JP6907534B2 - Hot water heater - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a hot water supply device.

A water heater capable of performing an operation of cleaning a circulation circuit connected to a bathtub is widely used. The hot water supply device disclosed in Patent Document 1 below opens the drain valve to discharge the remaining hot water from the bathtub when the cleaning operation switch is operated, and additionally supplies water to the circulation circuit to supply the remaining hot water in the circulation circuit. Replace with clean water.

The hot water supply device disclosed in Patent Document 2 below is configured as follows. It is equipped with a water level sensor that detects the water level of the bathtub. It is possible to carry out a circulation cleaning operation in which fine bubbles are supplied into the circulation circuit and circulated. It detects that the user has opened the drain plug of the bathtub due to the decrease in the water level of the bathtub or the rate of decrease in the water level, and starts the circulation cleaning operation.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-106916 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-293884

In the technique of Patent Document 1, since the remaining hot water in the circulation circuit is only replaced with clean water when the bathtub is drained, the cleaning effect of removing dirt such as sebum stains adhering to the inner wall of the flow path of the circulation circuit is obtained. small.

According to the technique of Patent Document 2, by performing the circulation cleaning operation, a cleaning effect of removing dirt adhering to the inner wall of the flow path of the circulation circuit can be obtained. When the circulation cleaning operation is performed while draining from the bathtub, the water level of the bathtub gradually decreases, so that the time during which the circulation cleaning operation can be performed is limited. In the technique of Patent Document 2, it is determined by using a water level sensor whether or not the user has opened the drain plug of the bathtub. Since it is necessary to prevent the start of the circulation cleaning operation based on the erroneous determination, it takes time from the actual opening of the drain plug to the determination of the start of drainage and the start of the circulation cleaning operation. As a result, the operation time of the circulation cleaning operation may not be sufficiently long. In addition, if the water level of the bathtub before drainage is low, the water level may fall below the permissible range before the start of drainage is determined, and the circulation cleaning operation may not be executed.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hot water supply device capable of improving the cleaning effect on a circulation circuit connected to a bathtub.

The hot water supply device according to the present invention is a circulation circuit for cleaning the circulation circuit by circulating a fluid having a purifying component added to the bath water in a circulation circuit connected to a bathtub in which a drain plug that can be automatically opened and closed is installed. In a hot water supply device capable of performing a washing operation, when the bath water in the bathtub is discharged from the drain plug, a control means having a washing drain mode for starting the circulation washing operation and automatically opening the drain plug is provided for washing and draining. The modes are the first cleaning drainage mode, which starts the circulation cleaning operation at the same time as the drain plug is automatically opened, and the second cleaning drainage mode, which automatically opens the drain plug after the circulation cleaning operation is executed at least halfway. When the number of executions of the first wash / drainage mode reaches the standard including the mode, the second wash / drainage mode is executed at the next time, or usually the first wash / drainage mode is executed and the first is periodically performed. (Ii) Execute the cleaning / draining mode, or detect the degree of dirt in the circulation circuit with a sensor, execute the first cleaning / draining mode when the degree of dirt is below the standard, and when the degree of dirt exceeds the standard, execute the first washing / draining mode. by executing the second wash water discharge mode is automatically selectable der shall by the control means whether to perform a second wash water discharge mode or executing a first wash water discharge mode.
Further, the hot water supply device according to the present invention cleans the circulation circuit by circulating a fluid having a purifying component added to the bathtub water in a circulation circuit connected to a bathtub in which a drain plug that can be automatically opened and closed is installed. In the hot water supply device capable of performing the circulating cleaning operation, when the bathtub water in the bathtub is discharged from the drain plug, the circulating cleaning operation is started and the drain plug is automatically opened. If a user operation for operating the drain plug is performed during the execution of the washing / draining mode, the execution of the washing / draining mode is stopped, and the drain plug is opened / closed according to the user operation.
Further, the hot water supply device according to the present invention cleans the circulation circuit by circulating a fluid having a purifying component added to the bathtub water in a circulation circuit connected to a bathtub in which a drain plug that can be automatically opened and closed is installed. In the hot water supply device capable of performing the circulation cleaning operation, when the bathtub water in the bathtub is discharged from the drain plug, the circulation cleaning operation is started and the drain plug is automatically opened. The control means can start the wash / drain mode according to the reservation, and start the wash / drain mode when the drain operation, which is a user operation for permitting the discharge of the bathtub water in the bathtub, is performed. The operating time of the circulating cleaning operation in the cleaning / draining mode according to the reservation is longer than the operating time of the circulating cleaning operation in the cleaning / draining mode when the drainage operation is performed.

According to the hot water supply device of the present invention, when the bathtub water in the bathtub is discharged from the drain plug, the circulation washing operation is started and the drain plug is automatically opened, so that the bathtub is connected to the bathtub. It is possible to improve the cleaning effect on the circulating circuit.

It is a figure which shows the hot water supply apparatus by Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the flow of the fluid in the circulation cleaning operation of the hot water supply apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the flow of the fluid in the water injection washing operation of the hot water supply apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart including the process of the 1st wash drainage mode. It is a flowchart including the process of the 2nd washing drainage mode.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Common or corresponding elements in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals to simplify or omit duplicate description.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hot water supply device 1 according to the first embodiment. The hot water supply device 1 of the present embodiment includes a hot water storage unit 20 and a heat source unit 30. Inside the housing included in the hot water storage unit 20, a hot water storage tank 15, a control board constituting the control device 10, and other devices described later are housed. The water supply pipe 21 is connected to the hot water storage unit 20. Water from an external water source such as tap water is supplied to the hot water storage unit 20 through the water supply pipe 21. The water supplied from the water supply pipe 21 can flow into the lower part of the hot water storage tank 15 through the water supply pipe 22 inside the hot water storage unit 20. In the hot water storage tank 15, a temperature stratification with a high temperature on the upper side and a low temperature on the lower side can be formed due to the difference in water density depending on the temperature.

