Hot water supply system and washing system

Abstract

To maintain a desired CT value by simple control, in a system which has a washing function by functional water.SOLUTION: A functional water generation device 35 generates functional water from hot water during an operation and outputs it to piping. A controller 12 controls operation / non-operation of the functional water generation device 35 and opening / closing of an opening / closing valve 13. When piping washing using the functional water is started, after a pre-operation for opening the opening / closing valve 13 in a state where the functional water generation device 35 is not operated, the controller 12 executes functional water washing for opening the opening / closing valve 13 with the functional water generation device 35 being in an operation state. The controller 12 sets the operation time of the functional water washing according to the detection flow rate in such a manner that the higher the detection flow rate, the longer the operation time, according to the detection flow rate by a flow rate sensor 16 during a pre-operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hot water supply system and a cleaning system. [Background technology]

[0002] A bath hot water supply system that cleans pipes using hot or cold water mixed with silver ions is described in Japanese Patent No. 4951495 (Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes a pipe cleaning operation that operates a silver ion generator to mix a certain amount of hot or cold water with a high concentration of silver ions, supply it to a circulation pipe for reheating, and discharge it into the bathtub during pipe cleaning, which is performed after all the water in the bathtub has been drained. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4951495 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A CT value (Concentration Time Value), which is the product of the concentration of functional water (e.g., silver ion concentration or ozone concentration) and the contact time, is known as a quantitative evaluation index of the sterilization effect when functional water containing a substance having a sterilization effect such as silver ions or ozone is brought into contact with an object to be cleaned. If the CT value is insufficient, there is a concern that the desired sterilization effect will not be obtained, while if the CT value is larger than expected, there is a concern that the risk of corrosion of the pipes and the like to be cleaned will increase.

[0005] In contrast, in the bath hot water supply system described in Patent Document 1, it is assumed that the flow rate of hot water generated during pipe cleaning operation will vary depending on the tap water source pressure and the installation conditions of the bathtub (such as placement height). On the other hand, if the flow rate varies while functional water is produced under constant conditions, there is a risk that the CT value will change due to the concentration of the functional water decreasing as the flow rate increases.

[0006] This may make it difficult to maintain the CT value required to obtain the expected cleaning effect depending on the location of the bath hot water system. On the other hand, if an attempt is made to maintain a constant CT value by successively adjusting the functional water production conditions to keep the functional water concentration constant, there is a concern that the placement and adjustment of the concentration meter will become more complicated, resulting in higher costs.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve these problems, and an object of the present invention is to maintain a desired CT value through simple control in a system having a cleaning function using functional water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, a hot water supply system is provided. The hot water supply system includes a hot water supply circuit for supplying hot water, a functional water generating device, an on-off valve, a flow rate detector, and a control circuit. When the functional water generating device is operated, the functional water generating device generates functional water from hot water and outputs the functional water to a pipe. The on-off valve is disposed between the hot water supply circuit and a path for introducing hot water to the functional water generating device. The flow rate detector detects the flow rate introduced to the functional water generating device. The control circuit controls the operation and non-operation of the functional water generating device and the opening and closing of the on-off valve. Furthermore, when a pipe cleaning is started for cleaning the pipe using the functional water, the control circuit performs a pre-operation in which the on-off valve is opened to allow hot water to flow to the functional water generating device while the functional water generating device is in a non-operating state, and then performs a functional water cleaning in which the functional water generating device is operated and the on-off valve is opened to allow hot water to flow to the functional water generating device, and sets the operation time of the functional water cleaning according to the flow rate detected by the flow rate detector during the pre-operation, such that the operation time is longer as the detected flow rate increases.

[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, a cleaning system is provided. The cleaning system includes a functional water generating device, an on-off valve, a flow rate detector, and a control circuit. When the functional water generating device is operated, the functional water generating device generates functional water from hot water and outputs the functional water to an appliance to be cleaned. The on-off valve is disposed between a hot water supply circuit and a path for introducing the hot water to the functional water generating device. The flow rate detector detects the flow rate introduced to the functional water generating device. The control circuit controls the operation and non-operation of the functional water generating device and the opening and closing of the on-off valve. Furthermore, when equipment cleaning for cleaning an appliance using functional water is started, the control circuit performs a pre-operation in which the on-off valve is opened to allow hot water to flow to the functional water generating device while the functional water generating device is in a non-operating state, and then a functional water cleaning operation in which the functional water generating device is operated and the on-off valve is opened to allow hot water to flow to the functional water generating device, and sets the operation time of the functional water cleaning operation according to the flow rate detected by the flow rate detector during the pre-operation so that the operation time is longer as the detected flow rate increases. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, in a system having a cleaning function using functional water, changes in CT value due to the system installation conditions can be suppressed by simple control using the detected flow rate during pre-operation, thereby maintaining the desired CT value. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a hot water supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration related to a pipe cleaning operation in the hot water supply system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a pipe cleaning operation according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart illustrating equipment diagnosis processing according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are given the same reference characters, and their descriptions will not be repeated in principle.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a water heating device according to the present embodiment.

[0014] With reference to FIG. 1, a hot water supply system 100 according to this embodiment includes a bathtub 20 installed in a bathroom 200 as a hot water supply destination, in addition to a hot water tap and the like (not shown).

