JPH0413014A - Fluid supply controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent abrupt pressure rise in a supply passage at the time of starting supplying by controlling a flow control valve of the passage to a set flow rate or less at the time of starting supplying, and supplying at the set rate after a predetermined time from the time of starting supplying. CONSTITUTION:A water quantity control valve 44 to become a flow control valve is so controlled by a controller 34 as to be reduced to a minimum flow rate at the time of starting supplying hot water and to gradually become a set flow rate from the minimum rate after a predetermined time. When an automatic hot water supply switch 35 is set to 'ON', a water quantity control valve 5 is reduced to a minimum flow rate state, and when an automatic hot water supply solenoid valve 7 is opened, the valve 5 is slowly raised from the minimum flow rate state to the set flow rate state. The way of the control is to replace the flow rate with a pulse by a water quantity sensor 4, to convert the pulse by a microcomputer associated in the controller 34, to widen between a valve 102 and a valve retainer 103 at the time of less flow rate than a predetermined flow rate and to narrow therebetween at the time of more flow rate than the predetermined rate.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fluid supply control device for an automatic bathtub or the like that automatically fills a bathtub with hot water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventionally, this type of bathtub with water heater has adopted a configuration as shown in FIG. 6, for example. To explain the details, 1 is a bath pot with a water heater, which has a built-in heat exchanger 2 for hot water supply and a heat exchanger 18 for reheating the bath, and is used for supplying hot water to the kitchen and shower, and for refilling the bath. . First, I will explain the water supply side.

A bathtub 1 with a water heater is connected to a water supply pipe 3.
When water is led to, it is branched and one side is connected to water flow sensor 4
and the other is led to the hot water heat exchanger 2, and the other is the bypass valve 26.
After being guided to the hot water supply pipe 6, the hot water is joined with the hot water heated by the hot water supply heat exchanger 2, and flows through the hot water supply pipe 6 to reach the water quantity proportional valve 5 provided at the end of the hot water supply pipe 6. When the hot water exits the water volume proportional valve 5, it branches into the hot water pipe B.8 which is connected to the automatic hot water supply solenoid valve 7 and the hot water pipe A. which is led to the hot water faucet 9 installed in the kitchen etc. 1
It is branched out. There is an automatic hot water supply solenoid valve 7 at the end of the hot water supply pipe B.8, which passes through a first check valve 27, a vacuum breaker 28, a second check valve 29, and then a bath circuit branch 36. The two-way valve 31 is connected to one side. The two-way valve 31 has a ball valve (not shown) inside thereof, and the ball valve is arranged to be rotated by a motor 32. The two-way valve 31 can be opened and closed by rotating the ball valve.

Now, when trying to supply hot water to the bathtub 21, if the two-way valve 31 is closed, the hot water passes through the flow switch 30 and the bath heat exchanger 18, then through the bath pipe 19, and then through the bath adapter 20. and is guided to the bathtub 21.

Reference numeral 34 denotes a controller for the bathtub 1 with a water heater, which has an automatic hot water supply sequence to be described later, and executes the sequence together with the remote controller 32. 35 is an automatic hot water supply switch that automatically controls the bath pot 1 with a water heater. 37 is an operation switch. 38
a is the QB outlet. 7th automatic hot water supply sequence
This will be explained based on FIGS. 8, 9, and 1011J. Here, both the water amount sensor 4 and the flow switch 30 are
ON”L, and after confirming that water is flowing, move on to the next sequence. However, if the water flow sensor 4 and the flow switch 30 are not turned on within a predetermined time T (for example, 10 seconds) after the automatic hot water supply solenoid valve 7 is opened, the remote control 32 (for example, a bath remote control) Error display 33 is displayed with a number (for example, 53) etc., and the magnetic valve 7 for automatic hot water supply is set to "closed", and the bath pipe 19 is turned off.
A bath pipe blockage determination unit 38 is provided to detect an abnormality when the pipe is blocked due to freezing.

