JP2017219255A - Water heater - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water heater capable of reducing a work load of a user when performing washing of a small article for bathroom or a bathtub itself in the bathtub.SOLUTION: A water heater 10 includes: an air bubble mixing part 150 for mixing air bubbles in advance into hot water supplied to a bathtub 300; and a control part 120 for controlling the entire operation of the water heater 10. The control part 120 is constituted so as to continuously and automatically perform hot water storage control for allowing hot water to be stored in the bathtub 300, and bubbling control for supplying the hot water in which the air bubbles are mixed by the air bubble mixing part 150 to the bathtub 300.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a hot water supply apparatus that supplies hot water to a bathtub.

  In recent years, automation of hot water supply devices has progressed. For example, in the hot water storage type hot water supply device described in Patent Document 1 below, hot water filling to a bathtub, additional cooking, hot water supply, etc. are automatically performed based on an operation performed by a user on a remote controller. The remote controller is installed not only in the bathroom but also in a place other than the bathroom such as a kitchen. For this reason, the user can perform hot water filling to the bathtub without entering the bathroom.

  Further, the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus includes a microbubble generator that generates microbubbles in the hot water of the hot water supply pipe line. In the hot water supply apparatus having such a configuration, the hot water supply pipe line can be automatically cleaned by operating the micro bubble generator at an appropriate timing and flowing hot water containing micro bubbles.

Japanese Patent No. 5247512

  By the way, cleaning chemicals for cleaning bathroom accessories such as chairs and washbasins, or bathtubs themselves in the bathtubs using the hot-watering function of a hot water supply device are commercially available. In cleaning bathroom accessories, the user first puts the cleaning chemical into the remaining hot water in the bathtub, then cooks it with the hot water supply device to raise the temperature of the remaining hot water (that is, the chemical solution in which the cleaning chemical has dissolved). . Then, the remaining hot water is bubbled through a shower or the like, and then the bathroom accessories are put into the bathtub and immersed. The bathroom accessory is immersed in a chemical solution in which the cleaning chemical is dissolved for several hours, so that the dirt attached to the surface is removed. When cleaning is completed, the user takes out small bathroom items from the bathtub and rinses them.

  In the cleaning operation as described above, the user needs to perform cleaning agent charging, foaming, and bathroom accessory charging in the remaining hot water in the bathroom. A relatively long time is required between the introduction of the cleaning chemical and the foaming until the temperature of the remaining hot water in the bathtub rises to an appropriate temperature. For this reason, the user does not wait in the bathroom until the additional cooking is completed, but leaves the bathroom once. When the cooking is completed, the user goes to the bathroom again, whipping the remaining hot water and soaking in the bathroom accessories.

  As described above, in the conventional hot water supply apparatus, when cleaning the bathroom accessories using the cleaning chemical, the user has to go to the bathroom many times to work. For this reason, the work load on the user is large, which makes the user feel annoying.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a subject, The objective is providing the hot-water supply apparatus which can reduce a user's work load at the time of washing | cleaning the accessory for bathrooms in a bathtub. It is in.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a hot water supply apparatus according to the present invention is a hot water supply apparatus (10) that supplies hot water to a bathtub (300), and an air bubble mixing unit (in which bubbles are mixed in the hot water supplied to the bathtub in advance) 150) and a control unit (120) for controlling the entire operation of the hot water supply apparatus. The control unit is configured to continuously and automatically perform hot water control in which hot water is stored in the bathtub, and foaming control for supplying hot water mixed with bubbles by the bubble mixing unit to the bathtub. Has been.

  When cleaning bathroom accessories, the user first performs an operation of putting cleaning chemicals and bathroom accessories into the bathtub. Thereafter, the hot water control in which hot water is stored in the bathtub and the foaming control for supplying hot water mixed with bubbles by the bubble mixing unit to the bathtub are continuously and automatically performed. As a result, the bathroom accessory thrown into the bathtub is in a state of being attached to the foamed chemical without requiring additional work by the user. That is, according to this hot water supply device, the user only needs to perform the work in the bathroom (throwing cleaning chemicals and bathroom accessories etc. into the bathtub) once, and after that, without performing any special work, Washing can be completed.

  In addition, it is also possible for the user to wash the bathtub itself by performing the above-described work (and control by the hot water supply device) without putting small bathroom items into the bathtub.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the hot water supply apparatus which can reduce a user's work load at the time of performing washing | cleaning of the bathroom accessory or bathtub itself in a bathtub can be provided.

It is a figure showing the whole hot water supply device composition concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the state in which the accessory for bathrooms is wash | cleaned in the bathtub. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed by the control part of a hot water supply apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed by the control part of the hot water supply apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed by the control part of the hot water supply apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state by which the accessory for bathrooms and the chemical | medical agent were installed in the bathtub before performing hot water control. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed by the control part of the hot water supply apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed by the control part of the hot water supply apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure at the time of washing | cleaning the accessory for bathrooms in a bathtub using the hot-water supply apparatus which concerns on a comparative example.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate the understanding of the description, the same constituent elements in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and redundant description will be omitted.

  The configuration of the hot water supply apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The hot water supply apparatus 10 is an apparatus for supplying hot water to a bathtub 300 or a mixed faucet 330 installed in a bathroom of a building (the whole is not shown). The hot water supply apparatus 10 is configured as a so-called hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus that stores hot water in a hot water storage tank 110 described later. The hot water supply apparatus 10 includes a tank unit 100 and a heat pump unit 200.

  The tank unit 100 is a device that includes a hot water storage tank 110 therein. The tank unit 100 includes a hot water storage tank 110 and a plurality of pipes, pumps, and the like, and supplies hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 110 to the outside and receives water supplied from the outside into the hot water storage tank 110. It is configured as a device.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the tank unit 100 and the bathtub 300 are connected by a pair of pipes 33 and 34. One end of the pipe 33 is connected to a connection port 35 provided in the tank unit 100. The other end of the pipe 33 is connected to an adapter 310 attached to the bathtub 300. Similarly, one end of the pipe 34 is connected to a connection port 36 provided in the tank unit 100. The other end of the pipe 34 is connected to the adapter 310.

  As will be described later, the hot water supply apparatus 10 can supply hot water or water to the bathtub 300 via the adapter 310 from one or both of the pipes 33 and 34. The hot water supply apparatus 10 can also draw hot water stored in the bathtub 300 from the pipe 34 and then heat the hot water back to the bathtub 300 from the pipe 33.

  In the following description, in order to simplify the description, the term “hot water” or “water” may be used simply to indicate both hot and cold water. That is, “hot water” in the following description includes low-temperature water. In addition, “water” in the following description includes hot water. In particular, when the temperature of water becomes a problem, for example, “high temperature hot water” or “low temperature water” is used.

  The tank unit 100 and the mixing faucet 330 are connected by a pipe 61. One end of the pipe 61 is connected to a connection port 60 provided in the tank unit 100. The other end of the pipe 61 is connected to the mixing faucet 330. The hot water supply device 10 can supply hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 110 to the mixing faucet 330 via the pipe 61.

  A pipe 62 is connected to the mixing faucet 330 in addition to the pipe 61 described above. The pipe 62 is a pipe for supplying low-temperature water supplied from the water supply WS to the mixing faucet 330. The mixing faucet 330 mixes high-temperature hot water supplied from the pipe 61 and low-temperature water supplied from the pipe 62, and discharges hot water having an appropriate temperature obtained thereby. Discharge of hot water from the mixing faucet 330 is performed based on an operation performed by the user on the mixing faucet 330.

