JP2001204785A - Air bubble generating bathtub - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air bubble generating bathtub by which the break of various electronic parts constituting a controller and deterioration in its life are suppressed. SOLUTION: When the operation start of the bathtub is indicated to a control microcomputer 32, the microcomputer 32 outputs a control command C1 for driving a motor M to a phase control circuit 29. Then the control command C1 outputted in this case is controlled by the microcomputer 32 to permit an operation rated voltage to be gradually applied to the motor M. That is, the microcomputer 32 outputs the control command C1 concerning the lowest voltage by which a driving base board 33 is driven, and then, outputs the control command C1 to apply voltage to the motor M step by step till the operation rated voltage is applied. A high rush current is prevented from flowing in a power source board 31 for constituting the controller 18 or the driving base board 33 in the case of starting.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a bubble generating bathtub capable of changing a jet flow form.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Hitherto, bubble generating bathtubs capable of jetting a bath containing air bubbles into a bathtub body have been widely used. In such a bubble generating bath, a plurality of types of bath water jet modes such as various jet modes (for example, intermittent mode and fluctuation mode) and the jet strength of the jetted bath water (for example, strong and weak) are prepared in advance. Have been. Then, when the bather selects and instructs the jet form using the operating tool, the jet form of the bath is controlled based on the instruction content. When the bubble generating bath is started, the controller applies a voltage to the motor for driving the circulating pump based on the contents of the instruction selected from the operating tool, and the pump is controlled at a variable speed, so that the bath water is controlled. It is designed to jet in the form of a jet. Therefore, the bather can comfortably take a bath by selecting and instructing the jet flow form according to his or her physical condition (for example, extreme fatigue) or his / her preference.

[0003]

However, in the conventional bubble-generating bath, at the same time when the bath is started, the control device applies an operating rated voltage to the motor M (applied to the motor in order to blow bath water in a desired jet form). Voltage to be applied).

For this reason, a high rush current flows at the same time as the start-up of various electronic components such as a board constituting the control device, which causes a problem that the various electronic components are damaged or their life is deteriorated.

The present invention has been made in view of the problems existing in the prior art described above, and has as its object the purpose of suppressing air bubbles which can suppress damage and deterioration of life of various electronic components constituting a control device. It is to provide a generating bathtub.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to a bathtub body and a circulating pump connected to the bathtub body via a water suction pipe and a water discharge pipe. And a control unit for controlling the driving of the circulating pump, wherein the control unit, when starting the circulating pump, the voltage for driving the pump is a predetermined voltage value that is set in advance The gist is to apply the voltage so that

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the bubble generating bath according to the first aspect, the control means applies the voltage to the circulating pump at a minimum voltage value required to drive the circulating pump. The gist of the invention is that the voltage is controlled so as to be a predetermined voltage value.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the bubble generating bath according to the first or second aspect, the control means controls the voltage so that the voltage becomes a predetermined voltage value within a predetermined time. The point is to apply.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the bubble generating bath according to any one of the first to third aspects, the control means includes at least a substrate for controlling driving of a circulation pump and an AC power supply. And a substrate that converts the DC power into DC power.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of a bubble generating bath according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 shows an outline of a bubble generating bathtub 11 installed in a house. A bath housing 12 is provided with a bathtub body 13 storing a bath water W.
A circulating pump 14 provided with a DC brushless motor (hereinafter, referred to as “motor”) M is provided on a side of the bathtub body 13. The water suction port of the bathtub body 13 and the circulation pump 14 are connected by a water suction pipe 15, and the water discharge port of the bathtub body 13 and the circulation pump 14 are connected.
Are connected by a water discharge conduit 16. Further, the water suction pipe 15 is provided with a negative pressure sensor (for example, a vacuum switch) 17 for detecting a water suction pressure (negative pressure) of the bath water W to the circulation pump 14.

Further, on the upper wall of the bus housing 12, a control device 18 as control means is installed.
The control device 18 controls the jet form (jet mode, jet strength) of the bath water W jetted into the bathtub body 13, supplies power to the circulation pump 14, and various types of gas generated during the operation of the bubble generation bathtub 11. It is designed to detect alarms. An AC power supply V1 (100 V in this embodiment) is connected to the control device 18, and the control device 18 and the circulation pump 14 (motor M) are connected to a signal line for transmitting various control information. 19 and a power supply line 20 for supplying power to the motor M. Further, the negative pressure sensor 17 and the control device 18 are connected by the signal line 19, and transmit the detection result of the negative pressure sensor 17 to the control device 18.

An operation panel 21 is provided on the side wall of the bath housing 12 for instructing the controller 18 to select a jet mode (jet mode, jet intensity) of the bath water W. The device 18 and the operation panel 21 are connected by a signal line 22.

