JP7728577B2 - Drain plug system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a drain plug system that operates a plug cover that corresponds to a bathtub drain.

Manual drain plug devices are known that include a plug cover that corresponds to the bathtub drain, a displaceable operating unit (such as a reciprocating operating button), and a transmission member (such as a wire) that transmits the driving force generated by the displacement of the operating unit to the plug cover, thereby moving the plug cover up and down. In such drain plug devices, manual operation of the operating unit moves the plug cover up and down, thereby switching the open/closed state of the drain.

Another known drain plug device is an electrically operated drain plug device that includes an operating unit and an electrically operated operating unit (e.g., a motor) that can be operated by passing electricity through the operating unit, and that is configured so that the plug cover can be moved up and down by the operation of the electrically operated operating unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this electrically operated drain plug device, the open/closed state of the drain outlet can be switched electrically or manually by manually operating the operating unit or by supplying power to the electrically operated operating unit.

More recently, drain plug systems have been proposed that have a function (automatic closing function) that automatically switches the drain from an open state to a closed state by supplying power to an energizing unit at a pre-stored time (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2014-98236 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-133135

In the above-mentioned drain plug system, the automatic closing function is enabled or disabled by operating an input device. This means that a separate device (input device) must be provided to enable or disable the automatic closing function. This could result in increased costs related to manufacturing, maintenance, etc.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a drain plug system that can prevent increases in costs related to manufacturing, maintenance, etc.

Below, each means suitable for achieving the above objective will be explained item by item. Where necessary, the specific effects of the corresponding means will also be noted.

Means 1. A reciprocating lid for opening and closing a drain hole formed in a bathtub;
An operating unit that can be manually operated and that can reciprocate the plug cover in response to its own operation to switch the open/closed state of the drain outlet;
a drive unit having an energization operation unit that can be operated by energization, and capable of operating the operation unit by operation of the energization operation unit;
an operation unit control means capable of controlling the operation of the energization operation unit;
A drain plug system having an automatic plugging function that controls the operation of the energizing operation unit by the operation unit control means to automatically switch the drain outlet from an open state to a closed state,
a detection means for detecting an operation of the operation unit;
a switching means for switching between enabling and disabling the automatic closing function when a specific preset operation of the operation unit is detected by the detection means ;
and a closing timing setting means for setting a closing timing, which is the timing at which the drain outlet is automatically switched from an open state to a closed state, by operating the energizing operating unit using the operating unit control means,
A drain plug system characterized in that the closing timing setting means is configured to be able to set a closing timing different from the currently set closing timing when the detection means detects a specific predetermined operation in the operating unit .

Furthermore, the "specific pre-set operation in the operating unit" that triggers "setting the closing timing different from the currently set closing timing" may be the same as or different from the "specific pre-set operation in the operating unit" that triggers switching the automatic closing function on or off.

According to the above-mentioned method 1, the automatic closing function can automatically switch the drain outlet from an open state to a closed state. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent situations where hot water or the like is supplied to the bathtub while the drain outlet is left in an open state. In addition, the automatic closing function can reduce the hassle of having to switch the drain outlet from an open state to a closed state every time you want to fill the bathtub with hot water or the like. As a result, convenience for users can be increased.

Furthermore, according to the above-mentioned means 1, the automatic closing function can be enabled or disabled by operating the operating unit and performing a specific, pre-set operation on the operating unit. In other words, the operating unit that is operated to open or close the drain outlet also serves as the operating unit to enable or disable the automatic closing function. This eliminates the need to provide a separate device for enabling or disabling the automatic closing function. As a result, it is possible to prevent increases in costs related to manufacturing, maintenance, etc.

Furthermore, according to the above-described means 1, the closing timing can be changed using the operation unit. For example, in a configuration in which the drain outlet is automatically switched from an open state to a closed state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the drain outlet was opened or a specific operation was performed on the operation unit, the predetermined time can be changed each time the specific operation is performed on the operation unit. This eliminates the need for a separate device for changing the closing timing. As a result, increases in costs related to manufacturing, maintenance, etc. can be more effectively suppressed.

Means 2. A reciprocating stopper cover for opening and closing a drain hole formed in the bathtub;
An operating unit that can be manually operated and that can move the plug cover back and forth in accordance with its own operation to switch the open/closed state of the drain outlet;
a drive unit having an energization operation unit that can be operated by energization, and capable of operating the operation unit by operation of the energization operation unit;
an operation unit control means capable of controlling the operation of the energization operation unit;
A drain plug system having an automatic plugging function that controls the operation of the energizing operation unit by the operation unit control means to automatically switch the drain outlet from an open state to a closed state,
a detection means for detecting an operation of the operation unit;
a switching means for switching between enabling and disabling the automatic closing function when a specific preset operation of the operation unit is detected by the detection means;
A locking means for locking the plug lid to maintain the drain outlet in an open state;
a return force imparting unit that imparts a force in a return direction to the operation unit,
Each time a predetermined portion of the operating unit is moved forward beyond a predetermined open/close switching position, the locking means locks the plug lid to maintain the drain outlet in an open state, and the locking means releases the plug lid, causing the operating unit to return using the return force applying unit and closing the drain outlet.
The drain plug system is characterized in that the specific operation is an operation that can be performed within a range in which the predetermined portion of the operating unit does not exceed the open/close switching position.

A locking means and a return force applying unit may be provided, and each time a predetermined portion of the operating unit is moved forward beyond a predetermined open/close switching position, the locking means locks the plug lid to maintain the drain outlet in an open state, and the locking by the locking means is released and the return force applying unit returns the operating unit and plug lid, etc., and the drain outlet is closed, alternately. In this case, by operating the operating unit in one direction (the forward movement direction), the drain outlet can be switched from an open state to a closed state or from a closed state to an open state, thereby improving operability.

