Hot water system

Abstract

To provide a hot water system capable of maintaining normal transmission and reception between a newly installed hot water supply device and a previously installed device to be connected.SOLUTION: In a hot water system 1, a control part 141 of a hot water supply device 10 makes a first communication part 145 perform transmission and reception by a second communication protocol with second communication parts 206, 306, 424A, 505A in the case that devices to be connected 20, 30, 40A, 50A connected to the hot water supply device 10 can perform transmission and reception by a first communication protocol and transmission and reception by the second communication protocol. On the other hand, the control part 141 of the hot water supply device 10 makes the first communication part 145 perform transmission and reception by the first communication protocol with third communication parts 424B, 505B in the case that devices to be connected 40B, 50B can perform only transmission and reception by the first communication protocol.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hot water supply system including a hot water supply apparatus and a connected device communicatively connected to the hot water supply apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In some homes, a hot water supply system is installed in which a bathtub cleaning device that automatically cleans the bathtub and a remote control device for operating the bathtub cleaning device from the bathroom, kitchen, etc. are added as optional devices to a basic hot water supply system consisting of a hot water supply device that supplies hot water into the bathtub and a remote control device (hereinafter abbreviated as "remote control device") for operating the hot water supply device from the bathroom, kitchen, etc. The remote control device for the hot water supply device, the bathtub cleaning device and the remote control device for the bathtub cleaning device are connected to the hot water supply device so as to be able to communicate with each other as connected devices.

[0003] An example of a bathtub cleaning device added to a hot water supply device is described in, for example, Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-68859 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the hot water supply system described above, the hot water supply device and its remote control device are replaced together, but the bathtub cleaning device and its remote control device are not necessarily replaced together. Therefore, if the bathtub cleaning device and its remote control device are left without being replaced, not only the remote control device but also the old-model bathtub cleaning device and its remote control device that remain will be connected to the new hot water supply device so that they can communicate with each other.

[0006] However, in such a case, if the communication protocols (communication speed and frame structure) differ between the new water heating device and the old bathtub cleaning device and the remote control device for the bathtub cleaning device, there is a risk that data will not be able to be sent and received properly between them.

[0007] In view of such problems, the present invention aims to provide a hot water supply system that can maintain normal transmission and reception between a previously installed connected device even when the previously installed connected device is communicatively connected to a newly installed hot water supply device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A main aspect of the present invention relates to a hot water supply system including a hot water supply apparatus and a connectable device communicatively connected to the hot water supply apparatus. The hot water supply apparatus includes a first communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving data using a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol, and a control unit. The connectable device includes a second communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving data using the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol, or a third communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving data only using the first communication protocol. When the connectable device connected to the hot water supply apparatus is capable of transmitting and receiving data using the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol, the control unit causes the first communication unit to transmit and receive data with the second communication unit using the second communication protocol, and when the connectable device connected to the hot water supply apparatus is capable of transmitting and receiving data only using the first communication protocol, the control unit causes the first communication unit to transmit and receive data with the third communication unit using the first communication protocol.

[0009] The first communication protocol and the second communication protocol may have the same frame structure but different communication speeds, may have both different frame structures and communication speeds, or may have the same communication speed but different frame structures.

[0010] According to the hot water supply system of the present embodiment, even when an older type of connectable device that is unable to transmit and receive data using the second communication protocol that is originally intended to be used and can only transmit and receive data using the first communication protocol is communicatively connected to the hot water supply device, normal transmission and reception can be maintained between the hot water supply device and the connectable device.

[0011] In the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the connectable device may be configured to, when power is applied to the connectable device, if the connectable device is equipped with the second communication unit, transmit data to the hot water supply device from the second communication unit using the second communication protocol, and if the connectable device is equipped with the third communication unit, transmit data to the hot water supply device from the third communication unit using the first communication protocol. In this case, the control unit may be configured to, if transmission is made from the connectable device using the second communication protocol, determine that the connectable device is capable of transmitting and receiving data using the first communication protocol and transmitting and receiving data using the second communication protocol, and, if transmission is made from the connectable device using the first communication protocol, determine that the connectable device is only capable of transmitting and receiving data using the first communication protocol.

[0012] According to the above configuration, when the connectable device is powered on, the communication protocol between the hot water heating device and the connectable device is automatically set, which makes the setting work easier.

[0013] In the hot water heating system of the present embodiment, the control unit may be configured so that, when a plurality of the connected devices are communicatively connected to the hot water heating device and all of the connected devices are capable of transmitting and receiving data using both a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol, the control unit causes the first communication unit to transmit and receive data using the second communication protocol between the second communication units of all of the connected devices, and, when some of the connected devices are only capable of transmitting and receiving data using the first communication protocol, the control unit causes the first communication unit to transmit and receive data using the first communication protocol between the third communication units of some of the connected devices and the second communication units of the other connected devices.

[0014] According to the above configuration, when a connected device that only transmits and receives data using the first communication protocol is included, the communication protocol used throughout the hot water supply system is unified into the first communication protocol, making it possible to transmit and receive data using the first communication protocol even between a connected device having a second communication unit and a connected device having a third communication unit.

[0015] In the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the second communication protocol may have a faster communication speed than the first communication protocol.

[0016] The second communication protocol may have the same frame structure as the first communication protocol, or may have a frame structure different from that of the first communication protocol.

[0017] According to the above configuration, when transmission and reception are performed between the water heating apparatus and the connected apparatus using the second communication protocol, it is possible to reduce the time required for the transmission and reception. Effect of the Invention

[0018] As described above, according to the present invention, a hot water supply system can be provided in which, even when a previously installed connected device is communicatively connected to a newly installed hot water supply device, normal transmission and reception between the hot water supply device and the connected device can be maintained.

[0019] The effects and significance of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of the embodiment. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example of how the present invention can be put into practice, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a hot water supply system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of devices constituting the hot water supply system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the water heating apparatus for setting a communication protocol according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(a) is a flowchart showing the processing performed in a new type connected device to set a communication protocol according to an embodiment, and FIG. 4(b) is a flowchart showing the processing performed in an old type connected device to set a communication protocol according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5(a) to (c) are diagrams showing an example of setting a communication protocol in a hot water supply system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, a hot water supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a hot water supply system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 1, hot water supply system 1 includes a hot water supply device 10, a bathroom remote control device 20, a kitchen remote control device 30, a bathtub cleaning device 40, and a cleaning remote control device 50. Hot water supply device 10 is a gas hot water supply device that uses gas as fuel to supply hot water. Hot water supply device 10 performs a hot water supply function that supplies hot water to a faucet, a hot water filling function that fills a bathtub 2 with hot water, a reheating function that reheats the hot water in the bathtub 2, and the like.

