Hot water system

Abstract

To secure the safety of a user more than in the case of not adopting this configuration even in the case that the temperature of a water heater is set from another device being not a remote control device.SOLUTION: A hot water supply system makes the upper limit of a setting temperature of a water heater 30 a first temperature in the case that a temperature is set from a remote control device, and makes the upper limit of the setting temperature of the hot heater 30 a second temperature lower than the first temperature in the case that the temperature is set from a portable information terminal 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hot water supply system. To Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a controller that includes a receiving means for receiving a wireless control signal transmitted from a mobile terminal based on a program downloaded to the mobile terminal having a function for downloading a user application program, and a control means for operating the controller based on the control signal received by the receiving means.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an air conditioner remote control that includes a liquid crystal display unit, a plurality of physical keys, and a remote control unit that controls the operation of the liquid crystal display unit and performs processing according to input from the physical keys. The liquid crystal display unit includes a third display area that displays setting item tabs (setting item information) related to configurable setting items, and a fourth display area that displays information related to the setting status of the setting items. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-241993 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-130833 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Here, water heaters are used to make and supply hot water so that it can be used from faucets and showers in kitchens, washrooms, baths, and the like. There are various types of water heaters, such as gas water heaters, oil water heaters, and electric water heaters. In these water heaters, a remote control device is generally used as a dedicated device for remotely operating the water heater and informing the user of the water heater's status. This remote control device is installed, for example, in the kitchen or bathroom in the house, and can turn the water heater on / off and set the temperature. In the bathroom, in addition to turning the water heater on / off and setting the temperature, it is also possible to select, for example, automatic bath, reheating, and adding hot water from the remote control device.

[0006] In recent years, a form in which an application is installed on a mobile information terminal and the operation is performed from the mobile information terminal, or a form using a so-called smart speaker equipped with an AI assistant and capable of connecting to the Internet and performing voice recognition and voice operation, is being considered. For example, by using this mobile information terminal, it is possible to operate a water heater from a remote location away from the house in places where there is no remote control device. Also, by using this smart speaker, it is possible to operate the water heater only by voice without operating the main unit or tapping the screen, which can increase the convenience for users.

[0007] However, if a user does not realize that the temperature has been remotely set to a high temperature, such as about 60°C, and continues to use the water heater in the bathroom, there is a risk of getting burned. In the current situation where settings can only be made from a remote control device, it is possible, for example, for the remote control device to issue a voice warning of danger, but if the temperature is set from a device other than the remote control device, the safety of the user may not be adequately guaranteed. The object of the present invention is to better ensure user safety compared to a case in which this configuration is not adopted, even when the temperature of the water heater is set from a device other than a remote control device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention described in claim 1 is a remote control device. When the remote control device is installed in both a bathroom and a place other than the bathroom, When the temperature is set from the above, the upper limit of the set temperature of the water heater is set to the first temperature, When a remote control device is installed in a location other than the bathroom and is not installed in the bathroom and temperature is set from the remote control device, the upper limit of the set temperature of the water heater is set to a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature; When the temperature is set from a device other than the remote control device, the upper limit of the set temperature of the water heater shall be set beforehand. Note The second temperature and when the remote control device is installed in both the bathroom and a place other than the bathroom, a method for setting an upper limit of the set temperature of the water heater to the first temperature is notified by the other device. The hot water supply system is characterized by: The invention described in claim 2 is the hot water supply system described in claim 1, characterized in that the second temperature is a temperature that is predetermined as being preferable from a safety standpoint for supplying hot water to a bathroom. The invention described in claim 3 is the hot water supply system described in claim 1, characterized in that the other device limits the upper limit of the temperature setting of the hot water heater to the second temperature. The invention described in claim 4 is the hot water supply system described in claim 3, characterized in that the other device is a mobile information terminal having an application installed for operating the water heater, and the upper limit of the temperature setting by the application is limited to the second temperature. The invention described in claim 5 is the hot water supply system described in claim 3, characterized in that the other device is an input device having a built-in microphone that recognizes the user's voice, and the upper limit of the temperature setting from the input device is limited to the second temperature. The invention described in claim 6 is a device that recognizes a user's intention to operate a water heater and outputs the intention to the water heater, and the set temperature of the water heater from the device is Change 2. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, wherein when a command to set the hot water supply temperature is received, the upper limit of the set temperature of the hot water supply device is set to the second temperature. 。 Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, even when the temperature of the water heater is set from a device other than a remote control device, the safety of the user can be better ensured than in a case where this configuration is not adopted. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a hot water supply system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating hot water supply piping installed in a residence. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the hot water supply system. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a first operation example performed by the hot water supply system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an upper limit display on a hot water supply setting screen on a display unit of a mobile information terminal. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart illustrating a second operation example performed by the hot water supply system. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a third operation example performed by the hot water supply system. [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing configuration examples of a hot water supply system in a second embodiment, where FIG. 13A shows an installation example of a remote control device, and FIG. 13B shows another installation example of the remote control device. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth operation example performed by the hot water supply system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Overall description of hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment. The hot water supply system 1 of the first embodiment shown in the figure is configured by connecting a smart speaker 10, a mobile information terminal 20, and a management server 40 via a network 70, a network 80, and an access point 90. The hot water supply system 1 controls the supply of hot water from a water heater 30 provided in a residence in which the smart speaker 10 is installed, and the hot water supply temperature is set by the smart speaker 10 and the mobile information terminal 20. The hot water supply temperature is also set by a remote control device 50 connected to the water heater 30 by wiring. In this way, both the remote control device 50 and other devices other than the remote control device 50, such as a smart speaker 10 and a mobile information terminal 20, are connected to the water heater 30.

