JP3755197B2 - Automatic hot water filling device - Google Patents

Automatic hot water filling device Download PDF

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JP3755197B2
JP3755197B2 JP19355496A JP19355496A JP3755197B2 JP 3755197 B2 JP3755197 B2 JP 3755197B2 JP 19355496 A JP19355496 A JP 19355496A JP 19355496 A JP19355496 A JP 19355496A JP 3755197 B2 JP3755197 B2 JP 3755197B2
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hot water
water level
bathtub
temperature
water
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JPH1038381A (en
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雅勝 中山
興隆 渡邊
哲也 松山
正明 古内
文彦 中島
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、浴槽への自動給湯を行なう自動湯張り装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の自動湯張り装置の構成図を図１に示す。図１において、１は自動湯張り装置、２は浴槽である。３は自動湯張り装置１から浴槽２への給湯往き配管、４は浴槽２から自動湯張り装置１への給湯戻り配管、５は往き配管３と戻り配管４を浴槽２と接続する湯張り口で、浴槽往き配管３と浴槽戻り配管４により浴槽湯の循環を行なう。６は給湯往き配管３と給湯戻り配管４を通して浴槽２内の湯を循環させる循環ポンプ、７は循環の切換を行なう循環二方弁、８はゲージ圧を測定することで浴槽の水位を測定する水位センサである。また、９は湯を給湯する給湯配管、１０は水道等から水を給水する給水配管、１１は給湯配管９からの湯と給水配管１０からの水を適温に混合する混合弁、１２は混合弁１１で混合された湯を浴槽に給湯する電磁弁、１３は給湯配管９へ湯を供給する給湯装置、１５は水位センサ８の検出圧力を読み込み、循環ポンプ６、循環二方弁７、混合弁１１、電磁弁１２を制御するタイマー機能を有する制御装置である。
【０００３】
次に動作を図６のフローチャートに従って説明する。浴槽への湯張り制御は、以下の手順で行なう。まず湯張り開始で（Ｓ６１）、循環二方弁７と、電磁弁１２を開き、往き配管３と戻り配管４の両方から給湯を行なう（Ｓ６２）。一定時間経過後（Ｓ６３）、循環二方弁７を閉じ、往き配管３のみで給湯を行なう（Ｓ６４）。その後、水位センサ８により浴槽の水位を確認し、その時の水位を基準水位とする（Ｓ６５）。
【０００４】
基準水位決定後、電磁弁１２を開いたままで給湯する（Ｓ６６）。その後、水位センサ８により浴槽水位を測定し、設定水位になったか確認する（Ｓ６７）。水位センサ８で浴槽の水位が適当な水位になったことを検出すると、電磁弁１２を閉じて（Ｓ６８）湯張りを終了する（Ｓ６９）。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
従来の自動湯張り装置は、図６のステップＳ６４〜Ｓ６６に示すように、基準水位決定後は往き配管３のみで給湯を行い、その際、戻り配管４には湯が循環しないため、戻り配管４内の湯の温度が外気温の影響により低下し、水位センサ８取り付け部の温度も低下してしまう。そのため、水位センサ８の温度特性が変化してしまい、正確な湯張りが出来ないという問題があった。その詳細な説明を以下に示す。
【０００６】
図７に、水位センサ８の印加圧力固定の場合の温度−出力電圧特性を示す。図に示すように、この水位センサ８は、検出温度がＴ1の時、出力電圧がＶ2となり、検出温度がＴ2の時、出力電圧がＶ1となる特性を持つ。
【０００７】
図８に、水位センサ８の検知温度固定の場合の圧力（水位）−出力電圧特性を示す。基準水位決定前は、往き配管３及び戻り配管４の両方にて湯張りを行なうため、両配管付近とも雰囲気温度は同一となり、その温度を図８に示すＴ＝Ｔ2とする。また、基準水位決定時（Ｔ＝Ｔ2時）の、水位センサ８の出力電圧を図８に示すＶ3、圧力（水位）をＰ1とする。基準水位決定後になると、往き配管３のみの湯張りとなるため、戻り配管４付近の雰囲気温度は、外気温の影響を受け低下する。その時の戻り配管４付近の雰囲気温度をＴ＝Ｔ1とする。もし、外気温の影響を受けず、戻り配管４付近の雰囲気温度がＴ＝Ｔ2であれば、出力電圧Ｖ4を出すための圧力（水位）はＰ2であるが、外気温の影響により、戻り配管４付近の雰囲気温度がＴ＝Ｔ1へ低下するため、出力電圧Ｖ4を出すための圧力（水位）はＰxとなる。よって実際の圧力（水位）に、△Ｐ（Ｐ2−Ｐx）の誤差が生じ、湯張り水位が正確に測定できない。
【０００８】
この発明は、上記のような問題点を解決するためになされたもので、外気温の影響による水位センサ取り付け部の温度の変化を補正し、正確な水位にて湯張りを行なうようにすることを目的とする。
【００１２】
【課題を解決するための手段】
この発明に係る自動湯張り装置は、浴槽に湯を供給する往き配管と、前記浴槽から前記往き配管に対して湯を戻す戻り配管と、前記往き配管と前記戻り配管との間で湯を循環させる循環手段と、前記戻り配管に設けられ前記浴槽内の水位を検出する水位検出手段と、この水位検出手段の温度を検出する温度検出手段と、前記循環手段と前記水位検出手段を制御する制御手段とを備え、前記温度検出手段により検出された基準水位決定時と設定水位検出時の温度差が所定値以上の場合には前記循環手段により湯を循環させ、前記温度差が所定値以下の場合には自動湯張りを終了させるものである。
