JP2021165591A - Water heater - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a water heater capable of suppressing unnecessary additional hot water supply occurring due to detection error in a water level detection means and to carry out stable control adjusted for the starting of bathing of a user.SOLUTION: A water heater 1 includes: a water level sensor 17 for detecting a water level inside a bathtub 60; a control unit 27 for controlling a hot water filling operation inside the bathtub 60 and a hot water addition operation for replenishing the hot water inside the bathtub 60 when the water level inside the bathtub 60 is lowered, and for detecting start of bathing when the water level rises; and a storage unit 28 for storing passage of time after the hot water filling operation is finished to the start of bathing every time the hot water filling operation is carried out. The control unit 27 sets a hot water addition restriction time from the passed time stored in the storage unit 28 and makes the amount of hot water replenished into the hot water adding operation less than the amount of hot water replenished after the additional hot water limit time has passed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to a water heater.

As a conventional hot water supply device, for example, the bath hot water supply device described in Patent Document 1 is known. The bath hot water supply device of Patent Document 1 includes a heating means for heating the water supply, a hot water filling circuit for filling the bathtub with heated hot water, and a hot water filling flow rate provided in the middle of the hot water filling circuit to count the amount of hot water filling. It is equipped with a sensor, a hot water filling control valve provided in the middle of the hot water filling circuit to start and stop hot water filling, and a water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the bathtub. Fill with refilling water to maintain the water level. Then, the amount of refilled water is accumulated and counted by the hot water filling flow sensor at the time of refilling hot water, and when the cumulative amount of refilling water exceeds the cumulative upper limit refilling amount, the hot water filling control valve is closed and the refilling hot water filling is stopped.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-42534

In the above bath water heater, for example, when the water level is detected to be significantly lower than the actual water level by the water level detecting means due to a malfunction of the water level detecting means, when the cumulative refilling amount exceeds the cumulative upper limit refilling amount, the refilling water filling, that is, adding is added. The hot water can be stopped. However, even if the water level detection means is erroneously detected, the additional hot water is added up to the cumulative upper limit of the replenishment amount, so that the countermeasure is insufficient in terms of suppressing unnecessary additional hot water.

As a method of suppressing this unnecessary footbath, it is conceivable to prevent the footbath from being performed until the user starts bathing. However, when bathing is detected by using the water level detecting means, there is a possibility that bathing may be erroneously detected due to erroneous detection of the water level detecting means. Therefore, in the method of detecting bathing each time by the water level detecting means, there is a possibility that stable control according to the start of bathing by the user cannot be performed.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to suppress unnecessary footbath generated by erroneous detection of the water level detecting means, and it is stable at the start of bathing by the user. It is an object of the present invention to provide a controllable hot water supply device.

The hot water supply device according to the present disclosure includes a heating means for heating water to generate hot water, a hot water supply circuit for sending hot water to a bathtub, a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the bathtub, and a hot water filling operation for filling the bathtub with hot water. And when the water level detected by the water level sensor drops after the end of the hot water filling operation, the additional hot water operation to replenish the hot water in the bathtub is controlled, and the water level detected by the water level sensor rises after the end of the hot water filling operation. The control unit is equipped with a control unit that detects the start of bathing when the bathtub is used, and a storage unit that stores the elapsed time from the end of the hot water filling operation to the start of bathing each time the hot water filling operation is performed. , Set the additional hot water time limit from the elapsed time stored in the storage unit, and add the amount of hot water to be replenished in the additional hot water operation from the end of the hot water filling operation to the elapse of the additional hot water time limit. The amount of hot water to be replenished after the hot water time limit has elapsed should be less than the amount of hot water to be replenished.

Further, the hot water supply device according to the present disclosure includes a heating means for heating water to generate hot water, a hot water supply circuit for sending hot water to the bathtub, a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the bathtub, and hot water for filling the bathtub. Controls the additional hot water operation to replenish hot water in the bathtub when the water level detected by the water level sensor drops after the end of the filling operation and the hot water filling operation, and the water level detected by the water level sensor after the end of the hot water filling operation. It is equipped with a control unit that detects the start of bathing when the water level rises, and a storage unit that stores the elapsed time from the end of the hot water filling operation to the start of bathing each time the hot water filling operation is performed. The unit sets the additional hot water time limit from the elapsed time stored in the storage unit, and the water level and hot water filling detected by the water level sensor between the end of the hot water filling operation and the elapse of the hot water time limit. When the water level difference from the hot water filling completed water level, which is the water level detected by the water level sensor at the end, is equal to or greater than the first water level decrease and less than the second water level decrease, which is larger than the first water level decrease. The hot water is replenished so that the water level reaches the completion of hot water filling, and if the water level difference is equal to or greater than the second decrease in water level, the replenishment of hot water is prohibited.

