JP6597004B2 - Heat source machine control device and heat source machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a heat source machine control device, and more particularly to a heat source machine control device that controls notification of an inspection time.

  Conventionally, heat source machines such as water heaters and bath tubs have a function of notifying that it is time to check the equipment. As such a notification function, for example, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-128506), when it is determined that the lifetime has been reached from the cumulative usage time of the device, Disclose the function to automatically extend the life time.

  Moreover, the heat source apparatus of patent document 2 (Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2013-155915) alert | reports that it is a maintenance execution time on condition that the integrated value of driving | operation information reached the predetermined reference value. Moreover, the water heater of patent document 3 (Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2010-2146) alert | reports lifetime remaining time until goods reach the lifetime.

JP 2008-128506 A JP2013-155915A JP 2010-2146 A

  Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 2 or 3, since a notification that prompts maintenance is performed when a predetermined time (for example, 10 years) has passed since installation of a device, if the device installation time is winter, The maintenance notification is carried out. In addition, since heat source devices such as water heaters and bath tubs are prone to freezing or poor ignition due to low temperatures, the number of repair requests to service shops in winter is higher than in other seasons. Therefore, in winter, the number of cases that service shop staff should deal with will be concentrated, and the response will be delayed.

  On the user side, if the heat source machine breaks down and "no hot water is available" or "cannot take a bath", it will be forced into a very inconvenient situation, but this is more demanding for hot water than in summer. The winter season is more intense. In particular, when a hot water heating heat source machine used in a cold region breaks down, it becomes more urgent, and a prompt response from a service shop staff is desired.

  In response to such a problem, Patent Document 1 automatically extends the life time when the outside air temperature is equal to or less than the set outside air temperature, based on the fact that a considerable margin is added to the life time setting. This eliminates the concentration of the number of requests mentioned above. However, considering the fact that the outdoor temperature where the heat source equipment is installed differs greatly even in the same season in Hokkaido and Kyushu, for example, as in Patent Document 1, the notification extension is based on the uniformly set outside temperature. If a decision is made, there remains a problem that the concentration of the number cannot be resolved depending on the region.

  This indication is made in order to solve the above-mentioned subject, and the object is to provide the control device of the heat source machine which reports inspection time in consideration of outdoor temperature.

  The control device for the heat source device according to the embodiment includes a receiving unit that receives a measurement value including a temperature measured in the heat source device, a time measuring unit for measuring a usage time from the start of use of the heat source device, and a receiving unit. An acquisition unit for acquiring a correlation value correlated with the outdoor temperature of the heat source unit from a measurement value accepted by the unit, and an informing unit for informing that the usage time has reached the inspection time corresponding to the inspection time And a threshold value determination unit for determining a threshold value based on a correlation value acquired by the acquisition unit during a predetermined period from the start of use to the inspection time, and the use time reaches a determination time equal to or less than the inspection time. A timing determination unit that determines a notification timing based on a result of comparison between the correlation value acquired by the acquisition unit and the threshold value.

  Preferably, the acquisition unit acquires a correlation value at the start of use of the heat source unit, and the timing determination unit further includes a correlation value and a threshold value acquired at the start of use when the use time reaches a determination time equal to or less than the inspection time. Based on the result of the comparison with the above, the notification time is determined.

  Preferably, the timing determination unit determines the notification timing as the inspection timing or the inspection timing based on a result of comparison as to whether or not the correlation value is equal to or less than a threshold when the usage time reaches the determination time. Decide at a different time.

  Preferably, the correlation value includes a correlation temperature correlated with the outdoor temperature, the acquisition unit acquires the temperature received by the reception unit as the correlation temperature, and the threshold value determination unit is determined by the acquisition unit during a predetermined period. A threshold temperature is determined as a threshold based on the repeatedly acquired correlation temperature.

  Preferably, the predetermined period indicates at least one year, and the threshold value determination unit determines a winter temperature correlated with the outdoor temperature in winter as the threshold value based on the correlation temperature repeatedly acquired by the acquisition unit in at least one year. To do.

  Preferably, the time determination unit determines the notification time as the inspection time when the correlation temperature acquired by the acquisition unit is higher than the winter temperature when the usage time reaches a determination time equal to or less than the inspection time, and the correlation temperature is When the temperature is lower than the winter temperature, the notification time is determined to be different.

Preferably, the different time includes a time shifted by six months from the inspection time.
Preferably, the heat source device includes a temperature sensor for measuring an outside air temperature, and the acquisition unit acquires the outside air temperature measured by the temperature sensor as a correlation temperature.

  Preferably, the heat source device includes a water temperature sensor that measures the temperature of water supplied from outside to the heat source device, and the acquisition unit acquires the temperature of water measured by the water temperature sensor as a correlation temperature.

  Preferably, the heat source unit is configured to combust fuel to generate combustion gas, a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the combustion gas and hot water, and hot water at a set temperature from the heat exchanger to the outside. It further includes a hot water supply path for sending out and a flow rate measuring unit for measuring the flow rate of hot water at a set temperature in the hot water supply path. The measurement value includes a measurement flow rate by the flow rate measurement unit, and the acquisition unit acquires the water temperature based on the amount of heat generated in the combustion unit and the measurement flow rate by the flow rate measurement unit as a correlation temperature.

