Bathtub hot water supply method and hot water supply control device

Abstract

This invention provides a method for informing the user that the drain is not closed while hot and cold water is being supplied. [Solution] This is a method for supplying hot water to a bathtub 2. The bathtub 2 has an openable and closable drain 7. A drain channel 8 is connected to the drain 7. The method includes a hot water supply step of starting to supply hot water 6 to the bathtub 2, a detection step of detecting whether or not hot water 6 is flowing in the drain channel 8 while the hot water 6 is being supplied, and a notification step of informing the user that the drain 7 is not closed when the result of the detection step is positive.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hot water supply method and a hot water supply control device for a bathtub.

Background Art

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes a hot water supply device. This hot water supply device has a heating device that uses electricity to raise the water temperature.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The hot water generated by the above hot water supply device is used for, for example, supplying hot water to a bathtub. Generally, a bathtub has a drain opening that can be opened and closed. If hot water is supplied with this drain opening not closed, the hot water may be drained without accumulating in the bathtub, so there is a risk of wasting the hot water. Therefore, from the viewpoints of energy saving of the hot water supply device and protection of water resources, etc., in order to prevent waste of hot water, a method capable of notifying the user that the drain opening is not closed during the supply of hot water has been demanded.

[0005] The present invention has been devised in view of the above actual situation, and its main object is to provide a method capable of notifying the user that the drain opening is not closed during the supply of hot water.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention relates to a method for supplying hot water to a bathtub, wherein the bathtub has an openable and closable drain, and a drainage channel is connected to the drain, and the method includes a hot water supply step of starting to supply hot water to the bathtub, a detection step of detecting whether or not hot water is flowing in the drainage channel during the supply of hot water, and a notification step of informing the user that the drain is not closed when the result of the detection step is positive. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] By employing the above-described steps, the present invention's method for supplying hot water to a bathtub makes it possible to inform the user that the drain is not closed while hot water is being supplied. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a bathing facility, including a bathtub. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a situation where hot water is supplied while the drain is not closed. [Figure 3] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a bathtub hot water supply control device. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of the procedure for supplying hot water to a bathtub. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a detection device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the processing procedure for a hot water supply method according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that the drawings contain exaggerations and representations that differ from the actual dimensional ratios of the structures in order to aid in understanding the content of the invention. Furthermore, the same or common elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout each embodiment, and redundant explanations are omitted. Moreover, the specific configurations shown in the embodiments and drawings are for the purpose of understanding the content of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in the drawings.

[0010] The method for supplying hot water to a bathtub in this embodiment (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "hot water supply method") is for supplying hot water to a bathtub. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a bathing facility 1 including a bathtub 2.

[0011] [Bathing facilities] The bathing facility 1 of this embodiment consists of a bathtub 2, a washing area 3, a water heater 4, and a hot water supply route 5. Known configurations can be used for the bathtub 2, washing area 3, water heater 4, and hot water supply route 5.

[0012] [Bathtub] The bathtub 2 is installed in the bathroom of a house or the like. When a user takes a bath, for example, hot water 6 is filled into this bathtub 2. The bathtub 2 in this embodiment has a known structure and is composed of, for example, a bottom 2b and a wall 2w that rises upward from the bottom 2b. The bathtub 2 also has an openable and closable drain 7.

[0013] [Drain port] The drain 7 is for draining, for example, used bathwater 6 or wastewater after cleaning the bathtub 2. A drainage channel 8 is connected to this drain 7.

[0014] The drain outlet 7 is not particularly limited as long as it can be opened and closed. In this embodiment, a known drain plug 9 that is fitted to the drain outlet 7 in a sealable manner is used. When this drain plug 9 is fitted to the drain outlet 7, the drain outlet 7 is closed. Then, when hot and cold water 6 is supplied to the bathtub 2, hot and cold water 6 can be stored in the bathtub 2. Also, when the drain plug 9 is removed from the drain outlet 7, the drain outlet 7 is opened. As a result, used hot and cold water 6, sewage, etc. can be drained into the drain passage 8. Such a drain plug 9 may be configured, for example, as a rubber plug that the user directly fits into the drain outlet 7, or may be configured to be able to open and close the drain outlet 7 by pressing a button (not shown).

[0015] [Washing area] The washing area 3 is for the user to wash their body, etc. when taking a bath. This washing area 3 has a known structure provided in a bathroom of a house, etc., and includes a washing area drain outlet (not shown).

[0016] [Water heater (water supply device)] The water heater 4 is for generating hot and cold water 6. In this embodiment, the water heater 4 is exemplified as an electric water heater, but it is not necessarily limited to such a mode. For example, it may be a gas water heater or an oil water heater. The water heater 4 of this embodiment is connected to an operation panel (controller) 11.

[0017] The operation panel 11 is for performing operations such as starting the supply of hot and cold water 6 to the bathtub 2 and stopping the supply of hot and cold water 6 to the bathtub 2. The operation panel 11 of this embodiment includes a start button 12a for starting the supply of hot and cold water 6 to the bathtub 2 and a stop button 12b for stopping the supply of hot and cold water 6 to the bathtub 2. Note that the water heater 4 is not necessarily limited to being connected to the operation panel 11. For example, when the water heater 4 is connected to a control device (e.g., a smartphone or a cloud server, etc.) that can cooperate with a plurality of household electrical appliances, the operation panel 11 may be omitted.