[0015] The hot water supply system 100 comprises a housing 1, a burner 2, a fan 3, a heat exchanger 4, a water inlet pipe 5, a hot water supply pipe 6, a bypass valve 7, a bypass pipe 7a, a circulation path 8, temperature sensors 9, 18, 19, a circulation pump 10, a water level sensor 11, a controller 12, a bath hot water supply valve 13, electrical wiring 14, flow sensors 15, 16, remote controls 40, 50, a three-way valve 32, a functional water generation device 35, and a constant flow valve 36.

[0016] The housing 1 is provided so that the inside and outside of the housing 1 are in communication with each other, and has an exhaust port 1a for exhausting combustion gas. The housing 1 is configured to accommodate a burner 2, a fan 3, a heat exchanger 4, a water inlet pipe 5, a hot water supply pipe 6, a bypass valve 7, a bypass pipe 7a, temperature sensors 9, 18, 19, flow sensors 15, 16, a circulation pump 10, a water level sensor 11, a controller 12, a bath hot water supply valve 13, a three-way valve 32, a functional water generator 35, and a constant flow valve 36. The housing 1 also accommodates a part of a circulation path 8 for reheating operation.

[0017] The burner 2 is configured to perform combustion operation by receiving a supply of fuel gas from a fuel supply system (not shown). The burner 2 supplies the combustion gas to the heat exchanger 4. The burner 2 has a hot water supply burner 2a and a supplementary heating burner 2b.

[0018] The fan 3 supplies air for combustion to the burner 2. The fan 3 has a fan 3a that supplies air for combustion to the burner 2a, and a fan 3b that supplies air for combustion to the burner 2b. Each of the fans 3a and 3b has a blade and a motor for rotating the blade. The blade is configured to rotate and supply air for combustion by applying a current to the motor. The fans 3a and 3b are disposed below the burners 2a and 2b in the height direction of the hot water supply system 100, respectively. Note that, regarding the fan 3, FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration in which the burners 2a and 2b are each provided with one fan 3a and one fan 3b, respectively, but it is also possible to configure the burners 2a and 2b to have one fan in common.

[0019] The heat exchanger 4 has a heat exchanger 4a for hot water supply and a heat exchanger 4b for reheating. The heat exchangers 4a and 4b are disposed above the burners 2a and 2b, respectively, in the height direction of the hot water supply system 100. The heat exchangers 4a and 4b are disposed near the exhaust port 1a.

[0020] The heat exchanger 4a recovers heat from the combustion gas supplied by the burner 2a. The heat exchanger 4b recovers heat from the combustion gas supplied by the burner 2b. Each of the heat exchangers 4a and 4b may include a primary heat exchanger that heats the incoming water by heat exchange with the sensible heat (combustion heat) of the combustion gas of the burner 2, and a secondary heat exchanger that heats the flowing water by heat exchange with the latent heat of the combustion exhaust gas from the burner 2.

[0021] The water inlet pipe 5 is connected to a water supply pipe at the water inlet port 5a. When the hot water tap is turned on and / or the bath hot water valve 13 is opened, low-temperature water is introduced from the water inlet port 5a into the hot water supply system 100 by the supply pressure of the tap water. A temperature sensor 18 provided in the water inlet pipe 5 detects the temperature Tw of the inlet water introduced from the water inlet port 5a.

[0022] The water inlet pipe 5 branches into a boiler body pipe 5b and a bypass pipe 7a via a bypass valve 7. The boiler body pipe 5b is connected to one end of the heat exchanger 4a. The flow rate ratio of the bypass pipe 7a and the boiler body pipe 5b to the total flow rate of the water inlet pipe 5 is controlled by the opening degree of the bypass valve 7.

[0023] The other end of the heat exchanger 4a is connected to one end of the hot water supply pipe 6. Low-temperature water supplied from the water inlet pipe 5 to the boiler body pipe 5b is heated to a predetermined temperature by the heat exchanger 4a and output to the hot water supply pipe 6. A flow rate sensor 15 is disposed in the boiler body pipe 5b. The flow rate sensor 15 can detect the flow rate of the heat exchanger 4a (boiler body flow rate).

[0024] On the other hand, the bypass pipe 7a bypasses the heat exchanger 4a and is connected to the hot water supply pipe 6. Therefore, the low-temperature water supplied from the water inlet pipe 5 to the bypass pipe 7a is output to the hot water supply pipe 6 without being heated by the heat exchanger 4a. In this way, in the hot water supply system 100, the high-temperature water output from the heat exchanger 4a and the low-temperature water that has passed through the bypass pipe 7a are mixed, and hot water at an appropriate temperature according to the set temperature can be output from the hot water supply pipe 6.

[0025] The other end of the hot water supply pipe 6 is connected to a hot water outlet 6a connected to a hot water tap (not shown) or the like. Therefore, when the hot water tap is opened, hot water at an appropriate temperature controlled to a set temperature is supplied from the hot water supply system 100 to the hot water tap via the hot water outlet 6a.

[0026] The hot water supply pipe 6 is further connected to a hot water supply pipe 13a leading to the bathtub 20. A bath hot water supply valve 13 is connected between the hot water supply pipe 6 and the hot water supply pipe 13a. The bath hot water supply valve 13 can be configured, for example, by a solenoid valve that can be controlled to open and close. By opening the bath hot water supply valve 13, a path can be formed for outputting hot water from the hot water supply pipe 6 to the bathtub 20. In this way, the hot water supply system 100 can include the bathtub 20 as a hot water supply destination in addition to a hot water tap, etc.