When the hot water supply device 1 is for home use, the capacity of the hot water storage tank 15 may be, for example, about 370L to 550L. The hot water storage tank 15 is made of a metal such as stainless steel. The hot water storage tank 15 is covered with a heat insulating material (not shown), and the hot water stored inside can be kept warm.

In the hot water storage tank 15, a plurality of temperature sensors 13a to 13e for detecting the water temperature in the hot water storage tank 15 are attached to positions at different heights from each other. In the illustrated example, five temperature sensors 13a to 13e are provided in order from the top. By detecting the temperature distribution in the vertical direction in the hot water storage tank 15 by these temperature sensors 13a to 13e, it is possible to calculate the amount of hot water stored and the amount of heat stored in the hot water storage tank 15.

The heat source unit 30 is an example of a heating means for heating water. The heat source unit 30 may be, for example, a heat pump heat source machine including a compressor, an air heat exchanger, a water heat exchanger, or the like. Examples of the refrigerant used in the refrigerant circuit of the heat pump heat source machine include CO ₂ and HFC-based refrigerants. The heating means in the present invention is not limited to the heat pump heat source machine, and may be, for example, a combustion type heating device that heats with the combustion heat of fuel such as gas, kerosene, heavy oil, or coal, or a device that heats by solar heat. It may be a combination of these.

The water channel 23 connects the lower part of the hot water storage tank 15 and the water inlet of the heat source unit 30. A water pump 14a is connected in the middle of the water channel 23. The water channel 24 connects the water outlet of the heat source unit 30 and the upper part of the hot water storage tank 15. In the illustrated example, the water pump 14a is arranged in the hot water storage unit 20, but instead of this example, the water pump 14a may be arranged in the heat source unit 30.

Inside the hot water storage unit 20, a hot water supply mixing valve 2, a heat exchanger 3, a bubble generator 4, a solenoid valve 7, a three-way valve 11, a water pump 14b, and a water pump 14c are provided. The hot water supply mixing valve 2 has a first inlet 2a, a second inlet 2b, and an outlet 2c. The first inlet 2a is connected to the water supply pipe 25. The water supplied from the water supply pipe 21 to the hot water storage unit 20 can flow into the hot water supply mixing valve 2 through the water supply pipe 25 inside the hot water storage unit 20. The second entrance 2b is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 15 via the hot water outlet 26. The hot water supply mixing valve 2 has a configuration in which the mixing ratio of the water flowing in from the first inlet 2a and the hot water flowing in from the second inlet 2b can be adjusted by driving the valve body by an actuator such as a stepping motor. Have. The hot water supply temperature can be adjusted by mixing the water supplied from the water supply pipe 25 and the hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 15 by the hot water supply mixing valve 2.

The hot water storage unit 20 is connected to the hot water supply terminal 5 and the bathtub 8 in the bathroom via an external pipe. The hot water flowing out from the hot water supply mixing valve 2 can be supplied to the hot water supply terminal 5 and the bathtub 8. The hot water supply terminal 5 may include, for example, at least one of a bathroom shower, a kitchen sink faucet, and a washroom faucet. In the illustrated example, it is possible to supply hot water from one hot water supply mixing valve 2 to both the hot water supply terminal 5 and the bathtub 8, but instead of this example, the mixing valve for supplying hot water to the hot water supply terminal 5 and the hot water supply to the bathtub 8 are supplied. It may be provided separately with a mixing valve for the purpose.

In the following description, the hot water stored in the bathtub 8 is referred to as "bathtub water". Further, the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 15 may be referred to as "tank water".

The heat exchanger 3 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between bath water and tank water. The heat exchanger 3 is connected to the bathtub 8 via the first water channel 27 and the second water channel 28. A bubble generator 4 and a water pump 14c are connected in the middle of the first water channel 27. The temperature sensor 12a detects the temperature of the bathtub water passing through the first water channel 27. When the water pump 14c is operated, the bathtub water in the bathtub 8 is drawn into the first water channel 27. The bath water passes through the first water channel 27, the heat exchanger 3, and the second water channel 28 in this order, and returns to the inside of the bathtub 8. In the present embodiment, the first water channel 27, the heat exchanger 3, and the second water channel 28 form a circulation circuit connected to the bathtub 8. In the following description, the circulation circuit may be referred to as a "bathtub circulation circuit".

The hot water supply pipe 29 branches from the middle of the second water channel 28. The hot water supply pipe 29 is connected to the outlet 2c of the hot water supply mixing valve 2. When the solenoid valve 7 connected in the middle of the hot water supply pipe 29 is opened, the hot water flowing out from the hot water supply mixing valve 2 is injected into the bathtub 8 through the hot water supply pipe 29, the first water channel 27 and the second water channel 28.

The three-way valve 11 is a flow path switching valve having a first inlet 11a, a second inlet 11b, and an outlet 11c. The first inlet 11a is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 15 via the upper water channel 31. The second inlet 11b is connected to the hot water storage tank 15 via the first lower water channel 32. In the illustrated example, the connection position between the first lower water channel 32 and the hot water storage tank 15 is lower than half the height of the hot water storage tank 15. The outlet 11c is connected to the inlet of the tank water of the heat exchanger 3 via the water channel 33.