After confirming that there is no blockage in the bath return pipe 19, etc., the two-way valve 31 is opened, and the bath return pipe 22 and the bath return pipe 1 are closed.
9 for a predetermined time T2 (for example, 30 seconds). At this time, the circulation pump 1 installed in the bath return pipe 22
7 is automatically filled with water, and the conventional circulation pump is automatically primed. Note that a water level sensor 23 is provided between the circulation pump 17 and the bath adapter 20. At this time, the circulation pump remains rOFF (stopped).

After that, the automatic hot water supply solenoid valve 7 is closed for a predetermined period of time Tff (for example, 30 seconds), and then the circulation pump 17 is operated (operated) to check the V and circulating water, and the flow switch 30 is turned off. In such a case, a bathtub water residual water determining section 39 is provided which can confirm that there is no residual water in the bathtub 21.

Normally, during the trial run, the bathtub 21 is emptied, so the flow switch 30 is not "ON", so the remaining water determination section 3
9, it is determined that there is no residual water.

Next, the circulation pump 17 is turned OFF, the automatic hot water supply magnetic valve 7 is turned ONJ, and hot water is automatically poured through both the bath inlet pipe 19 and the bath return pipe 22 for a predetermined period of time T4 (for example, 30 seconds). At this time, the circulation pump 17 will be automatically primed again. (At this time as well, the circulation pump 17 is rO
FF” (remains stopped).Next, the two-way valve 31 is closed, and transport is carried out only from the bath-going pipe 19. At this time, since the two-way valve 31 is closed, the water level sensor 23 detects
The water level in the bathtub 21 can be detected.

The water level in the bathtub 21 is lower than the bath return pipe 2 of the bath adapter 20.
2, the output of the water level sensor 23 starts to rise, so for example 10 bits (approximately 2.5C11 at the water level).
If the raised point is defined as an inflection point, a bathtub water inflection point determining section 40 is provided.

Furthermore, the additional drop is 10 bits (approximately 2.5C at water level)
11), the two-way valve 31 is opened for a predetermined period of time Ts (for example, 30 seconds), and the bath is conveyed again through both the bath-going pipe 19 and the bath-returning pipe 22 to remove the air inside the pipes.

After that, the automatic hot water supply solenoid valve 7 is closed, and the circulation pump 17 is turned on to check the circulating water and completely remove the air in the pipes.

At this time, the flow switch 30 is turned on, and then, while the two-way valve 31 is closed, the circulation pump 17 is turned on.
OFF, then turn the automatic hot water supply solenoid valve 7 to OFF again.
N”L, predetermined time T? A bathtub water level reference point determination unit 41 is provided which uses the water level after (for example, 20 seconds) as a reference value. Thereafter, the water is conveyed through the bath pipe 19 until the set water level is reached. When the water level reaches the set level, turn on the circulation pump 17 while turning the automatic hot water supply valve 7 to ``close'' and the two-way valve 31 to ``open''.
ONJ, check the circulating water, and if the bath water is lower than the set temperature, refill (bath heat exchanger 1
The bathtub water is circulated and heated through 8→bath outgoing pipe 19→bathtub 21→bath return pipe 22→water level sensor 23→circulation pump 17→two-way valve 31→bath heat exchanger 18. ) and
Boil to the set temperature.

Here, the water amount sensor 4 integrates the amount of water poured into the bathtub from the water level reference point to the set water level.

In this embodiment, if it is set that the flow rate flowing through the bypass valve 26: the flow rate flowing through the water amount sensor=4=6, the amount dropped into the bathtub is expressed by the following equation.

The amount of water poured into the bathtub from this water level reference point to the set water level is stored in the cumulative amount of water poured into the bathtub 42. In addition,
Since the reference point is stored in the bathtub water level reference point storage section 43, the set water level can be reached by dropping the accumulated amount of water from the reference point during the next automatic hot water supply.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention (1) However, in the conventional automatic hot water supply to the bathtub 21 described above, when the automatic hot water supply starts, the bath pipe 19 with an inner diameter of 11.5 m has a total length of 15 m and the number of bends is n. = 10, for example, when a large flow rate of 241/inch begins to flow, a sudden pressure rise occurs in the bath pipe 19. At this time, the joints of the pipes, which are made of rubber, resin, etc., may be damaged. This phenomenon has become a problem since the capacity of bathtubs with water heaters has increased and it has become necessary to transport large amounts of hot water.

