JP7411488B2 - bath equipment - Google Patents

Description

The technology disclosed herein relates to a bath device.

Patent Document 1 describes a bathtub, a circulation path for circulating water in the bathtub, a circulation pump provided in the circulation path, a tank provided in the circulation path for dissolving gas in water, and a circulation path. A pressure pump installed upstream of the tank, a gas introduction part connected to the tank and capable of introducing gas into the tank, a fine bubble discharge nozzle attached to the bathtub, and one end connected to the water supply source. A bath device is disclosed that includes a water supply channel that is connected to the water supply channel and whose other end is connected to a circulation path, a water supply valve that is provided in the water supply channel and opens and closes the water supply channel, and a control device. . The control device performs a gas introduction operation in which gas is introduced into the tank from the gas introduction part when the water supply valve is closed and the pressurizing pump is stopped, and when the water supply valve is closed. , the circulation pump and the pressure pump are driven to supply water to the tank, the gas in the tank is dissolved in the water to generate gas-dissolved water, and the generated gas-dissolved water is passed through a fine bubble discharge nozzle. The device is configured to be able to execute a water supply operation in which water is spouted into the bathtub, and a fine bubble supply operation in which the water is supplied to the bathtub. The control device is configured to start the fine bubble supply operation when receiving a start instruction to start the fine bubble supply operation, and to end the fine bubble supply operation when an operation end condition is satisfied. . In such a bath device, the state inside the tank immediately after the end of the gas introduction operation is a state where the water is almost empty (that is, the inside of the tank is almost filled with air).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-18118

Such a bath device may include a water flow detection section that detects the flow of water in the circulation path. Further, the control device is configured to drive the circulation pump to continuously perform a circulation operation of circulating water in the bathtub when the water flow detection unit detects the flow of water in the circulation path. There are times when I am.

In the bath device of Patent Document 1, when the operation termination condition is satisfied, the control device opens the water supply valve and executes a tank water filling operation that supplies water from the water supply source to the tank. However, the bath device of Patent Document 1 does not assume any situation in which execution of the fine bubble supply operation is interrupted before the operation termination condition is satisfied. For example, if the fine bubble supply operation is interrupted immediately after the gas introduction operation ends, the fine bubble supply operation may be started when the tank is almost empty, that is, the tank is almost filled with air. There may be interruptions. For example, when a circulation operation in which the circulation pump is driven is executed immediately after the fine bubble supply operation is interrupted, air near the outlet of the tank may flow in the circulation path. In this case, due to the influence of the air flowing in the circulation path, the water flow sensor may no longer detect the flow of water in the circulation path, and the circulation operation may not be performed appropriately (that is, the circulation operation may not be continued).

The present invention provides a technique that allows a bath device to appropriately perform a circulation operation even after the fine bubble supply operation is interrupted.

A bath apparatus according to an embodiment disclosed in this specification includes a bathtub, a circulation path for circulating water in the bathtub, a circulation pump provided in the circulation path, and a flow of water in the circulation path. a water flow detection unit for detecting water flow, a tank provided in the circulation path for dissolving gas in water, a pressurizing pump provided upstream of the tank in the circulation path, and connected to the tank. a gas introduction part capable of introducing gas into the tank; a fine bubble discharge nozzle attached to the bathtub; and a water supply whose one end is connected to a water supply source and whose other end is connected to the circulation path. a water supply valve provided in the water supply channel to open and close the water supply channel; and a control device, the control device driving the circulation pump to circulate water in the bathtub. When the flow of water in the circulation path is detected by the water flow detection section, the control device is configured to continuously perform a circulation operation in which the flow of water is caused to flow in the tank from the gas introduction section. a gas introduction operation for introducing gas, and supplying water to the tank by driving the pressurizing pump, dissolving the gas in the tank in the water to generate gas-dissolved water, and dissolving the generated gas-dissolved water. , a water supply operation in which water is ejected into the bathtub through the fine bubble discharge nozzle, and a fine bubble supply operation that executes the following, and a first start instruction to instruct the start of the fine bubble supply operation. When receiving the fine bubble supply operation, the fine bubble supply operation is started, and when the operation termination condition is satisfied, the fine bubble supply operation is terminated, and the operation termination condition includes the gas introduction operation and the water supply operation. The number of times the operation has been executed reaches a predetermined number, or a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the fine bubble supply operation, and the operation end condition is satisfied after the start of the fine bubble supply operation. If an interruption instruction to interrupt the fine bubble supply operation is received before the fine bubble supply operation is received, the water supply valve is closed, the circulation pump is driven, and the water in the bathtub is supplied to the tank. The tank is configured to perform either one of a first tank water injection operation and a second tank water injection operation in which the water supply valve is opened and water from the water supply source is supplied to the tank. .

According to the above configuration, the control device executes the first tank water injection operation or the second tank water injection operation when interrupting the fine bubble supply operation. Therefore, even if the water in the tank is almost empty at the time when the fine bubble supply operation is interrupted (that is, the tank is almost filled with air), the first tank water injection operation or the second Water accumulates in the tank due to tank water injection operation. Therefore, even if the circulation operation is executed after the first tank water injection operation or the second tank water injection operation is executed, it is possible to suppress air from flowing into the circulation path. Therefore, even after the fine bubble supply operation is interrupted, the flow of water in the circulation path is appropriately detected by the water flow detection unit, so that the bath device appropriately performs the circulation operation (i.e., continues the circulation operation). )can.