  Preferably, the heat source unit includes a combustion unit that burns fuel to generate combustion gas, a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the combustion gas and hot water, a fan that operates when the combustion unit burns, and a fan A current measuring unit that measures the current value of The measured value includes a current value measured by the current measuring unit. The acquisition unit acquires, as a correlation value, a current value measured by the current measurement unit when a predetermined number of rotations has started after the fan starts operating.

  Preferably, the heat source unit combusts fuel to generate combustion gas, a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the combustion gas and hot water, and sends hot water from the heat exchanger to the bathtub. And a bathtub measuring unit for measuring the amount and temperature of hot water in the bathtub. The measurement value includes the amount and temperature of hot water measured by the bathtub measurement unit, and the acquisition unit is based on the measurement value by the bathtub measurement unit, so that the temperature per unit amount of hot water decreases by a predetermined temperature. Is obtained as a correlation value.

In another embodiment, a heat source machine including the control device described above is provided.
The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic block diagram of a hot water supply device 1 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a controller 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. It is a figure which shows roughly the function structure for implementing alerting | reporting of the inspection time which concerns on this Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 shows an overall flowchart according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart of the representative temperature acquisition process which concerns on this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a graph for demonstrating the effect which concerns on each embodiment. It is a graph for demonstrating the effect which concerns on each embodiment. It is a graph for demonstrating the effect which concerns on each embodiment. It is a graph for demonstrating the effect which concerns on each embodiment. It is a graph for demonstrating the effect which concerns on each embodiment. It is a graph for demonstrating the effect which concerns on each embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[Technology]
The technical idea according to the present embodiment is as follows. The control device of the heat source device acquires a correlation value with the outdoor temperature based on the measurement value in the heat source device. A threshold value is determined from a correlation value acquired in a predetermined period. When the usage time of the heat source unit measured by the time measuring unit reaches a predetermined time, the acquired correlation value is compared with the above threshold value, and the inspection time has arrived based on the comparison result Is determined variably.

  As a result, depending on the heat source machine, it is possible to change the notification time to a time different from the original inspection time, eliminating the concentration of the number of requests to the service shop as described above and responding to user requests. It becomes possible.

[Embodiment 1]
First, the heat source machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. Although the heat source apparatus of this Embodiment demonstrates the hot water supply apparatus which is an example of the latent heat recovery type heat source apparatus which can collect | recover the latent heat of combustion gas, a heat source apparatus is not limited to such a hot water supply apparatus.

(Hardware configuration of water heater 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a hot water supply apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, a hot water supply apparatus 1 includes a combustion section 30 that generates fuel by burning fuel in a housing 1a, a heat exchanger 32 that performs heat exchange between the combustion gas and hot water, And a fan 31 that rotates when the combustion unit 30 burns. The hot water supply device 1 further includes an F point thermistor 36 that measures the outside air temperature in the housing 1 a, a water inlet pipe 50, a bypass pipe 60, a hot water outlet pipe 70, and a controller 100 for controlling the hot water supply apparatus 1. The fan 31 sucks outdoor air by rotation and supplies the air to the combustion unit 30. The water intake pipe 50 communicates with an external water supply, and is an example of a “water supply channel” for supplying tap water or the like into the hot water supply apparatus 1. The hot water outlet pipe 70 is an embodiment of a “hot water supply path” for sending hot water from the heat exchanger 32 to the outside. The controller 100 is an example of a “control device”.

  A bypass pipe 60 is disposed between the water inlet pipe 50 and the hot water outlet pipe 70. A distribution valve 80 for controlling the diversion to the bypass pipe 60 is inserted and connected to the water inlet pipe 50 so that hot water having a set temperature is sent to the hot water outlet pipe 70. Further, a temperature sensor 110 and a flow rate sensor 150 are arranged in the water intake pipe 50. The temperature sensor 110 detects the water temperature of the water intake pipe 50. Depending on the opening degree of the distribution valve 80, a part of the water supply amount is diverted from the water inlet pipe 50 to the bypass pipe 60.

  The flow rate sensor 150 is disposed downstream of the distribution valve 80 (combustion unit 30 side). The flow rate sensor 150 is an example of a “flow rate measurement unit” for measuring the flow rate of hot water at a set temperature in the hot water supply passage (the tap pipe 70).

  The outlet pipe 70 is connected to the bypass pipe 60 at the junction 75. Hot water at an appropriate temperature (set temperature) in which high-temperature hot water output from the combustion unit 30 and water from the bypass pipe 60 are mixed is supplied to a hot water tap 190 or a pouring circuit into the bathtub 8 or the like.

  The outlet pipe 70 is provided with a flow rate adjusting valve 90 and a temperature sensor. This temperature sensor includes a temperature sensor 130 that detects a tapping temperature after water from the bypass pipe 60 is mixed.

  The flow rate adjustment valve 90 is variably controlled by a pulse signal (electric power) from the controller 100 in order to control the hot water supply flow rate.

  Further, on the downstream side of the flow rate adjustment valve 90, a pouring path 40 for sending hot water from the heat exchanger 32 to the bathtub 8 is provided separately from the path communicating with the hot water tap 190. The pouring passage 40 is provided with a pouring solenoid valve 132 corresponding to a pouring valve for pouring (supplying hot water) to the bathtub 8. The amount of feed from the hot water supply path to the pouring path 40 through the pouring electromagnetic valve 132 is measured by the pouring flow rate sensor 131.