[0018] [Hot water supply path] The hot water supply path 5 is for supplying the hot water 6 and the like generated by the water heater 4 to the bathtub 2. The hot water supply path 5 of the present embodiment is configured to include, for example, a hot water supply pipe 5A and a return pipe 5B.

[0019] The hot water supply pipe 5A is for supplying the hot water 6 generated by the water heater 4 and the additional heated hot water (not shown) to the bathtub 2. The return pipe 5B is for supplying the water (hot water) stored in the bathtub 2 to the water heater 4 when additional heating is performed. When the water heater 4 does not have an additional heating function, the return pipe 5B may be omitted.

[0020] [Drainage channel] The drainage channel 8 is for guiding the used hot water 6, sewage, etc. supplied from the drain outlet 7 to a sewer pipe (not shown). The drainage channel 8 is provided below the bathtub 2 and the washbasin 3.

[0021] One end of the drainage channel 8 is connected to the drain outlet 7 provided in the bathtub 2, and the used hot water 6, sewage, etc. from the bathtub 2 are guided. The other end of the drainage channel 8 is connected to a sewer pipe (not shown). Also, a part of the used hot water 6 and sewage is stored as the water seal 17 in the drainage channel 8.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a state where hot water is supplied with the drain outlet 7 not closed. When hot water is supplied with the drain outlet 7 not closed, the hot water 6 is directly drained without accumulating in the bathtub 2, so there is a possibility that the hot water 6 generated by the water heater 4 (shown in FIG. 1) will be wasted. Therefore, from the viewpoints of energy saving of the water heater 4 and protection of water resources, etc., a method that can notify the user that the drain outlet 7 is not closed during the supply of hot water 6 in order to prevent waste of the hot water 6 has been demanded.

[0023] [Hot water supply control device for bathtub (First embodiment)] In the hot water supply method of this embodiment, if the drain outlet 7 is not closed while hot water 6 is being supplied, it is possible to inform the user that the drain outlet 7 is not closed. In this hot water supply method, the hot water supply control device 20 of the bathtub 2 shown in Figure 1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "hot water supply control device") is used.

[0024] The hot water supply control device 20 is for controlling the supply of hot water to the bathtub 2. This hot water supply control device 20 is composed of a detection device 21 and a control device 22 connected to the detection device 21. Furthermore, the hot water supply control device 20 of this embodiment includes a remote control device 23 for remotely operating the water heater 4, but is not particularly limited, and for example, if the user directly operates the water heater 4, the remote control device 23 may be omitted.

[0025] [Detection device] The detection device 21 is for detecting whether or not hot water 6 is flowing in the drainage channel 8 shown in Figure 2. The detection device 21 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect whether or not hot water 6 is flowing in the drainage channel 8. In this embodiment, a detection device 21 capable of detecting the flow rate in the drainage channel 8 is used. With such a detection device 21, it is possible to accurately and quickly detect the hot water 6 that is being drained directly from the drain outlet 7 without accumulating in the bathtub 2 and flowing in the drainage channel 8 while hot water 6 is being supplied to the bathtub 2.

[0026] Any known detection device 21 can be used as appropriate, as long as it is capable of detecting the flow rate in the drainage channel 8. An example of a detection device 21 is a flow sensor 21A.

[0027] The flow sensor 21A is used to detect the flow rate of the liquid (such as hot water 6) flowing through the drainage channel 8. Any known flow sensor 21A that can detect (measure) the flow rate in the drainage channel 8 can be appropriately adopted. Examples of flow sensors 21A include impeller-type flow sensors, differential pressure type flow sensors, and ultrasonic type flow sensors. From the viewpoint of reducing initial costs, it is preferable to adopt an impeller-type flow sensor or a differential pressure type flow sensor.

[0028] The flow sensor 21A can be installed at any location in the drainage channel 8. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the flow sensor 21A be installed in the portion of the drainage channel 8 adjacent to the drain outlet 7. This allows the flow rate of hot water 6, etc., flowing from the bathtub 2 through the drain outlet 7 into the drainage channel 8 to be primarily detected.

[0029] [Remote control device] As shown in Figure 1, the remote control device 23 is for remotely operating the control panel 11 of the water heater 4. The remote control device 23 in this embodiment includes a first remote control device 23a and a second remote control device 23b, but is not limited to this configuration, and some of these may be omitted, or other devices may be included.

[0030] The first remote control device 23a is for pressing the start button 12a located on the control panel 11 of the water heater 4. On the other hand, the second remote control device 23b is for pressing the stop button 12b located on the control panel 11 of the water heater 4. These first and second remote control devices 23a and 23b are connected to the control device 22, and the start button 12a and stop button 12b can be pressed based on signals from the control device 22. The remote control devices 23 (first remote control device 23a and second remote control device 23b) and the control device 22 may be connected by wire or by wireless connection (for example, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth®).

[0031] [Control device] The control device 22 is for controlling the supply of hot water to the bathtub 2. In this embodiment, the control device 22 is composed of a computer 24. Examples of the computer 24 include a microcomputer, desktop computer, notebook computer, tablet computer, smartphone, and cloud server. Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of the bathtub hot water supply control device 20.

[0032] The control device 22 is configured to include, for example, an arithmetic unit 25, a storage device 26 for storing processing procedures, etc., and a working memory 27 for reading processing procedures, etc., from the storage device 26. An input device 28 and an output device 29 are connected to this control device 22 (arithmetic unit 25).