The bath device may further include a first water level sensor capable of detecting that the water level in the tank is equal to or higher than a first predetermined water level. The control device may end the first tank water injection operation or the second tank water injection operation when the water level in the tank reaches a first predetermined water level in the first tank water injection operation or the second tank water injection operation.

If air exists at the bottom of the tank, the air in the tank will easily flow into the circulation path, and if air exists at the top of the tank, the air in the tank will not easily flow into the circulation path. Therefore, even if air is present in the upper part of the tank, by installing the first water level sensor so that it can detect the first predetermined water level, which is the water level at which air does not flow into the circulation path, fine air bubbles can be detected. After the supply operation is interrupted, air in the tank can be more reliably prevented from flowing into the circulation path.

The bath device is further provided with a heating device that is installed in the circulation path and heats the water in the circulation path, and in the circulation operation, the water supply valve is closed, the circulation pump is driven , and the water in the bathtub is heated. When circulating water and detecting the flow of water in the circulation path by the water flow detection section, a reheating operation may be used in which the heating device is driven to heat the water in the bathtub. The control device may be configured to start the reheating operation when receiving a second start instruction instructing the start of the reheating operation. The interruption instruction may include a second start instruction received after starting the fine bubble supply operation and before the operation termination condition is satisfied. If the control device receives an interruption instruction based on the second start instruction after starting the fine bubble supply operation and before the operation end condition is satisfied, the control device executes the first tank water injection operation and restarts the first tank water injection operation. The reheating operation may be performed after the reheating operation is completed.

During the reheating operation, the water in the bathtub is circulated. Therefore, the water level in the bathtub does not rise during the reheating operation. Similarly, in the first tank water filling operation, the water level in the bathtub does not rise. On the other hand, when the second tank water filling operation is executed, water supplied from the water supply source is supplied to the bathtub, and the water level in the bathtub rises. Therefore, if the second start instruction is received after starting the fine bubble supply operation but before the operation end condition is met, and the second tank water filling operation is executed, the water level in the bathtub will rise. . In this case, the water level in the bathtub rises despite the desire to perform the reheating operation, giving the bather a sense of discomfort. According to the above configuration, the control device executes the first tank water injection operation when receiving the interruption instruction based on the second start instruction after starting the fine bubble supply operation and before the operation end condition is satisfied. , After the first tank water injection operation is completed, the reheating operation is executed. As described above, in the first tank water filling operation, the water level in the bathtub does not rise. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the bather from feeling uncomfortable.

The bath device may further include a second water level sensor capable of detecting that the water level in the tank is equal to or higher than a second predetermined water level. The control device receives the interruption instruction after starting the fine bubble supply operation and before the operation termination condition is met, and when the water level in the tank is less than a second predetermined water level, the control device starts the first tank water injection. It may be configured to perform the operation or the second tank water filling operation.

When the water in the tank is almost empty at the time when the fine bubble supply operation is interrupted (that is, when the tank is almost filled with air), air near the outlet of the tank tends to flow into the circulation path. According to the above configuration, even if air exists in the tank, the second water level sensor is installed so that it can detect the second predetermined water level, which is the water level at which air does not flow into the circulation path. In a situation where no air flows into the circulation path, unnecessary first tank or second tank water filling operation can be avoided, and the durability of the bath device can be improved.

It is a figure showing the composition of the bath system concerning a 1st example (water supply state). It is a figure showing the composition of the bath system concerning a 1st example (air introduction state). It is a figure showing the composition of the bath system concerning a 1st example (reheating state). It is a figure showing the composition of the bath system concerning a 1st example (first tank water filling state). It is a flowchart which shows the driving process based on 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the fine bubble supply operation process based on 1st Example. It is a figure showing the composition of the bath system concerning the 2nd example (the 2nd tank water filling state).

(First example)
(Configuration of bath system 2)
The bath system 2 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The bath system 2 includes a heat source unit 10, a microbubble generation unit 50, a bathtub 130, and a control device 150. The heat source unit 10 is connected to a water supply source 200 and a microbubble generation unit 50. The micro bubble generation unit 50 is connected to the heat source unit 10 and the bathtub 130. A circulation connector 132 having a fine bubble discharge nozzle 134 is connected to the bathtub 130 . In addition, below, the case where water flows in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 1 is demonstrated as an example.

(Configuration of heat source unit 10)
The heat source unit 10 is a unit that heats water supplied from the water supply source 200 and supplies the heated water to the bathtub 130. The heat source unit 10 includes a heat source device 12, a water supply channel 20, a first return channel 22, and a first outgoing channel 24.

The upstream end of the water supply channel 20 is connected to a water supply source 200 such as a city water supply, and the downstream end of the water supply channel 20 is connected to the first return channel 22. A hot water filling valve 26 is provided in the water supply channel 20. The hot water filling valve 26 opens and closes the water supply channel 20.

The upstream end of the first return waterway 22 is connected to the fine bubble generation unit 50 (specifically, the second return waterway 60), and the downstream end is connected to the heat source device 12. In the first return waterway 22 , a circulation pump 30 and a water flow switch 32 are provided between the connecting portion between the first return waterway 22 and the water supply waterway 20 and the heat source device 12 . The circulation pump 30 is provided upstream of the water flow switch 32 and sends out water in the first return waterway 22 to the downstream side. The water flow switch 32 detects that water is passing through the first return waterway 22 . When the water flow switch 32 detects that water is passing through the first return waterway 22, an ON signal is output to the control device 150. The heat source device 12 is, for example, a gas heat source device that heats water passing through the heat source device 12.