  The hot water supply apparatus 1 in FIG. 1 also has a bath recirculation circuit. The memorial circuit is provided with a return circuit indicated by an arrow “full return” and a forward circuit indicated by an arrow “full return” in the drawing. When the bath pump 33 is activated, the bath water from the bathtub 8 is discharged from the circulation adapter 81 via the bath return pipe, the heat exchanger of the combustion unit 30 and the bath outlet pipe from the suction port of the circulation adapter 81. Circulate the path to the exit 86. Thereby, the memorial circulation path which circulates bathtub water between the bathtub 8 (circulation adapter 81) and the heat exchanger of the combustion part 30 is formed.

  The water level of the bathtub 8 is measured by the water level sensor 34. The pouring route to the bathtub 8 is realized by using a part of the memorial circulation route. The pouring path is arranged so as to join the memorial circulation path (return path) via the pouring solenoid valve 132. The pouring solenoid valve 132 operates so as to switch the execution and shut-off of pouring by the opening / closing switching control of the controller 100. The temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 8 is measured by a bathtub thermistor 35 provided in the middle of circulation from the circulation adapter 81 to the heat exchanger 32.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the controller 100 according to the first embodiment. The controller 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a storage unit 102, an interface 103, an operation unit 104 for receiving user operations, an output unit 105 for outputting information related to the operation of the hot water supply device 1, and a timer 106. . The hot water supply device 1 is supplied with power from a power source (not shown) via the power source unit 107.

  The interface 103 sends control signals to various valves and various pumps in the hot water supply apparatus 1 and from various sensors in the hot water supply apparatus 1 (temperature sensors such as water level sensors, pressure sensors, thermistors, flow rate sensors, etc.). The detection signal is input. The interface 103 has a conversion circuit that converts these detection signals into data, and outputs the converted data to the CPU 101. The interface 103 is an example of a “receiving unit” that receives a measurement value including a temperature measured in the hot water supply apparatus 1.

  The operation unit 104 includes a switch operated by a user to instruct operation start / stop switching, operation mode switching, temperature / hot water amount switching, and the like. The output unit 105 includes a display that displays various outputs (temperature, amount of hot water, etc.) and various messages related to the operation, an audio output unit, and the like.

  The storage unit 102 includes a volatile or non-volatile memory for storing programs and data. Storage unit 102 stores inspection time data 123, determination time data 124, and number data 125 indicating the original inspection time of hot water supply device 1 in the nonvolatile storage area. In the present embodiment, the “inspection time” is, for example, the tenth year from the start of use of the hot water supply device 1. Therefore, the inspection time data 123 indicates 10 years.

  In the present embodiment, the timing for notifying that the inspection timing has arrived is determined by the timing determination unit 116 described later. In the present embodiment, the determination process by the time determination unit 116 is performed before the inspection time. The determination time data 124 indicates the time (before the inspection time) when the determination processing by the time determination unit 116 should be performed. In the first embodiment, the time when the determination process should be performed is, for example, the tenth year from the start of use of the hot water supply device 1. Accordingly, the decision time data 124 indicates 10 years. The number indicated by the number data 125 indicates a predetermined amount of generated heat (unit: kcal / hour) required for the combustion unit 30 of the hot water supply device 1.

  In the present embodiment, the “inspection time” is one or both of the time for carrying out an inspection for periodic maintenance of the hot water supply device 1 and the time for carrying out an inspection due to deterioration over time of the hot water supply device 1. including. When the “inspection time” is an inspection time due to deterioration over time, it is a time in consideration of a sufficient margin until the original life of the water heater 1.

  When the hot water tap 190 is opened with the operation start switch of the hot water supply device 1 turned on, the controller 100 determines whether the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 150 exceeds the minimum operating flow rate (MOQ). The combustion operation at 30 is started. When the combustion operation is started, the original gas solenoid valve (not shown) is opened, and the fuel gas is supplied to the combustion unit 30 (more specifically, the burner) via the gas proportional valve (not shown). Is started. The controller 100 operates the fan 31 during combustion of the combustion unit 30 to supply air for combustion. In addition, since the mechanism of the combustion of the combustion part 30 and the heating of the hot water by the heat exchanger 32 is well known, description will not be repeated here.

(Functional configuration of the water heater 1)
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a functional configuration for notifying the inspection time according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, CPU 101 includes time measurement unit 111, time determination unit 112, acquisition unit 113, threshold value determination unit 115, time determination unit 116, and notification unit for performing notification that the inspection time has come. 117. The time determination unit 116 performs a process of determining a time for notifying that the inspection time has come. Each of these units is realized by a program stored in the storage unit 102.

  Based on the output of timer 106, time measuring unit 111 measures the usage time, which is the elapsed time from the start of use of hot water supply device 1. The usage time data is stored in a non-volatile area of the storage unit 102. Here, the time during which power is supplied from the power supply unit 107 to the hot water supply device 1 is used as the usage time of the hot water supply device 1. Time measuring unit 111 determines whether or not hot water supply apparatus 1 is used based on a terminal potential (not shown) of power supply unit 107.

  The time determination unit 112 compares the usage time measured by the time measurement unit 111 and the time indicated by the determination time data 124 of the storage unit 102, and the determination process by the time determination unit 116 is performed based on the comparison result. Judge whether or not the time has come.

  The acquisition unit 113 acquires a value correlated with the outdoor temperature (hereinafter also referred to as a correlation value) based on the measurement value input from the hot water supply device 1 via the interface 103. In Embodiment 1, the measured value (incoming water temperature) by the temperature sensor 110 is acquired as the correlation value. It is known that the incoming water temperature corresponds to the temperature of tap water, and the tap water temperature correlates with the outdoor temperature.