The outlet of the tank water of the heat exchanger 3 is connected to the hot water storage tank 15 via the second lower water channel 34. A water pump 14b is connected in the middle of the second lower water channel 34. In the illustrated example, the connection position between the second lower water channel 34 and the hot water storage tank 15 is lower than the connection position between the first lower water channel 32 and the hot water storage tank 15. Instead of such a configuration, the connection position between the first lower water channel 32 and the hot water storage tank 15 may be lower than the connection position between the second lower water channel 34 and the hot water storage tank 15. The temperature sensor 12b detects the temperature of the tank water passing through the second lower water channel 34. The temperature sensor 12c detects the temperature of the tank water passing through the water channel 33, that is, the temperature of the tank water flowing into the heat exchanger 3.

The bubble generator 4 can generate bubbles in the bathtub water flowing through the bathtub circulation circuit. The bubbles may include fine bubbles such as microbubbles. The air bubbles have an effect of cleaning and removing stains such as sebum stains adhering to the inner wall of the flow path of the bathtub circulation circuit. The bubble generator 4 may include, for example, the following ejectors. The ejector has a reduced diameter portion that reduces the diameter of the flow path of the bath water. Due to the negative pressure generated in this reduced diameter portion, a gas such as air can be naturally aspirated from the intake passage. In the reduced diameter portion, gas is introduced through the intake passage from a direction perpendicular to the flow of bath water. A stationary blade that swivels the water flow flowing into the ejector may be provided at a position on the upstream side of the ejector. The stationary blade forms, for example, a swirling flow centered on the axis of the flow path. The swirling flow of bathtub water formed by the stationary blades shears the bubbles and makes them finer, so that fine bubbles can be generated.

The bubbles generated by the bubble generator 4 in the present embodiment are examples of components having an action of purifying the inside of the flow path of the bathtub circulation circuit. The component having a purifying action is not limited to bubbles, and for example, a detergent such as a surfactant or a mineral having an antibacterial effect may be used in place of the bubbles or in combination with the bubbles. By circulating the fluid obtained by adding the purifying component to the bathtub water to the bathtub circulation circuit, an excellent cleaning effect on the bathtub circulation circuit can be obtained.

In the present embodiment, it is also possible to circulate the bathtub water in the bathtub circulation circuit without generating bubbles in the bubble generator 4. For example, an electromagnetic valve (not shown) is provided in the intake passage leading to the bubble generating device 4, and the presence or absence of bubble generation by the bubble generating device 4 can be switched by opening and closing the solenoid valve.

Various actuators included in the hot water supply device 1 are electrically connected to the control device 10. The control device 10 controls the operation of the hot water supply device 1 based on the information detected by various sensors, the information received from the terminal device 6, and the like. Each function of the control device 10 may be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit of the control device 10 may include at least one processor and at least one memory. At least one processor may realize each function of the control device 10 by reading and executing a program stored in at least one memory. The processing circuit of the control device 10 may include at least one dedicated hardware. The configuration is not limited to a configuration in which the operation is controlled by a single control device 10, and a configuration in which a plurality of control devices cooperate to control the operation may be used.

The terminal device 6 has a function as a user interface. The terminal device 6 is connected to the control device 10 so that data communication is possible in both directions. The communication may be wireless communication or wired communication. A plurality of terminal devices 6 may be able to communicate with the control device 10. A bathroom remote controller installed in the bathroom may be provided as the terminal device 6. A kitchen remote controller installed in the kitchen may be provided as the terminal device 6. The terminal device 6 and the control device 10 may be able to communicate with each other via the home network. The terminal device 6 and the control device 10 may be able to communicate with each other via an external device such as a controller of a home energy management system that manages a plurality of electric devices provided in a house. The terminal device 6 may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, for example. When the terminal device 6 is a mobile terminal, the terminal device 6 may be able to communicate with the control device 10 via a network such as the Internet from the outside of the user.

The terminal device 6 may include, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel. The display device can notify the user of information about the hot water supply device 1 by displaying characters, figures, characters, and the like. The terminal device 6 may include other notification devices such as a voice output device. The terminal device 6 includes an operation unit that accepts user operations. The operation unit may include, for example, at least one of a button, a touch panel, and a touch pad operated by the user. By operating the operation unit, the user can input a command related to the operation of the hot water supply device 1 and a change of a set value to the terminal device 6.

The electric drain plug 9 is installed at the bottom of the bathtub 8. The electric drain plug 9 is an example of a drain plug that can be opened and closed automatically. When the electric drain plug 9 is closed, bathtub water can be stored in the bathtub 8. When the electric drain plug 9 is opened, the bathtub water in the bathtub 8 is discharged through the electric drain plug 9 to, for example, a drain pipe (not shown). By opening the electric drain plug 9, all the bathtub water in the bathtub 8 can be discharged to the outside. The electric drain plug 9 opens and closes by being driven by, for example, an electric motor (not shown). The electric drain plug 9 may have an adjustable opening degree. For example, by driving the electric drain plug 9 with a stepping motor (not shown), the opening degree of the electric drain plug 9 can be easily adjusted. The control device 10 can control the operation of the electric drain plug 9. The control device 10 may directly control the operation of the electric drain plug 9, or the control device 10 indirectly controls the operation of the electric drain plug 9 via a control unit (not shown) of the electric drain plug 9 installed in or near the bathroom. The operation of the electric drain plug 9 may be controlled.

The terminal device 6 can accept a user operation for operating the electric drain plug 9. The user can input a command for opening the electric drain plug 9 and a command for closing the electric drain plug 9 to the terminal device 6. The user can remotely control the electric drain plug 9 by operating the terminal device 6.

