Hot water supply system

Abstract

To provide a water heating device which can smoothly update firmware to a water heater while making the water heater properly perform its operation.SOLUTION: A water heating device 10 comprises a water heater 11 and a kitchen remote controller 13 (operator). The kitchen remote controller 13 comprises a display input part 131, a voice output part 135, and a control part 133. The control part 133, in the case of accepting an update operation of firmware to the water heater 11 via the display input part 131, determines whether or not the update of the firmware is affirmative on the basis of whether or not an operation state of the water heater 11 coincides with a prohibition condition for prohibiting the update of the firmware, and when determining that the update of the firmware is possible, transmits an update instruction for making the water heater 11 update the firmware to the water heater 11, whereas when determining that the update of the firmware is impossible, makes the display input part 131 and the voice output part 135 issue notifications based on the prohibition condition without transmitting the update indication.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water heater, and is suitable for use in updating firmware for a water heater. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, firmware, which is control software for water heaters, has been updated to the latest version as needed and applied to water heaters. Patent Document 1 below discloses a configuration capable of efficiently and safely updating firmware for each component device in a fuel cell system of a type that heats hot water stored in a hot water tank by waste heat from a fuel cell unit. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-185352 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In a hot water supply system in which a remote controller of a water heater can communicate with a server that manages water heater firmware via an external communication network, firmware update for the water heater can be performed at any time by a user operation on the remote controller.

[0005] On the other hand, when updating firmware for the control unit (microcomputer) of a water heater, a reset operation for the control unit is required, and this reset operation causes information stored in the built-in memory of the control unit to be lost. For this reason, in the configuration as described above, for example, if a user performs an operation to update the firmware of the water heater while the water heater is in operation, the operation of the water heater that is in operation will be interrupted halfway.

[0006] Furthermore, some water heater operations, such as freeze prevention operation, are performed automatically without user intervention. Such operations are usually not aware of by the user. Therefore, if a user determines that the water heater is not operating and performs a firmware update operation, for example, if freeze prevention operation is being performed at that time, the reset of the control unit due to the firmware update operation will forcibly stop the freeze prevention operation, and there is a risk that the water heater or its piping may be damaged by freezing.

[0007] In view of these challenges, the present invention aims to provide a water heater that can perform firmware updates for a water heater smoothly while ensuring that the water heater operates properly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A water heating system according to the main embodiment of the present invention comprises a water heater and an operating unit communicatively connected to the water heater. The operating unit comprises an input unit for receiving operation input from a user, a notification unit for providing notification output to the user, and a control unit. When the control unit receives a firmware update operation for the water heater via the input unit, it determines whether the firmware update is possible based on whether the operating state of the water heater matches the prohibition conditions that prohibit the firmware update. If it determines that the firmware update is possible, it transmits an update instruction to the water heater to cause the water heater to perform the firmware update. If it determines that the firmware update is not possible, it does not transmit the update instruction, but instead causes the notification unit to transmit a notification based on the prohibition conditions.

[0009] According to the water heater according to this embodiment, if the operating state of the water heater matches the prohibition conditions that prohibit firmware updates, the firmware update will not be performed, and a notification based on the prohibition conditions will be issued. For example, if a firmware update operation is performed while freeze prevention operation is in progress, the firmware update will not be performed, and freeze prevention operation will continue. Thus, the water heater can be made to operate properly. In addition, since a notification based on the prohibition conditions is issued at this time, the user can understand that the firmware update has been stopped due to the predetermined prohibition conditions (for example, being in freeze prevention operation). This allows the user to take action, such as performing the firmware update operation again at the time when it is assumed that the operation of the water heater corresponding to the prohibition conditions has finished. Thus, firmware updates for the water heater can be performed smoothly. In this way, the water heater according to this embodiment allows for smooth firmware updates for the water heater while ensuring that the water heater operates properly.

[0010] In the hot water supply system according to this embodiment, the control unit may be configured to inquire with the water heater whether the firmware can be updated, the water heater may transmit a response to the control unit regarding whether the firmware can be updated based on whether its operating state matches the prohibition condition, and the control unit may determine whether the firmware can be updated based on the response from the water heater.

[0011] This configuration allows for determining whether a firmware update is possible based on the actual operating status of the water heater. Therefore, the firmware can be updated while the water heater is functioning properly.

[0012] In the hot water supply system according to this embodiment, the control unit may be configured to determine whether the operating state of the water heater matches the prohibition condition based on the operating state information obtained in advance through communication with the water heater, and to determine whether or not the firmware can be updated based on the determination result.

[0013] With this configuration, the control unit can determine whether the water heater's operating status meets the prohibition conditions and decide whether to update the firmware, without having to query the water heater from the control unit. Therefore, the decision on whether to update the firmware can be made more easily.

[0014] In the hot water supply system according to this embodiment, if the hot water heater receives the firmware update instruction while performing a predetermined operation, it may be configured to perform the firmware update after completing the predetermined operation.

[0015] With this configuration, for example, if a predetermined operation to safely shut down the water heater is in progress, the firmware update will be performed after this operation is completed. This allows the firmware update to be performed quickly while the water heater operation is completed properly.

[0016] In the hot water supply system according to this embodiment, if the hot water heater receives the firmware update instruction while performing a predetermined operation, it interrupts the predetermined operation and performs the firmware update.

[0017] This configuration allows for smooth firmware updates.