Next, referring to FIG.
The various jet forms in the present embodiment will be described in detail. The operation panel 21 has various switches 23-2.
5 and display lamps 23a, 24a to 24d, 25a to 2
5b, 26 to 28 are provided. The switches 23 to 25 are so-called rotary switches. Each time the switch is depressed, a command (operation command Y1, jet flow command Y2) for selecting and instructing the control device 18 is switched. Has become.

The operation switches 23 to 25 will be described first.
This is an operation member for selectively instructing the control device 18 whether or not to perform the operation. Therefore, when the operation switch 23 is pressed down in a state where the operation display lamp 23a disposed near the operation switch 23 is turned off, an operation command Y1 (operation start command) is transmitted to the control device 18,
The operation of the bubble generating bath 11 is started.
Then, when the operation switch 23 is pressed again during the operation of the bubble generation bathtub 11, an operation command Y1 (operation stop command) is transmitted to the control device 18, the operation of the bubble generation bathtub 11 is stopped, and the operation display lamp 23a Is turned off.

The jet mode changeover switch 24 is an operating member for instructing the controller 18 to select the jet mode of the bath water W. In the present embodiment, the mode is "standard", "fluctuation", "intermittent". And three types of jet mode selection instructions are possible. Accordingly, when the jet mode switching switch 24 is pressed, a jet mode command Y2 (command indicating the jet mode) as control information on the jet mode is transmitted to the control device 18, and the jet mode is controlled based on the jet mode command Y2. Is controlled.

A standard mode display lamp 24a, a fluctuation mode display lamp 24b, and an intermittent mode display lamp 24c are juxtaposed in the vicinity of the jet mode changeover switch 24, and correspond to the display lamps 24a to 24c. The type of the jet mode is shown (display section). During the operation of the bubble generating bath 11, the controller 18
The display lamp 2 corresponding to the jet mode selected and instructed by the user
Only 4a to 24c are turned on. Also,
When the jet flow mode changeover switch 24 is depressed during the operation of the bubble generation bath 11, standard → fluctuation → intermittent → standard → ..
The switching of the jet mode instructing the control device 18 to be selected can be performed in the following order. Therefore, for example, when the jet mode is changed to “intermittent” during operation in the jet mode “standard”, the jet mode switching switch 24 may be pressed twice.

The jet mode changeover switch 24
Is a function as an operation member that does not accept a selection instruction from the operation switch 23 when it is kept pressed for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) in a state where the operation of the bubble generation bath 11 is stopped, that is, a so-called child lock state. It also has. In the child lock state, a child lock display lamp 24d arranged in parallel with the display lamps 24a to 24c is turned on. Therefore, the bather can know that the bubble generation bathtub 11 cannot be operated by turning on the child lock display lamp 24d. The child lock state can be released by pressing the jet flow mode switch 24 again for a predetermined time.

The jet strength changeover switch 25 is an operating member for instructing the control device 18 to select the jet strength of the bath water W. In the present embodiment, the jet strength change switch 25 is "strong" or "weak".
It is possible to specify the type of jet strength.
Therefore, when the jet strength changeover switch 25 is pressed, the jet mode command Y as control information on the jet mode is issued.
2 (command indicating the jet strength) is transmitted to the control device 18, and the jet strength is controlled based on the jet form command Y2.

A strong mode display lamp 25a and a weak mode display lamp 25 are provided near the jet strength changeover switch 25.
b are juxtaposed, and each of the display lamps 25a to 25b
Indicates the type of the corresponding jet strength (display section). During the operation of the bubble generating bath 11, only the display lamps 25a to 25b corresponding to the jet strength selected and instructed by the control device 18 are turned on. Further, when the jet strength switching switch 25 is depressed during the operation of the bubble generation bath 11, the jet strength can be switched to the control device 18 in the order of strong → weak → strong →. Has become.

Here, in the present invention, as described above, the jet mode changeover switch 24 or the jet intensity changeover switch 25 is sequentially depressed, and the desired jet mode or jet intensity is selected and instructed to the controller 18. Operation to perform
And In the present invention, the jet mode composed of the jet mode and the jet strength selected and designated by the normal operation is referred to as “normal jet mode”.

Further, the jet strength changeover switch 25
When the button is kept pressed for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds), the jetting strength “strongest” stronger than the maximum jetting strength “strong” that can be selected and indicated by the normal operation is selected as an operating member as an operating member. It also has functions. The type of the jet strength “strongest” is not shown on the operation panel 21 so that the existence of the mode cannot be grasped, and such a mode is referred to as “hidden mode” in the industry. I have.
For this reason, a bather who does not know the existence of the mode can determine the jet strength “strongest” from the contents shown on the operation panel 21.
Without ever knowing the existence of the jet, and never switching the jet strength to the "strongest" on an interest basis. In addition, in order to select the jet strength “strongest”, it is necessary to perform an operation in a mode different from the normal operation as described above (in the present invention, “special operation”). The jet strength "strongest" is not instructed as long as the strength selection instruction is given. Also, it is assumed that another normal jet form is erroneously selected and instructed against the bather's intention due to an operation error, but a predetermined special operation completely different from the normal operation is performed due to an operation error. It is difficult to assume that the jet strength “strongest” is selected and indicated. In addition,
In the present invention, the jet form at the jet strength “strongest” selected and designated by the special operation is referred to as “special jet form”.