[0033] [Input devices / Output devices] The input device 28 is for inputting instruction data, such as starting and stopping the supply of hot water 6 to the bathtub 2 shown in Figure 1, to the control device 22. On the other hand, the output device 29 is for displaying the supply status of hot water 6 to the bathtub 2. These input devices 28 and output devices 29 can be configured as appropriate. In this embodiment, the input device 28 and output device 29 are configured by the touch panel 32 of a mobile terminal 31 connected to the control device 22 via a communication network 30 such as a WAN (Wide Area Network) or wirelessly, but are not particularly limited. The input device 28 and output device 29 may be configured, for example, by a remote controller (not shown) connected to the control device 22 by wire or wireless, or by a voice-operated smart speaker.

[0034] [Arithmetic device] As shown in Figure 3, the arithmetic unit 25 of this embodiment is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0035] The calculation unit 25 (control device 22) in this embodiment is connected to the detection device 21 shown in Figure 2 in a communicative manner. As a result, the results of detecting the flow rate in the drainage channel 8 can be received by the calculation unit 25.

[0036] The arithmetic unit 25 (control device 22) of this embodiment is connected to the remote control device 23 shown in Figure 1 in a communicative manner. This allows the control device 22 to remotely operate the control panel 11 of the water heater 4 via the remote control device 23. When the remote control device 23 of this embodiment includes a first remote control device 23a and a second remote control device 23b, the pressing of the start button 12a by the first remote control device 23a and the pressing of the stop button 12b by the second remote control device 23b can be operated individually.

[0037] [Storage device] As shown in Figure 3, the storage device 26 in this embodiment is, for example, a non-volatile information storage device. The storage device 26 includes a data unit 33 and a program unit 34.

[0038] [Data Section] The data unit 33 is for storing data necessary for executing the hot water supply method. In this embodiment, the data unit 33 includes a detection result input unit 33a and a threshold input unit 33b. The detection result input unit 33a stores the detection result from the detection device 21 shown in Figure 2 regarding whether or not hot water 6 is flowing in the drainage channel 8. The threshold input unit 33b stores a threshold value for determining whether or not hot water 6 is flowing in the drainage channel 8. Note that the data unit 33 is not limited to this configuration; for example, some of these may be omitted, or it may include further input units for storing other data.

[0039] [Programming Department] As shown in Figure 3, the program unit 34 is a program (computer program) that causes the arithmetic unit 25 (control device 22) to execute the hot water supply method of this embodiment. When this program unit (program) 34 is executed by the arithmetic unit 25, the control device 22 can be made to function as a specific means.

[0040] The program unit 34 includes a supply start unit 34a, a detection unit 34b, a determination unit 34c, a notification unit 34d, a termination determination unit 34e, and a stop unit 34f. The program unit 34 is not limited to this configuration, and some of these may be omitted, or other programs may be included. The functions of these program units 34 will be explained in each step of the hot water supply method described later.

[0041] [Method for supplying hot water to a bathtub (first embodiment)] The hot water supply control device 20 of this embodiment is capable of supplying hot water to the bathtub 2 shown in Figure 1 based on the processing procedure of the hot water supply method. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, if the drain outlet 7 is not closed while the hot water 6 is being supplied, it is possible to inform the user that the drain outlet 7 is not closed. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for supplying hot water to the bathtub.

[0042] [Start supplying hot and cold water to the bathtub (hot water supply step)] In the hot water supply method of this embodiment, first, as shown in Figure 2, the supply of hot water 6 to the bathtub 2 is started (hot water supply step S1). In this embodiment, the hot water supply step S1 is started based on instruction data for starting the supply of hot water 6. The instruction data may be directly input by the user to the control device 22 shown in Figures 1 and 3, or it may be automatically generated based on reservation data.

[0043] In the hot water supply step S1 of this embodiment, the supply start unit 34a included in the program unit 34 shown in Figure 3 is loaded into the working memory 27. The supply start unit 34a is a program for starting the supply of hot water 6 to the bathtub 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2. When this supply start unit 34a is executed by the arithmetic unit 25, the control device 22 can function as a means for starting the supply of hot water 6 to the bathtub 2.

[0044] In the hot water supply step S1 of this embodiment, first, the supply start unit 34a (control device 22) shown in Figure 3 presses the start button 12a provided on the control panel 11 of the water heater 4 via the first remote control device 23a shown in Figure 1. As a result, the hot water 6 generated by the water heater 4 is supplied to the bathtub 2 via the hot water supply pipe 5A.

[0045] In the hot water supply step S1 of this embodiment, the start button 12a was pressed via the first remote control device 23a, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the user may press the start button 12a directly. Also, if the hot water supply control device 20 is connected to the water heater 4 (control panel 11), the supply start unit 34a (control device 22) shown in Figure 3 may directly operate the water heater 4 without going through the first remote control device 23a shown in Figure 1.

[0046] [Detect flow rate in the drainage channel (detection step)] Next, in the hot water supply method of this embodiment, it is detected whether or not hot water 6 is flowing in the drainage channel 8 while the hot water 6 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is being supplied (detection step S2).

[0047] In this embodiment, a flow sensor 21A is used as a detection device 21 for detecting whether or not hot water 6 is flowing in the drainage channel 8. The flow sensor 21A detects the flow rate in the drainage channel 8. When the detected flow rate is above a predetermined threshold, it is detected that hot water 6 is flowing in the drainage channel 8.