[0018] In this case, the water heater may be configured to resume the interrupted predetermined operation from the point of interruption after the firmware update.

[0019] With this configuration, the interrupted predetermined operation can be quickly completed after the firmware update.

[0020] Alternatively, the water heater may be configured to perform the interrupted predetermined operation from the beginning after the firmware update.

[0021] With this configuration, the predetermined operation is executed from the beginning after the firmware update, so the predetermined operation can be reliably executed with simple control. Effects of the Invention

[0022] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hot water supply apparatus that can smoothly perform firmware update on a water heater while allowing the water heater to appropriately perform its operation.

[0023] The effects and significance of the present invention will become further apparent from the description of the embodiments below. However, the embodiments described below are merely one example when embodying the present invention, and the present invention is not limited in any way to what is described in the following embodiments. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a hot water supply system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of a water heater, a kitchen remote controller and a server according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a combustion system and piping of a water heater according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing processing performed by a control unit of a kitchen remote controller during firmware update according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing processing for determining whether firmware can be updated according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing processing for determining whether firmware can be updated according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing processing performed when a control unit of a water heater receives an inquiry about whether firmware can be updated from a kitchen remote controller according to an embodiment. [Figure 8]Figures 8(a) and 8(b) show an example of a function to be judged according to the embodiment. Figures 8(a) and 8(b) further show an example of notification information that is notified when the firmware update process is canceled because each of the functions to be judged is in operation. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the process that the control unit of a water heater performs when it receives an update instruction and firmware, according to an embodiment of this model. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the process that the control unit of a water heater performs when it receives an update instruction and firmware, in the case of an example of a change. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a hot water supply system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the hot water supply system 1 comprises a hot water supply device 10 and a server 40. The hot water supply device 10 can communicate with the server 40 via an external communication network 30. The hot water supply device 10 can also be remotely controlled via the server 40 by a portable terminal device (for example, a mobile phone) not shown. Users of the portable terminal device can use their portable terminal device to perform various settings such as filling the bathtub, reheating, and setting the hot water temperature, either inside the house H10 or outside the house.

[0028] The hot water supply system 10 comprises a water heater 11 and remote controllers 12 and 13. The water heater 11 is a gas water heater that supplies hot water using gas as fuel. In other words, the hot water supply system 10 is a gas combustion type hot water supply system that heats water with combustion gas produced by burning gas fuel.

[0029] The hot water generated by the water heater 11 is supplied to kitchen faucets, bathtubs, taps, etc. The water heater 11 also supplies hot water to the respective devices (heating terminals) that provide underfloor heating, room heating, and bathroom heating functions.

[0030] Remote controllers 12 and 13 are connected to the water heater 11 and are used to make various settings and execution instructions for each function of the water heating system 10. Remote controller 12 includes a display unit 121 consisting of an LCD panel and an input unit 122, while remote controller 13 includes a display input unit 131 consisting of a touch panel and an operation button 132. The user can make arbitrary settings for things like filling the bathtub and adjusting the water temperature by operating the input unit 122 according to the screen displayed on the display unit 121. The user can also make settings such as filling the bathtub by operating the display input unit 131.

[0031] Remote controller 12 is installed in the bathroom, and remote controller 13 is installed in the kitchen or elsewhere. Remote controllers 12 and 13 are provided with audio windows 12a and 13a for inputting and outputting audio.

[0032] 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, etc., will be referred to as the "kitchen remote control 13."

[0033] Router 20 is a communication relay device that connects each device located within the building (in this case, H10 inside the house) to an external communication network 30. The external communication network 30 is, for example, the internet. A server 40 for managing the water heater 10 is connected to the external communication network 30. The kitchen remote control 13 communicates with the server 40 via Router 20 and the external communication network 30.

[0034] The kitchen remote control 13 has the application program for the hot water supply system 1 downloaded and installed from the server 40. This application program contains address information (for example, an IP address) for accessing the server 40. The kitchen remote control 13 accesses the server 40 and communicates with it based on this address information.

[0035] The address information of the kitchen remote control 13 is sent to the server 40 during initial setup and registered with the server 40. Furthermore, the ID information (identification information) of the kitchen remote control 13 is sent from the kitchen remote control 13 to the server 40 and registered with the server 40.

[0036] Figure 2 shows the circuit blocks of the water heater 11, kitchen remote control 13, and server 40.

[0037] The water heater 11 comprises a control unit 111, a storage unit 112, a drive unit 113, a detection unit 114, and a communication unit 115.

[0038] The control unit 111 is equipped with a microcomputer and controls each part of the water heater 11 according to a program (firmware) stored in its internal memory. The storage unit 112 is equipped with memory and is used as external memory (work area) when the firmware is executed.

[0039] The drive unit 113 includes drive means necessary for hot water supply operation, such as the main gas solenoid valve, proportional valve, flow control valve, and heater, which will be described later. The detection unit 114 includes various sensors located in the water heater 11. For example, the detection unit 114 includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the hot water and the temperature near the combustion chamber, and a flow sensor for detecting the supply of hot water.

[0040] The communication unit 115 communicates with the bathroom remote control 12 (see Figure 1) and the kitchen remote control 13 according to the control unit 111. This communication is performed via a two-core communication line that supplies power from the water heater 11 to the bathroom remote control 12 and the kitchen remote control 13.

[0041] The kitchen remote control 13 includes, in addition to the display input unit 131 and operation button 132 shown in Figure 1, a control unit 133, a storage unit 134, an audio output unit 135, and a communication unit 136.