The jet mode changeover switch 24 and the jet intensity changeover switch 25 are simultaneously depressed, so that the buzzer sounds when the various switches 23 to 25 of the operation panel 21 are depressed. It also has a function as an operation member for making a mute state. The mute state can be released by pressing the jet mode switch 24 and the jet intensity switch 25 again simultaneously.

The operation panel 21 is provided with various alarm display lamps 26 to 28 for displaying various alarms generated during the operation of the bubble generating bathtub 11. When an alarm occurs during operation, the various alarm display lamps 26 to 28 corresponding to the contents of the alarm are turned on or blink.

Next, the jet mode and jet intensity in the present embodiment will be described. First, jet mode "standard"
Discharges bath water W continuously for a predetermined time (for example, a maximum of 15 minutes) at a flow rate set for each jet strength ("strong", "weak", "strongest"). Mode. In addition, in the jet mode “fluctuation”, the flow rate of the bath water W is not changed during one cycle, with a predetermined time (for example, 2 minutes) as one cycle and the flow rate of the bath water W set for each jet strength as an upper limit. It is in a mode of spouting by changing to rules.
Further, the jet mode “intermittent” is a mode in which bath water W having a flow rate set for each jet strength is jetted at predetermined intervals. That is, for example, the bath water W is spouted for 3 seconds →
Stop for 1.5 seconds → Spray bath water W for 3 seconds → Stop for 1.5 seconds →
.. Are repeated.

The flow rate of the bath water W for each jet strength is
The jet strength is set to 50 liters / minute for "strong", 35 liters / minute for "weak", and 60 liters / minute for "strongest".

Therefore, in the jet mode “standard”, for example,
When the jet strength is “strong”, the bath water W at a flow rate of 50 liter / min is continuously jetted into the bathtub body 13 within a predetermined time. In the jet mode “fluctuation”, for example, when the jet strength is “strong”, the flow rate of the bath water W is set to 50 liter / min as an upper limit, and the bath water W becomes 0 to 50 liter / minute during one cycle. It changes irregularly within the range of minutes and is ejected to the bathtub body 13. Further, in the jet mode "intermittent", for example, when the jet intensity is "strong", the bath water W having a flow rate of 50 liter / min is jetted into the bathtub body 13 at a predetermined time interval.

Next, the basic operation of the bubble generating bath 11 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, the configuration of the control device 18 for controlling the operation of the bubble generating bath 11 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The control device 18 includes a phase control circuit 29, a transformer 30, a power supply board 31, and a control microcontroller ( Hereinafter, it is referred to as a “control microcomputer”) 32.

First, the phase control circuit 29 controls the control command C1 (operation panel 2) output from the control microcomputer 32.
The phase control is performed on the voltage of the AC power supply V1 according to the jet form command Y2 selected and indicated in 1), and the AC voltage V2 after the phase control is output to the transformer 30. The transformer 30 steps down the AC voltage V2 to an AC voltage V3 lower than the voltage of the AC power supply V1 and outputs it to the power supply board 31. Then, the power supply board 31 converts the AC voltage V3 into the DC voltage VD3, and outputs the converted voltage to the drive board 33 provided in the motor M via the power supply line 20. Further, a voltage dividing circuit (not shown) is connected to the power supply board 31, and the DC voltage VD3 stepped down by the voltage dividing circuit is output to the control microcomputer 32. The drive substrate 33 sets the DC voltage VD3 to 3
After the conversion into the AC voltage of the phase, the motor M is driven by applying the AC voltage.

The control microcomputer 32 has a CPU 34 for controlling the operation of the bubble generation bath 11 and an operation panel 2.
A memory 35 is provided as storage means for storing only control information relating to a part of the jet flow form among the jet flow form commands Y2 input from 1. The control microcomputer 32
, A detection value Px of the negative pressure sensor 17 and a motor rotation speed Rx which is control information indicating the rotation speed of the motor M acquired by the drive board 33 are input via a signal line 19.