On the other hand, in the above-described configuration, the force applied to the operating unit from the reciprocating force application unit increases as the forward movement of the operating unit increases, and therefore, when a predetermined portion of the operating unit is moved forward to the open/close switching position or a position beyond that position, the force applied to the operating unit from the reciprocating force application unit can become quite large.

In this regard, according to the above-mentioned means 2, the specific operation of the operating unit can be performed within a range in which a predetermined portion of the operating unit does not exceed the open/close switch position. Therefore, when manually operating the operating unit to enable or disable the automatic tapping function, a relatively small force is required. Furthermore, the amount of movement of the operating unit when manually operating the operating unit is also relatively small. These features combine to make it possible to more reliably and easily perform specific operations with the operating unit. As a result, convenience for the user can be further improved.

Furthermore, according to the above-mentioned means 2, the drain outlet can be maintained in its open/closed state when enabling or disabling the automatic closing function, etc. This makes it possible, for example, to enable or disable the automatic closing function with the drain outlet closed and water remaining in the bathtub, thereby further improving convenience.

Means 3 : A closing timing setting means is provided for setting a closing timing, which is the timing at which the drain outlet is automatically switched from an open state to a closed state by operating the energizing operating unit using the operating unit control means,
The drain plug system described in means 2 is characterized in that the closing timing setting means is configured to be able to set a closing timing different from the currently set closing timing when the detection means detects a specific predetermined operation in the operating unit .

According to the above-mentioned means 3 , the closing timing can be changed using the operation unit. For example, in a configuration in which the drain outlet is automatically switched from the open state to the closed state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the drain outlet was opened or a specific operation was performed on the operation unit, the predetermined time can be changed each time the specific operation is performed on the operation unit. This eliminates the need for a separate device for changing the closing timing. As a result, it is possible to more effectively suppress increases in costs related to manufacturing, maintenance, etc.

Means 4. The drain plug system according to any one of means 1 to 3, further comprising an alarm means for notifying an external party of information when the detection means detects a specific preset operation in the operating unit.

According to the above-mentioned means 4 , when the detection means detects a specific operation on the operation unit, the notification means notifies the outside of the information. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably and easily know whether the operation for switching the automatic closing function on or off or for changing the closing timing has been properly input to the system. This further improves convenience for the user.

Note that examples of notification means include a sound source device capable of emitting a specified sound and a light-emitting device capable of emitting a specified light.

Means 5. The drain plug system according to means 4 dependent on means 1 or 3 , wherein the notification means is configured to be able to notify the outside of information of different contents depending on the set closing timing.

According to the above-mentioned means 5 , when the closing timing is changed, different information is externally notified for each closing timing that is set. For example, when a certain closing timing is set, a predetermined number of sounds are generated, while when another closing timing is set, a number of sounds different from the predetermined number are generated. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably grasp the set closing timing, and convenience can be further improved.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a drain plug system. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a bathtub and the like. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the drain plug device. FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the mode switching order, etc. 10 is a flowchart showing a process related to an automatic capping function. 10 is a flowchart showing a switching process.

One embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the drain plug system 1 includes a drain plug device 2, an operating device 3, and a control device 4. The drain plug system 1 is a device for opening and closing a drain outlet 102 formed through the bottom wall 101 of a bathtub 100, and has an automatic closing function that automatically switches the drain outlet 102 from an open state to a closed state. The bathtub 100 also includes a side wall 103 erected on the outer edge of the bottom wall 101 and forming a water storage space together with the bottom wall 101, and a flange 104 protruding outward from the upper end of the side wall 103 (see Figure 2). A mounting hole 105 (see Figure 4) is formed through the flange 104, and the operating device 3 is provided corresponding to the mounting hole 105.

First, we will explain the drain plug device 2. As shown in Figure 3, the drain plug device 2 includes a drain outlet member 21, an attachment member 22, a support shaft mechanism 23, and a plug lid 24.

The drain outlet member 21 is cylindrical and has protrusions and notches on its inner periphery that are used to attach the attachment member 22. The drain outlet member 21 is inserted into the drain outlet 102 so that its central axis is approximately aligned with that of the drain outlet 102. More specifically, the drain outlet member 21 is inserted into the drain outlet 102 by threading a pipe (not shown) into the male thread formed on its outer periphery, and by sandwiching the bottom wall 101 between the flange formed on its upper end and the pipe. In this embodiment, an annular sealing member 25 made of an elastically deformable material (e.g., rubber, resin, etc.) is disposed between the flange and the bottom wall 101, ensuring watertightness between the drain outlet member 21 and the bottom wall 101.

The attachment member 22 is used to hold the support shaft mechanism 23 inside the drain outlet member 21, i.e., in the drainage flow path. The attachment member 22 comprises an outer cylindrical portion 22a and an inner cylindrical portion 22b formed concentrically, and an arm portion 22c connecting these. The attachment member 22 holds the support shaft mechanism 23 on the inner circumference of the inner cylindrical portion 22b, while the outer cylindrical portion 22a is attached to the drain outlet member 21 using the protrusions and notches, thereby holding the support shaft mechanism 23 inside the drain outlet member 21.