[0042] The control unit 133 is equipped with a microcomputer and controls each part according to a program stored in the memory unit 134. The memory unit 134 is equipped with memory such as ROM and RAM and stores the program executed by the control unit 133. The audio output unit 135 is equipped with a microphone and outputs a predetermined sound under control from the control unit 133. The output sound is emitted to the outside through the audio window 13a in Figure 1. The communication unit 136 communicates with the communication unit 115 of the water heater 11 via a two-core communication line as described above. The communication unit 136 is also equipped with a communication module for communicating with the server 40 via the router 20 and the external communication network 30.

[0043] The server 40 comprises a control unit 411, a storage unit 412, and a communication unit 413.

[0044] The control unit 411 is equipped with an arithmetic processing circuit such as a CPU and controls each part according to the program stored in the memory unit 412. The memory unit 412 is equipped with storage means such as ROM, RAM, and hard disk and stores the program executed by the control unit 411. The memory unit 412 stores firmware information applicable to the water heater 11, for each type of water heater 11. The communication unit 413 communicates with the kitchen remote control 13 via the external communication network 30 under control from the control unit 411.

[0045] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the combustion system and piping configuration of the water heater 11.

[0046] The water heater 11 includes a first supply unit 210 and a second supply unit 220 within a housing 200 that forms its outer casing. The first supply unit 210 generates hot water for hot water supply and supplies it to hot water supply terminals such as faucets and bathtubs for the hot water supply function. The second supply unit 220 generates hot water for heating and supplies it to heating terminals such as floor heaters for heating functions including floor heating, room heating, and bathroom heating. Furthermore, the second supply unit 220 generates hot water for reheating and supplies it to the bathtub for the reheating function.

[0047] Furthermore, the casing 200 houses a boiler 250 that constitutes the combustion chamber, and a fan 260 for supplying combustion air to the inside of the boiler 250. The exhaust port 251 of the boiler 250 is led to the outside from the top surface of the casing 200.

[0048] The first supply unit 210 comprises 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 produced in the combustor 213, heating and raising the temperature of the water flowing through the inlet pipe 214. Water from a water source is supplied to the inlet pipe 214. The hot water generated by the heat exchange in the primary heat exchanger 211 and the secondary heat exchanger 212 is discharged from the outlet pipe 215. The discharged hot water is supplied to the faucets in the kitchen and bathroom.

[0049] A bypass pipe 216 is provided between the inlet pipe 214 and the outlet pipe 215. A flow control valve 217, controlled by the control unit 111, is installed in this bypass pipe 216. When the flow control valve 217 is opened, water flows from the inlet pipe 214 to the outlet pipe 215 via the bypass pipe 216. In this way, the water mixes with the hot water flowing through the outlet pipe 215, thereby adjusting the temperature of the water. The temperature of the water can also be adjusted by adjusting the flow rate of hot and cold water flowing through the inlet pipe 214 and the outlet pipe 215 using a flow control valve 218 provided in the outlet pipe 215. The flow control valve 218 may also be provided in the inlet pipe 214.

[0050] Fuel gas is supplied to the combustor 213 via a gas pipe 271. A main gas solenoid valve 272 is installed in the gas pipe 271 to switch the supply and shutoff of fuel gas. The main gas solenoid valve 272 is controlled by a control unit 111. Downstream of the main gas solenoid valve 272, the gas pipe 271 branches into two passages 271a and 271b. Proportional valves 273 and 274 are installed in passages 271a and 271b, respectively, to control the amount of fuel gas flowing through them. The proportional valves 273 and 274 are controlled by the control unit 111. The main gas solenoid valve 272 and the proportional valves 273 and 274 are included in the drive unit 113 in Figure 2.

[0051] Flow paths 271a and 271b are connected to combustors 213 and 223, respectively. When the main gas solenoid valve 272 is opened, a flow rate of fuel gas, determined by proportional valves 273 and 274, is supplied to combustors 213 and 223. As a result, combustors 213 and 223 burn at a predetermined combustion rate.

[0052] The second supply unit 220 comprises 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 each recover heat from the combustion gas produced in the combustor 223, and heat the water flowing through the flow pipes 234 and 233 to raise its temperature.

[0053] Regarding the heating function, the hot water dispensed from the circulation pipe 231 is supplied to heating terminals that require relatively high-temperature water (for example, around 80°C), namely the indoor heater and the bathroom ventilation, drying, and heating unit. The hot water dispensed from the circulation pipe 232 is supplied to heating terminals that require relatively low-temperature water (for example, around 60°C), namely the floor heater. The hot water that has circulated through these heating terminals is returned to the circulation pipe 233. In other words, the circulation pipes 231, 232, and 233, the piping connecting these circulation pipes to the heating terminals, and the circulation pipes 234 and 235 constitute a circulation path between the heating terminals and the heating terminals.

[0054] 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 control unit 111 drives the pump 237, the hot water in the expansion tank 236 is introduced to each heating terminal through the flow pipes 231 and 232, and the hot water that has passed through each heating terminal is returned to the flow pipe 233. The hot water returned to the flow pipe 233 is heated and warmed in the secondary heat exchanger 222 and stored in the expansion tank 236.