[0012] Although FIG. 1 shows only one smart speaker 10 and one mobile information terminal 20, any number of them may be used. The smart speaker 10 and the mobile information terminal 20 are examples of devices other than remote control devices. In addition, the smart speaker 10 and the mobile information terminal 20 are examples of devices that recognize the user's operation intention regarding the operation of the water heater 30 and output it to the water heater 30.

[0013] The smart speaker 10 is a speaker with an AI assistant function that supports interactive voice operation, and recognizes voice using a built-in microphone to search for information, operate devices in the home, and provide voice guidance.

[0014] The mobile information terminal 20 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a mobile computer, a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet. The mobile information terminal 20 connects to an access point 90 for wireless communication. The mobile information terminal 20 then connects to a network 70 for wired communication via the access point 90. The mobile information terminal 20 is owned by a resident who lives in the residence, as will be described in detail later.

[0015] The water heater 30 supplies hot water to, for example, a kitchen, a washroom, a bathroom, etc. through piping in a residence. In a bathroom, the water heater 30 may also supply hot water to a bathtub in addition to a faucet, and may also have a function of automatically filling the bathtub with water and reheating water. The water heater 30 is not limited to a gas water heater having a heat exchanger that utilizes gas, but may be an oil water heater or an electric water heater.

[0016] Management server 40 is a server computer that manages the entire hot water supply system 1. Although details will be described later, management server 40 has user IDs of users and information related to water heaters 30 corresponding to the user IDs.

[0017] The information related to the water heater 30 referred to here includes information indicating the hot water temperature setting of the water heater 30 installed in the residence of the user ID. This information includes temperature information that is set in advance and cannot be changed (e.g., information on the upper limit temperature and information on the lower limit temperature), as well as temperature information that has been changed by settings made by the user, etc. The information about the water heater 30 also includes information about the amount of hot water to be supplied. The information about the amount of hot water to be supplied is information for determining the possibility of supplying hot water to the bathroom, and is an example of the information about the amount of hot water to be supplied. The information about the amount of hot water to be supplied is, for example, information about the flow rate measured by a flow meter, which will be described later. The information regarding the amount of hot water supply may include information selected by a user from amounts preset in stages.

[0018] The smart speaker 10, the mobile information terminal 20, and the management server 40 each include a CPU, which is a computing means, and storage, such as a main memory and a hard disk drive (HDD), which are storage means. Here, the CPU executes various software, such as an OS (operating system) and an application program (application software). The main memory is a storage area that stores various software and data used for executing the software, and the storage is a storage area that stores input data for the various software and output data from the various software. Furthermore, the mobile information terminal 20 and the management server 40 are equipped with a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication I / F") for communicating with the outside, a display mechanism consisting of a video memory, a display, etc., and an input mechanism such as an input button, a touch panel, a keyboard, etc.

