Bath filling operation verification device

Abstract

To provide a bath filling operation verification device capable of appropriately detecting abnormality using a water level detection part.SOLUTION: A bath filling operation verification device 10, which verifies operation of a bath filling system having a hot / cold water supply device 20 that performs bath filling operation to supply hot / cold water to a bathtub 1, comprises: an information acquisition part 11 that acquires information on the hot water fill completion level, which is a water level in the bathtub 1 detected by a water level detection part 2 upon completion of the hot water filling operation, and information on the hot water filling volume, which is an amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub 1 until the hot water stored in the bathtub 1 reaches a target water level; and an operation verification part 13 that determines whether abnormality has occurred in water level detection performed by the water level detection part 2, on the basis of comparison results between the hot water supply volume and the final water level in a specific bath filling operation, and the hot water supply volume and the final water level in another bath filling operation performed at a temporally preceding or subsequent time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling operation verification device. [Background technology]

[0002] A hot water supply device that performs a filling operation to supply hot water to a bathtub is installed in a residence, etc. When this hot water supply device performs a filling operation, it references the detection result of a water level detection unit that detects the water level of the hot water stored in the bathtub and supplies hot water to the bathtub so that the water level stored in the bathtub reaches a target water level.

[0003] The operation of a hot water filling system equipped with such a water level detection unit and a hot water supply device is also verified. Patent Document 1 (JP 2022-112779 A) describes a hot water supply system that corresponds to the above-mentioned hot water filling system. It also describes determining whether or not there are signs of failure in components used in the hot water supply system. For example, the drive components of the hot water supply device used in hot water supply operation are driven to reach target values ​​set for hot water supply operation, and actual values ​​relative to these target values ​​are obtained. Then, if the obtained actual values ​​are within a predetermined normal range and reach predetermined failure sign standards, the component is determined to be a component that is showing signs of failure. In this way, the invention described in Patent Document 1 determines whether or not there are signs of failure in the component based on the current state of the component.

[0004] Patent Document 2 (JP 2022-145133 A) describes a water heater failure estimation system that calculates future estimated data based on past performance data and determines the time for maintenance when the estimated data is predicted to reach a threshold. In other words, the system in Patent Document 2 determines the time for maintenance using cumulatively increasing data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-112779 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-145133 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the invention described in Patent Document 1, whether a part is a part that indicates a failure is determined based on the current state of the part. Therefore, even if the current state of the part does not meet the failure sign criteria, it is not possible to find a state in which there is an abnormality when compared with the part's state on the previous day.

[0007] Furthermore, the invention of Patent Document 2 uses cumulatively increasing data to determine whether or not maintenance is due, i.e., whether or not the product has deteriorated over time, and therefore cannot detect abnormalities in, for example, an item that has only recently been put into use.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a water filling operation verification device that can appropriately detect abnormalities in the water level detection unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The characteristic configuration of the bathtub filling operation verification device according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a bathtub filling operation verification device that verifies the operation of a bathtub filling system that includes a water level detection unit that detects the water level of the water stored in the bathtub, and a water supply device that performs a bathtub filling operation to supply water to the bathtub so that the water level stored in the bathtub reaches a target water level, an information acquisition unit that acquires information about the water level in the bathtub detected by the water level detection unit at the time when the water filling operation performed by the water supply device is completed, and information about the amount of water supplied to the bathtub from the start of the water filling operation until the water level stored in the bathtub reaches the target water level; an information storage unit that stores the information acquired by the information acquisition unit; The device is characterized by being equipped with an operation verification unit that determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the detection of the water level by the water level detection unit based on the results of comparing the amount of hot water and the water level at the end of filling in a specific filling operation with the amount of hot water and the water level at the end of filling in another filling operation that was performed before or after in time.

[0010] According to the above characteristic configuration, the operation verification unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the water level detection by the water level detection unit based on the results of comparing the water volume and water level at the end of a specific filling operation with the water volume and water level at the end of another filling operation performed before and after in time. In other words, it determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the water level detection by the water level detection unit based on the results of comparing the water volume and water level at the end of filling in multiple filling operations performed before and after in time, rather than whether an abnormality has occurred in the water volume and water level at the end of filling in a single filling operation. This makes it possible to detect signs of abnormalities that do not appear in the water volume and water level at the end of a single filling operation. Therefore, it is possible to provide a water filling operation verification device that can appropriately detect abnormalities in the water level detection unit.