  The tank unit 100 is further provided with a connection port 63, and a pipe 41 is connected to the connection port 63. The pipe 41 is a pipe for supplying low temperature water supplied from the water supply WS to the tank unit 100. As will be described later, the hot water supply device 10 stores the water supplied from the pipe 41 to the tank unit 100 in the hot water storage tank 110, or mixes the water with the hot water and supplies the hot water to the bathtub 300 or the mixing faucet 330. be able to.

  The heat pump unit 200 is a device for heating the water stored in the hot water storage tank 110 of the tank unit 100. The heat pump unit 200 heats the water supplied from the tank unit 100 to increase its temperature, and returns the generated hot water to the tank unit 100. The heat pump unit 200 is configured as a refrigeration cycle including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and the like (not shown), and is configured to heat water with heat recovered from outside air. In addition, since the thing of a well-known structure can be used as such a heat pump unit 200, the specific illustration and description are abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the tank unit 100 and the heat pump unit 200 are connected by a pair of pipes 13 and 14. One end of the pipe 13 is connected to a connection port 17 provided in the tank unit 100. The other end of the pipe 13 is connected to the output port of the heat pump unit 200. Similarly, one end of the pipe 14 is connected to a connection port 19 provided in the tank unit 100. The other end of the pipe 14 is connected to the input port of the heat pump unit 200.

  When water is heated by the heat pump unit 200, low-temperature water stored in the lower portion of the hot water storage tank 110 is drawn into the input port of the heat pump unit 200 through the pipe 14. The water is heated by the operation of the heat pump unit 200 to increase its temperature, and then discharged from the output port of the heat pump unit 200. Thereafter, the heat is supplied to the heat pump unit 200 via the pipe 13 and supplied to the upper portion of the hot water storage tank 110 for storage.

  The internal configuration of the tank unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The hot water storage tank 110 is a large container having a substantially cylindrical shape, in which high temperature hot water heated by the heat pump unit 200 is stored. A circulation path for circulating water between the hot water storage tank 110 and the heat pump unit 200 is configured between the two. The circulation path is configured by a pipe 15, a pipe 12, and a pipe 11 in addition to the pipes 13 and 14 already described.

  The pipe 15 is provided so as to connect the lower end portion of the hot water storage tank 110 and the connection port 19. The pipe 12 and the pipe 11 are provided so as to connect the upper end portion of the hot water storage tank 110 and the connection port 17 in a state of being connected in series with each other.

  When water is heated by the heat pump unit 200, the water discharged from the hot water storage tank 110 passes through the pipe 15, the pipe 14, the heat pump unit 200, the pipe 13, the pipe 12, and the pipe 11 in this order, and then again stores hot water. Return to tank 110. While the water is heated by the heat pump unit 200, the temperature of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 110 is maintained at a high temperature by circulating the water through the path as described above. The operation of the heat pump unit 200 is controlled by the control unit 120 described later.

  A three-way valve 18 is provided between the pipe 12 and the pipe 11. A pipe 16 is connected between the middle of the pipe 15 and the three-way valve 18. The three-way valve 18 can switch between a state in which water passing through the pipe 12 flows into the pipe 11 and a state in which water passing through the pipe 12 flows into the pipe 16. The three-way valve 18 is configured as an electromagnetic valve, and the above-described flow path switching operation can be automatically performed based on an external signal. The operation of the three-way valve 18 is controlled by the control unit 120.

  In a normal time when the heat pump unit 200 is operating, the three-way valve 18 is in a state where the pipe 12 and the pipe 11 are communicated. In this state, the water heated by the heat pump unit 200 is supplied to the hot water storage tank 110 through the pipe 13, the pipe 12, the three-way valve 18, and the pipe 11 in this order.

  On the other hand, immediately after the heat pump unit 200 is activated, the three-way valve 18 is in a state where the pipe 12 and the pipe 16 are communicated with each other. In this state, the water heated by the heat pump unit 200 passes through the pipe 13, the pipe 12, the three-way valve 18, the pipe 16, the pipe 15, and the pipe 14 in this order, and again enters the heat pump unit 200 without passing through the hot water storage tank 110. Return. Immediately after the heat pump unit 200 is activated, the temperature of the water discharged from the heat pump unit 200 is relatively low. For this reason, it is possible to prevent low-temperature water from being supplied to the hot water storage tank 110 by circulating the water through the path as described above.

  The hot water storage tank 110 is provided with a plurality of thermistors (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6) for measuring the temperature of the hot water therein. These thermistors TH1 and the like are provided at different height positions, and measure the temperature of hot water at each position. The temperature of the hot water measured by each thermistor TH1 or the like is input to the control unit 120. The control unit 120 controls the operation of the heat pump unit 200 based on the temperature measured by the thermistor TH1 or the like, thereby maintaining the temperature of the hot water inside the hot water storage tank 110 at an appropriate temperature.

  The lower end of the hot water storage tank 110 and the connection port 63 are connected by a pipe 42. The pipe 42 is a pipe for guiding the water supplied from the water supply WS to the connection port 63 to the hot water storage tank 110. A check valve 47 and a pressure reducing valve RV are provided in the middle of the pipe 42. The check valve 47 is a valve for preventing water from flowing backward from the hot water storage tank 110 side to the water supply WS side. The pressure reducing valve RV is a valve for reducing the water pressure on the hot water storage tank 110 side in order to prevent a high water pressure on the water supply WS side from being applied directly to the hot water storage tank 110. The water pressure on the hot water storage tank 110 side is maintained at about 280 kPa by the pressure reducing valve RV.

  Inside the hot water storage tank 110, water pressure from the water supply WS (water pressure reduced by the pressure reducing valve RV) is always applied. When hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 110 is discharged from a pipe 46 described later, low temperature water is supplied to the hot water storage tank 110 from the pipe 42 at the same time. For this reason, the inside of the hot water storage tank 110 is always filled with hot water.

  One end of a pipe 46 is connected to the upper end of the hot water storage tank 110. The other end of the pipe 46 is connected to a mixing valve 49 described later. The pipe 46 is a pipe for discharging the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 110 toward the bathtub 300 or the mixing faucet 330.

  One end of a pipe 59 is connected to the middle of the pipe 46. The other end of the pipe 59 is connected to the mixing valve 48. One end of the pipe 44 is connected to a position in the middle of the pipe 42 and closer to the hot water storage tank 110 than the pressure reducing valve RV. The other end of the pipe 44 is connected to a mixing valve 48. Furthermore, one end of a pipe 57 is connected to the mixing valve 48. The other end of the pipe 57 is connected to the connection port 60.

  The mixing valve 48 mixes the hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 110 through the pipe 59 and the low temperature water supplied from the water supply WS through the pipe 44, so that the hot water having an appropriate temperature is obtained. This is a valve for supplying the mixed faucet 330 via the pipe 57. A check valve 45 is provided in the middle of the pipe 44 for supplying water from the water supply WS to the mixing valve 48 to prevent water from flowing back toward the water supply WS.

  In the middle of the pipe 57 that connects the mixing valve 48 and the connection port 60, a flow rate counter FC2 and a thermistor TH13 are provided. The flow rate counter FC <b> 2 is a sensor for measuring the flow rate of hot water discharged through the pipe 57. The flow rate measured by the flow rate counter FC2 is input to the control unit 120. The thermistor TH13 is a sensor for measuring the temperature of hot water passing through the pipe 57. The temperature measured by the thermistor TH13 is input to the control unit 120.