Furthermore, at the point indicated by A in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the two-way valve 31 is opened when the water is being fed through the bath-going pipe, and the mode is carried out through both the bath-going pipe 19 and the bath-returning pipe 22, If the pipes are conveyed as described above, for example, when the bath going pipe 19 and the bath return pipe 22 have a total length of 15 m and the number of bends is n=10, for example, 24 f/sin.
When the water starts to flow through both pipes, a sudden pressure rise occurs in the circulation pump 17 and the water level sensor 23, as shown in FIG. In other words, the normal water supply pressure is 4 to 5 at high places.
As is often the case when the water supply source pressure is around kg/c-d, the circulation pump 17 and water level sensor 23 become unstable due to the pressure drop due to resistance loss while passing through the hot water supply heat exchanger 2, etc. When hot water is flowing, usually 1 kg/c-d
Normally, only 100% of the pressure is applied. However, when the bath return pipe 22 is blocked due to freezing or when the piping is long, a sudden pressure increase as shown in FIG. 10 may occur when the water starts flowing into the bath return pipe 22.
When the circulation pump 17 and water level sensor 23 provided in the bath return pipe 22 and the joints of the pipes are made of rubber, resin, etc., they may be damaged.

Furthermore, the sudden pressure applied to the circulation pump 17 and the water level sensor 23 when the two-way valve opens in the mode A of FIGS. 7 and 8 during automatic hot water supply and hot water begins to flow into the bath return pipe 22. This is designed to reduce the rise in temperature.

Furthermore, at the point shown by B in FIGS. 7 and 8, when hot water starts to be conveyed through both the bath outgoing pipe 19 and the bath return pipe 22 after checking the circulating water, the circulation pump 17
A sudden pressure increase will occur at the water level sensor 23.
The above point B is also designed to reduce the sudden pressure increase applied to the circulation pump 17 and the water level sensor 23.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technology, and provides a fluid supply control device that prevents damage to instruments including the supply channel by alleviating the sudden pressure increase applied to the supply channel at the start of fluid supply. It is something.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a supply path for supplying liquid such as water or hot water to a predetermined location, a flow rate control valve provided in this supply path to control the flow rate, and a flow rate control valve for starting the supply. and a control means for controlling the flow rate control valve so that the flow rate is at most a set flow rate or less and a predetermined flow rate is allowed to flow after a predetermined time from the start of supply.

Further, the second means of the present invention is a bath circuit branch section provided downstream of the automatic hot water supply solenoid valve of the hot water supply pipe via a water flow control valve, and a bath circuit branch section that is connected to one of the bath circuit branch sections, and a fluid flow is caused in the middle of the bath circuit branch section. A bath pipe is connected to the bathtub via a flow switch that detects water flow and a bath heat exchanger for flushing, and a bath pipe is connected to the other branch of the bath circuit branch and is connected to the bathtub via a circulation pump, a water level sensor, and a bath adapter. It consists of a bath return pipe connected to the bathtub, and when the automatic hot water supply switch rONJ, the water flow control valve is throttled to the minimum flow rate, and when the automatic hot water supply solenoid valve is opened, the water flow control valve is opened from the minimum flow rate to the set flow rate. This is what I did.

Furthermore, the third means of the present invention is a mode in which hot water is supplied from only the bath pipe to the bathtub to hot water supply from both the bath pipe and the bath return pipe, after the automatic hot water supply solenoid valve is "closed",
When the water flow control valve is set to the minimum flow rate, and the two-way valve that can be opened and closed between the automatic hot water supply solenoid valve and the bath circuit branch and the W1 ring pump is set to ``open-1'', the water flow control valve is set to the minimum flow rate. It is designed to open from the state to the set flow rate.

