JP4274635B2

JP4274635B2 - Bath water purification device

Info

Publication number: JP4274635B2
Application number: JP18563299A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 清史花澤; 新悟木村
Original assignee: 株式会社ガスター
Priority date: 1999-06-30
Filing date: 1999-06-30
Publication date: 2009-06-10
Anticipated expiration: 2019-06-30
Also published as: JP2001008843A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、浴槽内の水をろ過槽を通じて循環させて浄化する浴槽水浄化装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来から、浴槽の水を捨てないで長期間に渡って使用できるように、浴槽水を循環させる循環用流路の途中にろ過槽を組み込んだ各種の２４時間ふろ装置が提案されている。このような装置では、ろ過槽や循環用流路内に繁殖する雑菌等を死滅させるために、ヒーター等で６５℃程度の高温に加熱した湯をろ過槽等に通して熱殺菌するようになっている。
【０００３】
たとえば、循環用流路の途中にバイパス路と切替弁を設けることでろ過槽を含みかつ浴槽を迂回した小規模な環状経路が形成できるようにし、浴槽水の一部をこの環状経路内で循環させつつ沸かし上げて熱殺菌処理が行われる。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ろ過運転時に浴槽内の水が理想的に循環されれば、浴槽の壁面に汚れが付着することはないが、喫水面部分には汚れが残って付着し易い。この喫水面近傍の浴槽壁面に付着した汚れは雑菌の温床となり、結果的に浴槽内で菌が繁殖してしまう。
【０００５】
しかしながら、従来から使用されている２４時間ふろ装置では、ろ過槽を含む小さな環状経路内で高温の湯を循環させて熱殺菌処理を行うので、喫水面近傍の浴槽壁面などは熱殺菌されなかった。また、ろ過運転時に浴槽水の吸入口となる部分には、ゴミを取り除くためのプレフィルタを設けてあるが、従来の装置では、このプレフィルタの部分についても熱殺菌が成されなかった。
【０００６】
このように喫水面近傍部分やプレフィルタを熱殺菌するために、浴槽水全体を熱殺菌の可能な温度（６５℃程度）まで昇温する方法は、多大なエネルギが消費されるとともに、浴槽の変形や過って入浴すると火傷してしまう等の問題があるので、現実的ではなく、適当な熱殺菌方法が見あたらないのが現状であった。
【０００７】
本発明は、このような従来の技術が有する問題点に着目してなされたもので、喫水面付近や吸入口に取り付けたプレフィルタを効率よく熱殺菌することのできる浴槽水浄化装置を提供することを目的としている。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
かかる目的を達成するための本発明の要旨とするところは、次の各項の発明に存する。
［１］浴槽（２００）内の水をろ過槽（１１０）を通じて循環させて浄化する浴槽水浄化装置（１０）において、
前記浴槽（２００）の喫水面近傍を熱殺菌する喫水面熱殺菌処理を実行する喫水面殺菌手段（２５２）を備え、
前記喫水面殺菌手段（２５２）は、前記浴槽（２００）に設けた吐出口（２０１）から高温の水を吐出するとともに、前記喫水面熱殺菌処理の少なくとも終了段階において前記浴槽（２００）内での撹拌が少なく抑えられるように高温の水をゆっくりと吐出することで前記浴槽（２００）内の水面付近に高温層を形成するものであることを特徴とする浴槽水浄化装置（１０）。
【０００９】
［２］浴槽（２００）内の水をろ過槽（１１０）を通じて循環させて浄化する浴槽水浄化装置（１０）において、
前記浴槽（２００）内の水位を検知する水位検出手段（５６）と、前記浴槽（２００）内の水温を検知する温度センサ（７６）と、前記浴槽（２００）に設けた吐出口（２０１）から注湯する注湯手段（２５５等）と、前記注湯手段（２５５等）によって前記浴槽（２００）に注湯すべき湯の温度と注湯量とを求める注湯条件取得手段（２５３）と、前記浴槽（２００）の喫水面近傍を熱殺菌する喫水面熱殺菌処理を実行する喫水面殺菌手段（２５２）とを備え、
前記注湯条件取得手段（２５３）は、前記水位検出手段（５６）によって検知された前記浴槽（２００）内の水位と前記温度センサ（７６）によって検知された前記浴槽（２００）内の水温とから前記浴槽（２００）内の水面近傍に目標温度の水から成る高温層を形成するために前記浴槽（２００）内に注湯すべき湯の温度と湯量とを求めるものであり、
前記喫水面殺菌手段（２５２）は、前記注湯条件取得手段（２５３）が求めた前記温度の湯を前記注湯条件取得手段（２５３）が求めた湯量だけ前記注湯手段（２５５等）を制御して前記浴槽（２００）内に注湯するとともに、その際の注湯速度を前記喫水面熱殺菌処理の少なくとも終了段階において前記浴槽（２００）内での撹拌が少なく抑えられるように遅く設定することで前記浴槽（２００）内の水面付近に高温層を形成するものであることを特徴とする浴槽水浄化装置（１０）。
【００１０】
［３］浴槽（２００）内の水をろ過槽（１１０）を通じて循環させて浄化する浴槽水浄化装置（１０）において、
前記浴槽（２００）内の水位を検知する水位検出手段（５６）と、前記浴槽（２００）内の水温を検知する温度センサ（７６）と、前記浴槽（２００）に設けた吐出口（２０１）から注湯する注湯手段（２５５等）と、前記注湯手段（２５５等）によって前記浴槽（２００）に注湯すべき湯の温度と注湯量とを求める注湯条件取得手段（２５３）と、前記浴槽（２００）の喫水面近傍を熱殺菌する喫水面熱殺菌処理を実行する喫水面殺菌手段（２５２）と、関連処理手段（２５４）とを備え、
前記注湯条件取得手段（２５３）は、前記水位検出手段（５６）によって検知された前記浴槽（２００）内の水位と前記温度センサ（７６）によって検知された前記浴槽（２００）内の水温とから前記浴槽（２００）内の水面近傍に目標温度の水から成る高温層を形成するために前記浴槽（２００）内に注湯すべき湯の温度と湯量とを求めるものであり、
前記喫水面殺菌手段（２５２）は、前記注湯条件取得手段（２５３）が求めた前記温度の湯を前記注湯条件取得手段（２５３）が求めた湯量だけ前記注湯手段（２５５等）を制御して前記浴槽（２００）内に注湯するとともに、その際の注湯速度を前記喫水面熱殺菌処理の少なくとも終了段階において前記浴槽（２００）内での撹拌が少なく抑えられるように遅く設定することで前記浴槽（２００）内の水面付近に高温層を形成するものであり、
前記関連処理手段（２５４）は、前記浴槽（２００）内の水を排水する排水手段（２５５、７８）を有し、浴槽水を排水して水量を調整することを特徴とする浴槽水浄化装置（１０）。
【００１１】
［４］浴槽（２００）内の水をろ過槽（１１０）を通じて循環させて浄化する浴槽水浄化装置（１０）において、
前記浴槽（２００）内の水位を検知する水位検出手段（５６）と、前記浴槽（２００）内の水温を検知する温度センサ（７６）と、前記浴槽（２００）に設けた吐出口（２０１）から注湯する注湯手段（２５５等）と、前記注湯手段（２５５等）によって前記浴槽（２００）に注湯すべき湯の温度と注湯量とを求める注湯条件取得手段（２５３）と、前記浴槽（２００）の喫水面近傍を熱殺菌する喫水面熱殺菌処理を実行する喫水面殺菌手段（２５２）と、関連処理手段（２５４）とを備え、
前記注湯条件取得手段（２５３）は、前記水位検出手段（５６）によって検知された前記浴槽（２００）内の水位と前記温度センサ（７６）によって検知された前記浴槽（２００）内の水温とから前記浴槽（２００）内の水面近傍に目標温度の水から成る高温層を形成するために前記浴槽（２００）内に注湯すべき湯の温度と湯量とを求めるものであり、
前記喫水面殺菌手段（２５２）は、前記注湯条件取得手段（２５３）が求めた前記温度の湯を前記注湯条件取得手段（２５３）が求めた湯量だけ前記注湯手段（２５５等）を制御して前記浴槽（２００）内に注湯するとともに、その際の注湯速度を前記喫水面熱殺菌処理の少なくとも終了段階において前記浴槽（２００）内での撹拌が少なく抑えられるように遅く設定することで前記浴槽（２００）内の水面付近に高温層を形成するものであり、
前記関連処理手段（２５４）は、前記浴槽（２００）内の水を排水する排水手段（２５５、７８）と、前記浴槽（２００）内に注水する注水手段（２５６、４４、４５）とを有し、
前記関連処理手段（２５４）は、前記排水手段（２５５、７８）によって浴槽水を排水することで水量を調整するとともに、前記喫水面熱殺菌処理を行うことによって前記浴槽（２００）内の平均水温が予め指定された設定温度より高くなるときは、前記喫水面熱殺菌処理の後に前記注水手段（２５６、４４、４５）によって前記浴槽（２００）内に注水し、かつこの注水によって増大する浴槽（２００）内の水量を調整する必要があるときは少なくとも前記喫水面熱殺菌処理の後に前記排水手段（２５５、７８）によって排水することを特徴とする浴槽水浄化装置（１０）。
【００１２】
［５］浴槽（２００）内の水をろ過槽（１１０）を通じて循環させて浄化する浴槽水浄化装置（１０）において、
前記浴槽（２００）内の水位を検知する水位検出手段（５６）と、前記浴槽（２００）内の水温を検知する温度センサ（７６）と、前記浴槽（２００）に設けた吐出口（２０１）から注湯する注湯手段（２５５等）と、前記浴槽（２００）の喫水面近傍を熱殺菌する喫水面熱殺菌処理を実行する喫水面殺菌手段（２５２）と、関連処理手段（２５４）とを備え、
前記喫水面殺菌手段（２５２）は、予め定めた温度の湯を予め定めた湯量だけ前記注湯手段（２５５等）を制御して前記浴槽（２００）内に注湯するとともに、その際の注湯速度を前記喫水面熱殺菌処理の少なくとも終了段階において前記浴槽（２００）内での撹拌が少なく抑えられるように遅く設定することで前記浴槽（２００）内の水面付近に高温層を形成するものであり、
前記関連処理手段（２５４）は、前記浴槽（２００）内の水を排水する排水手段（２５５、７８）を有し、浴槽水を排水することで水量を調整することを特徴とする浴槽水浄化装置（１０）。
【００１３】
［６］浴槽（２００）内の水をろ過槽（１１０）を通じて循環させて浄化する浴槽水浄化装置（１０）において、
前記浴槽（２００）内の水位を検知する水位検出手段（５６）と、前記浴槽（２００）内の水温を検知する温度センサ（７６）と、前記浴槽（２００）に設けた吐出口（２０１）から注湯する注湯手段（２５５等）と、前記浴槽（２００）の喫水面近傍を熱殺菌する喫水面熱殺菌処理を実行する喫水面殺菌手段（２５２）と、関連処理手段（２５４）とを備え、
前記喫水面殺菌手段（２５２）は、予め定めた温度の湯を予め定めた湯量だけ前記注湯手段（２５５等）を制御して前記浴槽（２００）内に注湯するとともに、その際の注湯速度を前記喫水面熱殺菌処理の少なくとも終了段階において前記浴槽（２００）内での撹拌が少なく抑えられるように遅く設定することで前記浴槽（２００）内の水面付近に高温層を形成するものであり、
前記関連処理手段（２５４）は、前記浴槽（２００）内の水を排水する排水手段（２５５、７８）と、前記浴槽（２００）内に注水する注水手段（２５６、４４、４５）とを有し、
前記関連処理手段（２５４）は、前記排水手段（２５５、７８）によって浴槽水を排水することで水量を調整するとともに、前記喫水面熱殺菌処理を行うことによって前記浴槽（２００）内の平均水温が予め指定された設定温度より高くなるときは、前記喫水面熱殺菌処理の後に前記注水手段（２５６、４４、４５）によって前記浴槽（２００）内に注水し、かつこの注水によって増大する浴槽（２００）内の水量を調整する必要があるときは少なくとも前記喫水面熱殺菌処理の後に前記排水手段（２５５、７８）によって排水することを特徴とする浴槽水浄化装置（１０）。
【００１４】
［７］前記排水手段（２５５、７８）は、前記喫水面熱殺菌処理が終了してから浴槽水を排水するとともに、前記浴槽水を前記ろ過槽（１１０）に通常のろ過運転時と逆方向に通してから排水することを特徴とする［３］、［４］、［５］または［６］に記載の浴槽水浄化装置（１０）。
【００１５】
［８］浴槽（２００）内の水をろ過槽（１１０）を通じて循環させて浄化する浴槽水浄化装置（１０）において、
前記浴槽（２００）に設けた吸入口から浴槽水を取り込み所定の加熱手段で加熱し前記浴槽（２００）に設けた吐出口（２０１）から排出することで浴槽水を追い焚きする追い焚き手段（２５８）と、前記浴槽（２００）の喫水面近傍を熱殺菌する喫水面熱殺菌処理を実行する喫水面殺菌手段（２５２）と、関連処理手段（２５４）とを備え、
前記喫水面殺菌手段（２５２）は、前記追い焚き手段（２５８）を制御して前記吐出口（２０１）から高温の水を吐出するとともに、前記喫水面熱殺菌処理の少なくとも終了段階において前記浴槽（２００）内での撹拌が少なく抑えられるように高温の水をゆっくりと吐出することで前記浴槽（２００）内の水面付近に高温層を形成するものであり、
前記関連処理手段（２５４）は、前記浴槽（２００）内の水を排水する排水手段（２５５、７８）を有し、
前記排水手段（２５５、７８）は、前記喫水面殺菌手段（２５２）による前記喫水面熱殺菌が終了したとき、所定量の浴槽水を前記ろ過槽（１１０）に通してから排水することを特徴とする浴槽水浄化装置（１０）。
【００１６】
［９］前記排水手段（２５５、７８）は、前記ろ過槽（１１０）に通じる出入口が前記浴槽（２００）の異なる位置に２つ以上あるとき、それらの中で上方に位置する出入口から浴槽水を取り込み前記ろ過槽（１１０）に通してから排水することを特徴とする［７］または［８］に記載の浴槽水浄化装置（１０）。
【００１７】
［１０］前記浴槽（２００）内の水を入浴可能な状態にすべき保温開始時刻が予約されているときは、前記保温開始時刻に喫水面の殺菌を含む一連の処理が終了して前記入浴可能な状態になるように、前記保温開始時刻から逆算して求まる時刻から前記喫水面熱殺菌処理を開始することを特徴とする［１］、［２］、［３］、［４］、［５］、［６］、［７］、［８］または［９］に記載の浴槽水浄化装置（１０）。
【００１８】
［１１］通常のろ過運転時に浴槽水を吸い込む吸入口を前記喫水面熱殺菌処理実行時に高温の水を吐出する吐出口（２０１）として用いることで、前記吸入口の側に取り付けられているフィルタの熱殺菌を前記喫水面の熱殺菌と同時に行うことを特徴とする［１］、［２］、［３］、［４］、［５］、［６］、［７］、［８］、［９］または［１０］に記載の浴槽水浄化装置（１０）。
【００１９】
前記本発明は次のように作用する。
喫水面殺菌手段（２５２）は、浴槽（２００）に設けた吐出口（２０１）から高温の水を、少なくとも喫水面熱殺菌処理の終了段階において浴槽（２００）内での撹拌が少なく抑えられるようにゆっくりと吐出する。これにより浴槽（２００）内の水面付近に高温の湯の層が形成され、喫水面近傍を効率良く熱殺菌することができる。
【００２０】
高温水は、喫水面熱殺菌処理の当初からゆっくりと吐出してもよいし、当初は、勢い良く吐出して浴槽水を攪拌して全体的に湯温を上昇させ、その後、ゆっくり吐出するように変更して、最終段階で水面付近に高温層を形成するようにしてもよい。
【００２１】
また、注湯条件取得手段（２５３）は、水位検出手段（５６）によって検知された浴槽（２００）内の水位と温度センサ（７６）によって検知された浴槽（２００）内の水温とから浴槽（２００）内の水面近傍に目標温度の水から成る高温層を形成するために、何度の湯をどれだけ注湯すべきかを求める。
【００２２】
喫水面殺菌手段（２５２）は、注湯条件取得手段（２５３）が求めた温度の湯を注湯条件取得手段（２５３）が求めた湯量だけ、注湯手段（２５５等）を制御して、浴槽（２００）内に注湯する。またこの際の注湯速度を、浴槽（２００）内での撹拌が少なく抑えられるように遅く設定し、浴槽（２００）内の水面付近に高温層を形成して喫水面近傍の熱殺菌を行う。
【００２３】
浴槽（２００）内の吐出口（２０１）からゆっくり吐出された湯は、喫水面近傍まで上昇する間に、まわりの浴槽水の影響である程度冷却される。また吐出口（２０１）から喫水面までの距離によってもどの程度温度が下がるかが変動する。そこで、浴槽水の温度や水位に応じて注湯温度等を変更している。
【００２４】
このように、浴槽水の水温と水位を調べ、これらに基づいて注湯温度と注湯量を求めるので、喫水面近傍に目標温度の高温層を確実に形成することができ、的確に熱殺菌を行うことができる。なお注湯量は、喫水面熱殺菌処理によって浴槽水が浴槽（２００）から溢れることを防止する等のために水位に基づき調整される。
【００２５】
また、喫水面熱殺菌処理の前後いずれかあるいは喫水面熱殺菌処理中に、浴槽水を関連処理手段（２５４）の有する排水手段（２５５、７８）によって排水することで浴槽（２００）内の水量を調整する。
【００２６】
たとえば、注湯前に予め注湯量に相当する浴槽水を排水しておけば、注湯終了時の喫水面の水位を当初の水位と等しくすることができる。また人が入浴すると水位が上昇するので、その分を注湯して入浴時の喫水面を熱殺菌し、その後注湯によって上昇した分だけ浴槽水を排水するようにしてもよい。また元々の浴槽水位が低い場合には排水しなくてもよい。
【００２７】
さらに、喫水面の熱殺菌によって浴槽（２００）内の平均水温が予め指定された設定温度より高くなるときは、喫水面殺菌処理後に注水手段（２５６、４４、４５）によって浴槽（２００）内に注水し、かつこの注水によって増大する浴槽（２００）内の水量を調整する必要があるときは、少なくとも喫水面熱殺菌処理の後に排水手段（２５５、７８）によって浴槽水を排水する。
【００２８】
一方、注湯量や注湯温度を浴槽水の温度や水位からその都度求めずに、一定の値に固定的に定めてもよい。このように固定的に定めるときには、浴槽水がどのような温度や水位であっても喫水面の熱殺菌が確実に行われるように、予め注湯量や注湯温度に余裕を持たせることになる。また、関連処理手段（２５４）を設け、必要があるときには、喫水面熱殺菌処理の前後いずれかあるいは喫水面熱殺菌処理中に、浴槽水を排水したり、注水によって浴槽水の平均温度を調整する。
【００２９】
さらに排水手段（２５５、７８）による排水を、喫水面熱殺菌処理が終了してから行うように設定し、かつこのとき、ろ過槽（１１０）に通常のろ過運転時とは逆方向に浴槽水を通し排水する。これにより、排水を有効利用することができる。
【００３０】
このほか、喫水面を熱殺菌するための高温の湯を、浴槽水を追い焚きすることによって供給してもよい。すなわち、浴槽（２００）に設けた吸入口から浴槽水を取り込み、所定の加熱手段で加熱し、浴槽（２００）に設けた吐出口（２０１）から排出することで浴槽水を追い焚きする追い焚き手段（２５８）を設け、喫水面殺菌手段（２５２）は、この追い焚き手段（２５８）を制御して、先の吐出口（２０１）から高温の水を少なくとも熱殺菌処理の終了段階においてゆっくりと吐出させる。さらに関連処理手段（２５４）の有する排水手段（２５５、７８）は、喫水面熱殺菌処理が終了したとき、所定量の浴槽水をろ過槽（１１０）に通常のろ過運転時と逆方向に通して排水し、ろ過槽（１１０）の逆洗浄に利用する。
【００３１】
ろ過槽（１１０）に通じる出入口が浴槽（２００）の異なる位置に２つ以上あるときは、それらの中で上方に位置する出入口から浴槽水を取り込み、ろ過槽（１１０）に、通常のろ過運転時と逆方向に通して排水する。このように高温層が形成されている喫水面にできるだけ近い出入口から浴槽水を取り込めば、高温水をろ過層の逆洗浄およびその殺菌に有効利用することもできる。なお、取り込んだ高温水を、ろ過槽（１１０）に順方向に流しても殺菌の効果は得られる。なお、浴槽水の取り込み口は、複数個の出入口の中でより上方のものが好ましいが、カランから湯を吐出する場合もあるので、最も上方のものに限定されない。
【００３２】
さらに、浴槽（２００）内の水を入浴可能な状態にすべき保温開始時刻が予約されているときは、この保温開始時刻に、喫水面の殺菌を含む一連の処理が終了して入浴可能な状態になるように、予約された保温開始時刻から逆算して求まる時刻から喫水面の殺菌動作を開始する。このようにすれば、喫水面の熱殺菌用の加熱が保温開始時の加熱を兼ねるので省エネルギ化に貢献する。
【００３３】
また、通常のろ過運転時に浴槽水を吸い込む吸入口を喫水面の殺菌時に高温の水を吐出する吐出口（２０１）として用いることで、吸入口の側に取り付けられているフィルタの熱殺菌を喫水面の殺菌と同時に行うことができる。
【００３４】
【発明の実施の形態】
各図は、本発明の各種の実施の形態を示している。
図１に示すように、本発明の第１の実施の形態にかかる浴槽水浄化装置１０は、浴槽２００に湯を注湯し、この湯を浄化して保温する２４時間風呂機能と、台所や浴室などに設けた水栓にお湯を供給する給湯機能とを備えたものである。
【００３５】
浴槽水浄化装置１０は、浴槽内の水を浄化や追い焚きのために循環させる循環用流路５０と、給水を加熱して出湯するための給湯流路３０とを有している。給湯流路３０および循環用流路５０は共にバーナ１１の上方に配置された共通の熱交換器１２を経由しており、いわゆる一缶二水路型になっている。バーナ１１の下方には、燃焼ファン１４が配置されている。給排気は、燃焼ファン１４によって燃焼室の下方から給気を送風することによって強制的に行われ、排気は燃焼室の上部から排出されるようになっている。
【００３６】
バーナ１１は、燃焼面Ａとこれよりも大きな燃焼面Ｂとに分割されている。バーナ１１の燃焼面Ａの近傍には、図示していない点火装置が設けてある。またバーナ１１へ供給される燃焼ガスは、ガス電磁弁１６、１８、元ガス電磁弁１７によってオンオフ制御される。このガス電磁弁１６、１８によって燃焼面Ａと燃焼面Ｂの双方同時、燃焼面Ａのみ、燃焼面Ｂのみの３種類に燃焼面を切り替え得るようになっている。なお、バーナ１１に供給する燃焼ガスのガス量は、ガス比例弁１９によって調整される。
【００３７】
給湯流路３０は、熱交換器１２のフィンプレートから受熱する配管部分である給湯系受熱管３１と、一端が給湯系受熱管３１の入側に接続され、他端側が給水の供給元に通じる給水管３２と、給湯系受熱管３１の出側から延びる給湯管３３とから構成されている。給水管３２の途中には、通水量を検知するための水量センサ３４が設けてある。
【００３８】
給湯管３３のうち給湯系受熱管３１の出側には、給湯流路３０を通じて出湯される湯量を調整するための水量制御弁３７があり、その下流には、給湯確認用の水量センサ３８が取り付けられている。
【００３９】
給水管３２のうち熱交換器１２の入側近傍箇所と給湯管３３のうち熱交換器１２の出側と水量制御弁３７との間の所定箇所との間には、熱交換器１２を迂回させて給水管３２からの給水を給湯管３３に直接流し込むための固定バイパス路４０が設けてある。また、給水管３２のうち水量センサ３４より給水の流入側の所定箇所と給湯管３３のうち水量制御弁３７と水量センサ３８の間の所定箇所との間には、熱交換器１２を迂回させて給水管３２からの給水を給湯管３３に流し込むための可変バイパス路４１が設けてある。この可変バイパス路４１の途中には、給湯管３３に流し込む水量を調整するための水量制御弁４２が取り付けてある。
【００４０】
循環用流路５０は、熱交換器１２のフィンプレートから受熱する配管部分である循環系受熱管５１と、循環系受熱管５１の入側と浴槽２００に設けた吸入口２０１との間を接続する追い焚き戻り管５２と、循環系受熱管５１の出側と浴槽２００に設けた吐出口２０２との間を接続する追い焚き往き管５３とから構成されている。
【００４１】
追い焚き往き管５３のうち循環系受熱管５１の出側近傍の所定箇所５４には、可変バイパス路４１の合流箇所４３と水量センサ３８との間で給湯管３３から分岐した連絡管４４が合流している。連絡管４４の途中には、当該連絡管４４を閉鎖するか開通させるかを切り替えるための注湯切替弁４５が設けてある。注湯切替弁４５を開くことで、給湯系受熱管３１で加熱された湯が連絡管４４を通じて合流箇所５４から循環用流路５０内へ流れ込み、循環用流路５０を通じて浴槽２００へ注湯できるようになっている。
【００４２】
追い焚き往き管５３の途中には、管内の通水を確認するための流水センサ５５が設けてある。また追い焚き戻り管５２の途中には、第１電動三方弁６０と、循環ポンプ７０と、電動五方弁８０と、第２電動三方弁９０と、逆止弁７２と、流水センサ７３とが吸入口２０１から熱交換器１２の入側に向けて上述の順で配置されている。また流水センサ７３には、管内の水温を検知するためのサーミスタ７４が組み込まれている。また給湯系受熱管３１の入側近傍および出側近傍には、サーミスタ７５ａ、７５ｂが設けてある。
【００４３】
第１電動三方弁６０は、第１接続口６１と、第２接続口６２と、第３接続口６３とを有している。また電動五方弁８０は、第４接続口８１から第８接続口８５の５つの接続口を有し、第２電動三方弁９０は、第９接続口９１と、第１０接続口９２と、第１１接続口９３とを備えている。追い焚き戻り管５２は、浴槽２００内の吸入口２０１から第１電動三方弁６０の第１接続口６１に入り、第１電動三方弁６０の第２接続口６２から循環ポンプ７０を経由して電動五方弁８０の第４接続口８１に接続されている。さらに、電動五方弁８０の第５接続口８２から第２電動三方弁９０の第９接続口９１へと接続され、第２電動三方弁９０の第１１接続口９３から逆止弁７２、流水センサ７３を通じて循環系受熱管５１の入側に通じている。第１電動三方弁６０の第２接続口６２から循環ポンプ７０に至る途中には、当該部分の配管内の水温を検知するための入側サーミスタ７６が取り付けてある。
【００４４】
追い焚き往き管５３のうち流水センサ５５よりもやや吐出口２０２寄りの箇所には、第３電動三方弁１００が設けてある。第３電動三方弁１００の第１２接続口１０１には、流水センサ５５側からの配管が接続されている。第３電動三方弁１００の第１３接続口１０２から延びる配管は追い焚き往き管５３の一部を成し、吐出口２０２へと通じている。また第１３接続口１０２から吐出口２０２に至る配管の途中から分岐した第１バイパス路１２１が第１電動三方弁６０の第３接続口６３に接続されている。第１バイパス路１２１が分岐する箇所と吐出口２０２との間の配管には、浴槽２００の水位を検出するための圧力センサ５６が取り付けてある。
【００４５】
第３電動三方弁１００の第１４接続口１０３から延びる第２バイパス路１２２は、吸入口２０１と第１電動三方弁６０の第１接続口６１とを結ぶ配管に合流している。また第２電動三方弁９０の第２接続口９２には、追い焚き往き管５３のうち流水センサ５５と合流箇所５４との間の所定箇所から分岐した第３バイパス路１２３が接続されている。電動五方弁８０の有する第６接続口８３はろ過槽１１０の順方向入側１１２と接続され、電動五方弁８０の第７接続口８４には、排水管７８が接続されている。電動五方弁８０の第８接続口８５は、紫外線殺菌灯７９を介してろ過槽１１０の順方向出側１１１に接続されている。
【００４６】
ろ過槽１１０の内部には、ろ材が格納してあり、順方向入側１１２から流入した水は、ろ材を通過する際にゴミ等が除去されて浄化され、順方向出側１１１から排出される。循環ポンプ７０は、第１電動三方弁６０の第２接続口６２側から電動五方弁８０の第４接続口８１側に向かって管内の水を送り出すようになっている。
【００４７】
第１電動三方弁６０、第１接続口６１と第２接続口６２とが連通し第３接続口６３の閉鎖される第１第２連通状態と、第２接続口６２と第３接続口６３とが連通し第１接続口６１の閉鎖される第２第３連通状態とに少なくとも電動で切り替え可能になっている。同様に第２電動三方弁９０は、第９接続口９１と第１０接続口９２とが連通し第１１接続口９３の閉そくされる第９第１０連通状態と、第９接続口９１と第１１接続口９３とが連通し第１０接続口９２の閉鎖される第９第１１連通状態とに少なくとも電動で切り替え可能になっている。第３電動三方弁１００は、第１２接続口１０１と第１３接続口１０２とが連通し第１４接続口１０３の閉鎖される第１２第１３連通状態と、第１２接続口１０１と第１４接続口１０３とが連通し第１３接続口１０２の閉鎖される第１２第１４連通状態とに少なくとも電動で切り替え可能になっている。
【００４８】
電動五方弁８０は、第４接続口８１を第５接続口８２から第８接続口８５のうちのいずれかと連通させるとともに第４接続口８１と連通していない残り３つの接続口のうちのいずれか２つの接続口同士の間を連通される連通状態と、いずれの接続口８１〜８５同士も連通させずに各接続口８１〜８５を閉鎖する閉鎖状態とに電動で切り替え可能になっている。
【００４９】
浴槽水浄化装置１０は、給湯動作、注湯動作、追い焚き動作、ろ過運転、機器内熱殺菌処理、喫水面熱殺菌処理、ろ過層の逆洗浄など各種の動作を制御するための制御部２５０を備えている。制御部２５０は、ＣＰＵ（中央処理装置）と、ＲＯＭ（リード・オンリ・メモリ）とＲＡＭ（ランダム・アクセス・メモリ）を主要部とする回路で構成されており、機器内熱殺菌部２５１と、喫水面熱殺菌部２５２と、注湯条件取得部２５３と、関連処理制御部２５４と、注湯制御部２５５と、注水制御部２５６と、逆洗浄制御部２５７と、追い焚き制御部２５８としての各機能を果たすようになっている。
【００５０】
このうち、機器内熱殺菌部２５１は、バーナ１１の燃焼状態、循環ポンプ７０の駆動状態、各弁６０、８０、９０、１００の切り替え等を制御して、浴槽水浄化装置１０の内部の配管やろ過槽１１０を熱殺菌する機器内熱殺菌処理を実行するものである。喫水面熱殺菌部２５２は、機器内熱殺菌部２５１と同様にバーナ１１の燃焼状態、循環ポンプ７０の駆動状態、各弁６０、８０、９０、１００の切り替え等を制御して、浴槽２００の喫水面近傍やプレフィルタ２１０を熱殺菌する喫水面熱殺菌処理を実行するものである。
【００５１】
注湯条件取得部２５３は、高温の湯を浴槽２００に注湯することによって喫水面熱殺菌処理を行う場合に、適切な注湯温度と注湯量とを浴槽２００内の水位と水温とに基づいて求める機能を果たす部分である。水位は圧力センサ５６によって、浴槽水の水温は入側サーミスタ７６によって検知される。
【００５２】
注湯制御部２５５は、バーナ１１を燃焼させ、給湯流路３０の給湯系受熱管３１を通じて水を加熱し、この加熱した水を、注湯切替弁４５を開いて、連絡管４４、循環用流路５０を通じて浴槽２００に注湯する動作を制御する部分である。注湯制御部２５５は、バーナ１１を燃焼させないで、給湯流路３０からの水を、注湯切替弁４５を開いて、連絡管４４、循環用流路５０を通じて浴槽２００に注水する動作を制御する部分である。
【００５３】