【００１４】
【発明の実施の形態】
実施の形態１．
本発明の実施の形態１における自動湯張り装置は、上述した図１に示す従来の自動湯張り装置と同様の構成である。すなわち、図１において、１は自動湯張り装置、２は浴槽、３は自動湯張り装置１から浴槽２への給湯往き配管、４は浴槽２から自動湯張り装置１への給湯戻り配管、５は往き配管３と戻り配管４を浴槽２と接続する湯張り口で、浴槽往き配管３と浴槽戻り配管４により浴槽湯の循環を行なう。６は給湯往き配管３と給湯戻り配管４を通して浴槽２内の湯を循環させる循環ポンプ、７は循環の切換を行なう循環二方弁、８はゲージ圧を測定することで浴槽の水位を測定する水位センサである。また、９は湯を給湯する給湯配管、１０は水道等から水を給水する給水配管、１１は給湯配管９からの湯と給水配管１０からの水を適温に混合する混合弁、１２は混合弁１１で混合された湯を浴槽に給湯する電磁弁、１３は給湯配管９へ湯を供給する給湯装置、１５は水位センサ８の検出圧力を読み込み、循環ポンプ６、循環二方弁７、混合弁１１、電磁弁１２を制御するタイマー機能を有する制御装置である。
【００１５】
次に、この実施の形態１における自動湯張り装置の動作について図２のフローチャートに従って説明する。浴槽への湯張り制御は、以下の手順で行なう。まず湯張り開始で（Ｓ１１）、循環二方弁７と、電磁弁１２を開き、往き配管３と戻り配管４の両方から給湯を行なう（Ｓ１２）。一定時間経過後（Ｓ１３）、循環二方弁７を閉じ、往き配管３のみで給湯を行い（Ｓ１４）、水位センサ８により浴槽の水位を確認し、水位が湯張り口５以上に達した時、その水位を基準水位とする（Ｓ１５）。この基準水位決定時の水位センサ８の出力電圧に基づいて、設定水位に対する出力電圧を算出しておく。
【００１６】
基準水位決定後、電磁弁１２を開いたままで給湯する（Ｓ１６）。その後、水位センサ８により浴槽水位を測定し、設定水位になったか確認する（Ｓ１７）。水位センサ８により、浴槽の水位が設定水位になったことを検出すると、電磁弁１２を閉じ（Ｓ１８）、循環二方弁を開き（Ｓ１９）、一定時間循環ポンプ６を動作させる（Ｓ２０）。これは、ステップＳ１６及びＳ１７の間循環二方弁７が閉じていることにより、戻り配管４内の湯が放熱し、それにより戻り配管４の水位センサ８取り付け部の温度が低下しているため、その温度低下を補正するために行なうものである。すなわち、温度低下により水位センサ８の温度特性がステップＳ１５の基準水位決定時のものと異なってしまっていると正確な湯張りが出来ないため、循環ポンプ６を一定時間動作させて温かい湯を循環させ、水位センサ８取り付け部の温度を基準水位決定時の温度に近づける。
【００１７】
循環ポンプ６を動作させ、水位センサ８取り付け部の温度の低下を補正した後、再度水位センサ８により浴槽水位を測定し、設定水位になったか確認する（Ｓ２１）。浴槽の水位が、設定水位になっていれば、自動湯張りを終了する（Ｓ２６）。
【００１８】
また、ここで浴槽の水位が設定水位まで達していないと判断すると、電磁弁１２を開き（Ｓ２２）、循環二方弁７を閉じて（Ｓ２３）、往き配管３のみで給湯を行なう。その後、水位センサ８により浴槽水位を測定し（Ｓ２４）、設定水位に達すれば、電磁弁１２を閉じ（Ｓ２５）、自動湯張りを終了する（Ｓ２６）。
【００１９】
このように、浴槽の水位確認後、循環ポンプ６を一定時間動作させることにより、基準水位決定時と浴槽設定水位確認時の水位センサ８取り付け部の温度を、ほぼ同一値に合わせることができ、水位センサ８の温度特性の変化を抑えることができるため、正確な水位で浴槽への自動湯張りができる。
【００２０】
実施の形態２．
次に、本発明の実施の形態２について説明する。自動湯張り装置の構成については、上記実施の形態１と同様なので説明を省略する。
【００２１】
実施の形態２における自動湯張り装置の動作について図３のフローチャートに従って説明する。浴槽への湯張り制御は、以下の手順で行なう。ステップＳ１１からステップＳ１９までの動作は上記実施の形態１と同様である。すなわち、まず湯張り開始で（Ｓ１１）、循環二方弁７と、電磁弁１２を開き、往き配管３と戻り配管４の両方から給湯を行なう（Ｓ１２）。一定時間経過後（Ｓ１３）、循環二方弁７を閉じ、往き配管３のみで給湯を行い（Ｓ１４）、水位センサ８により浴槽の水位を確認し、水位が湯張り口５以上に達した時、その水位を基準水位とする（Ｓ１５）。
【００２２】
基準水位決定後、電磁弁１２を開いたままで給湯する（Ｓ１６）。その後、水位センサ８により浴槽水位を測定し、設定水位になったか確認する（Ｓ１７）。水位センサ８により、浴槽の水位が設定水位になったことを検出すると、電磁弁１２を閉じ（Ｓ１８）、循環二方弁を開き（Ｓ１９）、浴槽内湯温の設定によりそれぞれ決まった時間だけ循環ポンプ６を動作させる（Ｓ２０ａ）。これは、ステップＳ１６及びＳ１７の間循環二方弁７が閉じていることにより、戻り配管４内の湯が放熱し、それにより戻り配管４の水位センサ８取り付け部の温度が低下しているため、その温度低下を補正するために行なうものである。例えば、浴槽内湯温が低ければ、水位センサ８取り付け部の温度と浴槽内湯温との差が小さいため、循環ポンプ６を動作させる時間は短くても、水位センサ８取り付け部の温度を基準水位決定時の温度に近づけることができる。逆に、浴槽内湯温が高い場合には温度の補正に時間がかかるため、循環ポンプ６を動作させる時間を長くする必要がある。
【００２３】
循環ポンプ６を動作させ、水位センサ８取り付け部の温度の低下を補正後、再度水位センサ８により浴槽水位を測定し、設定水位になったか確認する（Ｓ２１）。浴槽の水位が、設定水位になっていれば、自動湯張りを終了する（Ｓ２６）。
【００２４】
また、ここで浴槽の水位が設定水位まで達していないと判断すると、電磁弁１２を開き（Ｓ２２）、循環二方弁７を閉じて（Ｓ２３）、往き配管３のみで給湯を行なう。その後、水位センサ８により浴槽水位を測定し（Ｓ２４）、設定水位に達すれば、電磁弁１２を閉じ（Ｓ２５）、自動湯張りを終了する（Ｓ２６）。
