JP2023124263A - Bathtub apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a bathtub apparatus capable of appropriately adjusting temperature of hot water discharged from the discharge hole even in the bathtub apparatus supplying hot water in a bathtub by using a general hot water supplier.SOLUTION: A bathtub apparatus (1) has: a bathtub body (2); a water discharge device (8) provided above the bathtub body; a circulation flow passage connected to a water absorption port (9b) and the water discharge port (8a); a circulation pump (6) pumping hot water from the water absorption port to the water discharge port; a supply pipe (10) flowing water or hot water from a hot water supplier (52) into the circulation flow passage; a water amount sensor (24) capable of detecting a flow rate of the hot water supplied by the hot water supplier; and a controller (16) controlling inflow and stop of hot water into the circulation flow passage. When flow rate of hot water detected by the water amount sensor is a prescribed flow rate or less in the case that temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge port is raised, the controller decreases flow rate of water to be flown into the circulation flow passage from the supply pipe more than a flow rate of the hot water supplied by the hot water supplier, and drains surplus hot water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a bathtub apparatus, and more particularly to a bathtub apparatus having a water discharger.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-150334 (Patent Document 1) describes a bathtub water circulation type water discharging device. This bathtub water circulation type discharge device is configured to take in hot water in a bathtub and discharge the taken-in hot water into the bathtub from above the water surface of the bathtub. In this way, by applying the hot water discharged from above to the shoulders and neck of the bather, the bather is given a pleasant stimulus. Further, in this bathtub water circulation type water discharger, when the temperature of hot water detected by the detection unit is higher than a predetermined temperature, control is performed so that the total amount of heat per unit time discharged from the water discharge hole is reduced. be done. That is, by reducing the flow rate of hot water spouted from the spouting holes, the total amount of heat per unit time of the spouted hot water is reduced, thereby suppressing the bather from going mad.

Furthermore, in another embodiment described in Patent Document 1, tap water supplied from a water supply pipe is introduced into the circulating hot water when the temperature of the hot water detected by the detection unit is higher than a predetermined temperature. This reduces the temperature of hot water discharged from the water discharge hole. As a result, the total amount of heat per unit time of the spouted hot water is reduced, and the bather's frenzy can be suppressed.

JP 2019-150334 A

According to the bathtub water circulation type discharge device described in Patent Document 1, the hot water taken from the bathtub is applied to the shoulders and neck of the bather to give a comfortable stimulation to the bather, and the hot water is discharged. By reducing the total amount of heat per unit time, the runaway can be suppressed. However, there are cases where the bather wants a warm stimulation by bathing the shoulders and neck with hot water. However, if the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub is not sufficiently high, even if the hot water taken from the bathtub is applied to the bather, there is a problem that the bather cannot be given a sufficient warm stimulus. be.

Here, in order to give a bather a warm stimulus, hot water taken in from the bathtub and circulated is mixed with hot water of high temperature supplied from an external water heater, and hot water is discharged from the spout. It is conceivable to raise the temperature. However, since the hot water discharged from the spouting holes rapidly gives heat to the bathing person, extremely delicate temperature control of the discharged hot water is required in order to give the bathing person a comfortable thermal stimulus. On the other hand, external water heaters generally cannot supply hot water at a low flow rate. Specifically, in general, with an external water heater, if the flow rate of hot water that has been instructed to supply is below a certain value (minimum ignition flow rate), the burner that heats the water entering the water heater extinguishes. There is a problem of squeezing. Therefore, since it is difficult to allow only a flow rate equal to or higher than the minimum ignition flow rate to flow from the external water heater, there is a problem that it is difficult to appropriately maintain the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge hole.

Therefore, the present invention provides a bathtub apparatus that can appropriately adjust the temperature of hot water discharged from a spout, even if the bathtub apparatus uses a general water heater to supply hot water into the bathtub. It is intended to

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a bathtub apparatus equipped with a water discharger, comprising: a bathtub main body for storing hot water; a water discharger provided in a water inlet and having a water outlet for discharging hot water sucked from the water inlet toward the inside of a bathtub body; a circulation flow path connecting the water inlet and the water discharge outlet; A circulation pump that pressure-feeds hot water from the water inlet to the water outlet, a supply pipe that flows the hot water supplied from the water heater into the circulation channel, and the flow rate of the hot water supplied from the water heater can be detected. It has a water volume sensor and a control device for controlling the inflow and stop of hot water from the supply pipe to the circulation flow path in order to increase the temperature of the hot water discharged from the spout, and is discharged from the spout. In the case of increasing the temperature of hot water, when the flow rate of hot water detected by the water quantity sensor falls below a predetermined flow rate, the control device selects the flow rate of hot water supplied from the water heater, rather than the flow rate of hot water supplied from the water heater. It is characterized by reducing the flow rate of hot water flowing into the water and discharging surplus hot water.

In the present invention configured as described above, the hot water in the bathtub main body sucked from the water inlet by the circulating pump flows through the circulation flow path and is discharged from the bathtub main body through the outlet of the water discharge device provided above the bathtub main body. is discharged inward. On the other hand, the hot water supplied from the water heater is flowed into the circulation flow path through the supply pipe line by the control device in order to increase the temperature of the hot water discharged from the spout. When the flow rate of hot water detected by the water quantity sensor falls below a predetermined flow rate, the control device reduces the flow rate of hot water flowing into the circulation flow path from the supply pipe than the flow rate of hot water supplied from the water heater. , to drain excess hot water.

