JP5092303B2 - Bath system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a bath system, and more particularly, to a power supply control technique for a water level sensor in a bath system including a hot water supply device provided with a water level sensor for detecting the water level of a bathtub and optional equipment connected to the hot water supply device. .

  In a hot water supply device with a bath function (hereinafter simply referred to as a “hot water supply device”), when hot water is drained from the bathtub, clean hot water or water is poured into the piping for pouring water into the bathtub, from the hot water supply device to the bathtub. A pipe having a bath pipe cleaning function for cleaning the inside of the pipe (hereinafter referred to as “bath pipe”) has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-4207 JP 2000-213809 A

  However, the hot water supply apparatus having the bath pipe cleaning function as described above has the following problems, and the improvement has been desired.

  That is, in a hot water supply apparatus having a bath piping cleaning function, it is necessary that the control unit that controls the function has a configuration for detecting the drainage of hot water in the bathtub. Is usually based on information obtained from a water level sensor provided to detect the water level of the bathtub.

  Therefore, in this type of hot water supply device, when the hot water supply device is in a standby state (specifically, the remote control of the hot water supply device is in the ON mode (the operation SW is turned on), and the hot water supply device performs the combustion operation. Power supply to the water level sensor could not be stopped.

  In particular, in recent years, there has been a strong demand for energy saving in the field of hot water supply equipment, and in order to meet such demands, the applicant can supply power to circuits that do not require power supply when the hot water supply equipment is in a standby state. Although a hot water supply device having a configuration for shutting off has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2), in a hot water supply device having a bath piping cleaning function, power supply to the water level sensor is performed even when the hot water supply device is in a standby state. It could not be stopped, which was one of the factors that hindered energy saving.

  On the other hand, when the energized state continues for a long time (for example, 100 hours), the energization drift occurs and the water level input level decreases, and the water level sensor deviates between the actual water level and the detected value of the water level sensor. Therefore, there is also a problem that continuing energization for a long time is not preferable for operating the hot water supply apparatus accurately.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a conventional problem, The place made into the objective is to provide the bath system which can stop the electric power supply to a water level sensor.

  To achieve the above object, a bath system according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a hot water supply device with a bath function provided with a water level sensor for monitoring the water level of a bathtub, and an optional device connected to the hot water supply device. The optional device outputs a bath use prohibition signal to the hot water supply device when performing an operation that competes with the bath function of the hot water supply device, and the control means of the hot water supply device receives the bath use prohibition signal and then takes a bath function. In the bath system that executes the process of prohibiting the use of water, the control means stops the power supply to the water level sensor upon receiving the bath use prohibition signal, while the bath use prohibition signal is canceled and It is characterized in that a control configuration for releasing the power supply stop to the water level sensor is provided on condition that hot water filling to the bathtub is started in the state.

  That is, in the bath system according to the first aspect, the power supply to the water level sensor is stopped based on the bath use prohibition signal output from the optional device that performs an operation that competes with the bath function of the hot water supply apparatus. Therefore, power supply to the water level sensor is stopped during a period when the bath function cannot be used, in other words, during a period when the water level detection by the water level sensor is not necessary. Accordingly, power consumption by the water level sensor can be suppressed during that period, and power saving can be achieved. Further, since continuous energization to the water level sensor is eliminated, the water level sensor can always be kept in a normal state.

  In addition, as a condition to release the power supply stop to the water level sensor, the hot water filling to the bathtub such as the cancellation of the bath use prohibition signal when the operation of the optional equipment stops and the start of automatic bath operation (automatic hot water filling operation to the bathtub) Subject to start. Therefore, when the water level detection by the water level sensor becomes necessary with the start of the hot water filling to the bathtub, the water level sensor starts the water level detection, so that the hot water filling operation can be performed accurately.

  Note that “starting of filling the bathtub with water”, which is a condition for canceling the stoppage of the power supply to the water level sensor, here refers to filling with water while monitoring the water level in the bathtub with the water level sensor. In addition, it may be determined that the automatic bath operation has been started with the remote controller of the hot water supply device, and it can be immediately determined that the bath has started to be filled automatically. It may be determined as “start of filling the bathtub” by catching that the circulation determination (determination of whether or not the water flow switch in the bath pipe is turned on by driving the bath circulation pump) is completed.

Moreover, the bath system according to claim 2 of the present invention is the bath system according to claim 1, wherein the control means is provided with a bath circulation pump for bath replenishment provided in the water heater for the purpose of bath retreat. It is characterized by having a control configuration for stopping the power supply to the water level sensor during operation.

  That is, in this type of hot water supply apparatus that detects the water level of a bathtub with a water level sensor, when the bath circulation pump operates, a water flow is generated in the bath piping, so that the water level sensor cannot accurately detect the water level. Therefore, in the bath system according to claim 2, power supply to the water level sensor is stopped during a period in which the water level sensor cannot detect the water level, thus suppressing power consumption by the water level sensor and The continuous energization of the water level sensor has been eliminated so that the water level sensor can always be kept in a normal state.

Also, a bath system according to claim 3 of the present invention, in the bath system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means performs a hot water darken the pouring pipe for pouring function to the tub A control configuration is provided in which power supply to the water level sensor is stopped during a period in which the bathtub pouring valve is open for the purpose of pouring and pouring water into the bathtub .