A drain plug open / close button 35 for user operation is installed in or near the bathtub 8. The signal of the drain plug open / close button 35 is input to the control device 10. The signal of the drain plug open / close button 35 may be input to the control unit of the electric drain plug 9, and the control unit may transmit the signal to the control device 10. When the user operates the drain plug open / close button 35, the electric drain plug 9 is operated to open or close according to the operation. For example, the drain plug open / close button 35 may be attached to the bathtub 8, or the bathroom remote controller, which is a terminal device 6 installed in the bathroom, may be provided with the drain plug open / close button 35.

(Heat storage operation) The hot water supply device 1 of the present embodiment can execute the heat storage operation. The heat storage operation is an operation in which the hot water heated by the heat source unit 30 flows into the hot water storage tank 15. The hot water supply device 1 may perform a heat storage operation mainly at night. The water heater 1 may perform an additional heat storage operation in the daytime. At the time of heat storage operation, it becomes as follows. The heat source unit 30 and the water pump 14a are operated. The water in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 15 is supplied to the heat source unit 30 through the water channel 23. The hot water, that is, the high-temperature water heated in the heat source unit 30, returns to the hot water storage unit 20 through the water channel 24 and flows into the upper part in the hot water storage tank 15.

At the start of the heat storage operation, the high-temperature water in the hot water storage tank 15 is consumed, and the low-temperature water having a temperature close to the temperature of the water supplied from the water supply pipe 21 is stored in the lower portion of the hot water storage tank 15. By performing the heat storage operation, the low-temperature water is heated by the water heat exchanger in the heat source unit 30 to become high-temperature water. When the high-temperature water flows into the upper part of the hot water storage tank 15, the temperature boundary layer between the upper high-temperature water layer and the lower low-temperature water layer moves downward in the hot water storage tank 15. As a result, the amount of hot water stored and the amount of heat stored in the hot water storage tank 15 increase.

During the heat storage operation, the control device 10 may control the operation of at least one of the heat source unit 30 and the water pump 14a so that the temperature of the high temperature water flowing out from the heat source unit 30 becomes equal to the target heating temperature. .. The target heating temperature may be, for example, a temperature in the range of 65 ° C. to 90 ° C.

(Hot water supply operation) The hot water supply device 1 of the present embodiment can execute a hot water supply operation for supplying hot water to the hot water supply terminal 5. When the hot water supply terminal 5 is opened and hot water flows out, the hot water supply operation starts. In hot water supply operation, it is as follows. The high-temperature water from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 15 and the low-temperature water from the water supply pipe 25 are mixed by the hot water supply mixing valve 2, and the mixed hot water is supplied to the hot water supply terminal 5. A temperature sensor 12d for detecting the temperature of the hot water flowing out from the hot water supply mixing valve 2 is installed in the flow path downstream of the hot water supply mixing valve 2. The control device 10 controls the operation of the hot water supply mixing valve 2 so that the temperature of the hot water flowing out from the hot water supply mixing valve 2 becomes equal to the hot water supply temperature set by the user. The same amount of low-temperature water as the high-temperature water flowing out from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 15 flows into the lower part of the hot water storage tank 15 from the water supply pipe 22. As a result, the temperature boundary layer in the hot water storage tank 15 moves upward.

(Hot water filling operation) The hot water supply device 1 of the present embodiment can execute the hot water filling operation. The hot water filling operation is an operation of storing hot water in the bathtub 8 in preparation for bathing. The user can start the hot water filling operation by operating the terminal device 6. Further, the control device 10 may start the hot water filling operation according to the time reserved by the user. In hot water filling operation, it is as follows. The electric drain plug 9 is closed. The solenoid valve 7 is opened. The high-temperature water from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 15 and the low-temperature water from the water supply pipe 25 are mixed by the hot water supply mixing valve 2, and the mixed hot water passes through the hot water supply pipe 29 and the flow path of the bathtub circulation circuit to the bathtub. It is injected into 8. At this time, the flow of hot water leaving the hot water supply pipe 29 is divided into a flow toward the bathtub 8 via the second water channel 28 and a flow toward the bathtub 8 via the heat exchanger 3 and the first water channel 27. You may. The control device 10 controls the operation of the hot water supply mixing valve 2 so that the temperature of the hot water flowing out from the hot water supply mixing valve 2 becomes equal to the hot water filling temperature set by the user. The same amount of low-temperature water as the high-temperature water flowing out from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 15 flows into the lower part of the hot water storage tank 15 from the water supply pipe 22. As a result, the temperature boundary layer in the hot water storage tank 15 moves upward.

In the present embodiment, the hot water supply device 1 includes a water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the bathtub 8. The water level sensor 36 attached to the bathtub circulation circuit is an example of the water level detecting means. In the following description, the water level in the bathtub 8 is referred to as a "bathtub water level". The bathtub water level can be detected by detecting the water pressure in the bathtub circulation circuit with the water level sensor 36. The control device 10 may end the hot water filling operation when the bathtub water level reaches the target water level. Alternatively, for example, a flow rate sensor may be provided in the hot water supply pipe 29, and the control device 10 may end the hot water filling operation when the integrated flow rate of hot water passing through the hot water supply pipe 29 reaches a target hot water filling amount.

(Reheating operation) The hot water supply device 1 of the present embodiment can execute the reheating operation. When the temperature of the bathtub water drops, it is possible to perform a reheating operation to raise the temperature of the bathtub water. In the reheating operation, it becomes as follows. The three-way valve 11 communicates the upper water channel 31 with the water channel 33 and shuts off the first lower water channel 32. The water pump 14b and the water pump 14c are operated. The high-temperature tank water flowing out from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 15 is supplied to the heat exchanger 3 via the upper water channel 31, the three-way valve 11, and the water channel 33. The bathtub water in the bathtub 8 flows into the heat exchanger 3 through the first water channel 27. Due to the heat exchange in the heat exchanger 3, the temperature of the bath water rises and the temperature of the tank water falls. The heated bath water returns to the bathtub 8 through the second water channel 28. The cooled tank water flows into the lower part of the hot water storage tank 15 through the second lower water channel 34. When the temperature of the bathtub water detected by the temperature sensor 12a reaches the target temperature, the control device 10 may end the reheating operation.