According to the present invention configured as described above, the hot water supplied from the water heater flows into the circulation flow path through the supply pipe, thereby increasing the temperature of the hot water discharged from the spout of the water discharger. It is possible to give a bather a warm stimulus. Here, it is difficult to control the temperature and flow rate of the hot water supplied from the water heater. Too much, and there is a risk that the bather will go into a frenzy. However, in general water heaters, there is a minimum required flow rate for maintaining ignition, and it is difficult to reduce the supply rate below this minimum flow rate.

According to the present invention configured as described above, when the flow rate of hot water detected by the water quantity sensor falls below a predetermined flow rate, the control device controls the flow rate of hot water supplied from the water heater to the supply pipe line. to reduce the flow rate of hot water flowing into the circulation flow path from the hot water and discharge surplus hot water. Therefore, even in a bathtub apparatus that supplies hot water into the bathtub using a general water heater, the temperature of the hot water discharged from the spout can be appropriately adjusted. As a result, it is possible to provide a bather with a comfortable warm stimulus while preventing the user from being overwhelmed.

Preferably, the present invention further comprises a storage tank for temporarily storing hot water supplied from the water heater, the storage tank having an overflow section, and surplus hot water being discharged through the overflow section. be done.
According to the present invention configured as described above, the surplus hot water is discharged through the overflow portion of the storage tank, so the surplus hot water is discharged while securing a sufficient amount of hot water in the storage tank. can do. As a result, even if the amount of hot water supplied from the water heater to the supply pipe fluctuates temporarily due to a change in water pressure or the like, the channel between the upstream side and the downstream side is cut off. Since the hot water is stored in the storage tank and sent toward the circulation flow path, the temperature of the hot water to be discharged is less likely to fluctuate temporarily. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the temperature of the hot water discharged to the bather in the bathtub to a predetermined temperature, and the temperature of the hot water discharged to the bather in the bathtub is temporarily fluctuated. It is possible to suppress discomfort to the bather.

In the present invention, preferably, when the flow rate of hot water detected by the water quantity sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined flow rate, the control device causes half or more of the hot water supplied from the water heater to flow into the circulation flow path, and discharge less than half of the hot water supplied from

According to the present invention configured as described above, the control device discharges less than half of the hot water supplied from the water heater. Temperature can be properly controlled.

In the present invention, the hot water supplied from the supply pipe preferably flows into a negative pressure portion in the circulation flow path.
According to the present invention configured as described above, the hot water supplied from the supply pipe flows into the negative pressure portion of the circulation flow channel, so that the hot water sent to the circulation flow channel flows into the supply pipe. Backflow can be prevented, and hot water can be reliably made to flow into the circulation channel.

Preferably, the present invention further includes a storage tank for temporarily storing hot water supplied from the water heater, and the controller controls the and controlling the flow rate of hot water and water flowing into the storage tank so that the flow rate of hot water flowing from the water heater into the storage tank is substantially the same as the flow rate of hot water flowing from the storage tank into the circulation flow path.

According to the present invention configured as described above, the flow rate of hot water flowing into the storage tank from the water heater is substantially the same as the flow rate of hot water flowing into the circulation flow path from the storage tank. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the hot water stored in the storage tank from depleting while suppressing the amount of hot water to be discarded, and to reliably maintain the temperature control of the hot water discharged from the spout. can.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the bathtub apparatus of this invention, even if it is a bathtub apparatus which supplies hot water in a bathtub using a general water heater, the temperature of the hot water discharged from a spout can be adjusted appropriately.

1 is a perspective view showing an entire bathroom in which a bathtub apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed; FIG. 2 is a full cross-sectional view of a bathtub apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line II-II of FIG. 1; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a circulation device and a temperature control device provided in a bathtub apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a circulation device and a temperature control device provided in a bathtub apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. Fig. 2 is a front view showing a chamber and a water discharging device provided in the bathtub apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI of FIG. 5 of the chamber and the water discharging device provided in the bathtub apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention; 4 is a flow chart showing processing of thermal stimulation control executed by the bathtub apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Next, a bathtub apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire bathroom in which a bathtub apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed.

As shown in FIG. 1, a bathtub apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a bathtub main body 2, a water discharger 8 provided at the upper edge of the bathtub main body 2, and a controller for controlling the discharge of hot water from the water discharger. It has a device (control unit) 16 and is installed in the bathroom R. A remote controller 18 is attached to the wall surface of the bathroom R, and the remote controller 18 can be used to operate the discharge of hot water from the water discharge device 8. - 特許庁Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bathtub apparatus 1 is arranged on one side of the bathroom R so as to be in contact with the wall surface.

The bathtub main body 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape in plan view, and is configured to store hot water therein. In this embodiment, the bathtub main body 2 is arranged so that one long side and two short sides on both sides thereof are in contact with the inner wall surface of the bathroom R. As shown in FIG. An inner wall surface forming one short side of the bathtub main body 2 is formed as a backrest surface 2a, which is an inner wall surface in the short side direction of the bathtub main body 2 formed so that a bather can lean against it. An apron 2c is detachably attached to the long side of the bathtub main body 2 that is not in contact with the inner wall surface of the bathroom R. Here, the backrest surface is the inner wall surface with which the back of the bather comes into contact during bathing.

The water discharge device 8 is provided above the backrest surface 2 a of the bathtub body 2 and is configured to discharge hot water toward the inside of the bathtub body 2 . In this embodiment, the water discharge device 8 has a flat and wide water discharge port 8a extending along the upper edge of the backrest surface 2a so as to discharge hot water toward the shoulders of the bather leaning against the backrest surface 2a. is configured to

The bathtub apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention sucks hot water stored in the bathtub main body 2 from a water suction port (bathtub water intake) 9b provided in the bathtub main body 2 and discharges it from the water discharge port 8a of the water discharging device 8. It is configured to allow That is, the hot water in the bathtub main body 2 is sucked from the water inlet 9b and circulated back into the bathtub main body 2 from the water outlet 8a of the water discharger 8 . On the other hand, when the temperature of the hot water discharged from the spout 8a is to be raised or lowered, the hot water supplied from the water heater or the water supplied from the tap is mixed with the circulating hot water. ing.