逆洗浄制御部２５７は、各弁６０、８０、９０、１００および循環ポンプ７０を制御して、浴槽水を、ろ過槽１１０を逆方向（順方向出側１１１から順方向入側１１２へ）に通過させた後、排水管７８から排水する逆洗浄処理を行う部分である。関連処理制御部２５４は、喫水面熱殺菌処理に関連した逆洗浄処理や注水処理などの実行を制御する機能を果たす部分である。追い焚き制御部２５８は、浴槽水を取り込み、循環用流路５０を通じて加熱し、これを再び浴槽内に戻すように循環させて、浴槽水を追い焚きする機能を果たすものである。追い焚き制御部２５８は、喫水面熱殺菌処理を実行する際には、吸入口２０１から湯を吐出するようになっている。
【００５４】
制御部２５０には、各種の弁６０、８０、９０、１００やガス電磁弁１６〜１９のほか、循環ポンプ７０、流水センサ５５、７３、圧力センサ５６、各種サーミスタ７４、７５ａ、７５ｂ、７６など各種の制御部品やセンサ類が簡略図示した配線２５９によって電気的に接続されている。また制御部２５０には、出湯温度の設定や、風呂の追い焚き指示等を受け付けるためのリモコン２６０が接続されている。リモコン２６０は浴室、台所等に設置されるものである。
【００５５】
リモコン２６０は、風呂の設定温度等を変更するための各種スイッチから成る操作部２６１と、現時点での設定温度や各種の動作状態などを表示するための表示部２６２と、各種予約動作の開始時刻、終了時刻を管理するタイマ部２６３とを有している。
【００５６】
次に作用を説明する。
図２は、浴槽水浄化装置１０が行う一連の動作の流れを示している。たとえば、一日のうち午後４時から午後１１までの間、入浴可能な状態を維持するように予約されている場合には、この時間帯については、通常のろ過運転が行われる（ステップＳ３０１）。ろ過運転は、浴槽２００内の水をろ過槽１１０を経由するように循環用流路５０を循環させて浄化する運転モードである。
【００５７】
図３に示すように、ろ過運転では、第１電動三方弁６０は、第１接続口６１と第２接続口６２とが連通し、第３接続口６３の閉塞された第１第２連通状態に設定される。また電動五方弁８０は、第４接続口８１と第６接続口８３が連通し、かつ第８接続口８５と第５接続口８２の連通する状態に設定される。
【００５８】
さらに第２電動三方弁９０は、循環中の浴槽水を加熱しながら浄化する場合には、第９接続口９１と第１１接続口９３とが連通する状態（熱交換器１２を経由する状態）に設定され、保温すべき設定温度に達し、さらに加熱する必要のない場合は、第９接続口９１と第１０接続口９２とが連通する状態（熱交換器１２を迂回する状態）に設定される。第３電動三方弁１００は、第１２接続口１０１と第１３接続口１０２とが連通する状態に設定される。
【００５９】
したがって、熱交換器１２で加熱する場合は、図中の矢印３８１〜３９１で示す経路で浴槽水が循環する。非加熱の場合は、上記の経路のままでも良いが、給湯動作が開始されると、給湯系受熱管３１とともに循環系受熱管５１も同時に加熱され、浴槽水を設定保温温度に維持することができなくなったり、給湯動作がないときに熱交換器１２での放熱により水温が低下するので、これらを避けるために第２電動三方弁９０を第９接続口９１と第１０接続口９２とが連通する状態に設定し、図中の矢印３９５、３９６で示す経路で熱交換器１２を迂回するようになっている。
【００６０】
上述のような経路で浴槽水を循環させてろ過槽１１０で浄化するろ過運転の終了時刻が到来すると（ステップＳ３０２；Ｙ）、浴槽水の保温動作を終了する（ステップＳ３０３）。すなわち、以後は、浴槽水を循環させてろ過槽１１０で浄化するが、保温は行わなくなる。その後、次の保温動作の開始予定時刻（ここでは次の日の午後４時）の３０分前までは、保温動作の休止した状態が継続され、開始予定時刻の３０分前になると（ステップＳ３０４；Ｙ）、まず機器内熱殺菌処理が開始される（ステップＳ３０５）。
【００６１】
図４は、機器内熱殺菌処理時に循環ポンプから送り出される水の流れる経路を示している。機器内熱殺菌処理時において、電動五方弁８０は、ろ過運転の場合と同じ状態に設定される。第１電動三方弁６０は第３接続口６３と第２接続口６２とが連通する状態に設定され、第２電動三方弁９０は、第９接続口９１と第１１接続口９３とが連通する状態に設定される。さらに第３電動三方弁１００は、第１２接続口１０１と第１３接続口１０２とが連通する状態に設定される。
【００６２】
この状態で循環ポンプ７０を駆動すると、当該循環ポンプ７０によって送り出された水は、矢印４０１〜４１３で示すような経路を循環する。機器内熱殺菌処理は、バーナー１１を適宜燃焼させることによって、環状経路４０１〜４１３内の水を約６５℃に加熱した状態で維持しつつ、数分間、この環状経路内で湯を循環させるものである。
【００６３】
機器内熱殺菌処理が終了すると、次に喫水面熱殺菌処理が行われる（図３、ステップＳ３０６）。図５は、浴槽水を追い焚きする場合における喫水面熱殺菌処理の流れを示している。まず循環ポンプ７０を停止し（ステップＳ５０１）、各弁６０、８０、９０、１００を切り換えて喫水面殺菌経路を形成する。
【００６４】
図１に示すように、喫水面殺菌経路では、第１電動三方弁６０は第３接続口６３と第２接続口６２とが連通する状態に設定される。電動五方弁８０は、第４接続口８１と第５接続口８２とが連通する状態に設定される。第２電動三方弁９０は、第９接続口９１と第１１接続口９３とが連通する状態に、第３電動三方弁１００は、第１２接続口１０１と第１４接続口１０３とが連通する状態に設定される。
【００６５】
喫水面殺菌経路を形成した後、循環ポンプ７０を最小能力でオンにする（ステップＳ５０３）。これにより、図１の矢印５２１〜５３６で示すような経路で浴槽水が循環し追い焚きが行われる。すなわち、吐出口２０２から浴槽水が取り込まれ（矢印５２１、５２２）、この浴槽水は第１電動三方弁６０を第３接続口６３から第２接続口６２へと通過し（矢印５２５）、循環ポンプ７０を経由し（矢印５２６、５２７）、電動五方弁８０を第４接続口８１から第５接続口８２へと通過する（矢印５２８）。その後、第２電動三方弁９０を第９接続口９１から第１１接続口９３へと通過し（矢印５２９）、熱交換器１２で加熱され（矢印５３０、５３１、５３２、５３３）、さらに第３電動三方弁１００を第１２接続口１０１から第１４接続口１０３へ通過して（矢印５３４）、吸入口２０１から浴槽内に流れ出る（矢印５３５、５３６）。
【００６６】
こうして喫水面熱殺菌処理としての追い焚きが始まると熱殺菌タイマをスタートさせ（ステップＳ５０５）、当該タイマが１５分を計時するまで、最小能力で循環ポンプ７０を駆動する（ステップＳ５０６）。喫水面熱殺菌処理中は、吸入口２０１から約６５℃以上（７０℃くらい）の湯がゆっくりと流れ出る。１５分が経過した後、循環ポンプ７０を停止し（ステップＳ５０７）、各弁６０、８０、９０、１００を切り換えて（ステップＳ５０８）、図３に示すろ過運転用の経路を設定し、熱殺菌タイマをリセットする（ステップＳ５０９）。
【００６７】
喫水面熱殺菌中は、吸入口２０１からゆっくりと高温の湯が吐出するので、図６ａに示すように、浴槽２００内での攪拌がほとんど起こらず、吸入口２０１から吐出した湯は、ゆっくりと上昇し、喫水面近傍に高温の湯（約６５℃）からなる高温層６０１を形成する。
【００６８】
図７は、喫水面熱殺菌処理の前後における喫水面近傍の水温と吸入口２０１に取り付けたプレフィルタ２１０の温度変化を示している。時刻ｔ１から循環ポンプ７０を最小能力で駆動して喫水面熱殺菌処理が始まると、破線７０１で示すように、プレフィルタ２１０の温度がまもなく上昇する。実線７０２で示した喫水面近傍の水温は、吸入口２０１から水面まで湯が上昇する間に、まわりの浴槽水によってある程度冷却されるので、プレフィルタ２１０に比べて緩やかに温度上昇する。そして時間の経過とともに喫水面近傍の水温７０２もほぼ６０℃を越える温度まで上昇する。
【００６９】
時刻ｔ２に喫水面熱殺菌処理が終了すると、ろ過運転の状態に経路を切り替えて循環ポンプ７０を通常の能力（大能力）で駆動する。これにより、図６ｂに示すように浴槽水が浴槽２００内で攪拌され、図７に示すように喫水面近傍の水温およびプレフィルタ２１０の温度が浴槽水の平均温度７１０まで下降する（時刻ｔ３）。このとき、攪拌後の浴槽水の平均水温７１０は、喫水面熱殺菌処理を行う前の水温７１０よりも、喫水面熱殺菌のために追い焚きを行った分だけ上昇することになる。
【００７０】
喫水面熱殺菌処理が終了した後、ろ材の逆洗浄処理を行う（図２、ステップＳ３０６）。逆洗浄では、図８に示すように経路が設定される。この状態で循環ポンプ７０を駆動することで、矢印８０１〜８０８で示すように、吸入口２０１から浴槽水が取り込まれ、これがろ過槽１１０を逆方向に流れ、排水管７８から排出される。したがって、図６ｃに示すように破線で示した元の水位６１０に比べて、水位が実線６１１で示す所まで低下する。
【００７１】
このように逆洗浄を行うと、元の水位６１０から水位が低下するので、喫水面熱殺菌処理を逆洗浄の前に行うようにしている。すなわち、雑菌繁殖の温床となるゴミは、元の喫水面の近傍に存在するので、逆洗浄の前に熱殺菌することで、元の水位における喫水面近傍が熱殺菌される。
【００７２】
逆洗浄すると、水位が低下するので、その後、図６ｄに示すように注湯や注水あるいは通常の追い焚き動作を行うことで、浴槽水を設定温度かつ設定水位とし（ステップＳ３０８）、予約されたろ過運転開始時刻（保温開始時刻…ここでは午後４時）が到来するまでには、入浴の可能な状態となって、ろ過運転に移行する（ステップＳ３０１）。図７のグラフでは、逆洗浄等を時刻ｔ３からｔ４までの間に行っている。また平均水温が設定温度より高いので、時刻ｔ４から注水を行って水温を設定温度まで下降させている。
【００７３】
なお図７のグラフでは、喫水面熱殺菌処理の開始前に既に浴槽水温が４０℃であったが、通常は、熱殺菌処理を開始する前の数時間にわたって保温動作を停止しているので、浴槽水温はもっと低い温度になっている。したがって、保温開始時刻にちょうど入浴可能な状態になるように機器内熱殺菌処理や喫水面熱殺菌処理を保温開始時刻の所定時間前に行うことで、熱殺菌のために行った加熱が、保温動作の開始に備えて浴槽水温を高めるための加熱を兼ねることとなり、エネルギー節約に貢献する。
【００７４】
次に、第２の実施の形態について説明する。
第１の実施の形態では、喫水面熱殺菌処理のあとに、浴槽水の攪拌を行ってから逆洗浄を行ったが、第２の実施の形態では喫水面近傍に存する高温の水を積極的に利用してろ材の逆洗浄を行うようになっている。
【００７５】
第２の実施の形態では、図９ａに示すように、第１の実施の形態と同様に機器内熱殺菌処理が行われ、これに続いて喫水面熱殺菌処理が行われる。その後、同図ｂに示すように吐出口２０２から浴槽水を取り込んで逆洗浄を行う。図１０は、吐出口２０２から浴槽水を取り込む場合における逆洗浄時の通水経路を示している。第３電動三方弁１００は、第１３接続口１０２が閉鎖された状態に設定され、第１電動三方弁６０は、第３接続口６３と第２接続口６２とが連通した状態に設定される。電動五方弁８０は、第４接続口８１と第８接続口８５が連通しかつ第６接続口８３と第７接続口８４とが連通する状態に設定される。これにより循環ポンプ７０を駆動することで矢印１００１〜１００８で示すように浴槽水が流れる。
【００７６】
このように喫水面熱殺菌処理の後、攪拌することなくすぐに逆洗浄を開始するとともに、その際、浴槽水を喫水面近くの吐出口２０２から取り込むので、喫水面近傍に存する高温層から高温の湯を効率良く取り込んでろ過槽１１０等を逆洗浄することができる。
【００７７】
逆洗浄後は、水位が低下するので、図９ｃに示すように注湯あるいは注水によって水位を元の状態に戻し、さらに設定温度にするために追い焚き等が行われる（図９ｄ）。
【００７８】
次に、第３の実施の形態について説明する。
第１、第２の実施の形態では、浴槽水を追い焚きすることによって喫水面の熱殺菌を行ったが、第３の実施の形態では、新たな湯を注湯することで喫水面の熱殺菌処理を行うようになっている。
【００７９】
図１１は、第３の実施の形態にかかる浴槽水浄化装置１０が行う喫水面熱殺菌処理の流れを示している。この処理は、第１、第２の実施の形態の場合と同様に、図３の流れ図におけるステップＳ３０６にて実行される。先ず循環ポンプ７０を停止し（ステップＳ１１０１）、現時点での浴槽水の水温と水位とを検知する（ステップＳ１１０２）。検知した水温と水位とに基づいて、注湯条件取得部２５３は、注湯温度および注湯量を決定する（ステップＳ１１０３）。
【００８０】
注湯条件取得部２５３は、圧力センサ５６によって検知された浴槽２００内の水位と入側サーミスタ７６によって検知された浴槽２００内の水温とから、浴槽２００内の水面近傍に目標温度（たとえば６５℃）の高温層を形成するために、何度の湯をどれだけ注湯すべきかを求める。吸入口２０１からゆっくり吐出された湯は、喫水面近傍まで上昇する間に、まわりの浴槽水の影響である程度冷却される。また吸入口２０１から喫水面までの距離（すなわち水位）によってもどの程度温度が下がるかが変動する。そこで、浴槽水の温度や水位に応じて注湯温度が設定される。また、注湯によって湯が浴槽２００から溢れることがないように、総注湯量が設定される。
【００８１】
次に、喫水面熱殺菌部２５２は、熱殺菌タイマをスタートさせ（ステップＳ１１０４）、注湯条件取得部２５３が求めた温度の湯を注湯条件取得部２５３が求めた湯量だけ、吸入口２０１から浴槽２００に１５分間かけて注湯する（ステップＳ１１０５、ステップＳ１１０６）。また水量制御弁３７やバーナ１１の燃焼量を制御して、この際の注湯速度を、浴槽２００内での撹拌が少なく抑えられるように遅く設定し、浴槽内の水面付近に高温層を形成して喫水面近傍の熱殺菌を行う。その後、注湯動作を停止し（ステップＳ１１０７）、熱殺菌タイマをリセットする（ステップＳ１１０８）。
【００８２】
このように、浴槽水の水温と水位を調べ、これらに基づいて注湯温度と注湯量を求めるので、喫水面近傍に目標温度の高温層を確実に形成することができ、的確に熱殺菌を行うことができる。
【００８３】
図１２は、注湯によって喫水面熱殺菌処理を行う場合の水位の変動等を示している。喫水面熱殺菌処理に基づく注湯動作を開始する前の水位（破線１２０１）に比べて、喫水面熱殺菌処理実行後は、水位が実線１２０２で示す所まで上昇している。このように注湯によって水位が上昇する場合でも、喫水面近傍に形成される高温層１２０３の下端が、元の水位と同じか、わずかに低いところに来るようにすれば、元の水位における浴槽壁面部分を熱殺菌することができる。
【００８４】
さらに、通常、人が入浴すると水位が上昇するので、元の喫水面１２０１よりも高い箇所の浴槽壁面に湯垢が付着していることが考えられる。そこで、注湯によって人が入浴している分に相当するだけ注湯より水位を高めれば、先の高い箇所の浴槽壁面に付着した湯垢等も熱殺菌することができる。
【００８５】
喫水面熱殺菌処理を実行した後は、吐出口２０２から喫水面近傍の高温層の湯を取り込んで逆洗浄等を行い、水位を戻す（図１２ｂ）。その後、浴槽水の温度が設定温度になるように追い焚き等をさらに行う（図１２ｃ）。
【００８６】
なお、喫水面熱殺菌処理の前に水位を調べた結果、その水位が既に高く、十分な量を注湯ができない場合には、喫水面熱殺菌処理に先立ってある程度の水量を浴槽２００から排水管７８を通じて排水してもよい。
【００８７】
このほか、水位や水温に基づいて注湯温度や注湯湯量を注湯条件取得部２５３で毎回算出したが、浴槽水の水位や水温にかかわらず、予め定めた一定温度の湯を予め定めた一定量だけ注湯するようにしてもよい。この場合には、喫水面熱殺菌処理による注湯後に、圧力センサ５６で水位を測定し、必要な量だけ逆洗浄しつつ排水して水位を調整したり、喫水面熱殺菌処理後に入側サーミスタ７６で測定した浴槽水の水温に基づき、浴槽水の平均温度が設定温度になるように追い焚きや注水を行うことになる。また浴槽水の水温等を調べずに一定温度の湯を注湯する場合には、浴槽水が十分に冷えている場合や水位が高い悪条件時を想定し、余裕を持って予め注湯温度を高めに設定したり等することが望ましい。
【００８８】
以上説明した実施の形態では、プレフィルタ２１０も同時に熱殺菌できるように喫水面熱殺菌処理時に吸入口２０１から湯を吐出するようにしたが、プレフィルタ２１０の熱殺菌を考慮しなければ、通常どおり吐出口２０２から、あるいは吸入口２０１と吐出口２０２の両方から高温水を吐出してもよい。また第１、第２の実施の形態では、喫水面熱殺菌処理時に循環ポンプ７０を最小能力でオンにして追い焚きを行ったが、攪拌が少なく抑えられ喫水面に高温層ができるようにゆっくり吐出できれば、最小能力に限定されるものではない。また、循環ポンプ７０を全くオフにした状態で自然循環による追い焚きが可能であれば、これでもよい。また循環ポンプ７０のオンオフを繰り返す間欠運転を行うことで、平均の吐出速度を下げるようにしてもよい。
【００８９】
このほか、実施の形態では、喫水面熱殺菌処理の当初からゆっくりと高温水を吐出するようにしたが、喫水面熱殺菌処理の当初は、勢い良く吐出して浴槽水を攪拌して全体的に湯温を上昇させ、その後、ゆっくり吐出するように変更し、少なくとも喫水面熱殺菌処理の終了段階で水面付近に高温層が形成されるようにしてもよい。このようにすれば、喫水面近傍にたまる高温水の温度をより適切に判断することができる。すなわち、浴槽水温度が平均化されることと浴槽水温度が平均的に上昇するので、吐出後、喫水面に至るまでの温度低下がどのように起こるかを的確に予測でき、喫水面の近傍に目標温度の高温層を形成することができる。
【００９０】
また各実施の形態では、予約された保温動作の開始時刻に入浴可能な状態になるように、保温開始時刻の数十分前から各熱殺菌処理を開始するようにしたが、２４時間、常に保温動作を行う場合や、タイマ予約の機能がない場合には、適宜のタイミングで喫水面熱殺菌処理を行えばよい。たとえば、毎日、夜中の３時に機器内熱殺菌処理と、喫水面熱殺菌処理と、逆洗浄とをこの順で行う等である。
【００９１】
このほか、浴槽水を追い焚きする喫水面熱殺菌処理と注湯する喫水面熱殺菌処理とを組み合わせてもよい。すなわち、当初は、追い焚き形式で喫水面熱殺菌処理を行い、元の水位近傍を熱殺菌し、次いで、注湯形式で喫水面熱殺菌処理を行い、元の水位よりも高い箇所の浴槽壁面を熱殺菌するように構成してもよい。
【００９２】
また喫水面熱殺菌処理の際にプレフィルタ２１０のある吸入口２０１側から高温水を吐出するものでは、プレフィルタに付着しているゴミ等が浴槽内に散乱しないように、吐出速度を極力低下させたり、喫水面熱殺菌処理の後でしばらくろ過運転を行って保温開始時刻が来る前に浴槽水のゴミをプレフィルタ２１０等で除去するようにすると良い。
【００９３】
なお、実施の形態では、水位検知手段として圧力センサ５６を用いたが、浴槽水の水位を他の方法によって検知してもよい。たとえば、一定量の注湯や、一定時間等の追い焚き等によって外部からの熱量を与えて、その後、循環ポンプを駆動して浴槽湯温を検出し、水温の上昇幅と与えた熱量等とから浴槽内の水量（水位）を求めるようにしてもよい。
【００９４】
【発明の効果】
本発明にかかる浴槽水浄化装置によれば、浴槽に設けた吐出口から高温の水を浴槽内での撹拌が少なく抑えられるようにゆっくりと吐出するので、浴槽内の水面付近に高温の湯の層が形成され、喫水面近傍を効率良く熱殺菌することができる。
【００９５】
また、注湯によって喫水面の熱殺菌を行う場合、当該処理に先立って浴槽水の水温と水位を調べ、これらに基づいて喫水面熱殺菌処理での注湯温度と注湯量を求めるので、喫水面近傍に目標温度の高温層を確実に形成することができ、的確な熱殺菌を行うことができる。
【００９６】
また、喫水面熱殺菌処理の前後において排水や注水あるいは注湯を行うことで浴槽水の水位や水温を調整するので、喫水面熱殺菌処理の前後の状態を一致させたり、入浴可能な状態にすることができる。
【００９７】
また、追い焚きによる喫水面熱殺菌処理後に、浴槽水でろ過槽の逆洗浄を行うものでは、逆洗浄を先に行う場合のように、喫水面熱殺菌処理時に水位が低下していないので、元の水位の喫水面近傍を的確に熱殺菌することができる。さらに高温層が形成されている喫水面にできるだけ近い出入口から浴槽水を取り込むものでは、高温水をろ過層の逆洗浄およびその殺菌に有効利用することができる。
【００９８】
また浴槽内の水を入浴可能な状態にすべき保温開始時刻が予約されているとき、この保温開始時刻に、喫水面の殺菌を含む一連の処理が終了して入浴可能な状態になるように、予約された保温開始時刻から逆算した時刻から喫水面の殺菌動作等を開始するので、喫水面を熱殺菌するための加熱で保温開始時に浴槽水を設定温度に高めるための加熱を兼ねることができ、省エネルギ化に貢献することができる。
【００９９】
さらに通常のろ過運転時に浴槽水を吸い込む吸入口を、喫水面の殺菌時に高温の水を吐出する吐出口として用いることで、吸入口の側に取り付けられているフィルタの熱殺菌を喫水面の熱殺菌と同時に行うことができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の各実施の形態に係る浴槽水浄化装置の構成を示す説明図である。
【図２】本発明の各実施の形態に係る浴槽水浄化装置が行う動作の流れを示す流れ図である。
【図３】本発明の各実施の形態に係る浴槽水浄化装置がろ過運転を行う際の通水経路を示す説明図である。
【図４】本発明の各実施の形態に係る浴槽水浄化装置が機器内熱殺菌処理を行う際の通水経路を示す説明図である。
【図５】本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る浴槽水浄化装置の行う喫水面熱殺菌処理を示す流れ図である。
【図６】本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る浴槽水浄化装置が喫水面熱殺菌処理およびその後の関連処理を行う際の水位の変化を示す説明図である。
【図７】本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る浴槽水浄化装置が喫水面熱殺菌処理およびその関連処理を行う際における喫水面近傍およびプレフィルタ近傍の水温の変化を示す説明図である。
【図８】吸入口から浴槽水を取り込んでろ過槽等の逆洗浄を行う際の通水経路を示す説明図である。
【図９】本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る浴槽水浄化装置が喫水面熱殺菌処理およびその後の関連処理を行う際の水位の変化を示す説明図である。
【図１０】吐出口から浴槽水を取り込んでろ過槽等の逆洗浄を行う際の通水経路を示す説明図である。
【図１１】本発明の第３の実施の形態に係る浴槽水浄化装置の行う喫水面熱殺菌処理を示す流れ図である。
【図１２】本発明の第３の実施の形態に係る浴槽水浄化装置が喫水面熱殺菌処理およびその後の関連処理を行う際の水位の変化を示す説明図である。
【符号の説明】
１０…浴槽水浄化装置
１１…バーナ
１２…熱交換器
１４…燃焼ファン
３０…給湯流路
３１…給湯系受熱管
３２…給水管
３３…給湯管
３４、３８…水量センサ
３７、４２…水量制御弁
４０…固定バイパス路
４１…可変バイパス路
４４…連絡管
４５…注湯切替弁
５０…循環用流路
５１…循環系受熱管
５２…追い焚き戻り管
５３…追い焚き往き管
５５、７３…流水センサ
５６…圧力センサ
６０…第１電動三方弁
６１〜６３…第１、第２、第３接続口
７０…循環ポンプ
７２…逆止弁
７６…入側サーミスタ
７８…排水管
８０…電動五方弁
８１〜８５…第４、第５、第６、第７、第８接続口
９０…第２電動三方弁
９１〜９３…第９、第１０、第１１接続口
１００…第３電動三方弁
１０１〜１０３…第１２、第１３、第１４接続口
１１０…ろ過槽
１１１…順方向出側
１１２…順方向入側
１２１…第１バイパス路
１２２…第２バイパス路
１２３…第３バイパス路
２００…浴槽
２０１…吸入口
２０２…吐出口
２１０…プレフィルタ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a bathtub water purification apparatus that circulates and purifies water in a bathtub through a filtration tank.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, various 24-hour bathing apparatuses have been proposed in which a filtration tank is incorporated in the middle of a circulation channel for circulating bathtub water so that the water in the bathtub can be used for a long period of time without being discarded. In such an apparatus, hot water heated to a high temperature of about 65 ° C. by a heater or the like is passed through the filtration tank or the like to be sterilized by heat in order to kill germs or the like that propagate in the filtration tank or the circulation channel. ing.
[0003]
For example, by providing a bypass passage and a switching valve in the middle of the circulation channel, a small annular path including a filtration tank and bypassing the bathtub can be formed, and a part of the bathtub water is circulated in the annular path. Heat sterilization is carried out by boiling.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
If the water in the bathtub is ideally circulated during the filtration operation, dirt does not adhere to the wall surface of the bathtub, but dirt remains on the draft surface and tends to adhere. The dirt adhering to the bathtub wall in the vicinity of the draft surface becomes a hotbed of various bacteria, and as a result, the bacteria propagate in the bathtub.
[0005]
However, in the conventionally used 24-hour bathing apparatus, since hot sterilization is performed by circulating hot water in a small annular path including the filtration tank, the bathtub wall surface near the draft surface was not thermally sterilized. . In addition, a pre-filter for removing dust is provided at the portion that serves as an inlet for bathtub water during the filtration operation. However, in the conventional apparatus, the pre-filter portion was not thermally sterilized.
[0006]
In this way, in order to thermally sterilize the vicinity of the draft surface and the pre-filter, the method of raising the temperature of the entire bath water to a temperature capable of thermal sterilization (about 65 ° C.) consumes a great deal of energy. Since there are problems such as deformation and excessive bathing, there is a problem such as burns, so it is not realistic and no suitable heat sterilization method has been found.
[0007]
The present invention has been made by paying attention to such problems of the conventional technology, and provides a bathtub water purification device capable of efficiently thermally sterilizing a pre-filter attached to the vicinity of a draft surface or a suction port. The purpose is that.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.
[1] In a bathtub water purification device (10) that circulates and purifies water in a bathtub (200) through a filtration tank (110),
A draft surface sterilization means (252) for performing a draft surface thermal sterilization treatment for thermally sterilizing the vicinity of the draft surface of the bathtub (200);