  The threshold value determination unit 115 determines a threshold value from a plurality of correlation values acquired periodically and repeatedly by the acquisition unit 113 for at least one year. In the first embodiment, the incoming water temperature in winter is determined as the threshold value.

  The time determination unit 116 compares the correlation value acquired by the acquisition unit 113 with the above threshold value, and determines the notification time by the notification unit 117 based on the comparison result. The notification unit 117 notifies that the inspection time has arrived at the determined time based on the command from the time determination unit 116.

  In the notification by the notification unit 117, for example, the process of outputting by sound and image via the output unit 105, the degree of opening / closing of the flow rate adjustment valve 90 is controlled, and the amount of hot water discharged per unit time is changed (decreased) from the set amount. The process or the process of changing the temperature of the hot water from the set temperature (decreasing the temperature) by controlling the opening of the gas proportional valve (adjusting the gas amount) is performed. These processes are performed in combination.

(Processing flow)
FIG. 4 is an overall flowchart of processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of the representative temperature acquisition process (step S5) of FIG. In these flowcharts, variables N, T, X, Xmin, and Xmax for controlling the process are used. The value of the variable N indicates the elapsed time from the start of use (that is, the start of energization) of the hot water supply device 1, that is, the use time. Time measuring unit 111 increments the value of variable N by a predetermined value, thereby accumulating the usage time of hot water supply device 1 in variable N.

  The value of the variable T indicates the elapsed time (within one year) from the start of energization. The variable X indicates a value acquired by the acquiring unit 113 (incoming water temperature X measured by the temperature sensor 110 in the first embodiment).

  Variables Xmin and Xmax indicate a minimum temperature and a maximum temperature among a plurality of incoming water temperatures X that are repeatedly acquired periodically (for example, every week), respectively.

  Programs according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5 are stored in the storage unit 102 in advance. The CPU 101 reads out the program from the storage unit 102 and executes the read program, thereby realizing the processes in FIGS. 4 and 5.

  Referring to FIG. 4, first, CPU 101 determines whether or not energization of hot water supply device 1 is started based on the terminal potential of power supply unit 107 (step S <b> 1). Generally, when the hot water supply apparatus 1 is installed, energization from the power supply unit 107 is started.

  While it is determined that energization has not started (NO in step S1), the process in step S1 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that energization has started (YES in step S1), the CPU 101 sets each of the variables N and T to 0 (step S3), and then the threshold value determination unit 115 performs the representative temperature acquisition process (step S3). S5) is performed.

  Details of step S5 will be described later with reference to FIG. In step S5, representative temperatures (minimum temperature and maximum temperature) among the incoming water temperatures that are repeatedly acquired periodically (every week) over one year are set in the variable Xmin and the variable Xmax, respectively.

  Thereafter, the CPU 101 determines whether it is time to issue a time stamp (step S7). Specifically, the time determination unit 112 compares the usage time (value of the variable N) measured by the time measurement unit 111 and the time (ten years) indicated by the determination time data 124. Based on the result of the comparison, whether or not the usage time of the hot water supply device 1 has reached the determination time is determined based on whether or not the condition (use time ≧ 10 years) is satisfied.

  If it is determined that the above condition is satisfied, that is, the usage time has reached the determination time (10 years) indicated by the determination time data 124 (YES in step S7), the process proceeds to step S11 described later. . When it is determined that the above condition is not satisfied, that is, the usage time has not reached the determination time (NO in step S7), the value of the variable N is added by a predetermined value (step S9), The process returns to step S7, and the subsequent processes are similarly repeated.

  In step S11, the threshold value determination unit 115 determines a threshold value for determining the notification time (step S11). Specifically, a threshold value (hereinafter, also referred to as a winter determination threshold value TH) that is a temperature for determining the winter season is determined from the representative temperatures (the minimum temperature and the maximum temperature indicated by the variables Xmin and Xmax) determined in step S5. To do. Specific processing for determining the winter determination threshold TH will be described later.

  Subsequently, when it is determined that the usage time of the hot water supply device 1 has reached the time indicated by the determination time data 124, the timing determination unit 116 determines the incoming water temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 113 and the winter determination threshold TH described above. And based on the comparison result, it is determined whether or not the condition of (incoming water temperature ≦ winter season determination threshold value TH) is satisfied (step S13).

  If the time determination unit 116 determines that the above condition is not satisfied (NO in step S13), the time determination unit 116 determines that the present time is the time for performing the notification, and outputs an immediate notification command to the notification unit 117 based on the determination.

  The notification unit 117 promptly performs notification based on the immediate notification command from the time determination unit 116 (step S15). Therefore, when the usage time of the hot water supply device 10 has elapsed (has reached the inspection time), a notification that the inspection time has been reached is given.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the above condition (incoming water temperature ≦ winter determination threshold value TH) is satisfied (YES in step S13), the timing determination unit 116 determines the timing at which the notification should be performed after half a year has passed. Based on the determination, the timing determination unit 116 outputs a notification delay command to the notification unit 117. The notification delay command includes “half year” which is a delay time.

  Based on the notification delay command from the timing determination unit 116, the notification unit 117 performs the above notification after the elapse of half a year instead of the current time (step S17). For example, the notification unit 117 performs notification when it is determined that six months have passed since the notification delay command was received. Therefore, when the usage time of the hot water supply device 1 has passed six months from the inspection time (10 years), it is notified that the inspection time has been reached. Thus, the process of FIG. 4 ends.

