JP3724019B2 - Automatic bath equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the present invention, hot water having a preset desired temperature (hereinafter referred to as set temperature) Ts is set to a preset desired water level (hereinafter referred to as set water level) Hs or a desired water amount (hereinafter referred to as set water amount). The present invention relates to an automatic bath apparatus having an automatic hot water filling function for filling up to Qs.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A specific operation sequence of a conventional automatic bath apparatus having this type of automatic hot water filling function will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.
[0003]
If the set temperature Ts and the set water level Hs are determined in advance, pouring of hot water at the set temperature Ts is started (step 1), and if the hot water is poured up to the set water level Hs (step 2), Hot water is stopped (step 3).
[0004]
Subsequently, chasing is started (step 4). When the hot water temperature in the bathtub reaches the set temperature Ts (step 5), chasing is stopped (step 6).
[0005]
As a result, the hot water at the set temperature Ts is filled to the set water level Hs, so that the bath is informed that the bath is ready for bathing (step 7). Hereinafter, this is referred to as “bath notification”.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in such an automatic bath apparatus having an automatic hot water filling function, as shown in FIG. 9A, when there is residual water up to a water level Ha higher than the lowest water level detection water level Hd above the bathtub circulation port. The residual water can be detected by the water level sensor D.
[0007]
If there is a large amount of residual water that exceeds the minimum water level Hd detected by the water level sensor, regardless of the seasons, even if hot water at the set temperature Ts is poured up to the set water level Hs, the overall hot water temperature will remain at the set temperature. Since it is much lower than Ts, as shown in the sequence shown in FIG. 8, after pouring to the set water level Hs, when the temperature reaches the set temperature Ts after reheating, the “bath notification” is performed. It is practical and appropriate.
[0008]
However, as shown in FIG. 9 (b), when there is no residual water in the bathtub, hot water at the set temperature Ts is poured until the set water level Hs is reached. The temperature drop due to the like is slight, and therefore, when the hot water is poured up to the set water level Hs, it is in a state where it can be sufficiently bathed. In addition, considering that it takes time for undressing after the “bath notification” by the buzzer etc., the “bath notification” is shown in step 7 after the chasing stop in FIG. It can be said that it is more appropriate to make a “bath notification” after the hot water is poured up to the set water level Hs in step 3 and then to catch up.
[0009]
Therefore, as can be seen from the above description, it is preferable to change the timing of “bath notification” according to the presence or absence of residual water.
[0010]
Here, in order to determine the presence or absence of residual water, for example, whether or not residual water is detected by the water level sensor D is used as a guideline. After judging and pouring the water to the set water level Hs, when the temperature reaches the set temperature Ts after reheating, a “bathing notification” is given. If the remaining water is not detected by the water level sensor D, the remaining water It can be considered that the sequence is such that “notice of bathing” is made when the water is poured into the set water level Hs before the start of reheating.
[0011]
However, if the presence / absence of remaining water is simply determined based on the detection output of the water level sensor D, the following problem occurs.
[0012]
That is, as shown in FIG. 9C, when there is residual water up to a water level Hc slightly lower than the water level sensor detection minimum water level Hd, the water level sensor D cannot detect the residual water. However, it is judged that there is no residual water despite the relatively large amount of residual water.
[0013]
Therefore, if “bathing notification” is performed immediately after pouring to the set water level Hs, the entire hot water temperature is considerably lower than the set temperature Ts even if the hot water is poured to the set water level Hs. It takes time to sow, and therefore, there is a disadvantage that the set temperature Ts has not yet been reached even when the bath is actually bathed.
[0014]
Note that the water level sensor D naturally has a limit in reducing its lowest detected water level because it is disposed in the middle of the memorial circuit between the bath tub and the bathtub.
[0015]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and even when the time at which bathing is possible differs depending on the amount of residual water, when the bathing state is reached, each of them is as early as possible. The task is to make a bathing notice.
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention employs the following configuration in order to solve the above problems.
[0018]
  Claim 1In the invention according to the description, in an automatic bath apparatus having an automatic hot water filling function, hot water having a preset temperature Ts is filled in a bathtub up to a preset water level Hs or a preset water amount Qs. Whether the set water level Hs is reached before the hot water of the difference water amount Qt (= Qs−ΔQ0) obtained by subtracting a predetermined value ΔQ0 from the set water amount Qs determined according to the water level Hs and the size of the bathtub If it is determined by the determination means that the difference water amount Qt has been poured and the set water level Hs has not yet been reached, the determination means for determining whether or not bathing is possible is notified. First informing means.