Furthermore, the fourth means of the present invention is a mode in which circulating water is conveyed from the circulating water pipe through both the bath going pipe and the bath returning pipe,
Change the two-way valve that can be opened and closed between the bath circuit branch and the circulation pump from "open" to "closed," and after the two-way valve becomes "closed," turn the circulation pump rOFFB, and then turn the water flow control valve on. The water flow control valve is opened from the minimum flow rate to the set flow rate when the flow rate is throttled to the minimum flow rate and the f-magnetic valve for automatic hot water supply is opened.

Effect: With the above-mentioned means, the flow rate at the start of fluid supply is made smaller than the set amount, and thereafter is brought to the set amount, so that a sudden pressure rise in the supply path can be reduced.

By means of the second means, when the automatic hot water supply switch rONJ is activated, the water flow control valve is throttled down to the minimum flow state, and then when the automatic hot water supply solenoid valve is opened, the water flow control valve is slowly increased from the minimum state to the set flow state, for example, from 2 to 2. Since the pressure is raised over 3 seconds, it is possible to prevent a sudden pressure rise in the bath circuit.

By the third means, when starting a mode in which hot water is supplied to the bathtub through the bathtub pipe and then transported through both the bathtub pipe and the bath return pipe,
First, close the automatic hot water supply solenoid valve, then throttle the water flow control valve to the minimum flow state, and then slowly adjust the water flow control valve from the minimum flow rate to the set flow rate when opening the automatic hot water supply solenoid valve. By taking 3 seconds to build up the earthen wall, it is possible to prevent the pressure rise in the circulation pump and water level sensor installed in the bath return pipe at the start of conveyance in both the bath return pipe and the bath forward pipe.

By the fourth means, when starting a mode in which circulating water is checked and transported through both the bath outgoing pipe and the bath return pipe, the two-way valve is first moved from open to closed, and after the three-way valve is closed, the circulation pump is turned off. After setting the water flow control valve to the minimum flow rate, when opening the automatic hot water supply solenoid valve, slowly adjust the water flow control valve from the minimum flow rate to the set flow rate, e.g.
Since it takes 3 seconds to raise the water, it is possible to prevent the pressure from increasing in the circulation pump and water level sensor provided in the bath return pipe at the time of the start of conveyance in both the bath return pipe and the bath forward pipe.

EXAMPLES Examples of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4a and 4b, and 5.

Note that the same parts as in the above conventional example are given the same reference numerals, detailed explanations are omitted, and different parts will be mainly explained.

44 is a water flow control valve which is provided in place of the water flow proportional valve 5 in FIG. This water flow control valve 44
The flow rate is controlled by the controller 34 so that the flow rate is reduced to the minimum flow rate at the start of hot water supply, and after a predetermined period of time, the flow rate is gradually reduced from the minimum flow rate to the set flow rate.

First, the state in which the automatic hot water supply switch 35 is turned "ON" will be explained.

When the automatic hot water supply switch 35 is set to rONJ, the water flow control valve 5 is throttled to the minimum flow state, and when the automatic hot water supply IT solenoid valve is opened, the water flow control valve 5 is slowly changed from the minimum flow state to the set flow state, for example, 2 It was designed to rise over ~3 seconds.

Here, in this embodiment, the automatic hot water supply switch 35 is turned on.
'', hot water is supplied through the bath pipe 19 with the two-way valve 31 in the ``closed'' position.

However, when the two-way valve 31 is "open!", that is,
When hot water is supplied through both the bath outgoing pipe 19 and the bath return pipe 220, the automatic hot water supply solenoid valve 7 is similarly opened and the degree of opening of the water flow control valve 5 is controlled so that the automatic hot water supply switch is turned on. Needless to say, it is possible to prevent a sudden pressure rise in the bath circuit (bath outgoing pipe 19, bath return pipe 22) when automatic hot water supply starts.