  The control unit 120 calculates the amount of heat of the hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank 110 based on the flow rate measured by the flow rate counter FC2 and the temperature measured by the thermistor TH13. The controller 120 controls the operation of the heat pump unit 200 based on the calculated amount of heat, and adjusts the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 110.

  The end of the pipe 46 extending from the upper end of the hot water storage tank 110 is connected to a mixing valve 49. One end of the pipe 43 is connected to a position in the middle of the pipe 42 and closer to the hot water storage tank 110 than the pressure reducing valve RV. The other end of the pipe 43 is connected to a mixing valve 49. Furthermore, one end of a pipe 51 is connected to the mixing valve 49. The pipe 51 is a pipe for guiding hot water from the mixing valve 49 toward the bathtub 300 side.

  The mixing valve 49 mixes the hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 110 through the pipe 46 and the low temperature water supplied from the water supply WS through the pipe 43, and thereby the hot water having an appropriate temperature is obtained. It is a valve for supplying to the bathtub 300 through the pipe 51. A check valve 50 is provided in the middle of the pipe 43 for supplying water from the water supply WS to the mixing valve 49 to prevent the water from flowing back toward the water supply WS.

  A hopper unit 140 is provided on the downstream side of the pipe 51. The hopper unit 140 is a device having a function of switching supply and stop of hot water from the hot water storage tank 110 to the bathtub 300 and a function of preventing water from flowing backward from the bathtub 300 to the water supply WS.

  The hopper unit 140 includes a solenoid valve 141, a check valve 142, an edge cut valve 144, and a flow rate counter FC1. The downstream end of the pipe 51 is connected to the electromagnetic valve 141. The solenoid valve 141 and the check valve 142 are connected by a pipe 52, and the check valve 142 and the flow rate counter FC1 are connected by a pipe 53, and the flow rate counter FC1 and the bubble mixing part 150 are connected. Are connected by a pipe 54.

  The electromagnetic valve 141 is an electromagnetic valve whose opening and closing is switched based on an external signal. When the solenoid valve 141 is in the open state, hot water from the mixing valve 49 is supplied to the bubble mixing unit 150 through the solenoid valve 141, the pipe 52, the check valve 142, the pipe 53, the flow rate counter FC1, and the pipe 54 in this order. The Thereafter, the hot water is supplied to the bathtub 300 through a pipe 31 described later. On the other hand, when the solenoid valve 131 is in the closed state, the supply of hot water from the hot water storage tank 110 to the bathtub 300 is stopped. The opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic valve 141 is controlled by the control unit 120.

  The check valve 142 is a valve for preventing water from flowing backward from the flow counter FC1 side to the mixing valve 49 side.

  The middle of the pipe 53 and the middle of the pipe 51 are connected by a pipe 57. The edge cut valve 144 is provided in the middle of the pipe 57. As with the check valve 142 described above, the edge cut valve 144 is provided to prevent water from flowing back from the flow counter FC1 side to the mixing valve 49 side.

  One end of a pipe 58 is connected to the edge cut valve 144, and the other end of the pipe 58 is open to the outside. When the water pressure on the downstream side of the solenoid valve 141 (flow rate counter FC1 side) becomes higher than the water pressure on the upstream side of the solenoid valve 141 (mixing valve 49 side), the water tends to pass through the pipe 57 toward the mixing valve 49 side. To do. At this time, the edge cut-off valve 144 discharges water from the flow rate counter FC1 side from the pipe 58 to the outside. This further prevents water from flowing back to the mixing valve 49 side.

  The flow rate counter FC1 is a sensor for measuring the flow rate of hot water passing through the hopper unit 140 toward the bathtub 300 side. The flow rate measured by the flow rate counter FC1 is input to the control unit 120.

  A bubble mixing part 150 is provided on the downstream side of the hopper unit 140. The bubble mixing unit 150 is a device for mixing bubbles in the hot water that has passed through the hopper unit 140. That is, the bubble mixing unit 150 is a device for mixing bubbles in the hot water supplied to the bathtub 300 in advance. Note that a pipe 54 connects the hopper unit 140 and the bubble mixing unit 150, specifically, a flow rate counter FC1 and an ejector 153 described later. A check valve 143 is provided in the middle of the pipe 54. The check valve 143 is a valve for preventing water from flowing backward from the bubble mixing part 150 side to the hopper unit 140 side.

  The bubble mixing unit 150 includes an ejector 153 and a solenoid valve 151. One end of a pipe 56 is connected to the ejector 153. The pipe 56 is a pipe for guiding the water that has passed through the bubble mixing part 150 toward the bathtub 30 side. The other end of the pipe 56 is connected in the middle of the pipe 31 described later.

  One end of a pipe 55 is connected to the ejector 153. The other end of the pipe 55 is open to the outside air. The ejector 153 is configured to mix the air (bubbles) introduced from the pipe 55 into the water supplied from the pipe 54 to form water containing bubbles and then discharge it to the pipe 56.

  Specifically, a nozzle (not shown) is provided inside the ejector 153. The water supplied from the pipe 54 to the ejector 153 is ejected from the nozzle as a high-speed water flow. By such a high-speed water flow, air is sucked into the ejector 153 from the pipe 55. The sucked air is entrained in water jetted from the nozzle to form bubbles, and is discharged to the pipe 56 together with water.

  The electromagnetic valve 151 is provided at a position in the middle of the pipe 55. The electromagnetic valve 151 is an electromagnetic valve whose opening and closing is switched based on an external signal. When the solenoid valve 151 is in the open state, air is sucked into the ejector 153 from the pipe 55 as described above, and water containing bubbles is discharged from the ejector 153. On the other hand, when the solenoid valve 151 is in the closed state, air is not sucked into the ejector 153 from the pipe 55. For this reason, the water in which bubbles are not mixed is discharged from the ejector 153 to the pipe 56. The opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic valve 151 is controlled by the control unit 120.

  A check valve 152 is provided in the pipe 55 at a position between the electromagnetic valve 151 and the ejector 153. The check valve 152 is a valve for preventing water from flowing backward from the ejector 153 to the outside.

  The tank unit 100 is provided with a heat exchanger 130. The heat exchanger 130 is a heat exchanger for heating the hot water stored in the bathtub 300 by the heat of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 110. The temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub 300 can be increased by the heat exchanger 130 without changing the water level in the bathtub 300 (without adding hot water to the bathtub 300). That is, so-called “cooking” can be performed in the bathtub 300.

  The upper end of the hot water storage tank 110 and the heat exchanger 130 are connected by a pipe 21. In addition, the central portion in the height direction of the hot water storage tank 110 and the heat exchanger 130 are connected by a pipe 22. The inside of the pipe 21 and the inside of the pipe 22 communicate with each other through a heat exchanger 130. The pipe 21 and the pipe 22 constitute a circulation channel for circulating hot water between the hot water storage tank 110 and the heat exchanger 130.

  A pump P <b> 1 is provided in the middle of the pipe 22. The pump P <b> 1 feeds water in the direction from the heat exchanger 130 toward the hot water storage tank 110. When the pump P <b> 1 is operating, hot water in the hot water storage tank 110 is drawn into the heat exchanger 130 side and flows through the heat exchanger 130. The operation of the pump P1 is controlled by the control unit 120.

  A check valve 23 is provided in the middle of the pipe 21. The check valve 23 is a valve for preventing water from flowing backward from the heat exchanger 130 toward the upper end of the hot water storage tank 110.