[0019]
  Claim 2In the invention according to the description, in an automatic bath apparatus having an automatic hot water filling function of filling hot water having a preset temperature Ts to a preset water level Hs in the bathtub, hot water poured into the bathtub is First determination means for determining whether or not the set water level Hs has been reached, and when it is determined by the first determination means that the set water level Hs has been reached, according to the set water level Hs and the size of the bathtub The remaining water amount ΔQr (= Qs−Q) before pouring is obtained by subtracting the actual pouring amount Q until the set water level Hs is reached from the determined setting water amount Qs, and this remaining water amount ΔQr exceeds a predetermined value ΔQ0. And a first notification means for notifying that the bathing is possible when the second determination means determines that the remaining water amount ΔQr is smaller than the predetermined value ΔQ0. And.
[0020]
  Claim 3In the invention according to the description, in an automatic bath apparatus having an automatic hot water filling function of filling hot water having a preset temperature Ts to a preset water level Hs in the bathtub, hot water poured into the bathtub is The first determination means for determining whether or not the difference water level Ht (= Hs−ΔH1) lower than the set water level Hs by a predetermined value ΔH1 is reached, and the difference water level Ht is reached by the first determination means. If it is determined, the hot water temperature of the bathtub is detected, and it is determined whether or not the detected hot water temperature T exceeds an allowable hot water temperature Tt (= Ts−ΔT0) that is lower than the set temperature Ts by a predetermined value ΔT0. A second determining unit; and a first notifying unit for notifying that the bathing is possible when the second determining unit determines that the detected hot water temperature T is higher than the allowable hot water temperature Tt. Yes.
[0021]
  Claim 4In the invention according to the description, in an automatic bath apparatus having an automatic hot water filling function for filling hot water of a preset temperature Ts to a predetermined amount of water Qs in the bathtub, the hot water poured into the bathtub is The first determination means for determining whether or not the difference water amount Qt1 (= Qs−ΔQ1) lower than the preset water amount Qs by a predetermined value ΔQ1 has been reached, and the difference water amount Qt1 is reached by the first determination means. If it is determined, the hot water temperature of the bathtub is detected, and it is determined whether or not the detected hot water temperature T exceeds an allowable hot water temperature Tt (= Ts−ΔT0) that is lower than the set temperature Ts by a predetermined value ΔT0. A second determining unit; and a first notifying unit for notifying that the bathing is possible when the second determining unit determines that the detected hot water temperature T is higher than the allowable hot water temperature Tt. Yes.
[0022]
  Claim 5In the invention according to the description, claims 1 toClaim 4In the structure according to any one of the above, when there is a large amount of residual water in the bathtub before filling, the bathing is possible when the hot water is poured up to the set water level Hs or the set water amount Qs and then refilled to the set temperature Ts. Second informing means for informing that the situation has been reached is provided.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an automatic bath apparatus of the present invention.
[0024]
The automatic bath apparatus 1 of this example includes a memorial circuit 4 connected at both ends to a bathtub 2, and in the middle of the memorial circuit 4, a memorial heat exchanger 6 and a forced circulation circuit are provided. A pump 8 is provided, and the water level sensor 10 that detects the water level of the bathtub 2 on the upstream side of the circulation pump 8 operates the circulation pump 8 in the middle of the heat exchanger 6 on the downstream side of the circulation pump 8. A flow switch 11 that closes when hot water stored in the bathtub 2 flows and a temperature sensor 12 that detects a temperature T of hot water stored in the bathtub 2 are arranged, respectively. A gas burner 14 for heating the exchanger 6 is provided.
[0025]
A hot water supply path 16 is connected to a position midway from the circulation pump 8 upstream of the circulation pump 8 to the water level sensor 10, and a check valve 18 is connected to the hot water supply path 16 toward the upstream side. The flow sensor 19, the on-off valve 20, and the water heater 22 are sequentially connected.
[0026]
Further, the automatic bath device 1 of this embodiment includes a remote control device 24 and a controller 26.
[0027]
The remote controller 24 is configured such that data such as the set temperature Ts and the set water level Hs are input to the controller 26.