Furthermore, a mode in which hot water is conveyed from the bath-going pipe 19 through both the bath-going pipe 19 and the bath-returning pipe 22 shown in FIG. 2, that is, the pretreatment A will be described. Turn off the automatic hot water supply solenoid valve 7,
L, throttle the water flow control valve 5 to the minimum flow state. After that, when the automatic hot water supply iIt magnetic solenoid is turned on and the two-way valve 31 is turned on, the water flow control valve 5 is opened from the minimum flow state to the set flow state, and the air bath outgoing pipe 19 and the bath return pipe are opened for T2 seconds. It is conveyed by both tubes of 22.

Next, a mode in which circulating water is checked and transported through both the bath going pipe and the bath returning pipe, that is, pretreatment B will be explained. Now, change the two-way valve 31 from "open" to "closed", and the two-way valve 31 is set to "
After the circulation pump 17 is turned OFF after the water has reached 100°C, and after the water flow control valve 5 is throttled down to the minimum flow rate, when the magnetic valve 7 and the two-way valve 31 for automatic hot water supply are set to control valve 5
is opened from the minimum flow rate to the set flow rate, and the bath is conveyed for 14 seconds through both the bath-going pipe 19 and the bath-returning pipe 20.

Now, turn on the automatic hot water supply NWA valve 7, and then turn on the two-way valve 31.
Open! : When the water starts to be conveyed through both the bath outgoing pipe 19 and the bath return pipe 22, the water flow control valve 5 changes from the minimum flow rate state (for example, 5 j!/sin ) to the set flow rate state (for example, 247!/sin ). Since the pressure is raised over several seconds, no sudden pressure rise occurs in the circulation pump 17 or the water level sensor 23. This pressure rise is shown in FIG.

Here, FIG. 3 shows the flowchart of FIG. 2 as a time chart.

Now, the operation of the water flow control valve 5 will be explained in detail. Figure 3a shows the set flow rate (for example, 24
4! Figure 3 shows a condition 116 set to flow (/sin), and shows a condition 116 set to flow at a minimum flow rate (eg, 5j!/5in) [1:117].

Here, the water flow control valve 5 will be explained in detail based on FIG. 4a. In FIG. 3a, the water flow control valve 5 is connected to the main body 101.
The valve receiver that is press-fitted and fixed therein is the part 103, and the valve receiver is the part 103.
It is mainly controlled by the valve]02 for controlling the distance between the The valve 102 is fixed to a shaft 107, and the valve 102 is pushed by the buff pressure of a spring 106 from a spring holder 105 which is sealed with the main body 101 via an O-ring 104. On the other hand, the shaft 107
can be moved left and right at the illustrated position via the bearing 109 via the O-ring 111 and the threaded portion 114. Bearing 10
9 is sealed with the main body ]01 via an O-ring 110,
Further, the motor receiver is fixed to the main body 101 via the portion 108 by screws 115. The shaft 107 can be moved left and right by a gear 112, and the gear 112 is driven by a motor unit 113. In other words, the amount of water in the valve receiver is adjusted to increase or decrease depending on the distance between the portion 103 and the valve 102, and the distance is determined by the distance between the motor unit 113 and the valve 102.
When the gear 112 is rotated, the shaft 107 is moved (and thereby adjusted).The method of control is that the flow rate is replaced with a pulse by the water flow sensor 4, and the pulse is transmitted by a microcomputer built into the controller 34. When the converted flow rate is less than the specified flow rate, the valve 102 and the valve holder are connected to the part 10.
3 is widened, and when the flow rate is larger than the actual constant flow rate, the gap between the valve 102 and the valve receiver part 103 is narrowed.

Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the present invention, the flow rate control valve of the supply path is controlled so that the flow rate is equal to or less than the set flow rate at the start of supply, and the set flow rate is supplied after a predetermined time from the start of supply. Prevents sudden pressure rise in the supply path when supply starts,
For example, when installed in a supply path, a set flow rate can be efficiently supplied without damaging various functional parts due to a sudden pressure increase.