【００２５】
上記実施の形態１では浴槽内湯温の如何にかかわらず水位センサ８取り付け部の温度の低下を補正するため、循環ポンプ６の動作時間は最大限に設定しなければならないが、この実施の形態２によれば、循環ポンプ６の動作時間を浴槽内湯温の設定によって可変にしているため、循環ポンプ６を必要以上長い時間動作させることがなく、前記実施の形態１に比べ、短時間で正確な水位の自動湯張りができる。
【００２６】
実施の形態３．
上記実施の形態２においては循環ポンプ６の動作時間を設定湯温により設定しているが、水位センサ８取り付け部の温度低下の度合は周囲の温度により左右されるものであるため、周囲の温度に応じて循環ポンプ６の動作時間を設定するようにしてもよい。例えば、外気温度を検出するセンサを設け、その検出値に基づいて、外気温度が低ければ循環ポンプ６の動作時間を長くし、外気温度が高ければ動作時間を短くするよう、外気温度に対応して循環ポンプ６の動作時間を予め設定しておけばよい。また、季節に応じて循環ポンプ６の動作時間を設定するよう、カレンダー機能を設けてもよい。
【００２７】
このような構成にすれば、水位センサ８取り付け部の温度を上昇させるのに、必要以上長時間循環ポンプ６を動作させることがなく、前記実施の形態１に比べ、短時間で正確な水位の自動湯張りができる。
【００２８】
実施の形態４．
本発明の更に別の実施の形態について説明する。この実施の形態３における自動湯張り装置の構成図を図４に示す。基本的な構成は図１に示す構成と同一であるが、給湯戻り配管４に温度センサ１４を設けている点が異なる。図４において、１は自動湯張り装置、２は浴槽である。３は自動湯張り装置１から浴槽２への給湯往き配管、４は浴槽２から自動湯張り装置１への給湯戻り配管、５は往き配管３と戻り配管４を浴槽２と接続する湯張り口で、浴槽往き配管３と浴槽戻り配管４により浴槽湯の循環を行なう。６は給湯往き配管３と給湯戻り配管４を通して浴槽２内の湯を循環させる循環ポンプ、７は循環の切換を行なう循環二方弁、８はゲージ圧を測定することで浴槽の水位を測定する水位センサである。また、９は湯を給湯する給湯配管、１０は水道等から水を給水する給水配管、１１は給湯配管９からの湯と給水配管１０からの水を適温に混合する混合弁、１２は混合弁１１で混合された湯を浴槽に給湯する電磁弁、１３は給湯配管９へ湯を供給する給湯装置である。１４は給湯戻り配管４上で、水位センサ８近傍に取り付けられる温度センサ、１５は水位センサ８の検出圧力を読み込み、循環ポンプ６、循環二方弁７、混合弁１１、電磁弁１２を制御するタイマー機能を有する制御装置である。
【００２９】
次に実施の形態４の動作について図５のフローチャートに従って説明する。浴槽への湯張り制御は、以下の手順で行なう。まず湯張り開始で（Ｓ３１）、循環二方弁７と、電磁弁１２を開き、往き配管３と戻り配管４の両方から給湯を行なう（Ｓ３２）。一定時間経過後（Ｓ３３）、循環二方弁７を閉じ、往き配管３のみで給湯を行なう（Ｓ３４）。その後、温度センサ１４により、水位センサ８取り付け部の温度Ｔ1を測定し（Ｓ３５）、水位センサ８により浴槽の水位を確認し、水位が湯張り口５以上に達した時、その水位を基準水位とする（Ｓ３６）。
【００３０】
基準水位決定後、電磁弁１２を開いたままで給湯する（Ｓ３７）。その後、水位センサ８により浴槽水位を測定し、設定水位になったか確認する（Ｓ３８）。水位センサ８により、浴槽の水位が設定水位になったことを検出すると、再度温度センサ１４にて水位センサ８取り付け部の温度Ｔ2を測定し（Ｓ３９）、基準水位決定時の温度Ｔ1と比較する（Ｓ４０）。これは、ステップＳ３７及びＳ３８の間、循環二方弁７が閉じていることにより、戻り配管４内の湯が放熱し、それにより戻り配管４の水位センサ８取り付け部の温度は低下するが、その変化は微小である場合もあるため、温度低下を補正するか否かを決定するために行なうものである。すなわち、温度低下により水位センサ８の温度特性がステップＳ３６の基準水位決定時のものと異なってしまっていると正確な湯張りが出来ないため、基準水位決定時と設定水位到達時とで、水位センサ８取り付け部の温度を比較し、その温度変化が大きい場合には補正を行なうようにする。具体的には次のように行なう。
【００３１】
｜Ｔ1−Ｔ2｜≦△Ｔ（△Ｔは微小）ならば、電磁弁１２を閉じ（Ｓ４１）、自動湯張りを終了する（Ｓ５１）。
【００３２】
また、｜Ｔ1−Ｔ2｜＞△Ｔ（△Ｔは微小）ならば、電磁弁１２を閉じ（Ｓ４２）、循環二方弁を開き（Ｓ４３）、浴槽内湯温の設定に応じて循環ポンプ６の動作時間を決定し、循環ポンプ６を動作させ（Ｓ４４）、水位センサ８取り付け部を温める。その後、再度温度センサ１４にて水位センサ８取り付け部の温度Ｔ3を測定し（Ｓ４５）、基準水位決定時の温度Ｔ1と比較する（Ｓ４６）。｜Ｔ1−Ｔ3｜＞△Ｔ（△Ｔは微小）ならば、上記ステップＳ４２からステップＳ４６を繰り返す。
【００３３】
｜Ｔ1−Ｔ3｜≦△Ｔ（△Ｔは微小）になった後、電磁弁１２を開き（Ｓ４７）、循環二方弁７を閉じて（Ｓ４８）、往き配管３のみで給湯を行なう。その後、水位センサ８により浴槽水位を測定し（Ｓ４９）、設定水位に達すれば、電磁弁１２を閉じ（Ｓ５０）、自動湯張りを終了する（Ｓ５１）。
【００３４】
このように、実施の形態４によれば、水位センサ８取り付け部の温度測定用の温度センサ１４を取り付けて、水位センサ８取り付け部の正確な温度を測定し、その水位センサ８取り付け部の温度変化に基づき温度補正を行なうか否かを判断し、浴槽内湯温の設定に応じて循環ポンプ６の動作時間を決定しているため、さらに無駄な循環ポンプ６の動作がなくなり、短時間で正確な水位の自動湯張りができる。
【００３５】
なお、水位センサ８取り付け部の温度変化量に応じて循環ポンプ６の動作時間を決定するようにすれば、必要最小限の動作時間を決定できる。
【００３６】
実施の形態５．