  That is, the bath system according to claim 3 is similar to the bath system according to claim 2 described above, and in this type of hot water supply apparatus, the bathtub pouring valve is opened and hot water is dropped into the pouring pipe. If a water flow is generated in the bath piping, the water level sensor cannot accurately detect the water level, so the power supply to the water level sensor is stopped during the period when the bathtub pouring valve is open. In addition to reducing the power consumption due to the water level, continuous power supply to the water level sensor is eliminated, and the water level sensor can always be kept in a normal state.

  In the bath system according to claim 4 of the present invention, the water level sensor is configured to receive power supply from an interface circuit interposed between the control means and the water level sensor. A power supply switching means for switching off / on of energization is provided in a power supply line for supplying power, and the control means controls the power supply switching means to stop or supply power to the water level sensor and the interface circuit. It is configured to cancel the stop.

  That is, in the invention according to claim 4 of the present invention, the power supply to the water level sensor is performed via the interface circuit, and the power supply to the interface circuit is stopped when the power supply to the water level sensor is stopped. Accordingly, the power supply to the interface circuit is also stopped, so that further power saving can be achieved.

  In addition, as an optional apparatus in this invention, the bathtub washing apparatus provided with the structure which automates washing | cleaning of the said bathtub and the washing pouring apparatus provided with the structure which drops the hot water in the said bathtub into a washing machine is used suitably.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, power supply to the water level sensor is stopped during the operation of the optional device, so that power consumption by the water level sensor during that period can be suppressed, and power saving of the bath system can be achieved. Further, according to the invention of claim 2, during the operation of the bath circulation pump, further, according to the invention of claim 3, the power supply to the water level sensor is similarly stopped while the bathtub pouring valve is in the open state. Therefore, power consumption by the water level sensor can be further suppressed, and power saving of the bath system can be achieved. Moreover, by stopping the power supply to the water level sensor, it is possible to prevent energization drift due to continuous energization and to keep the water level sensor always in a normal state.

  According to the invention of claim 4, since the power supply to the interface circuit is stopped when the power supply to the water level sensor is stopped, further power saving can be achieved.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Embodiment 1
The bath system according to the present invention includes a hot water supply device with a bath function provided with a water level sensor for monitoring the water level of a bathtub, and optional equipment connected to the hot water supply device. First, a hot water supply apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a hot water supply device (specifically, a hot water supply device having a bath piping cleaning function described later) constituting a part of the bath system of the present invention.

  The illustrated hot water supply apparatus 1 includes a general hot water supply function for supplying hot water to a hot water tap K such as a currant, a bath function for dropping hot water into the bathtub B (see FIG. 2) and reheating the bath, A hot water supply apparatus having a heating function for supplying hot water to a hot water heating apparatus (not shown), a first combustion can body 2a for generating hot water for general hot water supply and pouring, bath reheating, and heating And a second combustion can body 2b that generates hot water for use.

The 1st combustion can body 2a is provided with the 1st heat exchanger 3a heated with the burner which is not shown in figure, and this 1st heat exchanger 3a has the inlet pipe connected with a water supply (water supply source). 4, together with the hot water pipe 5 is connected to the supply hot water faucet K is connected, the bypass pipe 6 is provided between the water supply pipe 4 and the hot water pipe 5.

  The inlet pipe 4 is provided with an incoming water flow sensor 7 for detecting the flow rate of the water flowing through the incoming pipe 4 and an incoming water temperature sensor 8 for detecting the incoming water temperature. A hot water flow rate adjusting valve 9 for adjusting the hot water temperature and a hot water temperature sensor 10 for detecting the hot water temperature are provided. Further, the bypass pipe 6 is provided with a bypass flow rate adjusting valve 11 for adjusting the flow rate flowing through the bypass pipe 6.

  Similarly to the first combustion can body 2a described above, the second combustion can body 2b also includes a second heat exchanger 3b that is heated by a burner (not shown). This second heat exchanger Connected to 3b is a heating circuit a and a circuit b for bathing and heating.

  Here, the heating circulation circuit a is a circuit for circulating the hot water heated and heated in the second heat exchanger 3b with a heating device (not shown). A high temperature hot water supply circuit for supplying hot water and a low temperature hot water supply circuit for supplying low temperature hot water are provided.

  That is, the high temperature hot water supply circuit is connected to the heating device (FIG. 1) from the hot water (high temperature) forward pipe 12 connected to the hot water output side of the second heat exchanger 3b via the connection port 13 for “heating high temperature forward”. (Not shown) and is configured to return from the heating return pipe 17 through the water supply tank 15 and the heating circulation pump 16 to the water inlet side of the second heat exchanger 3b. One low-temperature hot water supply circuit is led from a low-temperature forward pipe 18 branched downstream of the heating circulation pump 16 to a heating device (not shown) via a heating heat valve 19 to connect a “heating return”. It is configured to return to the mouth 14.

