Bath water heater management system

Abstract

To appropriately propose, to a user, piping cleaning service of a hot water supply device for bath.SOLUTION: A hot water supply device 100 for bath includes a water heater 10 including a bathtub 40 at a hot water supply destination, and bath piping connecting between the water heater 10 and the bathtub 40. A management server 150 is connected by communication, to the hot water supply device 100 for bath, a portable information terminal 130, and an external server 160. On the basis of contract information related to cleaning of the bath piping acquired from the external server 160, and information showing a dirt degree of the bath piping requested to the bathtub 40 from a user bathing condition, the management server 150 uses the portable information terminal 130 or remote controllers 20, 30 to notify a registered user of hot water supply device 100 for bath about guide information related to cleaning service of the bath piping acquired from the external server 160, and information showing a dirt degree of the bath piping requested to the bathtub 40 from a user bathing condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a management system and a management method for a hot water supply device for a bath. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 11-267414 (Patent Document 1) describes a bathtub water purification device equipped with a filter cylinder that filters impurities from bathtub water, in which the bathtub water circulation pipes are cleaned with a detergent. The bathtub water purification device in Patent Document 1 describes a backwashing that reverses the flow direction of the bathtub water in the filter cylinder from that during bathtub water purification operation, making it possible to clean the pipes with the filter material still in place. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-267414 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Generally, the frequency of pipe cleaning using a cleaning agent in a bath water heater in a typical home (hereinafter also referred to as "pipe cleaning") is not very high. Therefore, pipe cleaning services are generally provided in response to a consultation or request from a service shop by a user.

[0005] On the other hand, since it is difficult for users to directly recognize the dirt on the pipes, it is difficult for users to determine the need for pipe cleaning services, which makes it difficult for users to receive pipe cleaning services at an appropriate time.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object of the present invention is to appropriately propose a pipe cleaning service for a bath hot water supply device to a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, a management system for a bath water heating device is provided. The management system includes a first server capable of communicating with the bath water heating device and a user terminal capable of communicating with the first server. The bath water heating device includes a water heater that supplies water to a bathtub, and bath piping that connects the water heater and the bathtub. The first server includes a contract information management unit. The contract information management unit manages contract information for cleaning services for registered users of the bath water heating device, along with communication with a second server that manages contracts for cleaning services for the bath piping. The first server notifies the registered user, via the user terminal, of guidance information related to the cleaning service based on the contract information in the contract information management unit and information indicating the degree of dirtiness of the bath piping determined from the user's bathing conditions in the bathtub.

[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for managing a bath water heater includes a water heater that supplies hot water to a bathtub and a bath piping that connects the water heater to the bathtub. The method includes the steps of generating a trigger for a bath piping cleaning service based on information indicating the degree of contamination of the bath piping determined from a user's bathing conditions in the bathtub, and notifying a registered user of the bath water heater of information regarding the cleaning service based on contract information for the cleaning service when the trigger is generated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to notify registered users of a bath water heater of guidance information relating to the bath pipe cleaning service using contract information for the bath pipe cleaning service and information indicating the degree of dirtiness of the bath pipes determined from the user's bathing conditions, thereby making it possible to appropriately propose the pipe cleaning service to users. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a management system for a bath hot water supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a management server shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control process for automatic cleaning operation of a bathtub pipe and calculation of a dirt parameter value according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control process for setting the supply amount and temperature of washing water in the automatic washing operation shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of setting cleaning conditions for an automatic cleaning operation. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of management of parameter values ​​of dirt in bathtub piping. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for ordering a pipe cleaning service. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a membership information screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of order input screen data. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated in principle.

[0012] <System configuration example> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a management system for a bath hot water supply apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0013] Referring to FIG. 1, the management system 5 for a bath hot water supply apparatus according to this embodiment includes a bath hot water supply apparatus 100, an interface device 120, a mobile terminal device 130, an external communication network 140, and a management server 150.

[0014] The bath water heating device 100 includes a water heater 10 and remote controllers (hereinafter simply referred to as "remote controls") 20 and 30. A circuit board 15 is installed inside the water heater 10. A controller 17 for the bath water heating device 100 is mounted on the circuit board 15. The controller 17 controls the operation of various components of the water heater 10.

[0015] The hot water supply destinations of the water heater 10 include a hot water tap (not shown) and a bathtub 40. Specifically, a bathtub adapter 42 in the bathtub 40 and the water heater 10 are connected by pipes 21 and 22.