The draft surface sterilization means (252) discharges high-temperature water from a discharge port (201) provided in the bathtub (200), and in the bathtub (200) at least at the end stage of the draft surface heat sterilization process. The bathtub water purification device (10) is characterized in that a high-temperature layer is formed in the vicinity of the water surface in the bathtub (200) by slowly discharging high-temperature water so that the agitation of the water is reduced.
[0009]
[2] In the bathtub water purification device (10) for circulating and purifying the water in the bathtub (200) through the filtration tank (110),
A water level detection means (56) for detecting the water level in the bathtub (200), a temperature sensor (76) for detecting the water temperature in the bathtub (200), and a discharge port (201) provided in the bathtub (200) A pouring means (255, etc.) for pouring hot water, and a pouring condition acquisition means (253) for determining the temperature and amount of hot water to be poured into the bathtub (200) by the pouring means (255, etc.) A draft surface sterilization means (252) for performing a draft surface thermal sterilization process for thermally sterilizing the vicinity of the draft surface of the bathtub (200),
The pouring condition acquisition means (253) includes a water level in the bathtub (200) detected by the water level detection means (56) and a water temperature in the bathtub (200) detected by the temperature sensor (76). The temperature and amount of hot water to be poured into the bathtub (200) in order to form a high-temperature layer made of water of a target temperature in the vicinity of the water surface in the bathtub (200),
The draft surface sterilizing means (252) uses the hot water pouring means (255, etc.) by the amount of hot water determined by the pouring condition acquisition means (253) for the hot water determined by the pouring condition acquisition means (253). Controlled and poured into the bathtub (200), and the pouring speed at that time is set to be slow so that stirring in the bathtub (200) is suppressed at least at the end of the draft surface heat sterilization treatment. Thus, the bathtub water purification device (10) is characterized in that a high temperature layer is formed in the vicinity of the water surface in the bathtub (200).
[0010]
[3] In the bathtub water purification device (10) for circulating and purifying the water in the bathtub (200) through the filtration tank (110),
A water level detection means (56) for detecting the water level in the bathtub (200), a temperature sensor (76) for detecting the water temperature in the bathtub (200), and a discharge port (201) provided in the bathtub (200) A pouring means (255, etc.) for pouring hot water, and a pouring condition acquisition means (253) for determining the temperature and amount of hot water to be poured into the bathtub (200) by the pouring means (255, etc.) A draft surface sterilization means (252) for performing a draft surface thermal sterilization process for thermally sterilizing the vicinity of the draft surface of the bathtub (200), and a related treatment means (254),
The pouring condition acquisition means (253) includes a water level in the bathtub (200) detected by the water level detection means (56) and a water temperature in the bathtub (200) detected by the temperature sensor (76). The temperature and amount of hot water to be poured into the bathtub (200) in order to form a high-temperature layer made of water of a target temperature in the vicinity of the water surface in the bathtub (200),
The draft surface sterilizing means (252) uses the hot water pouring means (255, etc.) by the amount of hot water determined by the pouring condition acquisition means (253) for the hot water determined by the pouring condition acquisition means (253). Controlled and poured into the bathtub (200), and the pouring speed at that time is set to be slow so that stirring in the bathtub (200) is suppressed at least at the end of the draft surface heat sterilization treatment. To form a high temperature layer near the water surface in the bathtub (200),
The related processing means (254) has drainage means (255, 78) for draining the water in the bathtub (200), and drains the bathtub water to adjust the amount of water. (10).
[0011]
[4] In the bathtub water purification device (10) for circulating and purifying water in the bathtub (200) through the filtration tank (110),
A water level detection means (56) for detecting the water level in the bathtub (200), a temperature sensor (76) for detecting the water temperature in the bathtub (200), and a discharge port (201) provided in the bathtub (200) A pouring means (255, etc.) for pouring hot water, and a pouring condition acquisition means (253) for determining the temperature and amount of hot water to be poured into the bathtub (200) by the pouring means (255, etc.) A draft surface sterilizing means (252) for executing a draft surface thermal sterilization process for thermally sterilizing the vicinity of the draft surface of the bathtub (200), and a related processing means (254),
The pouring condition acquisition means (253) includes a water level in the bathtub (200) detected by the water level detection means (56) and a water temperature in the bathtub (200) detected by the temperature sensor (76). The temperature and amount of hot water to be poured into the bathtub (200) in order to form a high-temperature layer made of water of a target temperature in the vicinity of the water surface in the bathtub (200),
The draft surface sterilizing means (252) uses the hot water pouring means (255, etc.) by the amount of hot water determined by the pouring condition acquisition means (253) for the hot water determined by the pouring condition acquisition means (253). Controlled and poured into the bathtub (200), and the pouring speed at that time is set to be slow so that stirring in the bathtub (200) is suppressed at least at the end of the draft surface heat sterilization treatment. To form a high temperature layer near the water surface in the bathtub (200),
The related processing means (254) includes drainage means (255, 78) for draining water in the bathtub (200) and water injection means (256, 44, 45) for pouring water into the bathtub (200). And
The related processing means (254) adjusts the amount of water by draining the bathtub water by the draining means (255, 78), and also performs an average water temperature in the bathtub (200) by performing the draft surface heat sterilization treatment. When the temperature becomes higher than a preset temperature, water is injected into the bathtub (200) by the water injection means (256, 44, 45) after the draft surface heat sterilization treatment, and the bathtub ( 200) The bathtub water purification apparatus (10) characterized in that when it is necessary to adjust the amount of water in the water, the water is drained by the drainage means (255, 78) after at least the draft surface heat sterilization treatment.
[0012]
[5] In the bathtub water purification device (10) for purifying the water in the bathtub (200) by circulating it through the filtration tank (110),
A water level detection means (56) for detecting the water level in the bathtub (200), a temperature sensor (76) for detecting the water temperature in the bathtub (200), and a discharge port (201) provided in the bathtub (200) Hot water pouring means (255, etc.) for pouring hot water, draft surface sterilization means (252) for executing draft surface thermal sterilization treatment for thermally sterilizing the vicinity of the draft surface of the bathtub (200), and related processing means (254) With
The draft surface sterilizing means (252) controls the pouring means (255, etc.) by pouring a predetermined amount of hot water into the bathtub (200) and pouring hot water at a predetermined temperature. Forming a high temperature layer in the vicinity of the water surface in the bathtub (200) by setting the hot water speed slow so that stirring in the bathtub (200) is suppressed at least at the end of the draft surface heat sterilization treatment And
The related processing means (254) has drainage means (255, 78) for draining the water in the bathtub (200), and adjusts the amount of water by draining the bathtub water. Device (10).
[0013]
[6] In the bathtub water purification device (10) for purifying the water in the bathtub (200) by circulating it through the filtration tank (110),
A water level detection means (56) for detecting the water level in the bathtub (200), a temperature sensor (76) for detecting the water temperature in the bathtub (200), and a discharge port (201) provided in the bathtub (200) Hot water pouring means (255, etc.) for pouring hot water, draft surface sterilization means (252) for executing draft surface thermal sterilization treatment for thermally sterilizing the vicinity of the draft surface of the bathtub (200), and related processing means (254) With
The draft surface sterilizing means (252) controls the pouring means (255, etc.) by pouring a predetermined amount of hot water into the bathtub (200) and pouring hot water at a predetermined temperature. Forming a high temperature layer in the vicinity of the water surface in the bathtub (200) by setting the hot water speed slow so that stirring in the bathtub (200) is suppressed at least at the end of the draft surface heat sterilization treatment And
The related processing means (254) includes drainage means (255, 78) for draining water in the bathtub (200) and water injection means (256, 44, 45) for pouring water into the bathtub (200). And
The related processing means (254) adjusts the amount of water by draining the bathtub water by the draining means (255, 78), and also performs an average water temperature in the bathtub (200) by performing the draft surface heat sterilization treatment. When the temperature becomes higher than a preset temperature, water is injected into the bathtub (200) by the water injection means (256, 44, 45) after the draft surface heat sterilization treatment, and the bathtub ( 200) The bathtub water purification apparatus (10) characterized in that when it is necessary to adjust the amount of water in the water, the water is drained by the drainage means (255, 78) after at least the draft surface heat sterilization treatment.
[0014]
[7] The drainage means (255, 78) drains bathtub water after the draft surface heat sterilization treatment is completed, and reverses the bathtub water to the filtration tank (110) during normal filtration operation. The bath water purifier (10) according to [3], [4], [5] or [6], wherein the water is drained after passing through the water.
[0015]
[8] In the bathtub water purification device (10) for circulating and purifying water in the bathtub (200) through the filtration tank (110),
Reheating means for replenishing the bathtub water by taking in the bathtub water from the suction port provided in the bathtub (200), heating it with a predetermined heating means, and discharging it from the discharge port (201) provided in the bathtub (200). 258), draft surface sterilization means (252) for performing draft surface thermal sterilization treatment for thermally sterilizing the vicinity of the draft surface of the bathtub (200), and related treatment means (254),
The draft surface sterilization means (252) controls the reheating means (258) to discharge high-temperature water from the discharge port (201), and at least at the end stage of the draft surface heat sterilization process, the bathtub ( 200) to form a high-temperature layer in the vicinity of the water surface in the bathtub (200) by slowly discharging high-temperature water so that stirring in the interior is suppressed to a low level,
The related processing means (254) has drainage means (255, 78) for draining water in the bathtub (200),
The drain means (255, 78), when the draft surface heat sterilization by the draft surface sterilization means (252) is finished, drains a predetermined amount of bath water after passing through the filtration tank (110). Bath water purification device (10).
[0016]
[9] When there are two or more entrances leading to the filtration tank (110) at different positions of the bathtub (200), the drainage means (255, 78) is arranged so that the bath water from the entrance located above them The bathtub water purification device (10) according to [7] or [8], wherein the water is taken out after passing through the filtration tank (110).
[0017]
[10] When a heat retention start time that should allow the water in the bathtub (200) to be bathed is reserved, a series of processes including sterilization of the draft surface is completed at the heat retention start time, and the bathing is performed. [1], [2], [3], [4], [4], [3], [3], [4], [4], [3], wherein the draft surface heat sterilization process is started from a time obtained by calculating backward from the heat retention start time. Bath water purification apparatus (10) according to [5], [6], [7], [8] or [9].
[0018]
[11] A filter attached to the side of the suction port by using a suction port for sucking in the bathtub water during normal filtration operation as a discharge port (201) for discharging high-temperature water when the draft surface heat sterilization process is performed. [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], wherein the heat sterilization of [9] The bathtub water purification device (10) according to [10].
[0019]