上記実施の形態１から実施の形態４においては、循環ポンプ６を動作させ、浴槽往き配管３と浴槽戻り配管４により浴槽湯の循環を行なうことにより、水位センサ８取り付け部の温度を上昇させるようにしているが、一旦設定水位を検出した後、循環二方弁７と、電磁弁１２を開き、給湯配管９を介して往き配管３と戻り配管４の両方から給湯を行なうことにより、戻り配管４の水位センサ８取り付け部の温度を上昇させることも可能である。この場合、給湯装置１３から新たに湯が給湯されるが、設定水位に達する所定時間前にこの動作を行なうように制御すれば、循環ポンプ６を用いることなく上記各実施例と同様の効果を奏することができる。
【００４０】
【発明の効果】
この発明に係る自動湯張り装置によれば、基準水位決定時と設定水位検出時の水位検出手段の温度差を検出し、この温度差が所定値以上の場合には循環手段により湯を循環させ、温度差が所定値以下の場合には自動湯張りを終了させるようにしたので、さらに無駄な循環を行なうことなく、正確な水位で浴槽への自動湯張りができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】 実施の形態１ないし実施の形態３及び従来の自動湯張り装置の構成図である。
【図２】 実施の形態１における自動湯張り装置の動作フローチャートである。
【図３】 実施の形態２における自動湯張り装置の動作フローチャートである。
【図４】 実施の形態４における自動湯張り装置の構成図である。
【図５】 実施の形態４における自動湯張り装置の動作フローチャートである。
【図６】 従来の自動湯張り装置の動作フローチャートである。
【図７】 水位センサの温度−出力電圧特性図である。
【図８】 水位センサの検知温度固定時の圧力（水位）−出力電圧特性図である。
【符号の説明】
１ 自動湯張り装置、２ 浴槽、３ 給湯往き配管、４ 給湯戻り配管、５ 湯張り口、６ 循環ポンプ、７ 循環二方弁、８ 水位センサ、９ 給湯配管、１０ 給水配管、１１ 混合弁、１２ 電磁弁、１３ 給湯装置、１４ 温度センサ。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an automatic hot water filling apparatus that performs automatic hot water supply to a bathtub.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The block diagram of the conventional automatic hot water filling apparatus is shown in FIG. In FIG. 1, 1 is an automatic hot water filling device and 2 is a bathtub. 3 is a hot water supply piping from the automatic hot water filling device 1 to the bathtub 2, 4 is a hot water supply return piping from the bathtub 2 to the automatic hot water filling device 1, and 5 is a hot water filling port connecting the forward piping 3 and the return piping 4 to the bathtub 2. Thus, the bathtub hot water is circulated by the bathtub going-out pipe 3 and the bathtub return pipe 4. 6 is a circulation pump for circulating hot water in the bathtub 2 through the hot water supply piping 3 and the hot water return piping 4, 7 is a circulation two-way valve for switching the circulation, and 8 is for measuring the water level of the bathtub by measuring the gauge pressure. It is a water level sensor. Further, 9 is a hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water, 10 is a water supply pipe for supplying water from a tap, etc., 11 is a mixing valve for mixing hot water from the hot water supply pipe 9 and water from the water supply pipe 10 at an appropriate temperature, and 12 is a mixing valve. 11 is a solenoid valve for supplying hot water mixed in the bathtub to the bathtub, 13 is a hot water supply device for supplying hot water to the hot water supply pipe 9, 15 is for reading the pressure detected by the water level sensor 8, and circulating pump 6, circulating two-way valve 7, mixing valve 11 is a control device having a timer function for controlling the electromagnetic valve 12.