Next, referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a circulation device for circulating the hot water in the bathtub main body 2 through the spout 8a of the water spouting device 8, and hot water or cold water at a predetermined temperature in the hot water being circulated. The configuration of the temperature control device for adjusting the temperature of hot water discharged from the water discharging device by mixing the hot water will be described.
2 is a full cross-sectional view of a bathtub apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a circulation device and a temperature control device provided in the bathtub apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a circulation device and a temperature control device provided in the bathtub apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

First, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the circulation device for circulating the hot water in the bathtub main body 2 consists of two water inlets 9b provided on the side wall surface 2b (FIG. 2) of the bathtub main body 2 and these water inlets. It has a chamber 11 into which hot water sucked from a port 9b flows, and a circulation pump 6 that pressure-feeds the hot water to the chamber 11. - 特許庁

As shown in FIG. 3, one of the two water inlets 9b is connected to the chamber 11 by the first pipeline 4a. A circulating pump 6 is provided in the middle of the first pipe line 4a, and is configured to force-feed the hot water sucked from the water inlet 9b to the chamber 11. As shown in FIG. Further, the first pipe line 4a is branched downstream of the circulation pump 6, one end is connected to the chamber 11, and the other end is connected to the bathtub spout 9a provided on the backrest surface 2a of the bathtub main body 2. ing. Therefore, part of the hot water pressurized by the circulation pump 6 circulates into the bathtub main body 2 from below the water surface in the bathtub main body 2 through the bathtub spout 9a.

The other one of the two water inlets 9b is directly connected to the chamber 11 by the second conduit 4b. As will be described later, the hot water pressurized by the circulation pump 6 flows into the chamber 11 through the first conduit 4a, thereby generating a negative pressure in the chamber 11. This negative pressure causes hot water to flow through the second conduit 4b. is drawn into the chamber 11 from the Further, a third pipe line 4c is connected to the upper surface of the chamber 11, and the hot water flowing out of the chamber 11 is supplied to the water discharging device 8 through the third pipe line 4c. Therefore, the first pipeline 4a, the second pipeline 4b, the third pipeline 4c, and the chamber 11 form a circulation flow path connected to the water inlet 9b and the water outlet 8a.

Next, the configuration of the chamber 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a front view showing the chamber 11 and the water discharging device 8 provided in the bathtub device 1 of this embodiment. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the chamber 11 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape, and a first pipeline 4a and a second pipeline 4b are connected to the bottom surface of the chamber 11, respectively. A third conduit 4c is connected to a position on the upper surface of the chamber 11 facing the first conduit 4a. Furthermore, the upper surface of the chamber 11 is also connected to a supply pipe line 10 for inflowing hot water supplied from a temperature control device, which will be described later. That is, the first pipeline 4a and the second pipeline 4b are connected side by side to the bottom surface of the chamber 11, and the third pipeline 4c is located on the upper surface of the chamber 11, facing the first pipeline 4a. It is connected. Further, the supply pipeline 10 is arranged on the upper surface of the chamber 11 at a position between the first pipeline 4a and the second pipeline 4b.

As shown in FIG. 4, the chamber 11 is arranged at a relatively low position with respect to the bathtub main body 2 and positioned below the water surface of the hot water stored in the bathtub main body 2 . Therefore, during normal use of the bathtub apparatus 1, the chamber 11, the entire first pipeline 4a, the second pipeline 4b, and the lower part of the third pipeline 4c are filled with hot water. ing.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a nozzle 20 is provided at the tip of the first conduit 4a connected to the bottom surface of the chamber 11, and the flow path of hot water flowing into the chamber 11 from the first conduit 4a is throttled. It is Therefore, the flow rate of the hot water pressurized by the circulation pump 6 (FIGS. 3 and 4) is increased when it flows into the chamber 11 through the nozzle 20 from the first conduit 4a. As a result, hot water flowing into the chamber 11 from the first pipeline 4a flows vigorously into the third pipeline 4c connected so as to face the first pipeline 4a, and the chamber 11 is filled. Hot water is also involved and flows into the third conduit 4c.

Furthermore, the hot water in the chamber 11 is involved and flows into the third pipeline 4c, so that at least the portion N1 to which the second pipeline 4b is connected and the supply pipeline 10 are connected in the chamber 11. The portion N2 where the pressure is present becomes a negative pressure. That is, the second pipeline 4b and the supply pipeline 10 are connected to a negative pressure portion in the chamber 11, which is part of the circulation flow path. As a result, the hot water in the second pipe 4b and the hot water in the supply pipe 10 are drawn into the chamber 11 by the negative pressure and flow into the third pipe 4c together with the hot water flowing in from the first pipe 4a. .

That is, the nozzle 20 provided in the chamber 11 and the third line 4c connected opposite thereto act like a jet pump to supply from the second line 4b and the supply line 10 respectively. The hot water thus obtained is made to flow into the third pipeline 4c. The hot water flowing into the third pipeline 4c flows into the water discharge device 8 connected to the upper end of the third pipeline 4c and is discharged inward of the bathtub main body 2 from the water discharge port 8a. As shown in FIG. 5, the spout 8a of the water spouting device 8 is thin and wide, so that hot water spouted from the spout 8a forms a thin film and hits the nape and shoulders of the bather.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the temperature control device provided in the bathtub apparatus 1 of the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The temperature control device is configured to allow hot water at a predetermined temperature to flow into a circulation flow path from the water inlet 9b of the bathtub main body 2 to the water outlet 8a of the water discharger 8 . As a result, the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharging device 8 can be increased or decreased, and a warm stimulus or a cold stimulus can be given to the bather.