[0027] In this specification, the supply of hot water from the hot water supply system 100 to the bathtub 20 is referred to as "pouring hot water" to distinguish it from the supply of hot water to the hot water outlet 6a (hot water tap, etc.). A flow rate sensor 16 is provided in the hot water supply pipe 13a. The flow rate sensor 16 can detect the flow rate of hot water supplied from the hot water supply system 100 to the bathtub 20. In this embodiment, the action of supplying hot water or water to the bathtub 20 via the hot water supply pipe 13a by opening the bath hot water supply valve 13, regardless of the hot water outlet temperature at the hot water supply pipe 6, is referred to as "pouring hot water". In addition, the path formed by opening the bath hot water supply valve 13, through which hot water or water is output from the hot water supply pipe 6 to the bathtub 20, is referred to as the "pouring hot water path".

[0028] That is, one embodiment of the "hot water supply circuit" can be configured by the burner 2a, fan 3a, heat exchanger 4a, water inlet pipe 5, boiler body pipe 5b, hot water supply pipe 6, bypass valve 7, and bypass pipe 7a of the hot water supply system 100. The bath hot water supply valve 13 corresponds to an "on-off valve" arranged between the hot water supply circuit and a functional water production device 35 described later.

[0029] The circulation path 8 is for circulating hot water 21 in the bathtub 20 (hereinafter also referred to as bathtub water 21) within the hot water supply system 100, and has a return pipe 8a, a forward pipe 8b, and a circulation pump 10. One end of the return pipe 8a is connected to a circulation adapter 25 in the bathtub 20, and the other end is connected to the input side of the heat exchanger 4b. One end of the forward pipe 8b is connected to the output side of the heat exchanger 4b, and the other end is connected to the circulation adapter 25.

[0030] By operating the circulation pump 10, a path (reheating circulation path) is formed in which bath water 21 drawn in from the circulation adapter 25 passes through the return pipe 8a, the heat exchanger 4b, and the forward pipe 8b, and is discharged from the circulation adapter 25. When the combustion operation of the burner 2b is turned on while the reheating circulation path is formed, the bath water 21 introduced from the return pipe 8a is heated by the heat exchanger 4b, and the heated bath water 21 is supplied to the bathtub 20 by the forward pipe 8b, thereby performing a reheating operation that raises the temperature of the bath water 21.

[0031] A temperature sensor 9 and a water level sensor 11 are connected to the return pipe 8a. The temperature sensor 9 can detect the temperature of the bathtub water 21 (bathtub water temperature Tbt). The water level sensor 11 is configured, for example, by a pressure sensor, and detects the level of the bathtub water 21 in the bathtub 20 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "bathtub water level") based on the water pressure of the bathtub water 21. The temperature sensor 9 and the water level sensor 11 are disposed in an area of ​​the return pipe 8a into which the bathtub water 21 enters, even when the circulation pump 10 is stopped.

[0032] The return pipe 8a is further connected to the hot water supply pipe 13a at a connection point 8c. For example, the connection point 8c can be provided on the circulation pump 10. As a result, when hot water is poured from the hot water supply system 100, a hot water pouring path can be formed that includes a path from the hot water supply pipe 13a to the bathtub 20 via the connection point 8c (circulation pump 10) and the return pipe 8a, and a path from the hot water supply pipe 13a to the bathtub 20 via the connection point 8c (circulation pump 10), the return pipe 8a, the heat exchanger 4b, and the forward pipe 8b. This allows the bathtub to be filled by pouring hot water from the hot water supply system 100.

[0033] In this way, in hot water supply system 100, hot water from the hot water supply circuit is supplied to bathtub 20 via a hot water supply path including circulation path 8. Bathtub 20 is provided with a drain plug 26. Drain plug 26 can be configured as either a "manual drain plug" that is opened and closed manually by the user, or an "automatic drain plug" that can also be opened and closed automatically in response to an operation command from controller 12.

[0034] 1, the drainage from drain plug 26 joins with the drainage from drain outlet 210 provided on the floor of bathroom 200 in a drain trap and is discharged from drain pipe 220. A mist shower 250 may also be provided in bathroom 200.

[0035] In the hot water supply system 100 according to this embodiment, a three-way valve 32, a functional water production device 35, and a constant flow valve 36, which are devices for pipe cleaning operation using functional water, are arranged in the hot water supply path, more specifically, between the bath hot water supply valve 13 and the connection point 8c. As will be described in detail later, the three-way valve 32 selects between a path that passes through the functional water production device 35 and a path that does not pass through the functional water production device 35, and supplies hot water from the hot water supply circuit to the connection point 8c.

[0036] The controller 12 can include, for example, a microcomputer. The controller 12 is electrically connected to the burners 2a, 2b, the fans 3a, 3b, the temperature sensors 9, 18, 19, the circulation pump 10, the water level sensor 11, the bath hot water valve 13, the electrical wiring 14, the three-way valve 32, and the functional water generating device 35. The electrical wiring 14 is connected to a power source (not shown) to supply power to the controller 12. The controller 12 corresponds to one embodiment of a "control circuit."

[0037] The controller 12 receives detection values ​​from the flow rate sensors 15 and 16 and the temperature sensors 9, 18, and 19. The flow rate sensors 15 and 16 are, for example, impeller-type flow meters and can detect the flow rate per unit time (e.g., liters / minute). The temperature sensors 9, 18, and 19 are, for example, thermistors and detect the water temperature ([°C]).

[0038] The controller 12 can obtain the inlet water temperature Tw from the detection value of the temperature sensor 18, the outlet water temperature Th from the detection value of the temperature sensor 19, and the bathtub water temperature from the detection value of the temperature sensor 9. The controller 12 can also calculate the amount (volume) of hot water poured into the bathtub 20 by integrating the flow rate (pouring water flow rate) detected by the flow rate sensor 16.

