JP3339829B2 - Bathtub water level controller - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a bathtub water level control device for controlling a water level using water pressure in a pipe installed between a water supply source and a bathtub.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a fully automatic water heater or a bath kettle, when a pipe connecting a water heater and a bathtub is filled with hot water, the water level in the bathtub is indirectly controlled through the water pressure in the pipe. Since the water level can be detected, a water pressure level in the bathtub is detected by installing a pressure sensor in the pipe, and the water level in the bathtub is controlled based on the detected water level.

[0003] Therefore, such a water level control device has an advantage that it is not necessary to install a water level detecting means in the bathtub, and the bathtub can be widened.

[0004]

However, in such a water level control device, since the height between the water level detection means and the bathtub affects the detection pressure of the water level detection means, a house or the like on which the device is installed. The control data varies according to the installation conditions, and the reference value cannot be set uniformly.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a bathtub water level control device which can control the water level in the bathtub regardless of the installation conditions of the bathtub.

[0006]

[0007]

A bathtub water level control device according to the present invention is a bathtub water level control device for supplying hot water into the bathtub while monitoring the water level in the bathtub and controlling the water level in the bathtub to a set water level. And supply the necessary hot and cold water to the bathtub,
Alternatively, a hot water supply means (hot water supply apparatus 2) for reheating the hot water in the bathtub, and a circulation port (4) of the hot water supply means and the bathtub (4).
0), which is connected between the circulation port of the bathtub and the hot water supply means, to supply the hot water to the bathtub side, and the hot water in the bathtub is connected to the hot water supply means. A return pipe (6) for returning to the hot water supply means side, a pump (232) for circulating the hot water in the bathtub through the return pipe and the outgoing pipe, and a flow detection means (flow detection for detecting the flow of water circulated by the pump) Switch 230)
A water level detecting means (pressure sensor 14) installed on the return pipe side for detecting a water level in the bathtub based on a pressure in the return pipe, and an opening / closing means for selectively opening and closing the outgoing pipe or the return pipe (Three-way valves 224, 234); storage means (RAM 162) for storing the detected water level of the water level detection means and a desired set water level; storage of the detected water level and the set water level for this storage means; A control means (hot water supply control unit 16) for controlling hot water supply of the hot water supply means. At an initial setting, water is supplied from the outgoing pipe side for a certain time to fill the outgoing pipe with the hot water, and the pump is turned on for a certain time. After the running water detecting means detects the absence of running water, the water is supplied from the return pipe and the return pipe is filled with hot water .
The water level detected by the water level detection means through the hot and cold water is stored in the storage means as an initial water level indicating that the bathtub is empty, and a predetermined time is used from the initial water level using the going pipe. And water level detecting means.
The initial water level is determined that submerged the circulation port when detecting the water level exceeds, stores the detection level at the time of submergence reference level, the desired level from the reference water level in the storage means as the set water level, the water heater when, when the detection level of the level detection means exceeds said circulation port, and water from the return pipe enough to remove air in the return pipe after the water supply, said water level detecting means and the Standard water level
Hot water is supplied until the set water level is detected .

[0008] In this water level control device, at the time of initial setting, the bathtub
It is assumed that the inside is empty, but the control means side
I can not know its contents. So, the learning process
Supply water for a certain period of time from the
Fill the tube with hot water, run the pump for a certain period of time,
The discharge means detects no running water. After this detection, return pipe
When the return pipe is filled with hot water after supplying water from
The water level detected by the detection means indicates that the bathtub is empty.
The initial water level is stored in the storage means. This initial water level
Is a reference for detecting the reference pressure indicating the reference water level.
Pressure corresponding to the position of the installed bathtub.
Represents power. From this initial water level,
Supply water for a fixed period of time, and
Judgment of submersion at the circulation port from changes in the detected water level before and after submersion
You. Then, the detected water level at the time of submersion is used as the reference water level,
The desired water level from the level is stored in the storage means as the set water level.
You. These reference water levels and set water levels are based on the initial water level.
The standard water level is set individually for each bathtub.
After that, this reference water level becomes the reference for water level control.