[0055] The low-temperature water stored in the expansion tank 236 is supplied to the low-temperature heating terminals through the flow pipe 232. The low-temperature water stored in the expansion tank 236 is also supplied to the primary heat exchanger 221 through the flow pipe 234, where it is heated to a high-temperature temperature. This high-temperature water is then supplied to the high-temperature heating terminals through the flow pipe 231. At this time, the flow control valve 238 installed in the flow pipe 235 is opened as appropriate by the control unit 111. This mixes the low-temperature water in the expansion tank 236 with the high-temperature water flowing through the flow pipe 231, adjusting the temperature of the hot water discharged from the flow pipe 231. In this way, low-temperature or high-temperature water circulates between each heating terminal and the primary heat exchanger 221 and secondary heat exchanger 222. Furthermore, the flow pipes 231 and 232 are equipped 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 low-temperature flow pipe 232 is closed, and when hot water is supplied only to the low-temperature heating terminal, the on-off valve of the high-temperature flow pipe 231 is closed.

[0056] Regarding the reheating function, the hot water dispensed from the circulation pipe 241 is supplied to the bathtub, and then returned from the bathtub to the circulation pipe 243. In other words, the circulation pipes 241 and 242, and the piping connecting these circulation pipes to the bathtub, constitute a circulation path between the bathtub and the water. A pump 244 is installed in the circulation pipe 242 to circulate the hot water between the circulation pipe and the bathtub. Furthermore, a liquid-liquid heat exchanger 245 is installed in the circulation pipe 242 to perform heat exchange with the hot water flowing through the circulation pipe 243.

[0057] During reheating, the control unit 111 drives the pump 237 and opens the on-off valve 246. As a result, the water heated in the primary heat exchanger 221 flows through the circulation pipe 243, and the water flowing through the circulation pipe 242 is heated in the liquid-liquid heat exchanger 245. The heated water is then supplied to the bathtub by the drive of the pump 244. In this way, the water circulating between the bathtub and the circulation pipes 241 and 242 is heated in the liquid-liquid heat exchanger 245, thereby reheating the water in the bathtub.

[0058] Regarding the bath filling function, the hot water flowing through the outlet pipe 215 is diverted to a flow pipe 247 branched off from the outlet pipe 215, and then guided to a flow pipe 242 by a hot water supply unit 248 located in the flow pipe 247. The hot water supply unit 248 is controlled by the control unit 111, and when the bath filling function is executed, it guides the hot water diverted from the outlet pipe 215 to the flow pipe 247 to the flow pipe 242. The hot water guided to the flow pipe 242 is supplied to the bathtub by the drive of the pump 244. In this way, the hot water generated in the first supply unit 210 is supplied to the bathtub, and the bathtub is filled with hot water.

[0059] Furthermore, various sensors for performing the hot water supply operation are installed inside the housing 200. Specifically, eight thermistors S1 to S8 (temperature sensors) are installed inside the housing 200.

[0060] Thermistor S1 detects the temperature of the water just before it is dispensed from the hot water outlet pipe 215, and thermistor S2 detects the temperature of the water flowing through the hot water outlet pipe 215 near the outlet of the boiler body 250 as the hot water supply temperature. Thermistors S3 and S4 detect the temperature of the water just before it is dispensed from the flow pipes 231 and 232 to each heating terminal, respectively, and thermistor S5 detects the temperature of the water returned from each heating terminal to the flow pipe 233. Thermistor S6 detects the temperature of the water just before it is dispensed from the flow pipe 241 to the bathtub, and thermistor S7 detects the temperature of the water returned from the bathtub to the flow pipe 242. Thermistor S8 detects the temperature near the exhaust port 251.

[0061] In addition, a flow sensor S9 for detecting the flow rate of hot water flowing through the hot water outlet pipe 215 is installed inside the housing 200. When the unit is in the ON state, the control unit 111 activates the first supply unit 210 when the flow sensor S9 detects a flow rate exceeding a predetermined amount. This starts the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply function. The thermistors S1 to S7 and the flow sensor S9 are included in the detection unit 114 in Figure 3.

[0062] Additionally, heaters H1 and H2 are located near the boiler body 250 of the inlet pipe 214 and outlet pipe 215 to heat the inlet pipe 214 and outlet pipe 215. Furthermore, heaters H3 and H4 are located near the boiler body 250 of the flow pipes 233 and 234 to heat the flow pipes 233 and 234.

[0063] These heaters are driven during freeze prevention operation. Specifically, when the temperature detected by thermistor S8 falls below a predetermined threshold, the control unit 111 drives heaters H1 to H4 to prevent freezing of the primary heat exchangers 211 and 221 and the secondary heat exchangers 212 and 222. In addition, when the temperature detected by a temperature sensor for detecting ambient temperature (not shown) falls below a predetermined threshold, the control unit 111 circulates the hot water in the bathtub through the piping connecting the water heater 11 and the bathtub to prevent freezing of this piping.

[0064] Incidentally, in the hot water supply system 1 with the above configuration, the firmware of the water heater 11 can be updated at any time by operation from the user on the kitchen remote control 13.

[0065] In this configuration, when the firmware of the control unit 111 (microcomputer) of the water heater 11 is updated, a reset operation of the control unit 111 is required, and this reset operation erases the information stored in the internal memory of the control unit 111. Therefore, in the above configuration, for example, if a user performs an operation to update the firmware of the water heater 11 while the water heater 11 is operating, the operation of the water heater 11 will be interrupted midway.