  The connection port 36 and the heat exchanger 130 are connected by a pipe 31. The connection port 35 and the heat exchanger 130 are connected by a pipe 32. The inside of the pipe 31 and the inside of the pipe 32 communicate with each other via the heat exchanger 130. However, in the inside of the heat exchanger 130, the flow path through which the water from the pipe 31 passes and the flow path through which the water from the pipe 21 passes are separated from each other. The pipes 31 and 32 together with the pipes 33 and 34 described above constitute a circulation channel for circulating hot water between the bathtub 300 and the heat exchanger 130.

  A pump P <b> 2 is provided in the middle of the pipe 31 at a position closer to the bathtub 300 than the position where the pipe 56 is connected. The pump P2 feeds water in the direction from the bathtub 300 toward the heat exchanger 130. The operation of the pump P2 is controlled by the control unit 120.

  When the pump P <b> 2 is operating, hot water is drawn from the bathtub 300 through the pipe 34, and the hot water flows toward the heat exchanger 130. If the pump P1 is also operating at this time, in the heat exchanger 130, heat exchange is performed between the hot water drawn from the bathtub 300 and the hot water drawn from the hot water storage tank 110. Thereby, the hot water drawn from the bathtub 300 raises the temperature. Thereafter, the hot water returns to the bathtub 300 through the pipe 32 and the pipe 33.

  In this way, the control for operating both the pump P1 and the pump P2 to increase the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub 300 will be referred to as “cooking control” below. The additional cooking control can be said to be a control in which the water drawn from the bathtub 300 is heated and the hot water obtained by the heating is returned to the bathtub 300 again.

  A water level sensor WLS, a flow switch FSW, and a thermistor TH12 are provided at a position upstream of the pump P2 in the pipe 31, specifically, at a position near the connection port 36.

  The water level sensor WLS is a sensor for measuring the water level of hot water stored in the bathtub 300. The water level sensor WLS is a sensor that measures the water level based on the magnitude of the water pressure inside the pipe 31. The water level of the bathtub 300 measured by the water level sensor WLS is input to the control unit 120. The water level sensor WLS corresponds to the “water level detection unit” in the present embodiment.

  The flow switch FSW is a sensor for detecting the flow of hot water in the pipe 31. The flow switch FSW inputs a signal indicating whether hot water is flowing in the pipe 31 to the control unit 120.

  The thermistor TH12 is a sensor for measuring the temperature of hot water inside the pipe 31. The temperature measured by the thermistor TH12 is input to the control unit 120.

  A thermistor TH <b> 11 is provided at a position in the vicinity of the heat exchanger 130 in the pipe 32. The thermistor TH11 is a sensor for measuring the temperature of hot water inside the pipe 32. In other words, the thermistor TH11 is a sensor for measuring the temperature of hot water immediately after being discharged from the heat exchanger 130. The temperature measured by the thermistor TH12 is input to the control unit 120. The control unit 120 performs additional cooking control based on the hot water temperature measured by each of the thermistor TH11 and the thermistor TH12.

  The control unit 120 is configured as a computer system including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and is provided in the vicinity of the hot water storage tank 110 in the present embodiment. As described so far, the control unit 120 controls the operation of each unit (pump P1 and the like) constituting the hot water supply apparatus 10. The control unit 120 is configured to control the overall operation of the hot water supply apparatus 10. By the control performed by the control unit 120, the hot water supply device 10 can automatically supply hot water to the bathtub 300 or keep the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub 300 at an appropriate temperature.

  Other configurations will be described. The hot water supply apparatus 10 further includes an operation unit 160 and an operation unit 170. Each of the operation units 160 and 170 has a touch panel screen, and is a part that receives an operation performed by the user. The user can perform various operations such as setting the temperature of hot water supplied to the bathtub 300 by operating the operation units 160 and 170.

  The operation units 160 and 170 can also notify the user by displaying a message on the touch panel screen or generating a sound. That is, the operation units 160 and 170 correspond to both the “operation unit” and the “notification unit” in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 160 is installed in a kitchen (not shown) of a building. The operation unit 170 is installed in a bathroom (not shown) of the building, that is, in the vicinity of the bathtub 300.

  An automatic drain plug 320 is provided at the bottom of the bathtub 300. The automatic drain plug 320 is an electromagnetic valve whose opening and closing is switched based on a signal from the outside. When the automatic drain plug 320 is closed, hot water can be stored in the bathtub 300. When the automatic drain plug 320 is opened, the hot water stored in the bathtub 300 is discharged outside through the automatic drain plug 320. The opening / closing operation of the automatic drain plug 320 is controlled by the control unit 120. The opening / closing operation of the automatic drain plug 320 may be automatically performed by control performed by the control unit 120 or may be performed based on an operation performed by the user on the operation unit 160 or the like.

  The hot water supply apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment has a function specialized for cleaning bathroom accessories in addition to the function as a general automatic hot water supply apparatus. Hereinafter, this function is also referred to as “small item cleaning function”. The “bathroom accessory” as used herein refers to, for example, a chair, a wash basin, a handbag, etc., used by a user in the bathroom. Hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as “small items OB”.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of a state in which the small object OB is being cleaned. As shown in the figure, cleaning of the accessory OB is performed inside the bathtub 300. Hot water WT in which a commercially available cleaning chemical is dissolved is stored in the bathtub 300. The temperature of the hot water WT is relatively high, and the cleaning effect of the cleaning chemical is enhanced. Moreover, the hot water WT is bubbled in advance, and a large amount of bubbles BB are floated on the upper surface. The accessory OB is maintained for several hours while being immersed in the hot water WT thus bubbled. Thereby, the dirt adhering to the surface of the accessory OB is removed by the hot water WT in which the cleaning chemical is dissolved.

  Prior to the description of the accessory cleaning function of the hot water supply apparatus 10, a general procedure for cleaning the accessory OB using the cleaning chemical will be described as a comparative example of the present embodiment. FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the procedure according to the comparative example. It is assumed that the so-called “remaining hot water” is stored in the bathtub 300 before the small object OB is cleaned according to the example of FIG.

  In the first step S01, the user puts the cleaning chemical into the remaining hot water stored in the bathtub 300. Thereby, it will be in the state in which the washing | cleaning chemical | medical agent melt | dissolved in the remaining hot water.

  In step S02 following step S01, the user operates the hot water supply device so that additional cooking by the hot water supply device is performed. Thereby, the temperature of the remaining hot water (hot water in which the cleaning chemical is dissolved) stored in the bathtub 300 rises. As the target temperature for additional cooking, an appropriate temperature for sufficiently exerting the cleaning effect of the cleaning chemical is set.

  FIG. 9 shows a state where the cooking has been completed and the temperature of the hot water WT has reached the target temperature as step S03. Although it depends on the initial temperature of the remaining hot water, it takes time until the cooking is completed after the operation of step S02 is performed. For this reason, in the period until it transfers to step S03 from step S02, a user once leaves a bathroom. Thereafter, the user returns to the bathroom again by, for example, a notification sound indicating completion of the additional cooking, and performs the operations after step S04.

  In step S04 following step S03, the user performs a foaming operation. Specifically, the user applies shower-like water discharge to the surface of hot water WT in which the cleaning chemical is dissolved. Thereby, hot water WT is bubbled and a large amount of bubbles BB as shown in FIG.

  In step S <b> 05 following step S <b> 04, the user throws the accessory OB into the bathtub 300. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 2, the small object OB is immersed in the bubbling hot water WT. In step S06 following step S05, the state in which the small object OB is immersed in the hot water WT is maintained. As already mentioned, this state is maintained for several hours.

