JP5760682B2 - Bath circulator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a bathtub circulation device, and more particularly to a bathtub circulation device for circulating hot water between a bathtub and a heat supply unit.

  Conventionally, a bath water heater and a bathtub are connected to each other by a circulation passage, and hot water in the bathtub is forced to circulate between the bath water heater by the operation of the circulation pump, so that the hot water in the bathtub can be tracked. No bath water supply system is known. In this system, a bathtub circulation adapter is installed on the side wall of the bathtub, and the return pipe of the circulation path is connected to the return path of the bathtub circulation adapter, and the return pipe of the circulation path is connected to the return path of the bathtub circulation adapter. Has been.

  In addition to the hot water operation mode that supplies new hot hot water from the bath water heater, this bathtub circulation adapter has a memorized operation mode in which the hot water in the bathtub is returned to the water heater and heated and then supplied to the bathtub again. It has a hot water supply mode that meets the needs of the user, such as a bubble generation mode in which bubbles are mixed with hot water and a bubble jet is discharged.

  In the bath apparatus having the bubble generation function, switching between the chasing path and the bubble generating circulation path by path switching means according to the required operation (chasing or bubble generation) is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-164233. (See Patent Document 1) and JP-A-2008-161482 (see Patent Document 2). The bath apparatus with a bubble generating function of Patent Documents 1 and 2 has a polarity of return and return of the memorial pipe.

  On the other hand, as a non-polar bathtub circulation adapter, a plurality of check valves are incorporated in the circulation adapter to eliminate the return polarity of the remedy pipe of the fine bubble generator, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-236704 (Patent Document) 3).

JP 2008-164233 A JP 2008-161482 A JP 2010-236704 A

  When there is a return / return polarity of the memorial pipe as in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is necessary to connect the forward pipe to the connection part of the forward path and connect the return pipe to the connection part of the return path, respectively. . When each pipe is misconnected, there is a problem that the main function in the discharge direction is hindered, and thus it does not operate normally.

  This invention is made in view of said subject, The objective provides the bathtub circulation apparatus which can operate | move normally, even when there is a connection mistake of piping which connects a bathtub circulation adapter and a water heater at the time of construction. It is to be.

The bathtub circulation device according to one aspect, another aspect, and still another aspect of the present invention is a bathtub circulation device for circulating hot water between a bathtub and a heat supply unit, and includes a circulation pump and a circulation A member, a memorial pipe, and a flow path switching valve are provided. The circulation pump is for circulating hot water between the bathtub and the heat supply unit. The circulating member has a bubble generating function. The memorial pipe includes a first passage and a second passage connected to the circulation member. The flow path switching valve is connected in the middle of the remedy pipe and is used to switch the return and return between the first passage and the second passage. The bathtub circulation device discriminates the back and forth between the first passage and the second passage by using signal values showing different characteristics in the bubble generation operation and the memorial operation, and the first passage is switched by the flow path switching valve. And the second passage can be switched and controlled.

According to each of the bathtub circulation devices of one aspect, another aspect, and still another aspect of the present invention, the first passage and the first passage are signaled using signal values indicating different characteristics in the bubble generation operation and the memorial operation. By discriminating the return to and from the second passage, the return and return between the first passage and the second passage is controlled by the flow path switching valve. As a result, even if there is a connection error in the pipe connecting the circulating member and the water heater during construction, the return switch is determined according to the operation status after construction and the return switch is switched by the flow path switching valve. Normal operation is possible.

In the bathtub circulation device according to the one aspect , the signal value is a current value of a motor of the circulation pump. During the bubble generation operation, the pressure loss due to the bubbles is larger and the flow rate is lower than during the chasing operation. Therefore, it is possible to determine the bubble generation operation or the chasing operation based on the current value of the circulation pump.

In the bathtub circulation device of the other aspect described above, a water level sensor for measuring the pressure of the hot water, which is disposed in the path on the discharge side of the circulation pump, is further provided, and the above signal value is the output of the water level sensor. Value. Measure the pressure of hot water between the circulation pump and the heat supply unit because the pressure loss due to the bubbles is larger during the bubble generation operation and the water pressure between the circulation pump and the heat supply unit is higher than during the memorial operation. It is possible to discriminate between the bubble generation operation and the memorial operation.

The bathtub circulator of the above further aspect further includes a pressure switch for measuring a differential pressure between the suction side and the discharge side of the circulation pump, and the signal value is an operation signal of the pressure switch. is there. During bubble generation operation, the pressure loss due to bubbles is larger than during remedy operation, and the differential pressure between the suction side and the discharge side of the circulation pump is increased. Can be determined.

Each of the bathtub circulation devices of the one aspect, the other aspect, and still another aspect is configured such that the remaining water in the flow path switching valve is discharged after the hot water in the bathtub is discharged. According to the above configuration, since the residual water in the flow path switching valve is discharged, it is possible to prevent the flow path switching valve from being damaged due to freezing of the residual water in the flow path switching valve.

In each bathtub circulation device of the above-mentioned one aspect, other aspects, and still another aspect , the circulation member includes a bubble generation side flow path and a memorial side flow path, and the bathtub circulation apparatus supplies hot water to the bathtub. When supplying hot water, the flow path on the bubble generation side of the circulation member is closed. When hot water flows into the flow path on the bubble generation side during pouring, problems such as a loud noise from the nozzle of the flow path on the bubble generation side and hot water splashing occur. According to the said structure, since the flow path by the side of the bubble generation of a bathtub circulation adapter is closed at the time of pouring, generation | occurrence | production of said sound and scattering of hot water can be prevented.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a bathtub circulation device that can operate normally even when there is a connection error in piping connecting the bathtub circulation adapter and the water heater during construction. Moreover, since construction can be performed without worrying about the distinction of piping, connection work can be easily performed even at a construction site where the work space is limited.