The support shaft mechanism 23 is a mechanism for moving the stopper cap 24 up and down. The support shaft mechanism 23 comprises a cylindrical case 23a that is held immovably by the inner tube portion 22b, a support shaft 23b that is movable up and down and is located inside the cylindrical case 23a, and a return spring 23c that is located between the cylindrical case 23a and the support shaft 23b and applies a downward force to the support shaft 23b as it returns (moves downward). The force applied to the support shaft 23b by the return spring 23c can be transmitted to the operating unit 34, described below, via a transmission member 71, described below, and other components.

The support shaft 23b has a plug lid 24 attached to its upper end, and can be pushed up by a transmission member 71 (e.g., a metal wire) that can move back and forth inside a cylindrical tube member 72. In this embodiment, an absorber spring 23d is provided inside the support shaft 23b, and this absorber spring 23d is configured to prevent excessive load from being applied to the transmission member 71, attachment member 22, etc. when a large downward force is applied to the plug lid 24, such as when the plug lid 24 is stepped on while the drain outlet 102 is open.

The plug lid 24 opens and closes the drain outlet 102 by reciprocating (up and down) together with the support shaft 23b. The plug lid 24 comprises a disk-shaped plug lid main body 24a made of resin or the like, and a ring-shaped packing portion 24b made of an elastically deformable material (e.g., rubber, resin, etc.) attached to the plug lid main body 24a. The entire outer periphery of the packing portion 24b comes into contact with the drain outlet member 21, closing the drain outlet 102.

Next, the operating device 3 will be described. The operating device 3 is a device for switching the open/closed state of the drain outlet 102 by manually or electrically operating the transmission member 71. As shown in FIG. 4, the operating device 3 includes a case 31, a drive mechanism 32, an operating shaft mechanism 33, an operating unit 34, and a displacement detection device 35. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 32 corresponds to the "drive unit."

The case 31 houses the drive mechanism 32, operating shaft mechanism 33, etc., and functions as an attachment portion for the operating device 3 relative to the flange portion 104. The case 31 is composed of multiple cylindrical parts connected in series, and the intermediate cylindrical part is provided with a housing portion 31a that forms the housing space for the drive mechanism 32. The case 31 is attached to the flange portion 104 by threading a specified nut member (not shown) onto a male thread portion 31b provided on the outer periphery of one end of the case 31, and by sandwiching the flange portion 104 between the nut member and a flange portion 31c provided on one end of the case 31.

One end of a long, cylindrical guide tube 73 is connected to the other end of the case 31. The other end of the guide tube 73 is connected to the piping of the drain plug device 2, and serves to guide the transmission member 71 from the operating device 3 to the drain plug device 2, and to direct water that has entered the case 31 toward the drain plug device 2 (see Figure 2).

The drive mechanism 32 is a mechanism most of which is located within the storage section 31a, and generates power to electrically close the drain outlet 102. The drive mechanism 32 includes a motor 32a that can be operated when energized, a rotatable rotor 32b, and a pressing protrusion 32c provided on the end face of the rotor 32b. In this embodiment, the motor 32a corresponds to the "energized operating unit." In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 32 also includes a position detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the position (rotation angle) of the rotor 32b, and the detection results from the position detection sensor are output to the control device 4.

The motor 32a is a driving source for electrically moving the stopper lid 24, and its own motor shaft (not shown) rotates when power is supplied from the control device 4.

The rotating body 32b rotates due to the operation of the motor 32a (rotation of the motor shaft). Note that in Figure 4 and other figures, gears and other components that transmit the driving force produced by the operation of the motor 32a to the rotating body 32b are not shown.

The pressing protrusion 32c is formed on the end face of the rotating body 32b at a position offset from the rotation axis of the rotating body 32b. The pressing protrusion 32c moves back and forth in the vertical direction as the rotating body 32b rotates.

In addition, in this embodiment, the pressing protrusion 32c is configured to rotate exactly one full turn in the same direction when switching the drain outlet 102 from an open state to a closed state. More specifically, the pressing protrusion 32c is always (when the motor 32a is not operating) positioned in an initial position, which is the uppermost position within its vertical movement range. When switching the drain outlet 102 from an open state to a closed state, the rotating body 32b rotates one full turn, causing the pressing protrusion 32c to perform a reciprocating movement, moving forward (downward) from the initial position and then returning (upward) to the initial position. As the pressing protrusion 32c reciprocates, it presses the pressed portion 34a (described later) of the operating unit 34, thereby switching the drain outlet 102 from an open state to a closed state. The above-described movement of the pressing protrusion 32c is achieved by the control device 4 controlling the motor 32a based on the output from the position detection sensor.

The operating shaft mechanism 33 includes a rod-shaped shaft 33a that can move back and forth, a locking mechanism 33b that can lock the stopper cap 24 by locking the shaft 33a, and a biasing member 33c that applies a force in the upward direction to the shaft 33a. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 33b corresponds to the "locking means."

The lower end of the shaft 33a is capable of contacting one end of the transmission member 71, and as the shaft 33a moves forward (downward), the transmission member 71 moves forward (from the operating device 3 toward the drain plug device 2).

The biasing portion 33c is configured, for example, by a spring, and the biasing force applied from the biasing portion 33c to the shaft portion 33a can be transmitted to the operating portion 34 via the shaft portion 33a. In this embodiment, the biasing portion 33c and the return spring 23c, which can apply a force in the returning (upward) direction to the operating portion 34, each correspond to a "return force applying portion."

The operating unit 34 is composed of a disc-shaped operating button (the disc-shaped portion at the top), and serves as the object of operation when manually switching the open/closed state of the drain outlet 102. It also serves to transmit the driving force to the shaft 33a, either through electric operation (operation of the motor 32a) or manual operation (pressing the operating unit 34). The operating unit 34 is connected in series to the shaft 33a, and pressing one end face (operation button) of the operating unit 34 moves the shaft 33a, transmission member 71, etc. forward and backward. Meanwhile, the force applied by the biasing portion 33c and return spring 23c causes the shaft 33a, transmission member 71, etc. to return, thereby returning the operating unit 34.

