JPH06147643A - Hot-water supplier for bathtub - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce the fluctuation of a water level upon hot-water filling and a water level upon hot-water adding and shorten a time necessary for hot-water filling by supplying hot-water through two pipes by a method wherein a relation between the water level of a bathtub and the amount of hot-water is taken into data upon the initial hot-water filling. CONSTITUTION:Upon initial hot-water filling, the water level data and the data of amount of hot-water of a water level change detecting point corresponding to the set amount of hot-water are obtained from the water level and the flow rate at every detecting points of changes of water levels, detected by a water level sensor 44. The obtained data are stored into a memory means 85. Upon hot-water filling of next time, the amount of hot-water corresponding to the set amount of hot-water is supplied into a bathtub through the sending pipeline and returning pipeline of a circulation passage so that the water level of hot-water filling coincides with the water level at the water level change detecting point. When the descending of the water level is detected by the water level sensor 44 under the condition of hot-water filling, hot-water is added to a level same as the level of the water level data corresponding to the set amount of hot-water or the water level upon hot-water filling.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hot water supply device for a bathtub for automatically filling and adding hot water to the bathtub.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a circulation warming type hot water supply apparatus for bathtubs, a circulation path is provided in which one end of the outflow pipe and the return pipe communicates with the bathtub and the other end communicates with each other via a circulation electric valve. A circulation pump and a heat insulation heater are installed in the passage. A hot water supply pipe for supplying hot and cold water having a set hot water temperature is connected to the forward pipe of the circulation path via a hot water supply electric valve.

At the time of filling with hot water, the hot water supply electric valve is opened, and hot water is supplied to the bathtub through the hot water supply pipe and the upstream pipe of the circulation path. Further, at the time of keeping the circulation warm, the electric circulation valve is opened and the circulation pump is operated. The hot water in the bathtub is circulated in the circulation path to be heated and kept warm by the warming heater.

In addition, in order to automatically fill and add hot water to a bathtub, there are a case where a water level sensor is used to supply water to a predetermined water level and a case where a flow sensor is used to supply a predetermined amount of hot water. When using a water level sensor,
There are cases where the water level sensor is provided in the bathtub and cases where it is provided in the return pipe.

[0005]

As described above, when the water level sensor is provided in the bathtub, the bathtub installed indoors and the water heater installed outdoors must be electrically connected. However, there is a problem that the workability is poor and malfunctions are likely to occur due to the influence of hot water and the like. Further, when the water level sensor is provided in the return pipe, the problem of providing it in the bathtub can be solved, but when the water level is filled,
Since it is necessary to supply hot water through the pipe and monitor the water level in the bathtub through the return pipe, there is a problem that it takes time to fill the water.

Further, when a flow rate sensor is used, a fixed amount of water can be supplied to the bathtub at the time of filling water, but at the time of adding hot water, it is necessary to detect a decrease in the water level with a water level sensor and the Has a problem that it is difficult to set the amount of hot water to add because the relationship between the water level and the amount of hot water differs depending on the shape and size of the bathtub.

Therefore, at the time of filling water, the set amount of hot water is supplied to the bathtub by using the flow rate sensor, and after filling the water, the water level sensor monitors the water level, and when the water level drop is detected, that is, when adding water, the water level sensor adds water to a predetermined level. It is possible to do so.

By the way, the detected value of the water level sensor is A / D converted and input to the control circuit. However, in the microcomputer of the control circuit, the water level change must be made unless the output value of the water level sensor corresponds to a certain water level difference. Unreadable,
For example, every time the water level changes by about 30 mm, the water level change is read as +1 unit or -1 unit.

Therefore, if the set amount of hot water is supplied at the time of filling, the filling water level often does not match the water level change detection point by the water level sensor. There is a problem in that when water is added for a minute, the water level at the time of adding water greatly changes relative to the water level at the time of filling water.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is for a bathtub capable of shortening the filling time and reducing the fluctuation between the water level at the time of filling and the water level at the time of adding hot water. It is intended to provide a hot water supply device.