The upstream end of the first outgoing waterway 24 is connected to the heat source device 12, and the downstream end is connected to the fine bubble generation unit 50 (specifically, the second outgoing waterway 68).

(Configuration of micro bubble generation unit 50)
The micro bubble generation unit 50 includes a tank 52, a second return waterway 60, a second outflow waterway 68, a water supply waterway 74, a communication waterway 66, a jet waterway 64, and an air introduction channel 100.

The tank 52 can store water therein. Inside the tank 52, a low water level electrode 54a, a middle water level electrode 54b, and a high water level electrode 54c for detecting the water level in the tank 52 are installed. The water level detected by the low water level electrode 54a (hereinafter referred to as "lower limit water level") is lower than the water level detected by the high water level electrode 54c (hereinafter referred to as "upper limit water level"). The water level detected by the intermediate water level electrode 54b (hereinafter referred to as "intermediate water level") is a water level between the lower limit water level and the upper limit water level. When the low water level electrode 54a, middle water level electrode 54b, and high water level electrode 54c come into contact with the surface of the water stored in the tank 52, they output an ON signal to the control device 150. The tank 52 is used to generate air-dissolved pressurized water in which air is dissolved under pressure in water.

The upstream end of the second return waterway 60 is connected to the communication waterway 66, and the downstream end is connected to the heat source unit 10 (specifically, the first return waterway 22). The communication waterway 66 connects the first switching valve 80 and the second switching valve 82. One end of the third return water channel 62 is connected to the first switching valve 80, and the other end is connected to the bathtub 130 (specifically, the circulation connector 132). The upstream end of the jet water channel 64 is connected to the jet port 52a at the bottom of the tank 52, and the downstream end is connected to the first switching valve 80. In addition, in a modified example, a spout 52a may be provided below the side surface of the tank 52. The spout waterway 64 is provided with a check valve 84 that prevents water from flowing from the first switching valve 80 side to the tank 52 side. The first switching valve 80 is configured to operate in a first communication state (the state shown in FIG. 1) in which the jet water channel 64 and the third return water channel 62 are in communication, and in a second communication state (in which the jet water channel 64 and the communication water channel 66 are in communication). 2 and 4) and a third communication state (state of FIG. 3) in which the third return waterway 62, the ejection waterway 64, and the communication waterway 66 are in communication.

The upstream end of the second outgoing waterway 68 is connected to the heat source unit 10 (specifically, the first outgoing waterway 24), and the downstream end is connected to the second switching valve 82. One end of the third outgoing waterway 70 is connected to the bathtub 130 (specifically, the circulation connector 132), and the other end is connected to the second switching valve 82. The second switching valve 82 operates in a fourth communication state (the state shown in FIGS. 1 and 4) in which the third outflow waterway 70 and the communication waterway 66 communicate with each other, and in a fifth communication state in which the second outflow waterway 68 and the third outflow waterway 70 communicate with each other. It is possible to switch between the communication state (the state shown in FIGS. 2 and 3).

The second outflow waterway 68 and the tank 52 are connected by a water supply waterway 74. The water supply waterway 74 is provided with a water supply control valve 86 and a pressure pump 88. The water supply control valve 86 opens and closes the water supply channel 74. The water supply control valve 86 is provided upstream of the pressure pump 88. The pressurizing pump 88 pressurizes the water in the water supply channel 74 and sends it out downstream. In the following, the state of the bath system 2 when the first switching valve 80 is in the first communication state and the second switching valve 82 is in the fourth communication state (the state in FIG. 1) will be referred to as a "water supply state". The state of the bath system 2 when the first switching valve 80 is in the second communication state and the second switching valve 82 is in the fifth communication state (the state in FIG. 2) is referred to as an "air introduction state". The state of the bath system 2 when the first switching valve 80 is in the third communication state and the second switching valve 82 is in the fifth communication state (the state in FIG. 3) is referred to as a "reheating state". The state of the bath system 2 (state in FIG. 4) when the first switching valve 80 is in the second communication state and the second switching valve 82 is in the fourth communication state is referred to as the "first tank water filling state". ” is called.

The upstream end of the air introduction path 100 is open to the atmosphere, and the downstream end is connected to the tank 52. The air introduction path 100 introduces air into the tank 52. An air control valve 102 is provided in the air introduction path 100. Air control valve 102 opens and closes air introduction path 100.

(Configuration of control device 150)
A control device 150 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 controls the operation of each component of the heat source unit 10 and the microbubble generation unit 50. The control device 150 is configured to be able to communicate with a remote control 154 that can be operated by a user. Control device 150 includes memory 152. The control device 150 can perform a reheating operation, a fine bubble supply operation, etc. in response to a user's operation on the remote control 154.

(Driving process; Figure 5)
Next, the operation process executed by the control device 150 of the bath system 2 will be explained. In the operation processing, the control device 150 executes a reheating operation, a fine bubble supply operation (air introduction operation and water supply operation), and a first tank water injection operation. The control device 150 starts the process shown in FIG. 5 when the bath system 2 is powered on. In addition, in the initial state of FIG. 5, the first switching valve 80 and the second switching valve 82 are in the third communication state and the fifth communication state, respectively (see FIG. 3). Further, the circulation pump 30 and the pressurizing pump 88 are stopped, and the hot water filling valve 26, the water supply control valve 86, and the air control valve 102 are in a closed state.