Accordingly, when the control microcomputer 32 receives the operation command Y1 and the jet mode command Y2 from the operation panel 21, the control command C1 based on the jet mode command Y2 is inputted.
Is output to the phase control circuit 29 to control the form of jet of the bath water W to be jetted. Then, the DC voltage VD3 is output to the drive board 33 via the phase control circuit 29, the transformer 30, and the power supply board 31 based on the control command C1, and the drive board 33 applies a voltage to the motor M based on the DC voltage VD3. Then, the operation of the circulation pump 14 is started. Then, the bath water W of the bathtub body 13 is supplied to the circulating pump 1 through the water suction pipe 15.
It is sucked into 4. The bath water W pressurized in the circulation pump 14 is supplied to a nozzle N provided in the bathtub body 13 after obtaining a water discharge pipe 16 and the bath water W containing bubbles is jetted by the operation panel. The jet is squirted into the bathtub body 13 in the jet form selected and designated at 21.

When the operation panel 21 is operated to give an instruction to select a jet mode (jet mode, jet intensity), the control microcomputer 32 sends a jet mode command Y2 based on the selected jet mode. Is entered. Then, the microcomputer 32 performs the control of the jet flow form in the same manner as described above based on the input jet flow form command Y2, whereby the rotation speed of the motor M for driving the circulating pump 14 is controlled at a variable speed. The jet form is changed and jetted into the bathtub body 13.

Next, the processing operation of alarm detection performed during the operation of the bubble generating bath 11 will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. First, in a state where the operation of the bubble generating bath 11 is not performed, no voltage is applied to the motor M for driving the circulating pump 14 and the motor M is stopped (step S1). In this state, the control microcomputer 3
2 determines whether the operation switch 23 of the operation panel 21 is pressed (ON / OFF) (step S2).
Then, when the operation switch 23 of the operation panel 21 is pressed, the control microcomputer 32 outputs a control command C1 to the phase control circuit 29 based on the jet form command Y2, and the motor M starts (step S3).

Thereafter, when the motor M is started in step S3, the control device 18 determines whether or not a predetermined time T ₁ (for example, one second) has elapsed after the start of the motor M (step S4). The determination result is affirmative, i.e., if a lapse of a post-startup predetermined time T1, the rotational speed R _X of the motor M to the control microcomputer 32 determines whether or not the input from the drive substrate 33 (step S5). That is, the control microcomputer 32 determines whether or not the motor M is rotating based on whether or not the rotation speed _RX is input. The determination result is negative, i.e., the rotational speed R _X is not input, the control microcomputer 32, for example, why the motor M is locked, such as foreign matter adhering to the impeller of the circulation pump 14 (i.e. , Not rotating). Then, in this case, as a lock protection, the overload operation alarm display lamp 27 on the operation panel 21 blinks (step S6), and the driving of the motor M is stopped (step S7).

If the determination in step S5 is affirmative,
And rotation speed R_XIs normally input from the drive board 33
If the control microcomputer 32 starts the motor M,
Time T _TwoDetermines whether (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed
(Step S8). The determination result is affirmative, that is, activation
After a predetermined time T_TwoElapses, the control microcomputer 32
Is the rotation speed R of the motor M input from the drive board 33_X
Is the lower limit rotation speed R_LS(For example, 4300 min^-1)
It is determined whether or not it has reached (step S9). The result
The result is negative, that is, the rotation speed R of the motor M_XIs the lower limit rotation
Number R_LSIs not reached, for example, the blades of the circulation pump 14
Motor M is overloaded due to foreign matter adhering to the wheel
Is determined to be in a state. And in this case overload protection
Overload operation alarm display lamp on the operation panel 21
27 is turned on (step S6), and the driving of the motor M is stopped.
Stop (step S7).

If the determination in step S9 is affirmative, that is, if the motor M has reached the lower limit rotation speed R _LS ,
Control microcomputer 32 determines whether the rotation speed R _X of the motor M does not exceed the rotational speed R _HS upper side (e.g., 5700min ^-1) (Step 10). The determination result is negative, i.e., the rotational speed R _H of the rotational speed R _X of the motor M is an upper limit side
_If it exceeds _S , it is determined that the motor M is in an idle operation state, for example, because the level of the bath water W in the bathtub body 13 is low. In this case, the idling alarm display lamp 26 on the operation panel 21 is turned on as idling protection (step S6), and the driving of the motor M is stopped (step S7).

If the determination in step 10 is affirmative, that is, if the motor M does not exceed the upper limit rotational speed R _HS , the control microcomputer 32 continues to drive the motor M and sends the hot water to the bathtub body 13. W is ejected (step S11).
At this time, the motor M is rotating within the range of the lower limit rotation speed R _LS and the upper limit rotation speed R _HS based on the contents of the jet flow form command Y2.

The control microcomputer 32 operates the operation switch 23 on the operation panel 21 during the operation of the bubble generating bathtub 11.
Is determined, that is, whether the operation is to be continued or stopped (step S12). When the determination result is negative, that is, when the operation switch 23 is pressed again and the operation command Y1 relating to the operation stop is input to the control microcomputer 32,
The microcomputer 32 stops driving of the motor M and stops jetting of the bath water W (step S13).