[0039] Furthermore, the controller 12 is communicatively connected to a remote control 40 and a remote control 50. Note that the communication between these devices may be in accordance with any known standard, and may be wired or wireless.

[0040] Remote control 40 is installed on the wall of bathroom 200 and is used to operate hot water supply system 100. Remote control 40 includes a display unit 41 for displaying information, an operation unit 42 for accepting input setting operations from a user or installer, and a speaker 43 capable of audio output. Display unit 41 is typically configured with a liquid crystal panel, and is configured to be able to display the bathtub water level setting, hot water supply temperature setting, bath temperature setting, etc. Operation unit 42 is typically configured with push buttons or touch buttons, and is configured to be able to accept setting operations related to at least the bathtub water level and temperature.

[0041] Remote control 50 is installed outside bathroom 200 and is used to operate hot water supply system 100. Remote control 50 is typically installed on a wall in the kitchen. Remote control 50 includes a display unit 51 for displaying information, an operation unit 52 for accepting input setting operations by a user or the like, and a speaker 53 capable of outputting audio.

[0042] Display unit 51 is typically configured with a liquid crystal panel, and is configured to be able to display the hot water supply temperature setting, the bath temperature setting, etc. Operation unit 52 is typically configured with push buttons or touch buttons, and is configured to be able to accept setting operations related to the operation of hot water supply system 100.

[0043] Based on input setting operations by a user or the like from remote controls 40, 50, controller 12 controls the operation of hot water supply system 100 so that hot water supply system 100 operates in accordance with the input instructions.

[0044] As an example of this control, the controller 12 executes a bath filling operation when automatic bath operation is instructed by operating the remote controls 40, 50. The bath filling operation ends when the bath water level in the bathtub 20 reaches the set water level due to hot water poured from the hot water supply system 100 and the bath water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 9 reaches the bath set temperature.

[0045] In the hot water supply system 100, it is possible to set an automatic mode that maintains the temperature and water level of the bathtub water 21 after the bath filling operation is completed. When this automatic mode is selected, if the bathtub water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 9 falls below a reference temperature set corresponding to the bath set temperature (for example, set 2 to 3°C lower than the bath set temperature), a reheating operation is automatically started for heat retention control. Furthermore, if the bathtub water level detected by the water level sensor 11 falls below the set water level, a top-up operation is automatically started to supply additional hot water from the hot water supply system 100 to the bathtub 20.

[0046] In the hot water supply system according to this embodiment, after draining bathtub 20, a pipe cleaning operation is performed by pouring hot water from hot water supply system 100 to clean the inside of the pipes, including circulation path 8. By operating remote controls 40, 50, the user can select whether to turn on or off the automatic pipe cleaning operation linked to draining bathtub 20.

[0047] Furthermore, the pipe cleaning operation according to this embodiment has a "functional water cleaning mode" in which functional water having a sterilizing effect is supplied to the circulation path 8. For example, the functional water may be hot water mixed with ozone (hereinafter referred to as "ozonated water") obtained by electrolyzing hot water supplied from the hot water supply circuit. Below, an example of a pipe cleaning operation using ozone water as functional water will be described, but it is also possible to use hot water mixed with hypochlorous acid or the like obtained by electrolysis as the "functional water".

[0048] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration related to the pipe cleaning operation in the hot water supply system 100 of FIG.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, the three-way valve 32 is disposed between the bath hot water supply valve 13 (hot water supply circuit) and the connection point 8c (circulation pump 10).

[0050] The three-way valve 32 operates in response to commands from the controller 12 to select, when the bath hot water supply valve 13 is opened, the route through which hot water from the hot water supply circuit reaches the connection point 8c from either a first route P1 that does not pass through the functional water production device 35, or a second route P2 that passes through the functional water production device 35. Similarly, the bath hot water supply valve 13 is controlled to open and close in response to commands from the controller 12.

[0051] The operation and stopping (non-operation) of the functional water production device 35 is controlled in accordance with commands from the controller 12 via the power supply board 38 and the sub-board 39. The sub-board 39 controls the power supply board 38 to supply a current for electrolysis during a period when an operation command for the functional water production device 35 is generated from the controller 12.

[0052] As a result, when the functional water production device 35 is in operation (powered on), electricity is applied to the hot water passing through the second path P2 by power from the power supply board 38. This causes the hot water to be electrolyzed, allowing the functional water production device 35 to produce ozone water having a sterilizing effect.

[0053] On the other hand, the sub-board 39 controls the power supply board 38 to stop the supply of current for electrolysis during a period when no operation command for the functional water production device 35 is generated from the controller 12. Therefore, when the functional water production device 35 is not operating (when the power supply is turned off), ozone water (functional water) is not produced, and the functional water production device 35 outputs hot water supplied from the hot water supply circuit as is.

[0054] A current sensor 37 for detecting the above-mentioned current flow is disposed in the functional water production device 35. The detection value Ioz of the current flow by the current sensor 37 is input to the controller 12 via a power supply board 38 and a sub-board 39. The current sensor 37 may be disposed on the power supply board 38 and detect the current flow by measuring the current supplied to the functional water production device 35.

[0055] In the functional water production device 35, the efficiency of ozone production decreases when the temperature of the hot water is high. Therefore, when the functional water production device 35 is energized, it is preferable that the controller 12 stops the combustion of the burner 2a so that unheated water is supplied to the functional water production device 35 from the hot water supply circuit.