[0016] A reheating circulation path for heating bathwater by the water heater 10 is formed by the operation of a circulation pump (not shown) built into the water heater 10, including pipes 21 and 22. Furthermore, one of the pipes 21 and 22 is connected to a hot water supply pipe (not shown) branching off from the hot water outlet pipe (not shown) of the water heater 10. By opening a hot water supply valve (not shown) interposed and connected to the hot water supply pipe, hot water from the water heater 10 is introduced into the pipes 21 and 22, thereby filling the bathtub 40 (filling the bathtub). In the bath water heater 100, the "bath pipes" that make up the reheating circulation path are the subject of the pipe cleaning service in this embodiment. While the entire bath pipes are not shown, the pipes 21 and 22 correspond to part of the "bath pipes." The pipe cleaning service is intended to be performed by a visiting service technician using a cleaning agent.

[0017] The bathtub 40 has the aforementioned bathtub adapter 42 installed near the bottom of its side wall, and a drain plug 44 installed on the bottom wall. An open / close drive mechanism 46 is also installed on the flange wall on the upper side of the bathtub 40. The drain plug 44 opens and closes when an open / close drive force is transmitted from the open / close drive mechanism 46. The open / close drive mechanism 46 is equipped with a sensor that detects whether the drain plug 44 is open or closed, and the open / close drive mechanism 46 can control the opening and closing of the drain plug 44 based on the output signal of the sensor. When the open / close drive mechanism 46 opens the drain plug 44, hot water in the bathtub 40 is drained to the bottom of the bathroom and then drained through the bathroom drain (not shown).

[0018] Remote controls 20 and 30 are connected to controller 17 of water heater 10, for example, by a two-core communication line. Each of remote controls 20 and 30 has a display unit and an input unit. The user can fill the water tank and set the hot water temperature by operating the input unit according to the screen displayed by the display unit. Remote control 20 is located, for example, in the kitchen, and remote control 30 is located in the bathroom where bathtub 40 is installed.

[0019] The remote control 20 has a built-in communication adapter (not shown) for communicating with the interface device 120. On the other hand, the remote control 30 may have a built-in human presence sensor 35 for detecting the presence of a person in the bathroom. For example, the human presence sensor 35 can be configured using an infrared sensor (pyroelectric sensor).

[0020] The interface device 120 is a communication repeater for connecting devices within a certain range, including the remote control 20, to the management server 150 via an external communication network 140. For example, the interface device 120 can be configured by a so-called wireless LAN (Local Area Network) router. Note that the external communication network 140 is typically the Internet, and therefore hereinafter the external communication network 140 will also be simply referred to as the Internet 140.

[0021] The management server 150 is connected to the Internet 140 and has a remote management function for the bath water heating apparatus 100. The remote control 20 is communicatively connected to the interface device 120 via wireless communication, and can communicate with the management server 150 via the Internet 140. In this way, the bath water heating apparatus 100 is communicatively connected to the management server 150.

[0022] It is also possible to connect to the management server 150 through communication from a mobile terminal device 130 such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. When the mobile terminal device 130 is within a range where it can connect to the interface device 120, the mobile terminal device 130 can communicate with the management server 150 by connecting to the interface device 120 via wireless communication. Even when the mobile terminal device 130 is outside the home, the mobile terminal device 130 can communicate with the management server 150 by connecting to the Internet 140 via a base station 170. The mobile terminal device 130 corresponds to one embodiment of a "user terminal."

[0023] In addition to operating the remote control 20, the user can also use the mobile terminal device 130 to access the management server 150 both inside and outside the range that can be connected to the interface device 120, thereby remotely controlling (remotely operating and remotely monitoring) the bath water heating device 100.

[0024] An application program for the bath water heating apparatus 100 can be installed on the remote control 20 and the mobile terminal device 130. For example, the application program is downloaded from the management server 150 and then installed. In the following, it is assumed that an application program for remote management of the bath water heating apparatus 100 has already been installed on the user terminal of the bath water heating apparatus 100 (typically, a smartphone of the user of the bath water heating apparatus 100), and that the user (registered user) of the bath water heating apparatus 100 has been registered in the management server 150 together with the user's ID (email address, etc.).

[0025] Management server 150 can also communicate with external server 160, which manages the details of a contract for a pipe cleaning service operated by a service shop or the like, via Internet 140. External server 160 is operated by an entity that provides the pipe cleaning service (e.g., a service shop), and has the function of managing the contract and schedule for the service. Management server 150 corresponds to an embodiment of the "first server," and external server 160 corresponds to an embodiment of the "second server."

[0026] FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the management server 150 shown in FIG.

[0027] 2, management server 150 includes a data storage unit 152, a communication unit 153, a contract information management unit 155, and an order processing unit 156. Data storage unit 152 has a memory and stores various programs and data. The functions of contract information management unit 155 and order processing unit 156 can be realized by software processing in which a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 151 executes programs stored in data storage unit 152.

