Hot Water Systems and Servers

Abstract

To provide a hot water supply system, a server, and a hot water supply device that cause an overdue use charge to be paid by a user easily.SOLUTION: A hot water supply system 1 includes a hot water supply device 10 that can be used when a use charge is paid and a server 50 that can communicate with the hot water supply device 10 through an external communication network 40. The server 50 includes a limitation request transmission part 501a for transmitting a limitation request for causing the hot water supply device 10 to execute a hot water supply operation with its function limited, to the hot water supply device 10 in which the use charge is overdue. The server 50 further includes a stop request transmission part 501b for transmitting a stop request for causing the hot water supply device 10 to stop execution of the hot water supply operation with its function limited, to the hot water supply device 10 in which the overdue use charge is paid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hot water supply system including a hot water supply device and a server, a server capable of communicating with the hot water supply device via an external communication network, and a method for manufacturing the hot water supply system. To Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, subscription businesses (leasing businesses) for water heaters have become popular. In these subscription businesses, customers can use the water heater by paying a monthly fee to the business owner.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a facility management system that manages equipment such as rented (leased) water heaters by a server that can communicate with the equipment via a network. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4141769 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is possible that users may fall behind on payments for the leased water heater. If users do not pay the usage fees properly, the business owner will not be able to make a fair profit, which may make it difficult to smoothly run the subscription business.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a hot water supply system that makes it easier for users to pay overdue usage fees. and Sir Ba The purpose is to provide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a hot water supply system including a hot water supply device that can be used by paying a usage fee, and a server that can communicate with the hot water supply device via an external communication network. In the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the server includes a restriction request transmission unit that transmits a restriction request to the hot water supply device for which the usage fee is overdue, to cause the hot water supply device to perform hot water supply operation with restricted functions. The hot water supply device includes an input unit that receives an input for setting a hot water temperature during hot water supply operation, and a function limiting unit, and the function limiting unit changes the hot water temperature that was set by the input to the input unit based on the reception of the restriction request, and fixes the hot water temperature at the changed temperature. A second aspect of the present invention relates to a hot water supply system including a water heater that can be used by paying a usage fee, and a server that can communicate with the water heater via an external communication network. In the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the server includes a restriction request sending unit that sends a restriction request to the water heater for which the usage fee is overdue, causing the water heater to perform hot water supply operation with restricted functions. The water heater includes a function restriction unit. Upon receiving the restriction request, the function restriction unit reduces the hot water outlet flow rate during hot water supply operation.

[0008] First and second According to the hot water supply system of the present embodiment, a server sends a restriction request to a hot water supply device for which the usage fee is overdue, and the hot water supply device operates with its functions restricted based on the restriction request. This inconvenience to the user makes it more likely that the overdue usage fee will be paid. Moreover, since the hot water supply operation itself continues, it is unlikely to cause significant inconvenience to the user.

[0010] Furthermore, the hot water supply system according to the first aspect According to the law, in a hot water supply device for which the usage fee is overdue, the functionality is restricted and the hot water temperature during hot water supply operation is changed and fixed at the changed temperature, making it difficult for users to obtain hot water at the desired temperature, which is inconvenient. This makes it easier for users to pay the overdue usage fee.

[0012] Furthermore, a hot water supply system according to a second aspect According to the law, in a hot water supply device for which the usage fee is overdue, the functionality is restricted, reducing the hot water flow rate during hot water supply operation, making it difficult for users to obtain hot water at the desired flow rate, which causes inconvenience. This makes it easier for users to pay the overdue usage fee.

[0013] First or second In the hot water supply system according to the embodiment, the server may be configured to further include a stop request sending unit that sends a stop request to the hot water supply device for which the overdue usage fee has been paid, to cause the hot water supply device to stop performing hot water supply operation with the function restricted.

[0014] According to the above configuration, once the overdue usage fee is paid, the water heater returns to a state in which it does not perform hot water heating operation with its functions restricted, allowing the user to use the water heater as usual.

[0015] The present invention 3 This aspect relates to a hot water supply system including a hot water supply device that can be used by paying a usage fee, and a server that can communicate with the hot water supply device via an external communication network. In the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the hot water supply device includes an input unit that accepts input for setting a hot water temperature during hot water supply operation, and a temperature setting unit that sets the hot water temperature based on the input accepted by the input unit. The server includes a change command sending unit that sends a temperature change command to change the hot water temperature to the hot water supply device for which the usage fee is overdue. The temperature setting unit changes the hot water temperature that was set by the input to the input unit based on the temperature change command.

[0016] In the hot water supply system according to this aspect, a temperature change command is sent from the server to a hot water supply device for which the usage fee is overdue, and the hot water temperature during hot water supply operation is changed from the temperature set by input to the input unit. This makes it difficult for users to obtain hot water at the desired temperature, which is inconvenient. This makes it easier for users to pay the overdue usage fee.

[0017] In the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the temperature setting unit may be configured to transmit a temperature setting notification to the server when the hot water temperature is set by inputting the setting to the input unit, and the change command sending unit may be configured to send the temperature change command to the hot water supply device each time the temperature setting notification is received from the hot water supply device for which the usage fee is overdue.

[0018] According to the above configuration, in a water heater device for which the usage fee is overdue, each time the hot water temperature is set by inputting into the input unit, a temperature change command is sent from the server and the hot water temperature is changed, so that the hot water temperature setting by inputting into the input unit is essentially prohibited. This makes it more likely that the user will feel inconvenienced and that the user will be more likely to pay the overdue usage fee.

[0019] In the above configuration, the change command sending unit can be configured to terminate sending of the temperature change command based on the temperature setting notification to the water heating device for which the overdue usage fee has been paid.

[0020] With this configuration, once the overdue usage fee is paid, the server will stop sending temperature change commands based on the temperature setting notification, and the water heater will return to a state where the hot water temperature can be set by inputting information into the input unit. This allows the user to use the water heater as usual.

[0023] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a water heating apparatus that can be used by paying a usage fee, and a server that can communicate with the water heating apparatus via an external communication network. The water heating apparatus includes an input unit that accepts input for setting a hot water temperature during hot water operation. The server includes a change command transmission unit that transmits a temperature change command to the water heating apparatus for which the usage fee is overdue, to forcibly change the hot water temperature that was set by the input to the input unit.

[0024] According to the server of this aspect, 3 The same effect as that of the above embodiment can be achieved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] As described above, according to the present invention, a hot water supply system that can make it easier for users to pay overdue usage fees is provided. and Sir Ba can be provided.

[0029] The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments, however, the embodiments shown below are merely examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2(a) and 2(b) are diagrams showing the configurations of a bathroom remote control and a kitchen remote control, respectively, according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of each device constituting the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a combustion system and piping of the water heater according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the control unit of the server to execute the function of dealing with overdue usage fees according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the control unit of the kitchen remote controller of the water heater to execute the function of dealing with overdue charges according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Fig. 7(a) is a flowchart showing the processing performed in the control unit of the kitchen remote control and the control unit of the bathroom remote control of the water heater to execute the function of dealing with overdue usage fees according to embodiment 1. Fig. 7(b) is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen according to embodiment 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the process performed in the control unit of the water heater of the water heater to execute the function of dealing with non-payment of the usage fee according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9]Fig. 9(a) is a flowchart showing the processing performed in the control unit of the kitchen remote control and the control unit of the bathroom remote control of the water heater to execute the function of dealing with overdue usage fees according to embodiment 1. Fig. 9(b) is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen according to embodiment 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of each device constituting the hot water supply system according to the first modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the control unit of the server to execute the function of dealing with overdue usage fees according to the first modification. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of each device constituting the hot water supply system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the control unit of the server to execute the function of dealing with overdue usage fees according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] Fig. 14(a) is a flowchart showing a forced temperature change process according to embodiment 2. Fig. 14(b) is a flowchart showing a process performed in a control unit of a water heater of a water heating device to execute a function for dealing with non-payment of a usage fee according to embodiment 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0032] <Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0033] In this embodiment, a business model in which hot water heating apparatus 10 is leased to a user is established in hot water heating system 1. Leased hot water heating apparatus 10 is managed by server 50.