Further, the hot water supply device according to the present disclosure includes a heating means for heating water to generate hot water, a hot water supply circuit for sending hot water to the bathtub, a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the bathtub, and hot water for filling the bathtub. Controls the additional hot water operation to replenish hot water in the bathtub when the water level detected by the water level sensor drops after the end of the filling operation and the hot water filling operation, and the water level detected by the water level sensor after the end of the hot water filling operation. It is equipped with a control unit that detects the start of bathing when the water level rises, and a storage unit that stores the elapsed time from the end of the hot water filling operation to the start of bathing each time the hot water filling operation is performed. The unit sets the additional hot water time limit from the elapsed time stored in the storage unit, and the water level and hot water filling detected by the water level sensor between the end of the hot water filling operation and the elapse of the hot water time limit. When the water level difference from the hot water filling completed water level, which is the water level detected by the water level sensor at the end, is equal to or greater than the first water level decrease and less than the second water level decrease, which is larger than the first water level decrease. To replenish hot water in an amount less than the amount of hot water to be replenished after the time limit for adding hot water has passed, and if the water level difference is equal to or greater than the second water level drop, replenishing hot water is prohibited. ..

According to the hot water supply device according to the present disclosure, the elapsed time from the end of the hot water filling operation to the start of bathing is stored every time the hot water filling operation is performed. Then, the addition water limit time is set from this memorized elapsed time, and the amount of hot water to be replenished in the addition water operation is limited from the end of the hot water filling operation to the elapse of the addition water time limit. Use less than the amount of hot water to be replenished over time. As a result, unnecessary footbath generated by erroneous detection of the water level sensor can be suppressed, and stable control can be performed according to the start of bathing by the user.

It is the schematic which shows the structure of the hot water supply apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a control block diagram of the hot water supply device which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware composition of the processing circuit which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the control device which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the control device which concerns on Embodiment 2.

Embodiment 1.
The configuration of the hot water supply device 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the hot water supply device 1 according to the first embodiment. The hot water supply device 1 in the first embodiment is a hot water storage type hot water supply device.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hot water supply device 1 includes a heat source machine 2, a tank unit 3, and a remote control device 40. The heat source machine 2 is a heating means that heats the water led from the tank unit 3 to generate hot water. The heat source machine 2 is, for example, a heat pump type heating device.

The tank unit 3 includes a hot water storage tank 4 for storing hot water, various pipes 5 to 12, a circulation pump 13, a hot water mixing valve 14, a flow rate control valve 15, a flow rate sensor 16, a water level sensor 17, a temperature sensor 18, and a control device 30. Be prepared.

One end of the heat source machine going pipe 5 is connected to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 4, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the heat source machine 2. One end of the heat source machine return pipe 6 is connected to the outlet of the heat source machine 2, and the other end is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 4. The heat source machine going pipe 5 is provided with a circulation pump 13 that sends the water in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 4 to the heat source machine 2. The boiling circuit 70 is formed by the heat source machine forward pipe 5 and the heat source machine return pipe 6. The boiling circuit 70 is a circuit that sends the low-temperature water in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 4 to the heat source machine 2 and returns the high-temperature water generated by being heated by the heat source machine 2 to the upper part in the hot water storage tank 4 in the boiling operation described later. Is.

One end of the first hot water supply pipe 7 is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 4, and the other end is connected to the hot water inlet of the hot water mixing valve 14. The hot and cold water mixing valve 14 has a hot water inlet, a water inlet, and an outlet. One end of the first water supply pipe 8 is connected to the water inlet of the hot water mixing valve 14. The other end of the first water supply pipe 8 is connected to a water source such as water supply. One end of the second water supply pipe 9 is connected in the middle of the first water supply pipe 8. The other end of the second water supply pipe 9 is connected to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 4. The water supplied from the water source flows into the lower part of the hot water storage tank 4 through the first water supply pipe 8 and the second water supply pipe 9.

One end of the second hot water supply pipe 10 is connected to the outlet of the hot water mixing valve 14. The other end of the second hot water supply pipe 10 is connected to one end of the first bath pipe 11 and one end of the second bath pipe 12. The other end of the first bath pipe 11 and the other end of the second bath pipe 12 are connected to the bathtub 60. The other end of the second hot water supply pipe 10 described above, one end of the first bath pipe 11, and one end of the second bath pipe 12 communicate with each other.

The second hot water supply pipe 10 is provided with a flow rate control valve 15 and a flow rate sensor 16. The flow rate adjusting valve 15 adjusts the flow rate of hot water passing through the second hot water supply pipe 10 by opening and closing the flow path in the second hot water supply pipe 10. The flow rate sensor 16 detects the flow rate of hot water passing through the second hot water supply pipe 10.

A water level sensor 17 is provided in the first bath pipe 11. The water level sensor 17 detects the water level in the bathtub 60 based on the water pressure in the first bath pipe 11. The water level sensor 17 detects the water level in the bathtub 60 with reference to its own mounting position. A temperature sensor 18 for detecting the temperature of hot water is provided at a position where the first bath pipe 11, the second bath pipe 12, and the second hot water supply pipe 10 meet. The hot water supply circuit 80 is formed by the first hot water supply pipe 7, the second hot water supply pipe 10, the first bath pipe 11, and the second bath pipe 12. The hot water supply circuit 80 is a circuit for sending hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 4 to the bathtub 60 in the hot water filling operation and the hot water addition operation described later.

The first bath pipe 11 and the second bath pipe 12 may form a bath circulation circuit in which the bathtub water in the bathtub 60 circulates. In this case, the first bath pipe 11 or the second bath pipe 12 is provided with a bath circulation pump for circulating bathtub water. Further, the first bath pipe 11 or the second bath pipe 12 may be provided with a heating means for heating the circulating bath water so that the bath water can be reheated.