  The water replenishing tank 15 is provided with an electromagnetic valve 20 for water replenishment, and a water replenishing pipe 21 branched from the water inlet pipe 4 is connected through the electromagnetic valve 20. That is, when the water level of the replenishing tank 15 falls below a predetermined water level, the electromagnetic valve 20 is opened to supply water into the tank 15. In the figure, reference numeral 22 denotes a temperature sensor for high temperature heating that detects the temperature of the hot water from the second heat exchanger 3b, and reference numeral 23 denotes a temperature sensor for low temperature heating.

  The recirculation circuit b for bath reheating heating has a reheating heating pipe 30 that guides the hot water from the second heat exchanger 3b to the third heat exchanger 3c, and a heat valve 31 for reheating heating. Is configured as the main part.

  Specifically, the reheating heating pipe 30 is connected to the warm water (high temperature) forward pipe 12 at one end and the primary of the third heat exchanger 3c configured by a liquid heat exchanger. And is connected to the heating circuit a on the downstream side of the “heating return” connection port 14, and when the bath is replenished, the reheating valve 31 for reheating is opened to open the first heating valve 31. 3 is configured such that warm water flows to the primary side of the heat exchanger 3c.

  On the other hand, a circulation circuit c for bathing the bath is connected to the secondary side of the third heat exchanger 3c. This bath recirculation circuit c is composed mainly of a bath return pipe 32, a bath return pipe 33, and a bath recirculation pump (bath circulation pump) 34.

  Specifically, one end of the bath outlet pipe 32 is connected to the secondary hot water output side of the third heat exchanger 3c, and the other end is connected to the “flowing” connection port 35. It is connected to the hot water outlet side of the circulating metal fitting Ba (see FIG. 2) of the bathtub B. One end of the bath return pipe 33 is connected to the secondary water inlet side of the third heat exchanger 3c, and the other end of the bath return pipe 33 is connected to the circulation fitting Ba of the bathtub B via the connection port 36 having a "bath return". Connected to the hot water intake side.

  The bath return pipe 33 is provided with a circulation pump 34 for replenishing the bath. By operating the circulation pump 34, hot water in the bathtub B is sucked from the circulation fitting Ba of the bathtub B. It is configured to be guided to the third heat exchanger 3c through the bath return pipe 33 and to circulate again from the circulation fitting Ba of the bathtub B into the bathtub B through the bath outlet pipe 32.

  Further, a water level sensor 37 for detecting the water level of the bathtub B based on the pressure (water pressure) in the pipe is disposed on the upstream side of the circulation pump 34, and the water flow in the circulation circuit c for bathing the bath is disposed on the downstream side. Are provided with a water flow switch 38 for detecting the temperature and a bath temperature sensor 39 for detecting the temperature of hot water circulating in the pipe.

  Further, the circulation circuit c for bathing bath configured in this way has a pouring pipe for a function of pouring water into the bathtub B (filled water, adding hot water, adding water) and a bath piping cleaning function to be described later. d is connected.

  Specifically, the pouring pipe d is two pipes 41 and 42 that are branched from the outlet pipe 5 of the first heat exchanger 3a and connected to the bath outlet pipe 32 and the bath return pipe 33. Consists of. More specifically, the pouring pipes 41 and 42 are connected to the hot water pipe 5 (specifically, the downstream side of the hot water temperature sensor 10) via a hot water solenoid valve (tub hot water valve) 43 and 44, respectively. ), One pipe 41 is connected to the tip of the bath-out pipe 32 (specifically, in the vicinity of the upstream side of the “floor-out” connection port 35), and the other pipe 42 is connected to the bath return pipe 33 (in detail). Specifically, it is connected to the downstream side of the water level sensor 37 and the upstream side of the water flow switch 38.

  Then, a bath pipe 51 (see FIG. 2) communicating with the discharge port of the circulation fitting Ba of the bathtub B is connected to the above-described “flow-out” connection port 35, and A bath pipe 52 (see FIG. 2) communicating with the suction port of the circulation fitting Ba of B is connected. In the figure, a pouring flow rate sensor 45 that detects the flow rate dropped into the pouring pipe d is provided in the vicinity of the upstream side of the pouring solenoid valves 43 and 44.

  Then, at the time of pouring or pouring water into the bathtub B (when filling or adding hot water or adding water), the hot water solenoid valve 43 of the pipe 41 communicating with the bath going pipe 32 is opened, and the bath going pipe 32 is opened. Do warm water or drop water. On the other hand, at the time of operation of the bath piping cleaning function, both of the hot water solenoid valves 43 and 44 are opened, and hot water or water is dropped from both the bath outlet pipe 32 and the bath return pipe 33.

  In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a controller (control means) of the hot water supply apparatus 1. The controller 100 includes a microcomputer 100a (see FIG. 4) for controlling the operation of each part of the hot water supply device 1, and includes various sensors (for example, various temperature sensors) provided in each part of the hot water supply device 1. , Flow sensors, water flow switches, etc.) and actuators (for example, various solenoid valves, flow rate adjustment valves, thermal valves, etc.), remote controller 101 of hot water supply device 1 described later, and control unit of optional equipment described later. And is configured to acquire information from each of these units and to give necessary control commands to these units (details will be described later).