[0019] Remote control device 50 is connected by wiring to water heater 30. Remote control device 50 has an operation switch unit 51 that turns the power of water heater 30 on and off, a plurality of operation units 52 for setting the hot water temperature, and an alarm unit 53 that issues an audio alarm when hot water is to be supplied at a high temperature, etc. When water heater 30 has the function of automatically filling the bathtub with water or reheating the water, remote control device 50 is operated by the corresponding operation unit. The remote control device 50 may be installed in, for example, a kitchen or a bathroom.

[0020] A residence is a building where people can live and where the water heater 30 is installed. For example, it is a detached house, a condominium, an apartment, or other collective housing. In this case, it does not matter whether the water heater is permanent or temporary.

[0021] The network 70 is a communication means used for information communication between the mobile information terminal 20 and the management server 40, and is, for example, the Internet. Like the network 70, the network 80 is a communication means used for information communication between the mobile information terminal 20 and the management server 40, and is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0022] The access point 90 is a device that performs wireless communication using a wireless communication line with respect to the network 70 that performs wired communication. The access point 90 mediates the transmission and reception of information between the smart speaker 10, the water heater 30, and the network 70. Available types of wireless communication lines include mobile phone lines, PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) lines, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee, UWB (Ultra Wideband), LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), etc.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating hot water supply piping installed in a residence. The example shown in Fig. 2 is a residence that has installed a hot water supply system 1 that uses a water heater 30 as a heat source, and hot water supply piping is provided so that hot water can be used in the kitchen, washroom, and bathroom. That is, hot water is supplied from the water heater 30 to a kitchen faucet 1a, a washroom faucet 1b, and a bathroom faucet 1c and bathtub 1d. In the bathtub 1d, hot water supply control is performed for automatic water filling and reheating. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the remote control device 50 is installed in a bathroom, but it may be installed in a place other than the bathroom, for example, in a kitchen.

[0024] Here, even if not using a remote control device, it may be possible to operate the water heater 30 using a smart speaker 10 or a mobile information terminal 20, and the hot water temperature of the water heater 30 can be set using the smart speaker 10 or the mobile information terminal 20. However, if hot water is supplied to the bathroom at a high temperature, for example, about 60°C, which is higher than the upper limit temperature for supplying hot water to the bathroom (for example, 47°C or 48°C), which is predetermined as a safe temperature for supplying hot water to the bathroom, via remote control using the smart speaker 10 or the mobile information terminal 20, there is a risk of causing burns.

[0025] For example, when an adult remotely sets the water heater 30 to a high temperature, even if the remote control device 50 that issues a voice warning of the high temperature setting is installed, if there is no one at home who hears the warning and recognizes the danger, there is a concern that the safety of the user, etc. may not be adequately guaranteed. More specifically, if an adult sets the water heater 30 to a high temperature using the mobile information terminal 20 while out, and a child at home tries to turn on the hot water tap unexpectedly, it is difficult to prevent the child from getting burned even if the remote control device 50 issues a warning. Therefore, in the hot water supply system 1 of this embodiment, the upper limit of the set temperature of the water heater 30 when the temperature is set from the smart speaker 10 or the mobile information terminal 20 is set lower than the upper limit that can be set by the remote control device 50.

[0026] Furthermore, if the water heater 30 is set to a high temperature remotely, and the remote control device 50, which issues an audio warning that the water heater is set to a high temperature, is installed in a location other than the bathroom, there is a risk that the warning will not be transmitted to someone trying to start heating water in the bathroom, raising concerns that the safety of users, etc. may not be adequately guaranteed. Therefore, in hot water supply system 1 according to the present embodiment, when remote control device 50 is installed in a location other than the bathroom, a temperature lower than the upper limit of water heater 30 is set as the upper limit of the hot water supply temperature.