In S10, the control device 150 monitors the reception of a reheating start instruction signal from the remote controller 154. The reheating start instruction signal is transmitted from the remote controller 154 when the user performs an operation on the remote controller 154 to instruct execution of the reheating operation. When the reheating start instruction signal is received from the remote controller 154, the control device 150 determines YES in S10, and the process proceeds to S12.

In S12, the control device 150 drives the circulation pump 30 to start reheating operation. As a result, as shown in FIG. It is supplied to the heat source device 12 via the heat source device 12 . Further, the water that has passed through the heat source device 12 is supplied to the bathtub 130 via the first outgoing waterway 24, the second outgoing waterway 68, the second switching valve 82, the third outgoing waterway 70, and the circulation connector 132. .

In S14, the control device 150 determines whether the state in which the water flow switch 32 on the first return waterway 22 is ON continues for the reheating start determination time. If the state in which the water flow switch 32 is ON continues for the reheating start determination time, the control device 150 determines YES in S14, and the process proceeds to S16. On the other hand, if the water flow switch 32 is turned off before the reheating start determination time elapses after the water flow switch 32 is turned on, the control device 150 determines NO in S14, and the process proceeds to S15. .

In S15, the control device 150 determines whether the elapsed time since receiving the reheating start signal has exceeded the end determination time. If the elapsed time has not exceeded the end determination time, the control device 150 determines NO in S15, and the process returns to S14. On the other hand, if the elapsed time has exceeded the end determination time, the control device 150 determines YES in S15 and ends the process of FIG. In addition, when determining YES in S15, the control device 150 stops driving the circulation pump 30 and notifies that the reheating operation has been discontinued.

In S16, the control device 150 starts reheating the water in the bathtub 130. That is, the control device 150 drives the heat source device 12 when the first switching valve 80 is in the third communication state and the second switching valve 82 is in the fifth communication state (the reheating state in FIG. 3). The water in the bathtub 130 is then heated by the heat source device 12. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the water sent from the bathtub 130 to the heat source device 12 is heated, and the heated water is returned from the heat source device 12 to the bathtub 130.

In S18, the control device 150 monitors that the first operating time has elapsed since the start of reheating. If the first operating time has elapsed since the start of reheating, the control device 150 determines YES in S18, and ends the process of FIG. 5. Note that, when determining YES in S18, the control device 150 stops driving the heat source device 12 and the circulation pump 30. This ends the reheating operation. In addition, in a modification, the control device 150 may determine YES in S18 when the temperature in the bathtub 130 reaches the set temperature.

Further, in S20, the control device 150 monitors the reception of a fine bubble start instruction signal from the remote controller 154 simultaneously with the monitoring in S10. The fine bubble start instruction signal is transmitted from the remote controller 154 when the user performs an operation on the remote controller 154 to instruct execution of the fine bubble supply operation. When the micro bubble start instruction signal is received from the remote controller 154, the control device 150 determines YES in S20, and the process proceeds to S22.

In S22, the control device 150 executes the fine bubble supply operation process shown in FIG. The fine bubble supply operation process is a process for executing a fine bubble supply operation that includes an air introduction operation and a water supply operation. In S80 of FIG. 6, the control device 150 executes an air introduction operation. The control device 150 switches the air control valve 102 to the open state, switches the first switching valve 80 to the second communication state, maintains the second switching valve 82 in the fifth communication state, and closes the water supply control valve 86. maintain. As a result, the bath system 2 enters the air introduction state (see FIG. 2). Note that in S80 after passing through S102, which will be described later, the control device 150 switches the second switching valve 82 to the fifth communication state. Next, the control device 150 drives the circulation pump 30. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, water is sucked out from the tank 52 and air is introduced into the tank 52 via the air introduction path 100. The water sucked out from the tank 52 is transferred to the jet water channel 64, the first switching valve 80, the communication channel 66, the second return channel 60, the first return channel 22, the heat source device 12, the first outgoing channel 24, and the second outgoing channel. 68, the second switching valve 82, the third outflow waterway 70, and the circulation connector 132, and are discharged into the bathtub 130.

In S82, the control device 150 monitors whether the water level of the tank 52 becomes lower than the lower limit water level. When the water level of the tank 52 becomes lower than the lower limit water level, the control device 150 determines YES in S82, and the process proceeds to S90. Note that, when determining YES in S82, the control device 150 switches the air control valve 102 to the closed state. This completes the air introduction operation. Note that after determining YES in S82, the control device 150 switches the air control valve 102 from the open state to the closed state. Therefore, from the time when the control device 150 determines YES in S82 until the air control valve 102 is switched to the closed state, water is sucked out from the tank 52 and air is introduced into the tank 52 via the air introduction path 100. be introduced. Therefore, when the air introduction operation ends, the water level in the tank 52 may be considerably lower than the lower limit water level. For example, the water level may be as low as near the spout 52a at the bottom of the tank 52.