It is the schematic which shows roughly the mode at the time of the pouring / retreating operation of the bathtub circulating apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention (pouring / retreating mode). It is the schematic which shows roughly the mode at the time of the bubble generation driving | operation of the bathtub circulation apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention (bubble generation mode). It is a flowchart which shows the return path switching operation | movement of the bathtub circulating apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 2 is a partial schematic view schematically showing a configuration when a pipe connection state is different from that in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a partial schematic view schematically showing a configuration in a case where a pipe connection state is different from the state of FIG. 5. It is the schematic which shows roughly the mode at the time of the bubble generation driving | operation of the bathtub circulating apparatus in Embodiment 2 of this invention (bubble generation mode). It is a partial schematic diagram which shows roughly the mode at the time of the pouring / retreating operation of the bathtub circulating apparatus in Embodiment 2 of this invention (pouring / retreating mode). It is a flowchart which shows the return path switching operation | movement of the bathtub circulating apparatus in Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 7 is a partial schematic view schematically showing a configuration when a pipe connection state is different from the state of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a partial schematic view schematically showing a configuration when a pipe connection state is different from the state of FIG. 7. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the water pressure (forward / backward differential pressure) in each of the time of bubble generation | occurrence | production operation, and the time of a pouring / memorial operation, and a circulation flow rate. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the operation | movement of the four-way valve at the time of test operation, and the output of a water level sensor. It is the schematic which shows roughly the mode at the time of the bubble generation driving | operation of the bathtub circulation apparatus in Embodiment 3 of this invention (bubble generation mode). It is a partial schematic diagram which shows roughly the mode at the time of the bubble generation driving | operation (bubble generation mode) of the bathtub circulating apparatus in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a partial schematic diagram which shows roughly the mode at the time of the pouring / retreating operation (pouring / retreating mode) of the bathtub circulating apparatus in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the return path switching operation | movement of the bathtub circulating apparatus in Embodiment 3 of this invention. FIG. 15 is a partial schematic view schematically showing a configuration when a pipe connection state is different from the state of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a partial schematic diagram schematically illustrating a configuration in a case where a pipe connection state is different from that in FIG. 15. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the water pressure (forward / backward differential pressure) in each of the time of bubble generation | occurrence | production operation, and the time of a pouring / memorial operation, and a circulation flow rate. It is the schematic which shows roughly the mode at the time of the chasing operation (chasing mode) of the bathtub circulating apparatus in Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows roughly the mode at the time of the bubble generation driving | operation of the bathtub circulating apparatus in Embodiment 4 of this invention (bubble generation mode). It is the schematic which shows roughly the mode at the time of the automatic pouring operation (automatic pouring mode) of the bathtub circulating apparatus in Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows roughly the mode at the time of the bubble generation driving | operation of the bathtub circulation apparatus in Embodiment 5 of this invention (bubble generation mode). It is the partial schematic diagram which shows roughly the mode at the time of the pouring / retreating operation of the four-way valve of the bathtub circulation device in Embodiment 5 of the present invention (pouring / retreating mode). It is a partial schematic diagram which shows roughly the mode at the time of the bubble generation driving | operation of the four-way valve of the bathtub circulating apparatus in Embodiment 5 of this invention (bubble generation mode). It is a partial schematic diagram which shows roughly a mode that the four-way valve of the bathtub circulation device was in the state of pouring / retreating operation, and the remaining water in the four-way valve was frozen. It is the partial schematic which shows roughly a mode that the valve body of the four-way valve of the bathtub circulation apparatus in Embodiment 5 of this invention exists in an intermediate position. It is a partial schematic diagram which shows roughly a mode that the water in the four-way valve of the bathtub circulating apparatus in Embodiment 5 of this invention slipped out.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
First, the structure of the bathtub circulating apparatus of this Embodiment is demonstrated using FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the bathtub circulation device of the present embodiment is a bathtub circulation device for circulating hot water between a bathtub 14 and a heat supply unit 13, and includes a bathtub circulation adapter (circulation member) 1 and In addition, the main pipe 11 has a memorial pipe 11, a flow path switching valve 12, a circulation pump 15, a bath water flow switch 16, a water level sensor 17, a pouring electromagnetic valve 18, and a memory / control unit 19. .

  The heat supply unit 13 mainly includes, for example, a heat exchanger 13a, a combustion burner 13b, and a blower 13c.

  The bathtub circulation adapter 1 is attached to the bathtub 14. This bathtub circulation adapter 1 has a bubble generating function, and includes a first channel 1a, a second channel 1b, an air inlet 2a, a swirl chamber 2b, a bubble jet outlet 2c, and a reverse It mainly has stop valves 3a to 3d, suction ports 4a and 4b, and a pouring / retreating outlet 4c.

  The first flow path 1a has a suction port 4a at the end on the bathtub 14 side. A check valve 3a that allows inflow of hot water from the bathtub 14 into the first flow path 1a and does not allow the reverse is attached to the suction port 4a.

  The 2nd flow path 1b has the suction inlet 4b and the pouring / retreating outlet 4c in the edge part by the side of the bathtub 14. FIG. A check valve 3b that allows inflow of hot water from the bathtub 14 into the second flow path 1b and does not allow the reverse is attached to the suction port 4b. Further, a check valve 3c is attached to the pouring / retreating outlet 4c, which allows hot water to flow into the bathtub 14 from the second flow path 1b and not vice versa.

  The swirl chamber 2b is connected to the air inlet 2a, and is connected to the first flow path 1a via a check valve 3d. The check valve 3d allows inflow of hot water from the first flow path 1a to the swirl chamber 2b but does not allow the reverse. A bubble jet outlet 2c is provided on the swirl chamber 2b on the bathtub 14 side.