[0024] The bathroom remote control device 20, the kitchen remote control device 30, the bathtub cleaning device 40, and the cleaning remote control device 50 are connected to the water heating apparatus 10 as connectable devices so as to be able to communicate with each other. In other words, a plurality of connectable devices are connected to the water heating apparatus 10 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0025] Bathroom remote control device 20 is installed in the bathroom, and kitchen remote control device 30 is installed in the kitchen. Bathroom remote control device 20 and kitchen remote control device 30 are used to perform operations for causing water heater 10 to execute various functions and to perform various settings for each function. Bathroom remote control device 20 and kitchen remote control device 30 also display set temperatures such as hot water temperature and bath temperature.

[0026] Bathtub cleaning device 40 is installed near bathtub 2 and automatically cleans bathtub 2. Cleaning remote control device 50 is installed in a bathroom or the like. With cleaning remote control device 50, operations for starting the bathtub cleaning operation by bathtub cleaning device 40 are performed.

[0027] The bathtub cleaning device 40 and the cleaning remote control device 50 are added as optional devices to the basic system 1a consisting of the hot water supply device 10, the bathroom remote control device 20, and the kitchen remote control device 30, at the request of the user. There may be a configuration that does not include the bathtub cleaning device 40 and the cleaning remote control device 50.

[0028] Water heater 10 includes a water heating section 110, a reheating section 120, and a bypass section 130 as a combustion system.

[0029] The hot water supply section 110 includes a water supply pipe 111, a hot water supply heat exchanger 112, a hot water supply pipe 113, a hot water supply combustor 114, and an air supply fan 115. The water supply pipe 111 is connected to a water pipe and the hot water supply heat exchanger 112, and the hot water supply pipe 113 is connected to the hot water supply heat exchanger 112, the bathroom faucet 3, and the external faucet 4. The hot water supply combustor 114 is supplied with gas (fuel gas) through a hot water supply gas pipe 117 in an amount corresponding to the opening degree of a proportional valve 116. When a gas solenoid valve (not shown) is opened, gas is supplied to the hot water supply gas pipe 117. The hot water supply combustor 114 uses gas as fuel and combusts with an intensity corresponding to the amount of gas supplied.

[0030] The air supply fan 115 supplies air for combustion to the hot water combustor 114. The air supply fan 115 includes a fan and a motor that drives the fan.

[0031] The reheating unit 120 includes a return pipe 121, a bath heat exchanger 122, an outgoing pipe 123, a bath burner 124, and a circulation pump 125. The return pipe 121 is connected to the circulation adapter 2a of the bathtub 2 and the bath heat exchanger 122, and the outgoing pipe 123 is connected to the bath heat exchanger 122 and the circulation adapter 2a.

[0032] The bath combustor 124 is supplied with an amount of gas (fuel gas) according to the opening of the proportional valve 126 through the bath gas pipe 127. When a gas solenoid valve (not shown) is opened, gas is supplied to the bath gas pipe 127. The bath combustor 124 burns gas as fuel with an intensity according to the amount of gas supplied. The air supply fan 115 is shared between the hot water supply section 110 and the reheating section 120, and air for combustion is supplied from the air supply fan 115 to the bath combustor 124.

[0033] A circulation pump 125 and a water level sensor S1 are disposed in the return pipe 121. The water level sensor S1 detects the water level in the bathtub 2 based on the water pressure in the return pipe 121. The water level sensor S1 outputs a water level signal corresponding to the detected water pressure value as detection data.

[0034] The bypass unit 130 includes a bypass pipe 131 and a hot water supply solenoid valve 132. The bypass pipe 131 is connected to the hot water supply pipe 113 and the return pipe 121. The hot water supply solenoid valve 132 opens and closes the bypass pipe 131.

[0035] In addition to the water level sensor S1, the hot water supply device 10 is equipped with a flow rate sensor S2 for detecting the flow rate of the water supply pipe 111, a temperature sensor S3 for detecting the temperature of the water introduced into the water supply pipe 111, and a temperature sensor S4 for detecting the temperature of the hot water after it has been heated in the hot water heat exchanger 112.

[0036] The flow rate sensor S2 outputs a flow rate signal according to the detected flow rate value as detection data. The temperature sensors S3 and S4 are, for example, thermistors, and output a temperature signal according to the detected temperature value as detection data.

[0037] When the bathroom faucet 3 or the external faucet 4 is opened, the hot water supply unit 110 executes the hot water supply function. Water from the water pipe is introduced into the hot water heat exchanger 112 through the water supply pipe 111, and the hot water combustor 114 combusts to heat the hot water heat exchanger 112. The water introduced into the hot water heat exchanger 112 is heated to become hot water, and the hot water is supplied to the bathroom faucet 3 or the external faucet 4 through the hot water supply pipe 113. When the bathroom faucet 3 or the external faucet 4 is closed, the water supply from the water pipe to the water supply pipe 111 stops, and the combustion of the hot water combustor 114 stops. The amount of combustion of the hot water combustor 114 is adjusted based on the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors S3 and S4, so that the temperature of the hot water supplied to the bathroom faucet 3 or the external faucet 4 is maintained at the set hot water supply temperature.

[0038] In addition, when hot water supply valve 412 of bathtub cleaning device 40 is opened, the hot water supply function is executed, and hot water is supplied to bathtub cleaning device 40 through branch pipe 118 branching off from hot water supply pipe 113.

[0039] Furthermore, a hot water filling function is executed by hot water supply unit 110 based on the operation of bathroom remote control device 20 or kitchen remote control device 30. In this case, hot water solenoid valve 132 is opened, and water from the water pipe is introduced into hot water heat exchanger 112 through water supply pipe 111 and heated in hot water heat exchanger 112. Then, hot water from hot water heat exchanger 112 is introduced into return pipe 121 through hot water pipe 113 and bypass pipe 131.

[0040] A portion of the hot water introduced into the return pipe 121 flows through the return pipe 121 toward the circulation adapter 2a and is poured from the circulation adapter 2a into the bathtub 2. The rest of the hot water introduced into the return pipe 121 flows through the return pipe 121 toward the bath heat exchanger 122, and then flows through the bath heat exchanger 122 and the outgoing pipe 123 before being poured into the bathtub 2 from the circulation adapter 2a.