[0066] Furthermore, some operations of the water heater 11, such as freeze prevention operation, are performed automatically without user intervention. Such operations are usually not known to the user. Therefore, if the user determines that the water heater 11 is not operating and performs a firmware update operation for the water heater 11, for example, if freeze prevention operation is being performed at that time, the reset of the control unit 111 due to the firmware update operation will forcibly stop the freeze prevention operation, and there is a risk that the water heater 11 or its piping may be damaged by freezing.

[0067] In light of these problems, this embodiment implements a control mechanism that allows for the smooth updating of the firmware of the water heater 11 while ensuring that the water heater 11 operates correctly. This control mechanism will be described below.

[0068] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the process performed by the control unit 133 of the kitchen remote control 13 during a firmware update.

[0069] Referring to Figure 4, the control unit 133 acquires firmware information to be updated from the server 40 in response to a firmware update operation input from the user to the display input unit 131 (S101). Once the control unit 133 has acquired the firmware from the server 40, it displays a reception screen for receiving firmware update instructions on the display input unit 131. When the control unit 133 receives an update instruction from the user via this reception screen (S102: YES), it performs a determination process to determine whether or not the firmware update is permitted (S103). In step S103, the control unit 133 determines whether or not the firmware update is permitted based on whether or not the operating state of the water heater 11 matches the prohibition conditions that prohibit the firmware update.

[0070] If a firmware update is possible (S104: YES), the control unit 133 sends the firmware acquired in step S101 to the water heater 11 along with an update instruction (S105), and terminates the process shown in Figure 4. The control unit 111 of the water heater 11 temporarily stores the firmware received in step S105 in the storage unit 112. Then, the control unit 111 overwrites the firmware stored in the storage unit 112 with the firmware stored in the internal memory of the control unit 111 and resets the control unit 111. This completes the firmware update. The firmware update process in the water heater 11 will be explained later with reference to Figure 9.

[0071] On the other hand, if firmware updates are not possible (S104: NO), the control unit 133 performs a process to notify the user that firmware updates are not possible without transmitting the firmware or an update instruction (S106). Here, notification is given based on the prohibition conditions that are the reason why firmware updates cannot be performed. This notification is given, for example, by displaying a notification screen on the display input unit 131 of the kitchen remote control 13. At the same time, the audio output unit 135 may output a chime sound or a message voice with the same content as the notification screen. Alternatively, instead of displaying a notification screen, the audio output unit 135 may output a chime sound and a message voice based on the prohibition conditions.

[0072] Figures 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the process for determining whether an update is permitted in step S103 of Figure 4. The processes in Figures 5 and 6 are performed in parallel. Steps S111 and S112 in Figure 5 correspond to one of the prohibition conditions mentioned above.

[0073] First, referring to Figure 5, the control unit 133 determines whether the operating state of the water heater 11 matches the prohibition conditions based on information indicating the current operating state of the water heater 11 (operating information) that has been acquired in advance through communication with the water heater 11 (S111, S112). Specifically, the control unit 133 refers to the operating information of a pre-set function (function to be judged) (S111) and determines whether the function to be judged is in operation (S112).

[0074] Here, the functions to be judged are those whose operation would be interrupted by a firmware update, potentially causing inconvenience to the user or resulting in malfunctions such as failures in the water heater 11. Furthermore, the functions to be judged may include, for example, functions that involve extensive computational processing over a long period of time, and for which it would be undesirable if their operation were interrupted by a firmware update. In the judgment process shown in Figure 5, some of these functions, whose operation can be determined by the control unit 133 based on current operation information acquired in advance by the control unit 133 through communication with the water heater 11, are set as the functions to be judged in steps S111 and S112.

[0075] If the function to be judged is not in operation (S112: NO), the control unit 133 determines that a firmware update is possible (S113). On the other hand, if the function to be judged is in operation (S112: YES), the control unit 133 determines that a firmware update is not possible (S114).

[0076] Next, referring to Figure 6, the control unit 133 queries the water heater 11 to ask whether or not a firmware update is possible (S121). If the control unit 133 receives a response from the water heater 11 indicating that an update is possible (S121: YES), it determines that a firmware update is possible (S123). On the other hand, if the control unit 133 receives a response from the water heater 11 indicating that an update is not possible (S122: NO), it determines that a firmware update is not possible (S124).

[0077] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing that occurs when the control unit 111 of the water heater 11 receives an inquiry in step S121 of Figure 6.

[0078] The control unit 111 determines whether the operating state of the water heater 11 conforms to the prohibition conditions (S201, S202). Specifically, the control unit 111 refers to the operating state of the function to be determined among the functions to be determined as described above (S201) and determines whether the function to be determined is in operation (S202).

[0079] If the function to be judged is not in operation (S202: NO), the control unit 111 sends a response to the kitchen remote control 13 indicating that a firmware update is possible (S203). On the other hand, if the function to be judged is in operation (S202: YES), the control unit 111 sends a response to the kitchen remote control 13 indicating that a firmware update is not possible (S204).

[0080] Returning to Figure 4, if the control unit 133 of the kitchen remote control 13 determines that the firmware update is possible by either process in Figure 5 or Figure 6, it sets the determination in step S104 to YES and executes the process in step S105. On the other hand, if the control unit 133 determines that the firmware update is not possible by at least one of the processes in Figure 5 or Figure 6, it sets the determination in step S104 to NO and executes the process in step S106.