[0056] The constant flow valve 36 is disposed on the second path P2 as a flow rate adjusting means for the functional water production apparatus 35. When the constant flow valve 36 is disposed as the adjusting means, the flow rate Q2 passing through the functional water production apparatus 35 is limited depending on the specifications of the constant flow valve 36. For example, the specifications of the constant flow valve 36 can be determined in correspondence with the specifications (electrolysis capacity, etc.) of the functional water production apparatus 35 so that the flow rate Q2 is within a range in which the ozone concentration in the ozone water can be ensured.

[0057] It is also possible to variably adjust the flow rate Q2 by disposing a servo valve or the like instead of the constant flow rate valve 36. It is also possible to omit disposing a flow rate adjustment means such as the constant flow rate valve 36.

[0058] The flow rate Q1 of the first path P1, which does not pass through the functional water production device 35, is determined depending on the inlet water pressure to the water inlet pipe 5 and the pressure loss in the path from the water inlet pipe 5 to the bathtub 20 when the bath hot water valve 13 is opened. Therefore, the flow rate Q1 varies depending on the installation location of the hot water supply system 100 (the inlet water pressure, the height of the bathtub 20, etc.). As for the flow rate Q2 of the second path P2, even if a constant flow valve 36 or the like is installed, it is difficult to eliminate the influence of changes in the flow rate Q1 and keep the flow rate Q2 constant at a level that can stabilize the CT value. The actual values ​​of the flow rates Q1 and Q2 can be detected by the flow rate sensor 16 in FIG. 1 (detected flow rate value Q).

[0059] The controller 12 generates, as functions related to the pipe cleaning operation, commands to open / close the bath hot water valve 13, commands for the three-way valve 32 (selection of the first path P1 or the second path P2), and operation commands (power on / off commands) for the functional water production device 35. The controller 12 has a built-in timer 12t, and can measure the elapsed time from any timing. In addition, the detection value of the flow sensor 16 (flow rate detection value Q), the detection value of the temperature sensor 18 (inlet water temperature Tw), the detection value of the temperature sensor 19 (outlet hot water temperature Th), the detection value Ioz (power current) by the current sensor 37, etc. are input to the controller 12.

[0060] The pipe cleaning operation according to this embodiment can be performed by combining functional water cleaning and purge cleaning, which will be described below.

[0061] In functional water cleaning, the functional water production device 35 is energized with the second path P2 selected by the three-way valve 32. As a result, hot water supplied from the hot water supply circuit is electrolyzed, and ozone water of a specified concentration is output from the functional water production device 35. In functional water cleaning, to make it easier to ensure the ozone concentration by electrolysis, the flow rate Q2 is limited by the constant flow valve 36, and unheated water (inlet water temperature Tw) is output from the hot water supply circuit.

[0062] When purge cleaning is performed after functional water cleaning, the three-way valve 32 selects the second path P2 and the functional water production device 35 is turned off. This causes the hot water supplied from the hot water supply circuit to pass through the same path as during functional water cleaning and be supplied to the circulation path 8. As a result, by passing through the constant flow valve 36, the flow rate of functional water during functional water cleaning and the flow rate of hot water during purge cleaning become equal constant flow rates without special control. Note that during purge cleaning, either unheated water (inlet water temperature Tw) or heated hot water may be supplied from the hot water supply circuit.

[0063] Although the pipe cleaning operation using functional water may be performed only by functional water cleaning, by performing purge cleaning after functional water cleaning, even if a volume of ozone water (functional water) smaller than the volume of the circulation path 8 is generated, the ozone water (functional water) can be pushed out by the hot water supplied in the purge cleaning, making it possible to bring the ozone water into contact with the inside of the pipe throughout the entire circulation path 8.

[0064] As described above, the sterilization effect in the piping is quantitatively indicated by the CT value, which is the product of the ozone concentration of the ozone water and the contact time with the ozone water. On the other hand, there is a concern that excessive contact with the ozone water in each device such as the piping may cause durability problems such as corrosion. For this reason, in view of the increased risk of corrosion due to excessive contact with the ozone water in each device such as the piping, and also in view of the lifespan of the functional water generating device 35, it is preferable to keep the amount of ozone water (functional water) generated to the minimum necessary in light of the sterilization effect.

[0065] In this regard, it is understood that by performing purge cleaning after functional water cleaning, it is possible to bring the ozone water into contact with the inside of the piping throughout the entire circulation path 8 even while minimizing the amount of ozone water (functional water) produced, thereby making it possible to realize efficient piping cleaning operation.

[0066] Moreover, the hot water supply system according to the present embodiment executes the control process described below in order to stabilize the CT value by the functional water (ozone water) during the pipe cleaning operation.

[0067] 3 is a flow chart for explaining the pipe cleaning operation according to the present embodiment. For example, the control process shown in FIG.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 3, in step (hereinafter simply referred to as "S") 110, when drainage of the bathtub 20 is detected while the mode of automatic pipe cleaning operation using functional water is enabled (YES determination in S110), the controller 12 starts pipe cleaning operation using functional water.

[0069] For example, in the judgment of S110, when the bath water filling operation is completed and the water level sensor 11 detects that the bath water level has dropped to a level where the circulation adapter 25 is exposed, drainage can be detected. Alternatively, if the drain plug 26 is configured as an automatic drain plug, drainage can be detected in response to a predetermined time having elapsed after a command to open the drain plug 26. In this way, any method can be used to detect drainage of the bathtub 20 without any particular limitation. Also, as described above, the user can select whether or not the mode of the automatic pipe cleaning operation using functional water is turned on or off.