The control device 30 is electrically connected to the heat source machine 2, the circulation pump 13, the hot water mixing valve 14, the flow rate control valve 15, the flow rate sensor 16, the water level sensor 17, and the temperature sensor 18. Further, the control device 30 is connected to the remote controller device 40 by wire or wirelessly so as to be capable of bidirectional data communication.

The remote control device 40 is a user interface and includes a display unit 41 and an operation unit 42. The display unit 41 displays, for example, information on the operating state and setting contents of the hot water supply device 1. The display unit 41 is formed of, for example, a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 42 is, for example, a button that receives a command from a user. The user can use the operation unit 42 to perform, for example, an operation of starting a hot water filling operation and changing a set value. The remote control device 40 is installed in, for example, a bathroom in which a bathtub 60 is installed.

Next, the control system of the hot water supply device 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the hot water supply device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 30 includes flow rate information detected by the flow rate sensor 16, water level information detected by the water level sensor 17, temperature information detected by the temperature sensor 18, and a remote control device 40. The operation information input by is input. The control device 30 controls the operations of the heat source machine 2, the circulation pump 13, the hot water mixing valve 14, and the flow rate control valve 15 based on the input information.

The control device 30 includes a heat source machine drive unit 20, a circulation pump drive unit 21, a mixing valve drive unit 22, a flow rate control valve drive unit 23, a pulse detection unit 24, a first AD (analog-digital) conversion unit 25, and a second AD conversion unit. 26, a control unit 27, a storage unit 28, and a communication circuit unit 29 are provided.

The heat source machine drive unit 20 controls the operation of the heat source machine 2 under the control of the control unit 27. The circulation pump drive unit 21 controls the operation of the circulation pump 13 under the control of the control unit 27. The mixing valve driving unit 22 controls the operation of the hot water mixing valve 14 under the control of the control unit 27. The flow rate control valve drive unit 23 controls the operation of the flow rate control valve 15 under the control of the control unit 27.

The pulse detection unit 24 detects the pulse signal sent from the flow rate sensor 16 and sends the detection result to the control unit 27. The first AD conversion unit 25 converts the analog detection signal sent from the water level sensor 17 into a digital signal and sends it to the control unit 27. The second AD conversion unit 26 converts the analog detection signal sent from the temperature sensor 18 into a digital signal and sends it to the control unit 27.

The control unit 27 includes a boiling control unit 27a, a hot water filling control unit 27b, and a hot water control unit 27c. The boiling control unit 27a controls the operations of the heat source machine drive unit 20 and the circulation pump drive unit 21 in the boiling operation. The boiling operation is an operation of storing the hot water boiled by the heat source machine 2 in the hot water storage tank 4. The hot water filling control unit 27b controls the operations of the mixing valve driving unit 22 and the flow rate control valve driving unit 23 during the hot water filling operation. The hot water filling operation is an operation in which the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 4 is filled in the bathtub 60. The footbath control unit 27c controls the operations of the mixing valve drive unit 22 and the flow rate control valve drive unit 23 during the footbath operation. The addition hot water operation is an operation of replenishing hot water in the bathtub 60 when the water level in the bathtub 60 drops after the end of the hot water filling operation.

The storage unit 28 stores in advance the control program executed by the control unit 27. Further, the storage unit 28 stores in advance the amount of water level drop that triggers the start of the hot water operation. The amount of water level decrease is, for example, 4 cm. In addition, the storage unit 28 stores the amount of water level rise that triggers the detection that a person has started bathing in the bathtub 60. The amount of water level rise is, for example, 5 cm. Further, in the storage unit 28, the amount of hot water filled by the user set by the remote controller 40 (hereinafter referred to as the hot water filling set amount) and the water level in the bathtub 60 at the end of the hot water filling operation (hereinafter referred to as the hot water filling completed water level). Is remembered. Further, the storage unit 28 stores the elapsed time from the end of the hot water filling operation to the start of a person bathing in the bathtub 60 each time the hot water filling operation is performed. The communication circuit unit 29 transmits the information input by the remote controller device 40 to the control unit 27.

The control device 30 is realized as, for example, a processing circuit having a hardware configuration shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the processing circuit according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 30 includes, for example, a processor 51 as a calculation unit and a memory 52 as a storage unit. When the processor 51 executes the program stored in the memory 52, each function of the control device 30 is realized. It should be noted that a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories may be linked to realize each function of the control device 30.

Next, the basic operation of the hot water supply device 1 will be described. First, the boiling operation will be described. The boiling control unit 27a starts the boiling operation in a preset time zone such as a midnight power time zone. In the boiling operation, the boiling control unit 27a controls the operations of the heat source machine drive unit 20 and the circulation pump drive unit 21 to operate the heat source machine 2 and the circulation pump 13. As a result, the low-temperature water in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 4 is sent to the heat source machine 2 through the heat source machine going pipe 5. The hot water generated by being heated by the heat source machine 2 flows into the upper part of the hot water storage tank 4 through the heat source machine return pipe 6. The boiling control unit 27a performs a boiling operation until a required amount of hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank 4.