The present invention operates as follows.
The draft surface sterilization means (252) can suppress the stirring of the hot water from the discharge port (201) provided in the bathtub (200) in the bathtub (200) at least at the end of the draft surface thermal sterilization process. Slowly dispense. Thereby, a hot water layer is formed near the water surface in the bathtub (200), and the vicinity of the draft surface can be efficiently heat sterilized.
[0020]
The hot water may be discharged slowly from the beginning of the draft surface heat sterilization treatment, or initially, the hot water may be discharged vigorously to agitate the bath water to raise the overall hot water temperature, and then slowly discharged. In this case, a high temperature layer may be formed near the water surface in the final stage.
[0021]
Further, the pouring condition acquisition means (253) calculates the bathtub (from the water level in the bathtub (200) detected by the water level detection means (56) and the water temperature in the bathtub (200) detected by the temperature sensor (76). 200), in order to form a high-temperature layer composed of water having a target temperature in the vicinity of the water surface, how many hot waters should be poured and how much should be poured.
[0022]
The draft surface sterilization means (252) controls the pouring means (255 etc.) by the amount of hot water determined by the pouring condition acquisition means (253) for the hot water determined by the pouring condition acquisition means (253), Pour hot water into the bathtub (200). In addition, the pouring speed at this time is set to be slow so that stirring in the bathtub (200) can be suppressed, and a high-temperature layer is formed in the vicinity of the water surface in the bathtub (200) to perform heat sterilization in the vicinity of the draft surface. .
[0023]
The hot water slowly discharged from the discharge port (201) in the bathtub (200) is cooled to some extent by the influence of the surrounding bathtub water while rising to the vicinity of the draft surface. Also, how much the temperature is lowered varies depending on the distance from the discharge port (201) to the draft surface. Therefore, the pouring temperature and the like are changed according to the temperature and water level of the bath water.
[0024]
Thus, the water temperature and water level of the bath water are examined, and the pouring temperature and the pouring amount are obtained based on them, so that a high temperature layer of the target temperature can be reliably formed in the vicinity of the draft surface, and heat sterilization can be performed accurately. It can be carried out. The amount of pouring is adjusted based on the water level in order to prevent the bathtub water from overflowing from the bathtub (200) by the draft surface heat sterilization treatment.
[0025]
In addition, the amount of water in the bathtub (200) is drained by the drainage means (255, 78) of the associated processing means (254) either before or after the draft surface heat sterilization process or during the draft surface heat sterilization process. Adjust.
[0026]
For example, if bath water corresponding to the amount of pouring is drained in advance before pouring, the water level on the draft surface at the end of pouring can be made equal to the initial water level. Moreover, since the water level rises when a person bathes, the amount of water poured may be poured to thermally sterilize the drafting surface during bathing, and then the bath water may be drained by the amount raised by the pouring. Moreover, when the original bathtub water level is low, it is not necessary to drain.
[0027]
Further, when the average water temperature in the bathtub (200) becomes higher than the preset temperature specified by the heat sterilization of the draft surface, the water injection means (256, 44, 45) in the bathtub (200) after the draft surface sterilization treatment. When it is necessary to add water and adjust the amount of water in the bathtub (200) that is increased by this water injection, the bathtub water is drained by the draining means (255, 78) at least after the draft surface heat sterilization treatment.
[0028]
On the other hand, the amount of pouring or the pouring temperature may be fixedly set to a constant value without being obtained from the temperature and water level of the bath water each time. Thus, when fixedly determined, the amount of pouring water and the pouring temperature are provided in advance so that the heat sterilization of the draft surface is reliably performed regardless of the temperature and water level of the bath water. . In addition, related processing means (254) is provided, and when necessary, the bath water is drained or adjusted to the average temperature of the bath water by water injection either before or after the draft surface heat sterilization treatment or during the draft surface heat sterilization treatment. To do.
[0029]
Further, the drainage by the drainage means (255, 78) is set to be performed after the draft surface heat sterilization process is completed, and at this time, the bath water in the direction opposite to the normal filtration operation is applied to the filter tank (110). Drain through. Thereby, drainage can be used effectively.
[0030]
In addition, hot water for heat sterilizing the draft surface may be supplied by chasing the bath water. In other words, retreating the bath water by taking in the bath water from the suction port provided in the bathtub (200), heating it with a predetermined heating means, and discharging it from the discharge port (201) provided in the bathtub (200). Means (258) is provided, and the draft surface sterilization means (252) controls the reheating means (258) so that high-temperature water is slowly discharged from the previous discharge port (201) at least at the end stage of the heat sterilization treatment. Discharge. Further, the drainage means (255, 78) of the related treatment means (254) allows a predetermined amount of bath water to pass through the filtration tank (110) in the reverse direction to that during normal filtration operation when the draft surface heat sterilization treatment is completed. Drained and used for back washing of the filtration tank (110).
[0031]
When there are two or more inlets / outlets leading to the filtration tank (110) at different positions of the bathtub (200), the bathtub water is taken in from the inlet / outlet located in the upper part, and the filtration tank (110) is subjected to normal filtration operation. Drain through the opposite direction. Thus, if bathtub water is taken in from the entrance / exit as close as possible to the draft surface in which the high temperature layer is formed, high temperature water can also be used effectively for back washing and sterilization of the filtration layer. In addition, even if the taken-in high temperature water is made to flow to a filtration tank (110) in the forward direction, the effect of sterilization is acquired. The bath water intake port is preferably the upper one among the plurality of entrances / exits, but is not limited to the uppermost one because hot water may be discharged from the currant.
[0032]
Furthermore, when the heat retention start time that should allow the water in the bathtub (200) to be bathed is reserved, a series of processing including sterilization of the draft surface is completed at this heat retention start time, and bathing is possible. The sterilization operation of the draft surface is started from the time obtained by calculating backward from the reserved heat retention start time so as to be in a state. If it does in this way, since the heating for heat sterilization of a draft surface will also serve as the heating at the time of a heat retention start, it contributes to energy saving.
[0033]
In addition, by using a suction port that sucks in bath water during normal filtration operation as a discharge port (201) that discharges high-temperature water during sterilization of the draft surface, thermal sterilization of a filter attached to the suction port side can be drafted. Can be performed simultaneously with surface sterilization.
[0034]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Each figure shows various embodiments of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the bathtub water purification apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a 24-hour bath function for pouring hot water into a bathtub 200, purifying the hot water and keeping it warm, It has a hot water supply function for supplying hot water to a faucet provided in a bathroom or the like.
[0035]
The bathtub water purification apparatus 10 has a circulation channel 50 that circulates the water in the bathtub for purification and replenishment, and a hot water supply channel 30 that heats the feed water and discharges the hot water. Both the hot water supply channel 30 and the circulation channel 50 pass through the common heat exchanger 12 disposed above the burner 11 and are of a so-called single-can two-water channel type. A combustion fan 14 is disposed below the burner 11. The supply / exhaust is forcibly performed by blowing the supply air from below the combustion chamber by the combustion fan 14, and the exhaust is discharged from the upper part of the combustion chamber.
[0036]
The burner 11 is divided into a combustion surface A and a combustion surface B larger than this. An ignition device (not shown) is provided in the vicinity of the combustion surface A of the burner 11. The combustion gas supplied to the burner 11 is on / off controlled by the gas solenoid valves 16 and 18 and the original gas solenoid valve 17. The gas solenoid valves 16 and 18 can switch the combustion surface to three types of both the combustion surface A and the combustion surface B simultaneously, only the combustion surface A, and only the combustion surface B. The amount of combustion gas supplied to the burner 11 is adjusted by the gas proportional valve 19.
[0037]
The hot water supply passage 30 is connected to a hot water supply heat receiving pipe 31 that is a pipe portion that receives heat from the fin plate of the heat exchanger 12, and one end is connected to the inlet side of the hot water supply heat receiving pipe 31, and the other end is connected to a water supply source. A water supply pipe 32 and a hot water supply pipe 33 extending from the outlet side of the hot water supply system heat receiving pipe 31 are configured. In the middle of the water supply pipe 32, a water amount sensor 34 for detecting the amount of water flow is provided.
[0038]
A water amount control valve 37 for adjusting the amount of hot water discharged through the hot water supply passage 30 is provided on the outlet side of the hot water supply system heat receiving tube 31 in the hot water supply pipe 33, and a water amount sensor 38 for checking hot water supply is provided downstream thereof. It is attached.
[0039]
The heat exchanger 12 is bypassed between the vicinity of the inlet side of the heat exchanger 12 in the water supply pipe 32 and the predetermined part between the outlet side of the heat exchanger 12 and the water amount control valve 37 in the hot water supply pipe 33. In addition, a fixed bypass passage 40 is provided for allowing the water supply from the water supply pipe 32 to flow directly into the hot water supply pipe 33. Further, the heat exchanger 12 is bypassed between a predetermined portion of the water supply pipe 32 on the inflow side of the water supply from the water amount sensor 34 and a predetermined portion of the hot water supply pipe 33 between the water amount control valve 37 and the water amount sensor 38. In addition, a variable bypass passage 41 for flowing water from the water supply pipe 32 into the hot water supply pipe 33 is provided. A water amount control valve 42 for adjusting the amount of water flowing into the hot water supply pipe 33 is attached in the middle of the variable bypass passage 41.
[0040]
The circulation channel 50 connects between the circulation system heat receiving pipe 51 that is a pipe portion that receives heat from the fin plate of the heat exchanger 12, and the inlet side of the circulation system heat receiving pipe 51 and the suction port 201 provided in the bathtub 200. The recirculation return pipe 52 is connected to the outlet side of the circulating heat receiving pipe 51 and the discharge port 202 provided in the bathtub 200.
[0041]
A connecting pipe 44 branched from the hot water supply pipe 33 joins the predetermined place 54 in the vicinity of the outlet side of the circulation system heat receiving pipe 51 in the retreating pipe 53 between the joining place 43 of the variable bypass passage 41 and the water amount sensor 38. is doing. In the middle of the connecting pipe 44, a hot water switching valve 45 for switching whether the connecting pipe 44 is closed or opened is provided. By opening the hot water supply switching valve 45, hot water heated by the hot water supply system heat receiving pipe 31 flows into the circulation channel 50 from the junction 54 through the connecting pipe 44, and can be poured into the bathtub 200 through the circulation channel 50. It is like that.
[0042]