Next, details of the representative temperature acquisition process (step S5) in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the variable T is counted up by a predetermined value (step S31). The threshold value determination unit 115 initially sets the incoming water temperature X acquired by the acquisition unit 113 to a variable Xmax and a variable Xmin (step S33). In the process of FIG. 5, every time the incoming water temperature X is acquired, the measurement time based on the output is set to the variable T in the timer 106.

  Thereafter, the threshold determination unit 115 determines whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the representative temperature acquisition process based on the time of the variable T (step S35). This predetermined period is set to one year in the first embodiment.

  If it is determined that the elapsed time is less than one year (YES in step S35), the threshold value determination unit 115 has passed one week since the previous acquisition of the incoming water temperature X based on the time of the variable T. Whether or not (step S37). In this case, it is determined whether or not one week has elapsed from the acquisition time of the incoming water temperature X in step S33.

  While it is determined that one week has not elapsed (NO in step S37), the process returns to step S35, and the subsequent processes are similarly repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that one week has elapsed since the previous acquisition time of the incoming water temperature X (YES in step S37), processing for updating the values of the variables Xmax and Xmin (steps S39 to S45) is performed. The

  Specifically, when threshold value determining unit 115 determines that the condition of (Xmax ≦ incoming water temperature X) is satisfied for incoming water temperature X acquired by acquiring unit 113 (YES in step S39), variable threshold value Xmax is changed to incoming water temperature. X (updated to the latest acquired water temperature) is updated (step S41), and if it is determined that the condition of (Xmin ≧ incoming water temperature X) is satisfied (YES in step S43), the variable Xmin is changed to the incoming water temperature X ( It is updated so as to represent the latest acquired water temperature (step S45). On the other hand, when it is determined that none of these conditions is satisfied (NO in step S39, NO in step S43), threshold determination unit 115 does not update the values of variables Xmax and Xmin. Thereafter, the process returns to step S35, and the subsequent processes are similarly performed.

  On the other hand, if the threshold value determination unit 115 determines that one year has passed since the start of the representative temperature acquisition process (NO in step S35), the threshold value determination unit 115 stores the representative temperature (the minimum temperature and the maximum temperature indicated by the variables Xmin and Xmax) in the storage unit. The data is stored in a predetermined area 102 (step S47). Thereafter, the processing returns to the original processing in FIG.

(Threshold temperature determination process)
The determination of the winter determination threshold TH (step S11) by the threshold determination unit 115 will be described. The threshold value determination unit 115 calculates the winter season determination threshold value TH according to an arithmetic expression of (TH = ( (Xmax−Xmin) / 4 ) + Xmin ) using the representative temperature acquired in the representative temperature acquisition process (step S5). In the case of Japan, the winter period corresponds to approximately a quarter of a year, so in the above formula, it is divided by “4”.

  In the first embodiment, the representative temperature for calculating the winter determination threshold TH is acquired in the first year after the hot water supply device 1 is started to be used. However, the acquisition period is not limited to the first year. This acquisition period may be a predetermined period before the inspection time of the hot water supply device 1 (10 years from the start of use), and may be, for example, the last year of 10 years from the start of use.

  In FIG. 5, the length of the period for acquiring the representative temperature is one year, but is not limited to one year and may be at least one year. In FIG. 5, the incoming water temperature X is periodically and repeatedly acquired every week. However, the repetition interval is not limited to one week, and may be an interval longer than one week or an interval shorter than one week. Good.

  In the first embodiment, the notification time is delayed by half a year in step S17. However, the length of the delay period is not fixed to half a year and may be variable. For example, the length of the delay period may be calculated according to a predetermined calculation formula based on the difference between the incoming water temperature in step S13 and the winter determination threshold value TH.

  Moreover, in Embodiment 1, the usage time of the hot water supply device 1 is measured based on the energization time to the hot water supply device 1, but is not limited to this measurement method. For example, the usage time may be measured based on a value obtained by accumulating the combustion time of the combustion unit 30.

[Embodiment 2]
The determination time indicated by the determination time data 124 may be different from the time of the inspection time data 123. That is, in the first embodiment, the determination time data 124 is set to the same 10 years as the inspection time data 123. However, as in the second embodiment, the determination time data 124 includes the inspection time (from the start of use). A time shorter than the year) may be set.

  As the background of the embodiment, the same season comes every year in Japan. Focusing on this background, the correlation value (incoming water temperature) acquired in the M year (however, 1 year ≦ M ≦ 9 years) prior to the inspection time (10th year) is equal to or less than the winter determination threshold TH. If it is determined, it is possible to estimate that the incoming water temperature acquired at the subsequent inspection time (10th year) is equal to or lower than the winter determination threshold value TH. In the second embodiment, based on this estimation, the time determination unit 116 determines a notification time when the usage time measured by the time measurement unit 111 reaches M years.