[0034] Water heating apparatus 10 transmits usage status information relating to the usage status of water heating apparatus 10 to server 50 via external communication network 40. Server 50 calculates the usage fee for water heating apparatus 10 based on the received usage status information. The usage status information may be, for example, the usage time (operating time) and number of times used (number of times operated) of water heating apparatus 10, and the usage fee increases as the usage time and number of times used increase. The usage fee is calculated, for example, on a monthly basis. Billing information including the calculated usage fee can be transmitted to mobile terminal device 30 associated with water heating apparatus 10. The user can check the billing information for water heating apparatus 10 via mobile terminal device 30. The billing information may also be transmitted to a fixed terminal device such as a stationary personal computer.

[0035] Furthermore, hot water supply system 1 has a function for dealing with overdue charges in order to prevent continued use of hot water supply device 10 in a state in which the charges are overdue.

[0036] When a leased water heating apparatus 10 falls behind in payment of its usage fee, server 50 transmits notification information to the water heating apparatus 10 for which the payment is behind. When water heating apparatus 10 receives the notification information, it issues a notification urging the user to pay the overdue usage fee. The notification includes the payment due date. If the usage fee is not paid by the payment due date, server 50 transmits a restriction request to the water heating apparatus 10 in question. When water heating apparatus 10 receives the restriction request, it operates to supply hot water with restricted functions (for example, prohibiting changes to the hot water temperature setting). This makes it difficult for the user to use water heating apparatus 10 until the overdue usage fee is paid.

[0037] 1, the hot water supply system 1 includes a hot water supply apparatus 10 and a server 50. When the mobile terminal device 30 is located inside the home H10, the server 50 can communicate with the mobile terminal device 30 via the router 20 and an external communication network 40. Furthermore, when the mobile terminal device 30 is located outside the home, the server 50 can also communicate with the mobile terminal device 30 via the external communication network 40 and a communication system (a base station or a private router) located outside the home.

[0038] Water heater 10 includes water heater 11 and remote controllers 12 and 13. Water heater 11 is a gas water heater that supplies hot water using gas as fuel. That is, water heater 10 is a combustion-type water heater that heats water with combustion gas produced by burning gas fuel. Water heater 10 may also be a combustion-type water heater that heats water with combustion gas produced by burning oil fuel.

[0039] The hot water generated by the water heater 11 is supplied to a kitchen faucet, a bathtub, a faucet, etc. In addition, hot water is supplied from the water heater 11 to each device (heating terminal) that realizes a floor heating function, a room heating function, and a bathroom heating function.

[0040] Remote controllers 12 and 13 are connected to water heater 11 and are used to make various settings and give execution instructions for each function of water heater 10. Remote controller 12 has display unit 121 consisting of a liquid crystal panel and input unit 122, while remote controller 13 has display input unit 131 consisting of a touch panel and operation button 132. The operator can make any settings for filling the tub with hot water, adjusting the hot water temperature, etc. by operating input unit 122 according to the screen displayed on display unit 121. The operator can also make settings for filling the tub with hot water, etc. by operating display input unit 131.

[0041] The remote controller 12 is installed in a bathroom, and the remote controller 13 is installed in a kitchen, etc. The remote controllers 12 and 13 are provided with audio windows 12a and 13a for inputting and outputting audio.

[0042] Hereinafter, the remote controller 12 installed in the bathroom will be referred to as the "bathroom remote control 12," and the remote controller 13 installed in the kitchen or the like will be referred to as the "kitchen remote control 13."

[0043] 2(a) and 2(b) are diagrams showing the configurations of bathroom remote control 12 and kitchen remote control 13, respectively.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2(a), the input section 122 of the bathroom remote control 12 includes an operation button 122a, an automatic bath button 122b, a reheating button 122c, a hot water temperature setting button 122d, a bath temperature setting button 122e, and a call button 122f.

[0045] Operation button 122a is a button for switching water heater 11 between an operation on state and an operation off state. When the operation is on, if a hot water tap such as a faucet is opened and water flows at a rate equal to or greater than a reference flow rate, the hot water supply function starts a hot water supply operation, water heater 11 starts a combustion operation, and the generated hot water is supplied to the faucet, etc. Therefore, operation button 122a can also be said to be a button for executing the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply function.

[0046] The automatic bath button 122b is a button for executing the hot water supply operation of the automatic bath function, which maintains the water temperature after filling the bathtub with hot water. The reheating button 122c is a button for executing the hot water supply operation of the reheating function, which reheats the water in the bathtub. The automatic bath function is a combination of the hot water supply function that supplies hot water to the bathtub and the reheating function that reheats the water in the bathtub to maintain the water temperature.

[0047] The hot water temperature setting button 122d is a button for setting the hot water temperature, which is the temperature of the hot water supplied to the faucet, etc., by the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply function. The bath temperature setting button 122e is a button for setting the bath temperature, which is the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub. In the hot water supply operation of the automatic function, the bath temperature can also be said to be the hot water temperature when hot water is supplied to the bathtub by the hot water supply function.

[0048] Call button 122f is a button for executing a call function for making a call between bathroom remote controller 12 and kitchen remote controller 13.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the display input unit 131 of the kitchen remote control 13 includes soft buttons displayed on the screen: an automatic bath button 131a, a reheating button 131b, a hot water temperature setting button 131c, a bath temperature setting button 131d, a call button 131e, a floor heating button 131f, a room heating button 131g, and a bathroom heating button 131h. The operation button 132, the automatic bath button 131a, the reheating button 131b, the hot water temperature setting button 131c, the bath temperature setting button 131d, and the call button 131e have the same functions as the operation button 122a, the automatic bath button 122b, the reheating button 122c, the hot water temperature setting button 122d, the bath temperature setting button 122e, and the call button 122f, respectively. The floor heating button 131f is a button for executing the hot water supply operation of the floor heating function, which supplies hot water to a floor heater to heat the floor. Room heating button 131g is a button for executing the hot water supply operation of the room heating function, which supplies hot water to an room heater such as a panel heater to heat the room. Bathroom heating button 131h is a button for executing the hot water supply operation of the bathroom heating function, which supplies hot water to a bathroom ventilating, drying, and heating unit to heat the bathroom. The bathroom heating function includes heating for drying laundry, etc., i.e., bathroom drying.

[0050] The operation button 132 is a button for switching the water heater 11 between an operation on state and an operation off state.

[0051] When bathroom remote control 12 and kitchen remote control 13 are in the operation-off state, display unit 121 and display input unit 131 are turned off, and operation of operation buttons 122b to 122f, 131a to 131h other than operation buttons 122a and 132 is not accepted. When operation buttons 122a and 132 are operated to switch to the operation-on state, display unit 121 and display input unit 131 light up, the setting contents are displayed, and operation of each operation button can be accepted.

[0052] Returning to FIG. 1, the router 20 is a communication repeater for connecting each device present in a building (here, home H10) to an external communication network 40. When the mobile terminal device 30 is present in the home H10, the mobile terminal device 30 is connected to the router 20 by wireless communication and is able to communicate with the server 50. The mobile terminal device 30 is, for example, a mobile phone. Alternatively, the mobile terminal device 30 may be another portable terminal device such as a portable tablet terminal. The external communication network 40 is, for example, the Internet.

[0053] A server 50 for managing water heating apparatus 10 is connected to external communication network 40. Kitchen remote control 13 communicates with server 50 via router 20 and external communication network 40.

[0054] An application program for hot water supply system 1 is downloaded from server 50 and installed in kitchen remote control 13. This application program includes address information (e.g., an IP address) for accessing server 50. Kitchen remote control 13 accesses server 50 and communicates with it based on this address information.

[0055] The address information of kitchen remote control 13 is transmitted to server 50 during initial configuration and registered in server 50. Furthermore, ID information (identification information) of kitchen remote control 13 is transmitted from kitchen remote control 13 to server 50 and registered in server 50.