A running water sensor 55 for confirming water flow in the pipe is provided in the middle of the catch-up pipe 53. In the middle of the recirculation return pipe 52, there are a first electric three-way valve 60, a circulation pump 70, an electric five-way valve 80, a second electric three-way valve 90, a check valve 72, and a running water sensor 73. It arrange | positions in the above-mentioned order toward the entrance side of the heat exchanger 12 from the suction inlet 201. FIG. The flowing water sensor 73 incorporates a thermistor 74 for detecting the water temperature in the pipe. The thermistors 75a and 75b are provided in the vicinity of the inlet side and the outlet side of the hot water supply heat receiving pipe 31.
[0043]
The first electric three-way valve 60 has a first connection port 61, a second connection port 62, and a third connection port 63. The electric five-way valve 80 has five connection ports from the fourth connection port 81 to the eighth connection port 85, and the second electric three-way valve 90 includes a ninth connection port 91, a tenth connection port 92, 11th connection port 93 is provided. The reheating return pipe 52 enters the first connection port 61 of the first electric three-way valve 60 from the suction port 201 in the bathtub 200, and passes through the circulation pump 70 from the second connection port 62 of the first electric three-way valve 60. It is connected to the fourth connection port 81 of the electric five-way valve 80. Further, the fifth connection port 82 of the electric five-way valve 80 is connected to the ninth connection port 91 of the second electric three-way valve 90, and the check valve 72, running water is connected from the eleventh connection port 93 of the second electric three-way valve 90. The sensor 73 leads to the inlet side of the circulation system heat receiving pipe 51. On the way from the second connection port 62 of the first electric three-way valve 60 to the circulation pump 70, an inlet-side thermistor 76 for detecting the water temperature in the pipe of the part is attached.
[0044]
A third electric three-way valve 100 is provided in the retreating pipe 53 at a location slightly closer to the discharge port 202 than the running water sensor 55. A pipe from the flowing water sensor 55 side is connected to the twelfth connection port 101 of the third electric three-way valve 100. A pipe extending from the thirteenth connection port 102 of the third electric three-way valve 100 forms a part of the recirculation pipe 53 and communicates with the discharge port 202. A first bypass passage 121 branched from the middle of the pipe from the thirteenth connection port 102 to the discharge port 202 is connected to the third connection port 63 of the first electric three-way valve 60. A pressure sensor 56 for detecting the water level of the bathtub 200 is attached to the piping between the location where the first bypass passage 121 branches and the discharge port 202.
[0045]
The second bypass passage 122 extending from the fourteenth connection port 103 of the third electric three-way valve 100 joins a pipe connecting the suction port 201 and the first connection port 61 of the first electric three-way valve 60. The second bypass port 123 of the second electric three-way valve 90 is connected to a third bypass passage 123 branched from a predetermined location between the running water sensor 55 and the junction 54 in the retreating pipe 53. A sixth connection port 83 of the electric five-way valve 80 is connected to the forward entry side 112 of the filtration tank 110, and a drain pipe 78 is connected to the seventh connection port 84 of the electric five-way valve 80. The eighth connection port 85 of the electric five-way valve 80 is connected to the forward outlet 111 of the filtration tank 110 via an ultraviolet germicidal lamp 79.
[0046]
Inside the filtration tank 110, a filter medium is stored, and the water flowing in from the forward entry side 112 is purified by removing dust and the like when passing through the filter medium and discharged from the forward exit side 111. . The circulation pump 70 is configured to send water in the pipe from the second connection port 62 side of the first electric three-way valve 60 toward the fourth connection port 81 side of the electric five-way valve 80.
[0047]
The first electric three-way valve 60, the first connection port 61 and the second connection port 62 communicate with each other, the first connection state with the third connection port 63 closed, the second connection port 62 and the third connection port 63. Can be switched at least electrically to the second and third communication states in which the first connection port 61 is closed. Similarly, the second electric three-way valve 90 has a ninth and tenth communication state in which the ninth connection port 91 and the tenth connection port 92 communicate with each other and the eleventh connection port 93 is closed. The connection port 93 communicates with the ninth and eleventh communication state in which the tenth connection port 92 is closed. The third electric three-way valve 100 includes a twelfth and thirteenth connection state in which the twelfth connection port 101 and the thirteenth connection port 102 communicate with each other and the fourteenth connection port 103 is closed, and the twelfth connection port 101 and the fourteenth connection port. 103 can communicate with at least the twelfth and fourteenth communication states in which the thirteenth connection port 102 is closed.
[0048]
The electric five-way valve 80 allows the fourth connection port 81 to communicate with any one of the fifth connection port 82 to the eighth connection port 85, and of the remaining three connection ports that do not communicate with the fourth connection port 81. It is possible to switch electrically between a communication state in which any two connection ports communicate with each other and a closed state in which each connection port 81-85 is closed without communication between any of the connection ports 81-85. Yes.
[0049]
The bathtub water purification apparatus 10 is a controller 250 for controlling various operations such as hot water supply operation, pouring operation, reheating operation, filtration operation, in-device thermal sterilization processing, draft surface thermal sterilization processing, and reverse cleaning of the filtration layer. It has. The control unit 250 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a circuit mainly including a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The draft surface heat sterilization unit 252, the pouring condition acquisition unit 253, the related processing control unit 254, the pouring control unit 255, the water pouring control unit 256, the backwash control unit 257, and the reheating control unit 258 It is designed to fulfill each function.
[0050]
Among these, the internal heat sterilization unit 251 controls the combustion state of the burner 11, the driving state of the circulation pump 70, the switching of the valves 60, 80, 90, 100, etc., and the piping inside the bathtub water purification device 10. The apparatus heat-sterilization process which heat-sterilizes the filter tank 110 is performed. The draft surface heat sterilization unit 252 controls the combustion state of the burner 11, the driving state of the circulation pump 70, the switching of the valves 60, 80, 90, 100, and the like in the same manner as the in-device heat sterilization unit 251. The draft surface thermal sterilization process is performed to thermally sterilize the vicinity of the draft surface and the pre-filter 210.
[0051]
The hot water pouring condition acquisition unit 253 performs an appropriate hot water pouring temperature and pouring amount on the basis of the water level and the water temperature in the bath 200 when performing hot water sterilization treatment by pouring hot water into the bath 200. This is the part that fulfills the desired function. The water level is detected by the pressure sensor 56, and the water temperature of the bathtub water is detected by the inlet-side thermistor 76.
[0052]
The pouring control unit 255 burns the burner 11 and heats the water through the hot water supply heat receiving pipe 31 of the hot water supply flow path 30, opens the pouring changeover valve 45, opens the hot water switching valve 45, and communicates with the connecting pipe 44. This is a part that controls the operation of pouring the bath 200 through the flow path 50. The pouring control unit 255 controls the operation of pouring water from the hot water supply passage 30 into the bathtub 200 through the connecting pipe 44 and the circulation passage 50 by opening the pouring switching valve 45 without burning the burner 11. It is a part to do.
[0053]
The reverse cleaning control unit 257 controls the valves 60, 80, 90, 100 and the circulation pump 70 to return the bath water to the filtration tank 110 in the reverse direction (from the forward outlet 111 to the forward inlet 112). This is the part that performs the reverse cleaning process of draining from the drain pipe 78 after passing through. The related process control unit 254 is a part that performs a function of controlling execution of a back washing process and a water injection process related to the draft surface heat sterilization process. The reheating controller 258 takes in the bathtub water, heats it through the circulation channel 50, circulates it back into the bathtub again, and performs the function of reheating the bathtub water. The reheating control unit 258 discharges hot water from the suction port 201 when executing the draft surface heat sterilization process.
[0054]
The control unit 250 includes various valves 60, 80, 90, 100 and gas electromagnetic valves 16-19, a circulation pump 70, flowing water sensors 55, 73, a pressure sensor 56, various thermistors 74, 75a, 75b, 76, and the like. Various control components and sensors are electrically connected by a wiring 259 that is illustrated in a simplified manner. The control unit 250 is connected to a remote controller 260 for accepting a setting of a hot water temperature, a bath retreat instruction, and the like. The remote controller 260 is installed in a bathroom, kitchen, or the like.
[0055]
The remote controller 260 includes an operation unit 261 including various switches for changing the set temperature of the bath, a display unit 262 for displaying the set temperature and various operation states at the current time, and the start times of various reservation operations. And a timer unit 263 for managing the end time.
[0056]
Next, the operation will be described.
FIG. 2 shows a flow of a series of operations performed by the bathtub water purification device 10. For example, when a reservation is made to maintain a bathable state from 4 pm to 11 pm in a day, a normal filtration operation is performed for this time period (step S301). . The filtration operation is an operation mode in which water in the bathtub 200 is purified by circulating the circulation channel 50 so as to pass through the filtration tank 110.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 3, in the filtration operation, the first electric three-way valve 60 includes a first connection state in which the first connection port 61 and the second connection port 62 communicate with each other and the third connection port 63 is closed. Set to The electric five-way valve 80 is set in a state where the fourth connection port 81 and the sixth connection port 83 communicate with each other and the eighth connection port 85 and the fifth connection port 82 communicate with each other.
[0058]
Further, in the case where the second electric three-way valve 90 is purified while heating the circulating bath water, the ninth connection port 91 and the eleventh connection port 93 communicate with each other (the state via the heat exchanger 12). If the temperature reaches the set temperature to be kept warm and it is not necessary to further heat, the ninth connection port 91 and the tenth connection port 92 are set in a communication state (a state in which the heat exchanger 12 is bypassed). The The third electric three-way valve 100 is set in a state where the twelfth connection port 101 and the thirteenth connection port 102 communicate with each other.
[0059]
Therefore, when heating with the heat exchanger 12, bath water circulates in the path | route shown by the arrow 381-391 in a figure. In the case of non-heating, the above-mentioned route may be maintained, but when the hot water supply operation is started, the circulating heat receiving pipe 51 is simultaneously heated together with the hot water receiving heat pipe 31, and the bath water can be maintained at the set warm temperature. Since the water temperature decreases due to heat radiation from the heat exchanger 12 when it is not possible or when there is no hot water supply operation, the second electric three-way valve 90 communicates with the ninth connection port 91 and the tenth connection port 92 to avoid them. In such a state, the heat exchanger 12 is detoured along paths indicated by arrows 395 and 396 in the figure.
[0060]
When the end time of the filtration operation in which the bathtub water is circulated through the path as described above and purified by the filtration tank 110 comes (step S302; Y), the bath water heat retaining operation is ended (step S303). That is, after that, the bath water is circulated and purified by the filtration tank 110, but the heat insulation is not performed. Thereafter, until 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of the next warming operation (here, 4:00 pm on the next day), the state where the warming operation is suspended is continued, and 30 minutes before the scheduled start time (step S304). ; Y), first, the heat sterilization process in the apparatus is started (step S305).