[0009]

[0010]

[0011]

[0012]

[0013]

At the time of initial setting when there is no hot water in the bathtub,
A predetermined amount of hot and cold water is supplied through the circulation port, and the incoming pipe is filled with water.
After the pump circulation, water is supplied from the return pipe to fill the return pipe with water. As a result, the water level detecting means the return distribution
In contact with water that has been placed in the tube, to the pressure in the return pipe
The water level is detected, and the detected value becomes the initial water level . This initial water level represents the installation condition of the bathtub. In this state, when water is supplied to such an extent that the circulation port is submerged , the water level in the bathtub is detected by the water level detecting means through the return pipe . That is, as the circulation port is submerged, the pressure change appears on the water level detecting means. At this point, the water supply is stopped and the detected pressure and a reference pressure P _1. Naturally, the reference pressure P ₁ exhibits a pressure corresponding to the height of the bathtub and the water level detecting means. The pressure obtained by adding the pressure difference ΔP to the pressure P ₁ represents the set water level . Therefore, the pressure P ₁ + ΔP
Lever to the water supply until the water level to be, I and the tub the internal water level is set water level
You . That is, at the time of hot water supply, the water level detected by the water level detecting means is equal to the reference water level.
If it exceeds, the air in the return pipe can be removed
Return to the level and supply water from the piping, and after this water supply,
If the detected water level of the stage is lower than the set water level,
Hot water is supplied until the means detects the set water level. As a result, the bath
Is the tank water level efficiently at the set water level based on the reference water level?
Control with high precision.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a bathtub water level control device according to the present invention.

This water level control device includes tap water W such as tap water.
A hot water supply device 2 is provided as a water supply source for obtaining a desired hot water WH by receiving the supply of O, and a bathtub 4 receiving the supply of hot water WH from the hot water supply device 2 is provided.

The bathtub 4 is provided with a circulation port 40 for supplying or circulating hot and cold water WH. The circulation port 40 includes a return pipe 6 (hereinafter simply referred to as a pipe 6) as a first pipe and a second pipe. The hot water supply device 2 as a hot water supply means is connected through an outgoing pipe 8 (hereinafter simply referred to as a pipe 8) as a pipeline of. The piping 6 mainly returns hot water WH in the bathtub 4 to the hot water supply device 2 through the circulation port 40, and the piping 8 mainly supplies hot water WH from the hot water supply device 2 into the bathtub 4 through the circulation port 40. It is. By the way, hE represents a reference water level in the bathtub 4 and hF represents a set water level as a necessary water level for use, and a water level difference between the reference water level and the set water level can be detected as a pressure difference.

The hot water supply device 2 has a pipe 1 for water supply or the like.
The main heat exchanger 200 is installed as a first heating means for heating the clean water WO supplied through the main heat exchanger 0, and a supply pipe 12 leading to the outside is branched into a pipe 202 on the output side of the main heat exchanger 200. The hot and cold water WH is supplied outside the bathtub 4.
The pipe 202 is provided with a two-way valve 206, and the hot and cold water WH that has passed through the two-way valve 206 is supplied to the reheating circuit 208.

The hot and cold water WH passed through the two-way valve 206 is supplied to the clean water WO.
And the hot water WH on the side of the bathtub 4 are stored in a hopper 210 as a tank installed as a separating means for separating the hot water WH from the bathtub 4 side. At an opening of the pipe 202, a water control valve 214 that is opened and closed by vertical movement of hot and cold water WH of a ball tap 212 installed in the hopper 210 is installed. The hopper 21
At 0, a water level detection switch 216 for detecting the water level of the hot and cold water WH is provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the water level detection switch 216 is provided with a rod-shaped sensor 218 on the inner wall of the hopper 210.
A float 220 is provided for moving on the sensor unit 218 according to the water level and detecting the water level. The sensor unit 218 is provided with a high-level detection unit SH and a low-level detection unit SL. The float 220 moves to the ranges DH and DL of the detection units SH and SL, and the level indicating the water level is set. A signal is obtained.