[0056] Additionally, address information of mobile terminal device 30 is registered in server 50 in association with ID information of kitchen remote control 13. For example, address information (email address) of e-mails that mobile terminal device 30 can receive is registered as address information of mobile terminal device 30. Server 50 uses this address information as a destination address to transmit billing information for water heating apparatus 10 (kitchen remote control 13) associated with mobile terminal device 30.

[0057] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of the devices that make up the hot water supply system 1.

[0058] Water heater 11 includes control unit 111, storage unit 112, communication unit 113, and detection unit 114. Control unit 111 includes a microcomputer, and controls each unit within water heater 11 in accordance with a program stored in storage unit 112. Storage unit 112 includes a memory, and stores a predetermined control program.

[0059] In this embodiment, the function of function limiting unit 111a is imparted to control unit 111 by a control program stored in storage unit 112. As will be described later, function limiting unit 111a performs a function limiting process for causing water heating apparatus 10 to perform hot water supply operation with the functions limited, based on receiving a restriction request from server 50. Specifically, as the function limiting process, function limiting unit 111a changes the hot water temperature set by input to input unit 122 (hot water supply temperature setting button 122d) or display input unit 131 (hot water supply temperature setting button 131c), and fixes it to the changed temperature. Furthermore, as the function limiting process, function limiting unit 111a reduces the hot water outlet flow rate during hot water supply operation.

[0060] Communication unit 113 communicates with bathroom remote control 12 and kitchen remote control 13 under the control of control unit 111. Communication unit 113 is connected to communication unit 125 of bathroom remote control 12 and communication unit 135 of kitchen remote control 13 via two-core communication lines L1 and L2. In addition, two-core communication lines L1 and L2 are connected to each other inside communication unit 113. Therefore, communication unit 125 of bathroom remote control 12 and communication unit 135 of kitchen remote control 13 are connected to each other by two-core communication lines L1 and L2. Therefore, a signal transmitted from any of communication units 113, 125, and 135 is simultaneously transmitted to the other communication units.

[0061] Detection unit 114 includes various sensors arranged in water heater 11. For example, detection unit 114 includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of hot water, a flow rate sensor for detecting the supply of hot water, and the like.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the combustion system and piping of water heater 11. As shown in FIG.

[0063] Water heater 11 includes first supply unit 210 and second supply unit 220 within housing 200 that forms its outer shell. For the hot water supply function, first supply unit 210 generates hot water for hot water supply and supplies it to hot water supply terminals such as a faucet and a bathtub. For the heating function, which includes floor heating, room heating, and bathroom heating, second supply unit 220 generates hot water for heating and supplies it to a heating terminal such as a floor heater. Furthermore, for the reheating function, second supply unit 220 generates hot water for reheating and supplies it to the bathtub.

[0064] Furthermore, housing 200 houses can body 250, which constitutes a combustion chamber, and fan 260 for supplying air for combustion into can body 250. Exhaust port 251 of can body 250 is led to the outside from the top surface of housing 200.

[0065] The first supply section 210 includes a primary heat exchanger 211, a secondary heat exchanger 212, and a combustor 213. The combustor 213 is a gas burner that burns fuel gas. The primary heat exchanger 211 and the secondary heat exchanger 212 recover heat from the combustion gas generated in the combustor 213 and heat and raise the temperature of water flowing through a water inlet pipe 214. Water from a water source is supplied to the water inlet pipe 214. Hot water generated by heat exchange in the primary heat exchanger 211 and the secondary heat exchanger 212 is discharged from a hot water outlet pipe 215. The discharged hot water is supplied to faucets and bathtubs in the kitchen and bathroom.

[0066] A bypass pipe 216 is provided between the water inlet pipe 214 and the hot water outlet pipe 215. A flow rate control valve 217 controlled by the control unit 111 is provided in this bypass pipe 216. When the flow rate control valve 217 is opened, water flows from the water inlet pipe 214 to the hot water outlet pipe 215 via the bypass pipe 216. In this way, the water mixes with the hot water flowing through the hot water outlet pipe 215, thereby adjusting the temperature of the hot water. The hot water temperature can also be adjusted by adjusting the flow rate of the hot water flowing through the water inlet pipe 214 and the hot water outlet pipe 215 using a flow rate control valve 218 provided in the hot water outlet pipe 215. The flow rate control valve 218 may be provided in the water inlet pipe 214.

[0067] Fuel gas is supplied to the combustor 213 via a gas pipe 271. A main gas solenoid valve 272 for switching the supply and cut-off of fuel gas is installed in the gas pipe 271. The main gas solenoid valve 272 is controlled by the control unit 111. The gas pipe 271 branches into two flow paths 271a and 271b downstream of the main gas solenoid valve 272. Proportional valves 273 and 274 for controlling the flow rate of fuel gas are installed in the flow paths 271a and 271b, respectively. The proportional valves 273 and 274 are controlled by the control unit 111.

[0068] The flow paths 271a and 271b are connected to the combustors 213 and 223, respectively. When the main gas solenoid valve 272 is opened, the fuel gas at a flow rate determined by the proportional valves 273 and 274 is supplied to the combustors 213 and 223. As a result, the combustors 213 and 223 perform combustion at a predetermined combustion rate.

[0069] The second supply section 220 includes a primary heat exchanger 221, a secondary heat exchanger 222, and a combustor 223. The combustor 223 is a gas burner that burns fuel gas. The primary heat exchanger 221 and the secondary heat exchanger 222 recover heat from the combustion gas generated in the combustor 223 and heat the water flowing through the flow pipes 234 and 233, respectively.

[0070] Regarding the heating function, hot water dispensed from circulation pipe 231 is supplied to heating terminals that require relatively high temperature hot water (for example, about 80°C), i.e., an indoor heater and a bathroom ventilation / dryer / heater. Hot water dispensed from circulation pipe 232 is supplied to heating terminals that require relatively low temperature hot water (for example, about 60°C), i.e., a floor heater. The hot water circulated through these heating terminals is returned to circulation pipe 233. In other words, circulation pipes 231, 232, and 233, the piping connecting these circulation pipes to the heating terminals, and circulation pipes 234 and 235 form a circulation path between the heating terminals.

[0071] An expansion tank 236 and a pump 237 are installed to circulate hot water between the heating flow path and the heating terminals. When the pump 237 is driven by the control unit 111, the hot water in the expansion tank 236 is introduced into each heating terminal through the circulation pipes 231 and 232, and the hot water that has passed through each heating terminal is returned to the circulation pipe 233. The hot water returned to the circulation pipe 233 is heated in the secondary heat exchanger 222 and stored in the expansion tank 236.

[0072] The low-temperature hot water stored in the expansion tank 236 is supplied to the low-temperature heating terminal through the circulation pipe 232. The low-temperature hot water stored in the expansion tank 236 is also circulated through the circulation pipe 234 to the primary heat exchanger 221, where it is heated to high-temperature hot water. The high-temperature hot water is then supplied to the high-temperature heating terminal through the circulation pipe 231. At this time, the flow rate control valve 238 installed in the circulation pipe 235 is opened by the control unit 111 as appropriate. This causes the low-temperature hot water in the expansion tank 236 to mix with the high-temperature hot water flowing through the circulation pipe 231, and the temperature of the hot water discharged from the circulation pipe 231 is adjusted. In this way, low-temperature or high-temperature hot water is circulated between each heating terminal and the primary heat exchanger 221 and the secondary heat exchanger 222. In addition, the circulation pipes 231 and 232 are provided with on-off valves (not shown), and when hot water is supplied only to the high-temperature heating terminal, the on-off valve of the circulation pipe 232 for low temperatures is closed, and when hot water is supplied only to the low-temperature heating terminal, the on-off valve of the circulation pipe 231 for high temperatures is closed.