When the operation of the bubble generating bath 11 is continued in step 12, the control microcomputer 32 sets the maximum continuous time T ₃ (for example,
It is determined whether or not 15 minutes have elapsed (step 14). The determination result is negative, i.e., if the elapsed longest T _3, stops driving the motor M to stop ejection of the bathwater W (step S13).

If the determination in step 14 is affirmative, that is, if the maximum time T ₃ has not elapsed, the operation of the bubble generating bathtub 11 is continued. Then, the over-temperature protection device (not shown) provided on the drive substrate 33 determines whether or not the temperature T _{X of the} motor M has not reached the predetermined temperature T _SET (for example, 105 degrees) (Step S10). S15). If the determination result is negative, that is, if the temperature T _X of the motor M has reached the predetermined temperature T _SET , it is determined that the motor M is in an over-temperature state, and the over-temperature protection device The voltage applied to the motor M is cut off. Then, in order to drive the substrate 33 does not output the rotational speed R _X of the motor M to the control microcomputer 32, the microcomputer 32 determines that the motor M is locked. Then, the control microcomputer 32 causes the overload operation alarm display lamp 27 on the operation panel 21 to blink as an overheating protection (step S6), and stops driving the motor M (step S6).
7).

If the determination in step 15 is affirmative, that is, if the motor M is being driven at a temperature _lower than the predetermined temperature T _SET , the control microcomputer 32 sets the water suction pipe 15 input from the negative pressure sensor 17 Then, it is determined whether or not the internal pressure is lower than the predetermined pressure P _SET (for example, −53.2 kPa) (step S16). The judgment result is negative, that is,
If the internal pressure of the water suction pipe 15 is lower than the predetermined pressure P _SET , it is determined that the water suction pipe 15 is clogged. In this case, the clogging alarm display lamp 28 on the operation panel 21 is turned on as clogging protection (step S6), and the driving of the motor M is stopped (step S7).

If the determination in step 16 is affirmative,
That is, when the internal pressure of the water absorption pipe 15 is a predetermined pressure P _SETMore negative than
If not, the control microcomputer 32 inputs from the drive board 33
Speed R of the motor M to be operated_XIs not entered for a predetermined time
T_Four(For example, 0.5 seconds)
A determination is made (step S17). If the judgment result is negative, immediately
And rotation speed R_XIs not input and the predetermined time T_FourHas passed
It is determined that the motor M is in the locked state. And
In this case, too, the overload on the operation panel
The operation alarm display lamp 27 blinks (step S
6), driving of the motor M is stopped (step S7).

[0043] Further, an affirmative determination in step 17, i.e., when the rotational speed R _X has been entered correctly, the control microcomputer 32, while the motor M is a predetermined time T ₅ (e.g.,
2 seconds), it determines whether or not driving is less than the rotational speed R _LS lower limit side (step S18). The determination result is negative, i.e., when the motor M is driven for a predetermined time T ₅ less than the rotational speed R _LS lower limit side, it is determined that the motor M is overloaded. In this case, too, the overload operation alarm display lamp 27 on the operation panel 21 is used as overload protection.
Is turned on (step S6), and the driving of the motor M is stopped (step S7).

[0044] Further, an affirmative determination in step 18, i.e., when the rotational speed R _X of the motor M is rotating at a rotational speed R _LS above lower limit, the control microcomputer 32, the motor M is a predetermined time T _During the period of ₆ (for example, 2 seconds), it is determined whether or not the motor is not driven at the upper speed _RHS or higher (step S19). The determination result is negative, i.e., when the motor M is driven for a predetermined time T ₆ above rotational speed R _HS upper side, the motor M is in idling state (i.e., the pump without water operating condition) Judge. Also in this case, the idling alarm display lamp 26 on the operation panel 21 is turned on as idling protection (step S6), and the driving of the motor M is stopped (step S7).

Further, affirmative determination in step 19, i.e., when the rotational speed R _X of the motor M is driven at less than the rotational speed R _HS upper side, the control microcomputer 32, in step 12 to step 19 Repeat the process.

Next, the processing operation relating to the control of the jet flow form will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, in a state where the operation of the bubble generation bath 11 is not performed, no voltage is applied to the motor M for driving the circulation pump 14 and the motor M is stopped (step S20). In this state, the control microcomputer 32 determines whether or not the operation switch 23 of the operation panel 21 has been pressed (ON / OFF).
Is determined (step S21). And operation panel 2
When the first operation switch 23 is pressed and the operation command Y1 is input to the control microcomputer 32, the microcomputer 32 operates the bubble generation bath 11 for the first time (that is, when the operation switch 23 is first pressed). It is determined whether or not there is (Step S22). When the determination result is affirmative, that is, when it is the first operation, the control command C1 for operating in the jet mode “standard” and the jet mode of the jet intensity “strong” is output to the phase control circuit 29 and the motor M is operated. Start (Step S2)
3). At this time, the control information on the jet mode “standard” and the jet strength “strong” is stored in the memory 35 of the control microcomputer 32 (step S23).