  The swirl chamber 2b is configured such that hot water flowing into the swirl chamber 2b from the first flow path 1a swirls within the swirl chamber 2b. Due to the negative pressure in the swirl chamber 2b generated by the swirling, air is sucked into the swirl chamber 2b from the air introduction port 2a, and mixed with swirling hot water in the swirl chamber 2b, whereby a gas mixed fluid containing fine bubbles is produced. The swirl chamber 2b and the air inlet 2a are configured to form. The bubble jet outlet 2c is configured to discharge the gas mixed fluid into the bubble jet outlet 2c bathtub 14.

  The memorial pipe 11 is connected to the bathtub circulation adapter 1 and extends to the heat supply unit 13. The memorial pipe 11 includes a first pipe (first passage) 11a and a second pipe (second pipe) connected to the first flow path 1a and the second flow path 1b of the bathtub circulation adapter 1, respectively. Passage 11b.

The flow path switching valve 12 is connected in the middle of the remedy pipe 11 and is configured so as to be able to switch back and forth between the first pipe 11a and the second pipe 11b. The flow path switching valve 12 includes, for example, two three-way valves 12a and 12b. Each of the two three-way valves 12a and 12b is an electric valve, and is configured such that the valve body is driven and controlled by, for example, a motor. The three-way valve 12a is connected to the pipes 11a ₁ , 11b ₁ , and 11a ₂ , and can be switched between the pipe 11a ₁ and the pipe 11b ₁ . The three-way valve 12b is connected to the pipes 11a ₁ , 11b ₁ , 11b ₂ and can switch between the pipe 11a ₁ and the pipe 11b ₁ . The three-way valve 12a is connected to one side of the heat exchanger 13a, and the three-way valve 12b is connected to the other side of the heat exchanger 13a.

  The circulation pump 15 is for circulating hot water between the bathtub 14 and the heat supply unit 13. Each of the bath water flow switch 16 and the water level sensor 17 is connected to a pipe between the circulation pump 15 and the heat exchanger 13a. The hot water solenoid valve 18 is provided between a pipe between the circulation pump 15 and the heat exchanger 13a and a pipe 22 for discharging the hot water heated by the hot water supply heat supply unit 21. It is comprised so that communication of the piping of can be controlled.

  The storage / control unit 19 is configured to store the current value of the motor of the circulation pump 15 and drives and controls each of the valve bodies of the two three-way valves 12a and 12b based on the current value of the circulation pump 15. It is configured to be able to.

  In the present embodiment, the signal values indicating different characteristics between the bubble generation operation and the chasing operation are used to determine the return and return between the first pipe 11a and the second pipe 11b, and the flow path switching valve 12 Thus, it is configured such that the back and forth between the first pipe 11a and the second pipe 11b can be switched and controlled. Specifically, the first and second pipes 11a and 11b are driven and controlled by the storage / control unit 19 based on the current value of the motor of the circulation pump 15 by controlling the valve bodies of the three-way valves 12a and 12b. It is possible to control switching back and forth.

Next, the pouring / measuring mode and the bubble generation mode in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the case where the pipe 11a ₂ is connected to the primary side of the circulation pump 15 and the pipe 11b ₂ is connected to the secondary side of the circulation pump 15 will be described.

Referring to FIG. 1, in the pouring / retreating mode, pipe 11a ₁ and pipe 11a ₂ are connected by flow path switching valve 12, and pipe 11b ₁ and pipe 11b ₂ are connected. . In this state, when the check valve 3a of the bathtub circulation adapter 1 is opened, hot water flows into the first flow path 1a from the bathtub 14 through the suction port 4a. The hot water flowing into the first flow path 1a is heated by the heat exchanger 13a and flows into the second flow path 1b. As hot water flows into the second flow path 1b, the check valve 3b closes the suction port 4b and the check valve 3c opens. Thereby, the hot water heated by the heat supply part 13 flows into the bathtub 14 from the pouring / retreating outlet 4c. As described above, pouring and remedy for the bathtub 14 can be performed. In this state, the check valve 3d is in a closed state.

Referring to FIG. 2, in the bubble generation mode, pipe 11a ₁ and pipe 11b ₂ are connected by flow path switching valve 12, and pipe 11b ₁ and pipe 11a ₂ are connected. In this state, when the check valve 3b of the bathtub circulation adapter 1 is opened, hot water flows into the second flow path 1b from the bathtub 14 through the suction port 4b. The hot water that has flowed into the second flow path 1b passes through the heat exchanger 13a and flows into the first flow path 1a. As hot water flows into the first flow path 1a, the check valve 3a closes the suction port 4a and the check valve 3d opens. Thereby, hot water flows into the swirl chamber 2b from the first flow path 1a. The hot water flowing into the swirl chamber 2b swirls in the swirl chamber 2b and is mixed with the air sucked from the air introduction port 2a to form a gas mixed fluid containing fine bubbles, from the bubble jet outlet 2c. It is discharged into the bathtub 14. As described above, the gas mixed fluid containing fine bubbles to the bathtub 14 can be supplied. In this state, the check valve 3c is in a closed state. In FIG. 2, the configuration of the heat source section is omitted because it is the same as that in FIG. 1.

  Next, forward / backward switching determination control according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, construction of the memorial piping 11 is first performed. At this time, it is not known how the remedy pipe 11 connects the bathtub circulation adapter 1 and the heat supply unit 13. Therefore, the motor current value of the circulation pump 15 in each state is compared by reversing the back and forth.