In addition, a pressed portion 34a is provided on the outer periphery of the other end (lower end) of the operating portion 34, which is pressed by the pressing protrusion 32c when the pressing protrusion 32c moves forward (downward) while rotating.

The displacement detection device 35 is a device for detecting the displacement of the operating unit 34. The displacement detection device 35 includes a magnet 35a attached to the operating unit 34 and a magnetic sensor 35b, such as a Hall element, for detecting the magnetism generated by the magnet 35a. The magnet 35a only needs to be located in a position that displaces depending on the position of the operating unit 34. Therefore, the magnet 35a may be located, for example, on the shaft 33a.

The magnetic sensor 35b is connected to the control device 4 via a signal line (not shown), and is capable of outputting to the control device 4 an ON signal indicating that a predetermined portion of the operation unit 34 (e.g., the top surface of an operation button) is at a predetermined reference position along the reciprocating direction of the operation unit 34, and an OFF signal indicating that the predetermined portion of the operation unit 34 is located away from the reference position. In this embodiment, the reference position refers to the position of the predetermined portion when the operation unit 34 is located at the furthest returned position (return position; the position of the operation unit 34 shown in Figures 1 and 4). The magnetic sensor 35b outputs an ON or OFF signal at regular short intervals depending on the magnetic detection results.

Next, we will explain the control device 4. The control device 4 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, memory, input/output terminals, etc., and performs control related to the operation of the motor 32a. The control device 4 is connected to a specified power source (not shown), and uses the power supplied from this power source to supply power to the drive mechanism 32 (particularly the motor 32a) via a power supply line (not shown).

The control device 4 is located near the operating device 3 or in the ceiling of the bathroom, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes an alarm unit 41, a memory unit 42, an operation determination unit 43, and an automatic closing control unit 44. In this embodiment, the alarm unit 41 corresponds to the "alarm means," and the automatic closing control unit 44 corresponds to the "operation unit control means," "switching means," and "closing timing setting means." The installation location of the control device 4 can be changed as appropriate; for example, the control device 4 may be located near the drive mechanism 32 (e.g., inside the storage unit 31a).

The alarm unit 41 is a device that notifies the outside world of information, and in this embodiment is composed of a buzzer (sound source device) that can generate a predetermined sound when powered on.

The memory unit 42 is a storage medium for storing various information related to the operation control of the motor 32a. Examples of the various information include program information required for the automatic closing control unit 44 to control the motor 32a, information related to the on/off status of various flags such as the "valid flag," and the "closing timing."

The "enabled flag" is identification information that indicates whether the automatic closing function, which operates the motor 32a to switch the drain outlet 102 from an open state to a closed state, is enabled or disabled. If the "enabled flag" in the memory unit 42 is on, the automatic closing function is enabled. On the other hand, if the "enabled flag" in the memory unit 42 is off, the automatic closing function is disabled.

The "closing timing" indicates the timing at which the motor 32a is operated to automatically switch the drain outlet 102 from an open state to a closed state, and in this embodiment, indicates the time from when the drain outlet 102 is opened until the drain outlet 102 is automatically switched from an open state to a closed state. In this embodiment, the "closing timing" can be stored in the memory unit 42 as a first closing timing (e.g., 30 minutes), a second closing timing (e.g., 3 hours), or a third closing timing (e.g., 6 hours). Of course, the number of types of "closing timing" can be changed as appropriate.

The motion determination unit 43 determines whether a specific, preset motion has been performed in the operation unit 34 in response to an ON signal or OFF signal input from the displacement detection device 35. In this embodiment, the specific motion is assumed to be the operation unit 34 reciprocating n times (n is a natural number, for example, 3) within a predetermined time period (for example, 3 seconds), and the motion determination unit 43 determines whether the specific motion has been performed based on whether n OFF signals have been input from the displacement detection device 35 within the predetermined time period. In this embodiment, the displacement detection device 35 and the motion determination unit 43 constitute a detection unit 6 that detects the specific motion in the operation unit 34. The detection unit 6 corresponds to the "detection means."

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the specific operation is an operation that can be performed within a range in which a predetermined portion of the operating unit 34 (e.g., the top surface of the operating button) does not exceed a predetermined open/close switching position K1 (see Figure 4).

The automatic closing control unit 44 performs various control processes related to the operation of the motor 32a, such as operating the motor 32a by controlling the power supply, referencing the contents stored in the memory unit 42, and determining the open/closed state of the drain outlet 102 based on an on or off signal input from the displacement detection device 35.

The automatic capping control unit 44 also has the function of switching the "enabled flag" in the memory unit 42 on or off, i.e., switching the automatic capping function between enabled and disabled, when a specific, pre-set operation in the operation unit 34 is detected by the displacement detection device 35 and the operation determination unit 43 (i.e., the detection unit 6).

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when the specific action is detected by the detection unit 6 in a mode (referred to as "effective mode C") in which the "effective flag" in the memory unit 42 is on and the "closing timing" is the third closing timing, the automatic closing control unit 44 changes the "effective flag" in the memory unit 42 from on to off, switching the automatic closing function from enabled to disabled. In other words, the automatic closing control unit 44 switches from effective mode C to a mode (referred to as "disabled mode") in which the "effective flag" in the memory unit 42 is off.