Next, the hot water filling operation will be described. When the hot water filling control unit 27b receives a signal from the communication circuit unit 29 that the hot water filling start command has been input to the remote controller device 40, the hot water filling operation starts. In the hot water filling operation, the hot water filling control unit 27b controls the operation of the flow rate control valve drive unit 23 to open the flow rate control valve 15. As a result, the high-temperature water in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 4 that has flowed into the hot water inlet of the hot water mixing valve 14 and the low-temperature water from the water source that has flowed into the water inlet of the hot water mixing valve 14 are mixed, and the temperature-controlled hot water is produced. It flows out from the outlet of the hot water mixing valve 14. The hot water flowing out from the outlet of the hot water mixing valve 14 is supplied into the bathtub 60 through the second hot water supply pipe 10, the first bath pipe 11, and the second bath pipe 12.

In the hot water filling operation, the hot water filling control unit 27b obtains the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 18 based on the signal sent from the second AD conversion unit 26, and sets this temperature and the set temperature set by the remote controller 40. The operation of the mixing valve drive unit 22 is controlled based on the above, and the temperature of the hot water supplied into the bathtub 60 is adjusted. Further, the hot water filling control unit 27b obtains the amount of hot water detected by the flow rate sensor 16 based on the signal sent from the pulse detection unit 24, and based on this hot water amount and the hot water filling set amount set by the remote controller 40. The operation of the flow rate control valve drive unit 23 is controlled to adjust the amount of hot water supplied into the bathtub 60.

Next, the hot water operation will be described. The footbath control unit 27c obtained the water level in the bathtub 60 detected by the water level sensor 17 based on the signal sent from the first AD conversion unit 25, and the current water level was lower than the water filling completion water level. If so, start the hot water operation. In the hot water operation, the hot water control unit 27c controls the operation of the flow rate control valve drive unit 23 to open the flow rate control valve 15. As a result, the hot water whose temperature has been adjusted by the hot water mixing valve 14 is supplied into the bathtub 60 through the second hot water supply pipe 10, the first bath pipe 11, and the second bath pipe 12. In the footbath operation, the footbath control unit 27c controls the operations of the mixing valve drive unit 22 and the flow rate control valve drive unit 23 to adjust the temperature and amount of hot water to be replenished in the bathtub 60.

Here, the water level sensor 17 detects the water level in the bathtub 60 based on the water pressure in the first bath pipe 11. Therefore, when an air pool is generated in the first bath pipe 11, the water level detected by the water level sensor 17 becomes lower than the actual water level. Further, even if a problem occurs in the water level sensor 17, the water level detected by the water level sensor 17 may be lower than the actual water level. At this time, even if the water level in the bathtub 60 is not actually lowered before the user starts bathing, the footbath operation is started and unnecessary footbath is generated.

In particular, when the water level is detected by the water level sensor 17 to be significantly lower than the actual water level, the amount of hot water replenished to the bathtub 60 by the addition hot water operation increases, so that the bathtub 60 may overflow. be. Further, it is assumed that there is no bather near the bathtub 60 from the completion of the hot water filling until the bather takes a bath, and the footbath operation cannot be stopped even if the footbath is unnecessary.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to suppress unnecessary footbath generated by erroneous detection of the water level sensor 17, replenishment is performed in the footbath operation from the end of the hot water filling operation to the start of bathing by the user. Limit the amount of hot water you use.

Specifically, when the water level detected by the water level sensor 17 becomes equal to or higher than the water level rise amount stored in the storage unit 28 after the end of the hot water filling operation, the bather starts bathing. Detect what you have done. The storage unit 28 stores the elapsed time from the end of the hot water filling operation to the start of bathing each time the hot water filling operation is performed. The footbath control unit 27c sets the footbath time limit from the memorized daily elapsed time.

In the present embodiment, the average value of the elapsed time stored in the storage unit 28 is added and set as the hot water time limit. The time limit for adding hot water may be set to be longer when the elapsed time stored in the storage unit 28 is longer than when the elapsed time is short. For example, the time limit is stored in the storage unit 28. It may be the shortest value of the elapsed time. Further, the addition bath time limit may be a value obtained by subtracting a certain value from the average value of the elapsed time stored in the storage unit 28. Further, for setting the time limit for adding hot water, a certain period of the elapsed time stored in the storage unit 28, for example, the elapsed time of one week immediately before may be used.

Then, the footbath control unit 27c limits the amount of hot water to be replenished in the footbath operation from the end of the hot water filling operation to the elapse of the footbath time limit. That is, after the time limit for adding hot water has elapsed since the end of the hot water filling operation, the hot water is replenished by the adding hot water operation so that the water level in the bathtub 60 returns to the water level at which the hot water filling is completed. Until the time elapses, the amount of hot water to be replenished in the addition hot water operation is made smaller than the amount of hot water to be replenished after the time limit for adding hot water has elapsed. It should be noted that the replenishment of hot water in the footbath operation may be prohibited until the time limit for the footbath elapses, and the footbath may not be used at all.

Next, the specific operation of the control device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 30 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 shows the operation when the hot water supply device 1 automatically performs the hot water filling operation and the hot water addition operation. It is assumed that a sufficient amount of hot water is already stored in the hot water storage tank 4.

When the user inputs a start command instructing the start of the hot water filling operation to the remote controller device 40, the control device 30 starts controlling the flowchart of FIG.