[0041] When hot water is supplied and filled in the bathtub 2, the return pipe 121, the bath heat exchanger 122, and the supply pipe 123 are filled with water. This allows the water level sensor S1 to detect the water level in the bathtub 2. When the water level sensor S1 detects that the water level in the bathtub 2 has reached a preset water level, the hot water supply solenoid valve 132 is closed, water supply from the water pipe to the water supply pipe 111 is stopped, and combustion in the hot water supply combustor 114 is stopped. The amount of combustion in the hot water supply combustor 114 is adjusted based on the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors S3 and S4, so that the temperature of the hot water supplied to the bathtub 2 is maintained at the set bath temperature.

[0042] In addition, the reheating function is performed by the reheating unit 120 based on the operation of the bathroom remote control device 20 or the kitchen remote control device 30. In this case, the circulation pump 125 operates and the bath burner 124 starts combustion. The hot water in the bathtub 2 circulates between the bathtub 2 and a circulation path consisting of the return pipe 121, the bath heat exchanger 122, and the forward pipe 123, and is heated by the bath heat exchanger 122 during the circulation.

[0043] Bathtub cleaning device 40 includes a cleaning nozzle 411, a hot water supply valve 412, a hot water supply pipe 413, a Venturi tube 414, a detergent tank 415, a detergent supply pipe 416, a detergent valve 417, a drain valve 418, and a drain pipe 419.

[0044] Cleaning nozzle 411 is disposed at the bottom of bathtub 2. Branch pipe 118 is connected to molten metal pouring valve 412. Melt pouring pipe 413 connects cleaning nozzle 411 and molten metal pouring valve 412. Venturi tube 414 is disposed midway through molten metal pouring pipe 413, and has a narrowing section 414a where the flow path is narrowed.

[0045] The detergent tank 415 is disposed above the Venturi tube 414. A liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 415. The detergent supply pipe 416 extends from the detergent tank 415 and is connected to the narrowed portion 414a of the Venturi tube 414. The detergent valve 417 is provided midway along the detergent supply pipe 416.

[0046] Drain valve 418 is provided at drain outlet 2b of bathtub 2. Drain valve 418 is connected to drain pipe 419.

[0047] Based on the operation of the cleaning remote control device 50, the bathtub cleaning device 40 executes the bathtub cleaning operation.

[0048] First, a preliminary wash is performed, and after drain valve 418 is opened, hot water supply valve 412 is opened. Hot water from water heater 10 is sent to washing nozzle 411 through branch pipe 118 and hot water supply pipe 413, and is sprayed from washing nozzle 411 so as to spread out around. Thus, bathtub 2 is washed with the hot water.

[0049] Next, the main cleaning is performed and detergent valve 417 is opened. In Venturi tube 414, negative pressure is generated by hot water flowing at high speed through narrowing portion 414a, and the generated negative pressure draws liquid detergent from detergent tank 415 into Venturi tube 414 through detergent supply pipe 416. The liquid detergent and hot water are mixed in Venturi tube 414 to generate detergent liquid, which is then sprayed from cleaning nozzle 411. Thus, bathtub 2 is cleaned with the detergent liquid.

[0050] Finally, rinsing is performed and detergent valve 417 is closed. The supply of liquid detergent from detergent tank 415 is stopped, and hot water is sprayed from cleaning nozzle 411 again. This allows bathtub 2 with detergent adhering thereto to be rinsed with hot water.

[0051] The wastewater from bathtub 2 generated during the pre-wash, main wash and rinsing is discharged through drain pipe 419 into a wastewater pipe installed under the bathroom.

[0052] When the rinsing is finished, the hot water supply valve 412 is closed. After that, when the draining of the rinsing water from the bathtub 2 is completed, the drain valve 418 is closed and the bathtub cleaning operation ends.

[0053] In hot water supply system 1, bathroom remote control device 20 and kitchen remote control device 30 are new connected devices developed at the same time as hot water supply device 10. On the other hand, bathtub cleaning device 40 and cleaning remote control device 50 may be new connected devices developed at the same time as hot water supply device 10, or they may be old connected devices developed at the same time as an older hot water supply device that is older than hot water supply device 10.

[0054] When the water heating apparatus is replaced, the bathroom remote control device and the kitchen remote control device are replaced together with the water heating apparatus, but the bathtub cleaning device and the cleaning remote control device that are added as optional devices are not necessarily replaced together. Therefore, if the bathtub cleaning device 40 and the cleaning remote control device 50 that were used with the old water heating apparatus are left in the house when the water heating apparatus 10 is installed in the house, the water heating system 1 may be composed of the water heating apparatus 10, the bathroom remote control device 20 and the kitchen remote control device 30 that are new connected devices, and the bathtub cleaning device 40 and the cleaning remote control device 50 that are old connected devices.

[0055] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of each device constituting hot water supply system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0056] Water heating apparatus 10 includes control unit 141, storage unit 142, load group 143, sensor group 144, and communication unit 145. Control unit 141 includes a microcomputer, and controls each unit in water heating apparatus 10 according to a program stored in storage unit 142. Storage unit 142 includes a memory, and stores a predetermined control program.

[0057] The load group 143 includes loads such as the hot water supply combustor 114, the air supply fan 115, the proportional valve 116, the bath combustor 124, the circulation pump 125, the proportional valve 126, and the hot water supply solenoid valve 132. The sensor group 144 includes sensors such as a water level sensor S1, a flow rate sensor S2, and temperature sensors S3 and S4.

[0058] The communication unit 145 communicates with the bathroom remote control device 20, the kitchen remote control device 30, the bathtub cleaning device 40, and the cleaning remote control device 50 under the control of the control unit 141.

[0059] The communication unit 145, as a first communication unit, has a configuration capable of transmitting and receiving data according to a first communication protocol and transmitting and receiving data according to a second communication protocol. In this embodiment, the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol have the same frame structure but different communication speeds. The communication speed of the second communication protocol is faster than the communication speed of the first communication protocol. Therefore, the time required to transmit and receive data is shorter in the second communication protocol than in the first communication protocol.

[0060] The communication unit 145 has a first communication port 145a and a second communication port 145b. The communication speed of the first communication port 145a is set to a first communication speed according to a first communication protocol, and the communication speed of the second communication port 145b is set to a second communication speed according to a second communication protocol that is faster than the first communication speed.