[0027] The specific details will be explained below. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of hot water supply system 1. Note that, here, functions related to this embodiment are selected from among various functions of hot water supply system 1 and illustrated. 3, the hot water supply system 1 includes a smart speaker 10, a mobile information terminal 20, a water heater 30, a remote control device 50, and a management server 40. For the water heater 30 of the hot water supply system 1, control instructions such as the temperature and amount of hot water supplied, as well as starting and stopping hot water supply, are given through voice input of the smart speaker 10, operation of the mobile information terminal 20, and operation of the remote control device 50 by a user or the like.

[0028] The smart speaker 10 includes a transmitter / receiver unit 11 that transmits and receives information, an acquisition unit 12 that acquires audio, and a playback unit 13 that plays back the audio. The transmission / reception unit 11 of the smart speaker 10 receives transmission information from the management server 40. The transmission / reception unit 11 is, for example, a communication I / F. The transmission / reception unit 11 transmits and receives information to and from the management server 40 via the access point 90 and the network 70.

[0029] The acquisition unit 12 acquires a voice. The acquisition unit 12 is, for example, a microphone, and various existing microphones such as a dynamic type and a condenser type may be used as the type of microphone. In addition, it is preferable that the microphone is an omnidirectional MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) type microphone.

[0030] The playback unit 13 plays back audio for a user, etc. The playback unit 13 is, for example, a speaker. The smart speaker 10 is an example of an input device that has a built-in microphone and recognizes the user's voice.

[0031] The mobile information terminal 20 includes a transmission / reception unit 21, an input unit 22 for inputting information, and a display unit 23 for displaying images. An application for operating the water heater 30 is installed in the mobile information terminal 20. The transmitting / receiving unit 21 is, for example, a communication I / F, and transmits and receives information to and from the management server 40 via the access point 90 and the network 70.

[0032] The input unit 22 is, for example, the above-mentioned touch panel. That is, in this case, the touch panel has the functions of both the input unit 22 and the display unit 23. The input unit 22 may also be configured with a keyboard, a mouse, or the like.

[0033] The display unit 23 is, for example, a touch panel. In this case, the display unit 23 includes a display on which various information is displayed, and a position detection sheet that detects a position touched by a finger, a stylus pen, etc. Any method may be used to detect the touched position, such as a resistive film method that detects based on the pressure of contact, or a capacitive method that detects based on the static electricity of a contacted object.

[0034] Water heater 30 includes a transmitter / receiver 31, a memory 32, an allowable upper limit temperature determination unit 33, a water heating control unit 34, and a remote control device 50. The transmitting / receiving unit 31 receives transmission information from the management server 40. The transmitting / receiving unit 31 transmits and receives information to and from the management server 40 via the access point 90 and the network 70.

[0035] The storage unit 32 stores the received information. The storage unit 32 also outputs the information when necessary. The storage unit 32 is, for example, a memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or the like.

[0036] The allowable upper limit temperature determination unit 33 determines an allowable upper limit temperature, which is the upper limit of the temperature that is allowed to be set as the hot water supply temperature. The allowable upper limit temperature is the maximum temperature at which the hot water heater 30 can supply hot water, or a temperature lower than the maximum temperature. More specifically, the allowable upper limit temperature determination unit 33 sets the allowable upper limit temperature differently between when the temperature is set by the smart speaker 10 or the mobile information terminal 20 and when the temperature is set by the remote control device 50. That is, when the temperature is set by the remote control device 50, the allowable upper limit temperature determination unit 33 sets the allowable upper limit temperature to the maximum temperature at which the hot water heater 30 can supply hot water. On the other hand, when the temperature is set by the smart speaker 10 or the mobile information terminal 20, the allowable upper limit temperature is set to a temperature lower than the maximum temperature, not the maximum temperature at which the hot water heater 30 can supply hot water.