  Specifically, the time determination unit 112 compares the usage time (value of the variable N) measured by the time measurement unit 111 with the time indicated by the determination time data 124 (M years from the start of use). Then, based on the comparison result, it is determined whether or not the usage time of the hot water supply device 1 has reached M years (step S7). Since other processes are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the time when the notification should be performed is determined in the M year before the original inspection time (10th year). Specifically, when the condition of (the incoming water temperature in M year ≦ the winter determination threshold value TH) is satisfied, that is, when the inspection time (10th year) is estimated to be winter, the time determination unit 116 The notification time is determined to be six months earlier than the original inspection time (9th and 6th month), and a notification early instruction to perform notification at 9th and 6th month is output to the notification unit 117. The notification early instruction includes notification timing data (9 years and 6 months). On the other hand, if the condition of (the incoming water temperature in year M ≦ the winter determination threshold value TH) is not satisfied, the time determination unit 116 determines the notification time as the original inspection time (10th year), and the 10th year. A command to perform notification is output to the notification unit 117. The command includes notification time data (10th year).

  The notification unit 117 performs notification nine years, six months or ten years after the start of use of the hot water supply device 1 based on a command from the time determination unit 116. Therefore, the arrival of the inspection time can be notified at a time six months earlier than the original inspection time (10th year).

  It should be noted that the length of the period for speeding up the notification is not fixed to the above half year and may be variable. For example, the length of the period to be advanced may be calculated according to a predetermined calculation formula based on the difference between the incoming water temperature in year M and the winter season determination threshold TH.

  According to the second embodiment, when the original inspection time (10th year) is estimated to be winter in M years, the notification time can be determined earlier than the original inspection time.

[Embodiment 3]
In the third embodiment, a modification of the first and second embodiments will be described. In Embodiment 3, the notification time is determined based on the incoming water temperature at the start of use of hot water supply device 1. Specifically, when it is determined that the start of use of the hot water supply device 1 is winter, it is possible to estimate that the time after 10 years, which is the inspection time, is also winter. In the third embodiment, paying attention to such estimation, the notification time is determined based on the incoming water temperature at the start of use of the hot water supply device 1.

  Specifically, acquisition unit 113 acquires the incoming water temperature at the start of use of hot water supply device 1. The time determination unit 116 compares the water temperature at the start of use acquired by the acquisition unit 113 with the winter determination threshold value TH described above, and determines the notification time based on the comparison result. Since other processes are the same as those of the first and second embodiments, description thereof will not be repeated.

[Embodiment 4]
In the fourth embodiment, a modification of the first to third embodiments will be described. In each of the above embodiments, the incoming water temperature is used as the temperature correlated with the outdoor temperature, but the correlation value is not limited to the incoming water temperature. In the fourth embodiment, another example of the correlation value will be described. In the fourth embodiment, since the other processes except the acquisition of the correlation temperature and the determination of the winter season determination threshold TH are the same as those in the respective embodiments, the description will not be repeated.

(Outside air temperature)
First, the acquisition unit 113 may acquire the outside air temperature measured by the F-point thermistor 36 in the housing 1a as the correlation temperature instead of the incoming water temperature. The outside air temperature measured by the F point thermistor 36 correlates with the outdoor temperature. The threshold value determination unit 115 can determine the winter determination threshold value TH using the measured outside air temperature as in each embodiment.

(Number)
As a background of the embodiment, the incoming water temperature X can be calculated using the number indicated by the number data 125. Based on this background, the acquisition unit 113 acquires the correlation temperature by calculating the incoming water temperature using the number indicated by the number data 125 as the correlation value with the outdoor temperature. The acquisition unit 113 calculates the incoming water temperature X according to the equation (incoming water temperature X = number / hot water supply flow rate (liter / min)) based on the “hot water supply flow rate” that is a value measured by the flow sensor 150 provided in the hot water discharge pipe 70. calculate. As described above, the threshold determination unit 115 can determine the winter determination threshold TH from the incoming water temperature X based on the number as in the first embodiment.

(Fan current value)
The acquisition unit 113 may use a current value supplied to the fan 31 (hereinafter also referred to as a fan current value) as a correlation value with the outdoor temperature. The hot water supply device 1 includes a sensor (not shown) that detects the rotational speed of the fan 31 and a sensor (not shown) that detects a fan current value. As a background of the embodiment, the density of air in the winter is higher than that in other periods, that is, the density of the air around the fan 31 is high at the start of combustion. For this reason, the fan current value in winter detected when the rotational speed A has been reached since the start of combustion increases compared to other periods. Thus, the fan current value measured by the sensor correlates with the outdoor temperature.

  The acquisition unit 113 acquires the fan current value when the rotation speed A has been reached after the fan 31 starts rotating as a correlation value. The rotation speed A is the ignition rotation speed and is the rotation speed detected immediately before the combustion unit 30 starts combustion (for example, 2000 rpm), but the rotation speed A is not limited to the ignition rotation speed. When the rotational speed A is acquired during combustion, the rotational speed A is acquired when the combustion stage number is a predetermined stage number.

  For example, the threshold value determination unit 115 calculates the maximum value Xmax and the minimum value Xmin of the fan current values acquired in at least one year, as in the first embodiment.

  The threshold value determination unit 115 calculates the winter season determination threshold value TH according to (threshold value = (3 (Xmax−Xmin)) / 4 + Xmin). In the case of Japan, the winter period corresponds to approximately a quarter of a year, so the above equation is divided by “4”.

  The time determination unit 116 compares the fan current value acquired by the acquisition unit 113 with the winter determination threshold value TH, and determines the notification time based on the comparison result. Therefore, when the result of the comparison indicates that the condition (fan current value> winter determination threshold value TH) is satisfied, the timing determination unit 116 determines the notification timing to be a half year shift from the original inspection timing. If the comparison result does not indicate that (fan current value ≦ winter determination threshold value TH) is satisfied, the timing determination unit 116 determines the notification timing as the original inspection timing.