Two pipes 226 and 228 are provided through a first three-way valve 224 on a pipe 222 provided on the bottom side of the hopper 210.
A pump 232 for pumping hot and cold water WH is installed together with a running water detection switch 230 for detecting passage of
The three-way valve 234 is connected. Running water detection switch 2
A level signal m2 corresponding to the passage of hot and cold water WH is obtained at 30 and is applied to hot water supply control section 16 as water level control means.

The three-way valve 234 has pipes 236, 23
8 is connected, the pipe 236 is connected to the pipe 8 via a reheating heat exchanger 240 as a second heating means, and the pipe 238 is connected to the pipe 228 and connected to the pipe 6 to form a bathtub. A circulation path is formed in the hot water WH supply and reheating circuit 208 for the hot water 4.

That is, the hot and cold water WH is supplied to the bathtub 4 through two paths.
One of them is to close the valve c of the three-way valve 224, open the valves a and b, and to open the valves a and b of the three-way valve 234.
Is opened, the valve c is closed, and the hot and cold water WH supplied from the hopper 210 side is sent from the pipe 8 through the pipe 222, the three-way valve 224, the pipe 226, the pump 232, the three-way valve 234, and the reheating heat exchanger 240 to the circulation port 40. And the other one is to close the valve c of the three-way valve 224 and open the valves a and b, open the valves a and c of the three-way valve 234, close the valve b,
The hot and cold water WH supplied from the hopper 210 side is
2, a path from the pipe 6 to the circulation port 40 via the three-way valve 224, the pipe 226, the pump 232, the three-way valve 234, and the pipe 238. In addition, the circulation of the hot and cold water WH at the time of the additional heating operation is performed by closing the valve a of the three-way valve 224 and opening the valves b and c, and opening the valves a and b of the three-way valve 234 and closing the valve c. By driving the pump 232, the pipe 6, the pipe 228, the three-way valve 224, the pipe 2
26, pump 232, three-way valve 234, reheating heat exchanger 24
This is performed along a path leading to the circulation port 40 via the pipe 0 and the pipe 8.

The pipe 6 is provided with a branch pipe 242, and the water level in the bathtub 4 is connected to a pressure sensor 14 as a water level detecting means for detecting the water level by the pressure acting on the pipe 6. A level signal m1 representing the water level is obtained from the pressure sensor 14, and is applied to the hot water supply control unit 16 as a control input.

As shown in FIG. 3, for example, a control device composed of a microcomputer is used as the hot water supply control unit 16, and a central processing unit (CPU) 160 is installed as arithmetic means for performing necessary hot water supply control. ing. This CP
A read-only memory (ROM) 161 as storage means for storing a control program and fixed data, and an optional write-read memory (RAM) 162 for storing data being processed and various kinds of data taken in are connected to U160. .

In the hot water supply control section 16, in addition to the level signal m1 obtained by the pressure sensor 14, the level signal m2 obtained by the running water detection switch 230, and other sensors 18 such as a water level detection switch 216. After removing unnecessary components such as noise from the various level signals m3 to mn through the filter (FIL) 163, the multiplexer (M
PX) 164 and selectively applied to an analog to digital converter (ADC) 165. The MPX 164 and the ADC 165 are integrally configured as AD conversion means. Then, the level signals m1 to mn digitized by the ADC 165 are taken into the CPU 160 and
After predetermined arithmetic processing according to the control program written in M161, the data is stored in the RAM 162.

The CPU 160 has an input / output circuit (I
/ O) 166, control input signals Vc1 to Vcn are applied from control input means such as a drive switch, and each of the control input signals Vc1 to Vcn is also taken into consideration in arithmetic control as control data. Therefore, the two-way valve 206, the three-way valves 224 and 234, the main heat exchanger 200,
Various control signals Vo1 to Von for controlling the reheating heat exchanger 240 and the like are obtained, and are applied to various control means through the input / output circuit 166.

The operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of the water level control program shown in FIG. 4 and the temporal change of the water level shown in FIG.

When the hot water supply device 2 and the bathtub 4 are installed in a house or the like, or when the bathtub 4 is empty when the hot water WH is removed from the bathtub 4, the two-way valve 206 is opened as an initial operation.
Hot water WH is supplied to the hopper 210.

Therefore, in FIG. 4, in step S1, as shown in FIG. 5A, water is supplied from the pipe 8 side at a time T1 (for example, 60 seconds) from time t0 to t1.

The water supplied from the pipe 8 is supplied to a three-way valve 224.
The valves a and b are opened, the valve c is closed, and the valves a and b of the three-way valve 234 are opened and the valve c is closed to drive the pump 232, and the pipe 222, the three-way valve 224, and the pipe 226, pump 2
32, the three-way valve 234, the pipe 236, and the pipe 8. By this water supply, the pipe 8 is filled with the hot and cold water WH, and a water level hA is obtained as shown in FIG. At this time, the water level hA is displayed on the pressure sensor 14.
Level signal m1 represented Ru obtained. By the way, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the position of the circulation port 40 of the bathtub 4 is lower than the height of the pressure sensor 14, the pressure P3, the height of the pressure sensor 14 and the position of the circulation port 40 of the bathtub 4 are changed. In the same case, the pressure P2 (<P3). When the position of the circulation port 40 of the bathtub 4 is higher than the height of the pressure sensor 14, the pressure P1 (<P3).
2) is obtained, and the pressures P3 and P2 are positive,
The pressure P1 becomes negative.

Next, in step S2, as shown in FIG. 5A, the time T2 (for example, 4
The circulation of the pump 232 is performed in the section of (0 second), and it is determined whether or not the water level in the bathtub 4 is higher than the circulation port 40. In this pump circulation, the valve a side of the three-way valve 224 is closed, and the valve b,
While opening the c side, the valves a and b sides of the three-way valve 234 are opened, the valve c side is closed, and the piping 6, 228, the three-way valve 224, the piping 226, the flowing water detection switch 230, Pump 232, three-way valve 234, piping 23
6. A circulation path forming a closed loop is formed by the additional heat exchanger 240 and the pipe 8, and the hot and cold water WH is circulated through the pump 232. If the running water detection switch 230 does not generate the level signal m2 indicating the flow of hot water WH during this circulation, the water level in the bathtub 4 has not reached the circulation port 40;
That is, it is known that the inside of the bathtub 4 is empty, and by using this information for water level control, the presence or absence of the hot water WH in the bathtub 4 can be surely known. Of the water level and control accuracy of the set water level can be improved.

At this time, since the hot and cold water WH is sucked into the pump 232 from the pipe 6 side, the detected pressure of the pressure sensor 14 fluctuates sharply in the negative region during the period of time T2, as shown in FIG. .

Next, in step S3, the pipe 6 is
H, the time t2, as shown in FIG.
Water is supplied from the pipe 6 in a section of time T3 (for example, 40 seconds) from to t3. That is, the valves a and b of the three-way valve 224
Side is opened, the valve c side is closed, and the valves a and c sides of the three-way valve 234 are opened and the valve b side is closed to drive the pump 232, and the piping 2
22, water is supplied through the three-way valve 224, the pipe 226, the pump 232, the three-way valve 234, the pipe 238, and the pipe 6.
By this water supply, the pipe 6 is filled with the hot and cold water WH, and a water level hB is obtained as shown in FIG. At this time, the hot and cold water WH is
Side, the pressure sensor 1 in the section of time T3
As shown in FIG. 5B, when the detected pressure of No. 4 is equal to the water level hB
Irrespective of this, the pressure becomes high and fluctuates violently.