[0003]
Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The hot water filling to the bathtub is controlled by the following procedure. First, hot water filling is started (S61), the circulation two-way valve 7 and the electromagnetic valve 12 are opened, and hot water is supplied from both the forward piping 3 and the return piping 4 (S62). After a predetermined time has elapsed (S63), the circulation two-way valve 7 is closed, and hot water is supplied only by the outgoing pipe 3 (S64). Then, the water level of the bathtub is confirmed by the water level sensor 8, and the water level at that time is set as the reference water level (S65).
[0004]
After determining the reference water level, hot water is supplied with the solenoid valve 12 open (S66). Then, the bathtub water level is measured by the water level sensor 8 and it is confirmed whether the set water level is reached (S67). When the water level sensor 8 detects that the water level of the bathtub has become an appropriate water level, the solenoid valve 12 is closed (S68), and the hot water filling is terminated (S69).
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As shown in steps S64 to S66 of FIG. 6, the conventional automatic hot water filling apparatus supplies hot water only by the outgoing pipe 3 after the determination of the reference water level. The temperature of the hot water in 4 falls by the influence of external temperature, and the temperature of the water level sensor 8 attachment part will also fall. For this reason, the temperature characteristic of the water level sensor 8 is changed, and there is a problem that accurate hot water filling cannot be performed. The detailed explanation is shown below.
[0006]
FIG. 7 shows temperature-output voltage characteristics when the applied pressure of the water level sensor 8 is fixed. As shown, the water level sensor 8, when the detected temperature is T 1, next to the output voltage V 2, the detected temperature is when T 2, with the characteristic that the output voltage is V 1.
[0007]
FIG. 8 shows pressure (water level) -output voltage characteristics when the detection temperature of the water level sensor 8 is fixed. Before the reference water level determined for performing the hot water filling in both the forward pipe 3 and return pipe 4, the ambient temperature both near both pipe becomes equal, and T = T 2 showing the temperature in Fig. Further, when the reference water level determined in (at T = T 2), V 3 showing the output voltage of the water level sensor 8 in FIG. 8, pressure (water level) to P 1. After the determination of the reference water level, only the outgoing pipe 3 is filled with water, so the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the return pipe 4 decreases due to the influence of the outside air temperature. The ambient temperature in the vicinity of the return pipe 4 at that time is T = T 1 . If it is not affected by the outside air temperature and the ambient temperature near the return pipe 4 is T = T 2 , the pressure (water level) for outputting the output voltage V 4 is P 2. Since the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the return pipe 4 decreases to T = T 1 , the pressure (water level) for outputting the output voltage V 4 becomes Px. Therefore, an error of ΔP (P 2 −Px) occurs in the actual pressure (water level), and the hot water level cannot be measured accurately.
[0008]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and corrects a change in the temperature of the water level sensor mounting portion due to the influence of the outside air temperature so that the hot water is filled at an accurate water level. With the goal.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The automatic hot water filling device according to the present invention is configured to circulate hot water between a forward pipe for supplying hot water to a bathtub, a return pipe for returning hot water from the bathtub to the forward pipe, and the forward pipe and the return pipe. Circulating means, water level detecting means provided in the return pipe for detecting the water level in the bathtub, temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the water level detecting means, and control for controlling the circulating means and the water level detecting means Means for circulating hot water by the circulating means when the difference in temperature between the determination of the reference water level detected by the temperature detection means and the detection of the set water level is not less than a predetermined value, and the temperature difference is not more than the predetermined value. In some cases, automatic hot water filling is terminated.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiment 1 FIG.
The automatic hot water filling apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention has the same configuration as the conventional automatic hot water filling apparatus shown in FIG. That is, in FIG. 1, 1 is an automatic hot water filling device, 2 is a bathtub, 3 is a hot water supply piping from the automatic hot water filling device 1 to the bathtub 2, and 4 is a hot water supply return pipe from the bathtub 2 to the automatic hot water filling device 1. Is a hot water filling port connecting the outgoing pipe 3 and the return pipe 4 to the bathtub 2, and the bathtub hot water is circulated by the bathtub outgoing pipe 3 and the bathtub return pipe 4. 6 is a circulation pump for circulating hot water in the bathtub 2 through the hot water supply piping 3 and the hot water return piping 4, 7 is a circulation two-way valve for switching the circulation, and 8 is for measuring the water level of the bathtub by measuring the gauge pressure. It is a water level sensor. Further, 9 is a hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water, 10 is a water supply pipe for supplying water from a tap, etc., 11 is a mixing valve for mixing hot water from the hot water supply pipe 9 and water from the water supply pipe 10 at an appropriate temperature, and 12 is a mixing valve. 11 is a solenoid valve for supplying hot water mixed in the bathtub to the bathtub, 13 is a hot water supply device for supplying hot water to the hot water supply pipe 9, 15 is for reading the pressure detected by the water level sensor 8, and circulating pump 6, circulating two-way valve 7, mixing valve 11 is a control device having a timer function for controlling the electromagnetic valve 12.