Furthermore, simultaneously with the monitoring in S82, the control device 150 monitors reception of an instruction signal from the remote controller 154 in S84. The instruction signal is either a reheating start instruction signal that requests execution of the reheating operation or a fine bubble end instruction signal that instructs the end of the fine bubble supply operation. The fine bubble end instruction signal is generated when the user performs an operation on the remote control 154 to instruct the end of the fine bubble supply operation, or when the user performs an operation on the remote control 154 to turn off the power of the remote control 154. It is transmitted from the remote control 154 when the When the instruction signal is received, the control device 150 determines YES in S84, ends the process of FIG. 6, and proceeds to S30 of FIG. 5.

In S90, control device 150 starts water supply operation. The control device 150 switches the first switching valve 80 to the first communication state, switches the second switching valve 82 to the fourth communication state, and switches the water supply control valve 86 to the open state. As a result, the bath system 2 enters the water supply state (see FIG. 1). Next, the control device 150 drives the pressurizing pump 88. As a result, as shown in FIG. The water is supplied to the tank 52 via the pump 30, the heat source device 12, the first outgoing waterway 24, the second outgoing waterway 68, and the water supply waterway 74. At this time, water pressurized by the pressure pump 88 is supplied from the water supply waterway 74 to the tank 52 . Inside the tank 52, air is dissolved in water under pressure to produce air-dissolved pressurized water. The air-dissolved pressurized water is then supplied from the tank 52 to the bathtub 130 via the jet water channel 64, the first switching valve 80, the third return channel 62, and the circulation connector 132. When the air-dissolved pressurized water passes through the fine bubble discharge nozzle 134 in the circulation connector 132, the pressure is reduced to below atmospheric pressure, and when it is ejected into the bathtub 130, the pressure is increased to atmospheric pressure, and the water in the bathtub 130 is fine bubbles are generated. In the water supply operation, the amount of water sucked from the bathtub 130 into the third outflow waterway 70 via the circulation connector 132 is greater than the amount of water discharged into the bathtub 130 from the circulation connector 132 (specifically, the fine bubble discharge nozzle 134). The amount of water that can be absorbed is larger. That is, the amount of water supplied from the water supply channel 74 to the tank 52 is greater than the amount of water discharged from the tank 52 to the jet channel 64. Therefore, during the water supply operation, the water level in the tank 52 rises.

In S92, the control device 150 monitors that the water level of the tank 52 becomes equal to or higher than the upper limit water level. If the water level of the tank 52 is equal to or higher than the upper limit water level, the control device 150 determines YES in S92, and the process proceeds to S100. Note that when determining YES in S92, the control device 150 switches the water supply control valve 86 to the closed state and stops the circulation pump 30 and the pressurizing pump 88. This ends the water supply operation.

Furthermore, simultaneously with the monitoring in S92, the control device 150 monitors the reception of an instruction signal from the remote controller 154 in S94. When the instruction signal is received from the remote controller 154, the control device 150 determines YES in S94, ends the process of FIG. 6, and proceeds to S30 of FIG. 5.

In S100, control device 150 increases the number of cycles by one. The number of cycles is the number of times air introduction operation and water supply operation are performed.

In S102, the control device 150 determines whether the current number of cycles has reached a predetermined number (for example, five times). When the number of cycles reaches the predetermined number, the control device 150 determines YES in S102, ends the process of FIG. 6, and proceeds to S30 of FIG. 5. On the other hand, if the number of cycles has not reached the predetermined number, the control device 150 determines NO in S102, and the process returns to S80.

Returning to FIG. 5, in S30, control device 150 determines whether the water level of tank 52 is below the intermediate water level. If the water level of the tank 52 is below the intermediate water level, the control device 150 determines YES in S30, and the process proceeds to S40. On the other hand, if the water level of the tank 52 is equal to or higher than the intermediate water level, the control device 150 determines NO in S30, and the process proceeds to S50.

In S40, the control device 150 starts the first tank water injection operation. The first tank water filling operation is an operation in which water in the bathtub 130 is supplied to the tank 52. The control device 150 switches the first switching valve 80 to the second communication state, switches the second switching valve 82 to the fourth communication state, and switches the water supply control valve 86 to the open state. As a result, the bath system 2 enters the first tank water filling state (see FIG. 4). Next, the control device 150 drives the circulation pump 30 and the pressure pump 88. As a result, as shown in FIG. The water is supplied to the tank 52 via the heat source device 12, the first outgoing waterway 24, the second outgoing waterway 68, and the water supply waterway 74. In this way, the control device 150 controls whether the fine bubble supply operation ends normally (YES at S102 in FIG. 6) and when the fine bubble supply operation is interrupted (YES at S84 or YES at S94). In either case, the first tank water filling operation can be performed.

In S42, the control device 150 monitors that the water level of the tank 52 becomes equal to or higher than the intermediate water level. In this embodiment, the intermediate water level is a water level at which, even if air is present in the upper part of the tank 52, the air does not flow into the waterway (eg, the spout waterway 64) of the bath system 2. When the water level of the tank 52 is equal to or higher than the intermediate water level, the control device 150 determines YES in S42, and the process proceeds to S50. When determining YES in S42, the control device 150 switches the first switching valve 80 to the third communication state, switches the second switching valve 82 to the fifth communication state, switches the water supply control valve 86 to the closed state, The circulation pump 30 and the pressurizing pump 88 are stopped. As a result, the first tank water injection operation ends.

In S50, control device 150 determines whether the instruction signal has been received. If the control device 150 has received the instruction signal, it determines YES in S50, and the process proceeds to S52. On the other hand, if the control device 150 has not received the instruction signal, it determines NO in S50 and ends the process of FIG.