[0028]
The controller 26 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and includes a control unit 30, a calculation unit 32, a memory 34, etc., and a set temperature Ts, a set water level Hs input from the remote control device 24, each sensor 10, Based on the detection output from 12, 19, the combustion gas burner 14 and the water heater 18 are controlled for combustion, and the movable parts 8, 20,.
[0029]
  In addition, the claims 1 to 5 of the claims5Each means is configured by the controller 22 and its control program.
[0030]
Next, an automatic hot water filling sequence of the automatic bath apparatus 1 having the above-described configuration will be described.
[0031]
Sequence 1
The sequence 1 will be described with reference to an explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 2A and a flowchart shown in FIG.
[0032]
This automatic hot water filling sequence 1 is based on the premise that the automatic bath apparatus 1 is provided with a water level sensor 10 in the bathtub 2.
[0033]
Now, when the automatic hot water filling mode is set, the controller 26 sets the set water amount Qs, the allowable temperature Tt, and the differential water amount Qt according to the following equations based on the set water level Hs and the set temperature Ts predetermined by the remote control device 24. (Step 10).
[0034]
Qs = k ・ Hs (1)
Tt = Ts−ΔT₀                              (2)
Qt = Qs−ΔQ₀                              (3)
Here, k is a conversion coefficient from the water level to the amount of water, and takes a different value depending on the size of the bathtub 2. Note that the set water amount Qs may be used by learning the water amount corresponding to the set water level Hs by a trial operation or the like without depending on the equation (1). ΔT₀Is a temperature drop that does not significantly affect the feeling of bathing compared to when bathing in hot water at the set temperature Ts, for example, 1 ° C. ΔQ₀Is a predetermined value serving as a reference for the amount of remaining water, and this predetermined value ΔQ₀Assuming that the remaining water of the bathtub 2 and hot water dropped into the bathtub 2 are mixed and reach the set water level Hs, the temperature drop from the set temperature Ts is small and the bathing feeling is not impaired. Residual water (symbol ΔH in Fig. 2 (a)₀The amount of water corresponding to the water level indicated by Therefore, this predetermined value ΔQ₀Can be a variable determined by the set water level Hs (or the set water amount Qs), the outside air temperature, etc., but here it is uniformly 10 liters.
[0035]
Further, in step 10, a flag F for determining whether or not “bathing notification” has been made is set to zero.
[0036]
When the set water amount Qs, the allowable temperature Tt, and the differential water amount Qt are obtained by the above equations (1) to (3), the controller 26 stores these data in the memory 34 and then adds a predetermined amount of pouring water. (For example, 10 liters) is started (step 15).
[0037]
In this pouring operation, the controller 26 opens the on-off valve 20 and controls the combustion of the hot water heater 22 so that the hot water at the set temperature Ts is measured by the flow sensor 19 while the hot water supply channel 16 and the additional circulation circuit 4 are set. Drop into bathtub 2 via.
[0038]
When the predetermined amount of pouring is completed, the circulation pump 8 is driven and whether or not the flow water switch 11 is closed, that is, the current water level H only reaches the water level sensor detected minimum water level Hd above the bathtub circulation port. It is determined whether there is any remaining water (step 30).
[0039]
If it is detected in step 30 that the water level in the bathtub 2 has reached the minimum water level Hd detected by the water level sensor, the amount of the initial remaining water in the bathtub 2 is large, so hot water at the set temperature Ts is poured to the set water level Hs. Even if hot water is used, it is clear that the overall hot water temperature is significantly lower than the set temperature Ts.
[0040]
Therefore, in this case, after pouring the hot water until the current water level H reaches the set water level Hs (until H ≧ Hs) (steps 31 and 32), the pouring is stopped (step 69). When Hs is reached, no bathing notice is given.
[0041]
On the other hand, even if a predetermined amount (10 liters in this case) is poured at the beginning of pouring and no remaining water is detected in step 30, the current water level H is the lowest detected by the water level sensor as a result of pouring the predetermined amount. When the water level Hc slightly lower than the water level Hd is reached, the initial residual water amount in the bathtub 2 is ΔQ in FIG.₀(ΔH₀Therefore, even if hot water of the set temperature Ts is poured up to the set water level Hs, the total hot water temperature in the bathtub 2 is considerably lower than the set temperature Ts, and in practice, It becomes inappropriate.