[0015]
Next, the operation of the automatic hot water filling apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The hot water filling to the bathtub is controlled by the following procedure. First, hot water filling is started (S11), the circulating two-way valve 7 and the electromagnetic valve 12 are opened, and hot water is supplied from both the forward piping 3 and the return piping 4 (S12). After a certain period of time (S13), the circulating two-way valve 7 is closed, hot water is supplied only by the outgoing pipe 3 (S14), the water level of the bathtub is confirmed by the water level sensor 8, and the water level reaches 5 or more. The water level is set as a reference water level (S15). Based on the output voltage of the water level sensor 8 at the time of determining the reference water level, the output voltage for the set water level is calculated in advance.
[0016]
After determining the reference water level, hot water is supplied with the solenoid valve 12 open (S16). Then, the bathtub water level is measured by the water level sensor 8 to confirm whether the set water level has been reached (S17). When the water level sensor 8 detects that the water level of the bathtub has reached the set water level, the solenoid valve 12 is closed (S18), the circulation two-way valve is opened (S19), and the circulation pump 6 is operated for a predetermined time (S20). This is because the hot water in the return pipe 4 is dissipated due to the circulation two-way valve 7 being closed between steps S16 and S17, thereby lowering the temperature of the water level sensor 8 attachment portion of the return pipe 4. This is performed to correct the temperature drop. That is, if the temperature characteristic of the water level sensor 8 is different from that at the time of determining the reference water level in step S15 due to the temperature drop, hot water filling cannot be performed. Therefore, the hot water is circulated by operating the circulation pump 6 for a certain period of time. Then, the temperature of the water level sensor 8 attachment portion is brought close to the temperature at the time of determining the reference water level.
[0017]
After the circulation pump 6 is operated and the temperature drop of the water level sensor 8 is corrected, the water level of the bathtub is measured again by the water level sensor 8, and it is confirmed whether the set water level is reached (S21). If the water level of the bathtub is the set water level, the automatic hot water filling is terminated (S26).
[0018]
If it is determined that the water level in the bathtub has not reached the set water level, the solenoid valve 12 is opened (S22), the circulation two-way valve 7 is closed (S23), and hot water is supplied only by the outgoing pipe 3. Thereafter, the water level of the bathtub is measured by the water level sensor 8 (S24). When the set water level is reached, the solenoid valve 12 is closed (S25), and the automatic hot water filling is terminated (S26).
[0019]
Thus, after confirming the water level of the bathtub, by operating the circulation pump 6 for a certain period of time, the temperature of the water level sensor 8 attachment portion at the time of determining the reference water level and at the time of checking the bathtub set water level can be adjusted to substantially the same value. Since the change of the temperature characteristic of the water level sensor 8 can be suppressed, automatic hot water filling to the bathtub can be performed at an accurate water level.
[0020]
Embodiment 2. FIG.
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the configuration of the automatic hot water filling device is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.
[0021]
The operation of the automatic hot water filling apparatus in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The hot water filling to the bathtub is controlled by the following procedure. The operations from step S11 to step S19 are the same as those in the first embodiment. That is, at the start of hot water filling (S11), the circulating two-way valve 7 and the electromagnetic valve 12 are opened, and hot water is supplied from both the forward piping 3 and the return piping 4 (S12). After a certain period of time (S13), the circulating two-way valve 7 is closed, hot water is supplied only by the outgoing pipe 3 (S14), the water level of the bathtub is confirmed by the water level sensor 8, and the water level reaches 5 or more. The water level is set as a reference water level (S15).
[0022]
After determining the reference water level, hot water is supplied with the solenoid valve 12 open (S16). Then, the bathtub water level is measured by the water level sensor 8 to confirm whether the set water level has been reached (S17). When the water level sensor 8 detects that the water level of the bathtub has reached the set water level, the solenoid valve 12 is closed (S18), the circulation two-way valve is opened (S19), and the water is circulated for a predetermined time by setting the hot water temperature in the bathtub. The pump 6 is operated (S20a). This is because the hot water in the return pipe 4 is dissipated due to the circulation two-way valve 7 being closed between steps S16 and S17, thereby lowering the temperature of the water level sensor 8 attachment portion of the return pipe 4. This is performed to correct the temperature drop. For example, if the hot water temperature in the bathtub is low, the difference between the temperature of the water level sensor 8 attachment portion and the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub is small, so even if the time for operating the circulation pump 6 is short, the temperature of the water level sensor 8 attachment portion is determined. Can be close to the temperature of time. On the contrary, when the hot water temperature in the bathtub is high, it takes time to correct the temperature, and therefore it is necessary to lengthen the time for operating the circulation pump 6.
[0023]
After the circulation pump 6 is operated and the temperature drop of the water level sensor 8 is corrected, the water level of the bathtub is measured again by the water level sensor 8, and it is confirmed whether the set water level is reached (S21). If the water level of the bathtub is the set water level, the automatic hot water filling is terminated (S26).