[0081] Figure 8(a) shows an example of a function to be judged in steps S111 and S112 of Figure 5. Figure 8(a) also shows an example of the notification information that is notified in step S106 of Figure 4 when the firmware update process is canceled because this function to be judged is in operation.

[0082] Here, the energy data update function is set as one of the functions to be evaluated. The energy data update function is a function that aggregates and updates gas usage, water usage, etc., on an hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. Because the energy data update function involves a large amount of computational processing over a long period of time, it is undesirable for its operation to be interrupted midway due to a firmware update. From this perspective, the energy data update function is listed as one of the functions to be evaluated. The energy data updated by the energy data update function is displayed on the display input unit 131 in response to user operations on the display input unit 131.

[0083] Figure 8(b) shows an example of the functions to be judged in steps S201 and S202 of Figure 7. Figure 8(b) also shows an example of the notification information that is notified in step S106 of Figure 4 when the firmware update process is canceled because these functions to be judged are in operation.

[0084] Here, the following functions are set as the functions to be judged: the operation function, the room heating function, the bathroom heating function, the floor heating function, the emergency operation function, and the freeze prevention operation function. The operation function is a function that sets the water heater 11 to the operating state when the operation button 132 is operated. The room heating function, bathroom heating function, and floor heating function are as described above. The emergency operation function is a function that operates the water heater 11 using an external battery in the event of a power outage, etc. The freeze prevention operation function is a function that prevents the freezing of the primary heat exchangers 211, 221 and the secondary heat exchangers 212, 222, as well as the freezing of the piping connecting the water heater 11 and the bathtub, as described above.

[0085] The operation function, room heating function, bathroom heating function, floor heating function, and emergency operation function should not be discontinued by a firmware update, as this would inconvenience users. Similarly, the freeze prevention operation function should not be discontinued by a firmware update, as this could cause malfunctions or other problems in the water heater 11. For these reasons, these functions are included as one of the functions subject to evaluation.

[0086] If the firmware update is canceled because either of the functions to be judged in Figure 8(a) or (b) is in operation, a notification is issued in step S106 of Figure 4 based on the notification information associated with that function. For example, the notification screen includes a message image of the notification information, and the notification audio includes a message audio of the notification information. This allows the user to understand why the firmware update was canceled.

[0087] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processes that the control unit 111 of the water heater 11 performs when it receives the update instruction and firmware transmitted in step S105 of Figure 4.

[0088] When the control unit 111 receives an update instruction and firmware from the kitchen remote control 13 (S211: YES), it temporarily stores the firmware in the storage unit 112 as described above and determines whether the completion waiting function is in operation (S212). The completion waiting function is a function that, from the standpoint of safety and other factors, is preferable to wait for the completion of its operation before performing the firmware update process.

[0089] As a completion standby function, for example, after combustion in the combustors 213 and 223 has finished, a function is included to suppress the rise in temperature of the flow paths of the primary heat exchangers 211 and 221 and the secondary heat exchangers 212 and 222, and the hot water remaining in these flow paths, due to the residual heat from the combustors 213 and 223. In this function, after combustion in the combustors 213 and 223 has finished, the fan 260 is driven for a predetermined time, and the hot water is circulated to the primary heat exchanger 221 and the secondary heat exchanger 222 by the pump 237.

[0090] In addition, the completion standby function may include functions to suppress water hammer, and functions to store information such as combustion time and number of combustion cycles in the memory unit 112, so as to ensure that the operation is completed quickly.

[0091] If the completion waiting function is active (S212:YES), the control unit 111 waits for the completion waiting function to complete (S213). After the completion waiting function has completed (S213:YES), the control unit 111 proceeds to step S214. Also, if the completion waiting function is not active (S212:NO), the control unit 111 proceeds to step S214.

[0092] In step S214, the control unit 111 determines whether the function to be interrupted is in operation (S214). If the function to be interrupted is not in operation (S214: NO), the control unit 111 executes the firmware update process (S215). In the firmware update process, as described above, the firmware temporarily stored in the memory unit 112 is overwritten in the internal memory of the control unit 111, and the control unit 111 is reset.

[0093] The functions subject to interruption are those that can interrupt ongoing operations before starting a firmware update and resume operations from the point of interruption after the firmware update. These interruption functions include a drain drainage function that drains condensate generated during heat recovery of combustion gases by primary heat exchangers 211, 221 and secondary heat exchangers 212, 222, and a pipe cleaning function that cleans the hot water circulation path between the bathtub and the water heater 11 when draining hot water from the bathtub.

[0094] In the drain function, the drain collected in the tank 250 is, for example, directed to the flow pipe 242 (see Figure 3) by a three-way switching valve when draining hot water from the bathtub, and then guided to the bathtub by a pump 244. For convenience, the diagram of the configuration for realizing the drain function is omitted in Figure 2. In the pipe cleaning function, when the draining of hot water from the bathtub is almost complete, new hot or cold water is supplied from the hot water supply unit 248 to the flow pipe 242, and then guided to the bathtub by a pump 244.

[0095] If the function to be interrupted is in operation (S214: YES), the control unit 111 interrupts the operation of the function to be interrupted, stores the operating state of the function (interruption timing in the operation sequence) in the external memory, the storage unit 112, in association with the identification information of the function (S216), and executes the firmware update process (S217). In step S217, the control unit 111 overwrites the firmware temporarily stored in the storage unit 112 with its own internal memory and resets the control unit 111 (microcomputer).