In S52, the control device 150 determines whether the received instruction signal is a reheating start instruction signal. When the instruction signal is a reheating start instruction signal, the control device 150 determines YES in S52, and the process proceeds to S60. On the other hand, if the instruction signal is not a reheating instruction signal, the control device 150 determines NO in S52 and ends the process of FIG. 5.

In S60, the control device 150 drives the circulation pump 30 to start reheating operation.

In S62, the control device 150 determines whether the state in which the water flow switch 32 on the first return waterway 22 is ON continues for the reheating start determination time. If the state in which the water flow switch 32 is ON continues for the reheating start determination time, the control device 150 determines YES in S62, and the process proceeds to S64. On the other hand, if the water flow switch 32 is turned off before the reheating start determination time elapses after the water flow switch 32 is turned on, the control device 150 determines NO in S62, and the process proceeds to S63. .

In S63, the control device 150 determines whether the elapsed time since receiving the reheating start signal has exceeded the end determination time. If the elapsed time has not exceeded the end determination time, the control device 150 determines NO in S63, and the process returns to S62. On the other hand, if the elapsed time has exceeded the end determination time, the control device 150 determines YES in S63 and ends the process of FIG. In addition, when determining YES in S63, the control device 150 stops driving the circulation pump 30 and notifies that the reheating operation has been discontinued.

In S64, the control device 150 starts reheating the water in the bathtub 130.

In S66, the control device 150 monitors that the first operating time has elapsed since the start of reheating. If the first operating time has elapsed since the start of reheating, the control device 150 determines YES in S66 and ends the process of FIG. 5 .

(Effects of this example)
As described above, the control device 150 of the bath system 2 can execute the fine bubble supply operation (FIG. 6) that executes the air introduction operation (S80 in FIG. 6) and the water supply operation (S90 in FIG. 6). It is configured. When the control device 150 receives a fine bubble start instruction signal instructing the start of the fine bubble supply operation (YES in S20 of FIG. 5), the control device 150 determines the number of cycles of the fine bubble supply operation (that is, the number of cycles of the air introduction operation and the water supply operation). The fine bubble supply operation is configured to be executed until the number of executions (number of executions) reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, five times). When the control device 150 receives an instruction signal after starting the fine bubble supply operation and before the number of cycles reaches a predetermined number (YES in S84 or S94 in FIG. 6), the control device 150 starts the first tank water filling operation ( It is configured to execute S40) in FIG. For example, depending on the timing at which the fine bubble supply operation is interrupted, such as immediately after the air introduction operation ends, fine bubbles may be generated when the water in the tank 52 is almost empty (that is, the tank 52 is almost filled with air). Bubbles supply operation may be interrupted. For this reason, for example, if the reheating operation is executed without executing the first tank water injection operation immediately after the fine bubble supply operation is interrupted, the air near the spout 52a at the bottom of the tank 52 is It may intermittently flow into the return waterway 60, the first return waterway 22, etc. In this case, the water flow switch 32 is turned off due to the influence of the air flowing in the first return waterway 22, and the reheating operation is not performed appropriately. According to the above configuration, the control device 150 executes the first tank water injection operation when interrupting the fine bubble supply operation. Therefore, even if the water in the tank 52 is almost empty at the time when the fine bubble supply operation is interrupted (that is, the tank 52 is almost filled with air), in the first tank water injection operation, , water accumulates in the tank 52. Therefore, when the reheating operation is performed after the first tank water filling operation is performed, it is possible to suppress air from flowing into the second return waterway 60, the first return waterway 22, etc. Therefore, even after the fine bubble supply operation is interrupted, the flow of water in the first return waterway 22 is appropriately detected by the water flow switch 32, so that the bath system 2 appropriately executes the reheating operation (reheating operation). It is possible to continue firing operation).

Further, in the first tank water injection operation, when the water level in the tank 52 reaches the intermediate water level (YES in S42 of FIG. 5), the control device 150 ends the first tank water injection operation. As mentioned above, the intermediate water level is the water level at which, even if air is present in the upper part of the tank 52, the air does not flow into the waterways (eg, the spout waterways 64) of the bath system 2. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the air in the tank 52 from flowing into the second return waterway 60, the first return waterway 22, etc. after the fine bubble supply operation is interrupted.

In addition, when the control device 150 receives the reheating start instruction signal before the number of cycles (i.e., the number of executions of the air introduction operation and the water supply operation) reaches a predetermined number after starting the fine bubble supply operation, the reheating start instruction signal is received. Then, perform the first tank water injection operation. According to the above configuration, the water level in the bathtub 130 does not rise in the first tank water injection operation that is performed after the fine bubble supply operation is interrupted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the bather from feeling uncomfortable.

Further, the control device 150 receives the reheating start instruction signal after starting the fine bubble supply operation and before the number of cycles reaches a predetermined number (YES in S84 or S94 of FIG. 6), and When the water level in 52 is less than the intermediate water level (YES in S30 of FIG. 5), the first tank water injection operation is executed (S40 of FIG. 5). According to the above configuration, in a situation where the air in the tank 52 does not flow into the second return waterway 60, the first return waterway 22, etc., unnecessary first tank water filling operation can be avoided, and the The durability of the system 2 can be improved.