[0024]
If it is determined that the water level in the bathtub has not reached the set water level, the solenoid valve 12 is opened (S22), the circulation two-way valve 7 is closed (S23), and hot water is supplied only by the outgoing pipe 3. Thereafter, the water level of the bathtub is measured by the water level sensor 8 (S24). When the set water level is reached, the solenoid valve 12 is closed (S25), and the automatic hot water filling is terminated (S26).
[0025]
In the first embodiment, the operation time of the circulation pump 6 must be set to the maximum in order to correct the decrease in the temperature of the water level sensor 8 regardless of the hot water temperature in the bathtub. According to the above, since the operation time of the circulation pump 6 is made variable by setting the hot water temperature in the bathtub, the circulation pump 6 is not operated for a longer time than necessary, and is accurate in a short time compared to the first embodiment. Automatic water filling of the water level is possible.
[0026]
Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the second embodiment, the operation time of the circulation pump 6 is set by the set hot water temperature. However, since the degree of the temperature drop at the mounting portion of the water level sensor 8 depends on the ambient temperature, the ambient temperature The operation time of the circulation pump 6 may be set according to the above. For example, a sensor for detecting the outside air temperature is provided, and based on the detected value, the operating time of the circulation pump 6 is extended when the outside air temperature is low, and the operating time is shortened when the outside air temperature is high. Thus, the operating time of the circulation pump 6 may be set in advance. Further, a calendar function may be provided so as to set the operation time of the circulation pump 6 according to the season.
[0027]
With such a configuration, the circulating pump 6 is not operated for a longer time than necessary to raise the temperature of the water level sensor 8 mounting portion, and the accurate water level can be obtained in a shorter time than in the first embodiment. Automatic hot water filling is possible.
[0028]
Embodiment 4 FIG.
Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described. The block diagram of the automatic hot water filling apparatus in this Embodiment 3 is shown in FIG. The basic configuration is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 1 except that a temperature sensor 14 is provided in the hot water supply return pipe 4. In FIG. 4, 1 is an automatic hot water filling device and 2 is a bathtub. 3 is a hot water supply piping from the automatic hot water filling device 1 to the bathtub 2, 4 is a hot water supply return piping from the bathtub 2 to the automatic hot water filling device 1, and 5 is a hot water filling port connecting the forward piping 3 and the return piping 4 to the bathtub 2. Thus, the bathtub hot water is circulated by the bathtub going-out pipe 3 and the bathtub return pipe 4. 6 is a circulation pump for circulating hot water in the bathtub 2 through the hot water supply piping 3 and the hot water return piping 4, 7 is a circulation two-way valve for switching the circulation, and 8 is for measuring the water level of the bathtub by measuring the gauge pressure. It is a water level sensor. Further, 9 is a hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water, 10 is a water supply pipe for supplying water from a tap, etc., 11 is a mixing valve for mixing hot water from the hot water supply pipe 9 and water from the water supply pipe 10 at an appropriate temperature, and 12 is a mixing valve. An electromagnetic valve for supplying hot water mixed in 11 to the bathtub, and a hot water supply device 13 for supplying hot water to the hot water supply pipe 9. 14 is a temperature sensor attached to the vicinity of the water level sensor 8 on the hot water supply return pipe 4, 15 reads the pressure detected by the water level sensor 8, and controls the circulation pump 6, the circulation two-way valve 7, the mixing valve 11, and the electromagnetic valve 12. A control device having a timer function.
[0029]
Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The hot water filling to the bathtub is controlled by the following procedure. First, at the start of hot water filling (S31), the circulation two-way valve 7 and the electromagnetic valve 12 are opened, and hot water is supplied from both the forward piping 3 and the return piping 4 (S32). After a predetermined time has passed (S33), the circulation two-way valve 7 is closed, and hot water is supplied only by the outgoing pipe 3 (S34). After that, the temperature sensor 14 measures the temperature T 1 of the water level sensor 8 mounting portion (S35), and the water level sensor 8 confirms the water level of the bathtub, and when the water level reaches 5 or more, the water level is used as a reference. The water level is set (S36).
[0030]
After determining the reference water level, hot water is supplied with the solenoid valve 12 open (S37). Then, the bathtub water level is measured by the water level sensor 8 and it is confirmed whether the set water level is reached (S38). When the water level sensor 8 detects that the water level of the bathtub has reached the set water level, the temperature sensor 14 again measures the temperature T 2 of the mounting portion of the water level sensor 8 (S39), and the temperature T 1 when the reference water level is determined. Compare (S40). This is because during the steps S37 and S38, the circulating two-way valve 7 is closed, so that the hot water in the return pipe 4 dissipates heat, thereby lowering the temperature of the water level sensor 8 attachment portion of the return pipe 4. Since the change may be small, it is performed to determine whether or not to correct the temperature drop. That is, if the temperature characteristic of the water level sensor 8 is different from that at the time of determining the reference water level in step S36 due to the temperature drop, it is not possible to fill the water accurately. Therefore, the water level is determined when the reference water level is determined and when the set water level is reached. The temperature of the sensor 8 mounting part is compared, and if the temperature change is large, correction is performed. Specifically, this is performed as follows.
[0031]
If | T 1 −T 2 | ≦ ΔT (ΔT is minute), the solenoid valve 12 is closed (S41), and the automatic hot water filling is finished (S51).