In step S1, the hot water filling control unit 27b controls the operation of the mixing valve drive unit 22 and the flow rate control valve drive unit 23, and controls the opening degree of the hot water mixing valve 14 and the flow rate control valve 15. As a result, hot water having a temperature set by the user starts to be supplied into the bathtub 60. That is, the hot water filling operation is started.

When the hot water supply is started in step S1, the hot water filling control unit 27b calculates the horizontal cross-sectional area of the bathtub 60. The method of calculating the horizontal cross-sectional area of the bathtub 60 is as follows, for example. The hot water supply to the bathtub 60 is performed in a plurality of times with a predetermined amount Qs (for example, 20 L), and the change amount Hs of the water level in the bathtub 60 is detected by the water level sensor 17 at each hot water supply. Then, the horizontal cross-sectional area A of the bathtub 60 is calculated by the following formula (i) from the amount of hot water supplied Qs each time and the amount of change in water level Hs at that time.
A = Qs ÷ Hs ... (i)
The horizontal cross-sectional area A calculated here is stored in the storage unit 28. The operation of calculating the horizontal cross-sectional area of the bathtub 60 as described above may be performed only during the first hot water filling operation after the installation of the hot water supply device 1.

After step S1, the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the hot water filling control unit 27b determines whether or not the amount of hot water supplied into the bathtub 60 is equal to or greater than the hot water filling set amount based on the signal sent from the pulse detection unit 24. If it is determined in step S2 that the amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub 60 is less than the hot water filling set amount, step S2 is repeated. If it is determined in step S2 that the amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub 60 is equal to or greater than the hot water filling set amount, the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the hot water filling control unit 27b controls the operation of the flow rate control valve drive unit 23 to close the flow rate control valve 15 and stop the hot water supply to the bathtub 60. As a result, the hot water filling operation is completed.

After step S3, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the hot water filling control unit 27b calculates the water level at the end of the hot water filling operation, that is, the hot water filling completion water level, based on the signal sent from the first AD conversion unit 25. This hot water filling completion water level is stored in the storage unit 28.

After step S4, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the hot water filling control unit 27b adds a signal to the effect that the hot water filling operation is completed and transmits the signal to the hot water control unit 27c.

The addition hot water control unit 27c starts operation when it receives a signal from the hot water filling control unit 27b that the hot water filling operation is completed. In step S6, the footbath control unit 27c reads out the value of the water level drop amount that triggers the start of the footbath operation and the value of the hot water filling completion water level from the storage unit 28. Then, the footbath control unit 27c calculates the water level detected by the water level sensor 17 based on the signal sent from the first AD conversion unit 25, and the water level between the calculated current water level and the water filling completion water level. It is determined whether or not the difference is equal to or greater than the above-mentioned amount of water level decrease. In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the current water level in the bathtub 60 is 4 cm or more lower than the water filling completion water level. In step S6, if it is determined that the water level difference is less than 4 cm, step S6 is repeated, and if it is determined that the water level difference is 4 cm or more, the process proceeds to step S7.

In step S7, the footbath control unit 27c determines whether or not the elapsed time from the end of the hot water filling operation is equal to or longer than the hot water limit time. In step S7, if it is determined that the elapsed time from the end of the hot water filling operation is equal to or longer than the added hot water time limit, the process proceeds to step S8, and if the elapsed time is within the added hot water time limit, the process proceeds to step S9.

In step S8, the footbath control unit 27c calculates the footbath amount V0 after the footbath time limit elapses. The amount of hot water added V0 is determined from the horizontal cross-sectional area A of the bathtub 60 calculated in step S1, the water filling completion water level Hc calculated in step S4, and the current water level H0 of the bathtub 60 calculated in step S6. It is calculated by the following formula (ii).
V0 = A × (Hc-H0) ... (ii)
For example, when the horizontal cross-sectional area A of the bathtub 60 is 0.66 m ² , the water level Hc at which the bathtub is filled is 0.45 m, and the water level H0 of the current bathtub 60 is 0.41 m, the amount of hot water added is V0 as follows. Is calculated.
V0 = 0.66 × (0.45-0.41) = 26.4L

On the other hand, in step S9, the footbath control unit 27c determines the footbath amount Vm within the footbath time limit. Within the time limit for adding hot water, you may not add hot water at all, or you may limit the amount of hot water added at one time. That is, the amount of footbath Vm within the time limit for footbath may be 0 L, and consideration is given to the fact that the amount of hot water in the bathtub 60 is reduced by using the hot water in the bathtub 60 by the user washing his / her body before taking a bath. Then, regardless of the amount of decrease in the water level, the amount may be constant, for example, 10 L. While the hot water is replenished so that the water level in the bathtub 60 returns to the water level at which the hot water filling is completed outside the time limit for adding hot water, the amount of hot water replenished within the time limit for adding hot water is less than the amount of hot water replenished outside the time limit for adding hot water. You can replenish the hot water at.

When the amount of hot water V0 is calculated in step S8, the process proceeds to step S10. In step S10, the footbath control unit 27c sets the footbath amount Va to be replenished by the footbath operation to the footbath water amount V0 (Va = V0).