[0061]
FIG. 4 shows a path through which the water sent from the circulation pump flows during the heat sterilization treatment in the apparatus. The electric five-way valve 80 is set to the same state as in the filtration operation during the heat sterilization treatment in the apparatus. The first electric three-way valve 60 is set in a state where the third connection port 63 and the second connection port 62 communicate with each other, and the second electric three-way valve 90 communicates with the ninth connection port 91 and the eleventh connection port 93. Set to state. Further, the third electric three-way valve 100 is set in a state where the twelfth connection port 101 and the thirteenth connection port 102 communicate with each other.
[0062]
When the circulation pump 70 is driven in this state, the water sent out by the circulation pump 70 circulates through a path as indicated by arrows 401 to 413. In-device thermal sterilization is to circulate hot water in the annular path for several minutes while maintaining the water in the annular path 401 to 413 heated to about 65 ° C. by appropriately burning the burner 11. It is.
[0063]
When the in-apparatus heat sterilization process ends, the draft surface heat sterilization process is performed (FIG. 3, step S306). FIG. 5 shows the flow of the draft surface heat sterilization process when the bathtub water is reclaimed. First, the circulation pump 70 is stopped (step S501), and the valves 60, 80, 90, and 100 are switched to form a draft surface sterilization path.
[0064]
As shown in FIG. 1, in the draft surface sterilization path, the first electric three-way valve 60 is set in a state where the third connection port 63 and the second connection port 62 communicate with each other. The electric five-way valve 80 is set in a state where the fourth connection port 81 and the fifth connection port 82 communicate with each other. The second electric three-way valve 90 is in a state where the ninth connection port 91 and the eleventh connection port 93 are in communication, and the third electric three-way valve 100 is in a state where the twelfth connection port 101 and the fourteenth connection port 103 are in communication. Set to
[0065]
After the draft surface sterilization path is formed, the circulation pump 70 is turned on with the minimum capacity (step S503). Thereby, bathtub water circulates along a path as shown by arrows 521 to 536 in FIG. That is, bathtub water is taken from the discharge port 202 (arrows 521 and 522), and this bathtub water passes through the first electric three-way valve 60 from the third connection port 63 to the second connection port 62 (arrow 525), and circulates. Via the pump 70 (arrows 526 and 527), the electric five-way valve 80 passes from the fourth connection port 81 to the fifth connection port 82 (arrow 528). Thereafter, the second electric three-way valve 90 passes from the ninth connection port 91 to the eleventh connection port 93 (arrow 529), is heated by the heat exchanger 12 (arrows 530, 531, 532, 533), and further the third The electric three-way valve 100 passes from the twelfth connection port 101 to the fourteenth connection port 103 (arrow 534), and flows out from the suction port 201 into the bathtub (arrows 535 and 536).
[0066]
When reheating as draft surface heat sterilization starts in this way, the heat sterilization timer is started (step S505), and the circulation pump 70 is driven with the minimum capacity until the timer counts 15 minutes (step S506). During the draft surface heat sterilization treatment, hot water of about 65 ° C. or more (about 70 ° C.) slowly flows out from the suction port 201. After 15 minutes have elapsed, the circulation pump 70 is stopped (step S507), the valves 60, 80, 90, and 100 are switched (step S508), the path for the filtration operation shown in FIG. 3 is set, and heat sterilization is performed. The timer is reset (step S509).
[0067]
During draft surface heat sterilization, hot water is slowly discharged from the suction port 201, so that almost no stirring occurs in the bathtub 200 as shown in FIG. 6a, and the hot water discharged from the suction port 201 is slowly The high temperature layer 601 made of hot water (about 65 ° C.) is formed in the vicinity of the draft surface.
[0068]
FIG. 7 shows the water temperature near the draft surface and the temperature change of the prefilter 210 attached to the suction port 201 before and after the draft surface heat sterilization treatment. When the draft surface heat sterilization process is started by driving the circulation pump 70 with the minimum capacity from the time t1, the temperature of the prefilter 210 will soon rise as shown by the broken line 701. The water temperature in the vicinity of the draft surface indicated by the solid line 702 rises more slowly than the pre-filter 210 because it is cooled to some extent by the surrounding bath water while hot water rises from the suction port 201 to the water surface. And as time passes, the water temperature 702 near the draft surface also rises to a temperature exceeding approximately 60 ° C.
[0069]
When the draft surface heat sterilization process ends at time t2, the path is switched to the state of the filtration operation, and the circulation pump 70 is driven with a normal capacity (high capacity). As a result, the bathtub water is stirred in the bathtub 200 as shown in FIG. 6b, and the water temperature near the draft surface and the temperature of the pre-filter 210 are lowered to the average temperature 710 of the bathtub water as shown in FIG. 7 (time t3). . At this time, the average water temperature 710 of the bathtub water after stirring rises by the amount of reheating for the draft surface heat sterilization, compared to the water temperature 710 before the draft surface heat sterilization treatment.
[0070]
After the draft surface heat sterilization process is completed, the filter medium is reversely cleaned (FIG. 2, step S306). In the reverse cleaning, a route is set as shown in FIG. By driving the circulation pump 70 in this state, as shown by arrows 801 to 808, the bath water is taken in from the suction port 201, flows in the filtration tank 110 in the reverse direction, and is discharged from the drain pipe 78. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6c, the water level is lowered to the position indicated by the solid line 611 as compared to the original water level 610 indicated by the broken line.
[0071]
When backwashing is performed in this way, the water level drops from the original water level 610, so the draft surface heat sterilization treatment is performed before backwashing. That is, since the garbage that serves as a hotbed for the propagation of various bacteria is present in the vicinity of the original draft surface, the vicinity of the draft surface at the original water level is thermally sterilized by heat sterilization before backwashing.
[0072]
After reverse cleaning, the water level is lowered, and then, as shown in FIG. 6d, the bath water is set to the set temperature and the set water level by performing pouring, water pouring, or normal reheating operation (step S308), and reserved. By the time the filtration operation start time (heat retention start time ... 4 pm in this case) arrives, bathing is possible, and the flow proceeds to the filtration operation (step S301). In the graph of FIG. 7, reverse cleaning or the like is performed between time t3 and time t4. Further, since the average water temperature is higher than the set temperature, water is poured from time t4 to lower the water temperature to the set temperature.
[0073]
In the graph of FIG. 7, the bath water temperature was already 40 ° C. before the start of the draft surface heat sterilization treatment, but normally, the heat retaining operation is stopped for several hours before the heat sterilization treatment is started. The bath water temperature is much lower. Therefore, by performing the heat sterilization in the equipment and the water surface heat sterilization treatment for a predetermined time before the heat retention start time so that the bath can be put into a state that can be bathed just before the heat retention start time, In preparation for the start of operation, it also serves as heating to increase the bath water temperature, contributing to energy saving.
[0074]
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment, after the draft water surface heat sterilization treatment, the bath water is stirred and then backwashed. However, in the second embodiment, high-temperature water existing in the vicinity of the draft surface is positively used. The filter media is used for backwashing.
[0075]
In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9a, the in-device heat sterilization process is performed as in the first embodiment, and the draft surface heat sterilization process is subsequently performed. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5B, the bath water is taken from the discharge port 202 and backwashing is performed. FIG. 10 shows a water flow path at the time of reverse cleaning in the case of taking in bathtub water from the discharge port 202. The third electric three-way valve 100 is set in a state where the thirteenth connection port 102 is closed, and the first electric three-way valve 60 is set in a state where the third connection port 63 and the second connection port 62 communicate with each other. . The electric five-way valve 80 is set in a state where the fourth connection port 81 and the eighth connection port 85 communicate with each other and the sixth connection port 83 and the seventh connection port 84 communicate with each other. Thereby, the bath water flows as shown by arrows 1001 to 1008 by driving the circulation pump 70.
[0076]
In this way, after the draft surface heat sterilization treatment, the back washing is started immediately without stirring, and at that time, the bath water is taken in from the discharge port 202 near the draft surface. The hot water can be taken in efficiently and the filtration tank 110 and the like can be back-washed.
[0077]
After the reverse cleaning, the water level decreases, so that the water level is returned to the original state by pouring or pouring as shown in FIG. 9c, and further reheating is performed to obtain the set temperature (FIG. 9d).
[0078]
Next, a third embodiment will be described.
In the first and second embodiments, the draft surface is thermally sterilized by chasing the bathtub water. In the third embodiment, the draft surface heat is poured by pouring new hot water. Sterilization treatment is performed.
[0079]
FIG. 11: has shown the flow of the draft surface heat sterilization process which the bathtub water purification apparatus 10 concerning 3rd Embodiment performs. This process is executed in step S306 in the flowchart of FIG. 3 as in the first and second embodiments. First, the circulation pump 70 is stopped (step S1101), and the water temperature and water level of the bathtub water at the present time are detected (step S1102). Based on the detected water temperature and water level, the pouring condition acquisition unit 253 determines the pouring temperature and the pouring amount (step S1103).
[0080]
The pouring condition acquisition unit 253 detects a target temperature (for example, 65 ° C.) near the water surface in the bathtub 200 from the water level in the bathtub 200 detected by the pressure sensor 56 and the water temperature in the bathtub 200 detected by the entry-side thermistor 76. ) How many hot waters should be poured to form a high temperature layer. The hot water slowly discharged from the suction port 201 is cooled to some extent by the influence of the surrounding bath water while rising to the vicinity of the draft surface. Also, how much the temperature is lowered varies depending on the distance from the suction port 201 to the draft surface (that is, the water level). Therefore, the pouring temperature is set according to the temperature and water level of the bath water. Further, the total pouring amount is set so that the hot water does not overflow from the bathtub 200 due to pouring.
[0081]
Next, the draft surface heat sterilization unit 252 starts a heat sterilization timer (step S1104), and the suction port 201 has the amount of hot water determined by the pouring condition acquisition unit 253 by the amount of hot water determined by the pouring condition acquisition unit 253. The hot water is poured into the bathtub 200 over 15 minutes (step S1105, step S1106). Further, the amount of combustion of the water amount control valve 37 and the burner 11 is controlled, and the pouring speed at this time is set so as to suppress stirring in the bathtub 200 so that a high temperature layer is formed in the vicinity of the water surface in the bathtub. Then, heat sterilization near the draft surface is performed. Thereafter, the pouring operation is stopped (step S1107), and the thermal sterilization timer is reset (step S1108).
[0082]
Thus, the water temperature and water level of the bath water are examined, and the pouring temperature and the pouring amount are obtained based on them, so that a high temperature layer of the target temperature can be reliably formed in the vicinity of the draft surface, and heat sterilization can be performed accurately. It can be carried out.