[0011] Another characteristic feature of the water filling operation verification device of the present invention is that the operation verification unit determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the water level detection by the water level detection unit based on the difference in the amount of water and hot water between the amount of water and hot water used for filling a specific water filling operation and the amount of water and hot water used for filling a different water filling operation performed before or after in time, and the water level difference between the water level at the end of water filling in a specific water filling operation and the water level at the end of water filling in another water filling operation performed before or after in time. Here, the operation verification unit may determine that an abnormality has occurred in the detection of water level by the water level detection unit if the water level difference is greater than a predetermined water level difference for judgment and the hot and cold water volume difference is less than or equal to the predetermined hot and cold water volume difference for judgment.

[0012] According to the above characteristic configuration, the operation verification unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the water level detection unit's water level detection based on the difference in the amount of hot water and water volume between two filling operations performed before and after in time, and the difference in the water level between the water levels at the end of two filling operations performed before and after in time. As a result, it is possible to find signs of abnormalities that would not be apparent in the amount of hot water and water level at the end of a single filling operation, such as when the amount of hot water and water volume at the end of filling is about the same as the previous day's filling operation, but the water level at the end of filling is slightly higher than the previous day's filling operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system in which a filling operation verification device is installed. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a model for verifying the relationship between the difference in hot and cold water volume and the difference in water level. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the measured hot and cold water volume difference and the measured water level difference. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the measured hot and cold water volume difference and the measured water level difference. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] A filling operation verification device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows the configuration of a system equipped with a bathtub filling operation verification device 10. As shown in the figure, the bathtub filling system includes a water level detection unit 2 that detects the level of hot water stored in bathtub 1, and a water supply device 20 that performs a bathtub filling operation to supply hot water to bathtub 1 so that the level of hot water stored in bathtub 1 reaches a target water level. Water level detection unit 2 can be realized, for example, using a sensor that detects the water pressure of the hot water stored in bathtub 1.

[0015] The hot water supply device 20 includes an information receiving unit 21, an information output unit 22, an operation control unit 23, a memory unit 24, a hot water temperature adjusting unit 25, and a hot water volume detecting unit 26.

[0016] Information receiving unit 21 can perform functions such as accepting operation inputs made by the user, accepting information (water level information) about the water level in bathtub 1 detected by water level detection unit 2, and accepting information transmitted from other devices. For example, various switches provided on remote controls installed in the kitchen, bathroom, etc. can also function as information receiving unit 21. Specifically, information receiving unit 21 has functions such as a water filling switch that is operated when the user commands the execution of a water filling operation that supplies water to bathtub 1, a water temperature setting switch that is operated when the user commands the target temperature of water to be supplied to bathtub 1 during the water filling operation, and a water level setting switch that is operated when the user commands the target water level of water to be supplied to bathtub 1 during the water filling operation.

[0017] The information output unit 22 can perform functions such as displaying information such as the target water temperature, target water level, and information indicating that the water filling operation is in progress using text or images, as well as transmitting information to other devices.

[0018] Hot water temperature adjustment unit 25 can adjust the temperature of hot water supplied from hot water supply device 20 to bathtub 1 via pipe 3. For example, hot water temperature adjustment unit 25 has a heating unit that can heat the supplied water and hot water, a hot water storage tank that stores the hot water, etc. Hot water temperature adjustment unit 25 can mix the hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank and the hot water obtained by heating the heating unit with the supplied water, and supply hot water at a desired temperature (for example, the above-mentioned target temperature) to bathtub 1.

[0019] Hot and cold water volume detection unit 26 can detect the amount of hot and cold water supplied to bathtub 1 during the filling operation.

[0020] In the hot water supply device 20, the operations of the information receiving unit 21, information output unit 22, and hot water temperature adjusting unit 25 are controlled by an operation control unit 23. In addition, information handled in the hot water supply device 20 is stored in a memory unit 24. For example, the target temperature, target water level, amount of hot water to be filled, and water level information for the hot water filling operation as described above are stored in the memory unit 24.

[0021] While the water filling operation is being performed, the operation control unit 23 continuously receives information (water level information) about the water level of the hot water stored in the bathtub 1, which is detected by the water level detection unit 2, for example, at set intervals, and when the water level stored in the bathtub 1 rises and reaches the target water level, it stops supplying hot water to the bathtub 1 and ends the water filling operation.