  If the necessary immersion time (for example, 12 hours) elapses in step S06, the process proceeds to step S07. At this time, since the cleaning of the accessory OB has been completed, the user takes out the accessory OB from the bathtub 300.

  In step S08, the user removes bubbles adhering to the accessory OB by applying water discharged from the shower to the accessory OB. That is, the small object OB is rinsed. In addition, the user discharges the hot water WT containing the cleaning chemical stored in the bathtub 300 to the outside. Then, the foam adhering to the bathtub 300 is removed by applying the water discharged from the shower to the inner surface of the bathtub 300. That is, the bathtub 300 is rinsed.

  In the series of operations as described above, the user performs each of the charging of the cleaning chemical into the remaining hot water (step S01), the foaming operation (step S04), and the charging of the small object OB (step S05) in the bathroom. There is a need. In the period from step S02 to step S03, since the temperature of the remaining hot water in the bathtub 300 rises and it takes a relatively long time to reach an appropriate temperature, the user once leaves the bathroom as described above.

  Thus, in the procedure of the comparative example shown in FIG. 9, the user needs to go to the bathroom many times and work. For this reason, the work load on the user is large, which makes the user feel annoying. Therefore, in the hot water supply apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, a part of the procedure for cleaning small objects OB can be automatically performed by the small object cleaning function. Thereby, the work load on the user is reduced.

  The accessory cleaning function of the water heater 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The series of processes shown in FIG. 3 is executed by the control unit 120 when the small object OB is cleaned by the small object cleaning function.

  As in the case of the comparative example of FIG. 9, the so-called “remaining hot water” is stored in the bathtub 300 in advance before the series of processes shown in FIG. 3 is started. Shall. In addition, the user performs an operation for starting the accessory cleaning function of the hot water supply apparatus 10 after previously putting the accessory OB to be cleaned into the remaining hot water of the bathtub 300.

  In the first step S10, it is determined whether or not a start operation has been performed by the user. The start operation is an operation performed by the user on either the operation unit 160 or the operation unit 170 (hereinafter referred to as “operation unit 160 etc.”) in order to start the accessory cleaning function of the hot water supply device 10. is there.

  The start operation is performed, for example, when the user touches a start button displayed on the touch panel screen of the operation unit 160 or the like. Alternatively, the user may press a mechanical push button provided in the operation unit 160 or the like.

  In the present embodiment, before performing the start operation as described above, the user can perform an operation for changing the standby time as necessary. The waiting time is a time for which the small object OB is immersed in hot water (hot water in which the cleaning chemical is dissolved) in the bathtub 300. The standby time is used for determination in step S18 described later.

  The setting change of the standby time is performed, for example, when the user selects (touches) one of the candidates in a state where a plurality of standby time candidates are displayed on the touch panel screen such as the operation unit 160. In addition, in the state where the “increase button” and the “decrease button” are displayed on the touch panel screen of the operation unit 160 or the like, the numerical value indicating the standby time is changed by the user touching them. May be. In addition, when it is not necessary to change the setting of the standby time from the initial value, the operation for changing the standby time may be omitted.

  If the start operation has not yet been performed in step S10, the process in step S10 is repeated. If start operation is performed, it will transfer to step S11.

  In step S11, additional cooking control is performed. As described above, the additional cooking control is a control for operating both the pump P1 and the pump P2 and increasing the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub 300. The additional cooking control is performed until the temperature of the hot water measured by the thermistor TH12 reaches a predetermined target temperature. When the additional cooking control in step S11 is completed, the bathtub 300 is in a state where hot water, that is, hot water having a temperature suitable for cleaning the small objects OB is stored. The process of step S11 corresponds to “reservoir control” in the present embodiment.

  When the additional cooking control is completed, processing of the loop L1 is performed. The process of the loop L1 is control for bubbling the hot water stored in the bathtub 300 by repeatedly performing a series of processes from step S12 to step S17 described below. Hereinafter, the process indicated by the loop L1 is also referred to as “foaming control”. Foaming control is performed continuously and automatically following the completion of the additional cooking control (water storage control) in step S11. That is, when the process of step S11 is completed, it is not necessary for the user to come to the bathroom or to operate the operation unit 160 or the like, and the foaming control of the loop L1 is immediately started.

  In the first step S12 of the loop L1, bubble pouring is started. Bubble pouring refers to supplying hot water mixed with bubbles in the bubble mixing unit 150 to the bathtub 300. When bubble pouring is performed, the electromagnetic valve 151 provided in the pipe 55 is opened, and the electromagnetic valve 141 of the hopper unit 140 is opened. Thereby, hot water from the mixing valve 49 passes through the hopper unit 140, the bubble mixing part 150, and the pipe 56 in this order, and is supplied to the bathtub 300 through the pipe 31 and the pipe 34. A part of the hot water passing through the pipe 56 is supplied to the bathtub 300 after passing through the pipe 31, the heat exchanger 130, the pipe 32, and the pipe 33 in order.

  Since the solenoid valve 151 is in the open state, bubbles are mixed in the hot water in the bubble mixing section 150. From each of the pipe 33 and the pipe 34, hot water containing bubbles is supplied to the bathtub 300. Thereby, bubbles BB are generated on the surface of the hot water WT stored in the bathtub 300.

  In step S13 following step S12, it is determined whether or not the flow rate of hot water supplied to the bathtub 300 by bubble pouring has reached a predetermined amount. This determination is made based on the flow rate value measured by the flow rate counter FC1. In the present embodiment, 10 liters is set as the “predetermined amount”. When the flow rate of the hot water supplied to the bathtub 300 has not reached the predetermined amount, the process of step S13 is repeatedly executed. When the flow rate of the hot water supplied to the bathtub 300 has reached a predetermined amount, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the solenoid valve 141 is closed. This stops the bubble pouring.

  In step S15 following step S14, control for circulating hot water between hot water supply apparatus 10 and bathtub 300 is performed. Specifically, by operating the pump P2, hot water passes through the pipe 34, the pipe 31, the heat exchanger 130, the pipe 31, the pipe 32, and the pipe 33 in order. At this time, since the pump P1 remains stopped, the heating of the hot water in the heat exchanger 130 is not performed.

  Since the solenoid valve 151 is in a closed state, no new bubbles are generated in the bubble mixing unit 150. However, since the above-described bubble pouring has been performed in the period up to that time, a large number of bubbles are present inside the pipe 31 and the pipe 32 and on the inner wall surface. For this reason, if control which circulates hot water in step S15 is performed, the said bubble will be supplied to the bathtub 300 through the piping 33. FIG. As a result, bubbles BB are continuously generated on the surface of the hot water WT stored in the bathtub 300.

  In step S16 following step S15, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the time of transition to step S15. In the present embodiment, 3 minutes is set as the “predetermined time”. If the predetermined time has not yet elapsed, the process of step S16 is repeatedly executed. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S17. In step S17, the operation of the pump P1 is stopped. Thereby, circulation of hot water between hot water supply apparatus 10 and bathtub 300 is stopped.

  The processes from step S12 to step S17 as described above are repeated twice. As described above, the foaming control in the present embodiment includes the control of supplying hot water that has passed through the bubble mixing unit 150 to the bathtub 300 while mixing bubbles into the hot water from the bubble mixing unit 150 (step S12), and the bubble mixing unit 150. The control is such that the control of circulating hot water between the hot water supply device 10 and the bathtub 300 (step S15) is repeated while the mixing of bubbles from the hot water into the hot water is stopped. In step S14, the mixing of bubbles into the hot water from the bubble mixing unit 150 may not be stopped, but the amount of bubbles mixed may be reduced more than before. In this way, in step S14 immediately before starting the circulation of hot water, it is only necessary to adjust the mixing of bubbles in advance.