[0032]
If | T 1 −T 2 |> ΔT (ΔT is minute), the solenoid valve 12 is closed (S42), the circulation two-way valve is opened (S43), and the circulation pump is set according to the setting of the hot water temperature in the bathtub. 6 is determined, the circulation pump 6 is operated (S44), and the water level sensor 8 mounting portion is warmed. Thereafter, the temperature T 3 of the water level sensor 8 mounted unit measured by the temperature sensor 14 again (S45), compared to the temperature T 1 of the reference time water level determined (S46). If | T 1 −T 3 |> ΔT (ΔT is minute), steps S42 to S46 are repeated.
[0033]
After | T 1 −T 3 | ≦ ΔT (ΔT is minute), the solenoid valve 12 is opened (S47), the circulation two-way valve 7 is closed (S48), and hot water is supplied only by the outgoing pipe 3. . Thereafter, the water level of the bathtub is measured by the water level sensor 8 (S49), and when the set water level is reached, the solenoid valve 12 is closed (S50) and the automatic hot water filling is terminated (S51).
[0034]
Thus, according to the fourth embodiment, the temperature sensor 14 for measuring the temperature of the water level sensor 8 attachment part is attached, the accurate temperature of the water level sensor 8 attachment part is measured, and the temperature of the water level sensor 8 attachment part is measured. It is determined whether or not to perform temperature correction based on the change, and the operation time of the circulation pump 6 is determined according to the setting of the hot water temperature in the bathtub. Automatic hot water filling can be performed.
[0035]
In addition, if the operation time of the circulation pump 6 is determined according to the temperature change amount of the water level sensor 8 attachment portion, the minimum required operation time can be determined.
[0036]
Embodiment 5. FIG.
In Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 4 described above, the circulation pump 6 is operated, and the temperature of the water level sensor 8 mounting portion is increased by circulating bath water through the bathtub return pipe 3 and the bathtub return pipe 4. However, once the set water level is detected, the circulating two-way valve 7 and the electromagnetic valve 12 are opened, and hot water is supplied from both the return pipe 3 and the return pipe 4 via the hot water supply pipe 9, thereby returning the return pipe. It is also possible to raise the temperature of the 4 water level sensor 8 attachment part. In this case, hot water is newly supplied from the hot water supply device 13, but if it is controlled to perform this operation for a predetermined time before reaching the set water level, the same effect as in the above embodiments can be obtained without using the circulation pump 6. Can play.
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
According to the automatic hot water filling device according to the present invention, the temperature difference of the water level detection means between the determination of the reference water level and the detection of the set water level is detected, and when this temperature difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the hot water is circulated by the circulation means. Since the automatic hot water filling is terminated when the temperature difference is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the automatic hot water filling of the bathtub can be performed at an accurate water level without further unnecessary circulation.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a first to a third embodiment and a conventional automatic hot water filling apparatus.
FIG. 2 is an operation flowchart of the automatic hot water filling apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of the automatic hot water filling apparatus according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an automatic hot water filling apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an operation flowchart of the automatic hot water filling apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of a conventional automatic hot water filling apparatus.
FIG. 7 is a temperature-output voltage characteristic diagram of a water level sensor.
FIG. 8 is a pressure (water level) -output voltage characteristic diagram when the detection temperature of the water level sensor is fixed.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 automatic hot water filling device, 2 bathtubs, 3 hot water supply piping, 4 hot water return piping, 5 hot water filling port, 6 circulation pump, 7 circulation two-way valve, 8 water level sensor, 9 hot water supply piping, 10 water supply piping, 11 mixing valve, 12 solenoid valve, 13 hot water supply device, 14 temperature sensor.

Claims (1)

浴槽に湯を供給する往き配管と、前記浴槽から前記往き配管に対して湯を戻す戻り配管と、前記往き配管と前記戻り配管との間で湯を循環させる循環手段と、前記戻り配管に設けられ前記浴槽内の水位を検出する水位検出手段と、この水位検出手段の温度を検出する温度検出手段と、前記循環手段と前記水位検出手段を制御する制御手段とを備え、前記制御手段は、前記温度検出手段により検出された基準水位決定時と設定水位検出時の温度差が所定値以上の場合には前記循環手段により湯を循環させ、前記温度差が所定値以下の場合には自動湯張りを終了させるものであることを特徴とする自動湯張り装置。  A return pipe for supplying hot water to the bathtub, a return pipe for returning hot water from the bathtub to the forward pipe, circulation means for circulating hot water between the forward pipe and the return pipe, and a return pipe Water level detection means for detecting the water level in the bathtub, temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the water level detection means, control means for controlling the circulation means and the water level detection means, the control means, When the temperature difference between the determination of the reference water level detected by the temperature detection means and the detection of the set water level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, hot water is circulated by the circulation means, and when the temperature difference is less than the predetermined value, automatic hot water is circulated. An automatic hot water filling device characterized in that it ends tensioning.
JP19355496A 1996-07-23 1996-07-23 Automatic hot water filling device Expired - Fee Related JP3755197B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP19355496A JP3755197B2 (en) 1996-07-23 1996-07-23 Automatic hot water filling device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP19355496A JP3755197B2 (en) 1996-07-23 1996-07-23 Automatic hot water filling device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
JPH1038381A JPH1038381A (en) 1998-02-13
JP3755197B2 true JP3755197B2 (en) 2006-03-15

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP19355496A Expired - Fee Related JP3755197B2 (en) 1996-07-23 1996-07-23 Automatic hot water filling device

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JP3755197B2 (en)

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JPH1038381A (en) 1998-02-13

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