In addition, if you close the two-way valve when starting automatic water supply, you can prevent a sudden pressure rise in the bath-going pipe when hot water starts to be supplied by the bath-going pipe, and if you open the two-way valve, the bath-going pipe and the bath return It is possible to prevent a sudden pressure rise in both pipes when water supply starts in both pipes. Therefore, damage to the rubber and resin used in the pipe joints of the bath outgoing pipe and the bath return pipe can be reduced, and damage to the circulation pump and water level sensor connected to both pipes can also be reduced, and these functions There is no need to increase the pressure resistance of parts, and costs including piping can be reduced.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a bathtub with a water heater employing an embodiment of the fluid supply control device of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a flowchart of the same automatic hot water supply, Fig. 3 is the same time chart, and Fig. 4a is the same. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the water flow control valve at the set flow rate, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the water flow control valve at the minimum flow rate, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the water flow control valve at the minimum flow rate. A pressure rise characteristic diagram at the start of conveyance of hot water, Fig. 6 is a configuration diagram of the conventional example, Fig. 7 is a flow chart of the conventional example, Fig. 8 is a time chart of the conventional example, Fig. 9 is a control program of the conventional example, FIG. 10 is a pressure rise characteristic diagram at the start of conveyance of hot water through both the bath-going pipe and the bath-returning pipe in a part of a conventional circulation pump and a water level sensor. 7...Solenoid valve for automatic hot water supply, 8-...Hot water supply pipe B
, 17...Circulation pump, 18...Bath heat exchange equipment, 19...Bath pipe, 21...
...Bathtub, 22...Bath return pipe, 23...
... Water level sensor, 30 ... Flow switch, 31 ... Two-way valve, 34 ... Controller, 36 ... Bath circuit branch, 116...
・Water flow control valve setting flow rate state, 117...Water flow control valve opening flow state. Name of agent: Patent attorney Shigetaka Awano (1 person) Figure 4 (a) Figure 4 (a) Figure Water 10% Kyo Bensui I System Wholesale IF for n-1 support rights Figure (b) Hei (Soft) Irises

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) A supply path that supplies liquid such as water or hot water to a predetermined location;
A fluid comprising a flow rate control valve provided in this supply path to control the flow rate, and a control means to control the flow rate control valve so that the flow rate is below a set flow rate at the start of supply and the set flow rate is supplied after a predetermined time from the start of supply. Supply control device. (2) A bath circuit branch section formed downstream of a water flow control valve installed in a hot water supply pipe having a solenoid valve for automatic hot water supply, and a bath circuit branch section connected to one of the bath circuit branch sections to detect the flow of hot water into the bathtub midway. A bath pipe connected to the bathtub via a flow switch and a bath heat exchanger for reheating, and a circulation pump and a water level sensor connected to the other side of the bath circuit branch part and detecting the water level of the bathtub. When the automatic hot water supply switch is turned on, the water flow control valve is throttled to the minimum flow state, and when the automatic hot water supply solenoid valve is opened, the water flow control valve is reduced to the minimum flow state. A fluid supply control device that opens from a flow rate state to a set flow rate state. (3) In the mode where hot water is supplied from only the bath pipe to the bathtub to hot water supply from both the bath pipe and the bath return pipe, after turning the automatic hot water supply solenoid valve to "close", the water flow control valve is set to the minimum flow state. When the solenoid valve for automatic hot water supply and the two-way valve that can be opened and closed between the bath circuit branch and the circulation pump are opened, the water flow control valve opens from the minimum flow state to the set flow state. The fluid supply control device according to claim (2). (4) From the circulating water check, in the mode where the water is transported through both the bath outgoing pipe and the bath return pipe, change the two-way valve that can be opened and closed between the bath circuit branch and the circulation pump from "open" to "closed". , After the two-way valve is closed, turn the circulation pump to
Claim (2): When the water flow rate control valve is throttled down to the minimum flow rate state and the automatic hot water supply solenoid valve is set to "open" after "FF", the water flow control valve is opened from the minimum flow state to the set flow rate state. The fluid supply control device described.