[0037] For this reason, when using the remote control device 50, it is permitted to raise the set temperature up to the maximum temperature at which the water heater 30 can supply hot water, but when using the smart speaker 10 or the mobile information terminal 20, it is prohibited to raise the set temperature up to the maximum temperature at which the water heater 30 can supply hot water, and it is limited to a temperature lower than the maximum temperature. The maximum temperature at which the water heater 30 can supply hot water is the upper limit of the set temperature of the water heater 30, for example, 60°C, and is an example of the first temperature. A temperature lower than the maximum temperature is, for example, 47°C or 48°C, and is an example of the second temperature, and is an example of a temperature that is predetermined as being preferable from a safety standpoint for supplying hot water to a bathroom. Note that the allowable upper limit temperature determination unit 33 sets the temperature of hot water supplied from the water heater, and cannot set different temperatures for the faucets in the kitchen and bathroom, for example.

[0038] The hot water supply control unit 34 controls the hot water supply by the gas combustion of the water heater 30. Specifically, the hot water supply control unit 35 controls the supply of hot water at a temperature set below the allowable upper limit temperature through the hot water supply pipe, controls the amount of hot water supplied through the hot water supply pipe, and also controls automatic hot water filling and reheating.

[0039] The remote control device 50 is powered by the water heater 30, and when it receives operation of the operation switch section 51 for turning the power on and off or the operation section 52 (see Figure 1) for setting the hot water temperature, etc., it transmits the signal to the allowable upper limit temperature determination section 33 of the water heater 30.

[0040] <Example of operation of hot water supply system 1> Next, an example of the operation performed by the hot water supply system 1 of the first embodiment will be described in more detail. <First operation example> FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a first operation example performed by hot water supply system 1. In the first operation example, when an instruction to display a hot water supply setting screen is given on mobile information terminal 20 (step 101), that information is transmitted by transmitting / receiving unit 21 (see FIG. 3) to management server 40 (step 102). Such information is transmitted together with a user ID corresponding to mobile information terminal 20. The corresponding hot water heater 30 is identified by such user ID. This enables a user, etc. to perform settings, etc. from a remote location, such as outside the room.

[0041] In the management server 40, when the information is received by the transmission / reception unit 41 (see Figure 3) (step 103), the information is stored in the memory unit 42 (see Figure 3) and transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 41 to the water heater 30 corresponding to the user ID (step 104).

[0042] In the water heater 30, when the transmitting / receiving unit 31 (see FIG. 3) receives information instructing the display of a hot water temperature setting screen (step 105), the allowable upper limit temperature determination unit 33 sets the allowable upper limit temperature (setting of the upper limit) (step 106). In this case, since the information is from the smart speaker 10 or the mobile information terminal 20, the allowable upper limit temperature determination unit 33 sets the allowable upper limit temperature to a temperature lower than the maximum temperature at which the water heater 30 can supply hot water. This makes it possible to ensure the safety of users, etc. The smart speaker 10 or the mobile information terminal 20 is an example of a device other than the remote control device 50.

[0043] When information on the allowable upper limit temperature is transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 31 of the water heater 30 (see Figure 3) together with information on the current hot water temperature (step 107), it is received by the transmission / reception unit 41 of the management server 40 (step 108), stored in the memory unit 42, and then transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 41 to the mobile information terminal 20 (step 109).

[0044] When the portable information terminal 20 receives information such as the allowable upper limit temperature through the transmitting / receiving unit 21 (see FIG. 3) (step 110), the upper limit display on the hot water supply setting screen is displayed on the display unit 23 (step 111).

[0045] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an upper limit display on the hot water supply setting screen on the display unit 23 of the mobile information terminal 20. As shown in FIG. In the display example shown in Fig. 5, display unit 23 of mobile information terminal 20 is configured to include input unit 22 and notification area 23a. Input unit 22 has an area that displays the current hot water temperature obtained from water heater 30, and areas for "+", "-" and "OK" that are used when changing the hot water temperature. A user, etc., presses the "+" area to increase the hot water temperature setting, presses the "-" area to decrease the hot water temperature setting, and presses the "OK" area to complete the input operation of the hot water temperature.