[0011]

According to the present invention, one end of the outflow pipe and the return pipe communicate with the bathtub and the other end communicates with each other through a circulating electric valve, and a circulation pump and a heat insulation heater are provided in the middle of the pipe. The circulation path, the hot water supply path communicating with the forward piping of the circulation path via the hot water supply electric valve, the flow rate sensor provided in the hot water supply path, the water level sensor provided in the return piping of the circulation path, and the first hot water filling At the time, by controlling the opening of the hot water supply electric valve, the first hot water filling control means for supplying hot water to the bathtub through the forward pipe of the circulation path, and the first hot water filling process,
For each water level change detection point by the water level sensor, from the water level and the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor, calculating means for obtaining water level data and hot water amount data at the water level change detection point corresponding to the set hot water amount, and this calculating means Storage means for storing water level data and hot water amount data corresponding to the obtained set hot water amount, and opening control of the circulating electric valve and the hot water supplying electric valve at the time of the next filling of the hot water, and the forward pipe and the return pipe of the circulation path. The next hot water filling control means for supplying hot water amount data corresponding to the set hot water amount to the bathtub through the two pipes, and when the water level drop is detected by the water level sensor in the hot water filling state, the hot water supply electric valve is controlled to be opened. And a hot water control means for adding hot water to the water level of the water level data corresponding to the set hot water amount.

[0012]

In the present invention, at the time of initial filling of water, hot water is supplied to the bathtub through the upstream pipe of the circulation path, and in this hot water supply process, the water level and the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor are detected at each water level change detection point by the water level sensor. From this, the water level data and the hot water amount data at the water level change detection points corresponding to the set hot water amount are obtained, and these data are stored in the storage means.

At the next filling of the hot water, the hot water amount data corresponding to the set hot water amount stored in the storage means is read out, and the hot water amount data is supplied to the bathtub through the forward pipe and the return pipe of the circulation path. Therefore, the filling time is shortened, and the water level filled in the bathtub coincides with the water level change detection point by the water level sensor.

When the water level sensor detects a drop in the water level in the water-filled state, the water level data corresponding to the set amount of hot water stored in the storage means is read out and the hot water is added to the level. Therefore, water is added to the same water level as when water is filled.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The structure of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 shows the installed state of the hot water supply device for the bathtub,
A bathtub 1 is provided in an indoor bathroom, and a device body 2 is provided outdoors.

Inside the apparatus main body 2, an electric water heater 11 which employs a push-up type hot water supply hot water supply system is arranged. This electric water heater 11 has a heater 13 arranged at the bottom of the tank 12, a pipe portion 14a of a water supply pipe 14 directly connected to the water source side water pipe is connected to the lower portion of the tank 12, and an upper portion of the tank 12 is connected. A hot water supply pipe 15 is connected to. A pressure reducing valve 16 for maintaining a constant water pressure is installed in the middle of the pipe portion 14a of the water supply pipe 14, and in the middle of the hot water supply pipe 15 for discharging the expansion of water when boiling in the tank 12. A pressure relief valve 17 is incorporated. Further, a water pipe 19 provided with a drain plug 18 is connected to the lower portion of the tank 12.

In the push-up type electric water heater 11, hot water is pushed up by the water pressure supplied to the lower part of the tank 12, and the upper hot water layer and the lower room temperature water layer are separated via the hot and cold water mixed layer. The mixed layer rises with the use of hot water. The remaining hot water amount in the tank 12 is, for example, 120 liters and 60 liters.
Detect by b. A thermistor 21 is provided near the bottom of the tank 12.

Further, the pipe portion 14a of the water supply pipe 14 and the pipe portion 15a of the hot water supply pipe 15 are respectively connected to the mixing valve 22 by a check valve.
Connected through 23. This mixing valve 22
Is an electric type that mixes room temperature water and high temperature hot water from the tank 12 to make hot and cold water at the set hot water temperature, and uses the solenoid valve 24 and the flow sensor.
It is supplied to the hopper 27 through a pipe 26 incorporating 25.

The hopper 27 separates the electric water heater 11 side and the bathtub 1 side when the water supply pressure becomes negative due to water cutoff or the like, and is located higher than the bathtub 1. When the solenoid valve 24 is closed, the valve body 28 closes the opening of the pipe 26, the valve body 29 opens the opening of the overflow pipe 30, and the valve body 31
Closes the communication part 32. When the solenoid valve 24 is opened, the pressure of the hot water causes the valve body 28 to open and the valve body 29 to overflow.
30 is closed, the valve body 31 is opened, and hot water flows out to the pipe 33 through the communication part 32.

An electric valve 34 for hot water supply is incorporated in the pipe 33,
The tip of the pipe 33 is connected to the circulation path 35. The hot water supply pipe 15, the pipe 26, the pipe 33, and the like constitute a hot water supply passage.