[0073] Regarding the reheating function, hot water discharged from circulation pipe 241 is supplied to the bathtub and then returned from the bathtub to circulation pipe 243. In other words, circulation pipes 241, 242 and the piping connecting these circulation pipes to the bathtub form a circulation path between the bathtub and the hot water. A pump 244 is installed in circulation pipe 242 to circulate the hot water between the bathtub and the circulation pipe. Furthermore, a liquid-liquid heat exchanger 245 is installed in circulation pipe 242 to exchange heat with the hot water flowing through circulation pipe 243.

[0074] During reheating, the control unit 111 drives the pump 237 and opens the on-off valve 246. As a result, the hot water heated in the primary heat exchanger 221 flows through the circulation pipe 243, and the hot water flowing through the circulation pipe 242 is heated and raised in temperature by the liquid-liquid heat exchanger 245. The heated hot water is supplied to the bathtub by driving the pump 244. In this way, the hot water circulating between the bathtub and the circulation pipes 241, 242 is heated and raised in temperature by the liquid-liquid heat exchanger 245, thereby reheating the hot water in the bathtub.

[0075] Various sensors for executing the hot water supply operation are also installed inside the housing 200. That is, seven thermistors S1 to S7 (temperature sensors) are installed inside the housing 200.

[0076] Thermistor S1 detects the temperature of the hot water immediately before it is dispensed from hot water outlet pipe 215, and thermistor S2 detects the temperature of the hot water flowing through hot water outlet pipe 215 near the outlet of boiler body 250 as the hot water supply temperature. Thermistors S3 and S4 detect the temperature of the hot water immediately before it is dispensed from circulation pipes 231 and 232 to each heating terminal, respectively, and thermistor S5 detects the temperature of the hot water returned from each heating terminal to circulation pipe 233. Thermistor S6 detects the temperature of the hot water immediately before it is dispensed from circulation pipe 241 into the bathtub, and thermistor S7 detects the temperature of the hot water returned from the bathtub to circulation pipe 242.

[0077] In addition, a flow rate sensor S8 for detecting the flow rate of hot water flowing through hot water outlet pipe 215 is installed inside housing 200. When the operation is on, if flow rate sensor S8 detects a flow rate equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, control unit 111 activates first supply unit 210. This starts the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply function.

[0078] Thermistors S1 to S7 and flow sensor S8 are included in detection unit 114 in FIG.

[0079] Returning to FIG. 3, bathroom remote control 12 includes control unit 123, memory unit 124, communication unit 125, microphone 126, and speaker 127 in addition to display unit 121 and input unit 122 described above.

[0080] The control unit 123 includes a microcomputer and performs predetermined control in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit 124. The storage unit 124 includes a memory and stores the predetermined control program.

[0081] The communication unit 125 communicates with the water heater 11 and the kitchen remote control 13 under the control of the control unit 123 .

[0082] Microphone 126 collects sound through audio window 12a and outputs an audio signal. Speaker 127 outputs sound based on the audio signal through audio window 12a. In the call function, sound input to microphone 126 is transmitted to kitchen remote control 13, and sound received from kitchen remote control 13 is output from speaker 127.

[0083] Kitchen remote control 13 includes display input unit 131 and operation button 132 described above, as well as control unit 133, memory unit 134, communication unit 135, microphone 136, speaker 137, and wireless communication unit 138.

[0084] Control unit 133 includes a microcomputer and performs predetermined control according to a program stored in storage unit 134. Storage unit 134 includes a memory and stores the predetermined control program. Communication unit 135 communicates with water heater 11 and bathroom remote control 12 according to the control of control unit 133.

[0085] Microphone 136 collects sound through audio window 13a and outputs an audio signal. Speaker 137 outputs sound based on the audio signal through audio window 13a. In the call function, sound input to microphone 136 is transmitted to bathroom remote control 12, and sound received from bathroom remote control 12 is output from speaker 137.

[0086] Wireless communication unit 138 is a wireless communication module capable of wireless communication with router 20. Address information and ID information of wireless communication unit 138 are registered in server 50 as address information and ID information of kitchen remote control 13 (water heating apparatus 10).

[0087] In this embodiment, in bathroom remote control 12 and kitchen remote control 13, the functions of notification processing units 123a and 133a are assigned to control units 123 and 133 by control programs stored in memories 124 and 134. In kitchen remote control 13, the functions of notification mode setting unit 133b are assigned to control unit 133 by a control program stored in memory 134. As described below, notification mode setting unit 133b sets the notification mode based on receiving notification information from server 50. As described below, while set in the notification mode, notification processing units 123a and 133a cause display unit 121 and display input unit 131, which are notification units, to issue a notification urging payment of the usage fee based on the establishment of a predetermined notification condition, while the notification mode is set.

[0088] The server 50 includes a control unit 501, a storage unit 502, and a communication unit 503. The control unit 501 includes a CPU and performs predetermined control in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit 502. The storage unit 502 includes a memory and a hard disk and stores predetermined control programs and databases. The communication unit 503 performs predetermined control in accordance with control from the control unit 501.

[0089] In this embodiment, the control program stored in the memory unit 502 gives the control unit 501 the functions of a restriction request transmission unit 501a, a stop request transmission unit 501b, an alarm information transmission unit 501c, and an alarm cancellation information transmission unit 501d.

[0090] As described below, the restriction request sending unit 501a sends a restriction request to a water heating apparatus 10 for which usage fees are in arrears and the overdue usage fees have not been paid by the due date, in order to cause the water heating apparatus 10 to perform hot water supply operation with its functions restricted.

[0091] As described below, the stop request sending unit 501b sends a stop request to the water heating apparatus 10 for which the overdue usage fee has been paid, in order to cause the water heating apparatus 10 to stop performing hot water heating operation with limited functionality.

[0092] As described below, notification information transmission unit 501c transmits notification information to a water heating apparatus 10 for which the usage fee is overdue, to cause display unit 121 of the water heating apparatus 10 to issue a notification urging the user to pay the usage fee.

[0093] Notification cancellation information transmitter 501d transmits cancellation information for canceling the notification mode to water heating apparatus 10 for which the overdue usage fee has been paid, as will be described later.

[0094] Hot water supply system 1 has a function for dealing with overdue charges in order to prevent continued use of hot water supply device 10 in a state in which the charges are overdue.

[0095] 5 is a flowchart showing the processing performed in the control unit 501 of the server 50 to execute the function of dealing with non-payment of usage fees. This processing is executed by the function of the restriction request transmission unit 501a, the function of the stop request transmission unit 501b, the function of the notification information transmission unit 501c, and the function of the notification cancellation information transmission unit 501d shown in FIG.

[0096] Control unit 501 monitors whether or not delinquent payment information indicating that a usage fee has been delinquent has been acquired (S101). Control unit 501 also monitors whether or not payment information indicating that a delinquent usage fee has been paid has been acquired (S102). Control unit 501 also monitors whether or not there is a water heating apparatus 10 for which the payment due date for a delinquent usage fee has passed (S103).

[0097] When a usage fee becomes overdue, a server (not shown) that manages the collection of usage fees transmits delinquent payment information to server 50 via external communication network 40. Furthermore, when the delinquent usage fee is completely paid, the server transmits payment information to server 50. The delinquent payment information and payment information include ID information of water heating apparatus 10 (kitchen remote control 13) so that the relevant water heating apparatus 10 can be identified. The delinquent payment information also includes the payment due date. The delinquent payment information and payment information may be transmitted from a terminal device such as a personal computer connected to server 50 via a LAN or the like, or may be input directly to server 50 from an input unit such as a keyboard.

[0098] Storage unit 502 of server 50 stores the payment due date extracted from the delinquency information in association with ID information. Control unit 501 can determine whether the payment due date has passed by referencing the payment due date stored in storage unit 502. The determination of whether the payment due date has passed may be made by receiving overdue information indicating the overdue date from a server that manages the collection of usage fees. In this case, the overdue information includes ID information of water heating apparatus 10 whose payment due date has passed.