On the other hand, when the specific operation is detected by the detection unit 6 in a mode in which the "enabled flag" in the memory unit 42 is off (disabled mode), the automatic closing control unit 44 changes the "enabled flag" in the memory unit 42 from off to on, switching the automatic closing function from disabled to enabled. In other words, the automatic closing control unit 44 switches from the disabled mode to the enabled mode A described below.

Furthermore, when the detection unit 6 detects the specific operation on the operation unit 34, the automatic closing control unit 44 has the function of changing the "closing timing" and storing it in the memory unit 42, i.e., setting a "closing timing" different from the currently set "closing timing."

More specifically, when the specific action is detected by the detection unit 6 in a mode (referred to as "effective mode A") in which the "closing timing" in the memory unit 42 is the first closing timing, the automatic closing control unit 44 changes and sets the "closing timing" in the memory unit 42 from the first closing timing to the second closing timing. In other words, the automatic closing control unit 44 switches from effective mode A to effective mode B, which will be described below.

Furthermore, when the detection unit 6 detects the specific action in a mode (referred to as "effective mode B") in which the "closing timing" in the memory unit 42 is the second closing timing, the automatic closing control unit 44 changes and sets the "closing timing" in the memory unit 42 from the second closing timing to the third closing timing. In other words, the automatic closing control unit 44 switches from effective mode B to effective mode C.

Furthermore, when the detection unit 6 detects the specific action in a mode (invalid mode) in which the "valid flag" in the memory unit 42 is off and the "closing timing" is the third closing timing, the automatic closing control unit 44 changes and sets the "closing timing" in the memory unit 42 from the third closing timing to the first closing timing. In other words, when switching from invalid mode to valid mode A, the "valid flag" is switched from off to on and the "closing timing" is changed and set.

By configuring the automatic closing control unit 44 as described above, in this embodiment, when the operation unit 34 is operated so that the specific operation is performed, the automatic closing function is enabled or disabled or various modes with different "closing timing" are switched in the following order: disabled mode → enabled mode A → enabled mode B → enabled mode C → ... (this order is repeated thereafter).

The automatic closing control unit 44 also controls the notification unit 41 to emit a sound (audio information) when the automatic closing function is enabled or disabled or when the "closing timing" is changed or set, i.e., when switching to each mode, to notify the outside that these switches, settings, or changes have been made. In particular, in this embodiment, the automatic closing control unit 44 controls the notification unit 41 to emit a sound with different content depending on the mode to which it is switched. In other words, the notification unit 41 emits a sound with different content when the automatic closing function is enabled or disabled, and also emits a sound with different content for each "closing timing" that is set.

To give a more detailed description of the sound emitted by the notification unit 41, when switching from invalid mode to valid mode A, a relatively short sound (for example, a sound lasting 0.1 seconds) is emitted only once, when switching from valid mode A to valid mode B, a relatively short sound is emitted twice, and when switching from valid mode B to valid mode C, a relatively short sound is emitted three times. On the other hand, when switching from valid mode C to invalid mode, a relatively long sound (for example, a sound lasting 1 second) is emitted only once. The sound emitted may be changed as appropriate. However, it is preferable to set the sound emitted so that the mode after switching can be distinguished.

Furthermore, when the "valid flag" in the memory unit 42 is on and the drain outlet 102 is set to the open state, the automatic closing control unit 44 operates the motor 32a to automatically switch the drain outlet 102 from the open state to the closed state when the time corresponding to the "closing timing" has elapsed since the drain outlet 102 was set to the open state.

More specifically, when the "valid flag" is on, the automatic closing control unit 44 determines that the drain outlet 102 has been opened based on a signal input from the displacement detection device 35, and begins counting to measure time. Then, when the count value reaches a value corresponding to the "closing timing" in the memory unit 42, the automatic closing control unit 44 uses the output from the position detection sensor to supply power to the motor 32a so that the rotor 32b rotates exactly one revolution. This activates the motor 32a, causing the pressing protrusion 32c to move back and forth in the vertical direction, and the pressing protrusion 32c presses the pressed portion 34a, automatically switching the drain outlet 102 from the open state to the closed state.

On the other hand, even if the "enabled flag" is on, if the drain outlet 102 is closed, the automatic closing control unit 44 does not supply power to the motor 32a and keeps the drain outlet 102 closed. Furthermore, when the "enabled flag" is off, that is, when the automatic closing function is disabled, the automatic closing control unit 44 does not supply power to the motor 32a and keeps the drain outlet 102 open or closed.

Next, the control process related to the automatic closing function performed by the control device 4 will be explained with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 6 and 7.

In the control process related to the automatic closing function, as shown in Figure 6, first, a switching process is executed in step S10. The switching process determines whether the specific operation has been performed on the operation unit 34, and when it is determined that the operation has been performed, switches between the modes.

To explain the switching process in more detail, as shown in FIG. 7, first, in step S101, the detection unit 6 detects whether the specific operation has been performed on the operation unit 34. If not detected (step S101: No), the switching process ends. On the other hand, if detected (step S101: Yes), the process proceeds to step S102.

The processing from step S102 onwards is for determining the current mode and switching to an appropriate mode based on the determination result. In step S102, it is determined whether the "valid flag" in the memory unit 42 is on. If the "valid flag" is off, i.e., if the mode is invalid (step S102: No), the processing proceeds to step S103.

In steps S103 and S104, processing is performed to switch from the invalid mode to the valid mode A. That is, in step S103, the "valid flag" in the memory unit 42 is turned on, and in step S104, the "closing timing" in the memory unit 42 is changed and set to the first closing timing, and then the switching processing is terminated. As a result, the invalid mode is switched to the valid mode A. When switching modes, the alarm unit 41 is controlled to emit a sound corresponding to the new mode.