[0042]
Therefore, in this example, when residual water is not detected in step 30, the controller 26 starts pouring (step 33), and the water level H detected by the water level sensor 10 exceeds the set water level Hs. It is determined whether or not (step 51).
[0043]
Naturally, since the set water level Hs is sufficiently larger than the minimum water level Hd detected by the water level sensor (Hs> Hd), the current water level H does not exceed the set water level Hs immediately after the start of pouring in step 33, and to some extent. take time.
[0044]
Therefore, in step 51, it is first determined that H <Hs, and the controller 26 determines whether or not the pouring amount Q up to the present after the pouring starts exceeds the differential water amount Qt obtained based on the equation (3). Is determined (step 53).
[0045]
Here, the initial amount of remaining water in the bathtub 2 is a predetermined value ΔQ₀(Reference symbol ΔH in FIG. 2 (a))₀In this case, the water level reaches the set water level Hs before pouring up to the differential water amount Qt, but the remaining water amount is a predetermined value ΔQ.₀Less than the symbol ΔH in FIG.₀In this case, the set water level Hs is not reached even when the hot water is poured up to the differential water amount Qt.
[0046]
Therefore, even if the remaining water cannot be detected in step 30, if the pouring amount Q reaches the difference water amount Qt by the continuation of pouring until the set water level Hs is reached, the initial remaining water amount is very small, and the bathtub Even if it is mixed with the hot water dropped into 2, the temperature drop from the set temperature Ts is small, and it is considered that the chasing time is short.
[0047]
For this reason, if the pouring amount Q up to the present time reaches the differential water amount Qt in a state where the set water level Hs has not been reached, it is determined by the flag F whether or not the “bath notification” has already been made (step 54), and “ If “notification” is not made, “bathing notice” is immediately made (step 55). Then, after setting the flag F to 1 to indicate that the “bath notification” has been made (step 56), when the set water level Hs is reached due to the continuation of pouring, the process proceeds from step 51 to step 69 and pouring is performed. To stop.
[0048]
On the other hand, when the current pouring amount Q reaches the set water level Hs by the continuation of pouring, the initial remaining water amount is so large that it cannot be ignored and dropped into the bathtub 2. When mixed with hot water, the temperature drop from the set temperature Ts is relatively large, and it takes a long time for reheating. Therefore, in this case, “bathing notification” is not performed, and when the set water level Hs is reached in step 51, the process proceeds to step 69 and pouring is stopped.
[0049]
  Therefore, the above steps 51 and 53 areClaim 1Steps 55 and 56 correspond to the determination means.Claim 1This corresponds to the first notification means.
[0050]
Subsequently, immediately after the pouring is stopped, the controller 26 activates the circulation pump 8 of the recirculation circuit 4 and ignites the reheating gas burner 14 to start reheating (step 70).
[0051]
When this reheating is started, the controller 26 first determines whether or not the hot water temperature T of the bathtub 2 detected by the temperature sensor 12 exceeds the allowable temperature Tt obtained based on the equation (2). (Step 71).
[0052]
If the hot water temperature T of the bathtub 2 exceeds the allowable temperature Tt due to continued chasing, it is determined whether or not the “bath notification” has already been made by checking whether or not the flag F is 1 (step 72). If “notification of bathing” has not been made yet, “notification of bathing” is performed (step 73). Therefore, steps 71 to 73 correspond to the second notification means of claim 6.
[0053]
If the hot water temperature T of the bathtub 2 reaches the set temperature Ts due to continuous reheating (step 74), the reheating is stopped (step 75) and the automatic hot water filling is terminated.
[0054]
sequence2
The sequence 2 will be described with reference to the explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 2A and the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0055]
This automatic hot water filling sequence 2 is the same as the sequence 1 in that the difference water amount Qt is used as a measure of the initial residual water amount, but even if the automatic bath apparatus 1 is not provided with the water level sensor 10, the water amount sensor Based on the detected output of 19, automatic water filling can be performed up to the set water level Qs including residual water.
[0056]
Therefore, in this sequence 2, steps 10, 15, 30, steps 53 to 56, and steps 69 to 75 are the same as in sequence 1, but in order to be able to cope even when the water level sensor 10 is not provided. Since there are portions that are slightly different from those in the case of the sequence 1, the portions different from those in the case of the sequence 1 will be mainly described here.