[0070] When the pipe cleaning operation using functional water is started, in S120, the controller 12 acquires the reference flow rate Qr, the reference operating time Tr of the functional water cleaning, and the reference operating time (reference purge time) Tp of the purge cleaning, which are set as standard conditions for obtaining the desired CT value.

[0071] It is preferable that the standard purge time Tp is set so that the product of the standard flow rate Qr and the standard purge time Tp is greater than or equal to the volume of the circulation path 8 so that the ozone water (functional water) can be discharged from the circulation path 8 to prevent the ozone water (functional water) from remaining in the piping of the circulation path 8.

[0072] In S130, the controller 12 controls the three-way valve 32 to select the second path P2 (FIG. 2) while closing the bath hot water supply valve 13. Then, in S140, a pre-operation is performed to grasp the actual flow rate Q2 in the hot water supply system 100.

[0073] In the pre-operation of S140, the bath hot water valve 13 is opened while the functional water production device 35 is kept powered off, and the flow rate Qp of the second path P2 flowing through the functional water production device 35 is measured by the flow sensor 16.

[0074] In S150, the controller 12 calculates the operation time Tz of the pipe cleaning operation based on the flow rate Qp measured in S140, using the following formula (1).

[0075] Tz = (Qp / Qr) · Tr … (1) For example, when the flow rate Qp is twice the reference flow rate Qr ((Qp / Qr)=2), the concentration of the functional water output from the functional water production device 35 is predicted to be (1 / 2) times the expected concentration. Therefore, by setting the operation time Tz to twice the reference operation time Tr, the CT value, which is the product of the concentration of the functional water and the contact time, can be maintained at an expected value. In other words, the operation time Tz is set variably according to the flow rate Qp so that the ratio (Qr / Tr) of the reference flow rate Qr and the reference operation time Tr is equivalent to the ratio (Qp / Tz) of the flow rate Qp and the operation time Tz in pre-operation.

[0076] Furthermore, in S150, the controller 12 can calculate the operation time (purge time) Ty of the purge cleaning by the following formula (2).

[0077] Ty≧(Qr / Qp)·Tp …(2) For example, when the flow rate Qp is 1 / 2 times the reference flow rate Qr ((Qr / Qp)=2), it is predicted that the amount of hot and cold water output to discharge functional water will be 1 / 2 times the expected amount. For this reason, by setting the purge time Ty to twice the reference purge time Tp, it is possible to maintain the product of the flow rate Qp and the purge time Ty at or above the volume of the circulation path 8. In other words, the purge time Ty can be set inversely proportional to the flow rate Qp. In other words, the purge time Ty is set variably according to the flow rate Qp so that the product (Qr·Tp) of the reference flow rate Qr and the reference purge time Tp is equal to or greater than the product (Qp / Tr) of the flow rate Qp and the purge time Ty during pre-operation.

[0078] Alternatively, if the volume V of the circulation path 8 is known and stored as a constant, it can be set as Ty = V / Qp km (km: margin coefficient, km ≥ 1.0). In this case as well, the purge time Ty is set inversely proportional to the flow rate Qp.

[0079] In S160, the controller 12 energizes the functional water production device 35. As a result, functional water (ozone water) is supplied from the functional water production device 35 to the circulation path (connection point 8c), thereby performing functional water washing.

[0080] In S170, the controller 12 determines whether the operating time Tz set in S150 from the time when power was turned on in S160, i.e., from the start of functional water production, has elapsed, and maintains power supply to the functional water production device 35 until the operating time Tz has elapsed (when NO is determined in S170).

[0081] When the operation time Tz (S150) has elapsed since the start of functional water production (YES in S170), the controller 12 turns off the power to the functional water production device 35 in S180. This stops the supply of functional water (ozone water) and ends the functional water cleaning. When the functional water cleaning ends, the bath hot water supply valve 13 may be temporarily closed.

[0082] After the functional water flush is completed (S180), the controller 12 advances the process to S190 and starts purge flushing. If the bath hot water supply valve 13 is closed when the functional water flush is completed, the bath hot water supply valve 13 is opened in S190.

[0083] In S200, the controller 12 determines whether the purge time Ty set in S150 has elapsed since the start of the purge cleaning in S190, and keeps the bath hot water valve 13 open until the purge time Ty has elapsed (when the determination in S200 is NO).

[0084] When the purge time Ty (S150) has elapsed since the start of purge cleaning (YES determination in S200), the bath hot water valve 13 is closed in S210, and purge cleaning is terminated. This ends the pipe cleaning operation using functional water that was started by the YES determination in S110, and the process returns to S110. This puts the controller 12 into a state of waiting for the start of the next pipe cleaning operation using functional water.

[0085] In this way, in the hot water supply system according to this embodiment, a pre-operation is performed during pipe cleaning operation using functional water to obtain a measurement value (flow rate Qp) of the actual flow rate Q2, and the operation time Tz of the functional water cleaning, i.e., the power supply time of the functional water production device 35, is adjusted based on the measured flow rate value, thereby making it possible to maintain a constant CT value through simple control (for example, proportional calculation with respect to the reference operation time Tr). Note that the setting of the operation time Tz according to the flow rate Qp is not limited to the calculation according to the exemplified formula (1), and can be arbitrarily set in such a manner that the operation time Tz is lengthened as the flow rate Qp increases in order to maintain the CT value.