  Note that, when the hot water supply device 1 is combusted, there is a possibility of being affected by the blockage of the air supply port or the exhaust port, and therefore the notification time may be determined using both the fan current value and other correlation values. desirable.

(Heat bath heat dissipation time)
The acquisition part 113 can use the natural heat dissipation time of the hot water of the bathtub 8 as a correlation value with outdoor temperature. It is known that the outdoor temperature and natural heat dissipation time are correlated, and it is known that the lower the outdoor temperature, the faster the heat dissipation rate (temperature decrease rate) of the hot water in the bathtub 8, that is, the shorter the natural heat dissipation time. It has been.

  The acquisition unit 113 acquires the natural heat dissipation time X1 by calculating according to the following calculation formula. The natural heat radiation time X1 is a time required for reducing the temperature per liter of hot water in the bathtub 8 by a predetermined temperature (A ° C.).

X1 = (required time to set temperature−A ° C. (seconds)) / the amount of hot water in the bathtub 8 (liter)
The set temperature in the above formula indicates the pouring temperature set via the operation unit 104. The amount of hot water in the bathtub 8 is a value based on the measurement value of the water level sensor 34. The temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 8 is indicated by the measured value of the bathtub thermistor 35. The water level sensor 34 and the bathtub thermistor 35 are an example of a “tub measuring unit” that measures the amount and temperature of hot water in the bathtub 8.

  The threshold determination unit 115 calculates the winter season determination threshold TH from the maximum value Xmax and the minimum value Xmin of the natural heat radiation time X1 acquired by the acquisition unit 113 according to the same calculation formula as in the first embodiment.

  The time determination unit 116 compares the natural heat radiation time X1 acquired by the acquisition unit 113 with the winter determination threshold value TH, and determines the notification time based on the comparison result. Therefore, when the comparison result indicates that the condition (natural heat release time X1 ≦ winter determination threshold value TH) is satisfied, the time determination unit 116 determines the notification time to be a time shifted by six months from the original inspection time. When the comparison result indicates that the condition (natural heat radiation time X1> winter period determination threshold value TH) is satisfied, the original inspection time is determined as the notification time.

  Since the natural heat radiation time X1 may be affected by the bathroom environment of the bathtub 8, the natural heat radiation time X1 and other correlation values are used together to determine the winter determination threshold TH, and the winter It is desirable to determine the notification time based on the determination threshold TH.

  In each embodiment, the acquisition unit 113 acquires the “water temperature” based on the number and the heat release time of the hot water in the bathtub 8 based on an arithmetic expression. However, the acquisition method uses the arithmetic expression. It is not limited to the method. For example, the acquiring unit 113 may acquire the “incoming water temperature” that is a correlation value by searching a lookup table in which “incoming water temperature” based on the number is registered. Alternatively, the “heat radiation time” as a correlation value may be acquired by searching a lookup table in which “heat radiation time” based on the amount and temperature of hot water in the bathtub 8 is registered.

  The threshold determination unit 115 may determine the winter determination threshold TH by combining the correlation values described above. In each embodiment, by changing the threshold value calculation method of the threshold value determination unit 115, a time other than the winter season (season) can be notified as the inspection time.

(Effect of embodiment)
The effect by each embodiment is demonstrated based on experiment of inventors. 6 to 11 are graphs for explaining the effects of the respective embodiments.

  FIG. 6 is a graph showing changes in the water temperature (water temperature entering the hot water supply device 1) for one year in the cold region (Asahikawa City) and the warm region (Fukuoka City). As shown in the figure, even in the same winter season (for example, December to March), Asahikawa City and Fukuoka City have a large difference in water temperature. Therefore, if the threshold for winter determination is fixed (for example, 12 ° C.), Asahikawa city correctly determines December to March as winter, whereas Fukuoka city has December to March. If it is not winter, it will be judged erroneously. Therefore, the inventors have found that it is necessary to variably set the threshold for winter determination for each region in order to accurately perform winter determination regardless of the region.

  Based on the knowledge described above, the inventors obtain the winter determination threshold TH correlated with the outdoor temperature of the region for each region using the method described in each embodiment, and set the winter determination threshold TH as the winter determination threshold TH. Based on this, an experiment was conducted to determine the winter season. The results of this experiment are shown in FIGS. According to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the knowledge that the winter season can be accurately determined for each region was obtained.

  FIG. 9 shows a value obtained by statistically calculating the number of repairs and inspections of the hot water supply apparatus not equipped with the winter judgment notification function according to the present embodiment for each month of one year. Monthly statistics show the total number of repairs and inspections. According to FIG. 9, the number of inspections is roughly averaged for each month, while the number of repairs tends to be concentrated in the winter compared to other periods.

  FIG. 10 shows the statistical values for each month (the sum of the number of repairs and the number of inspections) when a fixed value (12 ° C.) is used as the determination threshold value in winter, regardless of the region, and the inspection time is shifted by six months from the winter . According to the statistics of Asahikawa City in Fig. 10 (A), the knowledge that the number of inspections that were concentrated in the winter can be dispersed to other periods by shifting the inspections that should be carried out in the winter by half a year. It was. On the other hand, according to the statistical value of Fukuoka City in FIG. 10B, if the fixed value (12 ° C.) is set as the winter determination threshold value TH, it is erroneously determined that December to March is not the winter season. For this reason, inspections that should be carried out in winter have not been distributed to other periods. In other words, the inventors have found that in the case of Fukuoka City, the number of inspections in winter cannot be distributed to other periods based on the determination based on the threshold value of a fixed value (12 ° C.).