On the other hand, if the "valid flag" is on (step S102: Yes), the process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, it is determined whether the "closing timing" in the memory unit 42 is the first closing timing. In other words, it is determined whether it is in valid mode A. If it is in valid mode A (step S105: Yes), in step S106, the "closing timing" is changed and set to the second closing timing, and the switching process is terminated. As a result, a switch from valid mode A to valid mode B is made.

On the other hand, if the mode is not valid mode A (step S105: No), the process proceeds to step S107. In step S107, it is determined whether the "closing timing" in the memory unit 42 is the second closing timing. In other words, it is determined whether the mode is valid mode B. If the mode is valid mode B (step S107: Yes), in step S108, the "closing timing" is changed and set to the third closing timing, and the switching process is terminated. As a result, the mode is switched from valid mode B to valid mode C.

On the other hand, if the mode is not valid mode B (step S107: No), that is, if the mode is valid mode C, the process proceeds to step S109. In step S109, the "valid flag" is switched from on to off, and the switching process is then terminated. As a result, the mode is switched from valid mode C to invalid mode.

Returning to FIG. 6, following the switching process of step S10, in steps S11 and S12, it is determined whether the automatic closing function is enabled and the drain outlet 102 is open, i.e., whether the conditions for the automatic closing function to be activated are met. In step S11, to determine whether the automatic closing function is enabled, it is determined whether the "enabled flag" in the memory unit 42 is on. In step S12, it is determined whether the drain outlet 102 is open based on the output from the displacement detection device 35. Whether the drain outlet 102 is open can be determined, for example, by determining whether only an off signal is being input from the displacement detection device 35 for a certain period of time (e.g., 15 seconds) or more.

If the conditions for activating the automatic closing function are met (steps S11 and S12: Yes), step S13 determines whether the "counting flag" is on. The "counting flag" is identification information that indicates whether a time count is currently being performed. If the "counting flag" is on (step S13: Yes), that is, if counting has already started and is continuing, steps S14 and S15 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S19.

On the other hand, if the "counting flag" is off (step S13: No), i.e., if counting has not started, counting is started in step S14, and the "counting flag" is set to on in step S15, and the process proceeds to step S19.

Now, returning to steps S11 and S12, if the conditions for enabling the automatic closing function are not met, that is, if a negative judgment is made in step S11 or step S12, proceed to step S16.

In step S16, it is determined whether the "counting flag" is on. If the "counting flag" is off (step S16: Yes), that is, if counting is not being performed, the process proceeds to step S19.

On the other hand, if the "counting flag" is on (step S16: No), that is, if counting has already started and is continuing, but the automatic closing function has been disabled or the drain outlet 102 has been closed, and as a result there is no longer a need to automatically close the drain outlet 102, the "counting flag" is turned off in step S17, and the count value is reset to an initial value (e.g., 0) in step S18. Then, the process proceeds to step S19.

In step S19, it is determined whether the count value has reached a value corresponding to the "closing timing" in the memory unit 42. In other words, it is determined whether it is time to automatically switch the drain outlet 102 from an open state to a closed state. If it is not time to switch to the closed state (step S19: No), the process returns to step S10.

On the other hand, if the timing to switch to the closed state has arrived (step S19: Yes), the "counting flag" is turned off and the count value is reset to an initial value (e.g., 0) in steps S20 and S21. Next, in step S22, the motor 32a is operated so that the rotor 32b rotates once, and the process returns to step S10. Operation of the motor 32a automatically switches the drain outlet 102 from the open state to the closed state.

Next, we will explain how to use the drain plug system 1 configured as described above. First, the open/close state of the drain outlet 102 can basically be switched by manually pressing the operating unit 34.

That is, when switching the drain outlet 102 from a closed state to an open state, the operating unit 34 is manually pressed, and the operating unit 34 is moved forward against the forces applied by the return spring 23c and the biasing unit 33c until the predetermined portion of the operating unit 34 exceeds the open/close switching position K1. This causes the shaft 33a and transmission member 71 to move forward (from the operating device 3 toward the drain plug device 2), the support shaft 23b and plug lid 24 to move upward, and the packing portion 24b separates from the drain outlet member 21. Then, by releasing the pressure on the operating unit 34, the support shaft 23b and plug lid 24 move slightly downward, while the shaft 33a is locked by the locking mechanism 33b, and the support shaft 23b and plug lid 24 are locked in the upward position. This switches the drain outlet 102 from a closed state to an open state and maintains the open state.

On the other hand, when switching the drain outlet 102 from an open state to a closed state, the operating unit 34 is manually pressed to move the operating unit 34 forward until the specified portion of the operating unit 34 passes the open/close switching position K1, and then the pressing operation on the operating unit 34 is released. This unlocks the shaft 33a and therefore the plug lid 24, locked by the locking mechanism 33b. As a result, the return force applied by the return spring 23c and the biasing portion 33c in the return direction moves the transmission member 71, operating unit 34, etc. back, and the support shaft 23b and plug lid 24 move downward. As a result, the gasket portion 24b comes into contact with the drain outlet member 21, switching the drain outlet 102 from an open state to a closed state.

Furthermore, the automatic closing function can be enabled or disabled, and the "closing timing" can be changed or set by manually pressing the operation unit 34. In other words, the automatic closing function can be enabled or disabled by pressing the operation unit 34 so that a specific operation preset in the operation unit 34 is performed. As described above, the specific operation can be performed within a range in which the specified portion of the operation unit 34 does not exceed the open/close switch position K1. Therefore, there is no need to move the operation unit 34 forward significantly (press it deeply) to enable or disable the automatic closing function.