Next, in step S4, as shown in FIG. 5A, a time T4 from time t3 to time t4 (for example,
(30 seconds), pressure is detected by the pressure sensor 14 and the pressure is taken in as an initial water level hB, and RA
It is stored in M162. This initial water level hB is in a state where the water level in the bathtub 4 has not reached the circulation port 40, that is, the bathtub 4
Represents the water level in the empty state. Further, the time T4 is set to stabilize the detection output of the pressure sensor 14 except for the fluctuation component, since the supply of the hot and cold water WH to the pipe 6 side in step S3. Is enhanced.

Next, in step S5, as shown in FIG. 5A, a time T5 from time t4 to time t6 (for example,
Water is supplied from the pipe 8 side in the section of (40 minutes).

In step S6, it is determined whether or not the output of the pressure sensor 14 has changed during the water supply from the pipe 8 side. That is, when the hot water WH is continuously supplied to the bathtub 4, the water level of the hot water WH gradually rises in the empty bathtub 4, and as shown by the water level hC in FIG. At time t5, the pipe 6 of the circulation port 40
When the mouth on the side is submerged, the hot water WH in the bathtub 4 and the hot water WH in the pipe 6 are connected, and a pressure corresponding to the water level of the bathtub 4 is applied to the pipe 6. As shown in FIG. 5B, time T10 represents a section before pressure fluctuation does not occur, and when the circulation port 40 is submerged at time t5, the time ( t
From 5 ), the pressure rises in proportion to the water level and shifts to the water level hD.

If no pressure change occurs in the pressure sensor 14 in step S6, the supply of hot and cold water WH is continued, so the process returns to step S5 until the pressure sensor 14 detects a pressure change in step S6. The supply of hot and cold water WH is continued, and when a pressure change is detected in step S6, the process proceeds to step S7.

Then, in step S7, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the pump 232 is circulated in a section of time T6 (for example, 40 seconds) from time t6 to time t7,
It is determined whether or not the water level inside is above the circulation port 40.
This pump circulation is performed along the same route as in step S2.
If the running water detection switch 230 does not generate the level signal m2 indicating the flow of hot water WH during the circulation, the water level in the bathtub 4 has not reached the circulation port 40, that is, the inside of the bathtub 4 is empty. It turns out that it is.

Also, hot water W is supplied from the pipe 6 to the pump 232.
Since H is sucked, in the section of time T6, the detected pressure of the pressure sensor 14, which indicates the rise in the water level, shifts to the negative region and fluctuates sharply as shown in FIG. 5B.

Next, in step S8, an operation for removing the air in the pipe 6 is performed, and as shown in FIG. 5A, the time T7 to the time t7 to the time t8 (for example, 40 seconds). Water is supplied from the pipe 6 side in the section. Although air may be taken into the pipe 6 by the pump circulation in step S7, the air in the pipe 6 can be removed by this water supply, and the detection accuracy of the pressure sensor 14 can be improved. At this time, since the hot and cold water WH is pressure-fed to the pipe 6 by the pump 232, as shown in FIG. 5B, during the period of time T7, the detected pressure of the pressure sensor 14 increases in pressure irrespective of the water level. And fluctuate violently.

Next, in step S9, after a period of time for the pressure fluctuation to calm down after step S8, for example, a period of about 30 seconds, as shown in FIG. The pressure is detected by the pressure sensor 14 in a section of time T8 (for example, 30 seconds) up to and the pressure value is stored in the RAM 162 as the reference water level hE. The reference water level hE is almost equal to the water levels hC and hD (hE ≒
hC ≒ hD), each representing a water level equivalent to the level of the circulation port 40.

Since the volume of the bathtub 4 is known, the set water level hF in the bathtub 4 is set based on the reference water level hE, that is, the difference between the reference water level and the set water level is known as a pressure difference.

Next, in step S10, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the hot and cold water WH is supplied to the bathtub 4 from the pipe 8 side in the section of the time T9 from the time t9 to the time t10. This piping 8
Water supply from the side is performed through the same route as in step S1.