[0048] In the detection step S2 of this embodiment, the detection unit 34b included in the program unit 34 shown in Figure 3 is loaded into the working memory 27. The detection unit 34b is a program that causes the detection device 21 to detect whether or not hot water 6 is flowing in the drainage channel 8 while the hot water 6 is being supplied as shown in Figures 1 and 2. When this detection unit 34b is executed by the arithmetic unit 25, the control device 22 can function as a means for detecting whether or not hot water 6 is flowing in the drainage channel 8.

[0049] In the detection step S2 of this embodiment, first, the detection unit 34b (control device 22) shown in Figure 3 acquires the flow rate in the drainage channel 8 detected by the detection device 21 (flow sensor 21A) shown in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the flow rate per unit time (for example, liters / minute) is detected. The flow rate may be instantaneous, or the average value of the flow rate detected continuously over a certain period of time (for example, 10 to 60 seconds) may be detected.

[0050] Next, in the detection step S2 of this embodiment, it is determined whether the detected flow rate in the drainage channel 8 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The threshold is used to determine whether hot water 6 is flowing in the drainage channel 8 while hot water 6 is being supplied to the bathtub 2 shown in Figure 2, based on the flow rate in the drainage channel 8. Such a threshold can be set as appropriate, as long as it is possible to determine whether hot water 6 is flowing in the drainage channel 8 (i.e., that the drain outlet 7 is not closed).

[0051] As shown in Figure 2, if the drain port 7 is not closed while hot water 6 is being supplied to the bathtub 2, the supplied hot water 6 will be drained without accumulating in the bathtub 2. Therefore, the flow rate in the drain channel 8 will be approximately the same as the supply rate of hot water 6. For this reason, it is preferable to set the threshold to 0.8 to 1.2 times the supply rate of hot water 6 (liters / minute). The threshold is also pre-stored in the threshold input unit 33b shown in Figure 3.

[0052] In the detection step S2 of this embodiment, if the flow rate in the drainage channel 8 is above a predetermined threshold, it is detected that hot water 6 is flowing in the drainage channel 8 while the hot water 6 is being supplied, as shown in Figure 2. On the other hand, if the flow rate in the drainage channel 8 is below a predetermined threshold, it is detected that hot water 6 is not flowing in the drainage channel 8 while the hot water 6 is being supplied, as shown in Figure 1. The detection result is input to the detection result input unit 33a shown in Figure 3.

[0053] [Determine whether the result of the detection step is positive or negative (Decision step)] Next, in the hot water supply method of this embodiment, it is determined whether the result of detection step S2 is positive or negative (determination step S3). Here, "the result of detection step S2 is positive" means that during the supply of hot water 6, the presence of hot water 6 flowing in the drainage channel 8 was detected in detection step S2.

[0054] In the determination step S3 of this embodiment, the result of detection step S2 (i.e., whether or not hot water 6 is flowing in the drainage channel 8), which is stored in the detection result input unit 33a shown in Figure 3, is loaded into the working memory 27. Furthermore, the determination unit 34c included in the program unit 34 is loaded into the working memory 27. The determination unit 34c is a program for determining whether or not the result of detection step S2 is positive (i.e., whether or not hot water 6 is flowing in the drainage channel 8 while hot water 6 is being supplied). By executing this determination unit 34c by the arithmetic unit 25, the control device 22 can be made to function as a means for determining whether or not the result of detection step S2 is positive.

[0055] If the result of detection step S2 is positive (decision step S3 is "Yes"), it is detected that hot water 6 is flowing in the drainage channel 8 while the hot water 6 is being supplied, as shown in Figure 2. In this case, it is determined that the drain outlet 7 is not closed while the hot water 6 is being supplied, and the next notification step S4 is performed.

[0056] On the other hand, if the result of detection step S2 is negative (decision step S3 is "No"), as shown in Figure 1, it is detected that no hot water 6 is flowing in the drainage channel 8 while the hot water 6 is being supplied. In this case, it is determined that the drain outlet 7 is closed while the hot water 6 is being supplied, and the next termination decision step S5 is performed.

[0057] [Notify the user that the drain is not closed (notification step)] Next, in the hot water supply method of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the user is notified that the drain outlet 7 is not closed (notification step S4). This notification step S4 is performed in the determination step S3 when the result of the detection step S2 is positive (i.e., when it is detected that hot water 6 is flowing in the drain channel 8 while hot water 6 is being supplied).

[0058] In the notification step S4 of this embodiment, the notification unit 34d included in the program unit 34 shown in Figure 3 is loaded into the working memory 27. The notification unit 34d is a program that informs the user that the drain outlet 7 is not closed while the hot water 6 is being supplied, as shown in Figure 2, when the result of the detection step S2 is positive (i.e., when it is detected that hot water 6 is flowing in the drain channel 8 while the hot water 6 is being supplied). By executing this notification unit 34d by the arithmetic unit 25, the control device 22 can be made to function as a means to inform the user that the drain outlet 7 is not closed.

[0059] The user is appropriately notified by the notification unit 34d (control device 22) shown in Figure 3 that the drain port 7 is not closed. In notification step S4 of this embodiment, a message stating that the drain port 7 is not closed may be displayed, or a warning sound may be generated to indicate that the drain port 7 is not closed.