As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, the automatic closing function can automatically switch the drain outlet 102 from an open state to a closed state. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent situations in which hot water or the like is supplied to the bathtub 100 while the drain outlet 102 is left in an open state. Furthermore, the automatic closing function can reduce the hassle of having to switch the drain outlet 102 from an open state to a closed state every time you want to fill the bathtub 100 with hot water or the like. As a result, convenience for the user can be increased.

Furthermore, the automatic closing function can be enabled or disabled by operating the operating unit 34 and performing a specific operation preset in the operating unit 34. In other words, the operating unit 34, which is the object of operation when opening and closing the drain outlet 102, also serves as the object of operation when enabling or disabling the automatic closing function. This eliminates the need to provide a separate device for enabling or disabling the automatic closing function. As a result, it is possible to prevent increases in costs associated with the manufacturing and maintenance of the drain plug system 1.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the "closing timing" can be changed using the operating unit 34. This eliminates the need to provide a separate device for changing the "closing timing." As a result, increases in costs associated with manufacturing and maintenance of the drain plug system 1 can be more effectively suppressed.

In addition, when the detection unit 6 detects a specific operation on the operation unit 34, the notification unit 41 notifies the outside. This makes it possible to more reliably and easily determine whether operations to enable or disable the automatic plugging function or change the "plugging timing" have been properly input to the drain plug system 1 (control device 4). This further enhances convenience for the user.

In addition, when the "closing timing" is changed, different information is notified externally depending on the "closing timing" that is set. This makes it possible to more reliably grasp the set "closing timing," further improving convenience.

Furthermore, when manually operating the operating unit 34 to enable or disable the automatic closing function, the operating unit 34 must be operated against the forces applied by the return spring 23c and the biasing member 33c. The greater the forward movement of the operating unit 34, the greater the force applied to the operating unit 34 from the return spring 23c and the biasing member 33c. However, the specific operation of the operating unit 34 can be performed within a range in which a predetermined portion of the operating unit 34 (e.g., the top surface of the operation button) does not exceed the open/close switching position K1. Therefore, when enabling or disabling the automatic closing function, the operating unit 34 does not need to be moved forward very far, and the force to be applied to the operating unit 34 against the forces applied by the return spring 23c and the biasing member 33c can be made relatively small. Furthermore, the amount of movement of the operating unit 34 when manually operating the operating unit 34 can be made relatively small. These features combine to make it possible to more reliably and easily perform the specific operation using the operation unit 34. As a result, convenience for the user can be further improved.

Furthermore, since the automatic shutoff function can be enabled or disabled while ensuring that a specific portion of the operating unit 34 (for example, the top surface of the operating button) does not exceed the open/close switch position K1, the open/close state of the drain outlet 102 can be maintained when making such a switch. This makes it possible, for example, to enable or disable the automatic shutoff function while the drain outlet 102 is closed and water remains in the bathtub 100, further improving convenience.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented, for example, as follows. Of course, other applications and modifications not exemplified below are also possible.

(a) In the above embodiment, the operation unit 34 is configured so that a specific, preset operation can be performed to change or set a "closing timing" different from the currently set "closing timing." In contrast, the "closing timing" may not be changed or set. In other words, the operation unit 34 may be configured so that a specific, preset operation can be performed to simply switch the automatic closing function between enabled and disabled. In this case, there is only one type of "closing timing."

(b) In the above embodiment, the drain outlet 102 is configured to automatically switch from an open state to a closed state when a time corresponding to the "closing timing" has elapsed since the drain outlet 102 was opened. In contrast, the drain outlet 102 may be configured to automatically switch from an open state to a closed state when a time corresponding to the "closing timing" has elapsed since the specific operation was performed on the operation unit 34. In other words, the counting may start when the specific operation was performed on the operation unit 34.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the "closing timing" indicates the time from when the drain outlet 102 is opened until the drain outlet 102 is automatically switched from an open state to a closed state. In contrast, the "closing timing" may also be a time. For example, the control device 4 may be provided with a clock unit that functions as a clock to keep track of the current time, and when the time indicated by the clock unit matches the time set (stored) as the "closing timing," the motor 32a may be operated to switch the drain outlet 102 from an open state to a closed state. The time set as the "closing timing" may be one type, or multiple types (for example, two types, 0:00 and 12:00).

(c) In the above embodiment, the specific action is assumed to be the operation unit 34 moving back and forth n times (e.g., three times) within a predetermined time period (e.g., three seconds), but the specific action is not limited to this. For example, the specific action may be the operation unit 34 being maintained in a forward movement state for a period of time greater than or equal to t1 seconds and less than or equal to t2 seconds (t1 and t2 are both positive numbers, and t1 < t2; t1 is, for example, 3 to 5, and t2 is, for example, 10 or more), followed by a return movement (being pressed and held for a certain period of time or more).

(d) In the above embodiment, the specific action on the operation unit 34 for enabling or disabling the automatic closing function and the specific action on the operation unit 34 for changing or setting the "closing timing" are the same, but they may be different. For example, the automatic closing function may be enabled or disabled by pressing and holding the operation unit 34 for a certain period of time or longer, and the "closing timing" may be changed or set by pressing the operation unit 34 a certain number of times within a certain period of time.