[0057]
In this sequence 2, whether or not the pouring of a predetermined amount (here, 10 liters) is completed in step 15 and the bath water switch 11 is turned on, that is, the current water level H is set to the water level Hd above the bathtub circulation port. It is determined whether or not it has been reached (step 30).
[0058]
If it is detected in step 30 that the water level of the bathtub 2 has reached the water level Hd, the initial residual water amount in the bathtub 2 is large. At that time, the gas burner 14 is ignited for a certain period of time to detect the temperature sensor 12. The residual water amount ΔQr is calculated by calorific value calculation based on the amount of change ΔT in the hot water based on the detected output and the combustion heat amount of the gas burner 14 (see, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-31105) (step 41).
[0059]
Then, after calculating the remaining water amount ΔQr, after pouring until the amount of poured water Q reaches the water amount obtained by subtracting the remaining water amount ΔQr from the set water amount Qs (= Qs−ΔQr) (until Q ≧ Qs−ΔQr) (step) 41, 42, 43), the pouring is stopped (step 69), but even if the pouring amount Q becomes Q ≧ Qs−ΔQr, no “bath notification” is given.
[0060]
On the other hand, if no remaining water is detected even after pouring a predetermined amount (here, 10 liters) at the beginning of pouring at step 30, a predetermined amount (here 20 liters) is poured. (Step 44), it is determined whether or not the bath water switch 11 is turned on (Step 45).
[0061]
If it is detected in step 45 that the water level of the bathtub 2 has reached the water level Hd, the initial remaining water amount in the bathtub 2 is ΔQ in FIG.₀(ΔH₀Since it can be estimated that the amount of water is greater than the water level indicated by (No. of water), the pouring is stopped after the processing of steps 41 to 43 described above (step 69).
[0062]
On the other hand, if residual water is not detected even after pouring a predetermined amount (for example, 20 liters) in Step 45, the bathtub 2 has ΔQ from the beginning.₀Since it can be considered that there is only the remaining water amount below, the controller 26 starts pouring (step 46), and determines whether or not the pouring amount Q from step 15 to the present time exceeds the set water amount Qs (step 52). ) In the state where the pouring amount Q does not reach the set water amount Qs, if the difference water amount Qt is reached, “bathing notification” is immediately made (steps 53 to 56). Then, after the pouring stop (step 69), it is the same as in the case of the sequence 1.
[0063]
In this sequence 2, bathing notification may be made when the set water amount Qs is reached in step 52 without setting the differential water amount Qt.
[0064]
  Here, steps 52 and 53 areClaim 1Steps 55 and 56 correspond to the determination means.Claim 1This corresponds to the first notification means.
[0065]
sequence3
The sequence 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0066]
This automatic hot water filling sequence 3 is based on the assumption that the automatic bath apparatus 1 includes a water level sensor 10. In the above sequences 1 and 2, the difference water amount Qt is used as a measure of the initial residual water amount, and the timing of “bath notification” is set appropriately. In this sequence 3, the set water level Hs is set. The amount of remaining water [Delta] Qr is directly determined from the actual amount of poured water Q that has been poured to reach, and the "bath notification" time is appropriately set according to the amount of the remaining amount of water [Delta] Qr.
[0067]
That is, in this sequence 3, the controller 26 obtains the set water amount Qs and the allowable temperature Tt by the above-described equations (1) and (2), and sets the flag F for “bathing notification” to 0 (step 11) The pouring is started (step 14).
[0068]
  Then, based on the detection output of the water level sensor 10, it is determined whether or not the water level H of the bathtub 2 that has been poured up to now has reached the set water level Hs (step 18). Therefore, this step 18 isClaim 2This corresponds to the first determination means.
[0069]
If the water level H of the bathtub 2 reaches the set water level Hs due to continued pouring, the pouring is stopped (step 21).
[0070]
Subsequently, the controller 26 directly calculates the remaining water amount ΔQr stored in the bathtub 2 at the beginning of pouring from the set water amount Qs and the actual pouring amount Q until the set water level Hs is reached by the following equation. Obtain (step 22).
[0071]
ΔQr = Qs−Q (4)
Next, the remaining water amount ΔQr is determined in advance by a predetermined value ΔQr.₀Is judged (step 23).