[0028] The communication unit 153 has a communication function via the Internet 140. In the management server 150, the communication unit 153, CPU 151, and data storage unit 152 are connected to an internal bus 154, and are capable of exchanging data with one another.

[0029] In this way, the management server 150 can transmit and receive data bidirectionally to and from the bath / hot water heater 100, the mobile terminal device 130 (user terminal), and the external server 160 via the Internet 140.

[0030] The contract information management unit 155 stores the latest contract information (e.g., information on whether or not the user is a subscriber) related to the pipe cleaning service for each registered user of the bath / hot water heater 100, through communication with the external server 160. Communication with the external server 160 is performed periodically to check the latest contract information. When the user changes the contract details for the external server 160, the external server 160 may notify the management server 150 of the changed contract information each time.

[0031] <Calculation process of index of degree of pipe contamination> In this embodiment, a parameter value is introduced to quantitatively evaluate the degree of dirt in the bathtub piping, including pipes 21 and 22. In this embodiment, an example is described in which, after draining the bathtub, the bath water heater 100 performs an automatic cleaning operation of the bathtub piping using hot water supplied from the water heater 10. In this case, the parameter value quantitatively evaluates the amount of dirt, such as sebum, that adheres to the bathtub piping during bathing and that could not be removed by the automatic cleaning operation. It is understood that the accumulated amount of the parameter value affects the timing of when a pipe cleaning service using a detergent should be performed. Hereinafter, the parameter value is also referred to as a dirt parameter value.

[0032] 3 is a flowchart illustrating the control process of the automatic cleaning operation of the bathtub pipe and the calculation of the dirt parameter value according to this embodiment. For example, the control process shown in FIG. 3 is repeatedly executed by the controller 17.

[0033] Referring to Figure 3, when the controller 17 detects the start of the bath filling operation in step (hereinafter simply referred to as "S") 110, it waits in S120 to start the processing from S130 onwards until the bath filling operation is completed. As a result, the series of processing from S130 onwards related to the automatic flushing operation is started in response to the completion of the bath filling operation. At the completion of the bath filling operation, a water level sensor (not shown) detects that the bathtub water level has reached the set water level.

[0034] In S130, the controller 17 initializes the count value Cnt of the number of bathers to 0. Furthermore, the controller 17 repeatedly executes the processes of S150 to S170 until drainage of the bathtub is detected in S180 (NO in S180).

[0035] For example, in the determination of S180, drainage can be detected when a water level sensor (not shown) detects that the bathtub water level has dropped to a level where bathtub adapter 42 is exposed after the bathtub filling operation is completed. Alternatively, if drain plug 44 is an automatic drain plug, drainage can be detected when a predetermined time has passed after a command to open drain plug 44 is issued. In this way, any method can be used to detect drainage of bathtub 40, without any particular limitations.

[0036] In S150, controller 17 determines whether bathing in bathtub 40 has been detected. For example, the determination in S150 can be made by detecting whether a person has entered or exited bathtub 40 based on the bathtub water level detected by a water level sensor (not shown). Alternatively, if remote control 30 is provided with a human presence sensor 35, bathing can be detected based on the output of human presence sensor 35. Bathing can also be detected using the outputs of both human presence sensor 35 and a water level sensor (not shown). In this way, the determination in S150 can be made using any method. For example, the number of bathers may be a simple total number of people entering and exiting the bath, or it may be designed to count consecutive bathing sessions by the same person as one session.

[0037] When controller 17 detects bathing in bathtub 40 (YES in S150), controller 17 increments bathing count Cnt by 1 in S160. Furthermore, controller 17 stores the bathtub water temperature Tnt at the time bathing is detected in S170. The bathtub water temperature may be measured using a bathtub water temperature sensor (not shown), or, in automatic mode (when the water temperature is maintained by reheating), the bathtub water set temperature (bath set temperature) may be stored as Tnt. In this way, the actual value used as bathtub water temperature Tnt in S170 can be determined as appropriate. By executing S160 and S170 each time bathing is detected, it is possible to count the number of bathers and obtain the bathtub water temperature Tnt at each bathing detection.

[0038] When drainage of the bathtub 40 is detected (YES in S180), the controller 17 waits for a certain period of time and then proceeds to S200. This causes the automatic cleaning operation of the bathtub pipes to be performed. Furthermore, after the automatic cleaning operation is completed, the calculation process of the pipe dirt remaining index is performed in S300.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control process for setting the supply amount and temperature of washing water in the automatic washing operation shown in FIG.

[0040] 4, the controller 17 determines the number of bathers Nbt from the count value Cnt in S210, and determines the bathing water temperature Tbt, which indicates the bathtub water temperature at the time of bathing, in S220. For example, the bathing water temperature Tbt can be calculated by taking a weighted average of the bathtub water temperatures Tnt stored in S170 for each bathing detection.