When the amount of hot water Vm is calculated in step S9, the process proceeds to step S11. In step S11, the footbath control unit 27c determines the footbath water amount Va to be replenished by the footbath operation to the footbath water amount Vm (Va = Vm).

After step S10 and step S11, the process proceeds to step S12, respectively. In step S12, the footbath control unit 27c starts the footbath operation. That is, the hot water control unit 27c controls the operations of the mixing valve drive unit 22 and the flow rate control valve drive unit 23. As a result, hot water having a temperature set by the user begins to be replenished into the bathtub 60.

After step S12, the process proceeds to step S13. In step S13, the footbath control unit 27c determines whether or not the amount of hot water replenished into the bathtub 60 is equal to or greater than the above-mentioned amount of hot water Va or more based on the signal sent from the pulse detection unit 24. In step S13, if the amount of hot water replenished is less than the amount of hot water added Va, step S13 is repeated, and if the amount of hot water replenished is greater than or equal to the amount of hot water added Va, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, the hot water control unit 27c controls the operation of the flow rate control valve drive unit 23 to close the flow rate control valve 15 and stop the hot water supply. As a result, the hot water operation is completed. After step S14, the process proceeds to step S6. After that, the above-mentioned steps S6 to S14 are repeated. When the user inputs an end command instructing the end of the hot water operation to the remote control device 40 between steps S6 to S14, the control device 30 ends the control.

According to the hot water supply device 1 of the first embodiment, the amount of hot water to be replenished in the bathtub 60 in the hot water operation is limited during the period from the end of the hot water filling operation to the elapse of the hot water limit time. Use less than the amount of hot water to be replenished over time. As a result, it is possible to suppress unnecessary footbath that is performed before bathing due to erroneous detection of the water level sensor 17.

Further, when the water level sensor 17 is used to detect bathing each time and the control is performed to add hot water only after the bathing is detected, there is a possibility that bathing may be erroneously detected due to erroneous detection of the water level by the water level sensor 17. According to the hot water supply device 1 of the first embodiment, the elapsed time from the end of the hot water filling operation to the detection of the start of bathing is stored each time the hot water filling operation is performed, and from this stored elapsed time. Since the time limit for adding hot water is set, more stable control can be performed as compared with the case where the water level sensor 17 is used to detect bathing each time.

Further, the addition bath time limit is set so that when the elapsed time stored in the storage unit 28 is long, it is longer than when the elapsed time is short. As a result, it is possible to set a time limit for adding hot water according to the elapsed time until the start of bathing, and it is possible to control the time according to the timing of the start of bathing by the user.

Embodiment 2.
The hot water supply device 1 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 30 according to the second embodiment. Since the configuration of the hot water supply device 1 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, in step S7, if the elapsed time from the end of the hot water filling operation is within the added hot water time limit, the process proceeds to step S21. In step S21, the footbath control unit 27c calculates the water level in the current bathtub 60 based on the signal sent from the first AD conversion unit 25, and the water level difference between the current water level and the water filling completion water level is determined. It is judged whether or not the water level is lowered by a preset amount or more.

Here, the water level drop amount used for the determination in step S6 is defined as the first water level drop amount, and the water level drop amount used for the determination in step S21 is defined as the second water level drop amount. In the second embodiment, the first water level lowering amount and the second water level lowering amount are stored in advance in the storage unit 28. The first water level lowering amount is, for example, 4 cm as in the first embodiment. The second amount of water level drop is, for example, 15 cm. The second water level drop is a value larger than the first water level drop.

In step S21, when the footbath control unit 27c determines that the water level difference between the hot water filling completion water level and the current water level is less than the second water level drop amount, the process proceeds to step S8, and when the water level drop amount is equal to or higher than the second water level drop amount. If it is determined that there is, the process proceeds to step S22.

When the process proceeds to step S8, the footbath control unit 27c calculates the footbath amount V0 in the same manner as the footbath water amount V0 after the footbath time limit elapses. This is not a false detection of the water level sensor 17, but a user washing his / her body before taking a bath when the water level difference between the completed water level and the current water level is less than the second water level drop. This is because there is a high possibility that the hot water in the bathtub 60 was used. Further, it is unlikely that the hot water overflows from the bathtub 60 even if the hot water is replenished so as to return to the water level at which the hot water filling is completed, as in the case after the time limit for adding hot water has elapsed.

When the process proceeds to step S22, the footbath control unit 27c determines the footbath amount Vm within the footbath time limit to 0L. That is, the replenishment of hot water is prohibited. This is because if the water level difference between the completed water level and the current water level is equal to or greater than the second water level drop, it is highly possible that the water level sensor 17 has erroneously detected the water level. .. Further, if the hot water is replenished so as to return to the water level at which the hot water filling is completed as in the case after the time limit for adding hot water has elapsed, there is a high possibility that the hot water will overflow from the bathtub 60.