[0061] The communication unit 145 creates data with a frame structure according to a first communication protocol and transmits the created data from the first communication port 145a at a first communication speed. The communication unit 145 also creates data with a frame structure according to a second communication protocol and transmits the created data from the second communication port 145b at a second communication speed. The communication unit 145 also receives data having a frame structure according to the first communication protocol and transmitted at the first communication speed at the first communication port 145a, and receives data having a frame structure according to the second communication protocol and transmitted at the second communication speed at the second communication port 145b.

[0062] The first communication port 145 a and the second communication port 145 b are connected to an external connection terminal 147 via an internal communication line 146 .

[0063] The bathroom remote control device 20 includes a control unit 201 , a memory unit 202 , a display unit 203 , an input unit 204 , a speaker 205 , and a communication unit 206 .

[0064] The control unit 201 includes a microcomputer and performs predetermined control in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit 202. The storage unit 202 includes a memory and stores a predetermined control program.

[0065] The display unit 203 is configured with, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The display unit 203 may be a touch panel. The display unit 203 displays the hot water temperature, the bath temperature, and the like.

[0066] Input unit 204 includes various operation buttons for executing each function of water heating apparatus 10 and setting the hot water temperature, bath temperature, etc. Input unit 204 further includes an operation button. When the operation is turned on by operating the operation button, display unit 203 lights up and each operation button of input unit 204 can be operated.

[0067] The speaker 205 outputs a sound based on the audio signal generated by the control unit 201 .

[0068] The communication unit 206 communicates with the water heating apparatus 10, the kitchen remote control device 30, the bathtub cleaning apparatus 40, and the cleaning remote control device 50 according to the control from the control unit 201.

[0069] The communication unit 206, as a second communication unit, has a configuration capable of transmitting and receiving data according to the first communication protocol and transmitting and receiving data according to the second communication protocol. The initial setting of the communication protocol is the second communication protocol.

[0070] The communication unit 206 has a communication port 206a. The communication unit 206 can switch the communication speed of the communication port 206a between a first communication speed according to a first communication protocol and a second communication speed according to a second communication protocol, in response to an instruction from the control unit 201. The initial setting of the communication speed is the second communication speed.

[0071] When the communication protocol is set to the second communication protocol and the communication speed of the communication port 206a is set to the second communication speed, the communication unit 206 creates data having a frame structure according to the second communication protocol and transmits the created data from the communication port 206a at the second communication speed. Also, the communication unit 206 receives data having a frame structure according to the second communication protocol and transmitted at the second communication speed at the communication port 206a.

[0072] On the other hand, when the communication protocol is set to the first communication protocol and the communication speed of the communication port 206a is set to the first communication speed, the communication unit 206 creates data having a frame structure according to the first communication protocol and transmits the created data from the communication port 206a at the first communication speed. Also, the communication unit 206 receives data having a frame structure according to the first communication protocol and transmitted at the first communication speed at the communication port 206a.

[0073] The communication port 206 a is connected to an external connection terminal 208 via an internal communication line 207 .

[0074] The kitchen remote control device 30 includes a control unit 301 , a memory unit 302 , a display input unit 303 , an operation button 304 , a speaker 305 , and a communication unit 306 .

[0075] The control unit 301 includes a microcomputer and performs predetermined control in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit 302. The storage unit 302 includes a memory and stores a predetermined control program.

[0076] Display input unit 303 is a touch panel. A screen for executing each function of water heating apparatus 10 and setting the temperature such as the hot water supply temperature is displayed on display input unit 303. When the operation is turned on by operating operation button 304, a screen is displayed on display input unit 303 and the operation on the screen becomes possible.

[0077] The speaker 305 outputs sound based on the audio signal generated by the control unit 301 .

[0078] Communications unit 306 communicates with water heating apparatus 10, bathroom remote control device 20, bathtub cleaning device 40, and cleaning remote control device 50 under the control of control unit 201.

[0079] Like the communication unit 206 of the bathroom remote control device 20, the communication unit 306 has a configuration as a second communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving data according to a first communication protocol and transmitting and receiving data according to a second communication protocol.

[0080] When the communication protocol is set to the second communication protocol, the communication unit 306 transmits data having a frame structure according to the second communication protocol from the communication port 306a at a second communication speed, and receives data having a frame structure according to the second communication protocol and transmitted at the second communication speed at the communication port 306a. Furthermore, when the communication protocol is set to the first communication protocol, the communication unit 306 transmits data having a frame structure according to the first communication protocol from the communication port 306a at a first communication speed, and receives data having a frame structure according to the first communication protocol and transmitted at the first communication speed at the communication port 306a.

[0081] The communication port 306 a is connected to an external connection terminal 308 via an internal communication line 307 .

[0082] Bathtub cleaning device 40 includes control unit 421, storage unit 422, load group 423, and communication unit 424. Control unit 421 includes a microcomputer, and controls each unit in bathtub cleaning device 40 according to a program stored in storage unit 422. Storage unit 422 includes a memory, and stores a predetermined control program.

[0083] The load group 423 includes loads such as a hot water valve 412 , a detergent valve 417 and a drain valve 418 .

[0084] Communications unit 424 communicates with water heating apparatus 10, bathroom remote control device 20, kitchen remote control device 30, and washing remote control device 50 under the control of control unit 421.

[0085] The cleaning remote control device 50 includes a control unit 501 , a memory unit 502 , a display unit 503 , an input unit 504 , and a communication unit 505 .

[0086] The control unit 501 includes a microcomputer and performs predetermined control in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit 502. The storage unit 502 includes a memory and stores a predetermined control program.

[0087] Display unit 503 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays information related to the bathtub cleaning operation. Input unit 504 includes various operation buttons such as a start button for starting the bathtub cleaning operation.

[0088] Communications unit 505 communicates with water heating apparatus 10, bathroom remote control device 20, kitchen remote control device 30, and bathtub cleaning device 40 under the control of control unit 501.

[0089] When the bathtub cleaning device 40 and the cleaning remote control device 50 are old-model connectable devices, their communication units 424, 505 have a configuration as the third communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving only according to the first communication protocol.

[0090] The communication units 424, 505 fix the communication speeds of their communication ports 424a, 505a to a first communication speed according to a first communication protocol. The communication units 424, 505 create data with a frame structure according to the first communication protocol and transmit the created data from the communication ports 424a, 505a at the first communication speed. The communication units 424, 505 also receive data having a frame structure according to the first communication protocol and transmitted at the first communication speed at the communication ports 424a, 505a.

[0091] On the other hand, when the bathtub cleaning device 40 and the cleaning remote control device 50 are new types of connected devices, their communication units 424, 505 have a configuration similar to the communication unit 206 of the bathroom remote control device 20, and as a second communication unit, are capable of transmitting and receiving data using both the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol.