[0041] Furthermore, the controller 17 calculates a seasonal parameter value Fse in S225. The seasonal parameter value Fse can be an adjustment coefficient, for example, set to Fse = 1.0 in spring and autumn, Fse > 1.0 for summer, and Fse < 1.0 for winter. If the controller 17 has a so-called calendar function that can recognize the date in addition to the current time, the seasonal parameter value Fse can be calculated based on the date. The seasonal parameter value Fse corresponds to one example of "seasonal information."

[0042] Alternatively, controller 17 can calculate the seasonal parameter value Fse using an actually measured temperature detection value. For example, at least one of the outside air temperature and inlet water temperature detected by an ambient temperature sensor (not shown) can be used as the actual temperature measurement value that reflects the season. As one example, the seasonal parameter value Fse can be calculated using a moving average of the detected values ​​of the outside air temperature and / or inlet water temperature over a 24-hour period, or a detected value at a predetermined fixed time. This makes it possible to set the seasonal parameter value Fse to reflect the actual temperature level, or even when controller 17 does not have a calendar function.

[0043] In step S230, the controller 17 calculates a dirt parameter value Psb for estimating the amount of sebum from the number of bathers Nbt (S210), the bathing water temperature Tbt (S220), and the seasonal parameter value Fse (S225).

[0044] For example, a function formula for calculating the dirt parameter value Psb using Nbt and Tbt as variables, or a table for finding the dirt parameter value Psb from a combination of Nbt and Tbt, can be created in advance based on experimental results, etc.

[0045] Furthermore, the dirt parameter value Psb can be calculated by multiplying the dirt parameter value Psb calculated using the above-mentioned function formula or table by the seasonal parameter value Fse as a correction coefficient (Fse).

[0046] Alternatively, it is possible to treat the seasonal parameter value Fse as a significant quantitative value, such as by using a temperature value such as the average temperature as it is. In this case, it is also possible to create in advance, based on experimental results, a function formula for calculating the soil parameter value Psb using Nbt, Tbt, and Fse as variables, or a table for finding the soil parameter value Psb from a combination of Nbt, Tbt, and Fse.

[0047] In this way, S230 calculates the dirt parameter value Psb based on the number of people bathing Nbt, the bathing water temperature Tbt, and the seasonal parameter value Fse. The dirt parameter value Psb is an index that quantitatively evaluates the degree of dirt on the inside of the bathtub pipes based on the amount of sebum eluted into the bathtub water. Note that S230 can be modified as needed to use at least one of the number of people bathing Nbt, the bathing water temperature Tbt, and the seasonal parameter value Fse.

[0048] In S240, the controller 17 determines the supply amount Qcl and temperature Tcl of wash water for automatic wash operation based on the dirt parameter value Psb calculated in S230. For example, the supply amount Qcl and temperature Tcl of wash water can be determined by selecting from a plurality of predetermined patterns (levels) based on the dirt parameter value Psb. The supply amount Qcl can also be expressed as the supply time (washing time) of wash water at a predetermined flow rate.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of setting the supply amount Qcl and temperature Tcl of cleaning water in S240 of FIG.

[0050] 5, operating points P1 to P3 with different levels of cleaning ability (here, three levels) are preset according to the contamination parameter value Psb. It can be seen that the cleaning ability increases as the supply amount Qcl increases and the temperature Tcl increases.

[0051] For example, when the dirt parameter value Psb is greater than or equal to a predetermined first threshold value Pt1, an operating point P1 with high cleaning ability is selected. On the other hand, when the dirt parameter value Psb is less than or equal to a second threshold value Pt2 (Pt2 < Pt1), an operating point P3 with low cleaning ability is selected. Also, when the dirt parameter value Psb is between the first threshold value Pt1 and the second threshold value (Pt2 < Psb < Pt1), an operating point P2 with intermediate cleaning ability is selected.

[0052] In this way, the operating points P1 to P3 are determined so that the product (Qcl × Tcl) of the supply amount Qcl and the temperature Tcl of the cleaning water increases in the order of the operating points P3, P2, and P1.

[0053] In particular, at the operating point P1, in order to dissolve the sebum adhering to the pipe, the temperature T1 is preferably set to a higher temperature (for example, about 45 to 48 degrees) than the hot water temperature during normal bathing. At the operating point P1, the temperature of the cleaning water Tcl = T1, and the supply amount Qcl = Q1.

[0054] Furthermore, the operating point P2 related to the next level is set such that the temperature Tcl is the same as that of the operating point P1 (Tcl = T1), and the supply amount is decreased compared to the operating point P1 (Qcl = Q2, Q2 < Q1).