[0072]
  This predetermined value ΔQ0 is the amount of residual water that is considered to have little influence on the decrease in the set temperature, similar to that used to obtain Qt in the above-mentioned equation (3), and here it is uniformly 10 liters. Therefore, steps 22 and 23 areClaim 2This corresponds to the second determination means.
[0073]
In step 23, the remaining water amount ΔQr of the bathtub 2 is a predetermined value ΔQ₀If it is determined that the temperature is lower than the set temperature Ts, the temperature drops from the set temperature Ts when the molten metal is poured up to the set water level Hs. Then, the flag F is set to 1 so that it can be understood that the “bath notification” has been completed (step 25). Therefore, steps 24 and 25 correspond to the first notification means of claim 3.
[0074]
On the other hand, in step 23, the remaining water amount ΔQr of the bathtub 2 is a predetermined value ΔQ₀If it is larger than the set temperature Ts, it is considered that the temperature drop from the set temperature Ts is relatively large and the time required for retreating is long when the set water level Hs is reached. Therefore, in this case, the “bath notification” is not performed, and the process proceeds to step 70 to start the chasing.
[0075]
Since the subsequent operations are the same as those in sequences 1 and 2, detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0076]
Sequence 4
The sequence 4 will be described with reference to the explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 2B and the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0077]
This automatic hot water filling sequence 4 is based on the premise that the automatic bath apparatus 1 includes a water level sensor 10. In each of the above sequences 1, 2, and 3, the “bath notification” time is determined mainly based on the amount of water in the bathtub 2. In this sequence 4, the “bath notification” time is determined as the main time. The determination is based on the hot water temperature T detected by the temperature sensor 12.
[0078]
That is, in this sequence 4, when the automatic hot water filling mode is set, the controller 26 obtains the differential water level Ht by the following equation based on the set water level Hs predetermined by the remote control device 24 (step 12).
[0079]
Ht = Hs−ΔH₁                              (5)
Where ΔH₁As shown in FIG. 2 (b), even if “bath notification” is given after pouring, it is a water level difference that is considered to be near the set water level Hs by the time of actual bathing, for example, 5 cm.
[0080]
In step 12, the allowable temperature Tt is obtained by the above-described equation (2), and a flag F for determining whether or not “bath notification” has been made is set to 0.
[0081]
Thus, when the differential water level Ht and the allowable temperature Tt are obtained, the controller 26 stores these data in the memory 34 and then starts pouring (step 14).
[0082]
When the pouring is started, first, the controller 26 determines whether or not there is residual water up to a water level higher than the water level sensor minimum detection water level Hd based on the detection output of the water level sensor 10 (step 28). .
[0083]
When residual water is detected by the water level sensor 10, the initial residual water amount is large, so even if hot water at the set temperature Ts is poured to the set water level Hs, the overall hot water temperature is significantly lower than the set temperature Ts. Therefore, in this case, pouring is stopped (step 69) when the set water level Hs is reached without performing "bathing notification" (step 66).
[0084]
On the other hand, in step 28, even when no residual water is detected by the water level sensor 10, there is residual water up to a water level Hc slightly lower than the height Hd at which the water level sensor 10 is located, as shown in FIG. 9 (c). In this case, even if hot water at the set temperature Ts is poured to the set water level Hs, the entire hot water temperature in the bathtub 2 is considerably lower than the set temperature Ts, and is actually unsuitable for bathing. Note that step 28 may be performed before step 14.
[0085]
  For this reason, the controller 26 determines whether or not the current water level H exceeds the differential water level Ht while continuing the pouring when the water level sensor 10 does not detect residual water in step 28 (step 36). . Therefore, step 36 isClaim 3This corresponds to the first determination means.
[0086]
  When the current water level H exceeds the differential water level Ht, the temperature sensor 12 detects the hot water temperature T while starting the circulation pump 8 and stirring the hot water in the bathtub 2 (step 61). It is determined whether or not the hot water temperature T exceeds the allowable temperature Tt (step 62). Therefore, steps 61 and 62 areClaim 3This corresponds to the second determination means.
[0087]
  When the current hot water temperature T detected by the temperature sensor 12 exceeds the allowable temperature Tt, the bath can be sufficiently bathed, so that "bathing notification" is immediately made (step 63). Then, the flag F is set to 1 so that it can be understood that the “bath notification” has been completed (step 64). Therefore, steps 63 and 64 areClaim 3This corresponds to the first notification means.