[0092] The communication ports 424 a and 505 a are connected to external connection terminals 426 and 507 via internal communication lines 425 and 506 .

[0093] Hereinafter, the new-model bathtub cleaning device 40 and its communication unit 424 will be referred to as the "bathtub cleaning device 40A" and the "communication unit 424A," respectively, and the new-model cleaning remote control device 50 and its communication unit 505 will be referred to as the "cleaning remote control device 50A" and the "communication unit 505A," respectively. Similarly, the old-model bathtub cleaning device 40 and its communication unit 424 will be referred to as the "bathtub cleaning device 40B" and the "communication unit 424B," respectively, and the old-model cleaning remote control device 50 and its communication unit 505 will be referred to as the "cleaning remote control device 50B" and the "communication unit 505B," respectively.

[0094] The communication unit 145 of the water heating device 10, the communication unit 206 of the bathroom remote control device 20, the communication unit 306 of the kitchen remote control device 30, the communication unit 424 of the bathtub cleaning device 40 and the communication unit 505 of the cleaning remote control device 50 are connected to each other using four external communication lines L1 to L4, which are two-core communication lines.

[0095] That is, external communication line L1 is connected to external connection terminal 147 of water heating apparatus 10 and external connection terminal 208 of bathroom remote control device 20. External communication line L2 is connected to external connection terminal 147 and external connection terminal 308 of kitchen remote control device 30. External communication line L3 is connected to external connection terminal 147 and external connection terminal 426 of bathtub cleaning apparatus 40. External communication line L4 is connected to external connection terminal 147 and external connection terminal 507 of cleaning remote control device 50. The four external communication lines L1 to L4 are linked at external connection terminal 147.

[0096] Power for operating bathroom remote control device 20, kitchen remote control device 30, and cleaning remote control device 50, and power for operating communication unit 424 of bathtub cleaning device 40 are supplied to each device through four external communication lines L1-L4 from water heating device 10. Power is supplied to other parts of bathtub cleaning device 40 at the same time that power is supplied from a power source provided in bathtub cleaning device 40 to communication unit 424.

[0097] As described above, in hot water supply system 1, five communication units 145, 206, 306, 424, 505 are configured to be able to transmit and receive data to and from each other through four external communication lines L1 to L4. Thus, in hot water supply system 1, hot water supply device 10, bathroom remote control device 20, kitchen remote control device 30, bathtub cleaning device 40, and cleaning remote control device 50 transmit and receive data to and from each other.

[0098] For example, disconnection confirmation data for periodically checking for disconnection is sent and received between water heating apparatus 10 and bathroom remote control device 20 and kitchen remote control device 30. The disconnection confirmation data includes the hot water supply temperature and the bath temperature. The disconnection confirmation data is also received by bathtub cleaning apparatus 40 and cleaning remote control device 50, which then store the hot water supply temperature and the bath temperature included in the disconnection confirmation data.

[0099] When an operation to start the bathtub cleaning operation is performed on the cleaning remote control device 50, data including a start command is transmitted from the cleaning remote control device 50 to the bathtub cleaning device 40. At this time, if the stored hot water temperature is not suitable for cleaning the bathtub 2, the cleaning remote control device 50 transmits a command to change the hot water temperature and data including the changed hot water temperature to the water heating device 10, the bathroom remote control device 20, the kitchen remote control device 30, and the bathtub cleaning device 40. As a result, the water heating device 10, the bathroom remote control device 20, and the kitchen remote control device 30 change the hot water temperature. The bathtub cleaning device 40 also retains the changed hot water temperature. Hot water at the changed hot water temperature is supplied from the water heating device 10 to the bathtub cleaning device 40.

[0100] If the hot water temperature has been changed for the bathtub cleaning operation, when the bathtub cleaning operation ends, bathtub cleaning device 40 transmits a command to return the hot water temperature to its original state and data including the hot water temperature before the bathtub cleaning operation to water heating device 10, bathroom remote control device 20, kitchen remote control device 30, and cleaning remote control device 50. As a result, water heating device 10, bathroom remote control device 20, and kitchen remote control device 30 return the hot water temperature to the set temperature before the bathtub cleaning operation. In addition, cleaning remote control device 50 holds the received hot water temperature.

[0101] In hot water supply system 1, when power is applied to hot water supply apparatus 10, power is supplied from hot water supply apparatus 10 through external communication lines L1-L4, which in turn applies power to bathroom remote control device 20, kitchen remote control device 30, cleaning remote control device 50, and communication unit 424 of bathtub cleaning device 40. This power-on triggers the start of processing to set communication protocols in hot water supply apparatus 10 and each of the connected devices, bathroom remote control device 20, kitchen remote control device 30, bathtub cleaning device 40, and cleaning remote control device 50.

[0102] Note that water heating apparatus 10 is powered on when water heating system 1 is installed in a house, and is also powered on after being turned off when maintenance, etc. Whenever water heating apparatus 10 is powered on, a process for setting a communication protocol is executed.

[0103] 3 is a flowchart showing a process executed by water heating apparatus 10 for setting a communication protocol. The process in FIG.

[0104] When each of the connectable devices communicatively connected to the water heating apparatus 10, i.e. in this embodiment, the bathroom remote control device 20, kitchen remote control device 30, bathtub cleaning device 40, and cleaning remote control device 50, is powered on, initial data is transmitted from each connectable device in sequence. At this time, new connectable devices capable of transmitting and receiving data using both the first and second communication protocols transmit initial data using the second communication protocol, and older connectable devices capable of transmitting and receiving data only using the first communication protocol transmit initial data using the first communication protocol. The initial data includes identification information, such as a product number, that allows the water heating apparatus 10 to identify the type of the connectable device, as well as discrimination information, such as a parity bit, that allows the water heating apparatus 10 to determine whether the data has been received correctly.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 3, when the communication unit 145 receives initial data from the connected device (S101: YES), the control unit 141 analyzes, based on the received initial data, whether the transmission of the initial data is according to the first communication protocol or the second communication protocol (S102).

[0106] That is, in the communication unit 145, the initial data is received by both the first communication port 145a and the second communication port 145b. When the transmission of the initial data is based on the first communication protocol, the first communication port 145a checks the discrimination information and determines that the reception is normal, and the second communication port 145b checks the discrimination information and determines that the reception is abnormal. Conversely, when the transmission of the initial data is based on the second communication protocol, the first communication port 145a determines that the reception is abnormal, and the second communication port 145b determines that the reception is normal. Therefore, when the first communication port 145a determines that the data is normal, the control unit 141 determines that the data is transmitted by the first communication protocol, and when the second communication port 145b determines that the data is normal, the control unit 141 determines that the data is transmitted by the second communication protocol.