(e) In the above embodiment, the notification unit 41 emits sounds of different frequencies and lengths to notify the outside world of the switching of the automatic closing function between enabled and disabled and the "closing timing" that has been set. In contrast, the notification unit may also notify the outside world that the automatic closing function has been enabled or switched by emitting a sound that directly indicates information about the switching of the automatic closing function between enabled and disabled and the "closing timing" that has been set (for example, a sound such as "The automatic closing function has been disabled").

The alarm unit may also provide information other than sound to the outside. Therefore, the alarm unit may be, for example, a light-emitting device (e.g., an LED) installed within the housing 31a that irradiates a predetermined light into the housing space of the operation unit 34 and the shaft 33a within the case 31. In this case, different light (e.g., light with different lighting durations, flashing intervals, number of flashes, color, etc.) may be irradiated when the automatic closing function is switched on or off, and different light may be irradiated for each set "closing timing." In the case of a light-emitting device that irradiates light into the case 31 as described above, the irradiated light leaks out of the case 31 through the gap between the operation unit 34 (operation button) and the case 31. Of course, the configuration of the light-emitting device (e.g., placement position, light irradiation position, etc.) may be modified as appropriate.

(f) Although not specifically described in the above embodiment, a confirmation means may be provided that can confirm whether the automatic closing function is enabled or disabled and the set "closing timing" without switching the automatic closing function on or off or changing or setting the "closing timing." The confirmation means may be configured, for example, as a device (e.g., a sound source device or a light-emitting device) that notifies the outside when a specific, pre-set confirmation action is performed on the operating unit. Note that the specific confirmation action is an action that is different from the specific action for switching the automatic closing function on or off or changing or setting the "closing timing."

(g) The drain plug device 2 and operating device 3 in the above embodiment are each an example, and the configurations of the drain plug device 2 and operating device 3 may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the operating device 3 may use an operating unit that is rotatable and moves back and forth along the rotation direction, or an electrically operated unit other than the motor 32a (such as a solenoid). Furthermore, the drain plug device 2 may use a plug cap that closes the drain outlet 102 by contacting the bottom wall portion 101.

(h) In the above embodiment, the operating device 3 is attached to the flange portion 104 of the bathtub 100, but the attachment position of the operating device 3 is not particularly limited. Therefore, the operating device 3 may be attached, for example, to a counter near the bathtub 100 or an apron installed on the side of the bathtub 100.

1...Drain plug system, 6...Detection unit (detection means), 23a...Return spring (return force application unit), 24...Plug cover, 32...Drive mechanism (drive unit), 32a...Motor (energized operation unit), 33b...Locking mechanism (locking means), 33c...Energy applying unit (return force application unit), 34...Operation unit, 41...Alarm unit (alarm means), 44...Automatic closing control unit (operation unit control means, switching means, closing timing setting means), 100...Bathtub, 102...Drain outlet, K1...Open/close switching position.

Claims (5)

a reciprocating stopper cover for opening and closing a drain hole formed in the bathtub;
An operating unit that can be manually operated and that can reciprocate the plug cover in response to its own operation to switch the open/closed state of the drain outlet;
a drive unit having an energization operation unit that can be operated by energization, and capable of operating the operation unit by operation of the energization operation unit;
an operation unit control means capable of controlling the operation of the energization operation unit;
A drain plug system having an automatic plugging function that controls the operation of the energizing operation unit by the operation unit control means to automatically switch the drain outlet from an open state to a closed state,
a detection means for detecting an operation of the operation unit;
a switching means for switching between enabling and disabling the automatic closing function when a specific preset operation of the operation unit is detected by the detection means ;
and a closing timing setting means for setting a closing timing, which is the timing at which the drain outlet is automatically switched from an open state to a closed state, by operating the energizing operating unit using the operating unit control means,
A drain plug system characterized in that the closing timing setting means is configured to be able to set a closing timing different from the currently set closing timing when the detection means detects a specific predetermined operation in the operating unit . a reciprocating stopper cover for opening and closing a drain hole formed in the bathtub;
An operating unit that can be manually operated and that can reciprocate the plug cover in response to its own operation to switch the open/closed state of the drain outlet;
a drive unit having an energization operation unit that can be operated by energization, and capable of operating the operation unit by operation of the energization operation unit;
an operation unit control means capable of controlling the operation of the energization operation unit;
A drain plug system having an automatic plugging function that controls the operation of the energizing operation unit by the operation unit control means to automatically switch the drain outlet from an open state to a closed state,
a detection means for detecting an operation of the operation unit;
a switching means for switching between enabling and disabling the automatic capping function when a predetermined specific operation of the operation unit is detected by the detection means;
A locking means capable of locking the plug cover to maintain the drain outlet in an open state;
a return force imparting unit that imparts a force in a return direction to the operation unit,
Each time a predetermined portion of the operating unit is moved forward beyond a predetermined open/close switching position, the locking means locks the plug lid to maintain the drain outlet in an open state, and the locking means releases the plug lid, causing the operating unit to return using the return force applying unit and closing the drain outlet.
The drain plug system is characterized in that the specific operation is an operation that can be performed within a range in which the predetermined portion of the operating unit does not exceed the open/close switching position. a closing timing setting means for setting a closing timing, which is the timing at which the drain outlet is automatically switched from an open state to a closed state, by operating the energizing operating unit using the operating unit control means;
The drain plug system according to claim 2, characterized in that the closing timing setting means is configured to be able to set a closing timing different from the currently set closing timing when the detection means detects a specific predetermined operation in the operating unit . A drain plug system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is further provided with an alarm means for notifying an external party of information when the detection means detects a predetermined specific operation in the operating unit. 5. The drain plug system according to claim 4 , wherein the notification means is configured to be able to notify the outside of information of different contents depending on the set closing timing.