[0055] The operating point P3 is set such that the cleaning water is at a low temperature and a small amount compared to the operating point P1. For example, at the operating point P3, the supply amount of the cleaning water is the same as that of the operating point P2 (Qcl = Q2), and the temperature is set to be lower than that of the operating point P2 (Tcl = T2, T2 < T1). For example, the temperature T2 is preferably about the same as the bathtub water temperature during bathing (for example, 40 degrees). In this way, in order to dissolve the sebum, it is preferable that warm water heated above the incoming water temperature Tw is supplied as the cleaning water at any of the operating points P1 to P3.

[0056] Also, the operating point P2 can be provided in the middle of the operating points P1 and P3 along the dotted line in FIG. 5. However, as shown in the example of FIG. 5, by arranging the operating point P2, the cleaning ability can be efficiently ensured.

[0057] In S200 of Fig. 3, the water heater 10 is controlled to output hot water at the temperature Tcl set in accordance with Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, and an automatic cleaning operation of the bath piping is performed by forming a path that leads the hot water from the water heater 10 to the bathtub adapter 42 via the pipes 21 and 22. Furthermore, when the amount of hot water poured (volume) indicated by the time integral value of the flow rate detected by a flow sensor (not shown) reaches the supply amount Qcl set in accordance with Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the automatic cleaning operation is terminated by stopping the pouring of hot water from the water heater 10 to the bathtub 40.

[0058] 3, when the automatic cleaning operation in S200 ends, the controller 17 calculates the dirt parameter value Psb after the automatic cleaning operation in S300. When the automatic cleaning operation is performed, a subtraction process is performed on the dirt parameter value Psb to reflect the cleaning effect of the automatic cleaning operation (S200).

[0059] For example, the dirt removal rate by the automatic cleaning operation (S200), i.e., cleaning rate α (0<α<1), can be defined, and the subtraction process can be performed so that the dirt parameter value is multiplied by (1-α) the value before the automatic cleaning operation (S230).

[0060] Alternatively, the amount of dirt removed by the automatic cleaning operation (S200), i.e., the cleaning amount ΔPsb (ΔPsb≧0), can be defined, and the subtraction process can be performed by subtracting the cleaning amount ΔPsb from the value before the automatic cleaning operation was performed (S230).

[0061] In this case, the cleaning rate α or cleaning amount ΔPsb can be calculated from the cleaning water supply amount Qcl and temperature Tcl during automatic cleaning operation by referring to a predetermined calculation formula or table. Alternatively, the cleaning rate α or cleaning amount ΔPsb can be set in advance for each predetermined operating point during automatic cleaning operation shown in Figure 5.

[0062] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart for explaining an example of management of the parameter values ​​of the dirt in the bathtub pipes.

[0063] Referring to Figure 6, in the bath water heating device 100, the controller 17 calculates the final value of the bath piping dirt parameter value Psb for one hot water filling from the completion of bath water filling to the detection of bathtub drainage in S300, and then in S310, the dirt parameter value Psb calculated in S300 is associated with the registered user information of the bath water heating device 100 and sent to the management server 150.

[0064] When the management server 150 receives the contamination parameter value Psb from the bath / hot water supply apparatus 100 (controller 17) in S320, it adds the newly received contamination parameter value Psb to the accumulated value up to that point in S330. Furthermore, in S340, the management server 150 compares the accumulated value calculated in S330 with a predetermined judgment value. Then, when the accumulated value exceeds the judgment value (YES in S340), a trigger for a pipe cleaning service (pipe CLS) is generated in S350.

[0065] On the other hand, when the cumulative value is equal to or less than the judgment value (NO judgment in S340), the processing of S350 is skipped, so a trigger for the pipe cleaning service (pipe CLS) is not generated and the cumulative value updated in S330 is maintained.

[0066] In this way, by managing the cumulative value of the bath pipe dirt parameter value Psb, which is quantified based on the user input conditions measured by the bath water heater 100, a trigger for a pipe cleaning service can be automatically generated.

[0067] The division of roles between the bath water heating apparatus 100 and the management server 150 in Fig. 6 is merely an example. For example, it is possible to change the division of roles in Fig. 6 and have the bath water heating apparatus 100 also manage the cumulative value of the dirt parameter value Psb in steps S330 to S350, and generate a trigger for the pipe cleaning service in the bath water heating apparatus 100. In this case, the bath water heating apparatus 100 sends a trigger for the pipe cleaning service to the management server 150.

[0068] Alternatively, the bath water heater 100 may have the function of calculating the cumulative value of the bath pipe contamination parameter value Psb (S330), and the bath water heater 100 may periodically transmit the cumulative value to the management server 150. In this case, the management server 150 executes the processes from S340 onwards.