[0107] If the transmission from the connected device is in accordance with the second communication protocol (S103: YES), the control unit 141 determines that the connected device is a new model and can perform transmission and reception in accordance with the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol (S104).On the other hand, if the transmission from the connected device is in accordance with the first communication protocol (S103: NO), the control unit 141 determines that the connected device is an older model and can only perform transmission and reception in accordance with the first communication protocol (S105).

[0108] Control unit 141 repeats the processes of steps S101 to S105 until the determination of the communication protocol is completed (S106: NO) for all connectable devices (bathroom remote control device 20, kitchen remote control device 30, bathtub cleaning device 40, cleaning remote control device 50) connected to water heating device 10. This determines for all connectable devices whether they are capable of transmitting and receiving data using both the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol (if they are new-model connectable devices) or whether they are only capable of transmitting and receiving data using the first communication protocol (if they are old-model connectable devices).

[0109] When the control unit 141 has finished determining the communication protocols for all connected devices (S106: YES), it determines whether all connected devices are new types of connected devices that are capable of transmitting and receiving data using both the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol (S107).

[0110] If all of the connectable devices (bathroom remote control device 20, kitchen remote control device 30, bathtub cleaning device 40A, cleaning remote control device 50A) are new connectable devices (S107: YES), control unit 141 sets the communication protocol for transmission and reception between each device of hot water supply system 1 to the second communication protocol (S108). As a result, control unit 141 then causes communication unit 145, which is the first communication unit, to transmit and receive using the second communication protocol with the second communication units (communication units 206, 306, 424A, 505A) of the new connectable devices. Furthermore, transmission and reception using the second communication protocol is also performed between the second communication units (communication units 206, 306, 424A, 505A) of the new connectable devices.

[0111] On the other hand, if some of the connectable devices (bathtub cleaning device 40B, cleaning remote control device 50B) are old-type connectable devices that can only transmit and receive using the first communication protocol (S107: NO), the control unit 141 sets the communication protocol for transmission and reception between the devices in the hot water supply system 1 to the first communication protocol (S109). Furthermore, the control unit 141 notifies the new-type connectable devices (bathroom remote control device 20, kitchen remote control device 30) to change the communication protocol from the second communication protocol to the first communication protocol (S110). Data related to the change notification is transmitted and received using the second communication protocol. In the new-type connectable devices, the second communication unit (communication units 206, 306) changes the communication protocol setting from the second communication protocol to the first communication protocol.

[0112] In this manner, thereafter, the control unit 141 causes the communication unit 145, which is the first communication unit, to transmit and receive data between the second communication unit (communication units 206, 306) of the new type connectable device and the third communication unit (communication units 424B, 505B) of the old type connectable device using the first communication protocol. Furthermore, transmission and reception are also performed between the second communication unit (communication units 206, 306) of the new type connectable device and the third communication unit (communication units 424B, 505B) of the old type connectable device using the first communication protocol.

[0113] FIG. 4(a) is a flowchart showing the processing performed in a new type connected device to set a communication protocol, and FIG. 4(b) is a flowchart showing the processing performed in an old type connected device to set a communication protocol.

[0114] Here, the explanation will be given assuming that the new type of connectable devices are bathroom remote control device 20 and kitchen remote control device 30, and that the old type of connectable devices are bathtub cleaning device 40B and cleaning remote control device 50B.

[0115] When the power is turned on in bathroom remote control device 20 and kitchen remote control device 30, which are the new type of connectable devices, control units 201 and 301 start the process of FIG. 4(a).

[0116] 4(a), control units 201, 301 monitor whether the timing to transmit initial data has arrived (S201). The timing arrives when a specified time has elapsed since the start of processing. The specified time is different for each connected device, so that multiple pieces of initial data are not received by water heating apparatus 10 at the same time.

[0117] When the transmission timing arrives (S201: YES), control units 201, 301 cause communication units 206, 306, which are the second communication units, to transmit initial data using the second communication protocol (S202). As a result, the initial data is received by water heating apparatus 10.

[0118] Thereafter, if control unit 201, 301 receives a change notification to change the communication protocol from water heating apparatus 10 within a predetermined time (S203: YES), it changes the communication protocol setting from the second communication protocol to the first communication protocol (S204). On the other hand, if control unit 201, 301 elapses a predetermined time without receiving a change notification (S205: YES), it ends the process without changing the communication protocol.

[0119] When the power is turned on in the bathtub cleaning device 40B and the cleaning remote control device 50B, which are the old-model connected devices, the control units 421 and 501 start the process of FIG. 4(b).

[0120] 4(b), control unit 421, 501 monitors whether the timing to transmit initial data has arrived (S301). When the timing to transmit arrives (S301: YES), control unit 421, 501 causes communication unit 424B, 505B, which is the third communication unit, to transmit the initial data using the first communication protocol (S302). As a result, the initial data is received by water heating apparatus 10.

