setting screen 66 may be configured as a screen (tab or window) different from the maintenance monitor screen 60, or may be configured as a pull-down menu screen of the acquisition interval setting button 64e. In the example of FIG. 4, the acquisition interval setting screen 66 includes a time setting unit 66a, an automatic setting unit 66b, and a determination button 66c. In the example of FIG. 4, the time setting unit 66a can select and input a predetermined acquisition interval in units of hours, minutes, and seconds. When the user selects the decision button 66c after the selection input of the acquisition interval is completed, the command transmission unit 51 sets the transmission interval for transmitting the command to the time interval selected and input. After the acquisition interval selection input is completed, the acquisition interval setting screen 66 is closed and the maintenance monitor screen 60 is displayed again. The acquisition interval setting button 64e displays the set acquisition interval.

According to the above configuration, a command for acquiring information about the water heater 1 which is a hot water utilization facility is sent from the management device 5 to the relay device 2 at a predetermined transmission interval in a predetermined transmission period, and the relay device 2 responds accordingly. Gets the corresponding information from the water heater 1. At this time, the transmission period for transmitting the command is configured so that the setting can be changed. That is, a user such as a serviceman can arbitrarily set the acquisition period of the desired information by setting the transmission period for transmitting the command according to the desired information. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to acquire various information about the hot water utilization facility from a remote location for an appropriate period.

Further, in the present embodiment, the desired information acquisition interval can be arbitrarily set according to the desired information acquisition period. Further, in the present embodiment, desired information can be easily specified by selecting and inputting a plurality of types of items displayed on the maintenance monitor screen 60 by the item display unit 52. Further, the above configuration can be realized even in an existing remote monitoring system by adding a function to the management device 5 (for example, changing the operation program of the management device 5). Therefore, even in the existing remote monitoring system, it is possible to easily realize a configuration in which various information about the hot water utilization facility can be acquired for an appropriate period while remotely without changing the software such as the operation program of the relay device 2. can do.

In the above embodiment, the mode in which the end time setting screen 65 for setting the end time based on the calendar is displayed in order to set the transmission period of the command is illustrated, but in addition to or instead of this. , The end time (timer time) calculated from the start of acquisition may be set.

Further, in the present embodiment, the command transmission unit 51 changes the settings of the command transmission period (device status information acquisition period) and the command transmission interval (device status information acquisition interval) as described above. It is configured so that it can be switched between the case of using a predetermined value and the case of using a predetermined value. More specifically, the user selects the end time change check box 64h on the system selection screen 64 and displays a check mark in the end time change check box 64h, so that the check mark is displayed on the end time setting button 64d (end time). The end time (set on the setting screen 65) is valid. On the other hand, by hiding the check mark in the end time change check box 64h, the end time displayed on the end time setting button 64d becomes invalid, and the transmission period predetermined and stored in the storage unit 5a (for example). 30 minutes from the start of information acquisition) is valid.

Similarly, when the user selects the acquisition interval change check box 64i on the system selection screen 64 and displays a check mark in the acquisition interval change check box 64i, the check mark is displayed on the acquisition interval setting button 64e (acquisition interval setting screen 66). The acquisition interval (set in) is valid. On the other hand, by hiding the check mark in the acquisition interval change check box 64i, the acquisition interval (transmission interval) displayed on the acquisition interval setting button 64e becomes invalid, is predetermined, and is stored in the storage unit 5a. The transmission interval (eg 0.5 seconds) is valid.

The predetermined transmission period and transmission interval are preset to times that are often used in a plurality of items. This saves the trouble of having to set the transmission period and the transmission interval each time, and can prevent a decrease in convenience.

Further, on the system selection screen 64, the range of the transmission interval that can be set according to the transmission period can be automatically set. More specifically, when the user selects the automatic setting unit 66b of the acquisition interval setting screen 66, the command transmission unit 51 reads out the currently set end time (transmission period) and transmits according to the read transmission period. Set the interval (acquisition interval). For example, when the transmission period is one week or more and one month or less, the command transmission unit 51 sets the transmission interval to be selectable from the range of one minute or more and several minutes or less. Instead of this, when the transmission period is 1 week or more and 1 month or less, the command transmission unit 51 automatically sets the transmission interval from the range of 1 minute or more and several minutes or less to a predetermined value according to the transmission period. May be good.