[0096] Once the firmware update process is complete (S217), the control unit 111 checks the information stored in the memory unit 112 to see if there are any interrupted functions that were interrupted by the firmware update process. The control unit 111 then reads the operating state (interruption timing) of the interrupted functions from the memory unit 112 (S218) and resumes the operation of the interrupted functions based on the read operating state (interruption timing) (S219). At this time, the control unit 111 erases the operating state (interruption timing) of the interrupted functions from the memory unit 112. With this, the control unit 111 terminates the process shown in Figure 9.

[0097] <Effects of the Embodiment> According to the embodiment, the following effects may be achieved.

[0098] As shown in Figure 4, when the control unit 133 of the kitchen remote control 13 (operator) receives a firmware update operation for the water heater 11 via the display input unit 131 (input unit) (S102: YES), it determines whether the firmware update is possible based on whether the operating state of the water heater 11 matches the prohibition conditions that prohibit the firmware update (steps S111 and S112 in Figure 5, and steps S201 and S202 in Figure 7) (S103). If it determines that the firmware update is possible (S104: YES), it sends an update instruction to the water heater 11 to perform the firmware update (S105). If it determines that the firmware update is not possible (S104: NO), it does not send an update instruction, but instead sends a notification based on the prohibition conditions to the display input unit 131 (notification unit) and the audio output unit 135 (notification unit) (S106).

[0099] This control ensures that if the operating state of the water heater 11 matches a prohibition condition that prohibits firmware updates, the firmware update will not be performed, and a notification based on the prohibition condition will be issued. For example, if a firmware update operation is performed while freeze prevention operation is running, the freeze prevention operation will continue without the firmware update. This allows the water heater to operate properly. Furthermore, since a notification based on the prohibition condition is issued at this time, the user can understand that the firmware update has been stopped due to a predetermined prohibition condition (for example, being in freeze prevention operation). This allows the user to take action, such as performing the firmware update operation again at a time when it is assumed that the operation of the water heater 11 corresponding to the prohibition condition has finished. This allows for smooth firmware updates to the water heater 11. Thus, according to the water heater 10 of this embodiment, firmware updates to the water heater 11 can be performed smoothly while ensuring that the water heater 11 operates properly.

[0100] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the control unit 133 of the kitchen remote control 13 (operator) queries the water heater 11 to inquire whether a firmware update is possible (S121 in Figure 6). The control unit 111 of the water heater 11 sends a response regarding whether a firmware update is possible to the control unit 133 of the kitchen remote control 13 based on whether its own operating state matches the prohibition conditions (S201, S202 in Figure 7) (S203, S204 in Figure 7). The control unit 133 of the kitchen remote control 13 determines whether a firmware update is possible based on the response from the water heater 11 (S122-S124 in Figure 6). This process allows the determination of whether a firmware update is possible based on the actual operating state of the water heater 11. Therefore, the firmware can be updated while the water heater 11 operates appropriately.

[0101] As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 133 of the kitchen remote control 13 (operator) determines whether the operating state of the water heater 11 conforms to the prohibition conditions (S112) based on information about the operating state acquired in advance through communication with the water heater 11 (S111), and then decides whether to update the firmware based on the determination result (S113, S114). This allows the kitchen remote control 13 to determine whether the operating state of the water heater 11 conforms to the prohibition conditions and decide whether to update the firmware without having to query the water heater 11 from the kitchen remote control 13. Thus, the decision on whether to update the firmware can be made more easily.

[0102] As shown in Figure 9, if the control unit 111 of the water heater 11 receives a firmware update instruction while performing a predetermined operation (operation of the completion standby function) (S211:YES, S212:YES), it performs the firmware update after completing the predetermined operation (operation of the completion standby function) (S215, S217). This ensures that, for example, if a predetermined operation to safely shut down the water heater 11 (for example, the heat dissipation operation immediately after the end of combustion) is being performed, the firmware update will be performed after this operation is completed. Therefore, the firmware update can be performed quickly while the operation of the water heater 11 is properly completed.

[0103] As shown in Figure 9, if the control unit 111 of the water heater 11 receives a firmware update instruction while performing a predetermined operation (operation of the interrupted function) (S214: YES), it interrupts the predetermined operation (operation of the interrupted function) (S216) and performs the firmware update (S217). This allows the firmware update to proceed smoothly.

[0104] Here, the control unit 111 of the water heater 11 resumes the interrupted predetermined operation (operation of the interrupted function) from the point of interruption after the firmware update (S218, S219). This allows the interrupted predetermined operation (operation of the interrupted function) to be completed quickly after the firmware update.

[0105] <Example of changes> In the control shown in Figure 9, the operation of the interrupted function, which was suspended due to the firmware update, resumed from the point of interruption after the firmware update. In contrast, in this modified example, the operation of the interrupted function, which was suspended due to the firmware update, is executed from the beginning after the firmware update.

[0106] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the process that the control unit 111 of the water heater 11 performs when it receives the update instruction and firmware transmitted in step S105 of Figure 4, in the case of an example of modification.

[0107] In the flowchart of Figure 10, steps S216, S218, and S219 of the flowchart in Figure 9 are replaced by steps S221, S222, and S223, respectively. The processing in the other steps of Figure 10 is the same as the corresponding steps in Figure 9.