[0083]
FIG. 12 shows fluctuations in the water level when the draft surface heat sterilization process is performed by pouring. Compared with the water level before starting the pouring operation based on the draft surface heat sterilization process (broken line 1201), the water level rises to the position indicated by the solid line 1202 after execution of the draft surface heat sterilization process. Thus, even when the water level rises due to pouring, if the lower end of the high-temperature layer 1203 formed in the vicinity of the draft surface is the same as or slightly lower than the original water level, the bathtub at the original water level The wall surface portion can be heat sterilized.
[0084]
Furthermore, since the water level usually rises when a person takes a bath, it is considered that scale has adhered to the bathtub wall surface at a location higher than the original draft surface 1201. Therefore, if the water level is raised from the pouring by an amount corresponding to the amount of the person bathing by pouring, the scales attached to the bathtub wall at the higher point can be thermally sterilized.
[0085]
After the draft surface heat sterilization process is executed, hot water in the high temperature layer near the draft surface is taken in from the discharge port 202, and backwashing is performed to return the water level (FIG. 12b). Thereafter, reheating or the like is further performed so that the temperature of the bath water becomes the set temperature (FIG. 12 c).
[0086]
As a result of examining the water level before the draft surface heat sterilization treatment, if the water level is already high and a sufficient amount of water cannot be poured, a certain amount of water is drained from the bathtub 200 prior to the draft surface heat sterilization treatment. The water may be drained through the pipe 78.
[0087]
In addition, the pouring temperature and the amount of pouring water were calculated every time by the pouring condition acquisition unit 253 based on the water level and the water temperature, but the hot water having a predetermined constant temperature was predetermined regardless of the water level and the water temperature of the bathtub water. Only a certain amount of hot water may be poured. In this case, after pouring by the draft surface heat sterilization treatment, the water level is measured by the pressure sensor 56, and the water level is adjusted by draining while washing back by a necessary amount, or after the draft surface heat sterilization treatment, the entrance thermistor Based on the water temperature of the bathtub water measured at 76, reheating and water injection are performed so that the average temperature of the bathtub water becomes the set temperature. In addition, when pouring hot water at a constant temperature without checking the bath water temperature etc., it is assumed that the bath water is sufficiently cold or under bad conditions where the water level is high. It is desirable to set the value higher.
[0088]
In the embodiment described above, hot water is discharged from the suction port 201 during draft surface heat sterilization so that the prefilter 210 can also be thermally sterilized at the same time. High temperature water may be discharged from the discharge port 202 or from both the suction port 201 and the discharge port 202. In the first and second embodiments, the circulation pump 70 is turned on with the minimum capacity during the draft surface heat sterilization process, and the reheating is performed. However, the stirring is suppressed to a low level so that a high temperature layer is formed on the draft surface. If it can discharge, it is not limited to the minimum capacity. Further, this may be used as long as the circulation pump 70 can be turned off by natural circulation with the circulation pump 70 turned off. Further, the average discharge speed may be lowered by performing intermittent operation in which the circulation pump 70 is repeatedly turned on and off.
[0089]
In addition, in the embodiment, high-temperature water is slowly discharged from the beginning of the draft surface heat sterilization treatment, but at the beginning of the draft surface heat sterilization treatment, the bath water is agitated and the bath water is agitated as a whole. The hot water temperature may be raised, and thereafter, the hot water temperature may be changed so as to be discharged slowly, so that a high temperature layer is formed near the water surface at least at the end of the draft surface heat sterilization treatment. If it does in this way, the temperature of the high-temperature water which accumulates in the draft surface vicinity can be judged more appropriately. In other words, since the bath water temperature is averaged and the bath water temperature rises on average, it is possible to accurately predict how the temperature will drop to the draft surface after discharge, and in the vicinity of the draft surface. A high temperature layer having a target temperature can be formed.
[0090]
In each embodiment, each heat sterilization process is started from several tens of minutes before the warming start time so that bathing is possible at the reserved warming operation start time. When performing a heat retaining operation or when there is no timer reservation function, the draft surface heat sterilization process may be performed at an appropriate timing. For example, the in-device heat sterilization process, the draft surface heat sterilization process, and the reverse cleaning are performed in this order every day at 3 o'clock in the night.
[0091]
In addition, you may combine the draft surface heat sterilization process which chases bathtub water, and the draft surface heat sterilization process which pours hot water. That is, initially, the draft surface heat sterilization is performed in a reheating manner, the vicinity of the original water level is thermally sterilized, and then the draft surface heat sterilization treatment is performed in a pouring type, so that the bathtub wall surface is higher than the original water level. May be configured to be heat sterilized.
[0092]
In addition, when discharging hot water from the suction port 201 side where the prefilter 210 is provided during draft surface heat sterilization, the discharge speed is reduced as much as possible so that dust attached to the prefilter is not scattered in the bathtub. It is preferable to perform filtration operation for a while after the draft surface heat sterilization treatment and to remove the waste of bath water with the prefilter 210 or the like before the heat retention start time comes.
[0093]
In the embodiment, the pressure sensor 56 is used as the water level detection means. However, the water level of the bathtub water may be detected by other methods. For example, give a certain amount of heat from the outside by pouring a certain amount of hot water or chasing it for a certain period of time, etc., then drive the circulation pump to detect the temperature of the bath water, The amount of water (water level) in the bathtub may be obtained.
[0094]
【The invention's effect】
According to the bathtub water purification apparatus according to the present invention, high-temperature water is slowly discharged from the discharge port provided in the bathtub so that stirring in the bathtub can be suppressed to a low level. A layer is formed, and the vicinity of the draft surface can be efficiently thermally sterilized.
[0095]
In addition, when the draft surface is thermally sterilized by pouring, the water temperature and water level of the bathtub water are examined prior to the treatment, and the pouring temperature and amount of pouring in the draft surface thermal sterilization treatment are obtained based on these. A high temperature layer having a target temperature can be reliably formed in the vicinity of the surface, and accurate heat sterilization can be performed.
[0096]
In addition, the water level and water temperature of the bathtub water are adjusted by draining, pouring or pouring water before and after the draft surface heat sterilization treatment, so that the state before and after the draft surface heat sterilization treatment can be matched or bathed. can do.
[0097]
In addition, in the case of performing reverse cleaning of the filtration tank with bath water after draft surface heat sterilization treatment by reheating, the water level does not decrease during draft surface heat sterilization treatment as in the case of performing reverse cleaning first, The vicinity of the draft surface at the original water level can be accurately heat sterilized. Furthermore, in the case where the bath water is taken in from the entrance / exit as close as possible to the draft surface where the high temperature layer is formed, the high temperature water can be effectively used for reverse cleaning of the filtration layer and sterilization thereof.
[0098]
In addition, when a heat retention start time that should allow the water in the bathtub to be bathed is reserved, at this heat retention start time, a series of processing including sterilization of the draft surface is completed so that the bath can be bathed. Since the sterilization operation of the draft surface is started from the time calculated backward from the reserved heat retention start time, the heating for sterilizing the draft surface may be combined with the heating for raising the bath water to the set temperature at the start of the thermal insulation. Can contribute to energy saving.
[0099]
Furthermore, by using the suction port that sucks in the bathtub water during normal filtration operation as a discharge port that discharges high-temperature water when the draft surface is sterilized, the heat sterilization of the filter attached to the suction port side Can be performed simultaneously with sterilization.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a bathtub water purification apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations performed by the bathtub water purification apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a water passage when the bathtub water purification apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention performs a filtration operation.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a water passage when the bathtub water purification apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention performs an in-device thermal sterilization treatment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a draft surface heat sterilization process performed by the bathtub water purification apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in the water level when the bathtub water purification apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention performs a draft surface heat sterilization process and subsequent related processes.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in the water temperature in the vicinity of the draft surface and in the vicinity of the prefilter when the bathtub water purification apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention performs the draft surface heat sterilization treatment and related processing. .
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a water passage when taking in bathtub water from the suction port and performing reverse cleaning of a filtration tank or the like.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in the water level when the bathtub water purification apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention performs a draft surface heat sterilization process and subsequent related processes.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a water passage when taking in bathtub water from a discharge port and performing reverse cleaning of a filtration tank or the like.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a draft surface heat sterilization process performed by a bathtub water purification apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a change in water level when a bathtub water purification apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention performs a draft surface heat sterilization process and subsequent related processes.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 ... Bath water purification device
11 ... Burner
12 ... Heat exchanger
14 ... Combustion fan
30 ... Hot water supply channel
31 ... Hot water supply heat pipe
32 ... Water supply pipe
33 ... Hot water supply pipe
34, 38 ... Water volume sensor
37, 42 ... Water volume control valve
40 ... Fixed bypass
41 ... Variable bypass
44 ... Communication tube
45 ... Pouring switch valve
50: Circulation channel
51. Circulation heat receiving pipe
52 ... Rebirth return pipe
53.
55, 73 ... Flowing water sensor
56 ... Pressure sensor
60 ... First electric three-way valve
61-63 ... 1st, 2nd, 3rd connection port
70 ... circulation pump
72. Check valve
76 ... Incoming thermistor
78 ... Drain pipe
80 ... Electric five-way valve
81-85 ... 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th connection port
90 ... Second electric three-way valve
91-93 ... 9th, 10th, 11th connection port
100 ... Third electric three-way valve
101-103 ... 12th, 13th, 14th connection port
110 ... filtration tank
111: Forward exit
112 ... Forward entry side
121 ... first bypass
122 ... second bypass
123 ... third bypass
200 ... bathtub
201 ... inlet
202 ... discharge port
210 ... Pre-filter