First, the connection state immediately after the construction of the memorial piping 11 is set to the first return state (step S1a: FIG. 3). This first return state is, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, in which the pipe 11a ₁ and the pipe 11a ₂ are connected by the flow path switching valve 12, and the pipe 11b ₁ and the pipe 11b ₂ are connected (“ 11a ₁ -11a ₂ , 11b ₁ -11b ₂ ”). In this first return state, the pipe 11 a ₂ is connected to the primary side of the circulation pump 15, and the pipe 11 b ₂ is connected to the secondary side of the circulation pump 15. In this first return state, the circulation pump 15 is turned on and driven (step S2). In the first return state, the current value of the motor of the circulation pump 15 is stored in the storage / control unit 19 (step S3a).

Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, next, the return is reversed and the path is switched from the first return state to the second return state (step S4a). In the second return state, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the pipe 11a ₁ and the pipe 11b ₂ are connected by the flow path switching valve 12, and the pipe 11b ₁ and the pipe 11a ₂ are connected (“ 11a ₁ -11b ₂ , 11b ₁ -11a ₂ ”). Even in the second return state, the pipe 11 a ₂ is connected to the primary side of the circulation pump 15, and the pipe 11 b ₂ is connected to the secondary side of the circulation pump 15. Whether or not the current value of the motor of the circulation pump 15 is measured in the second return and return state, and whether or not the current value of the motor measured in the first return and return state is reduced by the storage / control unit 19. Is determined (step S5a).

When the current value of the motor in the second forward / backward state is lower than the current value of the motor in the first forward / backward state, the first forward / backward state (“11a ₁ -11a” shown in FIG. ₂ , 11b ₁ -11b ₂ ”) is a pouring / retreating mode, and the second return state shown in FIG. 2 (“ 11a ₁ -11b ₂ , 11b ₁ -11a ₂ ”) is a bubble generation mode. And the determination result is stored in the storage / control unit 19 (step S6a).

In the above, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pipe 11a ₂ is connected to the primary side (suction side) of the circulation pump 15, and the pipe 11b ₂ is connected to the secondary side (discharge side) of the circulation pump 15. Explained the case. However, immediately after the remedy pipe 11 is constructed, it is not known how the remedy pipe 11 connects the bathtub circulation adapter 1 and the heat supply unit 13. For this reason, the pipe 11b ₂ may be connected to the primary side (suction side) of the circulation pump 15, and the pipe 11a ₂ may be connected to the secondary side (discharge side) of the circulation pump 15.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the pipe 11a ₁ and the pipe 11a ₂ are connected, and the pipe 11b ₁ and the pipe 11b ₂ are connected in a first return state (“11a ₁ -11a ₂ , 11b ₁ -11b ₂ "), the pipe 11a ₁ and the pipe 11b ₂ are connected and the pipe 11b ₁ and the pipe 11a ₂ are connected as shown in FIG. 11a _{1 -11b 2,} 11b ₁ -11a current value of the motor than in the state of the ₂ ") increases, the order first forward return status (" 11a ₁ -11A shown in FIG. 4 _2, 11b ₁ -11b ₂ ")" Is determined to be the bubble generation mode, and the second return state ("11a ₁ -11b ₂ , 11b ₁ -11a ₂ ") shown in FIG. Is stored in the storage / control unit 19 (step S11a).

  After the above determination (steps S6a and S11a) is completed, the circulation pump 15 is turned off and its driving is stopped (step S7).

  By the above-described forward / backward switching determination control, the first and second forward / backward states are associated with the operation modes (pouring / remaining mode, bubble generation mode). For this reason, when the user selects the pouring / replacement mode from the next use, the state shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 5 is obtained, and when the bubble generation mode is selected, FIG. 2 or FIG. The flow path switching valve 12 is automatically controlled so as to be in the state.

  The motor current value of the circulation pump 15 is measured by, for example, gradually increasing the rotation speed of the circulation pump 15 and measuring the current value at the rotation speed when the bath water flow switch 16 is turned on. .

Next, the effect of this Embodiment is demonstrated.
According to the present embodiment, by using a signal value that shows different characteristics in the bubble generation mode and the pouring / measuring mode, it is possible to determine the return of the first pipe 11a and the second pipe 11b. The flow switching valve 12 switches and controls the return of the first pipe 11a and the second pipe 11b. As a result, even if there is a pipe connection error during the construction of the memorial pipe 11, it is possible to determine the forward / backward according to the operation state after the construction, and to switch the forward / backward by the flow path switching valve 12, so that the subsequent normal Operation becomes possible.

  The signal value is the current value of the motor of the circulation pump 15. In the bubble generation mode, the pressure loss due to bubbles is larger than in the pouring / retreat mode, and the flow rate of hot water is reduced. For this reason, the current value of the motor of the circulation pump 15 is lower in the bubble generation mode than in the pouring / memorial mode. Therefore, it is possible to discriminate between the bubble generation mode and the pouring / retreating mode based on the current value of the motor of the circulation pump 15.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the flow path switching valve 12 includes two three-way valves 12a and 12b has been described. However, the flow path switching valve 12 may include a single four-way valve.

(Embodiment 2)
Referring to FIG. 6, the configuration of the present embodiment is different from that shown in FIG. 1 in that the storage / control unit 19 is connected to the water level sensor 17 and the flow path switching valve 12 is composed of one four-way valve. This is mainly different from the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The storage / control unit 19 is configured to be able to store the output value (water pressure) of the water level sensor 17 and drive-controls the valve body of one four-way valve 12 based on the output value (water pressure) of the water level sensor 17. It is configured to be able to. As a result, the return control between the first pipe 11a and the second pipe 11b can be switched.

  In addition, since the structure of this Embodiment other than this is as substantially the same as the structure of Embodiment 1 mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same element and the description is not repeated.

Next, the pouring / measuring mode and the bubble generation mode in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the case where the pipe 11a ₂ is connected to the primary side of the circulation pump 15 and the pipe 11b ₂ is connected to the secondary side of the circulation pump 15 will be described.