[0060] The message may, for example, be displayed on the touch panel 32 (shown in Figure 1) of a mobile device 31 owned by the user. The message is not particularly limited as long as it can inform the user that the drain 7 is not closed while hot water 6 is being supplied to the bathtub 2, as shown in Figure 2. An example of a message would be, "Hot water supply to the bathtub has started, but it appears the drain is not closed. Please check if the drain is closed." Displaying such a message makes it possible to quickly inform users who are inside the house or who are away from home that the drain 7 is not closed.

[0061] The warning sound may be generated, for example, by the speaker of a user's mobile device 31 (shown in Figure 1) or a smart speaker. The warning sound is not particularly limited as long as it can inform the user that the drain 7 is not closed while hot water 6 is being supplied to the bathtub 2, as shown in Figure 2. Examples of warning sounds include a buzzer sound or the above-mentioned message. By generating such a warning sound, it is possible to quickly inform users who are inside the house or who are away from home that the drain 7 is not closed.

[0062] In the notification step S4 of this embodiment, the user is notified that the drain 7 is not closed. For example, if the user is inside the house, they can go to the bathing facility 1 shown in Figure 1 and close the drain 7 directly. If the user is out, they can ask a family member inside the house to close the drain 7 via telephone, email, or other means of communication. By closing the drain 7, the waste of hot water 6 can be reduced.

[0063] Furthermore, in notification step S4, based on instructions from the user who has been informed that the drain outlet 7 is not closed, the control device 22 shown in Figure 1 may press the stop button 12b on the control panel 11 of the water heater 4 via the second remote control device 23b. This interrupts the supply of hot and cold water 6, thus ensuring that the waste of hot and cold water 6 is prevented.

[0064] [Determine if the hot and cold water supply has ended] Next, in the hot water supply method of this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the supply of hot water 6 to the bathtub 2 shown in Figure 1 has ended (end determination step S5).

[0065] In the termination determination step S5 of this embodiment, the termination determination unit 34e included in the program unit 34 shown in Figure 3 is loaded into the working memory 27. The termination determination unit 34e is a program for determining whether or not the supply of hot water 6 to the bathtub 2 has ended. By executing this termination determination unit 34e by the arithmetic unit 25, the control device 22 can be made to function as a means for determining whether or not the supply of hot water 6 to the bathtub 2 has ended.

[0066] Whether or not the supply of hot water 6 has ended can be determined as appropriate. For example, the supply of hot water 6 may be determined to have ended when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the start of the hot water supply step S1, or when a smart speaker or the like picks up the hot water supply end melody emitted by the water heater 4 (control panel 11) shown in Figure 1.

[0067] If it is determined that the supply of hot water 6 to bathtub 2 has ended ("Yes" in termination determination step S5), the series of processes for the hot water supply method is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the supply of hot water 6 to bathtub 2 has not ended ("No" in termination determination step S5), detection steps S2 to termination determination step S5 are performed again.

[0068] In this embodiment, the detection step S2, the determination step S3, and the notification step S4 are repeatedly performed from the start to the end of the supply of hot water 6 to the bathtub 2. This makes it possible to continuously monitor whether the drain outlet 7 is closed from the start to the end of the supply of hot water 6 to the bathtub 2. If the drain outlet 7 becomes unable to close while the hot water 6 is being supplied, the user can be notified of this. This makes it possible to reliably prevent the waste of hot water 6.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the determination of whether or not the drain outlet 7 is closed is made based on the detection result of the flow rate in the drainage channel 8, it is not necessary to install a water level detection sensor (not shown) or the like on top of the bathtub 2 to detect the water level of the hot water 6 stored in the bathtub 2. As a result, a lid (not shown) can be placed over the bathtub 2 while hot water is being supplied to it, which suppresses the temperature drop of the hot water 6 and improves energy efficiency. Also, when determining whether or not the drain outlet 7 is closed using the detection result of the water level of the hot water 6 in the bathtub 2, it is necessary to determine whether or not a predetermined water level has been reached after a predetermined time has elapsed since the hot water 6 was supplied. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the detection result of the flow rate in the drainage channel 8 is used, it is possible to determine directly and quickly whether or not the drain outlet 7 is closed. As a result, waste of hot water 6 can be minimized.

[0070] [Bathtub hot water supply control device (second embodiment)] In previous embodiments, the hot water supply control device 20 has used a detection device 21 (flow sensor 21A) capable of detecting the flow rate in the drainage channel 8, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. Figure 5 shows an example of a detection device 21 in yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] [Detection device (second embodiment)] The detection device 21 in this embodiment includes a heat flow sensor 21B. The heat flow sensor 21B is for detecting the heat flux transmitted to the drainage channel 8.

[0072] Any known heat flow sensor 21B can be used as appropriate, as long as it can detect (measure) the heat flux transmitted to the drainage channel 8. Examples of heat flow sensors 21B include thin-film heat flow sensors and water-cooled heat flow sensors. In this embodiment, if the drainage channel 8 is formed by a pipe with a curved surface, a thin-film heat flow sensor that is easy to attach to the curved surface may be used.

[0073] The heat flow sensor 21B can be installed at any location in the drainage channel 8. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the heat flow sensor 21B be installed in a location adjacent to the drain outlet 7 shown in Figure 1, similar to the flow sensor 21A in previous embodiments. This allows the heat flow sensor 21B to primarily detect the heat flux transmitted to the drainage channel 8 by the hot water 6, etc., flowing from the bathtub 2 through the drain outlet 7 into the drainage channel 8.