As shown in FIG. 3, the temperature control device includes a storage tank 12 into which hot water supplied from an external hot water supply source or water supplied from an external water supply source is flowed and temporarily stored; and a pressurizing pump 14 for controlling the flow rate of hot or cold water flowing into the chamber 11 from. In this embodiment, a water heater 52 is connected as an external hot water supply source, and water supplied from a water supply 54 is branched at a branch portion 54 a and supplied to the water heater 52 .

The water heater 52 heats the water supplied from the tap water supply 54 and supplies the generated hot water to the storage tank 12 through the hot water supply pipe 40 a and the hot water electromagnetic valve 56 . In the present embodiment, the water heater 52 also serves as a water heater for the kitchen (not shown), and when the hot water temperature is set in the kitchen, hot water at that temperature is also supplied to the storage tank 12. be. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control device 16 cannot independently control the temperature of hot water supplied from the water heater 52 .

On the other hand, water supplied from the water supply 54, which is an external water supply source, is supplied to the storage tank 12 through the water supply pipe 40b and the electromagnetic valve 58 for water. Further, the hot water supply pipe 40a is provided with a check valve 41a upstream of the hot water solenoid valve 56, and the water supply pipe 40b is provided with a check valve 41b upstream of the water solenoid valve 58. The hot water supply pipe 40a and the water supply pipe 40b join at a junction 43a provided downstream of the hot water solenoid valve 56 and the cold water solenoid valve 58, respectively.

A shared pipe 43 is connected to the downstream side of the junction 43 a and extends to the storage tank 12 . The shared pipe 43 is provided with a water volume sensor 24, a flow adjustment valve 26, a constant flow valve 28, and an inflow temperature sensor 30 in order from the upstream side.
The water quantity sensor 24 is configured to detect the volumetric flow rate [L/min] of hot water flowing through the shared pipe 43 per unit time and to output a detection signal to the control device 16 . When the hot water solenoid valve 56 is open and the water solenoid valve 58 is closed, the water flow rate sensor 24 can detect the flow rate of hot water supplied from the water heater 52 .

The flow adjustment valve 26 is a water volume proportional valve that controls the flow rate of hot water flowing through the shared pipe 43 based on a control signal from the control device 16 .
The constant flow valve 28 is configured to adjust the flow rate of hot water flowing through the shared pipe 43 so as not to exceed a predetermined flow rate.
The inflow-side temperature sensor 30 is a thermistor configured to detect the temperature of hot water flowing into the storage tank 12 through the shared pipe 43 and output a detection signal to the control device 16 .

The storage tank 12 is configured to temporarily store the hot water flowing into the chamber 11, which is a part of the circulation flow path, in order to raise or lower the temperature of the hot water discharged from the spout 8a. That is, water or hot water supplied through the shared pipe 43 flows into the storage tank 12 and is temporarily stored, and then flows into the chamber 11 through the supply pipe line 10 . The storage tank 12 is a rectangular tank, the common pipe 43 is connected to the upper surface of the storage tank 12 , and the supply pipe line 10 is connected to the bottom surface of the storage tank 12 . That is, the common pipe 43 allows hot water or water to flow into the storage tank 12 with a predetermined air gap from above the water surface W0 of the water or hot water stored in the storage tank 12 . Therefore, the water heater 52 and the water supply 54 connected to the storage tank 12 are cut off from the downstream side of the storage tank 12 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, inside the storage tank 12, a storage tank temperature sensor 32, a float switch 42, and an overflow pipe 44 are provided.
The storage tank temperature sensor 32 is a thermistor configured to detect the temperature of hot water stored in the storage tank 12 and output a detection signal to the control device 16 .
The float switch 42 has a stem 42a and a float 42b that can move up and down along the stem 42a. The float 42b moves up and down according to the water level in the storage tank 12, and when the water level in the storage tank 12 reaches a predetermined water level, the float switch 42 outputs a detection signal to the controller 16.

The overflow pipe 44 is an open pipe extending upward into the storage tank 12 from the bottom surface of the storage tank 12, and its upper end constitutes an overflow portion 44a. Due to the provision of the overflow pipe 44, when the water level in the storage tank 12 rises above a predetermined water level, the hot water or cold water in the storage tank 12 flows over the overflow portion 44a at the upper end and into the overflow pipe 44. It flows in and out through overflow pipe 44 . The hot water or water discharged from the storage tank 12 through the overflow pipe 44 falls on a drain pan (not shown) provided on the lower side of the bathtub body 2 and is drained into sewage.

Storage tank 12 is then connected to chamber 11 via supply line 10 . In addition, an outflow temperature sensor 34, a pressure pump 14, a water volume sensor 36, a check valve 38, and an electromagnetic valve 39 are provided in order from the upstream side in the middle of the supply pipe line 10. As shown in FIG. The hot water or cold water that has flowed into the chamber 11 from the supply pipe 10 is mixed with the hot water that has flowed into the chamber 11 from the bathtub body 2 through the first pipe 4a and the second pipe 4b. It is discharged from the water discharge port 8a of the water discharger 8 through the third conduit 4c. A discharge flow rate sensor 21 and a discharge water temperature sensor 22 are provided in the middle of the third pipeline 4c. Further, the temperature of hot water stored in the bathtub main body 2 is detected by a bathtub temperature sensor 23 .