With reference to FIG. 6, in the bubble generation mode, the position of the valve body of the flow path switching valve 12 is set to the illustrated position A, whereby the pipe 11a ₁ and the pipe 11b ₂ are connected, and the pipe 11b. ₁ and the pipe 11a ₂ are connected. The state of the four check valves 3a to 3d of the bathtub circulation adapter 1 in this state is the same as each of the four check valves 3a to 3d in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 7, in the pouring / memorial mode, the position of the valve body of the flow path switching valve 12 is set to the illustrated position B, whereby the pipe 11 a ₁ and the pipe 11 a ₂ are connected, In addition, the pipe 11b ₁ and the pipe 11b ₂ are connected. The state of the four check valves 3a to 3d of the bathtub circulation adapter 1 in this state is the same as each of the four check valves 3a to 3d in the first embodiment shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, for convenience of explanation, the heat source part, the bathtub circulation adapter 1, and the bathtub 14 are omitted.

  Next, forward / backward switching determination control according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  With reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, construction of the memorial piping 11 is first performed. At this time, it is not known how the remedy pipe 11 connects the bathtub circulation adapter 1 and the heat supply unit 13. Therefore, the output value (water pressure) of the water level sensor 17 in each state is compared by reversing the back and forth.

The state in which the valve body of the flow path switching valve 12 is in the position A in the connection state immediately after the construction of the memorial pipe 11 is set to the first return state (step S1b: FIG. 6). In the first return state, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the pipe 11a ₁ and the pipe 11b ₂ are connected by the flow path switching valve 12, and the pipe 11b ₁ and the pipe 11a ₂ are connected. In this first return state, the pipe 11 a ₂ is connected to the primary side of the circulation pump 15, and the pipe 11 b ₂ is connected to the secondary side of the circulation pump 15. In this first return state, the circulation pump 15 is turned on and driven (step S2). In the first return state, the output value (water pressure) of the water level sensor 17 is stored in the storage / control unit 19 (step S3b).

7 and 8, next, when the valve body of the flow path switching valve 12 is set to the position B, the return is reversed and the passage from the first return state to the second return state is performed. Are switched (step S4b). In this second return state, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the pipe 11a ₁ and the pipe 11a ₂ are connected by the flow path switching valve 12, and the pipe 11b ₁ and the pipe 11b ₂ are connected. Also in this second forward and backward state, the pipe 11 a ₂ is connected to the primary side of the circulation pump 15, and the pipe 11 b ₂ is connected to the secondary side of the circulation pump 15. In this second return state, the output value (water pressure) of the water level sensor 17 is measured, and with respect to the output value (water pressure) of the water level sensor 17 measured in the first return state by the storage / control unit 19. It is then determined whether or not it has fallen (step S5b).

  If the output value (water pressure) of the water level sensor 17 in the second return state is lower than the output value (water pressure) of the water level sensor 17 in the first return state, the first return state (State of FIG. 6: valve body position A) is determined to be the bubble generation mode, and the second return state (state of FIG. 7: valve body position B) is determined to be the pouring / replacement mode. It is stored in the storage / control unit 19 (step S6).

6 and 7, the pipe 11a ₂ is connected to the primary side (suction side) of the circulation pump 15, and the pipe 11b ₂ is connected to the secondary side (discharge side) of the circulation pump 15. Explained the case. However, immediately after the remedy pipe 11 is constructed, it is not known how the remedy pipe 11 connects the bathtub circulation adapter 1 and the heat supply unit 13. For this reason, the pipe 11b ₂ may be connected to the primary side (suction side) of the circulation pump 15, and the pipe 11a ₂ may be connected to the secondary side (discharge side) of the circulation pump 15.

  In this case, the water level sensor 17 in the first return state where the valve body is at the position A as shown in FIG. 9 is more than in the second return state where the valve body is in the position B as shown in FIG. The output value (water pressure) of becomes high. Therefore, the first return state (state of FIG. 9: valve body position A) is the pouring / replacement mode, and the second return state (state of FIG. 10: valve body position B) is the bubble generation mode. And the determination result is stored in the storage / control unit 19 (step S11b).

  After the above determination (steps S6b and S11b) is completed, the circulation pump 15 is turned off and its driving is stopped (step S7).

  By the above-described forward / backward switching determination control, the first and second forward / backward states are associated with the operation modes (pouring / remaining mode, bubble generation mode). For this reason, when the user selects the bubble generation mode from the next use, the state shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 10 is obtained, and when the pouring / replacement mode is selected, FIG. 7 or FIG. The flow path switching valve 12 is automatically controlled so as to be in the state.

Next, the effect of this Embodiment is demonstrated.
According to the present embodiment, by using a signal value that shows different characteristics in the bubble generation mode and the pouring / measuring mode, it is possible to determine the return of the first pipe 11a and the second pipe 11b. The flow switching valve 12 switches and controls the return of the first pipe 11a and the second pipe 11b. Thus, as in the first embodiment, even when there is a pipe connection error during the construction of the memorial pipe 11, the return switch is discriminated according to the operation status after the construction and the flow path switching valve 12 returns the return. After that, normal operation is possible thereafter.

  Moreover, said signal value is an output value (water pressure) of the water level sensor 17 arrange | positioned at the secondary side (discharge side) of the circulation pump 15 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, in the bubble generation mode, the pressure loss due to bubbles on the secondary side of the circulation pump 15 becomes larger than that in the pouring / replacement mode. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 12, the output value of the water level sensor 17 is higher in the bubble generation mode than in the pouring / retreating mode. Therefore, it is possible to discriminate between the bubble generation mode and the pouring / memorial mode based on the output value of the water level sensor 17.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the flow path switching valve 12 is composed of one four-way valve has been described, but the flow path switching valve 12 may be composed of two three-way valves.