[0069] The function of calculating the bath pipe dirt parameter value Psb in S300 can also be provided to the management server 150. In this case, after the automatic cleaning operation in S200 (FIG. 3) ends, the bath water heating apparatus 100 transmits the data necessary for calculating the dirt parameter value Psb to the management server 150. The management server 150 then executes all of the processes in S300 to S350. In this way, the division of labor between the bath water heating apparatus 100 and the management server 150 for automatically generating a trigger for a pipe cleaning service based on the cumulative value of the bath pipe dirt parameter value Psb can be arbitrarily changed. At this time, the information and data transmitted from the bath water heating apparatus 100 to the management server 150 includes information identifying the registered user of the bath water heating apparatus 100.

[0070] <Plumbing cleaning service order processing> Next, an example of processing for ordering a pipe cleaning service in response to generation of a trigger for the service will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0071] 7, when the management server 150 recognizes the trigger for the pipe cleaning service (piping CLS) generated in S350 in S410, it executes the processing from S420 onward. In S420, the management server 150 determines whether the registered user of the bath / water heating apparatus 100 for which the trigger for the pipe CLS was generated is a contracted user of the pipe cleaning service. The determination in S420 can be made based on the contract information managed by the contract information management unit 155. The function of the order processing unit 156 (FIG. 2) is realized by the processing of the management server 150 shown in FIG. 7.

[0072] If the registered user of the bath / hot water heating apparatus 100 is not a contracted user, the management server 150 executes S425 to S445 to guide the user to sign up for a new contract for the pipe cleaning service. In S425, the management server 150 uses the above-mentioned application program (already installed) to send screen data for the pipe cleaning service membership guide to the user terminal associated with the registered user. As a result, in S510, the user terminal displays a screen for the pipe cleaning service membership guide. The screen for the membership guide corresponds to an example of "guide information" related to the bath pipe cleaning service, in particular, "information for signing up for a new contract."

[0073] FIG. 8 shows an example of the membership information screen.

[0074] 8(a) shows an example of an initial screen 210 of the membership information screen. The initial screen 210 includes a display 211 of an overview of the pipe cleaning service, a display 212 of the terms and conditions of the service, and touch switches 213 and 214. The touch switch 213 is provided for operation by a person who wishes to join the service, and when operated, an input guide screen 220, as shown in FIG. 8(b), is displayed.

[0075] 8(b), the input guide screen 220 includes a user data input field 221 and touch switches 222 and 223. By operating the touch switch 222, the information of the registered user of the bath / hot water heating apparatus 100 who wishes to join the pipe cleaning service, which is entered in the input field 221, is accepted. On the other hand, when the touch switch 223 is operated, the display screen of the user terminal is returned from the input guide screen 220 to the initial screen 210.

[0076] 8(a) is provided for users who do not wish to join the service. When the touch switch 214 is operated, the display of the initial screen 210 is terminated without switching to the input guide screen 220.

[0077] Referring again to FIG. 7, in S520, the user terminal accepts user input on the membership information screen (FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b)). Specifically, for a user who operates touch switch 214 in FIG. 8(a), information indicating that they do not wish to join is accepted in S520. On the other hand, for a user who operates touch switch 222 in FIG. 8(b) after inputting through touch switch 213 in FIG. 8(a), information indicating that they wish to join and the user information entered in input field 221 are accepted in S520.

[0078] In S530, the user terminal transmits the user input content received in S520 to the management server 150. In S430, the management server 150 receives the user input content on the initial screen 210 and the input guide screen 220 transmitted from the user terminal in S530.

[0079] In S435, the management server 150 determines whether the registered user of the bath / water heating apparatus 100 (the delivery address entered on the input guidance screen) wishes to join the pipe cleaning service based on the user input received in S430. If the user does not wish to join (NO in S435), the pipe cleaning service is not ordered, and the processing by the management server 150 ends.

[0080] In response to this, when a user wishes to join (YES determination in S435), the management server 150 transmits to the external server 160, in S440, the user information entered by the user wishing to join on the input guide screen 220 in Figure 8(b) as new user information.

[0081] When external server 160 receives the new user information sent from management server 150 in S610, it executes new membership contract processing for that user in S620. Then, in S630, new membership registration information is sent from external server 160 to management server 150. When management server 150 receives the registration information from external server 160 in S445, it updates the information related to that user stored in contract information management unit 155 (FIG. 2). In response, when processing returns to S420, a YES determination is made in S420 for the newly joined user.

[0082] For each user who has already signed up at the time the trigger for the pipe cleaning service is generated and each user who has signed up for the pipe cleaning service at the time the trigger is generated, the management server 150 judges S420 as YES and proceeds to S450 and subsequent steps.