[0074] In this embodiment, the heat flow sensor 21B is attached to the outer surface 8o of the drainage channel 8. This allows the heat flow sensor 21B to measure the heat flux of the hot water 6 transmitted from the inner surface 8i to the outer surface 8o of the drainage channel 8.

[0075] The heat flux measured by the heat flow sensor 21B increases in proportion to the temperature of the hot water 6 flowing through the drainage channel 8. Therefore, the heat flow sensor 21B can distinguish between the hot water 6 flowing through the drainage channel 8 and other liquids (for example, wastewater after cleaning the bathtub 2) based on the heat flux transmitted to the drainage channel 8.

[0076] [Method for supplying hot water to a bathtub (Second embodiment)] [Detection step] In this embodiment of the hot water supply method, the heat flow sensor 21B shown in Figure 5 is used in the detection step S2 shown in Figure 4. Therefore, in the detection step S2, the heat flux transmitted to the drainage channel 8 is detected.

[0077] In the detection step S2 of this embodiment, the detection device 21 (heat flow sensor 21B) detects the heat flux (W / m) transmitted to the drainage channel 8. 2 ) is detected. In addition, the heat flux may be the instantaneous heat flux, or the average value of the heat flux detected continuously over a certain period of time (for example, 10 to 60 seconds) may be detected.

[0078] Next, in the detection step S2 of this embodiment, it is determined whether the heat flux transmitted to the drain channel 8 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The threshold is used to determine whether hot water 6 is flowing in the drain channel 8 during the supply of hot water 6 to the bathtub 2 shown in Figure 2, based on the heat flux transmitted to the drain channel 8. Such a threshold can be set as appropriate, as long as it is possible to determine whether hot water 6 is flowing in the drain channel 8 (i.e., that the drain port 7 is not closed).

[0079] The heat flux increases with the temperature of the hot water 6 flowing through the drainage channel 8. Furthermore, the heat flux tends to be affected by the temperature of the seal water 17 and the thermal resistance of the drainage channel. For example, if the thickness of the drainage channel 8, the thermal resistance of the drainage channel 8, the temperature of the seal water 17 (shown in Figure 1), and the temperature of the hot water 6 are as follows, the heat flux will be 100-400 W / m². 2 Therefore, it is preferable that the threshold value be set appropriately based on the specifications of the drainage channel 8 and the temperatures of the hot water 6 and the seal water 17. Drain channel thickness: 10mm Thermal conductivity of the drainage channel: 0.17 W / mK Water seal temperature: 15℃ Water temperature: 42℃

[0080] In the detection step S2 of this embodiment, if the heat flux transmitted to the drainage channel 8 is above a predetermined threshold, it is detected that hot water 6 is flowing in the drainage channel 8 during the supply of hot water 6, as shown in Figure 2. On the other hand, if the heat flux transmitted to the drainage channel 8 is below a predetermined threshold, it is detected that hot water 6 is not flowing in the drainage channel 8 during the supply of hot water 6, as shown in Figure 1. The detection result is input to the detection result input unit 33a shown in Figure 3.

[0081] Thus, in this embodiment, it is possible to detect whether or not hot water 6 is flowing in the drain channel 8 based on the heat flux transmitted to the drain channel 8. When the result of detection step S2 is positive (it is detected that hot water 6 is flowing in the drain channel 8 while hot water 6 is being supplied), the user can be notified that the drain port 7 is not closed. Therefore, in this embodiment, as in previous embodiments, it is possible to reliably prevent the waste of hot water 6.

[0082] [Bathtub hot water supply control device (third embodiment)] In previous embodiments of the hot water supply control device 20, the detection device 21 has been exemplified by the flow sensor 21A shown in Figure 2 and the heat flow sensor 21B shown in Figure 5, but the invention is not limited to these embodiments. The detection device 21 may also include temperature sensors and pressure sensors, which are not shown.

[0083] [Temperature sensor] The temperature sensor is for detecting the temperature of the space 35 near the drainage channel 8 shown in Figure 2 (the space below the bathtub 2 and washing area 3). It is preferable to install this temperature sensor near the drainage channel 8. This allows the temperature sensor to primarily detect the temperature of the space 35 that has risen through the drainage channel 8 by the hot water 6 that has flowed from the bathtub 2 through the drain outlet 7 into the drainage channel 8.

[0084] In detection step S2 (shown in Figure 4), in which a temperature sensor is used, it is detected whether or not hot water 6 is flowing in the drainage channel 8 while the hot water 6 is being supplied, based on the temperature of the space 35 near the drainage channel 8. This temperature may be the instantaneous temperature, or the average value of the temperature continuously detected over a certain period of time (for example, 10 to 60 seconds) may be detected.

[0085] Then, in detection step S2, if the temperature of the space 35 near the drain channel 8 is above a predetermined threshold, it is detected that hot water 6 is flowing in the drain channel 8 while the hot water 6 is being supplied, as shown in Figure 2. On the other hand, if the temperature of the space 35 near the drain channel 8 is below a predetermined threshold, it is detected that hot water 6 is not flowing in the drain channel 8 while the hot water 6 is being supplied, as shown in Figure 1. The threshold can be set appropriately based on the thickness of the drain channel 8, thermal resistance, the temperature of the seal water 17, and the temperature of the hot water 6, similar to the heat flux described above.