  The remote controller 101 is an operating device for remotely operating the hot water supply apparatus 1. In the illustrated example, a remote controller 101a installed in the kitchen and a bathroom remote controller 101b installed in the bathroom are shown.

  Each of these remote controllers 101 includes a control unit (not shown) provided with a microcomputer, and this control unit is connected to the controller 100 of the hot water supply device 1 to control the hot water supply device 1 with the controller 100. Exchange information about.

  The remote controller 101 includes a display unit and an operation unit including operation switches (not shown). The kitchen remote controller 101a and the bath remote controller 101b both operate as the above-described operation unit at least in a state where the hot water supply device 1 is in an operation prohibited state (specifically, for example, the hot water tap K is opened) Combustion can body 2a does not perform combustion operation even if water flow exceeding the minimum operation flow rate is detected, and operation standby state (for example, hot water tap K is opened) An "operation switch" that switches between when the water flow exceeding the flow rate is detected and the combustion can body 2a performs the combustion operation, and automatic bath operation (at least the hot water is poured into the tub B until the set water level is reached at the set temperature) "Bath automatic switch" that indicates the start of tensioning, including the instruction to start warming and maintaining the water level after completion of the filling (including driving with reheating, adding hot water, etc.) Equipped and are configured.

  When the “operation switch” of the remote controller 100 is turned on, a state in which the hot water supply device 1 does not perform a combustion operation (that is, a state in which any of the hot water supply function, the heating function, and the bath function is not used) is a predetermined time (for example, If it continues for several minutes), it is configured to shift to the power saving mode. The power saving mode is canceled when any operation is performed on the operation unit of the remote controller 100, and the normal operation standby state is restored.

  Here, the power saving mode is a mode in which, for example, the process of reducing the power consumption is performed by dimming the display on the display unit or stopping the power supply to unnecessary parts and circuits. However, as shown in the present embodiment, in the hot water supply apparatus 1 having a bath pipe cleaning function, power supply to the water level sensor 37 is not stopped even when the power saving mode is entered, and power supply to the water level sensor 37 is stopped. Is performed by a water level sensor power supply stopping process described later.

  That is, the bath pipe cleaning function opens both of the above-described hot water solenoid valves 43 and 44 when draining the bathtub B, and drops a certain amount of warm water or water from both the bath outlet pipe 32 and the bath return pipe 33. This is a function for washing out residual water and dirt in the bath pipes 51 and 52 communicating with the pipes 32 and 33. In order to wash the bath pipes 51 and 52 using this function, at least the water level of the bathtub B circulates. It is necessary to detect with the water level sensor 37 that the height is lower than the metal fitting Ba (specifically, the discharge port and the suction port of the circulation metal fitting Ba). On the other hand, the drainage of the bathtub B is not necessarily performed immediately after bathing, but may be performed when the hot water supply device 1 is shifted to the power saving mode. Therefore, the hot water supply apparatus 1 shown in the present embodiment is configured to perform the power supply stop process for the water level sensor 37 as an independent control that is separate from the power saving mode.

Next, the operation timing of the bath pipe cleaning function will be described with reference to FIG.
Since the bath piping cleaning function is a function used when draining hot water in the bathtub B, only the operation switch of the remote control 101 is in an ON state (the bath automatic switch is OFF) as a precondition for operating this function. State). Therefore, controller 100 of hot water supply device 1 first determines whether hot water supply device 1 is in this state.

  And if this determination is affirmative, based on the information on the bathtub water level obtained from the water level sensor 37, the controller 100 will then perform the reference water level L2 after the water level of the bathtub B reaches the predetermined determination start water level L1. It is determined whether or not the required time T required to decrease to within a predetermined time T1 (for example, 2 minutes).

  Here, the reference water level L2 is, for example, the lowest water level at which the water level sensor 37 can detect the bathtub water level. The determination start water level L1 is set to a water level that is raised from the reference water level L2 by a predetermined height Lx (for example, 2 cm). The predetermined time T1 is predicted to be necessary for the water level to decrease from the determination start water level L1 to the reference water level L2 based on the bottom area (capacity) of the bathtub B, the opening area (bore diameter) of the drain port Bb, and the like. It is set with some margin based on the time to be performed.

  That is, if the required time T from the determination start water level L1 to the reference water level L2 is within the predetermined time T1, the hot water in the bathtub B is drained (in other words, below the circulating metal fitting Ba). Therefore, the controller 100 opens the pouring solenoid valves 43 and 44 for a certain period of time (or until a constant flow rate is detected by the pouring flow rate sensor 45), and operates the bath piping cleaning function.

  In the present embodiment, the lowest water level at which the bathtub water level can be detected by the water level sensor 37 is used as the reference water level L2. However, if the reference water level L2 is higher than the lowest water level, it is set to another position. You can also In short, if it is a setting that can be estimated that the bathtub B is drained, it is not limited to the lowest water level at which the water level can be detected.

Next, an optional device to which the present invention is applied will be described.
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of optional equipment that constitutes a part of the bath system of the present invention. In the illustrated example, washing with a configuration in which hot water in the bathtub B is dropped into the washing machine W as an optional equipment. A pouring unit (washing pouring device) 60 is shown.