Claims

In the bathtub water purification device that circulates and purifies the water in the bathtub through the filtration tank,
A draft surface sterilization means for performing a draft surface heat sterilization treatment for thermally sterilizing the vicinity of the draft surface of the bathtub;
The draft surface sterilization means discharges hot water from a discharge port provided in the bathtub, and supplies hot water so that stirring in the bathtub is suppressed at least at the end of the draft surface heat sterilization process. A bathtub water purification apparatus characterized by forming a high temperature layer near the water surface in the bathtub by slowly discharging.

In the bathtub water purification device that circulates and purifies the water in the bathtub through the filtration tank,
A water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the bathtub, a temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature in the bathtub, a pouring means for pouring from a discharge port provided in the bathtub, and pouring into the bathtub by the pouring means. A pouring condition acquisition means for determining the temperature of the hot water and the amount of pouring water, and a draft surface sterilization means for performing a draft surface thermal sterilization process for thermally sterilizing the vicinity of the draft surface of the bathtub,
The hot water pouring condition acquisition means is a high temperature comprising water at a target temperature in the vicinity of the water surface in the bathtub from the water level in the bathtub detected by the water level detection means and the water temperature in the bathtub detected by the temperature sensor. The temperature and amount of hot water to be poured into the bathtub to form a layer,
The draft surface sterilizing means is configured to control the pouring means for the hot water at the temperature obtained by the pouring condition obtaining means by the amount of hot water obtained by the pouring condition obtaining means to pour into the bathtub. A high temperature layer is formed near the water surface in the bathtub by setting the slow pouring rate so that stirring in the bathtub is suppressed at least in the final stage of the draft surface heat sterilization treatment. Bathtub water purification device.

In the bathtub water purification device that circulates and purifies the water in the bathtub through the filtration tank,
A water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the bathtub, a temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature in the bathtub, a pouring means for pouring from a discharge port provided in the bathtub, and pouring into the bathtub by the pouring means. A pouring condition acquisition means for determining the temperature of the hot water and the amount of pouring water, a draft surface sterilization means for performing a draft surface thermal sterilization process for thermally sterilizing the vicinity of the draft surface of the bathtub, and a related processing means,
The hot water pouring condition acquisition means is a high temperature comprising water at a target temperature in the vicinity of the water surface in the bathtub from the water level in the bathtub detected by the water level detection means and the water temperature in the bathtub detected by the temperature sensor. The temperature and amount of hot water to be poured into the bathtub to form a layer,
The draft surface sterilizing means is configured to control the pouring means for the hot water at the temperature obtained by the pouring condition obtaining means by the amount of hot water obtained by the pouring condition obtaining means to pour into the bathtub. Forming a high temperature layer in the vicinity of the water surface in the bathtub by setting the slow pouring speed at the end of the draft surface heat sterilization so that the stirring in the bathtub is suppressed to a low level at the end stage,
The related processing means includes drainage means for draining water in the bathtub, and drains the bathtub water to adjust the amount of water.

In the bathtub water purification device that circulates and purifies the water in the bathtub through the filtration tank,
A water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the bathtub, a temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature in the bathtub, a pouring means for pouring from a discharge port provided in the bathtub, and pouring into the bathtub by the pouring means. A pouring condition acquisition means for determining the temperature of the hot water and the amount of pouring water, a draft surface sterilization means for performing a draft surface thermal sterilization process for thermally sterilizing the vicinity of the draft surface of the bathtub, and a related processing means,
The hot water pouring condition acquisition means is a high temperature comprising water at a target temperature in the vicinity of the water surface in the bathtub from the water level in the bathtub detected by the water level detection means and the water temperature in the bathtub detected by the temperature sensor. The temperature and amount of hot water to be poured into the bathtub to form a layer,
The draft surface sterilizing means is configured to control the pouring means for the hot water at the temperature obtained by the pouring condition obtaining means by the amount of hot water obtained by the pouring condition obtaining means to pour into the bathtub. Forming a high temperature layer in the vicinity of the water surface in the bathtub by setting the slow pouring speed at the end of the draft surface heat sterilization so that the stirring in the bathtub is suppressed to a low level at the end stage,
The related processing means includes drainage means for draining water in the bathtub, and water injection means for injecting water into the bathtub,
The related processing means adjusts the amount of water by draining the bathtub water by the draining means, and when the average water temperature in the bathtub becomes higher than a preset set temperature by performing the draft surface heat sterilization treatment When the water is injected into the bathtub by the water injection means after the draft surface heat sterilization treatment and the amount of water in the bathtub increased by the water injection needs to be adjusted, the drainage is at least after the draft surface heat sterilization treatment. Bathtub water purification apparatus characterized by draining by means.

In the bathtub water purification device that circulates and purifies the water in the bathtub through the filtration tank,
A water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the bathtub, a temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature in the bathtub, a pouring means for pouring water from a discharge port provided in the bathtub, and heat sterilization in the vicinity of the draft surface of the bathtub A draft surface sterilization means for executing a draft surface heat sterilization treatment, and a related treatment means,
The draft surface sterilization means controls the pouring means to pour hot water having a predetermined temperature by a predetermined amount of hot water into the bathtub, and the pouring speed at that time is determined by the draft surface heat sterilization treatment. A high temperature layer is formed in the vicinity of the water surface in the bathtub by setting it slowly so that stirring in the bathtub is suppressed at least at the end stage,
The related processing means has drainage means for draining water in the bathtub, and adjusts the amount of water by draining the bathtub water.

In the bathtub water purification device that circulates and purifies the water in the bathtub through the filtration tank,
A water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the bathtub, a temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature in the bathtub, a pouring means for pouring water from a discharge port provided in the bathtub, and heat sterilization in the vicinity of the draft surface of the bathtub A draft surface sterilization means for executing a draft surface heat sterilization treatment, and a related treatment means,
The draft surface sterilization means controls the pouring means to pour hot water having a predetermined temperature by a predetermined amount of hot water into the bathtub, and the pouring speed at that time is determined by the draft surface heat sterilization treatment. A high temperature layer is formed in the vicinity of the water surface in the bathtub by setting it slowly so that stirring in the bathtub is suppressed at least at the end stage,
The related processing means includes drainage means for draining water in the bathtub, and water injection means for injecting water into the bathtub,
The related processing means adjusts the amount of water by draining the bathtub water by the draining means, and when the average water temperature in the bathtub becomes higher than a preset set temperature by performing the draft surface heat sterilization treatment When the water is injected into the bathtub by the water injection means after the draft surface heat sterilization treatment and the amount of water in the bathtub increased by the water injection needs to be adjusted, the drainage is at least after the draft surface heat sterilization treatment. Bathtub water purification apparatus characterized by draining by means.

The drainage means drains the bathtub water after the draft surface heat sterilization is completed, and drains the bathtub water through the filtration tank in a direction opposite to that during normal filtration operation. The bathtub water purification apparatus of Claim 3, 4, 5 or 6.

In the bathtub water purification device that circulates and purifies the water in the bathtub through the filtration tank,
Reheating means for taking in the bathtub water by taking in the bathtub water from the inlet provided in the bathtub and heating it with a predetermined heating means and discharging it from the outlet provided in the bathtub, and heats the vicinity of the draft surface of the bathtub. Water surface sterilization means for performing water surface heat sterilization processing to sterilize, and related processing means,
The draft surface sterilization means controls the chasing means to discharge high-temperature water from the discharge port, and at the end stage of the draft surface heat sterilization treatment, agitation in the bathtub is suppressed to a low level. A high temperature layer is formed in the vicinity of the water surface in the bathtub by slowly discharging hot water,
The related processing means has drainage means for draining water in the bathtub,
The said drain means drains, after passing the predetermined amount of bathtub water through a filtration tank, when the said draft surface heat sterilization by the said draft surface sterilization means is complete | finished.

When there are two or more entrances leading to the filtration tank at different positions of the bathtub, the drainage means takes in the bath water from the entrance located above and passes through the filtration tank and drains it. The bathtub water purification apparatus according to claim 7 or 8.

When a heat retention start time that should allow the water in the bathtub to be bathed is reserved, a series of processes including sterilization of the draft surface is completed at the heat retention start time so that the bath can be bathed. Furthermore, the said draft surface heat sterilization process is started from the time calculated by calculating backward from the said heat retention start time, The bathtub of Claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 Water purification device.

By using a suction port that sucks in bath water during normal filtration operation as a discharge port that discharges high-temperature water during execution of the draft surface heat sterilization treatment, thermal sterilization of a filter attached to the suction port side is performed in the draft The bath water purifier according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, which is performed simultaneously with heat sterilization of the surface.