Next, in step S11, the pressure sensor 1
It is determined from the detected pressure of 4 whether or not the water level in the bathtub 4 has reached the set water level hF. If the water level has not reached the set water level hF, the process returns to step S10, and water supply is performed continuously. When the water level in the bathtub 4 reaches the set water level hF in step S11, the water supply is stopped, and the water supply control is completed.

If the water level in the bathtub 4 has dropped, the determination is made in step S11, and step S1 is performed.
Returning to 0, water is supplied, and the water level is controlled to the set water level hF.

[0048]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. a. At the time of initial setting, the empty state of the bathtub is detected and the initial water level is
Then, water is supplied from this initial water level and the submersion level at the circulation port is
Set the desired water level from the reference water level
Therefore, regardless of the installation conditions of the bathtub, the water level in the bathtub can be controlled .
The required reference water level and set water level can be determined. b. Based on the set reference water level and the set water level, the water level in the bathtub can be controlled efficiently and with high accuracy regardless of the installation conditions of the bathtub, and highly reliable water level control can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a bathtub water level control device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a water level detection switch in the bathtub water level control device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of a hot water supply control unit in the bathtub water level control device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a water level control program which is an embodiment of a bathtub water level control device.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a change in water level controlled by a water level control program and a change in output from a pressure sensor.

[Explanation of symbols]

 4 Bathtub 6 Return pipe (pipe) 8 Outgoing pipe (pipe) 14 Pressure sensor (pressure detecting means) 16 Hot water supply control section (control means) 40 Circulation port 161 ROM (storage means) 162 RAM (storage means)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Atsushi Mochizuki 201 Nishi-Kashiwara Nitta, Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture Inside Takagi Sangyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Teruyuki Mochizuki 201 Nishi-Kashiwabara Nitta 201, Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture Takagi Sangyo Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-1-98853 (JP, A) JP-A-63-247546 (JP, A) JP-A-63-153355 (JP, A) JP-A-1-114664 (JP, A) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) F24H 1/00

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A bathtub water level control device for controlling the water level in the bathtub to a set water level by supplying hot water into the bathtub while monitoring the water level in the bathtub, and supplying necessary hot water to the bathtub, or A hot water supply unit for reheating the hot water in the bathtub, an outgoing pipe connected between the hot water supply unit and a circulation port of the bathtub to supply the hot water to the bathtub side, and a circulation port of the bathtub; A return pipe connected between the hot water supply means and returning the hot water in the bathtub to the hot water supply means side; a pump for circulating the hot water in the bathtub through the return pipe and the outgoing pipe; Flowing water detecting means for detecting circulating flowing water, water level detecting means installed on the return pipe side to detect a water level in the bathtub by pressure in the return pipe, and selectively selecting the outgoing pipe or the return pipe. Opening and closing means for closing; storage means for storing the detected water level of the water level detection means and a desired set water level; storage of the detected water level and the set water level for this storage means; opening and closing of the opening and closing means; hot water supply for the hot water supply means Control means for performing control, and at the time of initial setting, water is supplied from the outgoing pipe side for a certain time to fill the outgoing pipe with the hot water, the pump is operated for a certain time, and the running water detecting means detects no running water. After the detection, when water is supplied from the return pipe and the return pipe is filled with hot water, the hot water filled in the return pipe is
The water level detected by the water level detection means via water is stored in the storage means as an initial water level indicating that the bathtub is empty, and water is supplied from the initial water level for a certain period of time using the going pipe. the initial by the water level detecting means
Submerged and determine <br/> constant of said circulation port when detecting the water level exceeds the level, the reference level detection level at the time of submersion, and store the desired level from the reference water level in the storage means as the set water level , hot water at the time, the detection level of the level detection means the circulation
If it is over the mouth , supply water from the return pipe to an extent that air in the return pipe can be removed, and after this water supply,
The water level detecting means detects the set water level from the reference water level.
A water level control device for a bath tub, which supplies hot water until it is discharged .