  As shown in the figure, the washing and pouring unit 60 is interposed between the bathtub B and the hot water supply device 1, and uses a circulation pump (bath circulation pump) 34 provided for the hot water supply device 1. And it is constituted as a type which receives supply of hot water from bathtub B.

  Specifically, the laundry pouring unit 60 is connected to the first connection port 61 connected to the “flow-out” connection port 35 of the hot water supply apparatus 1 and the discharge port of the circulation fitting Ba of the bathtub B. The second connection port 62, the third connection port 63 connected to the hot water tap KW provided for supplying hot water to the washing machine W, and the fourth connection connected to the water inlet pipe 4. A port 64 and a fifth connection port 65 connected to the outlet pipe 5 are provided.

  And the 1st flow path 66a of the three-way valve 66 provided in the inside of this washing pouring unit 60 is connected with the said 1st connection port 61, and the 2nd flow path 66b is with the said 2nd connection port 62. The third flow path 66 c is connected to the third connection port 63 via the filter 67 and the water flow switch 68. The fourth connection port 64 is connected to the third flow path of the three-way valve 66 on the upstream side of the water flow switch 68 described above via a filter 68, a water injection electromagnetic valve 69, and a pressure reducing valve 70, and 5 is connected to the third flow path of the three-way valve 66 on the upstream side of the water flow switch 68 described above via the pouring electromagnetic valve 71 and the pressure reducing valve 70. In the figure, reference numerals 72 and 72 denote check valves.

  Reference numeral 73 denotes a control unit that controls each part of the washing and pouring unit 60. The control unit 73 includes a microcomputer (not shown) and is connected to the controller 100 of the hot water supply device 1 via the communication line 74. Is configured to exchange information regarding the control of the laundry pouring unit 60. The control unit 73 is provided with an operation unit (not shown), and the operation of the operation unit allows the laundry pouring unit 60 to be remotely operated.

  When the hot water accumulated in the bathtub B is dropped into the washing machine W using the washing pouring unit 60 configured as described above, the control unit is operated on the condition that the operation unit performs the operation. 73 controls the three-way valve 66 so that the first flow path 66a and the third flow path 66c of the three-way valve 66 are conductive, and the circulation pump for replenishing the bath with respect to the controller 100 of the water heater 1 34 starts the operation.

Thereby, the hot water supply operation to the laundry pouring unit 60 is started, and hot water accumulated in the bathtub B is sucked from the suction port of the circulation fitting Ba, and the bath pipe 52, the water flow switch 38, and the third heat exchanger 3c. The hot water is supplied to the washing machine W from the hot water tap K via the bath pipe 51, the first flow path 66a, the third flow path 66c of the three-way valve 66, and the water flow switch 68. .

  By the way, in the state which supplies hot water from the bathtub B to the washing machine W using the washing pouring unit 60 in this way, the bath function of the hot water supply apparatus 1 is not normally used. Further, as shown in the present embodiment, when the bath recirculation pump 34 is used for supplying hot water to the washing machine W, the bath retreat cannot be performed in this state. Thus, in the washing and pouring unit 60, the act of supplying hot water from the bathtub B to the washing machine W and the bath function of the hot water supply device 1 are not performed at the same time, in other words, the operations compete. It becomes processing.

  Therefore, in an optional device such as the washing and pouring unit 60, when the operation competing with the operation of the hot water supply apparatus 1 is executed in this way, the control unit 73 competes with the controller 100 of the hot water supply apparatus 1 ( In this case, it is configured to output a signal (in this case, a bath use prohibition signal) for instructing prohibition of the operation relating to the bath function.

  Then, the controller 100 of the hot water supply apparatus 1 that has received such a signal for prohibiting operation (here, the bath use prohibition signal) prohibits execution of the corresponding function (here, the bath function) (for example, a remote controller). The automatic bath operation is not performed even if an operation for instructing the start of the automatic bath operation is performed in 101, and if the automatic bath operation is in progress, the automatic bath operation is temporarily stopped and the operation of the optional device is performed with priority. , Processing for resuming automatic bath operation after the operation of the optional device is completed.

  In the present invention, among the operation prohibition signals output from the optional device to the controller 100 of the hot water supply device 1, the bath use prohibition signal for instructing the prohibition of the bath function operation is used to send the water level sensor 37 to the water level sensor 37. A power supply stop process is performed.

  That is, the controller 100 of the hot water supply device 1 determines whether or not a bath use prohibition signal has been received from the laundry pouring unit 60.

  When the bath use prohibition signal is received from the laundry pouring unit 60, the controller 100 executes a process for stopping the power supply to the water level sensor 37.

  Then, next, the power supply stop process to the water level sensor 37 will be described based on FIG. 4 and FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an electrical connection relationship between the controller 100 and the water level sensor 37. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an execution procedure of power supply stop processing for the water level sensor 37.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the water level sensor 37 is electrically connected to the controller 100 (specifically, the microcomputer 100a) via the interface circuit 102. Specifically, the water level sensor 37 is configured to receive a water level reference signal from the microcomputer 100a via the interface circuit 102 and to output a sensor data signal obtained by sensing to the microcomputer 100a. Further, the controller 100 (specifically, a power supply unit (not shown)) is configured to receive power from a DC power supply Vcc.