[0046] Moreover, in the notification area 23a, the upper limit set by the allowable upper limit temperature determination unit 33 of the water heater 30 is displayed, thereby notifying the upper limit temperature that can be set (allowable upper limit temperature). The notification area 23a also notifies that a temperature setting exceeding the upper limit temperature can be set by using the bathroom remote control device. This notifies the user of the information on the allowable upper limit temperature, and notifies the user that the mobile information terminal 20 cannot set a temperature above the allowable upper limit temperature and that any temperature setting above the allowable upper limit temperature must be done using the bathroom remote control device 50 (see Figure 1). In addition, on the display unit 23 of the mobile information terminal 20, control may be adopted in which the notification area 23a is not displayed on the initial screen, and the notification area 23a is displayed as a warning when an attempt is made to raise the set temperature beyond the allowable upper limit temperature.

[0047] Returning to FIG. 4, the explanation will continue. When the user or the like completes the input operation of the hot water supply temperature through the input unit 22 (step 112), the data is transmitted to the management server 40 by the transmitting / receiving unit 21 of the mobile information terminal 20 (step 113). In the management server 40, when the transmission / reception unit 41 (see Figure 3) receives the information (step 114), it is stored in the memory unit 42 (see Figure 3) and then transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 41 to the water heater 30 corresponding to the user ID (step 115).

[0048] In water heater 30, when transmitting / receiving unit 31 (see FIG. 3) receives information instructing the display of the hot water temperature setting screen (step 116), the information is stored in memory unit 32 (step 117). This causes the hot water temperature setting to be changed in water heater 30. The hot water temperature after the setting change is a temperature equal to or lower than the allowable upper limit temperature.

[0049] In the first operation example, a control is adopted in which the allowable upper limit temperature determined by the allowable upper limit temperature determination unit 33 of the water heater 30 is displayed on the mobile information terminal 20, but this is not limited to this, and a control may be adopted in which the mobile information terminal 20 does not acquire information on the allowable upper limit temperature determined by the allowable upper limit temperature determination unit 33, but transmits the temperature set by a user or the like to the water heater 30. In the case of such control, when the temperature set by a user or the like exceeds the allowable upper limit temperature, water heater 30 sets the hot water temperature lowered to the allowable upper limit temperature, and a message to that effect is sent from water heater 30 to mobile information terminal 20 via management server 40. Mobile information terminal 20 displays on display unit 23 that the allowable upper limit temperature has been set. Furthermore, display unit 23 may display a message that, when the temperature set by the user or the like is desired, this must be done using bathroom remote control device 50 (see FIG. 1).

[0050] In the first operation example, the hot water temperature is changed using the mobile information terminal 20, but the hot water temperature can also be changed using a smart speaker 10 in which an application for operating the water heater 30 is installed, in a similar process. In the smart speaker 10 that does not have a screen, the user is notified by voice and the user inputs information.

[0051] <Second operation example> Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a second operation example performed by hot water supply system 1, which can be implemented in place of the first operation example of Fig. 4. The second operation example differs from the first operation example in which the hot water supply temperature setting is changed by mobile information terminal 20 in that the hot water supply temperature setting is changed by remote control device 50 in the bathroom. As described above, the remote control device 50 is connected to the water heater 30 by wiring.

[0052] In the second operation example, when a temperature setting operation is performed on the remote control device 50 (step 201), the allowable upper limit temperature determination unit 33 of the water heater 30 sets the maximum temperature at which the water heater 30 can supply hot water as the allowable upper limit temperature, and the remote control device 50 displays the current hot water temperature and notifies the user that the temperature can be set up to the maximum temperature (e.g., 60°C) (step 202). In addition, for example, when the set temperature is displayed on the remote control device 50 as in the input unit 22 in FIG. 5, it is possible to omit the notification of the allowable upper limit temperature by disallowing a temperature setting above the maximum temperature.

[0053] When a temperature setting is input via remote control device 50 (step 203), the setting is stored in storage unit 32 (step 204). As a result, in water heater 30, the setting of the hot water supply temperature is changed.

[0054] <Third operation example> Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a third operation example performed by hot water supply system 1, which can be implemented in place of the first operation example in Fig. 4 or the second operation example in Fig. 6. The third operation example is common to the first operation example in that the hot water supply temperature setting is changed using mobile information terminal 20, but differs from the second operation example. The third operation example also differs from the first operation example in that information on the current hot water supply temperature and information on the allowable upper limit temperature are acquired and stored at a stage before the hot water supply setting screen is displayed, which differs from the first operation example in that such information is acquired when the hot water supply setting screen is displayed. In the third operation example, the mobile information terminal 20 is controlled by an installed application so as to limit the temperature to a temperature lower than the maximum temperature.