(Circulation cleaning operation) The hot water supply device 1 of the present embodiment can execute a circulation cleaning operation. The circulation cleaning operation is an operation of cleaning the bathtub circulation circuit by circulating a fluid obtained by adding a component having a purifying effect to the bathtub water to the bathtub circulation circuit. The circulation washing operation is performed after the bathing is completed. The bath water after bathing contains stains such as sebum stains. Therefore, when it is assumed that the bathtub water to which the component having a purifying action is not added is circulated, the action of cleaning and removing dirt such as sebum dirt adhering to the inner wall of the flow path of the bathtub circulation circuit can be obtained. Not only that, the accumulation of dirt on the inner wall of the flow path of the bathtub circulation circuit is promoted, which may have an adverse effect. On the other hand, according to the circulation cleaning operation of the present embodiment, an excellent cleaning effect can be obtained by circulating bath water containing bubbles such as microbubbles, which is a component having a purifying effect.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a fluid flow in the circulation cleaning operation of the hot water supply device 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the circulation cleaning operation is as follows. The water pump 14c is operated. Bubbles are generated by the bubble generator 4. The bathtub water in the bathtub 8 flows into the heat exchanger 3 through the first water channel 27. The bathtub water containing bubbles generated by the bubble generator 4 in the middle of the first water channel 27 returns to the inside of the bathtub 8 through the heat exchanger 3 and the second water channel 28. The control device 10 may end the circulation cleaning operation when the preset operation time has elapsed. The operation time may be, for example, about 5 minutes.

The higher the temperature of the bathtub water, the higher the cleaning effect of the circulation cleaning operation. However, in the circulation cleaning operation of the present embodiment, the bathtub water containing air bubbles, which is a component having a purifying effect, is circulated to cause the bathtub water. An excellent cleaning effect can be obtained even when the temperature of the water is low. The circulation washing operation may also have the effect of washing the bathtub 8. For example, in the circulation cleaning operation, the bathtub water to which the component having a purifying action is added returns from the bathtub circulation circuit into the bathtub 8 and flows along the inner wall surface of the bathtub 8. As a result, a cleaning effect for removing stains such as sebum stains adhering to the inner wall surface of the bathtub 8 can be obtained.

(Water injection cleaning operation) The hot water supply device 1 of the present embodiment can execute the water injection cleaning operation. The water injection washing operation is an operation of injecting clean water supplied from the water source into the bathtub circulation circuit at the end of discharging the bathtub water in the bathtub 8. The "water source" of the water injection cleaning operation in the present embodiment includes at least one of the water source upstream of the water supply pipe 21 and the hot water storage tank 15. By performing the water injection washing operation, the bathtub water remaining in the bathtub circulation circuit can be replaced with clean water, and the inside of the bathtub circulation circuit can be kept clean.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a fluid flow in the water injection cleaning operation of the hot water supply device 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the water injection washing operation is as follows. The electric drain plug 9 is open. The solenoid valve 7 is opened. The high-temperature water from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 15 and the low-temperature water from the water supply pipe 25 are mixed by the hot water supply mixing valve 2, and the mixed hot water is injected into the bathtub circulation circuit through the hot water supply pipe 29. .. At this time, the flow of hot water leaving the hot water supply pipe 29 is divided into a flow toward the bathtub 8 via the second water channel 28 and a flow toward the bathtub 8 via the heat exchanger 3 and the first water channel 27. As a result, clean water is injected into the entire bathtub circulation circuit. The control device 10 may control the operation of the hot water supply mixing valve 2 so that the temperature of the hot water flowing out from the hot water supply mixing valve 2 becomes equal to the target temperature. The target temperature may be, for example, 40 ° C. The bathtub water remaining in the bathtub circulation circuit is pushed out into the bathtub 8 by the injected clean water, and is discharged from the electric drain plug 9 to the outside of the bathtub 8. When the injection amount into the bathtub circulation circuit reaches the target value, the control device 10 may close the solenoid valve 7 and end the water injection cleaning operation. The target value of the injection amount may be, for example, about 10 L.

The control device 10 may start the water injection cleaning operation when the bathtub water level is sufficiently lowered after the electric drain plug 9 is opened. For example, the water injection cleaning operation may be started when the bathtub water level detected by the water level sensor 36 drops to or near the connection position between the bathtub circulation circuit and the bathtub 8. It is sufficient that the bathtub water level at the end of the water injection washing operation is lower than the connection position between the bathtub circulation circuit and the bathtub 8. The control device 10 may end the water injection cleaning operation according to the bathtub water level detected by the water level sensor 36.

In the present embodiment, the control device 10 has a washing / draining mode as a control mode. The washing / draining mode is a control mode in which when the bathtub water in the bathtub 8 is discharged from the electric drain plug 9, the circulation washing operation is started and the electric drain plug 9 is automatically opened. In the following description, discharging the bathtub water in the bathtub 8 from the electric drain plug 9 may be referred to as “drainage of the bathtub 8”. In the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained because the control device 10 is provided with the washing / draining mode. The drainage of the bathtub 8 by the electric drain plug 9 and the circulation cleaning operation can be linked. For example, the circulation cleaning operation can be started at the same time as the start of drainage of the bathtub 8. Therefore, it is possible to surely prevent the shortage of the operation time of the circulation cleaning operation, so that an excellent cleaning effect on the bathtub circulation circuit can be obtained.