[0099] When control unit 501 acquires the delinquency information (S101: YES), it identifies water heating apparatus 10 for which the usage fee is overdue from the ID information included in the delinquency information, and transmits notification information to that water heating apparatus 10 to notify the water heating apparatus 10 of the usage fee payment (S104). For example, the notification information may be a notification request requesting a notification. In this case, the payment due date is added to the notification request. Alternatively, the notification information may be notification data such as image data, text data, or audio data containing content (including the payment due date) urging the payment of the usage fee.

[0100] As will be described later, in water heating apparatus 10, a notification mode is set based on the reception of notification information, and during the notification mode, a notification prompting payment of the usage fee is issued as appropriate.

[0101] When the control unit 501 acquires the payment information (S102: YES), it identifies the water heating apparatus 10 for which the usage fee has been paid from the ID information included in the payment information, and determines whether the payment deadline for that water heating apparatus 10 has arrived by referring to the payment due date in the memory unit 502 (S105).

[0102] If the payment is within the due date (S105: YES), control unit 501 transmits cancellation information to water heating apparatus 10 for which payment has been made to cancel the notification mode (S106). For example, the cancellation information may be a cancellation request requesting cancellation. Alternatively, the cancellation information may be a payment completion notice notifying that payment of the usage fee has been completed.

[0103] As will be described later, in water heating apparatus 10, the notification mode is cancelled upon receipt of the cancellation information, and the notification urging payment of the usage fee is no longer issued.

[0104] As will be described later, when the payment due date has passed, water heating apparatus 10 executes a function restriction process to cause water heating apparatus 10 to perform hot water supply operation with restricted functions based on a restriction request from server 50. Therefore, when control unit 501 determines that the payment is not yet due (the payment due date has passed) (S105: NO), it transmits a stop request to water heating apparatus 10 that has paid, to cause water heating apparatus 10 to stop performing hot water supply operation with restricted functions, i.e., to release the restriction imposed by the function restriction process (S107).

[0105] As will be described later, in water heating apparatus 10, the restriction imposed by the function restriction process is lifted upon receipt of the stop request, and water heating apparatus 10 is able to perform the hot water supply operation as usual.

[0106] When there is a water heating apparatus 10 for which the due date for payment of arrears of usage charges has passed (S103: YES), control unit 501 transmits a restriction request to water heating apparatus 10 for which the due date for payment has passed (S108).

[0107] As will be described later, in water heating apparatus 10, function restriction processing is executed based on the reception of the restriction request, and water heating apparatus 10 enters a state in which it performs hot water supply operation with its functions restricted.

[0108] Furthermore, control unit 501 transmits cancellation information for canceling the notification mode to water heating apparatus 10 whose payment due date has passed (S109). As a result, the notification mode is cancelled in water heating apparatus 10.

[0109] 6 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by control unit 133 of kitchen remote control 13 of water heating apparatus 10 to execute a function for dealing with overdue usage fees. This processing is processing for setting and canceling the notification mode, and is executed by the function of notification mode setting unit 133b in FIG. 3.

[0110] Control unit 133 monitors whether notification information has been received from server 50 (S201). When a usage fee is unpaid for water heating apparatus 10, notification information is transmitted to water heating apparatus 10 by the process of step S104 in Fig. 5. When control unit 133 receives notification information (S201: YES), it sets the mode to a notification mode in which a notification urging payment of the usage fee is transmitted (S202).

[0111] Next, control unit 133 monitors whether or not notification mode cancellation information has been received from server 50 (S203). When the overdue usage fee is paid, cancellation information is sent to water heating apparatus 10 by the process of step S106 in Fig. 5. Furthermore, when the due date for payment of the overdue usage fee has passed, cancellation information is sent to water heating apparatus 10 by the process of step S109 in Fig. 5. When control unit 133 receives the cancellation information (S203: YES), it cancels the notification mode (S204).

[0112] 7(a) is a flowchart showing the processing performed by control unit 133 of kitchen remote control 13 and control unit 123 of bathroom remote control 12 of water heater 10 to execute a function for dealing with overdue usage fees. This processing is a notification processing for issuing a notification to urge payment of the usage fee, and the notification processing in kitchen remote control 13 is executed by the function of notification processing unit 133a in FIG. 3, and the notification processing in bathroom remote control 12 is executed by the function of notification processing unit 123a in FIG. 3.

[0113] The notification process executed by kitchen remote controller 13 will be described below, but the notification process executed by bathroom remote controller 12 is similar.

[0114] When the notification mode is set by the process of FIG. 6, the notification process of FIG. 7(a) is started.

[0115] The control unit 133 monitors whether a predetermined notification condition is met (S301). For example, the notification condition may be that the operation button 132 and the operation buttons 131a to 131h displayed on the display input unit 131 are pressed. Alternatively, the notification condition may be that the hot water supply operation of each function, such as the hot water supply function, has started. If notifications are made at regular time intervals, the notification condition may also be that a certain period of time has elapsed. There may be one or more notification conditions.

[0116] When the notification condition is met, for example, when a button on kitchen remote control 13 is operated (S301: YES), control unit 133 causes display input unit 131, which is the notification unit, to display notification screen 610 as a notification urging payment of the usage fee (S302). When the user sees notification screen 610, they can recognize that the usage fee is overdue and therefore needs to be paid.

[0117] 7(b) is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen 610. The notification screen 610 includes a message 611 prompting payment of the usage fee and a payment due date 612. When the notification information transmitted from the server 50 is a notification request, image data (notification data) of the notification screen 610 including the payment due date added to the notification request is generated and stored in the storage unit 134. When the notification information is image data (notification data) itself, the image data is stored in the storage unit 134. The image data (notification data) is output to the display input unit 131, and the notification screen 610 is displayed.

[0118] When a predetermined time has elapsed, the notification screen 610 is closed. Alternatively, if the notification screen 610 includes a confirmation button, the notification screen 610 is closed when the confirmation button is pressed.

[0119] Note that control unit 133 may output a message urging payment of the usage fee and the payment due date by voice from speaker 137, which is a notification unit, instead of or in addition to the notification using notification screen 610. Furthermore, the notification (notification screen 610, etc.) may include a notification that if the usage fee is not paid by the payment due date, water heating apparatus 10 will perform hot water supply operation with limited functionality.

[0120] If the notification mode is cancelled by the process of FIG. 6 while the satisfaction of the notification condition is being monitored (S303: YES), the control unit 133 ends the notification process.

[0121] In this way, in water heater 10, while the notification mode is set in kitchen remote control 13 and bathroom remote control 12, a notification urging payment of the usage fee is made each time the notification condition is met.

[0122] 8 is a flowchart showing processing performed by control unit 111 of water heater 11 of water heating apparatus 10 to execute a function for dealing with overdue usage fees. This processing is executed by the function of function restriction unit 111a in FIG. 3.

[0123] Control unit 111 monitors whether a restriction request has been received from server 50 (S401). If a delinquent usage fee remains unpaid and the payment due date has passed, a restriction request is sent to water heating apparatus 10 by the process of step S108 in FIG. 5. When control unit 111 receives the restriction request (S401: YES), control unit 111 performs the processes of steps S402 and S403 as a function restriction process. That is, control unit 111 changes the hot water temperature set by operating hot water temperature setting buttons 122d and 131c to a predetermined temperature and fixes it at the predetermined temperature, that is, prohibits setting changes by operating hot water temperature setting buttons 122d and 131c (S402). The predetermined temperature can be, for example, a temperature higher or lower by a predetermined value than the previously set hot water temperature. Alternatively, the predetermined temperature can be a random temperature.

[0124] Furthermore, control unit 111 reduces the hot water flow rate from hot water outlet pipe 215 of hot water heater 10 by narrowing (reducing) the opening amount of flow control valve 218 of first supply unit 210 of hot water heater 11 more than usual (S403).

[0125] By such function restriction processing, water heating apparatus 10 enters a state in which the hot water supply function performs hot water supply operation in a state in which the function is restricted.