[0121] 5(a) to (c) are diagrams showing examples of communication protocol settings in hot water supply system 1. FIG.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 5(a), when the hot water supply system 1 is composed of the hot water supply device 10, the bathroom remote control device 20, the kitchen remote control device 30, the old bathtub cleaning device 40B, and the cleaning remote control device 50B, the bathroom remote control device 20 and the kitchen remote control device 30 transmit initial data by the second communication protocol when the power is turned on, and the old bathtub cleaning device 40B and the cleaning remote control device 50B transmit initial data by the first communication protocol. In the hot water supply device 10, since it includes an old connected device, the communication protocol is set to the first communication protocol. As a result, thereafter, transmission and reception by the first communication protocol is performed between the hot water supply device 10 and the bathroom remote control device 20, the kitchen remote control device 30, the bathtub cleaning device 40B, and the cleaning remote control device 50B. Furthermore, transmission and reception by the first communication protocol is also performed between the bathroom remote control device 20, the kitchen remote control device 30, the bathtub cleaning device 40B, and the cleaning remote control device 50B.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 5(b), when the hot water supply system 1 is composed of the hot water supply device 10, the bathroom remote control device 20, the kitchen remote control device 30, the new bathtub cleaning device 40A, and the cleaning remote control device 50A, the bathroom remote control device 20 and the kitchen remote control device 30 transmit initial data by the second communication protocol when the power is turned on, and the new bathtub cleaning device 40A and the cleaning remote control device 50A also transmit initial data by the second communication protocol. Since the hot water supply device 10 does not include an old type of connectable device, the communication protocol is set to the second communication protocol. As a result, thereafter, transmission and reception by the second communication protocol is performed between the hot water supply device 10 and the bathroom remote control device 20, the kitchen remote control device 30, the bathtub cleaning device 40A, and the cleaning remote control device 50A. Furthermore, transmission and reception by the second communication protocol is also performed between the bathroom remote control device 20, the kitchen remote control device 30, the bathtub cleaning device 40A, and the cleaning remote control device 50A.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 5(c), when hot water supply system 1 is composed of hot water supply apparatus 10, bathroom remote control device 20, and kitchen remote control device 30, and hot water supply system 1 does not include optional devices such as bathtub cleaning device 40 and cleaning remote control device 50, initial data is transmitted from bathroom remote control device 20 and kitchen remote control device 30 using the second communication protocol when the power is turned on as a trigger. Since hot water supply apparatus 10 does not include any old-type connectable devices, the communication protocol is set to the second communication protocol. As a result, thereafter, transmission and reception using the second communication protocol is performed between hot water supply apparatus 10 and bathroom remote control device 20 and kitchen remote control device 30. Furthermore, transmission and reception using the second communication protocol is also performed between bathroom remote control device 20 and kitchen remote control device 30.

[0125] <Effects of the embodiment> According to the hot water supply system 1, when the connected devices (bathroom remote control device 20, kitchen remote control device 30, bathtub cleaning device 40A, cleaning remote control device 50A) connected to the hot water supply device 10 can perform transmission and reception using the first communication protocol and transmission and reception using the second communication protocol, the control unit 141 of the hot water supply device 10 causes the first communication unit (communication unit 145) to perform transmission and reception using the second communication protocol with the second communication unit (communication units 206, 306, 424A, 505A) (see Figs. 5(b) and 5(c)). On the other hand, when the connected devices (bathtub cleaning device 40B, cleaning remote control device 50B) connected to the hot water supply device 10 can perform transmission and reception using only the first communication protocol, the control unit 141 of the hot water supply device 10 causes the first communication unit (communication unit 145) to perform transmission and reception using the first communication protocol with the third communication unit (communication units 424B, 505B) (see Fig. 5(a)).

[0126] According to this configuration, even when an older type of connectable device (bathtub cleaning device 40B, cleaning remote control device 50B) that cannot transmit and receive data using the second communication protocol that is originally intended to be used and can only transmit and receive data using the first communication protocol is connected to the water heating device 10 so that it can communicate with the device, normal transmission and reception can be maintained between the water heating device 10 and the connectable device.

[0127] Furthermore, according to hot water heating system 1, when the connected device is powered on, if the connected device (bathroom remote control device 20, kitchen remote control device 30, bathtub cleaning device 40A, cleaning remote control device 50A) is equipped with a second communication unit (communication units 206, 306, 424A, 505A), the second communication unit transmits data to the water heating device 10 using the second communication protocol, and if the connected device (bathtub cleaning device 40B, cleaning remote control device 50B) is equipped with a third communication unit (communication units 424B, 505B), the third communication unit transmits data to the water heating device 10 using the first communication protocol. Then, when a transmission is made from a connected device (bathroom remote control device 20, kitchen remote control device 30, bathtub cleaning device 40A, cleaning remote control device 50A) using the second communication protocol, the control unit 141 of the water heating device 10 determines that the connected device can transmit and receive using both the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol, and when a transmission is made from a connected device (bathtub cleaning device 40B, cleaning remote control device 50B) using the first communication protocol, it determines that the connected device can only transmit and receive using the first communication protocol.

[0128] According to this configuration, when the connected device is powered on, the communication protocol between water heating device 10 and the connected device is automatically set, which makes the setting work easier and also prevents forgetting to set the communication protocol.

[0129] In addition, the hot water supply system 1 is configured such that when power is applied to the hot water supply device 10, power is supplied from the hot water supply device 10 to the connected device. Therefore, when power is applied to the hot water supply device 10, the communication protocol between the hot water supply device 10 and the connected device can be automatically set.

[0130] Furthermore, according to hot water supply system 1, a plurality of connectable devices (bathroom remote control device 20, kitchen remote control device 30, bathtub cleaning device 40, cleaning remote control device 50) are communicatively connected to hot water supply device 10. Then, when all of the connectable devices (bathroom remote control device 20, kitchen remote control device 30, bathtub cleaning device 40A, cleaning remote control device 50A) are capable of transmitting and receiving using the first communication protocol and transmitting and receiving using the second communication protocol, control unit 141 of hot water supply device 10 causes the first communication unit (communication unit 145) to transmit and receive using the second communication protocol with the second communication units (communication units 206, 306, 424A, 505A) of all of the connectable devices (see FIGS. 5(b) and (c)). On the other hand, when some of the connected devices (bathtub cleaning device 40B, cleaning remote control device 50B) can only transmit and receive using the first communication protocol, the control unit 141 causes the first communication unit (communication unit 145) to transmit and receive using the first communication protocol between the third communication units (communication units 424B, 505B) of some of the connected devices and the second communication units (communication units 206, 306) of the other connected devices (bathroom remote control device 20, kitchen remote control device 30) (see Figure 5(a)).

[0131] According to this configuration, when a connected device that only transmits and receives data using the first communication protocol is included, the communication protocol used throughout the hot water supply system 1 is unified into the first communication protocol, making it possible to transmit and receive data using the first communication protocol even between a connected device having a second communication unit and a connected device having a third communication unit.

[0132] Furthermore, according to the hot water supply system 1, the second communication protocol has a faster communication speed than the first communication protocol.

[0133] According to this configuration, when transmission and reception are performed between water heating apparatus 10 and a connected apparatus using the second communication protocol, the time required for transmission and reception can be shortened.

[0134] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the hot water supply system according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0135] For example, in the above embodiment, the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol have the same frame structure but different communication speeds. However, the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol may have different frame structures and communication speeds. In this case, for example, the first communication protocol has a frame structure with a fixed data length and a relatively slow communication speed, and the second communication protocol has a frame structure with a variable data length and a relatively fast communication speed. Alternatively, the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol may have the same communication speed but different frame structures. In this case, for example, the first communication protocol has a frame structure with a fixed data length, and the second communication protocol has a frame structure with a variable data length.