(Embodiment 3)
Referring to FIG. 13, the configuration of the present embodiment includes a pressure switch (or pressure sensor) 34, a point where a storage / control unit 19 is connected to the pressure switch 34, and a storage / control unit 19. 1 can be controlled by the heat source device control unit 32, the heat source device control unit 32 can be controlled by the hot bath switch 31, and the flow path switching valve 12 is formed by one four-way valve. This is mainly different from the configuration of the first embodiment.

  The pressure switch 34 is for detecting a differential pressure between the secondary side and the primary side of the circulation pump 15. This pressure switch 34 has a diaphragm (diaphragm) arranged, for example, between hot water flowing in the primary path and hot water flowing in the secondary path. The displacement of the diaphragm causes the primary side and secondary side to move. It detects the pressure difference between the hot water and the side. That is, when the water pressure on the secondary side is higher than the water pressure on the primary side, the diaphragm is displaced to the primary side, and therefore the differential pressure can be detected by detecting the displacement.

  The secondary side of the circulation pump 15 is the discharge side of the circulation pump 15 and means a path from the circulation pump 15 until hot water is discharged into the bathtub 14. The primary side of the circulation pump 15 is the suction side of the circulation pump 15, and means a path for hot water flowing in from the bathtub 14 to reach the circulation pump 15.

  The storage / control unit 19 is configured to store an ON / OFF operation signal of the pressure switch 34, and to drive and control the valve body of one four-way valve 12 based on the operation signal of the pressure switch 34. It is configured. As a result, the return control between the first pipe 11a and the second pipe 11b can be switched. The case where the storage / control unit 19 stores the operation signal of the pressure switch 34 has been described above. However, the operation signal of the pressure switch 34 may be stored in the heat source machine control unit 32.

  The memory / control unit 19, the pressure switch 34, and the flow path switching valve 12 constitute a forward / reverse inversion unit.

  In addition, since the structure of this Embodiment other than this is as substantially the same as the structure of Embodiment 1 mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same element and the description is not repeated.

Next, the pouring / memorial mode and the bubble generation mode in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. 14 and 15, the case where the pipe 11a ₂ is connected to the primary side of the circulation pump 15 and the pipe 11b ₂ is connected to the secondary side of the circulation pump 15 will be described.

Referring to FIG. 14, in the bubble generation mode, the position of the valve body of the flow path switching valve 12 is set to the illustrated position A, whereby the pipe 11a ₁ and the pipe 11b ₂ are connected, and the pipe 11b. ₁ and the pipe 11a ₂ are connected. The state of the four check valves 3a to 3d of the bathtub circulation adapter 1 in this state is the same as each of the four check valves 3a to 3d in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 15, in the pouring / retreating mode, the position of the valve body of the flow path switching valve 12 is set to the illustrated position B, whereby the pipe 11 a ₁ and the pipe 11 a ₂ are connected, and a pipe 11b ₁ and the pipe 11b ₂ are connected. The state of the four check valves 3a to 3d of the bathtub circulation adapter 1 in this state is the same as each of the four check valves 3a to 3d in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 14 and 15, for convenience of explanation, the heat source section, the bathtub circulation adapter 1 and the bathtub 14 are omitted.

  Next, forward / backward switching determination control in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  With reference to FIG. 14 and FIG. 16, the memorial pipe 11 is first constructed. At this time, it is not known how the remedy pipe 11 connects the bathtub circulation adapter 1 and the heat supply unit 13. Therefore, the operation signal of the pressure switch 34 in each state is detected by reversing the back and forth.

First, the state in which the valve body of the flow path switching valve 12 is in the position A in the connection state immediately after the construction of the memorial pipe 11 is set to the first return state (step S101: FIG. 16). In the first return state, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the pipe 11a ₁ and the pipe 11b ₂ are connected by the flow path switching valve 12, and the pipe 11b ₁ and the pipe 11a ₂ are connected. Further, in this first forward and backward state, as shown in FIG. 13, the pipe 11 a ₂ is connected to the primary side of the circulation pump 15, and the pipe 11 b ₂ is connected to the secondary side of the circulation pump 15. In this first return state, the circulation pump 15 is turned on and driven (step S102). Then, in the first forward / return state, it is determined from the operation signal of the pressure switch 34 whether or not the pressure switch 34 is turned on (step S103).

  When the pressure switch 34 is ON, the first return state (the state of FIG. 14) in which the valve body is at the position A is the bubble generation mode, and the second return state in which the valve body is at the position B. (The state of FIG. 15) is determined as the pouring / memorial mode, and the determination result is stored in the storage / control unit 19 (step S111).

Thereafter, when the valve body of the flow path switching valve 12 is set to the position B, the forward / backward movement is reversed and the passage is switched from the first forward / backward state to the second forward / backward state (step S112). For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the second forward / backward state is a state in which the pipe 11a ₁ and the pipe 11a ₂ are connected by the flow path switching valve 12, and the pipe 11b ₁ and the pipe 11b ₂ are connected. . Even in the second return state, the pipe 11 a ₂ is connected to the primary side of the circulation pump 15, and the pipe 11 b ₂ is connected to the secondary side of the circulation pump 15.

  Whether or not the pressure switch 34 is turned on is determined from the operation signal of the pressure switch 34 in the second forward / backward state (step S113). If the pressure switch 34 is not turned on, the circulation pump 15 is turned off (step S107), and its driving is stopped. On the other hand, when the pressure switch 34 is ON, an error occurs because the forward / backward determination is unsuccessful (step S114).