As a result, for example, when the transmission period is long, the transmission interval is lengthened accordingly, and when the transmission period is short, the transmission interval is shortened accordingly. Therefore, for example, when the set transmission period is long, the communication amount becomes excessive by lengthening the transmission interval accordingly, and the amount of data stored in the storage unit 5a of the management device 5 becomes excessive. Can be prevented from becoming. In addition, when you want to see the change in the local value, you can pinpoint the change in the local value by setting both the transmission period and the transmission interval short, and the acquired information becomes redundant. It can be prevented from becoming.

In addition to or instead of providing the automatic setting unit 66b on the acquisition interval setting screen 66, a similar automatic setting unit may be provided on the end time setting screen 65. In this case, the command transmission unit 51 sets a range of transmission periods that can be set according to the transmission interval.

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

For example, in the above embodiment, an example (maintenance monitor screen 60) of a configuration in which a command transmission period and a transmission interval for one or a plurality of items corresponding to device status information can be collectively set is shown, but the command transmission is performed. The unit 51 may be configured so that the transmission period and / or the transmission interval for command transmission can be set for each item. Further, on the maintenance monitor screen 60, candidates for a suitable transmission period and / or transmission interval may be displayed according to the items.

Further, the management device 5 may be divided into a plurality of devices, and the plurality of devices may be configured to cooperate with each other to function as the management device 5. For example, the storage unit 5a of the management device 5 may be configured as a device different from the computer that performs various operations. Further, the remote monitoring system may be configured to perform various operations of the management device 5 by a plurality of computers.

Further, as the hot water utilization equipment, a combustion heating type water heater is exemplified, but other heating type water heaters such as a heat pump heating type and an electric heating type may be used. Further, the hot water utilization equipment is not limited to the water heater 1, and may be any equipment such as a hot water filtration device that can communicate with the management device 5 via the relay device 2. Further, the water heater 1 may be a hot water supply device having at least one or more functions such as a hot water supply function, a bath reheating function, and a hot water heating function.

Further, the above configuration of the present invention is also applicable to a configuration in which the remote controller of the water heater 1 (hot water utilization facility) is connected to or integrated with the relay device 2. Further, although the configuration in which the wireless LAN router 3 that performs wireless communication with the relay device 2 is provided in the remote monitoring system is exemplified, the router that communicates with the management device 5 is connected to or integrated with the relay device 2. It may be configured as such. That is, the relay device 2 may be configured to be able to communicate (3G connection or 4G connection) with the management device 5 directly via the communication network 4. Further, instead of the wireless LAN router 3, a router connected by wire to the relay device 2 may be used.

The present invention is useful as a remote monitoring system capable of acquiring various information about hot water utilization equipment remotely for an appropriate period and a relay device used therein.

1 Water heater (equipment for using hot water)
2 Relay device 4 Communication network 5 Management device 6 Communication terminal 21 Information acquisition unit 51 Command transmission unit 52 Item display unit 53 Notification unit

Claims (4)

Hot water utilization equipment and
A relay device that communicates with the hot water utilization equipment,
It is equipped with a management device that communicates with the relay device via a communication network.
The management device is configured to transmit a command for acquiring information about the hot water utilization facility to the relay device at a set transmission interval over a set transmission period.
The relay device includes an information acquisition unit that acquires at least one piece of information from a plurality of types of information regarding the hot water utilization facility and transmits the information to the management device in accordance with the command transmitted from the management device.
The transmission period and the transmission interval are configured so that the settings can be changed .
A remote monitoring system in which a range of the transmission interval that can be set according to the transmission period is set, or a range of the transmission period that can be set according to the transmission interval is set . The remote monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the management device includes a notification unit that notifies the user that the transmission period has expired. The management device includes an item display unit that displays, on a display device connected to the management device, a plurality of types of items related to the hot water utilization facility so that they can be selected and input.
The remote monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the management device transmits the command for acquiring information corresponding to at least one item selectively input to the item display unit to the relay device. A relay device used in the remote monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .

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