In the present embodiment, the terminal device 6 is configured to be able to accept a user operation that permits drainage of the bathtub 8. In the following description, the user operation for permitting the drainage of the bathtub 8 is referred to as "drainage operation". The user performs a drainage operation on the terminal device 6 when the bathtub water in the bathtub 8 may be drained, for example, when all the household members have finished bathing.

In the present embodiment, the control device 10 can execute the washing drainage mode when the drainage operation is performed. Before executing the wash drainage mode, it is desirable to confirm the user's intention that the bathtub water in the bathtub 8 is no longer needed. The drainage operation corresponds to the confirmation of the user's intention that the bathtub water in the bathtub 8 is no longer needed. In the present embodiment, the washing / draining mode can be executed at an appropriate timing by executing the washing / draining mode according to the user's occasional drainage operation.

Further, in the present embodiment, the terminal device 6 is configured to be able to accept a user operation for reserving the drainage of the bathtub 8. The user can reserve the time for draining the bathtub 8 by operating the terminal device 6. The reservation may be a same-day reservation, a daily application unless canceled, or a scheduled reservation such as a date or day of the week. In the present embodiment, the control device 10 can execute the washing / draining mode according to the above reservation. When the time when the user reserves the drainage of the bathtub 8, it corresponds to the confirmation of the user's intention that the bathtub water in the bathtub 8 is no longer needed. In the present embodiment, the washing / draining mode can be executed at an appropriate timing by executing the washing / draining mode according to the reservation by the user.

In the present embodiment, the control device 10 has a first wash drainage mode and a second wash drainage mode as wash drainage modes. The first washing / draining mode is a mode in which the circulation washing operation is started at the same time as the electric drain plug 9 is automatically opened to start draining the bathtub 8. The second washing / draining mode is a mode in which the electric drain plug 9 is automatically opened to start draining the bathtub 8 after the circulation washing operation is executed at least halfway.

According to the first washing drainage mode, the following effects can be obtained. Since the circulation cleaning operation is started at the same time as the start of drainage of the bathtub 8, it is possible to prevent the bathtub water level from dropping before the circulation cleaning operation is started. Therefore, the operation time of the circulation cleaning operation can be sufficiently lengthened, and an excellent cleaning effect can be obtained. Since the drainage of the bathtub 8 is started without delay with respect to the drainage operation by the user or the time reserved by the user, it is possible to prevent the time required for the drainage of the bathtub 8 to be completed to be extended.

According to the second washing / drainage mode, the following effects can be obtained. Since the operation time of the circulation cleaning operation can be made longer than that of the first cleaning / draining mode, a more excellent cleaning effect can be obtained.

The user may be able to select whether to execute the first wash drainage mode or the second wash drainage mode. For example, the user may be able to select whether to execute the first wash / drainage mode or the second wash / drainage mode by operating the terminal device 6.

The control device 10 may automatically select whether to execute the first wash / drainage mode or the second wash / drainage mode. In that case, the control device 10 may be, for example, as follows. When the number of times the first washing / draining mode is executed reaches the standard, the second washing / draining mode may be executed in the next time to perform careful cleaning. Alternatively, elaborate cleaning may be performed by normally executing the first cleaning / draining mode and periodically executing the second cleaning / draining mode such as once a week or once a month. Alternatively, a sensor (not shown) that detects the degree of dirt in the bathtub circulation circuit is provided, the first cleaning / drainage mode is executed when the degree of dirt is below the standard, and the second when the degree of dirt exceeds the standard. A wash drain mode may be performed.

In the present embodiment, the control device 10 can execute the simple drainage mode instead of the washing drainage mode. The simple drainage mode is a mode in which when the bathtub 8 is drained, the electric drain plug 9 is automatically opened without executing the circulation cleaning operation. The user can select whether to execute the cleaning drainage mode or the simple drainage mode. For example, the user may be able to select whether to execute the washing drainage mode or the simple drainage mode by operating the terminal device 6. As a result, when the circulation cleaning operation is unnecessary, the circulation cleaning operation can be easily omitted.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart including the processing of the first wash / drainage mode. In step S1 of FIG. 4, the control device 10 determines whether or not the bathtub water in the bathtub 8 may be discharged based on the information received from, for example, the terminal device 6. For example, when the drainage operation is performed, it is determined that the bathtub water in the bathtub 8 may be drained. Alternatively, when the time at which the user reserves the drainage of the bathtub 8, it is determined that the bathtub water in the bathtub 8 may be drained.

When it is determined that the bathtub water in the bathtub 8 may be discharged, the process proceeds from step S1 to step S2. In step S2, the control device 10 starts the circulation cleaning operation. In step S2, the control device 10 causes the electric drain plug 9 to open. The process proceeds from step S2 to step S3. In step S3, the control device 10 starts the circulation cleaning operation. Steps S2 and S3 correspond to a process of automatically opening the electric drain plug 9 and starting the circulation cleaning operation at the same time as starting the drainage of the bathtub 8.

The process proceeds from step S3 to step S4. Since the electric drain plug 9 is open during the circulation cleaning operation, the bathtub water level gradually drops. In step S4, the control device 10 determines whether or not the bathtub water level has dropped to the water injection cleaning start water level by using the signal from the water level sensor 36. The water injection cleaning start water level is a preset bathtub water level as the bathtub water level at which the water injection cleaning operation should be executed. The water injection cleaning start water level in the present embodiment corresponds to the bathtub water level at which the operation of circulating the bathtub water in the bathtub circulation circuit should be terminated. The water injection cleaning start water level may be, for example, a bathtub water level corresponding to or near the connection position between the bathtub circulation circuit and the bathtub 8. If the bathtub water level has not yet dropped to the water injection cleaning start water level in step S4, the circulation cleaning operation is continued, and the determination in step S4 is performed again. When the bath water level drops to the water injection cleaning start water level, the process proceeds from step S4 to step S5. In step S5, the control device 10 ends the circulation cleaning operation.