  Here, between the DC power supply Vcc and the interface circuit 102, that is, on a power supply line (power supply line) for supplying power to the interface circuit 102, power supply switching for switching off / on of the power supply to the power supply line. Means 103 are provided.

  In the present embodiment, the power supply switching unit 103 includes transistors Q1 and Q2 controlled by the microcomputer 100a. That is, when the transistor Q1 is turned off (controlled to be off), the power supply to the water level sensor 37 is stopped, and conversely, when the transistor Q1 is turned on (controlled to be on), the power supply to the water level sensor 37 is stopped. It is configured to be released.

  Thus, in the hot water supply apparatus 1 in which the water level sensor 37 and the controller 100 are connected as described above, the power supply stop process for the water level sensor 37 is performed in the following procedure.

  That is, when the operation switch of the remote controller 101 is turned on, the controller 100 turns on the transistor Q1 of the power supply switching means 103 to start power supply to the water level sensor 37 (see step S1 in FIG. 5). Then, it is determined whether or not a bath use prohibition signal has been received from laundry pouring unit 60 (see step S2 in FIG. 5).

  If it is determined by this determination that the bath use prohibition signal has not been received (“No” in step S2 in FIG. 5), the bath function is in a usable state, and therefore the water level sensor 37 is energized. It cannot be stopped, and the flow returns to step S1 in FIG. 5 to continue energization of the water level sensor 37.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in this determination that the bath use prohibition signal has been received (in the case of “Yes” in step S2 in FIG. 5), the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG. 5 to turn off the water level sensor 37, that is, The controller 100 controls the transistor Q1 of the power supply switching unit 103 to be turned off to stop the power supply to the water level sensor 37 and the interface circuit 102.

  When the power supply to the water level sensor 37 and the interface circuit 102 is stopped in this way, the controller 100 then starts determining whether or not the condition for canceling the power supply stop to the water level sensor 37 and the interface circuit 102 is satisfied. .

  That is, the controller 100 determines whether or not the bath use prohibition signal has been canceled (see step S4 in FIG. 5). Here, the cancellation of the bath use prohibition signal is, for example, determined to cancel the bath use prohibition signal on condition that the bath use prohibition signal is not received, or the bath use prohibition signal from the washing pouring unit 60. The design can be changed as appropriate, such as determining that the bath use prohibition signal has been canceled when a new signal for canceling is received.

  As a result of the determination in step S4 in FIG. 5, when the bath use prohibition signal is not released (in the case of “No” in step S4 in FIG. 5), the use of the bath function is kept prohibited. Returning to step S3 in FIG. 5, the power supply to the water level sensor 37 is stopped.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S4 in FIG. 5 is that the bath use prohibition signal has been released (“Yes” in step S4 in FIG. 5), the process proceeds to the subsequent step S5 in FIG. It is determined whether or not the operation has been started. Here, the determination of whether or not “the hot water filling operation has started” can be made based on, for example, whether or not the automatic bath switch has been operated on the remote controller 101, and the bath circulation performed after the start of the automatic bath operation. The determination can be made based on whether or not it is determined that there is a water flow.

  Then, as a result of the determination in step S5 in FIG. 5, when the hot water filling operation is not started (in the case of “No” in step S5 in FIG. 5), the water level detection by the water level sensor 37 is not yet required. Returning to step S3, the power supply to the water level sensor 37 is stopped.

  On the other hand, when the hot water filling operation is started as a result of the determination in step S5 in FIG. 5 (in the case of “Yes” in step S5 in FIG. 5), the water level detection by the water level sensor 37 is necessary. Returning to step S1 in FIG. 5, energization of the water level sensor 37 is resumed. That is, the power supply stop to the water level sensor 37 is canceled and the water level detection by the water level sensor 37 is started.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, while hot water is being supplied from the bathtub B to the washing machine W by the washing and pouring unit 60, power supply to the water level sensor 37 is stopped. Power consumption by the water level sensor 37 can be suppressed, and power saving of the bath system can be achieved. Further, every time hot water is supplied from the bathtub B to the washing machine W, the power supply to the water level sensor 37 is stopped. Therefore, the water level sensor 37 does not generate an energization drift due to continuous energization. Can be kept in a state.

Embodiment 2
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This second embodiment shows an additional power supply stop condition and a power supply stop release condition used in combination with the power supply stop condition and the power supply stop release condition for the water level sensor 37 described in the first embodiment. . Therefore, except for the fact that conditions described later are added, the second embodiment is the same as the above-described first embodiment, and therefore, common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, as a condition for stopping the power supply to the water level sensor 37 and a condition for releasing the power supply stop, the controller 100 performs a normal operation other than the hot water supply operation to the optional device (for example, as a heat retaining operation during automatic bath operation). When the bath recirculation pump 34 starts to operate as a reheating bath or a reheating bath that is forcibly started by the operation of the remote controller 101, the power supply to the water level sensor 37 is stopped. When the operation stops, the power supply stop to the water level sensor 37 is released.