When the processing of the loop L1 is completed, the process proceeds to step S18. At this time, bathtub 300
Then, the small object OB is immersed in the hot water WT in which a large amount of bubbles BB are generated.

  In step S18, it is determined whether or not the standby time has elapsed since the completion of the processing of the loop L1 (foaming control). As described above, the standby time is a time set in advance based on the operation performed by the user prior to the start operation in step S10. If the standby time has not yet elapsed, the process of step S18 is repeated. That is, the state where the accessory OB is immersed in the hot water WT is maintained.

  If the standby time has elapsed in step S18, the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, the user is notified that the cleaning of the accessory OB has been completed. In the present embodiment, a message indicating completion is displayed on the touch panel screen of the operation unit 160 or the like, and the user is notified by generating a sound from the operation unit 160 or the like. Thereafter, the user goes to the bathroom and performs the operations shown in steps S07 and S08 in FIG.

  As described above, after the user first puts the small object OB into the bathtub 300 and the start operation of step S10, the hot water control, the foaming control, and the small object OB are automatically immersed. Done. That is, according to the accessory cleaning function of the hot water supply device 10, the user only performs the above-described work first, and thereafter the cleaning of the accessory OB is automatically completed. Since the user does not have to come to the bathroom many times, the user's workload is significantly reduced.

  A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the content of the process performed by the control unit 120 for the accessory cleaning function, and the configuration of the hot water supply device 10 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  The process shown in FIG. 4 is a process executed in place of the process shown in FIG. Of the processes shown in FIG. 4, the processes from step S20 to step S23 are the same as the processes from step S10 to step S19 in FIG. In FIG. 4, what is indicated as a loop L2 is the same processing as the loop L1 that is the foaming control. Below, only the process performed following step S23 is demonstrated.

  After the notification is made in step S23, the user takes out the accessory OB from the bathtub 300 and discharges hot water stored in the bathtub 300. Specifically, the automatic drain plug 320 is switched to the open state by operating the operation unit 160 and the like. When the automatic drain plug 320 is not provided in the bathtub 300, the user manually discharges hot water. In step S <b> 24, it is determined whether water has been discharged from the bathtub 300 as a result of the above operation by the user.

  The determination method will be described. If transfering it to step S24, the control part 120 will operate the pump P2 temporarily. At this time, if the water is not discharged from the bathtub 300, since the inside of the pipe 31 is filled with water, the water starts to flow by the pump P2. At the same time, a signal indicating that hot water is flowing in the pipe 31 is input to the control unit 120 from the flow switch FSW. On the other hand, if water is discharged from the bathtub 300, water does not exist inside the pipe 31, and therefore water does not flow even if the pump P2 is operated. Therefore, a signal indicating that hot water is flowing in the pipe 31 is not input to the control unit 120 from the flow switch FSW.

  If the flow of water is detected by the flow switch FSW during the operation of the pump P2, the control unit 120 determines that the water has not yet been discharged from the bathtub 300. Further, if the flow of water is not detected by the flow switch FSW during the operation of the pump P2, it is determined that the water has been discharged from the bathtub 300. When the determination is completed, the control unit 120 stops the operation of the pump P2.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of water stored in the bathtub 300 based on the operation of the pump P2 and the detection result of the flow switch FSW. The flow switch FSW corresponds to the “reserved water detection unit” in the present embodiment. In addition, the detection of the presence or absence of the water stored in the bathtub 300 can also be performed using the water level sensor WLS. However, the use of the flow switch FSW as described above can accurately detect the presence or absence of water accumulated in the bathtub 300.

  If water is not discharged from the bathtub 300, the process of step S24 is repeatedly performed. If water has been discharged from the bathtub 300, the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S25, pipe cleaning control is executed. The pipe cleaning control is control in which hot water that has passed through the bubble mixing unit 150 flows toward the bathtub 300 while bubbles are mixed into the hot water from the bubble mixing unit 150.

  In the pipe cleaning control, the control unit 120 performs the same process as step S12 in FIG. 3, that is, a process for starting bubble pouring. The water containing the bubble that has passed through the bubble mixing part 150 flows through both the pipe 31 and the pipe 34 in order, and the pipe 31, the heat exchanger 130, the pipe 32, and the pipe 33 in order. Reach 300. When the water containing bubbles flows, the inner wall surface of each pipe constituting the path is washed.

  Simultaneously with starting the pipe cleaning control, the control unit 120 starts measuring the flow rate by the flow rate counter FC1. When the flow rate measured by the flow rate counter FC1, that is, the flow rate of water passing through the bubble mixing unit 150 and flowing toward the bathtub 300 reaches a predetermined target flow rate, the control unit 120 closes the electromagnetic valve 151 and performs piping. Stop cleaning control.

  As mentioned above, in this embodiment, when the water of the bathtub 300 is discharged | emitted by a user's operation, the above piping washing | cleaning control is started automatically. Thereby, the inner wall surface of each piping provided in the hot water supply apparatus 10 can be maintained in a clean state.

  A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The third embodiment is different from the second embodiment only in the content of processing performed by the control unit 120 for the accessory cleaning function, and the configuration of the hot water supply device 10 is the same as that in the second embodiment.

  The process shown in FIG. 5 is a process executed in place of the process shown in FIG. Of the processes shown in FIG. 5, the process performed between step S30 and the loop L3 corresponds to the “bath hot water control” in the present embodiment.

  The process executed in the first step S30 is the same as the process executed in step S10 in FIG. If the start operation has not been performed in step S30, the process of step S30 is repeated. If start operation is performed, it will transfer to step S31.

  In step S31, the presence or absence of remaining hot water in bathtub 300 is determined. Here, the presence or absence of remaining hot water in the bathtub 300 is detected by the method described in step S24 of FIG. 4, that is, the method of detecting the presence or absence of water flow with the flow switch FSW (pumped water detection unit) while operating the pump P2. Determined. If it is determined that there is remaining hot water, the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S32, it is determined whether or not the water level of the bathtub 300 is equal to or higher than a predetermined water level. Here, the “predetermined water level” is set in advance as a sufficient water level for cleaning the small objects OB. The determination is performed based on the measurement result of the water level by the water level sensor WLS.

  When the water level of the bathtub 300 is equal to or higher than the predetermined water level, the process proceeds to step S33. The transition to step S33 means that a sufficient amount of remaining hot water is stored in the bathtub 300 for cleaning the small objects OB without adding hot water to the bathtub 300. However, the temperature of the remaining hot water is often low. Therefore, additional cooking control is performed in step S33. The additional cooking control performed here is the same as that executed in step S11 of FIG.

  Thus, in performing the hot water control, it is detected by the flow switch FSW (water storage detection unit) that water is stored in the bathtub 300, and the water level that the water level of the bathtub 300 is equal to or higher than a predetermined water level. When detected by the sensor WLS (water level detection unit), the control unit 120 performs additional cooking control. By the additional cooking control, the temperature of the remaining hot water stored in the bathtub 300 rises and becomes a temperature suitable for cleaning the small objects OB.