[0086] [Pressure sensor] The pressure sensor is for detecting the pressure of the hot water 6 flowing through the drainage channel 8 shown in Figure 2. Preferably, the pressure sensor is installed in the drainage channel 8 adjacent to the drain outlet 7. This allows the pressure sensor to primarily detect the pressure of the hot water 6 flowing from the bathtub 2 through the drain outlet 7 into the drainage channel 8.

[0087] In detection step S2 (shown in Figure 4), in which a pressure sensor is used, it is detected whether or not hot water 6 is flowing in the drainage channel 8 during the supply of hot water 6, based on the pressure of the hot water 6 flowing in the drainage channel 8. This pressure may be the instantaneous pressure, or the average value of the pressure continuously detected over a certain period of time (for example, 10 to 60 seconds) may be detected.

[0088] Then, in detection step S2, if the pressure of the hot water 6 flowing through the drainage channel 8 is above a predetermined threshold, it is detected that hot water 6 is flowing through the drainage channel 8 during the supply of hot water 6, as shown in Figure 2. On the other hand, if the pressure of the hot water 6 flowing through the drainage channel 8 is below a predetermined threshold, it is detected that hot water 6 is not flowing through the drainage channel 8 during the supply of hot water 6, as shown in Figure 1. The threshold can be appropriately calculated based on the area of ​​the drainage channel 8, the density of water, the flow coefficient, etc.

[0089] [Method for supplying hot water to a bathtub (Fourth embodiment)] In previous embodiments, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, when the result of detection step S2 is positive (i.e., when it is detected that hot water 6 is flowing in the drain channel 8 while hot water 6 is being supplied), a notification step S4 is performed to inform the user that the drain port 7 is not closed. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, when the result of detection step S2 is positive, a stop step may be performed to stop the supply of hot water 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of a hot water supply method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] [Stop the supply of hot and cold water (stop step)] In the hot water supply method of this embodiment, the supply of hot water 6 is stopped (stop step S6), as shown in Figures 2 and 6. This stop step S6 is performed when the result of detection step S2 is positive (i.e., when it is detected that hot water 6 is flowing in the drainage channel 8 while the hot water 6 is being supplied).

[0091] In the stopping step S6 of this embodiment, the stopping unit 34f included in the program unit 34 shown in Figure 3 is loaded into the working memory 27. The stopping unit 34f is a program for stopping the supply of hot water 6 when the result of the detection step S2 is positive (i.e., when it is detected that hot water 6 is flowing in the drainage channel 8 while hot water 6 is being supplied). By executing this stopping unit 34f by the arithmetic unit 25, the control device 22 can be made to function as a means for stopping the supply of hot water 6.

[0092] The supply of hot and cold water 6 is stopped as needed. In this embodiment, the stop unit 34f (control device 22) shown in Figure 3 presses the stop button 12b provided on the control panel 11 of the water heater 4 via the second remote control device 23b shown in Figure 1. This stops the supply of hot and cold water 6.

[0093] In this embodiment of the hot water supply method, when the result of detection step S2 is positive (i.e., when it is detected that hot water 6 is flowing in the drain channel 8 while hot water 6 is being supplied), the supply of hot water 6 is quickly stopped. As a result, in this embodiment, waste of hot water 6 is minimized compared to the embodiment in which a notification step S4 (shown in Figure 4) was performed to inform the user that the drain port 7 was not closed.

[0094] In the stopping step S6 of this embodiment, the stopping unit 34f (control device 22) may inform the user that the supply of hot and cold water 6 has been stopped. In this case, a message stating that the supply of hot and cold water 6 has been stopped may be displayed, or a warning sound may be generated to indicate that the supply of hot and cold water 6 has been stopped.

[0095] The message may, for example, be displayed on the touch panel 32 (shown in Figure 1) of a mobile device 31 owned by the user. The message is not particularly limited as long as it can inform the user that the supply of hot and cold water 6 has been stopped. An example of a message would be, "The supply of hot and cold water 6 has been stopped because the drain is not closed. Please close the drain and then restart the supply of hot and cold water." By displaying such a message, it is possible to quickly inform users who are inside the house or who are out that the drain 7 is not closed and that the supply of hot and cold water 6 has been stopped.

[0096] The warning sound may be generated, for example, by the speaker of a user's mobile device 31 or a smart speaker. The warning sound is not particularly limited as long as it can inform the user that the supply of hot and cold water 6 has been stopped. Examples of warning sounds include a buzzer sound or the above-mentioned message. By generating such a warning sound, it is possible to quickly inform users who are inside the house or who are away from home that the drain 7 is not closed and that the supply of hot and cold water 6 has been stopped.

[0097] Although particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0098] [Note] The present invention includes the following embodiments.