(correspondence)
The bath system 2 is an example of a "bath device." The first return waterway 22, the first outflow waterway 24, the second return waterway 60, the second outflow waterway 68, the spout waterway 64, the communication waterway 66, the water supply waterway 74, the third return waterway 62, and the third outflow waterway 70 is an example of a "circulation route." The water flow switch 32 is an example of a "water flow detection section". The hot water filling valve 26 is an example of a "water supply valve." The number of cycles is an example of "the number of times the gas introduction operation and the water supply operation are executed." The instruction signal, the reheating start instruction signal, and the microbubble end instruction signal are examples of the "interruption instruction." The fine bubble start instruction signal and the reheating start instruction signal are examples of a "first start instruction" and a "second start instruction", respectively. Air is an example of a "gas." The air introduction path 100 and the air control valve 102 are an example of a "gas introduction section". The air introduction operation is an example of a "gas introduction operation." Air-dissolved pressurized water is an example of "gas-dissolved water." The intermediate water level electrode 54b is an example of a "first water level sensor" and a "second water level sensor". The intermediate water level is an example of a "first predetermined water level" and a "second predetermined water level." The heat source device 12 is an example of a "heating device". Reheating operation is an example of "circulating operation."

(Second example)
Next, a bath system 2 according to a second embodiment will be explained. The configuration of the bath system 2 of this embodiment is similar to the configuration of the bath system 2 of the first embodiment. The bath system 2 of this embodiment differs from the bath system 2 of the first embodiment in the process executed in S40 of FIG.

In S40 of FIG. 5, the control device 150 executes the second tank water filling operation. As shown in FIG. 7, the control device 150 switches the first switching valve 80 to the second communication state, switches the second switching valve 82 to the fourth communication state, switches the hot water filling valve 26 to the open state, and controls the water supply. Switch the valve 86 to the open state. Thereby, the bath system 2 enters the second tank water filling state. Next, the control device 150 drives the pressurizing pump 88. As a result, water supplied from the water supply source 200 passes through the water supply channel 20 , the first return channel 22 , the heat source device 12 , the first outbound channel 24 , the second outbound channel 68 , and the water supply channel 74 to the tank 52 . is supplied to Note that a part of the water supplied from the water supply source 200 is supplied to the communication waterway 66 via the water supply waterway 20 , the first return waterway 22 , and the second return waterway 60 . Even with such a configuration, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be achieved.

In addition, in a modification, a switching valve may be provided at the connection portion between the first return waterway 22 and the water supply waterway 20. In this case, the switching valve includes a waterway upstream of the connection part of the first return waterway 22, a waterway downstream of the connection part of the first return waterway 22, and a waterway with which the supply waterway 20 communicates. It is preferable to be able to switch between the first switching state and the second switching state in which the water supply channel 20 is in communication with a water channel on the downstream side of the connection part of the first return water channel 22. Then, the control device 150 executes the reheating operation, the air introduction operation, and the water supply operation when the switching valve is in the first switching state, and performs the second tank while the switching valve is in the second switching state. It is preferable to be configured to perform water injection operation.

Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The techniques described in the claims include various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above.

(First Modification) In the fine bubble supply operation process in FIG. 6, instead of S100 and S102, the control device 150 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since starting the fine bubble supply operation process. Good too. In this modification, when the control device 150 determines that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the fine bubble supply operation processing, the control device 150 ends the processing of FIG. 6 and proceeds to S30 of FIG. 5. On the other hand, if the control device 150 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed since starting the fine bubble supply operation process, the process returns to S80.

(Second Modification) The middle water level electrode 54b and S42 in FIG. 5 can be omitted. In this modification, the control device 150 executes the tank water injection operation from the start of the first tank water injection operation or the second tank water injection operation until the second operation time elapses. The second operating time may be any time necessary to bring the water level in the tank 52 to an intermediate water level when the water is empty.

(Third Modification) S30 in FIG. 5 can be omitted. In this modification, the control device 150 always performs the first tank water injection operation or the second tank water injection operation when interrupting or terminating the fine bubble supply operation.

(Fourth Modification) The high water level electrode 54c may be an example of a "first water level sensor" and a "second water level sensor," and the low water level electrode 54a may be an example of a "first water level sensor" and a "second water level sensor." It may be an example of a water level sensor.

(Fifth Modification) The middle water level electrode 54b and the high water level electrode 54c may be examples of a "first water level sensor" and a "second water level sensor", respectively. In another modification, the low water level electrode 54a and the high water level electrode 54c may be examples of a "first water level sensor" and a "second water level sensor", respectively. That is, the "first water level sensor" and the "second water level sensor" may be different.

(Modification of Ai 6) In the first tank water injection operation of S40 in FIG. 5, the control device 150 switches the first switching valve 80 to the first communication state, switches the second switching valve 82 to the fourth communication state, and supplies The control valve 86 may be switched to the open state. Furthermore, the control device 150 may not drive the pressurizing pump 88 but only the circulation pump 30.

(Seventh Modification) In the second tank water filling operation of S40 in FIG. 5, the control device 150 may not drive the pressure pump 88 but only the circulation pump 30.

(Eighth Modification) In a situation where the water level in the tank 52 is lower than the lower limit water level, if there is a high possibility that the air in the tank will flow into the second return waterway 60 and the first return waterway 22, the control device 150 The first tank water injection operation or the second tank water injection operation is performed only when an instruction signal is received after the start of the operation (S90 in FIG. 6) and before the water injection start determination time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed. may be configured to execute. In this modification, the middle water level electrode 54b and S30 and S42 in FIG. 5 can be omitted. In this modification, when the control device 150 receives the instruction signal during the air introduction operation (YES in S84 in FIG. 6), or after the water injection start determination time has elapsed after starting the water supply operation, the control device 150 receives the instruction signal. When receiving, S40 in FIG. 5 is not executed.