[0055] In the third operation example, when an instruction to display the hot water supply setting screen is given on the mobile information terminal 20 (step 301), the information on the current hot water supply temperature and the information on the allowable upper limit temperature that have already been acquired are displayed on the display unit 23 (step 302). Such display can be similar to the example of FIG. 5 described above.

[0056] When the input operation from input unit 22 is completed (step 303), the information is transmitted from mobile information terminal 20 to water heater 30 via management server 40 (steps 304 to 306). In water heater 30, the received information on the instruction to display the setting screen for the hot water temperature is stored (steps 307 to 308), and the hot water temperature is set.

[0057] In the third operation example, the hot water temperature is changed using the mobile information terminal 20, but the hot water temperature can also be changed using the smart speaker 10 in a similar processing procedure.

[0058] Here, as another aspect of the first embodiment, the water heater 30 recognizes "where the setting instruction came from" and sets the upper limit value by itself based on that. For example, when a temperature setting instruction is received from the smart speaker 10 or the mobile information terminal 20, the water heater 30 may recognize that and lower the upper limit value, and when a temperature setting instruction is received from the remote control device 50, the upper limit may be maintained. In addition, for example, it is possible to consider control in which the upper limit is maintained when the setting is made from the remote control device 50, and the upper limit is lowered when the setting is made from a device other than the remote control device 50, without specifically recognizing from where the instruction came.

[0059] <Overall description of hot water supply system 1 according to the second embodiment> Next, a hot water supply system 1 according to a second embodiment will be described. Note that the description and illustration of parts of the second embodiment that are common to the first embodiment may be omitted. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of hot water supply system 1 in the second embodiment, where (a) shows an installation example of remote control device 50, and (b) shows another installation example of remote control device 50. Fig. 8 corresponds to Fig. 2 in the first embodiment, and explanations of common parts may be omitted.

[0060] The installation example shown in Fig. 8(a) shows a case where the remote control device 50 is installed in the kitchen but not in the bathroom, i.e., the remote control device 50 is not installed at least in the bathroom. Also, another installation example shown in Fig. 8(b) shows a case where the remote control device 50 is installed in the kitchen and the bathroom, i.e., the remote control device 50 is installed at least in the bathroom.

[0061] In the second embodiment, the allowable upper limit temperature determination unit 33 of the water heater 30 sets different allowable upper limit temperatures for the installation example shown in Fig. 8(a) and another installation example shown in (b). That is, when the remote control device 50 shown in Fig. 8(b) is installed at least in the bathroom, the allowable upper limit temperature determination unit 33 sets the allowable upper limit temperature to the maximum temperature at which the water heater 30 can supply hot water. On the other hand, when the remote control device 50 shown in Fig. 8(a) is not installed in the bathroom, the allowable upper limit temperature is set to a temperature lower than the maximum temperature at which the water heater 30 can supply hot water. An example of the operation performed by the hot water supply system 1 according to the second embodiment will be specifically described below.

[0062] <Fourth operation example> 9 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth operation example performed by the hot water supply system 1. Although the explanation of the fourth operation example is omitted, the hot water supply temperature can be changed by the smart speaker 10 or the mobile information terminal 20, as in the first and third operation examples. The fourth operation example is a processing procedure performed during initial setup when installing the hot water supply system 1, and the initial setup is performed by the remote control device 50 of the hot water heater 30, or a mobile information terminal 20 connected to the management server 40, or an information processing device not shown.

[0063] When the initial setting is performed (step 401), an input is awaited as to whether or not the remote control device 50 is installed in the bathroom. In the installation example shown in Fig. 8(a), the remote control device 50 is not installed in the bathroom, so an input is made that the remote control device 50 is not installed in the bathroom. On the other hand, in another installation example shown in Fig. 8(b), the remote control device 50 is installed in the bathroom, so an input is made that the remote control device 50 is installed in the bathroom.