  In step S32, when the water level of the bathtub 300 is lower than the predetermined water level, the process proceeds to step S34. In step S34, the solenoid valve 141 is opened, and hot water is added to the bathtub 300. At this time, the mixing ratio of hot water and water in the mixing valve 49 is adjusted so that hot water having a temperature suitable for cleaning the small object OB is added to the bathtub 300. Addition of hot water to the bathtub 300 is performed until the water level detected by the water level sensor WLS reaches a predetermined water level. In this way, the control for adding hot water to the bathtub 300 until the predetermined water level is reached is hereinafter referred to as “tashi hot water control”.

  When the hot water control is completed, the process proceeds to step S35. At this time, the hot water stored in the bathtub 300 is obtained by adding hot hot water by controlling the hot water to the low-temperature remaining hot water stored from the beginning. For this reason, the temperature of the hot water is often lower than the temperature suitable for cleaning the small objects OB. Therefore, additional cooking control is performed in step S33. The additional cooking control performed here is the same as that executed in step S11 of FIG.

  Thus, when performing hot water control, it is detected by the flow switch FSW (water storage detection part) that water is stored in the bathtub 300, and the water level of the bathtub 300 is below a predetermined water level. When detected by the water level sensor WLS (water level detection unit), the control unit 120 first performs the hot water control to raise the water level of the bathtub 300, and then performs additional cooking control. Even if the initial amount of remaining hot water is not sufficient, the hot water supply device 10 automatically adds hot water and further raises the temperature of the remaining hot water, thereby further reducing the work load on the user.

  If it is determined in step S31 that there is no remaining hot water, the process proceeds to step S36. In step S36, the hot water control is performed. The hot water control performed here is the same as that performed in step S34. When the hot water control is completed, the water level of the bathtub 300 becomes a predetermined water level.

  In this case, all of the hot water stored in the bathtub 300 is hot water supplied by the hot water control. Therefore, the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub 300 is a temperature suitable for cleaning the small objects OB at this time. For this reason, additional cooking control is not performed after step S36.

  Thus, when performing hot water control, when it is detected by the flow switch FSW (water storage detection part) that water is not stored in the bathtub 300, the control part 120 performs hot water control. Even when the remaining hot water is not stored in the bathtub 300, the hot water supply device 10 automatically adds hot water and further raises the temperature of the remaining hot water, thereby further reducing the user's work load. .

  After any of step S33, step S35, and step S36 is executed, the process proceeds to loop L3. The loop L3 is the same process as the loop L1 (and loop L2) that is the foaming control. The processing from the loop L3 to step S40 is the same as the processing from the loop L2 to step S25 in FIG. Therefore, the description is omitted.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, when the process proceeds from step S31 to step S36, that is, when there is no initial remaining hot water, the user puts the small object OB and the cleaning chemical into the empty bathtub 300 in advance. It will be.

  However, after the small object OB is put into the empty bathtub 300, when the water level of the bathtub 300 is raised by the control of the hot water, the small object OB floats in the process, and a part of the small object OB is not in contact with the hot water. There is a possibility that. In this case, the small object OB is not sufficiently cleaned, which is not preferable. Moreover, when a cleaning chemical | medical agent is injected | thrown-in to the empty bathtub 300, an inner wall surface may change in color by a powdery cleaning chemical | medical agent touching the inner wall surface of the bathtub 300 directly.

  Therefore, in order to put the accessory OB and the cleaning chemical into the empty bathtub 300, it is desirable to use the fixture NT and the container BT as shown in FIG. The fixture NT is a net that covers the accessory OB from above. A plurality of suction cups SC <b> 1 are provided at the end of the net, and each suction cup SC <b> 1 is adsorbed on the inner surface of the bathtub 300. If it is such a state, even if the water level of the bathtub 300 rises by the hot water control, the lifting of the small objects OB is suppressed by the fixture NT. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably maintain the state in which the entire small object OB is immersed in hot water and to sufficiently clean the small object OB.

  The container BT is a cylindrical container whose upper side is open. A suction cup SC <b> 2 is provided below the container BT, and the suction cup SC <b> 2 is adsorbed on the bottom surface of the bathtub 300. A powdery cleaning agent PW is charged into the container BT.

  When the water level of the bathtub 300 rises by the control of the hot water, buoyancy from the hot water acts on the container BT. However, since the container BT is fixed to the bathtub 300 through the suction cup SC2, the container BT does not rise or fall down.

  Since the height of the container BT is relatively low, when the hot water control is started, the hot water enters the container BT within a relatively short time. Thereby, cleaning chemical | medical agent PW melt | dissolves in the hot water in bathtub 300. If such a container BT is used, it is reliably prevented that the powdery cleaning chemical PW directly touches the inner wall surface of the bathtub 300.

  A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The fourth embodiment is different from the third embodiment only in the contents of the process performed by the control unit 120 for the accessory cleaning function, and the configuration of the hot water supply device 10 is the same as that in the third embodiment.

  The process shown in FIG. 7 is a process executed in place of the process shown in FIG. The processes executed in the first step S50 and step S51 are the same as the processes executed in step S30 and step S31 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S51 that there is no remaining hot water in bathtub 300, the process proceeds to step S56. In step S56, the automatic drain plug 320 is closed. In step S57 following step S56, the hot water control similar to that in step S36 in FIG. 5 is performed.

  Thus, in this embodiment, when performing hot water control, the control part 120 performs control which closes the automatic drain plug 320 previously. Thereby, it is reliably prevented that hot water is supplied to the bathtub 300 in a state where the automatic drain plug 320 is forgotten to be closed.

  Among the processes shown in FIG. 7, the processes from step S50 to step S59 are the same as the processes from step S30 to step S38 in FIG. 5 except that step S56 as described above is added. Therefore, the specific description is omitted.

  When the user is notified in step S59, the process proceeds to step S60. In step S60, it is determined whether the “drainage operation” has been performed by the user. In the present embodiment, when a drain button is displayed on the touch panel screen of the operation unit 160 or the like and the user performs an operation of touching the drain button, the automatic drain plug 320 is opened to discharge hot water from the bathtub 300. It is configured as follows. The above “drainage operation” is an operation in which the user touches the drainage button.

  If the drain operation has not been performed by the user, the process of step S60 is repeatedly executed. If the drain operation is performed by the user, the process proceeds to step S61. In step S61, the automatic drain plug 320 is opened. Thereby, discharge of the hot water from the bathtub 300 is started, and the water level of the bathtub 300 is lowered.

  In step S62 following step S61, pipe cleaning control is performed. The pipe cleaning control performed here is the same as that performed in step S25 of FIG.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the user performs a drain operation after the operation unit 160 or the like (notification unit) notifies the user, the control unit 120 opens the automatic drain plug 320. After performing the control, pipe cleaning control is performed. In the present embodiment, the fact that the user performs a drain operation on the operation unit 160 or the like is a condition (predetermined condition) for performing control for opening the automatic drain plug 320 and pipe cleaning control after step S59. ing.

  In step S60, the user is on standby for a drain operation. However, when the user suddenly goes out, the process of step S60 is performed for a long time, and the hot water discharge and the pipe cleaning control are not performed. Therefore, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the transition to step S60, the routine may proceed to step S61 without waiting for the user's drain operation. In this case, the above “predetermined condition” is that the drainage operation by the user has been performed on the operation unit 160 or the like, or that a predetermined time has passed without performing the drainage operation. By setting the predetermined condition in this way, it is possible to prevent the processing from being stopped for a long time in step S60.

  A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The fifth embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment only in the contents of processing performed by the control unit 120 for the accessory cleaning function, and the configuration of the hot water supply device 10 is the same as that in the fourth embodiment.