Outflow-side temperature sensor 34 is a thermistor configured to detect the temperature of hot water flowing out of storage tank 12 and output a detection signal to control device 16 .
The pressure pump 14 is configured to control the flow rate of hot or cold water flowing from the storage tank 12 into the chamber 11 based on a control signal from the control device 16 .
The water quantity sensor 36 is configured to detect the volumetric flow rate [L/min] of hot water or water flowing through the supply pipe 10 per unit time and output a detection signal to the control device 16 .

The check valve 38 is configured to prevent backflow of hot or cold water from the chamber 11 to the reservoir tank 12 through the supply line 10 .
The electromagnetic valve 39 is opened and closed based on a control signal from the control device 16 and is configured to open when hot water or cold water is allowed to flow into the chamber 11 . When hot water or cold water is not supplied to the chamber 11, the solenoid valve 39 is closed, and even if negative pressure is generated in the chamber 11, hot water or cold water does not flow into the chamber 11 from the supply pipe line 10. no.

The discharge flow rate sensor 21 is a sensor configured to detect the flow rate of hot water discharged from the water discharger 8 through the third conduit 4 c and output a detection signal to the control device 16 . The flow rate of hot water discharged from the water discharging device 8 can be detected (estimated) from, for example, the rotation speed and voltage value of the circulation pump 6 . In that case, the discharge flow rate sensor 21 can be omitted.
The discharged water temperature sensor 22 is a thermistor configured to detect the temperature of hot water discharged from the water discharging device 8 through the third conduit 4 c and output a detection signal to the control device 16 .

Bathtub temperature sensor 23 is a thermistor configured to detect the temperature of hot water stored in bathtub body 2 and output a detection signal to control device 16 . The temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub main body 2 can also be detected by the water temperature sensor 22 when the hot water is not flowing into the chamber 11 from the supply pipe line 10 . Therefore, the water discharge temperature sensor 22 can be used as the bathtub temperature sensor 23, and in this case, the bathtub temperature sensor 23 can be omitted.

Next, the control device 16 provided in the bathtub apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The control device 16 is configured to control the temperature control device so that hot water at a temperature desired by the bather is discharged from the discharge device 8 based on the operation of the remote controller 18 (FIG. 1) by the bather. . Specifically, the control device 16 is composed of a microprocessor, memory, software for operating them, an interface circuit (not shown), and the like. Also, the control device 16 is housed in a space on the back side of the backrest surface 2 a of the bathtub body 2 . As shown in FIG. 1, the space behind the backrest surface 2a can be accessed from the wash area side of the bathroom R by removing the apron 2c of the bathtub body 2. As shown in FIG. Therefore, maintenance such as adjustment and repair of the control device 16 can be easily performed only by removing the apron 2c of the bathtub main body 2. FIG. That is, by collectively arranging the control devices 16 in an easily accessible space, it is possible to improve maintainability.

First, the temperatures detected by the water discharge temperature sensor 22, the bathtub temperature sensor 23, the inflow temperature sensor 30, the storage tank temperature sensor 32, and the outflow temperature sensor 34 are input to the control device 16. Further, a command signal from the remote controller 18 and detection signals from the water quantity sensor 24 , the water quantity sensor 36 and the float switch 42 are also inputted to the control device 16 .

The control device 16 sends control signals to the circulation pump 6, the pressurizing pump 14, the flow control valve 26, the electromagnetic valve 39, the hot water electromagnetic valve 56, and the cold water electromagnetic valve 58, which constitute the temperature control device. The temperature of the hot water discharged from the is controlled to be the set temperature. That is, the control device 16 causes the hot water or cold water circulating in the circulation passage to flow from the storage tank 12 so that the temperature detected by the discharged water temperature sensor 22 becomes a predetermined temperature. As a result, hot water at a temperature higher or lower than the temperature detected by the bathtub temperature sensor 23 can be discharged from the water discharging device 8 .

That is, when hot water with a temperature higher than that of the hot water in the bathtub main body 2 is to be discharged, the water electromagnetic valve 58 is closed and the hot water electromagnetic valve 56 is opened so that the hot water in the bathtub main body 2 is discharged. Hot water having a temperature higher than that is stored in a storage tank 12.例文帳に追加Next, the electromagnetic valve 39 is opened and the pressurizing pump 14 is operated to allow hot water of high temperature in the storage tank 12 to flow into the chamber 11 . As a result, hot water of high temperature from the storage tank 12 is mixed with the hot water in the bathtub body 2 circulated through the circulation flow path, and the temperature of the hot water discharged from the spout 8a of the water discharger 8 rises. do.

A water temperature sensor 22 detects the temperature of hot water discharged from the water discharge port 8a. When the temperature detected by the discharged water temperature sensor 22 is lower than the set temperature, the rotational speed of the pressurizing pump 14 is increased and the rotational speed of the circulation pump 6 is decreased to increase the ratio of high temperature hot water to be mixed. to increase When the temperature of the hot water detected by the discharged water temperature sensor 22 is higher than the set temperature, the rotational speed of the pressurizing pump 14 is reduced, while the rotational speed of the circulation pump 6 is increased to increase the temperature of hot water to be mixed. reduce the proportion of The control device 16 also controls the flow adjustment valve 26 based on the detection signals of the water quantity sensor 24 and the water quantity sensor 36 so that the amount of hot water stored in the storage tank 12 is appropriate.

On the other hand, when hot water with a temperature lower than that in the bathtub main body 2 is to be discharged, the water solenoid valve 58 is opened, the hot water solenoid valve 56 is closed, and the hot water in the bathtub main body 2 is discharged. Water having a temperature lower than that is stored in a storage tank 12.例文帳に追加Next, the solenoid valve 39 is opened and the pressurizing pump 14 is operated to allow the low-temperature water in the storage tank 12 to flow into the chamber 11 . As a result, the low-temperature water from the storage tank 12 is mixed with the hot water in the bathtub body 2 circulating through the circulation flow path, and the temperature of the hot water discharged from the spout 8a of the water discharger 8 is lowered. do.