[0022] Operation control unit 23 stores in memory unit 24 information about the water level at the end of filling, which is the water level in bathtub 1 detected by water level detection unit 2 when the filling operation is completed. Operation control unit 23 also stores in memory unit 24 information about the amount of hot water supplied to bathtub 1 from the start of the filling operation until the level of hot water stored in bathtub 1 reaches the target water level. Operation control unit 23 also stores in memory unit 24 information about the date and time when the filling operation was performed (for example, the date and time when the filling operation started, the date and time when the filling operation ended, etc.). In other words, memory unit 24 stores a combination of information about the date and time when the filling operation was performed (date and time information), information about the water level at the end of the filling operation, and information about the amount of hot water supplied to bathtub 1 from the start of the filling operation until the level of hot water stored in bathtub 1 reaches the target water level.

[0023] For example, the operation control unit 23 of the hot water supply device 20 transmits a combination of information about the date and time when the hot water filling operation was performed (date and time information), information about the water level at the end of the hot water filling operation, and information about the amount of hot water used for filling the hot water operation from the information output unit 22 to the hot water filling operation verification device 10 at a predetermined timing, such as when the hot water filling operation is completed or when a predetermined time (for example, 11:00 p.m. every day) is reached.

[0024] If multiple water filling operations are performed in one day, each time a water filling operation is performed, the information output unit 22 may send a combination of the information and the amount of water used for filling in that water filling operation to the water filling operation verification device 10. Alternatively, if multiple water filling operations are performed in one day, the information output unit 22 may send a combination of the information and the amount of water used for filling in the last water filling operation performed in that day to the water filling operation verification device 10.

[0025] The water filling operation verification device 10 comprises an information acquisition unit 11, an information storage unit 12, and an operation verification unit 13. For example, the water filling operation verification device 10 can be realized using a server or the like that can communicate with the hot water supply device 20.

[0026] Information acquisition unit 11 acquires information about the end-of-filling water level, which is the water level in bathtub 1 detected by water level detection unit 2 when the filling operation performed by hot water supply device 20 is completed, and information about the amount of hot water supplied to bathtub 1, which is the amount of hot water supplied to bathtub 1 from the start of the filling operation until the level of hot water stored in bathtub 1 reaches the target water level. For example, information acquisition unit 11 acquires a combination of information about the date and time the filling operation was performed (date and time information), information about the end-of-filling water level for that filling operation, and information about the amount of hot water supplied to bathtub 1 for that filling operation, which are sent by hot water supply device 20 at a predetermined timing as described above. Information storage unit 12 then stores the information acquired by information acquisition unit 11.

[0027] The operation verification unit 13 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the detection of the water level by the water level detection unit 2 based on the results of a comparison between the amount of hot water and the water level at the end of a particular hot water filling operation and the amount of hot water and the water level at the end of another hot water filling operation performed before or after in time.

[0028] For example, the operation verification unit 13 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the detection of the water level by the water level detection unit 2 based on the difference in the amount of hot water and water between the amount of hot water and water used in a specific hot water filling operation and the amount of hot water and water used in another hot water filling operation performed before or after in time, and the water level difference between the water level at the end of hot water filling in a specific hot water filling operation and the water level at the end of hot water filling in another hot water filling operation performed before or after in time.

[0029] Figure 2 shows a model for verifying the relationship between the hot water volume difference and the water level difference. In Figure 2, the horizontal axis represents the water level difference, and the vertical axis represents the hot water volume difference. For example, the difference between the hot water volume in the latest filling operation and the hot water volume in the previous filling operation is defined as the hot water volume difference (= "hot water volume in the latest filling operation" - "hot water volume in the previous filling operation"), and the difference between the water level at the end of the latest filling operation and the water level at the end of the previous filling operation is defined as the water level difference (= "water level at the end of the latest filling operation" - "water level at the end of the previous filling operation"). The circular area A shown in the center of Figure 2 corresponds to a case where the hot water volume difference and the water level difference are both small. In other words, this indicates a small difference between the hot water volume in the latest filling operation and the hot water volume in the previous filling operation, and a small difference between the water level at the end of the latest filling operation and the water level at the end of the previous filling operation. Therefore, if the relationship between the hot water / cold water amount difference and the water level difference is within area A, the operation verification unit 13 determines that no abnormality has occurred in the detection of the water level by the water level detection unit 2.

[0030] The rectangular area B shown in Figure 2 corresponds to a case where the difference in hot and cold water volume is large (i.e., the volume of hot and cold water in the latest filling operation is significantly greater than the volume of hot and cold water in the previous filling operation) and the water level difference is small. For example, if the target water level for filling has not been changed, but the filling operation was performed after using leftover hot water in the previous filling operation, but the leftover hot water was not used in the latest filling operation, the water level at the end of filling will not change, but the amount of hot and cold water will be greater. Therefore, if the relationship between the hot and cold water volume difference and the water level difference is within area B, the operation verification unit 13 determines that there is no abnormality in the water level detection by the water level detection unit 2.