  The process shown in FIG. 8 is a process executed in place of the process shown in FIG. Of the processes shown in FIG. 8, the processes from step S70 to step S80 are the same as the processes from step S50 to step S62 of FIG. In FIG. 8, what is indicated as the loop L5 is the same processing as the loop L1 that is the foaming control. Hereinafter, only the process performed following step S80 will be described.

  When the pipe cleaning control in step S80 is completed, the process of loop L6 is performed. The process of the loop L6 is a control for removing the bubbles BB adhering to the small objects OB and the like by repeatedly performing a series of processes from step S81 to step S86 described below. Hereinafter, the processing indicated by the loop L6 is also referred to as “rinsing control”.

  In the first step S81 of the loop L6, the automatic drain plug 320 is closed. In step S82 following step S81, the electromagnetic valve 141 is opened. Thereby, supply of the water to the bathtub 300 is started, and the water level of the bathtub 300 goes up. At this time, the electromagnetic valve 151 is closed. For this reason, in the bubble mixing part 150, mixing of air into water is not performed. The bathtub 300 is supplied with water without bubbles. The supply of water in step S82 is performed until the flow rate value measured by the flow rate counter FC1 reaches a predetermined value after the start of step S82. When the flow rate value reaches a predetermined value, the electromagnetic valve 141 is closed and the supply of water to the bathtub 300 is stopped.

  In step S <b> 83 following step S <b> 82, control for circulating hot water between the hot water supply device 10 and the bathtub 300 is performed. The process performed here is the same as the process performed in step S15 of FIG. By circulating hot water between the hot water supply apparatus 10 and the bathtub 300, the components of the cleaning chemicals and the small objects OB present inside the pipe 34, the pipe 31, the heat exchanger 130, the pipe 32, and the pipe 33 are displayed. The components of the cleaning agent adhering to the surface (as foam) are washed away.

  In step S84 following step S83, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of step S83. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process of step S84 is repeatedly executed, and the circulation of water between the hot water supply apparatus 10 and the bathtub 300 is continued. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S85. In step S85, the operation of the pump P1 is stopped as in the process performed in step S17 of FIG. Thereby, circulation of hot water between hot water supply apparatus 10 and bathtub 300 is stopped.

  In step S86 following step S85, the automatic drain plug 320 is again opened. Thereby, the water of bathtub 300 is discharged outside. When the water level of the bathtub 300 detected by the water level sensor WLS decreases to a predetermined water level, the process of step S86 is terminated. The predetermined water level here is set in advance as a water level indicating that the hot water in the bathtub 300 has been almost discharged.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, after a predetermined standby time has elapsed since the foaming control (loop L5) has been completed, the control unit 120 performs control for closing the automatic drain plug 320 (step S81), and the bathtub 300. The control which performs in order the control (step S82) which makes the state in which water was stored in the water (step S82), the control which circulates water between the hot water supply apparatus and the bathtub 300, and the control which opens the automatic drain plug 320 in order Rinse control is performed.

  Further, the rinsing control (loop L6) from step S81 to step S86 as described above is repeatedly executed a plurality of times in this embodiment. By repeating the rinse control a plurality of times, the components of the cleaning chemical adhering to the inside of the pipe 34 and the like and the surface of the small object OB are surely washed off. If the cleaning chemical is sufficiently washed away, the number of times that the rinsing control is executed may be only once.

  After the process of loop L6 is repeatedly executed a plurality of times, the process proceeds to step S87. In step S87, the user is notified that the cleaning of the accessory OB has been completed. The process executed in step S87 is the same as the process executed in step S19 in FIG.

  In addition, although the above example demonstrated washing | cleaning of accessory OB, it is also possible for a user to wash | clean the bathtub 300 itself by performing the same operation | work as above, without throwing the accessory OB into the bathtub 300. .

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. In other words, those specific examples that have been appropriately modified by those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention. For example, the elements included in each of the specific examples described above and their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, and the like are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate. Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is provided can be combined as long as technically possible, and the combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

10: Hot water supply device 120: Control unit 150: Bubble mixing unit 160: Operation unit 170: Operation unit 300: Bathtub 320: Automatic drain plug FSW: Flow switch WLS: Water level sensor

Claims (14)

A hot water supply device (10) for supplying hot water to a bathtub (300),
A bubble mixing part (150) for mixing bubbles in the hot water supplied to the bathtub in advance;
A controller (120) for controlling the overall operation of the hot water supply device,
The controller is
A hot water control for keeping hot water in the bathtub;
Foaming control for supplying hot water mixed with bubbles by the bubble mixing unit to the bathtub;
A water heater configured to continuously and automatically. The foaming control is
Control that supplies hot water that has passed through the bubble mixing portion to the bathtub while mixing bubbles into the hot water from the bubble mixing portion;
The hot water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the hot water is circulated between the hot water supply device and the bathtub while adjusting the mixing of bubbles into the hot water from the bubble mixing portion.   The hot water supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit (160, 170) for notifying a user after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since the completion of the foaming control. It further has an operation unit (160, 170) for receiving a user's operation,
The hot water supply device according to claim 3, wherein the standby time is changed based on an operation performed on the operation unit. A water storage detector (FSW) for detecting the presence or absence of water stored in the bathtub;
After the notification to the user by the notification unit, when the water storage detector detects that the water in the bathtub has been discharged,
The controller is
The hot water supply of Claim 3 comprised so that piping washing | cleaning control which is the control which flows the hot water which passed the said bubble mixing part toward the said bathtub may be performed while mixing a bubble into hot water from the said bubble mixing part. apparatus. A water storage detector for detecting the presence or absence of water stored in the bathtub;
In performing the hot water control, the control unit
The hot water supply device according to claim 1, wherein hot water is supplied to the bathtub when it is detected by the accumulated water detection unit that water is not accumulated in the bathtub. A water level detection unit (WLS) for detecting the water level of the bathtub,
In performing the hot water control, the water detection unit detects that water is stored in the bathtub, and the water level detection unit detects that the water level of the bathtub is below a predetermined water level. If
The controller is
After raising the water level of the bathtub by supplying hot water to the bathtub,
The hot water supply apparatus of Claim 6 comprised so that the water drawn in from the said bathtub may be heated, and the additional cooking control which is the control which returns the hot water obtained by the said heating to the said bathtub again may be performed. In performing the hot water control, it is detected by the stored water detection unit that water is stored in the bathtub, and the water level detection unit detects that the water level of the bathtub is equal to or higher than the predetermined water level. If
The hot water supply device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit is configured to perform the additional cooking control. The bathtub is provided with an automatic drain plug (320),
The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control an operation of the automatic drain plug. The controller is
The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 9, configured to perform control for closing the automatic drain plug in advance when performing the hot water control. After a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since the completion of the foaming control, further comprising an informing unit for informing the user,
After the notification to the user by the notification unit, when a predetermined condition is satisfied,
The controller is
Control to open the automatic drain valve,
The hot water supply of Claim 9 comprised so that piping washing | cleaning control which is the control which flows the hot water which passed the said bubble mixing part toward the said bathtub may be performed while mixing a bubble into hot water from the said bubble mixing part. apparatus. It further includes an operation unit that receives a user's operation,
The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined condition is that an operation by a user is performed on the operation unit. After a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since the completion of the foaming control,
The controller is
Control to close the automatic drain valve;
Control to keep water in the bathtub;
Control for circulating water between the water heater and the bathtub;
The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the hot water supply apparatus is configured to perform rinsing control that is control for sequentially opening the automatic drain plug.   The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the control unit is configured to repeatedly perform the rinsing control a plurality of times.

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