If the result of the determination in step S22 is negative,
That is, in the case of the second or subsequent operation, the control microcomputer 3
2 outputs to the phase control circuit 29 a control command C1 based on the jet mode and the jet intensity in the previous operation (that is, the jet form stored in the memory 35) to start the motor M (step S24).

Here, the memory 35 stores only the control information on a part of the jet flow form among the jet form commands Y2 selected and instructed by the control microcomputer 32, and retains the information even after the operation of the bubble generating bath 11 is stopped. Have been. In the present embodiment, the control information on the jet mode “standard”, “fluctuation”, “intermittent”, and the jet strength “strong” and “weak”, that is, the control on the normal jet mode selected and indicated based on the normal operation The information is stored in the memory 35. Further, the memory 35 stores only one type of jet mode and jet intensity, and when a new jet mode is selected and instructed on the operation panel 21 based on a normal operation, the stored jet mode or jet mode is stored. The control information on the jet strength is rewritten.

The control microcomputer 32 operates the operation switch 23 of the operation panel 21 during the operation of the bubble generating bathtub 11.
Is determined, that is, whether the operation is to be continued or stopped (step S25). When the determination result is negative, that is, when the operation switch 23 is pressed again and the operation command Y1 relating to the operation stop is input to the control microcomputer 32,
The microcomputer 32 stops driving of the motor M and stops jetting of the bath water W (step S26).

Also, in step S25, the bubble generating bath 11
When the operation is continued, the control microcomputer 32 determines whether or not a preset maximum time T ₃ (for example, 15 minutes) of continuous operation has elapsed after the start of the operation (step S27). The determination result is negative, i.e., if the elapsed longest T _3, stops driving the motor M to stop ejection of the bathwater W (step S26).

[0051] Further, an affirmative determination in step S27, i.e., if not elapsed maximum time T _3, to continue the operation of the bubble generating bath 11, the control microcomputer 32 is jet mode changeover switch 24 of the operation panel 21 It is determined whether the button has been pressed to change the jet mode (step S2).
8). If the determination result is negative, that is, if the jet mode has not been changed, the jet mode during operation is continued, and the jet intensity switching switch 25 on the operation panel 21 is pressed to change the jet intensity. It is determined whether or not it is (step S31).

If the determination in step S28 is affirmative, that is, if the jet mode has been changed and a new jet mode command Y2 has been input, the control microcomputer 32 stores the changed jet mode in the memory 35 ( Step S29). Then, the control command C1 corresponding to the changed jet mode is output to the phase control circuit 29, and the operation of the motor M is started so that the bath water W is jetted in the changed jet mode (step S30). As the jet strength when the jet mode is changed, the jet strength stored in the memory 35 is selected and instructed. Therefore, for example, when the jet mode is changed to “intermittent” during the operation in the jet mode “standard” and the jet strength “strong”, the operation is started in the jet mode “intermittent” and the jet strength “strong”.

Then, the control microcomputer 32 determines whether or not the jet strength switching switch 25 of the operation panel 21 has been pressed to change the jet strength (step S31).
If the determination result is negative, that is, if the jet strength has not been changed, the jet strength during operation is continued, and the processing operation from step S25 is repeated.

If the determination in step S31 is affirmative, that is, if the jet strength is changed and a new jet form command Y2 is input, the control microcomputer 32 sets the jet strength changeover switch 25 to the predetermined time T. _It is determined whether the button has been pressed for ₇ (for example, 2 seconds) or more (step S32). The determination result is negative, i.e., jet form command Y when the time the jet intensity changeover switch 25 is pressed is less than the predetermined time T ₇
When 2 is input, the control microcomputer 32 determines that the jet strength is to be selected by a normal operation and stores the changed jet strength in the memory 35 (step S33). Then, the control command C1 corresponding to the changed jet strength is output to the phase control circuit 29, and the operation of the motor M is started so that the bath water W is jetted with the changed jet strength (step S34). .
As the jet mode when the jet strength is changed, the jet mode stored in the memory 35 is selected and instructed. Therefore, for example, when the jet strength is changed to “weak” during the operation in the jet mode “standard” and the jet strength “strong”, the operation is started in the jet mode “standard” and the jet strength “weak”. After that, the control microcomputer 32 repeatedly performs the processing operation from step S25.