When the elapsed time from the start of the circulation cleaning operation reaches a preset operation time, the control device 10 ends the circulation cleaning operation before the bathtub water level drops to the water injection cleaning start water level. You may. The operation time may be, for example, about 5 minutes.

The process proceeds from step S5 to step S6. In step S6, the control device 10 executes a water injection cleaning operation. In the present embodiment, since the water injection cleaning operation is executed after the circulation cleaning operation is completed, the inside of the flow path of the bathtub circulation circuit can be kept cleaner after drainage.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart including the processing of the second washing / draining mode. In step S11 of FIG. 5, the control device 10 determines whether or not the bathtub water in the bathtub 8 may be discharged. The process of step S11 is the same as that of step S1 described above.

When it is determined that the bathtub water in the bathtub 8 may be discharged, the process proceeds from step S11 to step S12. In step S12, the control device 10 executes the circulation cleaning operation without opening the electric drain plug 9. The control device 10 may end the circulation cleaning operation when the elapsed time from the start of the circulation cleaning operation reaches a preset operation time. The operation time may be, for example, about 5 minutes.

When the circulation cleaning operation is completed, the process proceeds from step S12 to step S13. In step S13, the control device 10 causes the electric drain plug 9 to open. As a result, the bathtub water in the bathtub 8 starts to be discharged from the electric drain plug 9. As described above, in the second washing / draining mode, the electric drain plug 9 is not opened immediately to start draining, but the electric drain plug 9 is opened to start draining after the circulation washing operation is executed. Therefore, the operation time of the circulation cleaning operation can be sufficiently lengthened, so that a more excellent cleaning effect can be obtained. In the example of FIG. 5, the electric drain plug 9 is opened and drainage is started after the circulation cleaning operation is completed. However, when the circulation cleaning operation is halfway executed, the electric drain plug 9 is opened and drainage is started, and the electric drainage plug 9 is started. The remaining circulation cleaning operation may be performed while draining water from the drain plug 9. Even in that case, an effect similar to the above can be obtained.

The process proceeds from step S13 to step S14. In step S14, the control device 10 determines whether or not the bathtub water level has dropped to the water injection cleaning start water level. The process of step S14 is the same as that of step S4 described above. If the bathtub water level has not yet dropped to the water injection cleaning start water level in step S14, the determination in step S14 is performed again. When the bath water level drops to the water injection cleaning start water level, the process proceeds from step S14 to step S15. In step S15, the control device 10 executes a water injection cleaning operation.

The control device 10 may adjust the drainage speed by at least one of opening and closing the electric drain plug 9 and adjusting the valve opening degree of the electric drain plug 9. The drainage rate is the amount of bathtub water discharged from the electric drain plug 9 per hour. For example, the control device 10 can maintain the opening degree of the electric drain plug 9 at an opening degree smaller than that of the fully open, so that the drainage speed can be lowered as compared with the case where the electric drain plug 9 is fully opened. Further, by opening and closing the electric drain plug 9, the control device 10 can lower the drainage speed as compared with the case where the electric drain plug 9 is kept open. When opening and closing the electric drain plug 9, for example, the amount of bathtub water discharged from the electric drain plug 9 per unit time, which is longer than the cycle of the opening and closing operation of the electric drain plug 9, is regarded as "drainage speed". You may.

The control device 10 sets the opening degree of the electric drainage plug 9 to be smaller than the fully open opening during the circulation washing operation in at least one of the first washing drainage mode and the second washing drainage mode, and the electric drainage plug 9 At least one of the opening and closing operations may be performed. In that case, the following effects can be obtained. By performing the circulation cleaning operation while draining from the electric drain plug 9, the time required to complete the drainage can be shortened, and by adjusting the drainage speed, the time of the circulation cleaning operation can be lengthened, so that the cleaning effect can be improved. ..

The terminal device 6 may be configured to be able to accept a user operation that specifies at least one of the time required to complete the drainage of the bathtub 8 and the scheduled time of the completion of drainage of the bathtub 8. The control device 10 may adjust the drainage speed by the electric drain plug 9 according to the designated required time or scheduled time.

If a user operation for operating the electric drain plug 9 is performed after the start of the wash drain mode, the control device 10 stops the execution of the wash drain mode and turns the electric drain plug 9 in response to the user operation. It is desirable to open and close. For example, when the drain plug open / close button 35 is operated after the start of the wash / drain mode, the control device 10 stops the execution of the wash / drain mode, and the electric drain plug 9 responds to the operation of the drain plug open / close button 35. It is desirable to open and close. By doing the above, the following effects can be obtained. For example, if the user mistakenly performs a drainage operation, or if the user mistakenly reserves drainage, the wash drainage mode that the user does not intend may be started. For example, if some people have not yet taken a bath, it is necessary to stop the execution of the wash drain mode. Alternatively, if the remaining hot water in the bathtub 8 is planned to be used for washing or the like, it is necessary to stop the discharge of the bathtub water. In such a case, the execution of the washing / draining mode can be easily stopped according to the user's intention.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the washing / draining mode may be executed according to the reservation by the user, or the washing / draining mode may be executed according to the user's occasional drainage operation. In this regard, the following may be done. In the control device 10, the operation time of the circulation washing operation when the washing / draining mode is executed according to the reservation is longer than the operating time of the circulation washing operation when the washing / draining mode is executed according to the drainage operation. It may be controlled as follows. The user who has performed the drainage operation may plan to clean the bathtub 8 or fill the bathtub 8 with hot water after the drainage of the bathtub 8 is completed. Therefore, if the time required from the user's drainage operation to the completion of drainage of the bathtub 8 is too long, it may affect the user's schedule. Therefore, in the case of the washing / draining mode according to the drainage operation, the possibility of affecting the user's schedule as described above can be reduced by relatively shortening the operation time of the circulation washing operation. On the other hand, when the user reserves the drainage of the bathtub 8, it is considered unlikely that the schedule of the user will be affected even if the time when the drainage of the bathtub 8 is completed is slightly delayed. Therefore, in the case of the cleaning / drainage mode according to the reservation, it is possible to obtain a more excellent cleaning effect by relatively lengthening the operation time of the circulation cleaning operation.