(Ninth modification) "Circulation operation" is not limited to reheating operation, but is also an antifreeze operation that prevents water in the circulation path (for example, second return waterway 60, first return waterway 22, etc.) from freezing. There may be. Antifreeze operation is performed when there is a risk that water in the circulation path may freeze.

(Tenth Modification) In the above embodiment, air is introduced into the tank 52. In a modification, a gas such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen, or oxygen may be introduced into the tank 52 instead of air. In this case, a tank filled with gas may be disposed at the upstream end of the air introduction path 100.

(Eleventh Modification) The "gas introduction section" is not limited to the air introduction path 100 and the air control valve 102, but may also be the air introduction path 100 and an air pump connected to the air introduction path 100. good.

The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims as filed. Furthermore, the techniques illustrated in this specification or the drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of the objectives has technical utility in itself.

2: Bath system 10: Heat source unit 12: Heat source unit 20: Supply water channel 22: First return water channel 24: First outgoing water channel 26: Hot water filling valve 30: Circulation pump 32: Water flow switch 50: Fine bubble generation unit 52: Tank 52a: Spout port 54a: Low water level electrode 54b: Medium water level electrode 54c: High water level electrode 60: Second return waterway 62: Third return waterway 64: Spout waterway 66: Communication waterway 68: Second outgoing waterway 70: Third outgoing waterway Water channel 74: Water supply channel 80: First switching valve 82: Second switching valve 84: Check valve 86: Water supply control valve 88: Pressure pump 100: Air introduction path 102: Air control valve 130: Bathtub 132: Circulation connection Tool 134: Fine bubble discharge nozzle 150: Control device 152: Memory 154: Remote control 200: Water supply source

Claims (4)

bathtub and
a circulation path for circulating water in the bathtub;
a circulation pump provided in the circulation path;
a water flow detection unit that detects the flow of water in the circulation path;
a tank provided in the circulation path and dissolving gas in water;
a pressurizing pump provided upstream of the tank in the circulation path;
a gas introduction part connected to the tank and capable of introducing gas into the tank;
a fine bubble discharge nozzle attached to the bathtub;
a water supply channel, one end of which is connected to a water supply source and the other end of which is connected to the circulation path;
a water supply valve that is provided in the water supply channel and opens and closes the water supply channel;
comprising a control device;
The control device includes:
The circulation pump is driven to continuously perform a circulation operation in which water in the bathtub is circulated when the flow of water in the circulation path is detected by the water flow detection section. ,
The control device includes:
a gas introduction operation of introducing gas into the tank from the gas introduction part;
The pressure pump is driven to supply water to the tank, the gas in the tank is dissolved in the water to generate gas-dissolved water, and the generated gas-dissolved water is passed through the fine bubble discharge nozzle. and a water supply operation that spouts water into the bathtub;
It is configured to be able to perform fine bubble supply operation,
When receiving a first start instruction instructing to start the fine bubble supply operation, the fine bubble supply operation is started, and when an operation end condition is satisfied, the fine bubble supply operation is terminated. Ori,
The operation termination condition is that the number of executions of the gas introduction operation and the water supply operation reaches a predetermined number of times, or that a predetermined time elapses after starting the fine bubble supply operation,
When receiving an interruption instruction to interrupt the fine bubble supply operation after starting the fine bubble supply operation and before the operation termination condition is satisfied,
a first tank water filling operation in which the water supply valve is closed, the circulation pump is driven, and the water in the bathtub is supplied to the tank;
a second tank water filling operation in which the water supply valve is opened and water is supplied from the water supply source to the tank;
configured to perform any of the following operations:
Bath equipment. The bath device further includes:
comprising a first water level sensor capable of detecting that the water level in the tank is equal to or higher than a first predetermined water level;
The control device includes:
In the first tank water injection operation or the second tank water injection operation, when the water level in the tank reaches the first predetermined water level, the first tank water injection operation or the second tank water injection operation is ended; The bath apparatus according to claim 1. The bath device further includes:
A heating device provided in the circulation path and heating water in the circulation path,
The circulation operation is performed when the water supply valve is in the closed state, the circulation pump is driven to circulate the water in the bathtub, and the water flow detection section detects the flow of water in the circulation path. , a reheating operation in which the heating device is driven to heat the water in the bathtub;
The control device includes:
It is configured to start the reheating operation when receiving a second start instruction instructing to start the reheating operation,
The interruption instruction includes the second start instruction received after starting the fine bubble supply operation and before the operation end condition is satisfied,
The control device includes:
If the interruption instruction based on the second start instruction is received after the fine bubble supply operation is started and before the operation termination condition is satisfied, the first tank water injection operation is executed and the first tank water injection operation is performed. The bath device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bath device is configured to perform the reheating operation after finishing the water injection operation. The bath device further includes:
A second water level sensor capable of detecting that the water level in the tank is equal to or higher than a second predetermined water level;
The control device includes:
If the interruption instruction is received after the start of the fine bubble supply operation and before the operation end condition is met, and the water level in the tank is less than the second predetermined water level, The bath device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, configured to perform one tank water filling operation or the second tank water filling operation.

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