[0086] Furthermore, when performing pipe cleaning operation using functional water by combining functional water cleaning and purge cleaning, the purge time Ty can be further adjusted based on the flow rate Qp measured in the pre-operation, so that even if the flow rate Q2 is different, the ozone water (functional water) can be reliably discharged from the circulation path 8 with simple control (for example, inverse proportional calculation with respect to the reference purge time Tp). Note that the setting of the purge time Ty according to the flow rate Qp is not limited to the calculation according to the exemplified formula (2), and can be arbitrarily set in such a manner that the operation time Tz is lengthened as the flow rate Qp decreases in order to reliably discharge the functional water.

[0087] 3, pipe cleaning with hot water without using functional water (pre-cleaning or post-cleaning) may be performed by opening the bath hot water valve 13 with the first path P1 selected by the three-way valve 32. For example, pre-cleaning without using functional water can be performed by supplying hot water heated by turning on the combustion of the burner 2a from the hot water supply circuit (for example, Th=48°C), thereby removing grease (sebum, etc.) in the pipes before sterilization with functional water, thereby enhancing the cleaning effect.

[0088] In this embodiment, the actual flow rate of the second path P2 is measured every time the pipe cleaning is performed with functional water. Therefore, the measured value can be used to perform equipment diagnosis to detect clogging of the second path P2 including the functional water production device 35.

[0089] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart for explaining the facility diagnosis process according to the present embodiment. The control process shown in FIG. 4 can be repeatedly executed by the controller 12.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 4, the controller 12 stores the flow rate Qx of the second path P2 in the memory every time the pipe cleaning by the functional water is executed at S310. For example, the flow rate Qp measured in the pre-operation mode can be stored as the flow rate Qx at S310.

[0091] At S320, the controller 12 sets a threshold value Qth for clogging diagnosis. The threshold value Qth may be a predetermined fixed value, or may be set to k times (k < 1.0) of the past measured flow rate value (for example, the initial value obtained during the installation work) based on the past measured flow rate value (initial value).

[0092] At S330, the controller 12 compares the flow rate Qx (S310) with the threshold value Qth (S320). When Qx < Qth (YES determination at S330), it is detected at S340 that an abnormality (clogging) has occurred in the second path P2 for generating the functional water. On the other hand, when Qx ≧ Qth (NO determination at S330), at S350, the diagnosis process is terminated without detecting an abnormality in the current pipe cleaning by the functional water.

[0093] Thereby, even for an abnormality (clogging) in the second path P2 for generating the functional water due to aging or the like, it is possible to diagnose using the flow rate measurement value.

[0094] The above-described pipe cleaning operation using the functional water can also be applied to the cleaning system in which the supply destination of the functional water is other than the pipes of the circulation path 8 in the hot water supply system 100.

[0095] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the cleaning system according to the present embodiment.

[0096] 5, a cleaning system 100X according to this embodiment includes the same components as those in Fig. 2: a controller 12, an on-off valve 13X, a flow sensor 16, a three-way valve 32, a functional water production device 35, a constant flow valve 36, a current sensor 37, a power supply board 38, and a sub-board 39. A user can input operation commands, mode settings, and the like to the cleaning system 100X using a remote control 30X, similar to the remote controls 40 and 50 in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0097] The on-off valve 13X is controlled to open and close by the controller 12 in the same manner as the bath hot water supply valve 13 in Fig. 2. When the on-off valve 13X is open, hot water from a supply circuit (not shown) is introduced into the first path P1 or the second path P2 for flushing. The supply circuit can be, in the simplest case, a water pipe for the water supply. The detected temperature (Tw) of the introduced hot water may be input to the controller 12.

[0098] The operation of each element of the cleaning system 100X is the same as that described in Figures 2 to 4, but the cleaning system 100X differs from the hot water supply system 100 (Figure 2) in that the destination of the functional water generated by the functional water production device 35 is the object to be cleaned 300. The object to be cleaned 300 includes, for example, the piping of a mist shower 250 (Figure 1) in a bathroom, or home equipment such as a washroom, kitchen, or toilet. Alternatively, in the hot water supply system 100 of Figure 2, it is also possible to use hot water introduced from a hot water supply circuit and output the functional water to the above-mentioned home equipment.

[0099] In the cleaning system 100X, the on-off valve 13X and the three-way valve 32 can be controlled in a similar manner to perform pre-operation, functional water cleaning, and purge cleaning in the same manner as in Fig. 3. Alternatively, the purge cleaning may be omitted and only the pre-operation and functional water cleaning may be performed, or cleaning (without using functional water) that selects the first path P1 may be performed before or after the control process in Fig. 3. The equipment diagnosis described in Fig. 4 can also be similarly applied to the cleaning system 100X.

[0100] In the hot water supply system 100, in order to incorporate the functional water production device 35 into the hot water supply path, a three-way valve 32 is provided as a switching valve for switching between a second path P2 through the functional water production device 35 and a first path P1 that bypasses it. However, as described in Fig. 3, the second path P2 is selected in all of the pre-operation, functional water cleaning, and purge cleaning, so in a cleaning system 100X specialized for cleaning, the three-way valve 32 may be omitted and only a path through the functional water production device 35 (corresponding to the second path P2 in Fig. 2) may be formed when the on-off valve 13X is open. Also in the cleaning system 100X, the placement of a flow rate adjustment means such as a constant flow valve 36 may be omitted.