[0064] The allowable upper limit temperature determination unit 33 judges, based on the input result, whether or not the remote control device 50 is in the bathroom (step 402). That is, if it is judged that the remote control device 50 is in the bathroom (Yes in step 402), it decides to set the allowable upper limit temperature to the maximum temperature (step 403) and stores this in the memory unit 32 (step 404).

[0065] If it is determined that there is no remote control device 50 in the bathroom (No in step 402), it is decided to set the allowable upper limit temperature to a temperature lower than the maximum temperature (step 405), and this is stored in memory unit 32 (step 404).

[0066] In this way, in the fourth operation example of the second embodiment, the allowable upper limit temperature is determined depending on whether the remote control device 50 is installed in the bathroom. If the remote control device 50 is installed in the bathroom, when the hot water temperature is changed by operating the remote control device 50, the safety of the user, etc. can be ensured even if the maximum temperature at which the hot water heater 30 can supply hot water is set as the allowable upper limit temperature. Even in such a case, when the hot water temperature is changed by the smart speaker 10 or the mobile information terminal 20, a temperature lower than the maximum temperature is set as the allowable upper limit temperature.

[0067] On the other hand, if the remote control device 50 is not installed in the bathroom, a temperature lower than the maximum temperature is set as the allowable upper limit temperature, similar to the case where the hot water temperature is changed by the smart speaker 10 or the mobile information terminal 20. In other words, if the remote control device 50 is not installed in the bathroom, the maximum temperature is not set as the allowable upper limit temperature. In this way, when the hot water temperature is changed from a device other than the bathroom remote control device 50, the allowable upper limit temperature is set to a temperature lower than the maximum temperature at which the water heater 30 can supply hot water, thereby ensuring the safety of users, etc.

[0068] 8(b), when remote control devices 50 are installed in both the bathroom and the kitchen, the set temperature at which the water heater 30 can supply hot water may be the maximum temperature when the temperature is set by either remote control device 50. Also, the bathroom remote control device 50 may allow the temperature to be set to the maximum temperature, while the kitchen remote control device 50 may not allow the temperature to be set to the maximum temperature.

[0069] As described above, according to the first and second embodiments, even when the temperature of the water heater 30 is set from a device other than the remote control device 50, the safety of the user can be better guaranteed than in the case where this configuration is not adopted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1...hot water supply system, 10...smart speaker, 20...mobile information terminal, 30...hot water heater, 33...allowable upper limit temperature determination unit, 50...remote control device

Claims

1. When a remote control device is installed in both a bathroom and a place other than the bathroom, if the temperature is set from either one of the remote control devices, the upper limit of the set temperature of the water heater is set to a first temperature; When a remote control device is installed in a location other than the bathroom and is not installed in the bathroom and temperature is set from the remote control device, an upper limit of the set temperature of the water heater is set to a second temperature which is lower than the first temperature; When the temperature is set from a device other than the remote control device, the upper limit of the set temperature of the water heater is set to the second temperature; When the remote control device is installed in both the bathroom and a location other than the bathroom, a method for setting an upper limit of the set temperature of the water heater to the first temperature is notified by the other device. A hot water system characterized by the above.

2. 2. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, wherein the second temperature is a temperature that is predetermined as a temperature that is preferable from a safety standpoint for supplying hot water to a bathroom.

3. The hot water supply system according to claim 1 , wherein the other device limits an upper limit of a temperature setting of the hot water heater to the second temperature.

4. The hot water supply system of claim 3, wherein the other device is a mobile information terminal having an application installed for operating the hot water heater, and the upper limit of the temperature setting by the application is limited to the second temperature.

5. The hot water supply system according to claim 3, wherein the other device is an input device having a built-in microphone for recognizing a user's voice, and an upper limit for the temperature setting from the input device is limited to the second temperature.

6. The hot water system of claim 1, wherein the other device is a device that recognizes the user's intention to operate the water heater and outputs the intention to the water heater, and when an instruction to change the set temperature of the water heater is received from the device, the upper limit of the set temperature of the water heater is set to the second temperature.

Images