[0083] In S450, the management server 150 inquires of the external server 160 about available dates for the pipe cleaning service and receives a response regarding a list of available dates (available schedule) from the external server 160. In response to the inquiry (S450) from the management server 150, the external server 160 formulates the available schedule in S640, taking into consideration the address of the registered user of the bath / hot water supply apparatus 100, and sends the schedule to the management server 150.

[0084] In S452, the management server 150 creates order entry screen data using the free schedule acquired in S450 and transmits it to the user terminal. As a result, in S550, the user terminal displays the order entry screen data for the pipe cleaning service using the application program described above. The order entry screen corresponds to an example of "guide information" related to the bath pipe cleaning service, in particular, "information for ordering a cleaning service."

[0085] FIG. 9 shows an example of order entry screen data.

[0086] 9, order input screen 230 has date and time input section 231 for inputting the date of request for implementation of pipe cleaning service. Date and time input section 231 can be displayed in a manner including touch switches for the user to input the implementation date and time based on an available schedule obtained from external server 160. For example, date and time input section 231 can be configured with hierarchical display content so that touch-operable calendar information is displayed showing dates on which pipe cleaning service can be requested, and when one of the operable dates is touched, a touch switch for selecting a time period during which the request can be made on that date is displayed.

[0087] Order input screen 230 further includes touch switches 232 and 233. Touch switch 232 corresponds to a button for confirming a user input to date and time input section 231. When touch switch 232 is operated after a user's desired date and time has been specified by date and time input section 231, an order for a pipe cleaning service for the desired date and time is placed.

[0088] On the other hand, touch switch 233 is provided as a selection switch for canceling the contract for a user who currently has a contract for the pipe cleaning service. When operation of touch switch 232 or 233 is accepted, the display of order input screen 230 on the user terminal is terminated.

[0089] 7 again, the user terminal accepts user input on the order input screen (FIG. 9) in S560. Specifically, for a user who operates touch switch 232 in FIG. 9, information for ordering a pipe cleaning service by specifying the user's desired date and time entered in date and time input section 231 is accepted in S560. On the other hand, for a user who operates touch switch 233 in FIG. 9, information for not ordering a pipe cleaning service and wishing to cancel the contract for the pipe cleaning service is accepted in S560.

[0090] In S570, the user terminal transmits the user input content received in S560 to the management server 150. In S455, the management server 150 receives the user input content on the order input screen 230 transmitted from the user terminal in S570.

[0091] In S460, the management server 150 transmits the user input received in S455 as order information to the external server 160. As described above, the order information is information for ordering a pipe cleaning service at a user-desired date and time (user operating touch switch 232), or application information for canceling the contract for the pipe cleaning service (user operating touch switch 233).

[0092] When external server 160 receives the order information from management server 150 in S650, it executes contract processing in accordance with the order information in S660. As a result, for users who desire the pipe cleaning service, an order for the pipe cleaning service is confirmed for the desired date and time specified on order input screen 230. On the other hand, users who desire to cancel the contract are deleted from the list of registered users of the pipe cleaning service.

[0093] In S670, the external server 160 transmits the contract data after the contract processing in S660 to the management server 150. In S465, the management server 150 receives the contract data from the external server 160, and then in S470 notifies the user terminal of the received contract data. At this time, the contents of the contract information management unit 155 are changed for the user whose contract has been terminated.

[0094] At S580, the user terminal uses the above-described application program to display information related to the contract based on the contract data notified (S470) from management server 150. This notifies the user that the order for the pipe cleaning service has been confirmed or that the contract for the pipe cleaning service has been cancelled. Note that the user terminal processing shown in FIG. 7 is basically performed using mobile terminal device 130 (typically a smartphone), but some of the processing, for example, the processing of S510 to S530, can also be performed using remote controllers 20 and 30 as the "user terminal."

[0095] In this way, the management system for a bathtub hot water supply device according to this embodiment generates a trigger for a pipe cleaning service based on a quantitative evaluation value that estimates the degree of contamination of the bathtub pipes, thereby providing guidance information to the user. This allows the pipe cleaning service to be offered to the user at an appropriate time. Furthermore, based on the contract information managed by the contract information management unit 155, appropriate guidance information can be sent to both existing and new contract holders of the pipe cleaning service.

[0096] In particular, the guidance information for users who have not yet signed a contract for the pipe cleaning service includes information on signing a contract, which not only improves user convenience but is also expected to help attract more users of the pipe cleaning service.