When the amount of hot water Vm is calculated in step S22, the process proceeds to step S11. In step S11, the footbath control unit 27c determines the footbath water amount Va to be replenished by the footbath operation to the footbath water amount Vm (Va = Vm). After step S11, the process proceeds to step S12, and the footbath control unit 27c starts the footbath operation. The operations other than steps S21 and S22 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

According to the hot water supply device 1 of the second embodiment, the water level difference between the water level detected by the water level sensor 17 and the hot water filling completion water level is between the end of the hot water filling operation and the elapse of the additional hot water time limit. If the amount is equal to or greater than the first water level decrease and less than the second water level decrease, the bathtub 60 is replenished with hot water so that the water level reaches the completion of hot water filling, as in the case after the time limit for adding hot water has elapsed. .. Further, when the water level difference between the water level detected by the water level sensor 17 and the water level at which the hot water filling is completed is equal to or larger than the second water level drop amount, the replenishment of hot water is prohibited. As a result, the control of the footbath within the time limit for the footbath is changed according to the amount of decrease in the water level, so that more appropriate control can be performed according to the amount of decrease in the water level.

In the second embodiment, if the footbath control unit 27c determines in step S21 that the water level difference between the hot water filling completion water level and the current water level is less than the second water level drop amount, the process proceeds to step S8. The amount of footbath is V0, which is the same as after the time limit for footbath has elapsed. However, in step S21, when the footbath control unit 27c determines that the water level difference between the hot water filling completion water level and the current water level is less than the second water level drop amount, the hot water to be replenished after the lapse of the footbath time limit has elapsed. The hot water may be replenished to the bathtub 60 with a amount of hot water smaller than the amount of additional hot water V0, which is the amount of hot water. As a result, until the time limit for adding hot water elapses, the replenishment of hot water in the adding hot water operation is restricted even if the water level difference between the water level at which the filling is completed and the current water level is less than the second water level drop. Therefore, unnecessary footbath can be suppressed.

In the hot water supply devices 1 of the first and second embodiments, the initial value of the additional hot water limit time is a state in which the elapsed time is not stored in the storage unit 28, so that bathing is detected after the hot water filling operation is completed. It is the time until it is done. That is, when the elapsed time is not stored in the storage unit 28, the footbath control unit 27c replenishes the amount of hot water in the footbath operation from the end of the hot water filling operation to the detection of the start of bathing. Is less than the amount of hot water to be replenished after detecting bathing.

Further, the hot water supply device 1 of the first and second embodiments can initialize the information of the elapsed time stored in the storage unit 28, that is, the information of the elapsed time from the end of the hot water filling operation to the start of bathing. Initialization means may be provided. The initialization means corresponds to the operation unit 42 of the remote controller device 40. As a result, when the user's life pattern changes, the user can use the remote controller 40 to erase the elapsed time information stored in the storage unit 28 and initialize the addition hot water time limit.

Further, the hot water supply device 1 of the first and second embodiments may include a switching means capable of switching between enabling and disabling the control operation of the amount of hot water to be replenished according to the time limit for adding hot water. The switching means corresponds to the operation unit 42 of the remote control device 40. As a result, the user who does not need to control the footbath time limit can use the remote controller 40 to invalidate the control based on the footbath time limit.

Although the hot water supply device of the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiment, the hot water supply device of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

For example, in the first and second embodiments, the water level sensor 17 that detects the water level in the bathtub 60 based on the water pressure in the first bath pipe 11 is used, but another water level sensor such as a laser may be used. Even if the hot water supply device uses a sensor other than the water level sensor 17 as a sensor for detecting the water level in the bathtub 60, the water level may be lower than the actual water level and may be erroneously detected due to a sensor malfunction. By applying the controls described in the first and second embodiments, it is possible to suppress unnecessary footbath generated by erroneous detection of the sensor.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the water level sensor 17 is provided in the first bath pipe 11, but the water level sensor 17 is provided in the second hot water supply pipe 10 and the bathtub 60 is provided based on the water pressure in the second hot water supply pipe 10. The water level inside may be detected. Further, the water level sensor 17 may be provided in the second bath pipe 12 to detect the water level in the bathtub 60 based on the water pressure in the second bath pipe 12.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the footbath time limit may be, for example, the average value of the elapsed time stored in the storage unit 28 or the shortest value of the elapsed time stored in the storage unit 28. However, the time limit for adding hot water may be determined by learning. In this case, the control device 30 has a function of learning the elapsed time from the end of the hot water filling operation to the detection of bathing. The learning data of the learned elapsed time is stored in the storage unit 28. Then, the addition bath time limit is determined based on the learning data stored in the storage unit 28. Even when the time limit for adding hot water is determined by learning, the time limit for adding hot water is restricted when the elapsed time from the end of the hot water filling operation to the detection of bathing is longer than when the elapsed time is short. If the time is set to be long, the effect of the present disclosure can be obtained.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the hot water filling control unit 27b calculates the horizontal cross-sectional area of the bathtub 60, but instead of the hot water filling control unit 27b, the hot water filling control unit 27c calculates the horizontal cross-sectional area of the bathtub 60. May be calculated. Further, although the footbath control unit 27c has detected the start of bathing, the hot water filling control unit 27b may detect the start of bathing instead of the footbath control unit 27c.

In addition, what is used as the heat source machine can be appropriately selected. For example, when the heater is used as a heat source machine, the heater is arranged inside the hot water storage tank 4. Further, it can be applied not only to a hot water storage type hot water supply device but also to a hot water supply device equipped with an instantaneous water heater.