The hot water supply device 1 may include a bather detecting means (not shown) for detecting a bather in the bathroom. The bather detecting means may detect the bather as follows, for example. A bather may be detected by a motion sensor installed in the bathroom. A bather may be detected by processing an image taken by an image sensor or a camera that takes an image in the bathroom. Bathers may be detected by the presence or absence of showers in the bathroom. The control device 10 may stop the circulation washing operation and the drainage of the bathtub 8 when the bather detecting means detects a bather, that is, when there is a bather. For example, if the user forgets to cancel the drainage reservation of the bathtub 8, the washing drainage mode may be executed when there is a bather. In such a case, by detecting the bather and stopping the circulation washing operation and the drainage of the bathtub 8, it is possible to prevent the bathing from being affected.

1 Hot water supply device, 2 Hot water supply mixing valve, 3 Heat exchanger, 4 Bubble generator, 5 Hot water supply terminal, 6 Terminal device, 7 Electromagnetic valve, 8 Bathtub, 9 Electric drain plug, 10 Control device, 11 Three-way valve, 14a, 14b , 14c water pump, 15 hot water storage tank, 20 hot water storage unit, 21 water supply pipe, 26 hot water supply channel, 27 first water channel, 28 second water channel, 29 hot water supply pipe, 30 heat source unit, 31 upper water channel, 32 first lower water channel, 34 Second lower water channel, 35 Drain plug open / close button, 36 Water level sensor

Claims (7)

Hot water supply that can execute a circulation cleaning operation to clean the circulation circuit by circulating a fluid in which a component having a purifying effect is added to the bathtub water in a circulation circuit connected to a bathtub equipped with a drain plug that can be opened and closed automatically. In the device
When the bathtub water in the bathtub is discharged from the drain plug, the control means having a washing drain mode for starting the circulation washing operation and automatically opening the drain plug is provided.
The washing and draining mode includes a first washing and draining mode in which the circulation washing operation is started at the same time as the drain plug is automatically opened, and the drain plug is automatically operated after the circulation washing operation is executed at least halfway. Including a second wash drainage mode to open with
When the number of executions of the first wash / drainage mode reaches the standard, the second wash / drainage mode is executed next time.
Normally, the first wash / drainage mode is executed and the second wash / drainage mode is periodically executed, or
The degree of contamination in the circulation circuit is detected by a sensor, the first cleaning / drainage mode is executed when the degree of contamination is equal to or less than the reference, and the second cleaning / drainage mode is executed when the degree of contamination exceeds the reference. by the execution, automatically selectable der Ru water heater whether to perform the second cleaning drainage mode or to perform the first wash water discharge mode by the control means. Hot water supply that can execute a circulation cleaning operation to clean the circulation circuit by circulating a fluid in which a component having a purifying effect is added to the bathtub water in a circulation circuit connected to a bathtub equipped with a drain plug that can be opened and closed automatically. In the device
When the bathtub water in the bathtub is discharged from the drain plug, the control means having a washing drain mode for starting the circulation washing operation and automatically opening the drain plug is provided .
Hot water supply during the execution of the washing water discharge mode, wherein when a user operation for actuating the discharge valve is, the execution of the cleaning water discharge mode is stopped, the discharge valve in response to the user operation Ru is opened and closed Device. Hot water supply that can execute a circulation cleaning operation to clean the circulation circuit by circulating a fluid in which a component having a purifying effect is added to the bathtub water in a circulation circuit connected to a bathtub equipped with a drain plug that can be opened and closed automatically. In the device
When the bathtub water in the bathtub is discharged from the drain plug, the control means having a washing drain mode for starting the circulation washing operation and automatically opening the drain plug is provided .
The control means starts the washing / draining mode according to a reservation, and starts the washing / draining mode when a drainage operation which is a user operation for permitting the discharge of bathtub water in the bathtub is performed. Is possible,
The hot water supply device has a longer operating time of the circulating washing operation in the washing / draining mode according to the reservation than the operating time of the circulating washing operation in the washing / draining mode when the drainage operation is performed. Any one of claims 1 to 3 having a simple drainage mode in which the control means automatically opens the drain plug without executing the circulation cleaning operation when draining the bathtub water in the bathtub. The hot water supply device described in the section. The hot water supply device according to claim 4, wherein the user can select whether to execute the washing drainage mode or the simple drainage mode. The hot water supply device can perform a water injection cleaning operation of injecting water supplied from a water source into the circulation circuit.
The hot water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control means can execute the water injection washing operation after the circulation washing operation. Equipped with a bather detection means to detect bathers,
The hot water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein when the bather detecting means detects a bather, the circulation washing operation and the discharge of bathtub water in the bathtub are stopped.

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