[0099] [Invention 1] A method for supplying hot water to a bathtub, The aforementioned bathtub has a drain that can be opened and closed, A drainage channel is connected to the aforementioned drain outlet. The aforementioned method, A hot water supply step in which hot water is supplied to the aforementioned bathtub, A detection step to detect whether or not the hot water is flowing in the drainage channel while the hot water is being supplied, When the result of the detection step is positive, a notification step is made to inform the user that the drain is not closed. A method of supplying hot water to a bathtub, including this method. [Invention 2] The method for supplying hot water to a bathtub according to the present invention 1, wherein the detection step detects whether or not hot water is flowing based on the flow rate in the drainage channel. [Invention 3] The method for supplying hot water to a bathtub according to the present invention 1 or 2, wherein the detection step detects whether or not hot water is flowing based on the heat flux transmitted to the drainage channel. [4th Invention] The notification step is to display a message and / or generate a warning sound, according to any one of inventions 1 to 3, for a method of supplying hot water to a bathtub. [5th ​​Invention] A method for supplying hot water to a bathtub, The aforementioned bathtub has a drain that can be opened and closed, A drainage channel is connected to the aforementioned drain outlet. The aforementioned method, A hot water supply step in which hot water is supplied to the aforementioned bathtub, A detection step to detect whether or not the hot water is flowing in the drainage channel while the hot water is being supplied, When the result of the detection step is positive, a stop step is taken to stop the supply of hot water, A method of supplying hot water to a bathtub, including this method. [Invention 6] A device for controlling the supply of hot water to a bathtub, The aforementioned bathtub has a drain that can be opened and closed, A drainage channel is connected to the aforementioned drain outlet. The aforementioned device is A detection device for detecting whether or not the hot water is flowing in the drainage channel, The detection device includes a control device, The control device is A supply start unit that starts supplying hot and cold water to the aforementioned bathtub, A detection unit that causes the detection device to detect whether or not the hot water is flowing in the drainage channel while the hot water is being supplied, A notification unit that, upon detecting that the hot water is flowing, informs the user that the drain is not closed, A bathtub hot water supply control device, including a bathtub hot water supply control device. [7th Invention] The bathtub hot water supply control device according to the present invention, wherein the detection device includes a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate in the drainage channel. [8th Invention] The bathtub hot water supply control device according to the present invention 6 or 7, wherein the detection device includes a heat flow sensor that detects the heat flux transmitted to the drainage channel. [Invention 9] The notification unit displays a message and / or generates a warning sound, as described in any one of claims 6 to 8 of the present invention. [Invention 10] A device for controlling the supply of hot water to a bathtub, The aforementioned bathtub has a drain that can be opened and closed, A drainage channel is connected to the aforementioned drain outlet. The aforementioned device is A detection device for detecting whether or not the hot water is flowing in the drainage channel, The detection device includes a control device, The control device is A supply start unit that starts supplying hot and cold water to the aforementioned bathtub, A detection unit that causes the detection device to detect whether or not the hot water is flowing in the drainage channel while the hot water is being supplied, A stop unit that detects when the hot water is flowing and stops the supply of the hot water, A bathtub hot water supply control device, including a bathtub hot water supply control device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0100] 2 Bathtub 6 Hot water 7 Drain port 8. Drainage routes

Claims

1. A method for supplying hot water to a bathtub, The aforementioned bathtub has a drain that can be opened and closed, A drainage channel is connected to the aforementioned drain outlet. The aforementioned method, A hot water supply step in which hot water is supplied to the aforementioned bathtub, A detection step to detect whether or not the hot water is flowing in the drainage channel while the hot water is being supplied, When the result of the detection step is positive, a notification step is made to inform the user that the drain is not closed. A method of supplying hot water to a bathtub, including this method.

2. The method for supplying hot water to a bathtub according to claim 1, wherein the detection step detects whether or not hot water is flowing based on the flow rate in the drainage channel.

3. The method for supplying hot water to a bathtub according to claim 1, wherein the detection step detects whether or not hot water is flowing based on the heat flux transmitted to the drainage channel.

4. The method for supplying hot water to a bathtub according to claim 1, wherein the notification step involves displaying a message and / or generating a warning sound.

5. A method for supplying hot water to a bathtub, The aforementioned bathtub has a drain that can be opened and closed, A drainage channel is connected to the aforementioned drain outlet. The aforementioned method, A hot water supply step in which hot water is supplied to the aforementioned bathtub, A detection step to detect whether or not the hot water is flowing in the drainage channel while the hot water is being supplied, When the result of the detection step is positive, a stop step is taken to stop the supply of hot water, A method of supplying hot water to a bathtub, including this method.

6. A device for controlling the supply of hot water to a bathtub, The aforementioned bathtub has a drain that can be opened and closed, A drainage channel is connected to the aforementioned drain outlet. The aforementioned device is A detection device for detecting whether or not the hot water is flowing in the drainage channel, The detection device includes a control device, The control device is A supply start unit that starts supplying hot and cold water to the aforementioned bathtub, A detection unit that causes the detection device to detect whether or not the hot water is flowing in the drainage channel while the hot water is being supplied, A notification unit that, upon detecting that the hot water is flowing, informs the user that the drain is not closed, A bathtub hot water supply control device, including a bathtub hot water supply control device.

7. The bathtub hot water supply control device according to claim 6, wherein the detection device includes a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate in the drainage channel.

8. The bathtub hot water supply control device according to claim 6, wherein the detection device includes a heat flow sensor that detects the heat flux transmitted to the drainage channel.

9. The bathtub hot water supply control device according to claim 6, wherein the notification unit displays a message and / or generates a warning sound.

10. A device for controlling the supply of hot water to a bathtub, The aforementioned bathtub has a drain that can be opened and closed, A drainage channel is connected to the aforementioned drain outlet. The aforementioned device is A detection device for detecting whether or not the hot water is flowing in the drainage channel, The detection device includes a control device, The control device is A supply start unit that starts supplying hot and cold water to the aforementioned bathtub, A detection unit that causes the detection device to detect whether or not the hot water is flowing in the drainage channel while the hot water is being supplied, A stop unit that detects when the hot water is flowing and stops the supply of the hot water, A bathtub hot water supply control device, including a bathtub hot water supply control device.

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