The circulation path 35 includes a forward pipe 36 and a return pipe 37.
The forward pipe 36 and the return pipe 37 have one end integrally connected to the circulation fitting 38 of the bath 1 and the other end connected to each other via a circulation electric valve 39. The return pipe 36 has a circulation path.
Circulation pump 40 for forcibly circulating hot water in 35, circulation path
Water flow switch 41 for detecting the flow of hot water in 35, circulation path 35
A thermistor 42 for detecting the temperature of hot water in the inside and a heat retention heater 43 for heating and keeping the hot water flowing in the circulation path 35 are incorporated. The return pipe 37 has a water level sensor consisting of a pressure sensor.
44 built in.

Further, one end of an air hose 45 is integrally connected to the circulation fitting 38, and the other end of the air hose 45 is connected to the bathtub 1.
It is opened and closed by the solenoid valve 46 at a higher position.

The pipe portion 14b of the water supply pipe 14 and the hot water supply pipe
The pipe portion 15b of 15 is connected to a mixed faucet 48 having a shower 47 and the like in the bathroom.

FIG. 3 shows an operation unit arranged on the wall surface of the bathroom.
The operation unit 51 includes a display 52 for selectively displaying the hot water temperature and the hot water amount, an automatic hot water switch 53, an adjustment switch 54 for adjusting the hot water temperature and the hot water amount, and a display and setting of the hot water temperature and the hot water amount. A changeover switch 55 for switching, a high temperature hot water switch 56 for manually supplying high temperature hot water, and a hot water hot water switch 57 for manually adding hot water are provided. The selection status of the hot water temperature and the hot water amount is indicated by the lighting of the light emitting diode 58, and the light emitting diode corresponding to the operation of the automatic hot water filling switch 53, the high-temperature hot water switch 56 and the additional hot water switch 57.
59 is lit up.

FIG. 1 shows an electric circuit diagram, which is provided with a control circuit 61 for an electric water heater and a control circuit 62 for hot water supply.
61 and 62 are connected via a cable 63 for taking in the remaining hot water amount information.

The control circuit 61 has a microcomputer, is connected to a terminal block 64 connected to a commercial power source via a leakage breaker 65, and is supplied with control power by a power transformer 66. Then, the relay 68 incorporated between the leakage breaker 65, the heater 13 and the overheat protector 67 is turned on / off to control the remaining hot water amount detection sensors 20a, 20b and the thermistor.
21 monitors the temperature of the hot water in the tank 12.

The control circuit 62 has a microcomputer, is connected to a terminal block 69 connected to a commercial power supply via a leakage breaker 70, and is supplied with control power by a power transformer 71. Then, through the leakage breaker 70, the circulation pump
Controls a switch 72 connected in series with 40, a heat retention heater 43, and a switch 74 connected in series with an overheat protector 73, and also controls the mixing valve 22, the motor operated valves 34, 39, and the solenoid valve 24. . Further, the flow rate sensor 25, the water flow switch 41, the thermistor 42, and the water level sensor 44 monitor the flow rate of hot water into the bathtub 1, the flow of hot water in the circulation path 35, the temperature of hot water in the bathtub 1 and the water level.

The detection value of the water level sensor 44 is A / D converted and input to the control circuit 62. In the microcomputer of the control circuit 62, the detection value of the water level sensor 44 corresponding to a certain water level difference is used. The water level change can be read as one unit. For example, every time the water level changes by about 30 mm, the water level change is read as +1 unit or -1 unit.

The control circuit 62 has the following functions. Solenoid valve 24 and electric valve for hot water supply at first filling
A function of the first-time filling control means 81 which controls 34 to supply the set amount of hot water to the bathtub 1 through the outflow pipe 36 of the circulation path 35. In the initial filling process, an arithmetic means for obtaining water level data and water amount data at the water level change detection point corresponding to the set hot water amount from the water level and the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 25 for each water level change detection point by the water level sensor 44. 82 features. At the next filling of hot water, the circulating electric valve 39, the hot water solenoid valve 24 and the electric valve
Controls 34 to control the forward line 36 and return line 37 of the circuit 35.
The function of the next filling control means 83 for supplying hot water amount data corresponding to the set hot water amount to the bathtub 1 through the two pipes. When water level drop is detected by the water level sensor 44 in the water-filled state,
A function of the hot water control means 84 that controls the electromagnetic valve 24 and the motor-operated valve 34 for hot water supply to add hot water to the water level of the water level data corresponding to the set hot water amount.