When the temperature of the hot water detected by the discharged water temperature sensor 22 is higher than the set temperature, the rotation speed of the pressurizing pump 14 is increased, while the rotation speed of the circulation pump 6 is decreased, so that the low temperature water to be mixed is detected. increase the proportion of When the temperature of the hot water detected by the discharged water temperature sensor 22 is lower than the set temperature, the rotational speed of the pressurizing pump 14 is reduced, while the rotational speed of the circulation pump 6 is increased to increase the temperature of the low-temperature water to be mixed. reduce the proportion of

Next, referring to FIG. 7, the temperature stimulation control by the control device 16 will be specifically described.
The bathtub apparatus 1 of this embodiment is configured to be able to perform thermal stimulation control for the purpose of giving a comfortable thermal stimulation to the bather when the bather in the bathtub body 2 wants to warm up. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing processing of thermal stimulation control executed by the bathtub apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The flow chart shown in FIG. 7 is executed by operating the remote controller 18 when the bather wants to warm up.

First, in step S1 of FIG. 7, it is determined whether circulating water is being discharged from the water discharging device 8 at the time when the bather operates the remote control 18 or not. That is, in a state in which water is circulated and spouted, the electromagnetic valve 39 is closed and the circulation pump 6 is operated. In this state, hot water in the bathtub main body 2 is sucked from the water inlet 9b, discharged from the water outlet 8a of the water discharger 8, and circulated back into the bathtub main body 2. As shown in FIG. On the other hand, since the electromagnetic valve 39 is closed, hot water in the storage tank 12 does not flow into the circulation flow path. In this way, when the bather operates the remote controller 18 while water circulation is being performed, the process of the flow chart shown in FIG. 7 proceeds to step S3.

On the other hand, when the bather operates the remote controller 18 while water circulation is not being performed, the process proceeds to step S2, and water circulation is started in step S2. That is, the circulation pump 6 is operated while the solenoid valve 39 remains closed, and the hot water in the bathtub main body 2 is discharged from the water discharge port 8a of the water discharger 8 and circulated. In this way, even when the bather operates the remote controller 18 to warm up, the hot water having a higher temperature than the hot water in the bathtub main body 2 is not discharged from the water discharging device 8 from the beginning, and the circulating water discharging is started first. .

Next, in step S<b>3 , the controller 16 obtains the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharging device 8 detected by the discharged water temperature sensor 22 . Further, in step S4, the control device 16 acquires the flow rate of the hot water discharged from the water discharging device 8 detected by the discharge flow rate sensor 21. FIG.

Next, in step S5, the storage tank 12 is prepared. Specifically, the control device 16 sends a control signal to the hot water electromagnetic valve 56 to open it and allow the hot water generated in the water heater 52 to flow into the storage tank 12 . As described above, in this embodiment, the water heater 52 is also used as a water heater used in the kitchen (not shown). The controller 16 does not control the set temperature of the water heater 52 .

Furthermore, in step S6, the controller 16 acquires the temperature of hot water stored in the storage tank 12 detected by the storage tank temperature sensor 32. FIG. If the storage tank 12 is empty when the supply of hot water from the water heater 52 is started, the temperature of the hot water stored in the storage tank 12 is approximately the same as that supplied from the water heater 52. Equal to the temperature of water. However, when hot water or cold water remains in the storage tank 12 at the time when the supply of hot water from the water heater 52 is started, the temperature of the hot water in the storage tank 12 changes from that supplied from the water heater 52. lower than the temperature of the heated water.

When low-temperature hot water or the like remains in the storage tank 12 in this way, the hot water continues to flow from the water heater 52, and the low-temperature hot water mixed with the low-temperature hot water or the like in the storage tank 12 is discharged through the overflow pipe. 44 to overflow. As a result, the temperature of the hot water stored in the storage tank 12 rises. Since the storage tank 12 has a relatively small volume, even if low-temperature hot water or the like remains in the storage tank 12, the temperature of the hot water in the storage tank 12 rises in a relatively short time.

Next, in step S7, it is determined whether or not the preparation of the storage tank 12 has been completed. That is, in step S7, it is determined whether or not a sufficient amount of hot water with a sufficiently high temperature has been stored in the storage tank 12 . As described above, the temperature of hot water in the storage tank 12 is detected by the storage tank temperature sensor 32 . A float switch 42 detects whether or not a sufficient amount of hot water is stored in the storage tank 12 . If the preparation of the storage tank 12 has not been completed, the process returns to step S5, and the processing of steps S5→S6→S7→S5 is repeated until the preparation is completed.

When the preparation of the storage tank 12 is completed, temperature control processing of steps S8 to S17 is executed.
In step S9, it is determined whether or not an instruction signal for ending the temperature control process has been input. When the instruction signal for ending the temperature control process is input, one process of the flow chart shown in FIG. 7 ends. Specifically, when the bather operates the remote controller 18 to end the warm stimulus by discharging warm water, an instruction signal for ending the temperature control process is input to the control device 16 .

If the instruction signal for ending the temperature control process has not been input, the process proceeds to step S10. temperature, and proceed to S11.

Next, in step S11, the control unit 16 selects hot water to be supplied from the water supply channel 10 based on, for example, the difference between the target spouting water temperature and the current spouting water temperature and the flow rate of hot water on the circulation channel 4 side. Calculate the required flow rate and proceed to S12.