1 hot water supply device, 2 heat source machine, 3 tank unit, 4 hot water storage tank, 5 heat source machine going pipe, 6 heat source machine return pipe, 7 1st hot water supply pipe, 8 1st water supply pipe, 9 2nd water supply pipe, 10 2nd hot water supply pipe Piping, 11 1st bath piping, 12 2nd bath piping, 13 circulation pump, 14 hot water mixing valve, 15 flow control valve, 16 flow sensor, 17 water level sensor, 18 temperature sensor, 20 heat source machine drive, 21 circulation pump drive Unit, 22 Mixing valve drive unit, 23 Flow control valve drive unit, 24 Pulse detection unit, 25 1st AD conversion unit, 26 2nd AD conversion unit, 27 control unit, 27a boiling control unit, 27b hot water filling control unit, 27c addition Hot water control unit, 28 storage unit, 29 communication circuit unit, 30 control device, 40 remote control device, 41 display unit, 42 operation unit, 51 processor, 52 memory, 60 bathtub, 70 boiling circuit, 80 hot water supply circuit.

Claims (10)

A heating means that heats water to produce hot water,
A hot water supply circuit that sends the hot water to the bathtub,
A water level sensor that detects the water level in the bathtub and
The hot water filling operation in which the hot water is filled in the bathtub and the additional hot water operation in which the hot water is replenished in the bathtub when the water level detected by the water level sensor drops after the completion of the hot water filling operation are controlled. A control unit that detects the start of bathing when the water level detected by the water level sensor rises after the end of the hot water filling operation.
A storage unit that stores the elapsed time from the end of the hot water filling operation to the start of the bathing each time the hot water filling operation is performed.
With
The control unit sets the addition water limit time from the elapsed time stored in the storage unit, and the addition water operation is performed from the end of the hot water filling operation to the elapse of the addition water time limit. The amount of the hot water to be replenished in the above-mentioned hot water supply device is smaller than the amount of the hot water to be replenished after the time limit for adding hot water has elapsed. The hot water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit prohibits replenishment of the hot water in the hot water supply operation from the end of the hot water filling operation to the elapse of the hot water supply time limit. A heating means that heats water to produce hot water,
A hot water supply circuit that sends the hot water to the bathtub,
A water level sensor that detects the water level in the bathtub and
The hot water filling operation in which the hot water is filled in the bathtub and the additional hot water operation in which the hot water is replenished in the bathtub when the water level detected by the water level sensor drops after the completion of the hot water filling operation are controlled. A control unit that detects the start of bathing when the water level detected by the water level sensor rises after the end of the hot water filling operation.
A storage unit that stores the elapsed time from the end of the hot water filling operation to the start of the bathing each time the hot water filling operation is performed.
With
The control unit sets a hot water limit time from the elapsed time stored in the storage unit, and uses the water level sensor during the period from the end of the hot water filling operation to the elapse of the hot water limit time. The water level difference between the detected water level and the water level at which the water level is completed, which is the water level detected by the water level sensor at the end of the water filling, is equal to or greater than the first water level decrease amount and is larger than the first water level decrease amount. If it is less than the second water level drop amount, the hot water is replenished so as to reach the hot water filling completion water level, and if the water level difference is equal to or more than the second water level drop amount, the hot water level is replenished. A hot water supply device that prohibits the replenishment of hot water. A heating means that heats water to produce hot water,
A hot water supply circuit that sends the hot water to the bathtub,
A water level sensor that detects the water level in the bathtub and
The hot water filling operation in which the hot water is filled in the bathtub and the additional hot water operation in which the hot water is replenished in the bathtub when the water level detected by the water level sensor drops after the completion of the hot water filling operation are controlled. A control unit that detects the start of bathing when the water level detected by the water level sensor rises after the end of the hot water filling operation.
A storage unit that stores the elapsed time from the end of the hot water filling operation to the start of the bathing each time the hot water filling operation is performed.
With
The control unit sets a hot water limit time from the elapsed time stored in the storage unit, and uses the water level sensor during the period from the end of the hot water filling operation to the elapse of the hot water limit time. The water level difference between the detected water level and the water level at which the water level is completed, which is the water level detected by the water level sensor at the end of the water filling, is equal to or greater than the first water level decrease amount and is larger than the first water level decrease amount. If the amount is less than the second water level drop, the amount of the hot water is less than the amount of the hot water to be replenished after the time limit for adding hot water has elapsed, and the difference in water level is the second. A hot water supply device that prohibits the replenishment of the hot water when the amount of water level drops or more. The control unit sets the water heater time limit so that when the elapsed time stored in the storage unit is long, it is longer than when the elapsed time stored in the storage unit is short. The hot water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The hot water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit sets an average value of the elapsed time stored in the storage unit as the additional hot water time limit. The hot water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit sets the shortest value of the elapsed time stored in the storage unit as the additional hot water time limit. When the elapsed time is not stored in the storage unit, the control unit may supply the hot water to be replenished in the hot water operation from the end of the hot water filling operation to the detection of the start of the bathing. The hot water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the amount is smaller than the amount of the hot water to be replenished after detecting the bathing. The hot water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an initialization means capable of initializing the elapsed time information stored in the storage unit. The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a switching means capable of switching between enabling and disabling the control operation of the amount of the hot water to be replenished according to the hot water time limit by the control unit. Hot water supply device.

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