[0126] Additionally, as a function restriction process, for example, the bath temperature (which is also the hot water supply temperature when the bath is filled) set by operating bath temperature setting buttons 122e and 131d may be changed and fixed at the changed temperature. Also, the bath water level set by the bath water level setting buttons (not shown) on input unit 122 and display input unit 131 may be changed and fixed at the changed water level. Furthermore, by fixing the temperature of the hot water supplied to the heating terminal, the output of the heating terminal may be fixed and may not be changed by operating input unit 122, display input unit 131, etc.

[0127] Next, control unit 111 monitors whether a stop request has been received from server 50 (S404). When the overdue usage fee is paid, a stop request is transmitted to water heating apparatus 10 through the processing of step S107 in Fig. 5. When control unit 111 receives the stop request (S404: YES), it removes the restriction imposed by the function restriction processing through the processing of steps S405 and S406.

[0128] That is, control unit 111 releases the fixed hot water temperature (S405) and allows the setting to be changed by operating hot water temperature setting buttons 122d and 131c. At this time, the hot water temperature may be returned to the temperature set before the restriction. Furthermore, control unit 111 releases the reduction in the hot water outlet flow rate by returning the opening amount of flow rate adjustment valve 218 to its original value (S406).

[0129] In this way, water heater 10 stops the hot water supply operation with limited functions and enters a state where it can perform normal hot water supply operation.

[0130] 9(a) is a flowchart showing the processing performed by control unit 133 of kitchen remote control 13 and control unit 123 of bathroom remote control 12 of water heater 10 to execute a function for dealing with non-payment of usage fees. This processing is a notification processing for notifying that functional restrictions are being imposed due to non-payment of usage fees, and is executed by the function of notification processing units 123a and 133a.

[0131] The notification process executed by kitchen remote controller 13 will be described below, but the notification process executed by bathroom remote controller 12 is similar.

[0132] When a restriction request is received from the server 50, the notification process of FIG. 9(a) is started.

[0133] The control unit 133 monitors whether a predetermined notification condition is met (S501). For example, the notification condition may be that the operation button 132 and the operation buttons 131a to 131h displayed on the display input unit 131 are pressed. Alternatively, the notification condition may be that the hot water supply operation of each function, such as the hot water supply function, has started. If notifications are made at regular time intervals, the notification condition may also be that a certain period of time has elapsed. There may be one or more notification conditions.

[0134] When the notification condition is met, for example, when a button on kitchen remote control 13 is operated (S501: YES), control unit 133 causes display input unit 131, which is the notification unit, to display notification screen 620 as a notification that function restrictions are being imposed due to non-payment of the usage fee (S502). A user who sees notification screen 620 can recognize that water heating apparatus 10 cannot be used as before due to non-payment of the usage fee.

[0135] 9(b) is a diagram showing an example of the notification screen 620. The notification screen 620 includes a message 621 to the effect that the functions are being restricted due to non-payment of the usage fee.

[0136] When a predetermined time has elapsed, the notification screen 620 is closed. Alternatively, if the notification screen 620 includes a confirmation button, the notification screen 620 is closed when the confirmation button is pressed.

[0137] Instead of or in addition to the notification using the notification screen 620, the control unit 133 may output a voice message from the speaker 137, which is the notification unit, informing the user that the function is being restricted due to non-payment of the usage fee.

[0138] If a stop request is received from the server 50 while the satisfaction of the notification condition is being monitored (S503: YES), the control unit 133 ends the notification process.

[0139] In this way, in water heating apparatus 10, every time the notification condition is met, a notification is made that function restrictions are being imposed due to non-payment of the usage fee.

[0140] <Effects of the First Embodiment> According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0141] Server 50 sends a restriction request to water heating apparatus 10 for which the usage fee is overdue, and based on the restriction request, water heating apparatus 10 operates in a state where the hot water supply is performed with limited functions. This inconvenience to the user makes it more likely that the user will pay the overdue usage fee. Moreover, because the hot water supply operation itself continues, it is unlikely to cause significant inconvenience to the user.

[0142] Furthermore, in a water heater 10 for which the usage fee is overdue, the function is restricted and the hot water temperature during hot water supply operation is changed and fixed at the changed temperature, making it difficult for the user to obtain hot water at the desired temperature, which is inconvenient. This makes it easier for the user to pay the overdue usage fee.

[0143] Furthermore, in the case of a water heater 10 for which the usage fee is overdue, the function is restricted and the hot water flow rate during hot water supply operation is reduced, making it difficult for the user to obtain hot water at the desired flow rate, which is inconvenient. This makes it easier for the user to pay the overdue usage fee.

[0144] Furthermore, once the overdue usage fee is paid, the water heater 10 returns to a state in which it does not perform hot water supply operation with its functions restricted, allowing the user to use the water heater 10 as usual.

[0145] <Change example 1> In the above embodiment 1, the server 50 sends notification information to the water heating apparatus whose usage fee is overdue to prompt the water heating apparatus 10 to pay the usage fee, and then the server 50 sends a restriction request to the water heating apparatus 10 whose overdue usage fee has not been paid by the due date, to cause the water heating apparatus 10 to operate in a water heating mode with restricted functions.

[0146] In contrast, in this modified example 1, a restriction request is sent from server 50 to water heating apparatus 10 for which the usage fee is overdue, without issuing a notification specifying the payment due date and waiting for the usage fee to be paid by the due date.

[0147] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of each device constituting the hot water supply system 1 according to the first modified example.

[0148] 10, in this modified example 1, in kitchen remote control 13 of water heating apparatus 10, the functions of alarm processing unit 133a and alarm mode setting unit 133b are not provided to control unit 133. In addition, in bathroom remote control 12 of water heating apparatus 10, the function of alarm processing unit 123a is not provided to control unit 123. Furthermore, in server 50, the functions of alarm information transmission unit 501c and alarm cancellation information transmission unit 501d are not provided to control unit 501.

[0149] 11 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the control unit 501 of the server 50 to execute a function for dealing with non-payment of usage fees according to Modification Example 1. This processing is executed by the function of the restriction request transmission unit 501a and the function of the stop request transmission unit 501b in FIG.

[0150] In this modified example 1, the process of FIG. 11 is executed instead of the process of FIG. 5 in the first embodiment.

[0151] 11, when control unit 501 acquires delinquency information (S601: YES), it identifies water heating apparatus 10 for which delinquency has occurred based on the ID information included in the delinquency information, and transmits a restriction request to that water heating apparatus 10 (S603). Furthermore, when control unit 501 acquires payment information (S602: YES), it identifies water heating apparatus 10 for which payment has been completed based on the ID information included in the payment information, and transmits a stop request to that water heating apparatus 10 (S604).

[0152] In water heating apparatus 10, the process for restricting functions shown in Fig. 8 and the notification process shown in Fig. 9(a) are executed, as in the first embodiment. As a result, in the case of water heating apparatus 10 for which the usage fee is unpaid, the user is prevented from using water heating apparatus 10 as usual, and is notified that the functions are being restricted due to the unpaid usage fee.

[0153] On the other hand, in water heating apparatus 10, the process of setting and canceling the notification mode in FIG. 6 is not executed, and the notification process in FIG. 7(a) is not executed either.

[0154] The configuration of the present modified example 1 can also achieve the same effects as those of the above-described first embodiment.

[0155] <Embodiment 2> In the second embodiment, a temperature change command to forcibly change the hot water supply temperature is transmitted from server 50 to water heating apparatus 10 for which the usage fee is in arrears, and the hot water supply temperature set by operating input unit 122 (hot water supply temperature setting button 122d) or display input unit 131 (hot water supply temperature setting button 131c) is changed. Thereafter, every time the hot water supply temperature is changed by operating input unit 122 or display input unit 131, a temperature change command is transmitted from server 50, and the hot water supply temperature is changed. This essentially results in a state in which setting of the hot water supply temperature by input to input unit 122 (hot water supply temperature setting button 122d) or the like is prohibited.