[0031] The rectangular area C shown in Figure 2 corresponds to a case where the difference in hot and cold water volume is large (i.e., the volume of hot and cold water in the latest filling operation is significantly less than the volume of hot and cold water in the previous filling operation) and the water level difference is small. For example, if the target water level for filling has not been changed, but the previous filling operation did not use any remaining hot water, and the latest filling operation uses the remaining hot water, the water level at the end of filling will remain unchanged, but the volume of hot and cold water will likely be smaller. Therefore, if the relationship between the hot and cold water volume difference and the water level difference is within area C, the operation verification unit 13 determines that there is no abnormality in the water level detection by the water level detection unit 2.

[0032] The rectangular area D shown in Figure 2 corresponds to a case where the difference in hot and cold water volume is large (i.e., the amount of hot and cold water in the latest filling operation is greater than the amount of hot and cold water in the previous filling operation) and the difference in water level is large (the water level at the end of the latest filling operation is greater than the water level at the end of the previous filling operation). For example, if the target water level for filling is changed so that the target water level for the latest filling operation is greater than the target water level for the previous filling operation, it is likely that the amount of hot and cold water will be greater and the water level at the end of filling will be greater. Therefore, if the relationship between the difference in hot and cold water volume and the water level difference is within area D, the operation verification unit 13 determines that no abnormality has occurred in the water level detection by the water level detection unit 2.

[0033] The rectangular area E shown in Figure 2 corresponds to a case where the difference in hot and cold water volume is large (i.e., the amount of hot and cold water in the latest filling operation is less than the amount of hot and cold water in the previous filling operation) and the difference in water level is large (the water level at the end of the latest filling operation is lower than the water level at the end of the previous filling operation). For example, if the target water level for filling is changed so that the target water level for the latest filling operation is lower than the target water level for the previous filling operation, it is thought that the amount of hot and cold water will be smaller and the water level at the end of filling will be lower. Therefore, if the relationship between the difference in hot and cold water volume and the water level difference is within area E, the operation verification unit 13 determines that no abnormality has occurred in the water level detection by the water level detection unit 2.

[0034] The rectangular area F shown in Figure 2 corresponds to a case where the difference in hot and cold water volume is large (i.e., the amount of hot and cold water in the latest filling operation is less than the amount of hot and cold water in the previous filling operation) and the difference in water level is large (the water level at the end of the latest filling operation is greater than the water level at the end of the previous filling operation). For example, if the target water level for filling is changed so that the target water level for the latest filling operation is greater than the target water level for the previous filling operation, the amount of hot and cold water should be greater and the water level at the end of filling should be higher. However, if the previous filling operation did not use any remaining hot water, but the latest filling operation uses the remaining hot water, the water level at the end of filling should be higher, but the amount of hot and cold water may be lower. Therefore, if the relationship between the difference in hot and cold water volume and the water level difference is within area F, the operation verification unit 13 determines that there is no abnormality in the water level detection by the water level detection unit 2.

[0035] The rectangular area G shown in Figure 2 corresponds to a case where the difference in hot and cold water volume is large (i.e., the amount of hot and cold water in the latest filling operation is greater than the amount of hot and cold water in the previous filling operation) and the difference in water level is large (the water level at the end of the latest filling operation is lower than the water level at the end of the previous filling operation). For example, if the target water level for filling is changed so that the target water level for the latest filling operation is lower than the target water level for the previous filling operation, the amount of hot and cold water should be smaller and the water level at the end of filling should be smaller. However, if the previous filling operation was performed using leftover hot water, but the latest filling operation does not use the leftover hot water, the water volume may be larger even though the water level at the end of filling should be smaller. Therefore, if the relationship between the difference in hot and cold water volume and the water level difference is within area G, the operation verification unit 13 determines that there is no abnormality in the water level detection by the water level detection unit 2.

[0036] As described above, the operation verification unit 13 determines that no abnormality has occurred in the detection of the water level by the water level detection unit 2 if the relationship between the hot and cold water volume difference and the water level difference is within areas A to G. However, if the operation of the water level detection unit 2 is normal, the relationship between the hot and cold water volume difference and the water level difference will not fall within the rectangular areas H and I shown in Figure 2. Therefore, the operation verification unit 13 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the detection of the water level by the water level detection unit 2 if the relationship between the hot and cold water volume difference and the water level difference is within areas H and I. In other words, the operation verification unit 13 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the detection of the water level by the water level detection unit 2 if the water level difference is greater than a predetermined hot and cold water volume difference for determination and is equal to or less than the predetermined hot and cold water volume difference for determination.