[0055] Further, the determination in step S32 is affirmative, i.e., if the time the jet intensity changeover switch 25 has been depressed jet form command Y2 when more than a predetermined time T ₇ is input, the control microcomputer 32 is determined as a jetting strength selection instruction by a special operation. Then, the control microcomputer 32 outputs to the phase control circuit 29 a control command C1 based on the control information on the jet strength "strongest" which is a special jet form, and the bath W is jetted at the jet strength "strongest". Drive of the motor M is started (step S35). As the jet mode, a jet mode stored in the memory 35 is selected and instructed. After that, the control microcomputer 32 repeatedly performs the processing operation from step S25.

Here, when the jet form command Y2 relating to the special jet form by the special operation is input to the control microcomputer 32, the control microcomputer 32 does not store the control information in the memory 35. . for that reason,
If the jet mode is changed during operation at the jet strength “strongest”, the jet strength is changed to the jet strength selected and designated by the normal operation stored in the memory 35, and the jet strength “strongest” Will not continue. Therefore, if the jet mode is changed to “intermittent” during operation with the jet mode “standard” and the jet intensity “strongest”, “strong” or “weak” stored in the memory 35 is selected as the jet intensity. . Also, at the start of the operation of the bubble generation bath 11, “strong” or “weak” stored in the memory 35 is selected as the jet strength.

Next, the drive control of the motor M will be described with reference to a time chart shown in FIG. When the operation switch 23 of the operation panel 21 is pressed, the control microcomputer 32 outputs a control command C1 for driving the motor M to the phase control circuit 29. The control command C1 output at this time is controlled by the control microcomputer so that the voltage applied to the motor M gradually becomes the operation rated voltage V _H , that is, the voltage necessary for operating in the jet flow form selected and instructed. 32.

That is, when the operation command Y1 is input, the control microcomputer 32 firstly shifts the phase of the control command C1 based on the lowest voltage V _L capable of driving the drive board 33 (the motor M is not driven at this voltage). The signal is output to the drive board 33 via the control circuit 29. Then, as a boundary the minimum voltage V _L, the control command C1 to the predetermined time T ₈ (e.g., 1.5 seconds) voltage to be applied to the motor M between is the rated operation voltage V _H The signals are sequentially output to the phase control circuit 29. That is, the control microcomputer 32, a minimum voltage V _L and the rated operation voltage V difference value _H (V _H -V _L), for example, 50 divided based on the voltage value when the control command C1 for a predetermined time every (predetermined time and outputs every 0.03 second) when the T ₈ and 1.5 seconds.

Accordingly, the control command C1 is sequentially input to the phase control circuit 29 at predetermined time intervals, and the DC voltage VD3 is output to the drive board 33 via the transformer 30 and the power supply board 31 based on the control command C1. Is done. When the drive substrate 33 applies a voltage to the motor M based on the input DC voltage VD3, a voltage that increases stepwise (in this embodiment, 50 steps) is applied to the motor M,
It comes to be driven by finally operating the rated voltage V _H. Therefore, a high current flows stepwise through the transformer 30, the power supply substrate 31, and the drive substrate 33, and a high rush current does not flow simultaneously with the activation of the bubble generation bathtub 11.

Therefore, each jet form is controlled by the control microcomputer 32 as shown in FIGS. 6 (b) and 6 (c). That is, in the case of jet mode "standard" is operated minimum voltage V _L is applied to the drive substrate 33 switch 23 or jet mode changeover switch 24 is depressed, the rated operation of the motor M until the predetermined time T ₈ stepwise voltage is applied to drive at a voltage V _H. After the rated operation voltage V _H is applied to the motor M, so that the said operation rated voltage V _H is applied between the maximum time T ₃ to the motor M. Then, the control microcomputer 32 and the maximum time T ₃ has elapsed, stops the motor M to stop the application of voltage to the motor M.

[0061] Also, even when the jet mode "intermittent", the drive substrate 33 and the operation switch 23 or the jet mode changeover switch 24 is depressed is applied a minimum voltage V _L, the motor M until the predetermined time T ₈ stepwise voltage is applied to drive in the rated operation voltage V _H. After the rated operation voltage V _H is applied to the motor M, so that the the motor M is applied between the rated operation voltage V _H is the operating time T ₉ (e.g., 3 seconds). Thereafter, when the operation time T ₉ has elapsed, the control microcomputer 32 stops the motor M to stop the application of voltage to the motor M. And the pause time T ₁₀
Has elapsed, the control microcomputer 32 returns to the minimum voltage V _L again.
Was applied, to apply a voltage stepwise so that the rated operation voltage V _H until a predetermined time T _8. In addition, jet mode "intermittent"
May, until the elapse of the longest time T _3, and performs repeatedly the above-described operation.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) Since the special jet form relating to the jet strength "strongest" is set as the hidden mode, it is possible to prevent an elderly person, a child, or the like who cannot use the mode at all from being able to make a selection instruction with an interest.