In the above case, as shown in FIG. 13, the pipe 11a ₂ is connected to the primary side (suction side) of the circulation pump 15, and the pipe 11b ₂ is connected to the secondary side (discharge side) of the circulation pump 15. Explained. However, immediately after the remedy pipe 11 is constructed, it is not known how the remedy pipe 11 connects the bathtub circulation adapter 1 and the heat supply unit 13. For this reason, the pipe 11b ₂ may be connected to the primary side (suction side) of the circulation pump 15, and the pipe 11a ₂ may be connected to the secondary side (discharge side) of the circulation pump 15.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 17, the pressure switch 34 is not turned ON in the first forward / backward state where the valve body is at the position A, and the second state where the valve body is in the position B as shown in FIG. The pressure switch 34 is turned on in the returning state.

  For this reason, in step S103 described above, the pressure switch 34 is not turned on in the first forward / backward state where the valve element is at the position A as shown in FIG. In this case, the first return state (the state of FIG. 17) in which the valve body is at the position A is the pouring / retreating mode, and the second return state (the state of FIG. 18) in which the valve body is at the position B. ) Is determined to be the bubble generation mode, and the determination result is stored in the storage / control unit 19 (step S104).

Thereafter, when the valve body of the flow path switching valve 12 is set to the position B, the forward / backward movement is reversed and the passage is switched from the first forward / backward state to the second forward / backward state (step S105). In the second return state, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, the pipe 11a ₁ and the pipe 11a ₂ are connected by the flow path switching valve 12, and the pipe 11b ₁ and the pipe 11b ₂ are connected. . Whether or not the pressure switch 34 is turned on is determined from the operation signal of the pressure switch 34 in the second forward / backward state (step S106). If the pressure switch 34 is ON, the circulation pump 15 is turned OFF (step S107), and its driving is stopped. On the other hand, if the pressure switch 34 is not turned ON, an error occurs because the return determination is unsuccessful (step S115).

  By the above-described forward / backward switching determination control, the first and second forward / backward states are associated with the operation modes (pouring / remaining mode, bubble generation mode). For this reason, when the user selects the bubble generation mode from the next use, the state shown in FIG. 14 or 18 is obtained, and when the pouring / replacement mode is selected, FIG. 15 or FIG. The flow path switching valve 12 is automatically controlled so as to be in the state.

Next, the effect of this Embodiment is demonstrated.
According to the present embodiment, by using a signal value that shows different characteristics in the bubble generation mode and the pouring / measuring mode, it is possible to determine the return of the first pipe 11a and the second pipe 11b. The flow switching valve 12 switches and controls the return of the first pipe 11a and the second pipe 11b. Thus, as in the first embodiment, even when there is a pipe connection error during the construction of the memorial pipe 11, the return switch is discriminated according to the operation status after the construction and the flow path switching valve 12 returns the return. After that, normal operation is possible thereafter.

  The signal value is an operation signal of the pressure switch 34. As shown in FIG. 19, in the bubble generation mode with a large pressure loss, the pressure difference between the primary side and the secondary side of the circulation pump 15 (the pressure difference at the operating point) is large, and pouring / remaining with a small pressure loss In the mode, the differential pressure (differential pressure at the operating point) between the primary side and the secondary side of the circulation pump 15 becomes small. For this reason, the pressure switch 34 outputs an ON operation signal in the bubble generation mode, whereas the pressure switch 34 outputs an OFF operation signal in the pouring / retreat mode. Therefore, it is possible to discriminate between the bubble generation mode and the pouring / retreating mode based on the operation signal of the pressure switch 34.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the flow path switching valve 12 is composed of one four-way valve has been described, but the flow path switching valve 12 may be composed of two three-way valves.

(Embodiment 4)
With reference to FIGS. 20-22, the structure of this Embodiment is only the non-return valve 3a for opening and closing the suction / injection port 4a among the four non-return valves 3a-3d contained in the bathtub circulation adapter 1. FIG. 1 is mainly different from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that a forced valve opening mechanism is provided. This forced valve opening mechanism is configured to forcibly open the check valve 3a in the automatic pouring mode (during hot water filling: FIG. 22), and may be either electric or manual. Thereby, in the automatic pouring mode shown in FIG. 22, both the suction / spout 4a in the 1st flow path 1a of the bathtub circulation adapter 1 and the pouring / retreating spout 4c in the 2nd flow path 1b. Hot water can be supplied into the bathtub 14 from the so-called both transports.

  Further, at the time of both conveyances, since hot water is supplied into the bathtub 14 from the inlet / outlet 4a, the check valve 3d on the path connecting the first flow path 1a and the swirl chamber 2b is not opened. That is, when the hot water is supplied to the bathtub 14, the flow path on the bubble generation side of the bathtub circulation adapter 1 is closed. For this reason, the bubble generation function does not work during both transports. In the memorial mode (FIG. 20) and the bubble generation mode (FIG. 21), the forced valve opening mechanism does not function, and the check valve 3a performs the same operation as in the first to third embodiments.

  In addition, since the structure of this Embodiment other than this is as substantially the same as the structure of Embodiment 1 mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same element and the description is not repeated.

Next, the effect of this Embodiment is demonstrated.
In the present embodiment, as described above, the check valve 3a is configured to forcibly open the check valve 3a in the automatic pouring mode (hot water filling: FIG. 22) by the forced valve opening mechanism. Yes. Thereby, since hot water does not flow into the swirl chamber 2b in the automatic pouring mode, it is possible to prevent the generation of loud noises and the scattering of hot water caused by the hot water jetting from the bubble jet outlet 2c.

  The check valve 3a having the forced valve opening mechanism of the present embodiment can be applied not only to the first embodiment but also to the second and third embodiments.

(Embodiment 5)
Referring to FIG. 23, in the configuration of the present embodiment, flow path switching valve 12 is a four-way valve. The four-way valve 12 is controlled by the control unit 40, and after the hot water in the bathtub 14 is discharged, the valve body is in an intermediate position (a position in which both the forward and return passages communicate with each other in the four-way valve 12). The residual water in the four-way valve 12 is configured to be discharged.