[0088]
On the other hand, if the hot water temperature T does not exceed the allowable temperature Tt in step 62, the “bath notification” is not performed. If the set water level Hs is reached by continuing pouring (step 66), pouring is stopped (step 69).
[0089]
Subsequent operations are the same as those in Sequences 1 to 3, and thus description thereof is omitted.
[0090]
If step 28 is omitted and the water level H reaches the differential water level Ht, it is possible to determine whether or not all the hot water temperatures T exceed the allowable temperature Tt regardless of the amount of remaining water. Good. Further, the determination of the differential water level Ht in step 36 is omitted, and when the current water level H exceeds the set water level Hs (H ≧ Hs), the pouring is stopped and the temperature T is detected. If T ≧ Tt, It is also possible to notify bathing immediately.
[0091]
Sequence 5
The sequence 5 will be described with reference to an explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 2B and a flowchart shown in FIG.
[0092]
This automatic hot water filling sequence 5 can be handled even when the automatic bath apparatus 1 is not provided with the water level sensor 10, so that the automatic hot water up to the set water level Qs including the remaining water based on the detection output of the water amount sensor 19 is provided. It can be tensioned. In the sequence 5, as in the case of the sequence 4, the timing of “bath notification” is determined mainly based on the hot water temperature T detected by the temperature sensor 12.
[0093]
Therefore, in this sequence 5, the steps 30 and 41 to 46 for determining the amount of the remaining water amount are the same as those in the sequence 2, and the steps 61 to 64 and 69 to 75 for determining the timing of bathing notification. Since this is the same as that in the sequence 4, only the portions different from those in the sequences 2 and 4 will be described here.
[0094]
In this sequence 5, it is necessary to be able to cope with the case where the automatic bath apparatus 1 is not provided with the water level sensor 10. Therefore, instead of step 12 in the sequence 4, the controller 26 sets the preset water level determined in advance by the remote control device 24. Calculate the set water volume Qs from Hs using the formula (1), and further calculate the differential water volume Qt using the following formula:₁Is obtained (step 13). In addition, even if the set water amount Qs itself is determined in advance by the remote control device 24, the calculation according to the equation (1) is naturally not necessary.
[0095]
Qt₁= Qs-ΔQ₁                              (6)
Where ΔQ₁As shown in FIG. 2 (b), even if “bath notification” is given, the amount of water corresponds to a water level difference that is considered to be close to the set water level Hs when actually bathing.
[0096]
In step 13, the allowable temperature Tt is obtained by the above-described equation (2), and a flag F for determining whether or not “bathing notification” is made is set to 0.
[0097]
Further, in this sequence 5, instead of step 36 in the sequence 4, the current pouring amount Q is the difference water amount Qt.₁(Step 60), and instead of step 66 in sequence 4, it is determined whether or not the current pouring amount Q exceeds the set water amount Qs (step 65).
[0098]
  Here, step 60 isClaim 4The first determination means, steps 61 and 62,Claim 4The second determining means, steps 63 and 64,Claim 4Respectively corresponding to the first notification means.
[0099]
In each of the above sequences 1 to 5, if a bathing state is obtained, from the viewpoint of “bathing notification” as soon as possible, the timing of “bathing notification” after the start of chasing Although it is assumed that the allowable temperature Tt in step 71 has been reached, it is also possible to make a “bath notification” when the set temperature Ts in step 74 has been reached.
[0100]
In addition to the “bathing notification” notifying the bathing possible state of the first and second notification means, the “automatic filling completion notification” notifying the completion of the automatic filling operation is notified when the set temperature Ts is reached. In addition, when “automatic hot water filling completion notification” is also performed, this notification method uses a pattern different from “bath notification”, that is, high / low / long / short for sound such as a buzzer, and color for light. It is desirable to make the flashing speed different.
[0101]
【The invention's effect】
  Claims 1 toClaim 5In any of the inventions, the time when bathing becomes possible differs depending on the amount of remaining water, but when bathing becomes possible in any case, "bathing notice" is performed as early as possible.