[0156] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of each device constituting the hot water supply system 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0157] As shown in Fig. 12, in the second embodiment, in water heater 11 of water heating apparatus 10, a control program stored in storage unit 112 assigns the function of temperature setting unit 111b to control unit 111, instead of the function of function restriction unit 111a of the first embodiment. Temperature setting unit 111b sets the hot water temperature based on button operation input received by input unit 122 and display input unit 131. Furthermore, when temperature setting unit 111b sets the hot water temperature based on input to input unit 122 and display input unit 131, it transmits a temperature setting notification to server 50. Furthermore, temperature setting unit 111b changes the hot water temperature that was set based on input to input unit 122 and display input unit 131, based on a temperature change command transmitted from server 50.

[0158] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, in server 50, a control program stored in storage unit 502 assigns the function of change command transmission unit 501e to control unit 501, instead of the functions of limit request transmission unit 501a and stop request transmission unit 501b of the first embodiment. Change command transmission unit 501e transmits a temperature change command to water heating apparatus 10 for which the usage fee is overdue. After transmitting the first temperature change command, change command transmission unit 501e transmits a temperature change command to water heating apparatus 10 for which the usage fee is overdue, every time it receives a temperature setting notification from water heating apparatus 10 for which the usage fee is overdue.

[0159] 13 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the control unit 501 of the server 50 to execute a function for dealing with non-payment of usage fees. This processing is executed by the function of the change command transmitting unit 501e, the function of the notification information transmitting unit 501c, and the function of the notification cancellation information transmitting unit 501d in FIG. 12.

[0160] As in the first embodiment, when control unit 501 acquires delinquency information in step S701 (S701: YES), it transmits notification information to water heating apparatus 10 for which the usage fee is overdue (S704). Furthermore, when control unit 501 determines that payment information has been acquired in step S702 (S702: YES), and further determines that the payment is within the deadline in step S705 (S705: YES), it transmits cancellation information to cancel the notification mode to water heating apparatus 10 for which payment has been made (S706).

[0161] Next, in this embodiment 2, when the control unit 501 determines in step S703 that there is a water heating apparatus 10 whose payment due date for overdue usage fees has passed (S703: YES), it sends notification mode cancellation information to the water heating apparatus 10 whose payment due date has passed (S708) and starts the forced temperature change process (S709).

[0162] FIG. 14(a) is a flowchart showing the forced operation stop process.

[0163] Control unit 501 transmits a temperature change command to water heating apparatus 10 whose payment due date has passed (S801). Thereafter, control unit 501 monitors whether a temperature setting notice has been received from water heating apparatus 10 whose payment due date has passed (S802). As will be described later, water heating apparatus 10 transmits a temperature setting notice to server 50 when the hot water temperature is set by input to input unit 122 or display input unit 131 (by operating hot water temperature setting buttons 122d, 131c).

[0164] When control unit 501 receives a temperature setting notification from water heating apparatus 10 whose payment due date has passed (S802: YES), it transmits a temperature change command to water heating apparatus 10 (S803). In this way, every time the hot water temperature setting is changed in water heating apparatus 10 whose payment due date has passed, a temperature change command is transmitted from server 50 to water heating apparatus 10.

[0165] Returning to FIG. 13, in step S702, control unit 501 determines that payment information has been acquired (S702: YES), and if it further determines in step S705 that the payment deadline is not yet reached (S705: NO), it stops the forced temperature change process being executed for the water heating device 10 for which payment has been made (S707).

[0166] 14(b) is a flowchart showing the processing performed by control unit 111 of water heater 11 of water heater 10 to execute the function of dealing with overdue usage fees. This processing is executed by the function of temperature setting unit 111b in FIG. 12.

[0167] 14(b), control unit 111 monitors whether a hot water temperature setting has been input using display unit 121 (hot water temperature setting button 122d) or the like (S901). If a setting has been input (S901: YES), control unit 111 sets the hot water temperature based on the setting input (S902). Furthermore, control unit 111 transmits a temperature setting notification to server 50 (S903).

[0168] In addition to the monitoring in step S901, the control unit 111 monitors whether or not a temperature change command has been received from the server 50 (S904).

[0169] If the payment due date for the usage fee has not passed for water heating apparatus 10, a temperature change command is not transmitted from server 50. Therefore, control unit 111 repeats the processes of steps S901 to S903.

[0170] On the other hand, if the payment due date for the usage fee for water heating apparatus 10 has passed, a temperature change command is first transmitted from server 50, and thereafter, a temperature change command is promptly transmitted from server 50 every time a temperature setting notification is transmitted from water heating apparatus 10. When control unit 111 receives the temperature change command (S904: YES), it changes the hot water temperature to a predetermined temperature (S905).

[0171] Information on the temperature to be changed, i.e., the predetermined temperature, may be included in the temperature change command, or may be stored in advance in memory unit 112 and acquired by control unit 111 from memory unit 112. The predetermined temperature may be, for example, a temperature that is higher or lower by a predetermined value than the set hot water supply temperature. Alternatively, the predetermined temperature may be a random temperature.

[0172] In this way, in water heating apparatus 10 whose payment due date has passed, the hot water temperature is changed to a predetermined temperature, and thereafter, the user is essentially prohibited from setting the hot water temperature. Therefore, water heating apparatus 10 enters a state in which hot water operation is performed with the hot water temperature setting restricted.

[0173] In addition, by the processing of Figure 14(b), in a water heating device 10 where the usage fee is overdue, the bath temperature (which is also the hot water temperature when the water is filled) set by operating the bath temperature setting buttons 122e and 131d may be forcibly changed.

[0174] In water heating apparatus 10, as in the first embodiment, the notification mode setting and cancellation process of Fig. 6 is executed, and the notification process of Fig. 7(a) is also executed. Meanwhile, bathroom remote control 12 and kitchen remote control 13 do not execute the notification process shown in Fig. 9(a). Instead, when the hot water supply temperature is forcibly changed in step S905 of Fig. 14(b), control unit 111 may instruct control unit 123 of bathroom remote control 12 and control unit 133 of kitchen remote control 13 to display a notification screen similar to notification screen 620 of Fig. 9(b) on display unit 121 and display input unit 131 as a notification that functionality is being restricted due to non-payment of usage fees, or to issue the notification by voice from speakers 127 and 137.

[0175] <Effects of the Second Embodiment> According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0176] When a temperature change command is sent from server 50 to water heater 10 for which the usage fee is overdue, the hot water temperature during hot water supply operation is changed from the temperature set by input to input unit 122 or display input unit 131. This makes it difficult for the user to obtain hot water at the desired temperature, which is inconvenient. This makes it easier for the user to pay the overdue usage fee.

[0177] Furthermore, in water heating apparatus 10 for which the usage fee is overdue, every time the hot water temperature is set by input into input unit 122 or display input unit 131, a temperature change command is sent from server 50 and the hot water temperature is changed, so that the setting of the hot water temperature by input into input unit 122, etc. is essentially prohibited. This makes it more likely that the user will feel inconvenienced, and therefore more likely that the user will pay the overdue usage fee.

[0178] Furthermore, when the overdue usage fee is paid, the transmission of the temperature change command from server 50 based on the temperature setting notification ends, and water heating apparatus 10 returns to a state in which the hot water temperature can be set by inputting into input unit 122 or display input unit 131. This allows the user to use water heating apparatus 10 as usual.

[0179] Note that modifications similar to those in Modification Example 1 may be applied to Embodiment 2. In this case, in Embodiment 2, the processes of steps S603 and S604 in Fig. 11 are replaced with the processes of steps S709 and S707 in Fig. 13. In water heating apparatus 10, the processes for setting and canceling the alarm stop mode in Fig. 6 and the alarm process in Fig. 7(a) are no longer executed.