Next, in step S12, it is determined whether or not the required flow rate calculated in step S11 is greater than zero. If the calculated required flow rate is zero, one process of the flow chart shown in FIG. 7 ends. For example, when the temperature of the hot water sucked from the water inlet 9b and circulating is equal to the set temperature acquired in step S10, it is not necessary to flow hot water from the storage tank 12, and the hot water is flowed from the storage tank 12. The required flow rate of hot water becomes zero.
On the other hand, if the required flow rate calculated in step S11 is greater than zero, the control device 16 sends a control signal to the flow adjustment valve 26 so that the required flow rate of hot water from the water heater 52 flows into the storage tank 12. send. Further, water quantity sensor 24 detects the flow rate of hot water supplied from water heater 52, and the process in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, it is determined whether or not the flow rate detected by the water quantity sensor 24 is greater than a predetermined flow rate. In other words, when the flow rate of hot water to be supplied is less than a predetermined ignition minimum flow rate, a general gas water heater cannot maintain the gas ignited state, and cannot throttle the flow rate any further. In step S13, it is determined whether or not the flow rate supplied from the water heater 52 is greater than the minimum ignition flow rate and the ignited state can be stably maintained in order to allow the required flow rate to flow from the storage tank 12. . In this embodiment, the ignition minimum flow rate of the water heater 52 is about 3.5 L/min, and the predetermined flow rate at which the water heater 52 can maintain a stable ignition state is set to about 4.0 L/min. ing. If the flow rate detected by the water quantity sensor 24 is greater than the predetermined flow rate, the process in the flowchart proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, the control device 16 sends a control signal to the flow adjustment valve 26 to set the flow rate of hot water to flow from the water heater 52 into the storage tank 12 to be substantially the same as the required flow rate calculated in step S11. . Since this hot water supply flow rate is sufficiently higher than the ignition minimum flow rate, the water heater 52 can maintain ignition. Further, in step S16, the control device 16 sends a control signal to the pressurizing pump 14 to cause the required flow rate of hot water calculated in step S11 to flow into the circulation flow path. That is, the control device 16 operates the pressure pump 14 so that the flow rate detected by the water quantity sensor 36 becomes the required flow rate calculated in step S11. As a result, the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharging device 8 becomes the set temperature.

In addition, the flow rate of hot water flowing from the water heater 52 into the storage tank 12 and the flow rate of hot water flowing from the storage tank 12 into the circulation channel are substantially equal, and the water level in the storage tank 12 is maintained substantially constant. . As a modification, the flow rate of hot water flowing from the water heater 52 into the storage tank 12 can be set to be slightly larger than the required flow rate of water flowing out of the storage tank 12 . As a result, even if there is a detection error in the flow adjustment valve 26 or the water quantity sensor 36, it is possible to prevent the hot water in the storage tank 12 from running out.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the flow rate detected by the water quantity sensor 24 is equal to or less than the predetermined flow rate, the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the control device 16 sends a control signal to the flow adjustment valve 26 to set the flow rate of the hot water to flow from the water heater 52 into the storage tank 12 to a predetermined flow rate higher than the ignition minimum flow rate of the water heater 52. . Thereby, the water heater 52 can maintain ignition. Further, in step S16, the control device 16 sends a control signal to the pressurizing pump 14 to cause the required flow rate of hot water calculated in step S11 to flow into the circulation flow path.

In this case, the flow rate of hot water to be supplied to the storage tank 12 is greater than the required flow rate of hot water to flow from the storage tank 12 to the circulation flow path. Therefore, the water level in the storage tank 12 rises, and when the water level becomes higher than the overflow portion 44a at the upper end of the overflow pipe 44, the hot water in the storage tank 12 is discharged to the outside through the overflow portion 44a of the overflow pipe 44. be done. However, in practice, the flow rate of the hot water supplied from the water heater 52 to the storage tank 12 does not greatly exceed the required flow rate. Therefore, the hot water supply flow rate is set so that more than half of the hot water supplied from the water heater 52 flows into the circulation flow path, and less than half of the hot water supplied from the water heater 52 is discharged from the overflow pipe 44. controlled by

When the temperature of the hot water supplied from the water heater 52 is high, the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8 is increased by allowing a small amount of hot water to flow into the circulation flow path, so the required flow rate is low. Become. As a result, the required flow rate becomes smaller than the predetermined flow rate of the water heater 52 . Therefore, when the temperature of the hot water supplied from the water heater 52 is high, the flow rate of hot water flowing from the storage tank 12 into the circulation flow path is smaller than the flow rate of the hot water supplied from the water heater 52, resulting in a surplus. Hot water is discharged. As a modified example, the present invention can be configured such that a small amount of water is supplied to the storage tank 12 from the tap water supply 54 together with the supply of hot water from the water heater 52 . In this case, the total flow rate of hot water flowing into the storage tank 12 from the water heater 52 and water flowing into the storage tank 12 from the tap water supply 54 is higher than the flow rate of hot water flowing into the circulation flow path from the storage tank 12. Control so that it is slightly larger.

When the process of step S16 is completed, the process in the flowchart returns to step S9, and until an instruction to end the temperature control process is input (step S9→return) or the required flow rate becomes zero (step S12→return), step S9 The processing of to S16 is repeatedly executed.

According to the bathtub apparatus 1 of the embodiment of the present invention, since the hot water supplied from the water heater 52 flows into the circulation flow path through the supply pipe 10, hot water is discharged from the spout 8a of the water discharger 8. The temperature of the bath can be raised, and a bather can be given a warm stimulus. Further, according to the bathtub apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the flow rate of hot water detected by the water quantity sensor 24 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined flow rate, the controller 16 controls the flow rate of hot water supplied from the water heater 52 to be The flow rate of hot water flowing from the supply pipe line 10 into the circulation flow path is reduced, and surplus hot water is discharged. Therefore, even in the bathtub apparatus 1 that supplies hot water into the bathtub body 2 using a general water heater 52, the temperature of hot water discharged from the spout 8a can be appropriately adjusted. As a result, it is possible to provide a bather with a comfortable warm stimulus while preventing the user from being overwhelmed.