  FIG. 11 shows statistical values (total number of repairs and inspections) for each month when the notification time is changed based on the winter determination threshold TH shown in each embodiment. In each embodiment, the winter determination threshold value TH is determined by using a correlation value with the outdoor temperature where the hot water supply device 1 is installed, so that as shown in FIG. It became possible to distribute the number of inspections to be performed at different times from the winter. As a result, for each region, the staff of the service shop can promptly respond to repair requests concentrated in winter.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hot water supply apparatus, 8 bathtub, 30 combustion part, 31 fan, 32 heat exchanger, 34 water level sensor, 35 bathtub thermistor, 36 F point thermistor, 50 water inlet pipe, 100 controller, 102 memory | storage part, 104 operation part, 105 output part , 106 timer, 107 power supply unit, 110, 130 temperature sensor, 111 time measurement unit, 112 time determination unit, 113 acquisition unit, 115 threshold value determination unit, 116 timing determination unit, 117 notification unit, 123 inspection time data, 124 determination time Data, 125 number data, TH winter judgment threshold.

Claims (13)

A control device for a heat source machine,
A receiving unit for receiving a measurement value including a temperature measured in the heat source unit;
A time measuring unit for measuring the usage time from the start of use of the heat source unit;
An acquisition unit for acquiring a correlation value correlated with the outdoor temperature of the heat source unit from the measurement value received by the reception unit;
A notification unit for notifying that the use time has reached an inspection time corresponding to the inspection time,
A threshold determination unit for determining a threshold based on the correlation value acquired by the acquisition unit in a predetermined period from the start of use to the inspection time;
A timing determination unit that determines the notification timing based on a result of comparison between the correlation value acquired by the acquisition unit and the threshold when the usage time reaches a determination time equal to or less than the inspection time; A control device for a heat source device. The acquisition unit acquires the correlation value at the start of use of the heat source unit,
The time determination unit further includes:
2. The heat source device according to claim 1, wherein the notification timing is determined based on a result of comparison between the correlation value acquired at the start of use and the threshold when the usage time reaches the determination time. Control device. The time determination unit
Based on the result of comparison of whether the correlation value is equal to or less than the threshold when the usage time reaches the determination time, the notification time is determined to be the inspection time or a time different from the inspection time. The control device for a heat source apparatus according to claim 1. The correlation value includes a correlation temperature correlated with the outdoor temperature,
The acquisition unit acquires the temperature received by the receiving unit as the correlation temperature,
The threshold determination unit
The control device for a heat source apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a threshold temperature is determined as the threshold based on the correlation temperature repeatedly acquired by the acquisition unit in the predetermined period. The predetermined period represents at least one year;
The threshold determination unit
The control device for a heat source machine according to claim 4, wherein a winter temperature correlated with the outdoor temperature in winter is determined as the threshold based on the correlation temperature repeatedly acquired by the acquisition unit in the at least one year.   The time determination unit determines the notification time as the inspection time when the correlation temperature acquired by the acquisition unit is higher than the winter temperature when the use time reaches a determination time equal to or less than the inspection time. And when the said correlation temperature is below the said winter temperature, the control apparatus of the heat-source equipment of Claim 5 which determines the said notification time in the said different time.   The control device for a heat source apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the different time includes a time shifted from the inspection time by half a year. The heat source machine includes a temperature sensor for measuring the outside air temperature,
The control device for a heat source device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the acquisition unit acquires an outside air temperature measured by the temperature sensor as the correlation temperature. The heat source unit includes a water temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the water supplied from the outside to those heat source machine,
The control device for a heat source apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the temperature of water measured by the water temperature sensor as the correlation temperature. The heat source machine is
A combustion section for combusting fuel to generate combustion gas;
A heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the combustion gas and hot water;
A hot water supply path for sending hot water of a set temperature from the heat exchanger to the outside;
A flow rate measuring unit for measuring the flow rate of hot water of the set temperature in the hot water supply path,
The measured value includes a flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring unit,
The heat source device according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the acquisition unit acquires, as the correlation temperature, a water temperature based on a generated heat amount required for the combustion unit and a flow rate measured by the flow rate measurement unit. Control device. The heat source machine is
A combustion section for combusting fuel to generate combustion gas;
A heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between the combustion gas and hot water;
A fan that operates during combustion of the combustion section;
A current measuring unit for measuring a current value of the fan,
The measurement value includes a current value measured by the current measurement unit,
The said acquisition part acquires the electric current value measured by the said electric current measurement part when it becomes a predetermined rotation speed after the said fan starts an operation | movement as any one of Claim 1 to 10 The control apparatus of the heat source machine of Claim 1. The heat source machine is
A combustion section for combusting fuel to generate combustion gas;
A heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between the combustion gas and hot water;
A pouring channel for delivering hot water from the heat exchanger to the bathtub;
A bathtub measuring unit that measures the amount and temperature of hot water in the bathtub, and
The measured value includes the amount and temperature of the hot water measured by the bathtub measuring unit,
The acquisition unit acquires, as the correlation value, a time required for the temperature per unit amount of hot water to decrease by a predetermined temperature based on a measurement value by the bathtub measurement unit. The control device for a heat source machine according to any one of 11.   The heat source machine provided with the control apparatus of any one of Claim 1 to 12.

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