[0102]
For this reason, as in the past, although it is actually possible to take a bath, the timing of “bathing notice” is delayed, or “the bathing notice” is issued even though the hot water temperature is still low and is actually unsuitable for bathing. There is no inconvenience such as "bathing notice" is always performed at an appropriate time.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an automatic bath apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a pouring state of the automatic bath apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a sequence 1 of the automatic bath apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a sequence 2 of the automatic bath apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a sequence 3 of the automatic bath apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a sequence 4 of the automatic bath apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a sequence 5 of the automatic bath apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining one sequence of a conventional automatic bath apparatus.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the amount of remaining water and the pouring state of a conventional automatic bath apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Automatic bath apparatus, 2 ... Bath, 4 ... Remembrance circuit, 6 ... Heat exchanger, 8 ... Circulation pump, 10 ... Water level sensor, 11 ... Bath water switch, 12 ... Temperature sensor, 14 ... Gas burner, 19 ... Water quantity sensor, 22 ... Hot water heater, 24 ... Remote control device, 26 ... Controller, 30 ... Control part, 32 ... Calculation part, 34 ... Memory.

Claims (5)

In an automatic bath apparatus equipped with an automatic hot water filling function for filling hot water of a preset temperature Ts to a preset water level Hs or a preset water amount Qs in a bathtub,
The set water level Hs is reached before the hot water of the difference water amount Qt (= Qs−ΔQ0) obtained by subtracting a predetermined value ΔQ0 from the set water amount Qs determined according to the set water level Hs and the size of the bathtub. Determination means for determining whether or not to reach;
When it is determined that the set water level Hs has not yet been reached even when the difference water amount Qt has been poured by the determination means, first notification means for notifying that the bathing is possible,
An automatic bath apparatus comprising: In an automatic bath apparatus having an automatic hot water filling function for filling hot water of a preset temperature Ts to a preset water level Hs in a bathtub,
First determination means for determining whether or not hot water poured into the bathtub has reached a set water level Hs;
When it is determined by the first determination means that the set water level Hs has been reached, the actual pouring amount Q until the set water level Hs is reached from the set water amount Qs determined according to the set water level Hs and the size of the bathtub is determined. A second determination means for determining a residual water amount ΔQr (= Qs−Q) before pouring and determining whether or not the residual water amount ΔQr exceeds a predetermined value ΔQ0;
If the second determination means determines that the remaining water amount ΔQr is less than the predetermined value ΔQ0, first notification means for notifying that the bathing is possible,
Automatic bath apparatus comprising: a. In an automatic bath apparatus having an automatic hot water filling function for filling hot water of a preset temperature Ts to a preset water level Hs in a bathtub,
First determination means for determining whether or not the hot water poured into the bathtub has reached a differential water level Ht (= Hs−ΔH1) lower than the set water level Hs by a predetermined value ΔH1;
If it is determined by the first determination means that the difference water level Ht has been reached, the hot water temperature of the bathtub is detected, and the detected hot water temperature T is lower than the set temperature Ts by a predetermined value ΔT0, the allowable hot water temperature Tt (= Second determination means for determining whether or not Ts−ΔT0) is exceeded,
If the second determination means determines that the detected hot water temperature T is higher than the allowable hot water temperature Tt, a first notification means for notifying that the bathing is possible,
Automatic bath apparatus comprising: a. In an automatic bath apparatus having an automatic hot water filling function for filling hot water of a preset temperature Ts to a predetermined amount of water Qs in a bathtub,
First determination means for determining whether or not the hot water poured into the bathtub has reached a differential water amount Qt1 (= Qs−ΔQ1) lower by a predetermined value ΔQ1 than the set water amount Qs;
If it is determined by the first determination means that the difference water amount Qt1 has been reached, the hot water temperature of the bathtub is detected, and the detected hot water temperature T is lower than the set temperature Ts by a predetermined value ΔT0, the allowable hot water temperature Tt (= Second determination means for determining whether or not Ts−ΔT0) is exceeded,
If the second determination means determines that the detected hot water temperature T is higher than the allowable hot water temperature Tt, a first notification means for notifying that the bathing is possible,
An automatic bath apparatus comprising: When there is a lot of remaining water in the bathtub before filling, a second notification is made to notify that the bathing is possible when the water is refilled to the set temperature Ts after pouring up to the set water level Hs or the set water amount Qs. The automatic bath apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , comprising means.

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