(2) In order to select and instruct the special jet form, it is necessary to perform a special operation of pressing and holding the jet strength changeover switch 25 for a predetermined time T7. (3) It is necessary to perform a special operation in order to select and instruct the special jet form, so that the special jet form may be selected and inadvertently selected against the bather's will. Without sudden bursts of powerful jets. Then, as long as the normal operation is performed, comfortable bathing can be performed in the normal jet form.

(4) For a bather who can use the special jet mode, the jet intensity changeover switch 25 is set for a predetermined time T
Since the selection instruction of the special jet form can be given by a simple operation of continuously pressing only 7, the operability related to the selection operation of the jet form can be maintained.

(5) Since both the normal operation and the special operation are performed by one jet strength changeover switch 25, the cost of the operation panel 21 can be reduced. (6) Since operation types corresponding to the various switches 23 to 25 are indicated on the operation panel 21, erroneous operations can be suppressed and operability can be improved.

(7) Since the control information relating to the special jet form is not stored in the memory 35, a strong jet is prevented from jetting when the operation of the bubble generating bath 11 is started or when the jet mode is changed. Can be

(8) The control information of the normal jet form selected and designated by the normal operation by the operation of the bubble generating bath 11 is stored in the memory 35, and the jet stored in the memory 35 regardless of the jet mode after the change. Strength is selected. Therefore, when the jet mode is changed, it is not necessary to store the selected jet strength for each jet mode.
5 can be reduced in capacity.

(9) The control microcomputer 32 applies a voltage to the motor M in a stepwise manner when the bubble generating bath 11 is started up. A high rush current does not flow through the substrate 33, so that damage and life degradation can be suppressed. Further, the load on the transformer 30 can be reduced, and occurrence of abnormal noise can be suppressed.

(10) Since the voltage is applied stepwise so that the motor M is driven at the operation rated voltage V _H by the predetermined time T ₈ , the overload or the overload generated by the operation of the bubble generation bath 11 is reduced. From the motor M
Are driven at the rated operating voltage _VH , and erroneous detection due to insufficient applied voltage can be suppressed.

The above embodiment may be modified as follows. In the above embodiment, the drive board 33 for driving the motor M is provided on the motor M side.
May be installed on the side to control the driving of the motor M.

In the above embodiment, the voltage is applied to the motor M in a stepwise manner. However, the control microcomputer 32 controls the output of the control command C1 so as to apply the voltage proportionally or in a curved line. You may.

In the above embodiment, the application of the voltage to the motor M is stopped after the operation time T _{9 in} the case of the jet mode “intermittent”, but the minimum voltage V _L is applied and the stop time T ₁₀ After the termination, the voltage may be applied stepwise.

Next, technical ideas other than those described in the claims which can be understood from the above embodiment and other examples will be described below together with their effects. (A) The bubble generation bath according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control means changes the voltage stepwise or proportionally and applies the voltage to the circulation pump. . With this configuration, it is easy to control the applied voltage, and the load on the control unit can be reduced.

[0074]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress a high rush current from flowing to the control means when the circulation pump is started.

According to the invention described in claim 2, according to claim 1
In addition to the effects of the invention described in (1), a low voltage value that cannot drive the circulating pump is applied as it is, and the voltage to be applied is controlled for a relatively high voltage value that can drive the circulating pump. Can be quickly driven at the voltage value of

According to the invention described in claim 3, according to claim 1
Alternatively, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 2, the circulation pump is driven at a predetermined voltage value at the time of checking the operation of the circulation pump, and erroneous detection due to a shortage of applied voltage can be suppressed. .

According to the invention set forth in claim 4, according to claim 1,
In addition to the effects of the invention described in any one of the third to third aspects, it is possible to suppress damage to various substrates and deterioration of life due to inrush current.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a bubble generation bathtub according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing an operation panel.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram schematically showing a control device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of alarm detection in the control device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of alarm detection in the control device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing operation related to control of a jet flow form in the control device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing operation related to control of a jet flow form in the control device.

FIG. 8 is also a time chart related to motor drive control in the control device.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 ... Bubble generation bathtub, 13 ... Bathtub body, 14 ... Circulation pump, 15 ... Water absorption line, 16 ... Water discharge line, 18 ... Control device as control means.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A bubble generating bath having a bathtub body, a circulating pump connected to the bathtub body via a water suction pipe and a water discharge pipe, and control means for controlling driving of the circulation pump. The control means is a bubble generation bath for applying the voltage so that the voltage for driving the circulation pump gradually becomes a predetermined voltage value when starting the circulation pump. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the voltage applied to the circulation pump to a predetermined voltage value with a minimum voltage value required to drive the circulation pump as a boundary. A bubble generating bathtub as described. 3. The bubble generation bath according to claim 1, wherein the control means applies the voltage so that the voltage becomes a predetermined voltage value within a predetermined time. 4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit includes at least a board for controlling driving of the circulation pump and a board for converting an AC power supply to a DC power supply. Bubble tub.