[0097] Furthermore, the quantitative assessment of pipe contamination during bathing can be made more accurate using the number of bathers and the bathtub water temperature during bathing, and further accuracy can be achieved by taking seasonal factors into account. Furthermore, if an automatic flushing operation function is provided when the bathtub is drained, the accuracy of estimating the remaining pipe contamination can be improved by reflecting the cleaning rate according to the conditions of the flushing operation. Note that the contamination parameter value Psb described in Figures 4 and 5 is merely one example of information indicating the degree of contamination of the bathtub pipes, particularly an index for quantitatively assessing the degree of contamination. It should be noted that it is also possible to indicate information indicating the degree of contamination of the bathtub pipes using different content.

[0098] In this embodiment, a bath water heater 100 equipped with an automatic cleaning operation function when draining the bathtub has been described as an example, but the trigger generation for the pipe cleaning service according to this embodiment can also be commonly applied to bath water heaters 100 that do not have the automatic cleaning operation function by not performing the subtraction process due to the automatic cleaning operation when calculating the bath pipe dirt parameter value Psb (for example, cleaning rate α = 0).

[0099] In this embodiment, the management server 150 improves user convenience by mediating user access to the external server 160 (FIG. 7). However, as a simple configuration example, the management server 150 can notify the registered user of the bath / hot water heater 100 of the arrival of the timing to apply the service as "guidance information" in response to the generation of a trigger for the pipe cleaning service, using the user terminal. In this case, the user terminal can also be a device other than the mobile terminal device 130 (typically a smartphone), such as the remote controllers 20 and 30.

[0100] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 5 Management system, 10 Water heater, 15 Circuit board, 17 Controller, 20, 30 Remote controller, 21, 22 Piping, 35 Human sensor, 40 Bathtub, 42 Bathtub adapter, 44 Drain plug, 46 Opening and closing drive mechanism, 100 Bath water heater, 120 Interface device, 130 Mobile terminal device, 140 External communication network (Internet), 150 Management server, 152 Data storage unit, 153 Communication unit, 154 Internal bus, 155 Contract information management unit, 156 Order processing unit, 160 External server, 170 Base station, 210 Initial screen, 211, 212 Display, 213, 214, 222, 223, 232, 233 Touch switch, 220 Input guide screen, 221 Input field, 230 Order input screen, 231 Date and time input unit, Cnt Count value (number of people bathing), Fse seasonal parameter value, Nbt number of people bathing, P1~P3 operating point (automatic cleaning operation), Psb dirt parameter value (bath piping), Qcl supply amount (automatic cleaning operation), Tbt bath water temperature.

Claims

1. A management system for a bath water heater, a first server capable of communicating with the bath water heater; a user terminal capable of communicating with the first server; The bath hot water supply device is A water heater including a bathtub as a hot water outlet; a bath piping that connects the water heater and the bathtub, The first server a contract information management unit that manages contract information about the cleaning service of registered users of the bath / hot water supply device through communication with a second server that manages contracts for the bath pipe cleaning service; A management system for a bath water heater, in which the first server notifies the registered user using the user terminal of guidance information related to the cleaning service based on the contract information in the contract information management unit and information indicating the degree of dirtiness of the bath piping determined from the user's bathing conditions in the bathtub.

2. the contract information includes information as to whether the registered user of the bath / hot water supply apparatus has contracted for the cleaning service; 2. The management system for a bath / hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first server notifies the registered user who has already signed up for the cleaning service of information for ordering the cleaning service as the guidance information.

3. The management system for a bath / hot water supply apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the information for ordering includes information indicating a date on which the cleaning service is available, which information is acquired through communication with the second server.

4. the contract information includes information as to whether the registered user of the bath / hot water supply apparatus has contracted for the cleaning service; 2. The management system for a bath / hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first server notifies the registered user who has not yet signed up for the cleaning service of information for signing up for the cleaning service as the guidance information.

5. The information indicating the degree of contamination is an index value for quantitatively evaluating the degree of contamination of the bath piping, calculated based on the user's bathing conditions, the guidance information is notified to the registered user when the cumulative value of the index values ​​exceeds a predetermined judgment value; The index value is calculated for each drainage of the bathtub based on the user's bathing conditions from the time the bathtub is filled with water before the drainage until the time the bathtub is drained, 5. The management system for a bath / hot water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the user bathing conditions include at least one of the number of people bathing, the bathtub temperature at the time of bathing, and seasonal information at the time of bathing.

6. The bath water heater is configured to be able to perform an automatic flushing operation in which hot water from the water heater is passed through the bath piping when draining the bathtub, 6. The management system for a bathtub hot water supply apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the index value is subtracted so as to decrease in response to the execution of the automatic cleaning operation.

7. The automatic cleaning operation is performed under operating conditions that change at least one of the temperature and the amount of hot water supplied from the water heater according to the user's bathing conditions, The management system for a bathtub hot water supply apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the subtraction process is performed in a manner that changes an amount or rate at which the index value is reduced depending on the operating conditions.

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