[0108] If the determination in step S214 is YES, the control unit 111 of the water heater 11 interrupts the operation of the interruption target function and stores the interruption flag in the external memory, the storage unit 112, associating it with the identification information of the function (S221). After the firmware update process is completed (S217), the control unit 111 refers to the information stored in the storage unit 112 and checks using the interruption flag whether there is an interruption target function that was interrupted by the firmware update process (S222). Then, the control unit 111 executes the operation of the interruption target function associated with the interruption flag from the beginning (S223) and erases the interruption flag from the storage unit 112.

[0109] According to this control system, the predetermined operation (the operation of the interrupted function) is executed from the beginning after the firmware update, so the predetermined operation (the operation of the interrupted function) can be reliably executed with simple control.

[0110] <Other examples of changes> In the above embodiment, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, for predetermined functions to be judged, the water heater 11 is inquired about whether or not a firmware update is possible, causing the water heater 11 to confirm whether or not these functions to be judged are in operation. However, if information indicating the operating status of all functions to be judged is transmitted from the water heater 11 to the kitchen remote control 13 at any time, the control in Figures 6 and 7 may be omitted, and the control unit 133 of the kitchen remote control 13 may determine whether or not all functions to be judged are in operation by the process in Figure 5, and then decide whether or not to update the firmware.

[0111] Alternatively, the control shown in Figure 5 may be omitted, and the water heater 11 may check whether all functions subject to judgment are operating or not using the processes shown in Figures 6 and 7, determine whether or not the firmware update is possible, and transmit the result from the water heater 11 to the kitchen remote control 13.

[0112] Furthermore, the functions subject to evaluation are not limited to those shown in Figures 8(a) and (b); for example, other functions may also be included as functions subject to evaluation.

[0113] Furthermore, the completion waiting function and interruption target function that are subject to determination in the process shown in Figure 9 are not limited to those shown above. For example, other functions may be included in the completion waiting function or interruption target function, or some of the functions shown above may be excluded from the completion waiting function or interruption target function.

[0114] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the kitchen remote control 13 was used for firmware updates, but the bathroom remote control 12 may also be used for firmware updates, and if another remote controller is connected to the water heater 11, this remote controller may also be used for firmware updates. In addition, in a configuration where the water heater 10 does not have a remote controller and an operation panel is installed on the front of the water heater 11, the firmware update may be performed using this operation panel (operator).

[0115] Furthermore, the configuration of the hot water supply system 10 is not limited to the configuration shown in the above embodiment, and other configurations are also possible. For example, the hot water supply system 10 may have a configuration that does not have a heating function, or a configuration that does not have a reheating function. Also, the hot water supply system 10 may have a configuration that does not have one or two of the functions included in the heating function, namely the floor heating function, the room heating function, and the bathroom heating function. Moreover, the hot water supply system 10 may have a configuration that has only a hot water supply function.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the hot water heater 10 was a gas combustion type hot water heater that heats water with combustion gas produced by burning gas fuel, but the configuration of the hot water heater 10 is not limited to this. For example, the hot water heater 10 may be an oil combustion type hot water heater 10 that heats water by burning oil fuel. Alternatively, the hot water heater 10 may be a cogeneration type hot water heater that, together with the water heater 11, utilizes waste heat from a generator that generates electricity to produce hot water.

[0117] Furthermore, the combustion system and piping configuration of the water heater 11 are not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 3, but may be other configurations.

[0118] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 10. Hot water supply system 11. Water heater 13. Kitchen remote control (operator) 131 Display Input Unit (Input Unit, Notification Unit) 133 Control Unit 134 Storage section 135 Audio output unit (notification unit)

Claims

1. Water heater and The water heater is equipped with an operating device that is communicatively connected to it, The aforementioned operating device is An input unit that receives operation input from the user, A notification unit that outputs a notification to the user, It comprises a control unit and, The control unit, When a firmware update operation for the water heater is received via the input unit, the system determines whether or not the firmware update is permitted based on whether or not the operating state of the water heater meets the prohibition conditions that prohibit the firmware update. If it is determined that the firmware update is possible, an update instruction is sent to the water heater to cause it to perform the firmware update. If it is determined that the firmware update is not possible, the notification unit will be notified of the prohibition conditions without sending the update instruction. A hot water supply system characterized by the following features.

2. In the hot water supply device according to claim 1, The control unit queries the water heater to determine whether the firmware can be updated. The water heater transmits a response to the control unit indicating whether or not the firmware update is permitted, based on whether or not its own operating state conforms to the prohibition condition. The control unit determines whether or not the firmware can be updated based on the response from the water heater. A hot water supply system characterized by the following features.

3. In the hot water supply device according to claim 1, The control unit determines, based on the operating status information obtained in advance through communication with the water heater, whether the operating status of the water heater matches the prohibition condition, and determines whether or not to update the firmware based on the determination result. A hot water supply system characterized by the following features.

4. In the hot water supply device according to claim 1, If the water heater receives the firmware update instruction while performing a predetermined operation, it will perform the firmware update after completing the predetermined operation. A hot water supply system characterized by the following features.

5. In the hot water supply device according to claim 1, If the water heater receives the firmware update instruction while performing a predetermined operation, it will interrupt the predetermined operation and perform the firmware update. A hot water supply system characterized by the following features.

6. In the hot water supply device according to claim 5, The water heater will resume the interrupted predetermined operation from the point of interruption after the firmware update. A hot water supply system characterized by the following features.

7. In the hot water supply device according to claim 5, The water heater will perform the interrupted predetermined operation from the beginning after the firmware update. A hot water supply system characterized by the following features.

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