[0101] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1 housing, 1a exhaust port, 2, 2a, 2b burner, 3, 3a, 3b fan, 4, 4a, 4b heat exchanger, 5 water inlet pipe, 5a water inlet, 5b boiler body pipe, 6 hot water supply pipe, 6a hot water outlet, 7 bypass valve, 7a bypass pipe, 8 circulation path, 8a return pipe, 8b forward pipe, 8c connection point, 9, 18, 19 temperature sensor, 10 circulation pump, 11 water level sensor, 12 controller, 12t timer, 13 hot water valve, 13X opening and closing valve, 13a hot water pipe, 14 electrical wiring, 15, 16 flow rate sensor, 20 bathtub, 21 bathtub water, 25 circulation adapter, 26 drain plug, 32 three-way valve, 35 functional water generating device, 36 constant flow rate valve, 37 current sensor, 38 power supply board, 39 sub-board, 40, 50 Remote control, 41, 51 display unit, 42, 52 operation unit, 43, 53 speaker, 100 hot water system, 100X cleaning system, 200 bathroom, 210 drain, 220 drain pipe, 250 mist shower, 300 cleaning object, P1 first route, P2 second route, Q1 flow rate (first route), Q1 flow rate (second route), Qp flow rate (pre-operation), Qr reference flow rate, qx flow rate (abnormality diagnosis), Qth threshold value (abnormality diagnosis), Tbt bath water temperature, Th outlet water temperature, Tp reference purge time, Tr reference operation time, Tw inlet water temperature, Ty purge time, Tz operation time (functional water cleaning).

Claims

1. A hot water supply circuit for supplying hot water; a functional water generating device that generates functional water from the hot water during operation and outputs the functional water to a pipe; an on-off valve disposed between the hot water supply circuit and a path for introducing the hot water into the functional water production device; a flow rate detector for detecting a flow rate of water introduced into the functional water generating apparatus; a control circuit for controlling the operation and non-operation of the functional water production device and the opening and closing of the on-off valve; The control circuit includes: When pipe cleaning is started to clean the pipes using the functional water, a pre-operation is performed in which the functional water generating device is in a non-operating state and the on-off valve is opened to allow the hot water to flow through the functional water generating device, and then functional water cleaning is performed in which the functional water generating device is put into an operating state and the on-off valve is opened to allow the hot water to flow through the functional water generating device, A hot water supply system, wherein the operation time of the functional water cleaning is set according to a flow rate detected by the flow rate detector during the pre-operation, such that the operation time is longer as the detected flow rate is greater.

2. The control circuit executes a purge cleaning by deactivating the functional water production device and opening the on-off valve after the functional water cleaning, and The hot water supply system according to claim 1 , wherein an operation time of the purge cleaning is set in accordance with the detected flow rate during the pre-operation such that the smaller the detected flow rate is, the longer the operation time is.

3. The hot water supply system of claim 1, wherein the operating time of the functional water cleaning is calculated based on the detected flow rate so that the ratio of a predetermined standard flow rate and standard operating time for the functional water cleaning is equivalent to the ratio of the detected flow rate and the operating time.

4. The hot water supply system of claim 2, wherein the operation time of the purge cleaning is calculated based on the detected flow rate so that the product of the detected flow rate and the operation time is equal to or greater than the product of a predetermined reference flow rate and a reference purge time for the purge cleaning.

5. The hot water supply system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit monitors the detected flow rate of the flow detector each time the functional water is used to clean the pipes, and when the detected flow rate falls below a diagnostic threshold set as a fixed value or based on past detected flow rates, detects an abnormality in the flow rate including the functional water generating device.

6. The hot water supply system includes a bathtub as a hot water supply destination, The hot water supply system includes: The bathtub further includes a circulation path for circulating and heating the bathtub water in the bathtub. the on-off valve is disposed by being interposed and connected to a molten metal pouring path configured to include the circulation path, The hot water supply system includes: a switching valve disposed in the pouring path for selecting between a first path through which the hot water is output to a pipe constituting the circulation path without passing through the functional water production device and a second path through which the hot water is output to the pipe through the functional water production device; A hot water supply system as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control circuit controls the switching valve to select the second path during each of the pre-operation and the functional water cleaning, while controlling the switching valve to select the first path when supplying hot water to the bathtub.

7. The hot water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the functional water generating device is configured to generate functional water by electrolyzing the hot water during the operation.

8. A functional water generating device that generates functional water from hot water during operation and outputs the functional water to the equipment to be cleaned; an on-off valve disposed between the hot water supply circuit and a path for introducing the hot water into the functional water generating device; a flow rate detector for detecting a flow rate of water introduced into the functional water generating apparatus; a control circuit for controlling the operation and non-operation of the functional water production device and the opening and closing of the on-off valve; The control circuit includes: When equipment cleaning is started to clean the equipment using the functional water, a pre-operation is performed in which the functional water generating device is in a non-operating state and the on-off valve is opened to allow the hot water to flow through the functional water generating device, and then a functional water cleaning operation is performed in which the functional water generating device is in an operating state and the on-off valve is opened to allow the hot water to flow through the functional water generating device, A cleaning system in which the operating time of the functional water cleaning operation is set according to the detected flow rate by the flow detector during the pre-operation, such that the operating time is longer as the detected flow rate is greater.

9. The cleaning system of claim 8, wherein the operating time of the functional water cleaning operation is calculated based on the detected flow rate so that the ratio of a predetermined standard flow rate and standard operating time for the functional water cleaning operation is equivalent to the ratio of the detected flow rate and the operating time.

Images