[0136] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, communication unit 145 of water heating apparatus 10 has two communication ports, first communication port 145a set to a first communication speed (low speed) and second communication port 145b set to a second communication speed (high speed), and receives initial data at these two communication ports. Then, if reception at first communication port 145a is normal, it is determined that the initial data was transmitted using the first communication protocol, and if reception at second communication port 145b is normal, it is determined that the initial data was transmitted using the second communication protocol.

[0137] However, the analysis of whether the transmission of the initial data is according to the first communication protocol or the second communication protocol is not limited to the above method. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the communication unit 145 has one communication port, and sampling is performed on the initial data input to the communication port at a first interval and a second interval corresponding to a first communication speed (low speed) and a second communication speed (high speed), respectively. In this case, if no error occurs when sampling is completed at the first interval (normal), it is determined that the transmission of the initial data is according to the first communication protocol, and if no error occurs when sampling is completed at the second interval (normal), it is determined that the transmission of the initial data is according to the second communication protocol.

[0138] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the hot water supply system 1 is configured to transmit and receive between the bathroom remote control device 20 and the kitchen remote control device 30 and the bathtub cleaning device 40 and the cleaning remote control device 50. However, the hot water supply system 1 may be configured not to transmit and receive between the bathroom remote control device 20 and the kitchen remote control device 30 and the bathtub cleaning device 40 and the cleaning remote control device 50. In such a configuration, when the bathroom remote control device 20 and the kitchen remote control device 30 and the old-type bathtub cleaning device 40B and the cleaning remote control device 50B are communicably connected to the hot water supply device 10, the communication protocol is not unified throughout the hot water supply system 1, and the hot water supply device 10 transmits and receives between the bathroom remote control device 20 and the kitchen remote control device 30 using the second communication protocol, and transmits and receives between the old-type bathtub cleaning device 40B and the cleaning remote control device 50B using the first communication protocol.

[0139] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the hot water supply system 1 is configured by adding a bathtub cleaning device 40 and a cleaning remote control device 50 to a basic system 1a consisting of the hot water supply device 10, the bathroom remote control device 20, and the kitchen remote control device 30. However, the hot water supply system 1 may be configured by adding an optional device different from the bathtub cleaning device 40 and the cleaning remote control device 50 to the basic system 1a. Examples of the optional device include a washing water pouring device that automatically supplies the remaining water in the bathtub 2 to the washing machine, and a sub-remote control device that is installed in a place other than the bathroom or the kitchen, such as a washroom.

[0140] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the process of setting the communication protocol in Figures 3, 4(a) and (b) is started when the connected devices (bathroom remote control device 20, kitchen remote control device 30, bathtub cleaning device 40, cleaning remote control device 50) are powered on as a trigger. However, the process of setting the communication protocol may also be started based on a specified operation performed on water heating device 10 or the connected devices.

[0141] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, hot water supply system 1 is configured such that a plurality of connectable devices are communicatively connected to hot water supply apparatus 10. However, hot water supply system 1 may be configured such that one connectable device is communicatively connected to hot water supply apparatus 10.

[0142] Furthermore, the configuration of water heating apparatus 10 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 1, and may be other configurations. For example, in the configuration of Fig. 1, the hot water in bathtub 2 is reheated by circulating the hot water in bathtub 2 through bath heat exchanger 122, but the reheating function may be performed by water heating apparatus 10 adding high-temperature hot water to bathtub 2. Furthermore, water heating apparatus 10 may be configured to perform only the hot water supply function without having reheating section 120 and bypass section 130. Furthermore, water heating apparatus 10 may be configured to include a heating section that performs hot water supply operation for heating functions such as floor heating and bathroom heating, in addition to the configuration of Fig. 1.

[0143] Furthermore, water heating apparatus 10 is not limited to one that uses gas fuel, and may be a water heating apparatus that uses oil as fuel. Water heating apparatus 10 may be of a storage type that uses a storage tank, and may further include a power generation unit such as a fuel cell.

[0144] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1. Hot water system 10. Hot water supply equipment 20 Bathroom remote control device (connected device) 30 Kitchen remote control device (connected device) 40 (40A, 40B) Bathtub cleaning device (connected device) 50 (50A, 50B) Cleaning remote control device (connected device) 141 Control Unit 145 Communications Department (First Communications Department) 206 Communications Department (Second Communications Department) 306 Communications Department (Second Communications Department) 424 (424A) Communication unit (second communication unit) 505 (505A) Communication unit (second communication unit) 424 (424B) Communications Department (Third Communications Department) 505 (505B) Communication Department (Third Communication Department)

Claims

1. A hot water supply system including a hot water supply device and a connected device communicatively connected to the hot water supply device, The hot water supply device includes: a first communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving data according to a first communication protocol and transmitting and receiving data according to a second communication protocol; A control unit, the connected device includes a second communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving data according to a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol, or a third communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving data only according to the first communication protocol; The control unit is When the connected device connected to the hot water supply device is capable of transmitting and receiving data using a first communication protocol and transmitting and receiving data using a second communication protocol, the first communication unit is caused to transmit and receive data using the second communication protocol with the second communication unit; When the connected device connected to the water heating apparatus is capable of transmitting and receiving only in a first communication protocol, causing the first communication unit to transmit and receive between the first communication unit and the third communication unit in the first communication protocol. A hot water supply system comprising:

2. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, When the connected device is powered on, When the connected device includes the second communication unit, the second communication unit transmits information to the hot water heating device using a second communication protocol; When the connected device includes the third communication unit, the third communication unit transmits information to the water heating device using a first communication protocol; The control unit is When a transmission is made from the connected device in a second communication protocol, it is determined that the connected device is capable of transmitting and receiving data in both the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol; When a transmission is made from the connected device in a first communication protocol, the connected device is determined to be capable of transmitting and receiving only in the first communication protocol; A hot water supply system comprising:

3. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, When a plurality of the connectable devices are connected to the hot water supply device in a communicable manner, the control unit when all of the connected devices are capable of transmitting and receiving data using the first communication protocol and transmitting and receiving data using the second communication protocol, causing the first communication unit to transmit and receive data using the second communication protocol between the first communication unit and the second communication unit of all of the connected devices; when some of the connected devices can only transmit and receive using a first communication protocol, causing the first communication unit to transmit and receive using the first communication protocol between the third communication unit of some of the connected devices and the second communication unit of the other connected devices; A hot water supply system comprising:

4. In the hot water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The second communication protocol has a faster communication speed than the first communication protocol. A hot water supply system comprising:

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