  That is, in this kind of hot water supply apparatus, when the circulation pump 34 for bathing the bath is operated as a normal operation, the bath circulation determination is made in advance, so that the bathtub B is filled with hot water (hot water). (At least the water level exceeding the circulating metal fitting Bb) In this state, if the circulation pump 34 for bathing the bath is operated, a water flow is generated in the pipe, so that the accurate water level can be detected by the water level sensor 37. Can not.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, power supply to the water level sensor 37 is stopped during the period in which the water level sensor 37 cannot accurately detect the water level, and the water level even when the optional device does not output the bath use prohibition signal. The power supply to the sensor 37 is stopped.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the power supply to the water level sensor 37 is stopped during the operation of the circulation pump 34 for replenishing the bath, so that the water level sensor 37 is not only during the bath operation but also during the bath operation. Since the power supply to is stopped, power consumption can be reduced as compared with the first embodiment. Moreover, since the opportunity for the continuous energization to the water level sensor 37 to be released is increased accordingly, the occurrence of energization drift can be further suppressed, and the water level sensor 37 can always be maintained in a normal state.

Embodiment 3
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Similarly to the above-described second embodiment, the third embodiment also includes an additional power supply stop condition that is used in combination with the power supply stop condition and the power supply stop release condition that have already been described in the first or second embodiment. And the condition for canceling the power supply stop. Therefore, except for the fact that conditions described later are added, the embodiment is the same as the above-described first or second embodiment, and therefore, common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, as a condition for stopping the power supply to the water level sensor 37 and a condition for releasing the power supply stop, the controller 100 performs a normal operation other than the bath pipe cleaning function (for example, a water replenishment operation during bath automatic operation). As hot water or additional hot water that is started by operating the remote controller 101, when the pouring electromagnetic valves 43 and 44 are opened, power supply to the water level sensor 37 is stopped, and the pouring electromagnetic valves 43 and 44 are closed. Then, the power supply stop to the water level sensor 37 is canceled.

  That is, in this type of hot water supply device, when the hot water solenoid valves 43 and 44 are opened as normal operation and hot water (warm water) is dropped, a water flow is generated in the pipe, and the accurate water level is detected by the water level sensor 37. Detection is not possible.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, power supply to the water level sensor 37 is stopped during a period in which the water level sensor 37 cannot accurately detect the water level, and power supply to the water level sensor 37 is performed even when hot water is stretched in the bathtub. Decided to stop.

  Thus, according to this embodiment, since the power supply to the water level sensor 37 is stopped during the period when the hot water solenoid valves 43 and 44 are open, the bath operation is not only performed while the bath operation is stopped. In addition, power consumption by the water level sensor 37 can be reduced. Further, along with this, continuous energization to the water level sensor 37 is avoided, so that occurrence of energization drift can be suppressed, and the water level sensor 37 can always be maintained in a normal state.

  In addition, embodiment mentioned above shows the preferred embodiment of this invention, Comprising: This invention is not limited to these, A various design change is possible within the range.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the hot water supply device provided with the general hot water supply function, the bath function, and the heating function has been described as the hot water supply device 1, but the present invention is a hot water supply device provided with the general hot water supply function and the bath function. It can be applied even if it does not have a heating function. In relation to this, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration including the two can bodies 2a and 2b as the combustion can body 2 is shown. However, the present invention can be applied to the case where the combustion can body 2 is one. It is.

  In the above-described embodiment, the transistors Q1 and Q2 are used as the power supply switching means 103. However, the power supply switching means 103 can be controlled to cut off / switch on the power supply line by the microcomputer 100a (controller). If it is a simple structure, it is also possible to comprise in another aspect (for example, control by a relay contact).

  In the above-described embodiment, the washing and pouring unit is shown as an optional device provided in the hot water supply device 1. However, any optional device that competes with the bath function of the hot water supply device 1 and outputs a bath use prohibition signal. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the washing pouring unit, and can be applied to a bathtub cleaning apparatus as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of the bathtub cleaning device. As shown in the figure, the bathtub cleaning device is composed mainly of an automatic drain plug device 55 and a bathtub cleaning unit 75.

  The automatic drain plug device 55 is a device configured to be able to open and close the drain plug 56 of the bathtub by remote control. As shown in the figure, the drain plug 56 provided so as to close the drain port Bb of the bathtub B, and this A drain plug controller 57 that controls the closing / opening operation of the drain port Bb by the drain plug 56 is configured as a main part.

  More specifically, the drain plug 56 includes a drive mechanism (not shown), and the drive mechanism operates based on a control signal given from the drain plug control device 57 via the communication line 58. The drain port Bb can be closed or opened.

  One drain plug controller 57 is disposed in the vicinity of the bathtub B as shown in the figure. The drain plug control device 57 is a control device including a microcomputer (not shown), and includes a predetermined operation unit (not shown) and is connected to a bathtub cleaning control device 78 (described later) via a communication line 59. Thus, the opening / closing control of the hot-water tap 56 can be performed based on a control signal from the bathtub cleaning control device 77.

  On the other hand, the bathtub cleaning unit 75 includes a cleaning nozzle 76 provided in the bathtub B, a detergent tank 77 for storing detergent, and the bathtub cleaning control device 78.