[0037] 3 and 4 are diagrams showing the relationship between the difference in hot and cold water volume and the difference in water level actually measured during multiple filling operations. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the relationship between the hot and cold water volume difference and the water level difference is in region A. Therefore, the operation verification unit 13 determines that no abnormality has occurred in the detection of the water level by the water level detection unit 2. In contrast, in the example shown in Fig. 4, there are cases where the relationship between the hot and cold water volume difference and the water level difference is in region H and region I. Therefore, the operation verification unit 13 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the detection of the water level by the water level detection unit 2.

[0038] As described above, the operation verification unit 13 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the water level detection by the water level detection unit 2 based on the results of comparing the water volume and water level at the end of a specific filling operation with the water volume and water level at the end of another filling operation performed before and after in time. In other words, the operation verification unit 13 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the water level detection by the water level detection unit 2 based on the results of comparing the water volume and water level at the end of multiple filling operations performed before and after in time, rather than whether an abnormality has occurred in the water volume and water level at the end of a single filling operation. This makes it possible to detect signs of abnormality that do not appear in the water volume and water level at the end of a single filling operation. This provides a water filling operation verification device 10 that can appropriately detect abnormalities in the water level detection unit 2.

[0039] Furthermore, the operation verification unit 13 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the detection of the water level by the water level detection unit 2, based on the difference in the amount of hot water and water volume between two filling operations carried out one after the other in time, and the difference in the water level between the water level at the end of filling two filling operations carried out one after the other in time. As a result, it is possible to find signs of an abnormality that would not be apparent in the amount of hot water and water volume at the end of filling in a single filling operation, such as when the amount of hot water and water volume at the end of filling is about the same as in the previous day's filling operation, but the water level at the end of filling is slightly higher than in the previous day's filling operation.

[0040] <Another embodiment> In the above embodiment, a specific example of the configuration of the filling operation verification device 10 has been described, but the configuration is not limited to that described in the above embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.

[0041] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the water filling operation verification device 10 is provided separately from the hot water supply device 20, but the water filling operation verification device 10 may also be provided in the hot water supply device 20.

[0042] In the above embodiment, specific shapes of the regions A to I are exemplified, but these shapes can be changed as appropriate.

[0043] Furthermore, the configurations disclosed in the above embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies below) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradictions arise. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are examples, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope that does not deviate from the purpose of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0044] The present invention can be used in a water filling operation verification device that can appropriately detect abnormalities in the water level detection unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1: Bathtub 2: Water level detection unit 3: Piping 10: Filling operation verification device 11: Information acquisition department 12: Information storage section 13: Operation verification section 20:Hot water supply device 21: Information Reception Department 22: Information output section 23: Operation control section 24: Storage section 25: Hot water temperature adjustment section 26: Hot and cold water volume detection unit

Claims

1. A bathtub filling operation verification device for verifying the operation of a bathtub filling system that includes a water level detection unit that detects the water level of the water stored in the bathtub, and a water supply device that performs a bathtub filling operation to supply water to the bathtub so that the water level of the water stored in the bathtub reaches a target water level, an information acquisition unit that acquires information about the water level in the bathtub detected by the water level detection unit at the time when the water filling operation performed by the water supply device is completed, and information about the amount of water supplied to the bathtub from the start of the water filling operation until the water level stored in the bathtub reaches the target water level; an information storage unit that stores the information acquired by the information acquisition unit; A water filling operation verification device comprising an operation verification unit that determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the detection of water level by the water level detection unit based on the results of comparing the water filling amount and the water level at the end of water filling in a specific water filling operation with the water filling amount and the water level at the end of water filling in another water filling operation performed before or after in time.

2. The operation verification unit determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the water level detection by the water level detection unit based on the difference in the amount of hot water and water between the amount of hot water and water used in a specific hot water filling operation and the amount of hot water and water used in another hot water filling operation performed before or after in time, and the water level difference between the water level at the end of hot water filling in a specific hot water filling operation and the water level at the end of hot water filling in another hot water filling operation performed before or after in time.

3. The water filling operation verification device described in claim 2, wherein the operation verification unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the detection of water level by the water level detection unit if the water level difference is greater than a predetermined water level difference for judgment and the hot and cold water volume difference is less than or equal to the predetermined hot and cold water volume difference for judgment.

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