Further, according to the bathtub apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, surplus hot water is discharged through the overflow portion 44a of the storage tank 12. hot water can be drained. As a result, even if the amount of hot water supplied from the water heater 52 to the supply pipe 10 temporarily fluctuates due to a change in water pressure or the like, the channel between the upstream side and the downstream side can be cut off. Since the hot water is stored in the storage tank 12 and sent out toward the circulation flow path, the temperature of the hot water to be discharged is less likely to fluctuate temporarily. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the temperature of the hot water discharged to the bather in the bathtub to a predetermined temperature, and the temperature of the hot water discharged to the bather in the bathtub is temporarily fluctuated. It is possible to suppress discomfort to the bather.

Furthermore, according to the bathtub apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, since the control device 16 discharges less than half of the hot water supplied from the water heater 52, it is discharged from the spout 8a while suppressing the amount of hot water to be discarded. It is possible to appropriately control the temperature of the hot and cold water.

Further, according to the bathtub apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the hot water supplied from the supply pipe 10 flows into the negative pressure portion of the chamber 11 forming the circulation flow path, so that the hot water is sent to the circulation flow path. Hot and cold water can be prevented from flowing back into the supply pipe 10, and hot and cold water can be reliably made to flow into the circulation flow path.

Furthermore, according to the bathtub apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the flow rate of hot water flowing into the storage tank 12 is substantially the same as the flow rate of hot water flowing from the storage tank 12 into the circulation flow path. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the hot water stored in the storage tank 12 from depleting while suppressing the amount of hot water to be discarded, and to reliably maintain the temperature control of the hot water discharged from the spout. can be done.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments. In the embodiment of the present invention, when the hot water discharged from the water discharging device 8 is switched from hot water with a higher temperature than the hot water in the bathtub body 2 to hot water with a lower temperature, or vice versa, the storage tank 12 It is necessary to change the hot water inside from hot water to cold water, or vice versa. In this case, the flow rate of hot water flowing into the storage tank 12 is made smaller than the flow rate of hot water flowing out of the storage tank 12 from a predetermined time before switching the temperature of hot water, and is stored in the storage tank 12 at the time of switching. It is desirable to reduce the amount of hot water being used. As a result, the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharging device 8 can be quickly switched.

Reference Signs List 1 bathtub device 2 bathtub main body 2a backrest surface 2b side wall surface 2c apron 4a first pipeline 4b second pipeline 4c third pipeline 6 circulation pump 8 water discharge device 8a water discharge port 9a bathtub water discharge port 9b water intake 10 supply pipe 11 Chamber 12 Storage tank 14 Pressurizing pump 16 Control device 18 Remote control 20 Nozzle 21 Discharge flow rate sensor 22 Discharge water temperature sensor 23 Bathtub temperature sensor 24 Water volume sensor 26 Flow adjustment valve 28 Constant flow valve 30 Inflow temperature sensor 32 Storage tank temperature sensor 34 Outflow Side temperature sensor 36 Water quantity sensor 38 Check valve 39 Solenoid valve 40a Hot water supply pipe 40b Water supply pipe 41a Check valve 41b Check valve 42 Float switch 42a Stem 42b Float 43 Shared pipe 43a Merging portion 44 Overflow pipe 44a Overflow portion 52 Water heater 54 Water supply 54a Branch portion 56 Hot water solenoid valve 58 Water solenoid valve

Claims (5)

A bathtub device comprising a water discharge device,
a bathtub body for storing hot water;
a water inlet for sucking hot water in the bathtub body;
a water discharging device provided above the bathtub main body and provided with a water discharging port for discharging hot water sucked from the water suction port toward the inside of the bathtub main body;
a circulation flow path connecting the water inlet and the water outlet;
a circulation pump that is provided in the circulation flow path and pressure-feeds hot water from the water inlet toward the water outlet;
a supply pipe line for causing hot water supplied from a water heater to flow into the circulation flow path;
a water volume sensor capable of detecting the flow rate of hot water supplied from the water heater;
a control device for controlling the inflow and stop of hot water from the supply pipe to the circulation flow path in order to increase the temperature of hot water discharged from the spout;
In the case of increasing the temperature of hot water discharged from the spout, when the flow rate of hot water detected by the water flow sensor falls below a predetermined flow rate, the control device controls the flow rate of hot water supplied from the water heater. A bathtub apparatus characterized in that a flow rate of hot water flowing from the supply pipe line into the circulation flow path is reduced and surplus hot water is discharged. Further, a storage tank is provided for temporarily storing hot water supplied from the water heater, the storage tank is provided with an overflow section, and the surplus hot water is discharged through the overflow section. 1. The bathtub apparatus according to 1. When the flow rate of hot water detected by the water quantity sensor is equal to or less than the predetermined flow rate, the control device causes more than half of the hot water supplied from the water heater to flow into the circulation flow path, and is supplied from the water heater. 3. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein half or less of the supplied hot water is discharged. 4. The bathtub apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hot water supplied from the supply pipeline flows into a negative pressure portion of the circulation flow path. Further, a storage tank is provided for temporarily storing the hot water supplied from the water heater. 2. The flow rate of hot water flowing into said storage tank is controlled so that the flow rate of hot water flowing into said storage tank from said storage tank is substantially the same as the flow rate of hot water flowing into said circulation passage from said storage tank. 5. The bathtub apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 4.

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