  When the hot water is filled in the bathtub, the valve body of the four-way valve 12 is returned to the normal position. The control unit 40 may be the same as the storage / control unit 19 in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  In addition, since the structure of this Embodiment other than this is as substantially the same as the structure of Embodiment 1 mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same element and the description is not repeated.

Next, the control of the four-way valve of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
Referring to FIG. 24, in the pouring / replacement mode in the present embodiment, the valve body of four-way valve 12 is in the position B as in the pouring / retreating mode of the second embodiment shown in FIG. It is controlled by the control unit 40 so that

  Referring to FIG. 25, in the bubble generation mode in the present embodiment, the control unit is set so that the valve body of four-way valve 12 is in the position A as in the bubble generation mode of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 40.

  Referring to FIG. 26, if the hot water in the bathtub 14 is discharged with the valve body of the four-way valve 12 in the position B, and the remaining water in the four-way valve 12 is discharged based on the discharged water, it is connected to the forward passage. The remaining water in the passage of the four-way valve 12 is discharged from the four-way valve 12. However, residual water in the passage of the four-way valve 12 connected to the return passage still remains in the four-way valve 12. For this reason, when this residual water freezes, there exists a possibility that the four-way valve 12 may be damaged.

  Referring to FIG. 27, in this embodiment, after the hot water in bathtub 14 is discharged, the valve body of four-way valve 12 is in the intermediate position (the position where both the forward and return passages communicate with each other in four-way valve 12). ) Is controlled by the control unit 40.

  Referring to FIG. 28, by setting the valve body to the intermediate position as described above, it is possible to discharge all the remaining water in the four-way valve 12 from the four-way valve 12.

  According to the present embodiment, as described above, after the hot water in the bathtub 14 is discharged, the valve body of the four-way valve 12 is set to the intermediate position, so that all the remaining water in the four-way valve 12 is all four-way valve. It becomes possible to discharge from the inside. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the four-way valve 12 from being damaged due to the remaining water in the four-way valve 12 being frozen.

  In addition, although Embodiment 1-5 mentioned above demonstrated the case where the circulation member 1 was the bathtub circulation adapter attached to the bathtub 14, if it has a bubble generation function, even if it is not attached to the bathtub 14 Good.

Embodiments 1 to 5 described above can be combined as appropriate.
The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  The present invention can be advantageously applied to a bathtub circulation device for circulating hot water between a bathtub and a heat supply unit.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Bath circulation adapter (circulation member), 1a 1st flow path, 1b 2nd flow path, 2a Air inlet, 2b Swirling chamber, 2c Bubble jet outlet, 3a-3d Check valve, 4a, 4b Suction port , 4c add焚噴outlet 11 additionally焚配tube, 11a a first pipe, 11b second pipe 11a _1, 11a _2, 11b _1, 11b ₂ pipe, 12 the flow channel switching valve, 12a, 12b three-way valve, 13 Heat supply unit, 13a Heat exchanger, 13b Combustion burner, 13c Blower, 14 Bath, 15 Circulation pump, 16 Bath water flow switch, 17 Water level sensor, 18 Pouring solenoid valve, 19 Memory / control unit, 21 Heat supply unit for hot water supply , 22 piping, 31 warm bath switch, 32 heat source machine control unit, 34 pressure switch, 40 control unit.

Claims (5)

A bathtub circulation device for circulating hot water between a bathtub and a heat supply unit,
A circulation pump for circulating hot water between the bathtub and the heat supply unit;
A circulating member with a bubble generating function;
Remembrance pipes each including a first passage and a second passage connected to the circulation member;
A flow path switching valve that is connected in the middle of the memorial piping and that switches between the first passage and the second passage;
Using signal values that show different characteristics between the bubble generation operation and the chasing operation, it is determined whether the first passage and the second passage are back and forth, and the flow path switching valve It is configured to be able to switch and control the return to and from the second passage,
The signal value is a current value of the motor of the circulation pump, the bath tank circulation system. A bathtub circulation device for circulating hot water between a bathtub and a heat supply unit,
A circulation pump for circulating hot water between the bathtub and the heat supply unit;
A circulating member with a bubble generating function;
Remembrance pipes each including a first passage and a second passage connected to the circulation member;
A flow path switching valve that is connected in the middle of the memorial piping and that switches between the first passage and the second passage;
Using signal values that show different characteristics between the bubble generation operation and the chasing operation, it is determined whether the first passage and the second passage are back and forth, and the flow path switching valve It is configured to be able to switch and control the return to and from the second passage,
A water level sensor for measuring the pressure of the hot water, disposed in a path on the discharge side of the circulation pump;
The signal value, an output value of the water level sensor, the bath tank circulation system. A bathtub circulation device for circulating hot water between a bathtub and a heat supply unit,
A circulation pump for circulating hot water between the bathtub and the heat supply unit;
A circulating member with a bubble generating function;
Remembrance pipes each including a first passage and a second passage connected to the circulation member;
A flow path switching valve that is connected in the middle of the memorial piping and that switches between the first passage and the second passage;
Using signal values that show different characteristics between the bubble generation operation and the chasing operation, it is determined whether the first passage and the second passage are back and forth, and the flow path switching valve It is configured to be able to switch and control the return to and from the second passage,
A pressure switch for measuring a differential pressure between the suction side and the discharge side of the circulation pump;
The signal value is a operation signal of the pressure switch, the bath tank circulation system. After said hot water in the bathtub is discharged, configured to discharge residual water in the flow path switching valve, bathtub circulation apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3. The circulation member includes a flow path on the bubble generation side and a flow path on the tracking side,
Wherein at the time of hot-clad supplying hot water to the bathtub, the flow path of the bubble generating side of the circulation member is configured to be closed, bathtub circulation apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4.

Images