  Specifically, the bathtub cleaning unit 75 has one end of a main pipe 79 disposed therein connected to a hot water outlet pipe of the hot water supply apparatus 1, and a filter 80 and a flow rate adjustment valve 81 are provided on the main pipe 79. In addition, a flow sensor 82, a pouring electromagnetic valve 83, check valves 84 and 85, and an edge cut valve 86 are provided, and the other end is connected to the cleaning nozzle 76 via a venturi 87. Further, a detergent supply pipe 88 connected to the detergent tank 77 is connected to the venturi 87, and an electromagnetic valve 89 for switching supply / stop of the detergent is provided on the detergent supply pipe 88.

  The bathtub cleaning control device 78 is a control device that controls each part of the bathtub cleaning unit 75 and includes a microcomputer (not shown), and is connected to the controller 100 of the hot water supply device 1 via the communication line 90. The controller 100 is configured to output a control signal for the required temperature of the hot water and to control the operation of each part of the bathtub cleaning unit 75. In addition, what is shown by the code | symbol 91 in a figure is the remote control for remotely operating the bathtub washing | cleaning unit 75, In the example of illustration, although it is set as the different body from the remote control 101 of the hot water supply apparatus 1 mentioned above, the hot water supply apparatus 1 The remote controller 101 can be omitted by providing an operation section for the bathtub cleaning unit.

  In the bathtub cleaning device configured as described above, when an instruction to start bathtub cleaning is given from the remote controller 91 or the like, the automatic drain plug device 55 opens the drain plug 56 and the cleaning nozzle 76 removes detergent or The bathtub B is washed by injecting hot water. Since the bath cannot be used during the bathtub washing, the bathtub washing control device 78 is configured to output a bath use prohibition signal to the controller 100 of the hot water supply device 1 during this time. Has been.

  Therefore, even when the bathtub cleaning device is connected as an optional device, the controller 100 stops the power supply to the water level sensor 37 based on the bath use prohibition signal output from the bathtub cleaning device, as in the first embodiment. / It is configured to cancel the power supply stop.

  Moreover, although the embodiment mentioned above showed the case where all the hot water supply apparatuses 1 are provided with a bath piping washing function, when the bath piping washing function is not provided, the operation switch of the remote control 101 is turned off, Alternatively, the power supply to the water level sensor 37 is stopped on the condition that the bath automatic operation is stopped, and the power supply is stopped when the water level monitoring by the water level sensor 37 is required, such as the bath automatic operation is started. It can be configured to release.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the hot water supply apparatus which comprises some bath systems of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the operation timing of the bath piping washing | cleaning function in the same bath system. It is a schematic structure which shows an example of the optional apparatus which comprises some bath systems of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the electrical connection relation of the hot-water supply apparatus and water level sensor in the bath system. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the electric power supply stop process procedure of the water level sensor in the bath system. It is a schematic block diagram for demonstrating other embodiment of the bath system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hot-water supply apparatus 2a, 2b Combustion can body 3a-3c Heat exchanger 4 Intake pipe 5 Outlet pipe 34 Circulation pump for bath reheating (bath circulation pump)
37 Water level sensors 41, 42 Pouring pipes 43, 44 Pouring solenoid valve (bath pouring valve)
51,52 Bath piping 55 Automatic drain plug device (Drain plug device)
60 Laundry pouring unit (optional equipment)
75 Bathtub washing unit (optional equipment)
100 Controller for hot water supply system (control means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Remote control 102 of hot-water supply apparatus Interface circuit 103 Power supply switching means a Heating circulation circuit b Circulation circuit for reheating bath c Circulation circuit for reheating bath d Pipe for pouring B Bath tub K Hot water tap W Washing machine

Claims (6)

It consists of a hot water supply device with a bath function having a water level sensor for monitoring the water level of the bathtub and an optional device connected to the hot water supply device, and the optional device performs an operation that competes with the bath function of the hot water supply device. In the bath system that outputs a bath use prohibition signal to the hot water supply device, and the control means of the hot water supply device executes a process of prohibiting the use of the bath function when receiving the bath use prohibition signal,
When the control means receives the bath use prohibition signal, the control means stops power supply to the water level sensor, while the bath use prohibition signal is canceled, and in this state, filling of the bath is started. As a condition, a bath system comprising a control configuration for canceling a power supply stop to the water level sensor. The control means includes a control configuration that stops power supply to the water level sensor while a bath circulation pump for bathing provided in the hot water supply device is operating for the purpose of bathing. The bath system according to 1. Wherein, Note said during the bath pouring valve to pouring pipe for hot water functions perform hot water darken is open at the pouring-water injection purposes to the bath water level sensor to the tub The bath system according to claim 1, further comprising a control configuration for stopping power supply to the water. The water level sensor is configured to receive power supply from an interface circuit interposed between the control means and the water level sensor, and switches power supply to a power line that supplies power to the interface circuit. A power supply switching means is provided;
4. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to stop power supply to the water level sensor and the interface circuit or to cancel power supply stop by controlling the power supply switching unit. Crab bath system.   The bath system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the optional device is a washing pouring device having a configuration in which hot water in the bathtub is dropped into a washing machine.   The bath system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the optional device is a bathtub cleaning device having a configuration for automating cleaning of the bathtub.

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