[0180] <Other change examples> In the first and second embodiments, if a service stop date later than the payment due date is set in the server 50 and the water heating apparatus 10 fails to pay the service charge before the service stop date, the server 50 may transmit operation prohibition information to the water heating apparatus 10 to prohibit hot water supply operation. In this case, the water heating apparatus 10 may be set to an operation prohibition mode based on the operation prohibition information, and button operations on the kitchen remote control 13 and the bathroom remote control 12 may be disabled, thereby disabling hot water supply operation for all functions, including the hot water supply function, or disabling hot water supply operation for some functions. Once the service charge is paid, the server 50 transmits cancellation information to the water heating apparatus 10 for which payment has been made, disabling the operation prohibition mode, and the water heating apparatus 10 resumes normal hot water supply operation. In such a configuration, the service stop date may be notified in advance using the notification screen 620 shown in FIG. 9(b), for example. Similarly, in the first modification, the hot water supply operation may be prohibited when the payment due date has passed.

[0181] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, water heating apparatus 10 for which the usage fee is overdue is placed in a state where its functions are restricted and the hot water temperature during hot water heating operation is changed and fixed at the changed temperature. However, water heating apparatus 10 for which the usage fee is overdue may be placed in a state where the hot water temperature is not changed and is fixed.

[0182] In the above-described first and second embodiments, notification information is transmitted from server 50 to water heating apparatus 10 for which the usage fee is overdue, and a notification urging payment of the usage fee is issued to the notification unit (display unit 121, display input unit 131) of water heating apparatus 10. However, in addition to or instead of water heating apparatus 10 for which the usage fee is overdue, notification information may be transmitted from server 50 to mobile terminal device 30 associated with that water heating apparatus 10, and a notification urging payment of the usage fee may be issued on mobile terminal device 30. Furthermore, a fixed terminal device such as a stationary personal computer located in home H10 may be set as the destination of the notification information. The notification information may be transmitted periodically or only once.

[0183] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, water heating apparatus 10 is set to the notification mode upon receiving notification information from server 50, and while the notification mode is set, a notification urging payment of the usage fee is issued each time a predetermined notification condition is met. However, a notification urging payment of the usage fee may be issued once or a predetermined number of times upon receiving notification information. In this case, notification mode setting unit 133b is unnecessary, and notification processing units 123a and 133a issue a notification upon receiving notification information.

[0184] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned first embodiment, function restriction unit 111a is provided in water heater 11, notification processing units 123a and 133a are provided in bathroom remote control 12 and kitchen remote control 13, and notification mode setting unit 133b is provided in kitchen remote control 13, but the location of each of these units in water heating apparatus 10 is not limited to this. For example, the notification processing unit and the notification mode setting unit may be provided in water heater 11. In this case, water heater 11 issues an instruction to bathroom remote control 12 and kitchen remote control 13 to issue a notification, and these remote controls 12 and 13 issue a notification urging payment of the usage fee. Furthermore, the notification mode setting unit may be provided in bathroom remote control 12, and the function restriction unit may be provided in bathroom remote control 12 or kitchen remote control 13. Similarly, the location of the temperature setting unit in water heating apparatus 10 in the above-mentioned second embodiment is not limited to the location in the above-mentioned second embodiment.

[0185] Furthermore, in the above first and second embodiments, wireless communication unit 138 is provided in kitchen remote control 13 that constitutes water heating apparatus 10, but the wireless communication unit may be provided in water heater 11 or bathroom remote control 12, and water heater 11 or bathroom remote control 12 may be connected to router 20. Alternatively, a control unit equipped with a wireless communication unit may be arranged in water heating apparatus 10 other than water heater 11, bathroom remote control 12, and kitchen remote control 13, and this control unit may be connected to router 20.

[0186] Furthermore, the configuration of water heater 10 is not limited to the configurations shown in the first and second embodiments, and other configurations are also possible. For example, water heater 10 may be configured without a heating function or without a reheating function. Furthermore, water heater 10 may be configured without one or two of the heating functions, i.e., floor heating function, room heating function, and bathroom heating function. Furthermore, water heater 10 may be configured with only a hot water supply function. Furthermore, water heater 10 is not limited to one that uses gas fuel, and may be a water heater that uses oil as fuel.

[0187] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the function limiting unit, the notification processing unit, the notification mode setting unit, the restriction request transmitting unit, the stop request transmitting unit, the notification information transmitting unit, and the notification cancellation information transmitting unit are realized by software functions based on a control program, but these may also be realized by hardware using a logic circuit. The same applies to the temperature setting unit in the second embodiment.

[0188] Furthermore, in the above first and second embodiments, water heater 10 is a combustion-type water heater that heats water with combustion gas produced by burning fuel, but the configuration of water heater 10 is not limited to this. For example, water heater 10 may be a cogeneration-type water heater that generates electricity using a generator and uses exhaust heat from the generator to generate hot water.

[0189] Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, hot water supply system 1 is configured such that water heating apparatus 10 transmits usage information relating to the usage of water heating apparatus 10 to server 50 via external communication network 40, and the usage fee for water heating apparatus 10 is calculated based on the usage information, i.e., the usage fee varies depending on the usage of water heating apparatus 10. However, hot water supply system 1 may be configured such that water heating apparatus 10 does not transmit usage information to server 50. In this case, the usage fee may be a fixed fee.

[0190] 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]

[0191] 1. Hot water system 10. Hot water supply equipment 40 External communication network 50 servers 111a Functionality restriction section 111b Temperature setting section 122 Input section 131 Display input unit (input unit) 501a Restriction Request Sending Unit 501b Stop request sender 501c Notification information transmission unit 501d Notification cancellation information transmission unit 501e Change Order Transmission Unit

Claims

1. A hot water supply system including a hot water supply device that can be used by paying a usage fee, and a server that can communicate with the hot water supply device via an external communication network, the server includes a restriction request sending unit that sends a restriction request to the hot water heating device for which the usage fee is overdue, to cause the hot water heating device to perform hot water heating operation with its functions restricted; The hot water supply device is an input unit that receives an input for setting a hot water temperature during hot water supply operation; a function restriction unit; the function restriction unit, upon receiving the restriction request, changes the hot water supply temperature set by input to the input unit and fixes the changed temperature. A hot water supply system characterized by:

2. A hot water supply system comprising a hot water supply device that can be used by paying a usage fee, and a server that can communicate with the hot water supply device via an external communication network, the server includes a restriction request sending unit that sends a restriction request to the hot water heating device for which the usage fee is overdue, to cause the hot water heating device to perform hot water heating operation with its functions restricted; The water heater includes a function limiting unit, The function restriction unit reduces the hot water outlet flow rate during hot water supply operation based on the reception of the restriction request. A hot water supply system characterized by:

3. 3. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, The server further includes a stop request sending unit that sends a stop request to the water heating apparatus for which the overdue usage fee has been paid, to cause the water heating apparatus to stop the hot water heating operation with the function restricted. A hot water supply system characterized by:

4. A hot water supply system comprising a hot water supply device that can be used by paying a usage fee, and a server that can communicate with the hot water supply device via an external communication network, The hot water supply device is an input unit that receives an input for setting a hot water temperature during hot water supply operation; a temperature setting unit that sets the hot water supply temperature based on the input received by the input unit, the server includes a change command sending unit that sends a temperature change command to change the hot water temperature to the hot water heating device for which the usage fee is overdue; The temperature setting unit changes the hot water temperature set by the input to the input unit based on the temperature change command. A hot water supply system characterized by:

5. In the hot water supply system according to claim 4, When the hot water supply temperature is set by inputting to the input unit, the temperature setting unit transmits a temperature setting notification to the server; the change command transmission unit transmits the temperature change command to the water heating apparatus every time the temperature setting notification is received from the water heating apparatus for which the usage fee is overdue. A hot water supply system characterized by:

6. The hot water supply system according to claim 5, the change command transmission unit terminates transmission of the temperature change command based on the temperature setting notification to the hot water heating device for which the overdue usage fee has been paid. A hot water supply system characterized by:

7. A water heater that can be used by paying a usage fee, and a server that can communicate with the water heater via an external communication network, the hot water supply device includes an input unit that receives an input for setting a hot water supply temperature during hot water supply operation, The server includes a change command transmission unit that transmits a temperature change command to the hot water supply device for which the usage fee is overdue, to forcibly change the hot water supply temperature set by input to the input unit. A server characterized by:

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