Further, the control circuit 62 is provided with a storage means 85 for storing water level data and hot water amount data corresponding to the set hot water amount obtained by the calculating means 82.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

The electric water heater 11 boiles room temperature water supplied to the tank 12 and hot water not used as residual hot water into hot water of a predetermined temperature in a specific time zone such as a midnight power time zone.

Then, referring to the flow charts of FIGS. 6 to 8, the bathtub 1 by the control circuit 62 of the bathtub water heater is shown.
The automatic hot water filling and the automatic hot water addition will be described.

When the automatic filling switch 53 is turned on (step 1), it is judged whether or not it is the first filling (step 2), and if it is the first filling after the construction of the bath water heater or after the power failure,
The first filling operation by the first filling control means 81 starts (proceeds to step 3), and if it is the second and subsequent fillings, the next filling operation by the next filling control means 83 enters (step 31). move on).

For the initial filling, the size of the bathtub 1, the position of the circulation fitting 38, and the relationship between the water level to be filled and the amount of hot water are taken. 4 is an explanatory view for explaining the hot water supply operation to the bathtub 1 at the time of initial filling of water, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the water level and the amount of hot water at the time of initial filling of water.

When the initial hot water filling operation is started, it is judged whether or not the electric water heater 11 has a residual hot water amount of 120 liters or more (step 3).

If there is not more than 120 liters of hot water remaining, an error is displayed on the display 52 and the automatic operation is stopped (step 4). This is because if the hot water filling is performed when the remaining hot water amount is 120 liters or less, the hot water amount at the completion of the hot water filling will decrease, depending on the hot water filling amount, and the hot water in the electric water heater 11 can be used for other purposes. This is because the amount of hot water used is limited.

For example, when the amount of remaining hot water is about 120 liters,
When boiling at 85 ° C and water temperature at 10 ° C, the required amount of hot water is 42 ° C and 180 liters.
−42) x = (42-10) (180-x), and x = 76.8 liters. Therefore, the amount of remaining hot water after filling is as small as 43.2 liters, which limits the use of hot water. Further, when the amount of remaining hot water is about 60 liters, the filling of water cannot be completed.

When the user selects to fill the bathtub 1 with hot water, hot water is supplied to the bathtub 1 from the faucet of the mixed faucet 48.

Therefore, unlike the instantaneous boiling hot water supply of gas or the like, since there is a limit to the amount of hot water that can be used in the hot water storage type electric water heater 11 in which boiling is performed at a specific time zone, a selection that prompts reconfirmation about the use of hot water Confirmation can be added to improve usability for the amount of remaining hot water.

When the amount of remaining hot water is 120 liters or more, the initial hot water filling takes data of the bathtub 1, so that the initial hot water temperature is 42 ° C. and the hot water amount is 180 liters (step 5).

In the initial filling operation, first, the electric valve 39 is opened and the solenoid valve 24 and the electric valve 34 are controlled to open and close,
Further, the flow rate is monitored by the flow rate sensor 25, and hot water of 5 liters is supplied to the bathtub 1 through two pipes of the circulation pipe 35, the forward pipe 36 and the return pipe 37 (step 6) (water level S1 in FIG. 4)
). The supply of hot water also serves as priming water for the circulation pump 40.

The circulation pump 40 is driven (step 7), and it is confirmed whether hot water circulates in the circulation path 35 and the water flow switch 41 is turned on (step 8). This is to confirm whether or not there is residual hot water in the bathtub 1, and accurate data cannot be obtained if the residual hot water remains in the bathtub 1 at the time of first filling.
If the water flow switch 41 is turned on, an error is displayed on the display 52 to indicate that there is residual hot water in the bathtub 1, and the automatic operation is stopped (step 9).

If the water flow switch 41 is not turned on, the circulation pump 40 is stopped (step 10), and the solenoid valve 24 and the motorized valve are stopped.
The opening and closing of 34 is controlled, the flow rate is monitored by the flow rate sensor 25, and hot water of about 30 liters is supplied to the bathtub 1 through the forward pipe 36 and the return pipe 37 of the circulation path 35 (step 11) (Fig. 11). 4 water level S2). By supplying about 30 liters of hot and cold water through the forward pipe 36 and the return pipe 37 of the circulation path 35, the entire insides of the pipes 36 and 37 are sufficiently filled with hot water, and it is difficult to collect air, etc. Will be accurate.

When about 30 liters of hot water is supplied, the motor-operated valve 39 is controlled to be closed, and hot water is continuously supplied to the bathtub 1 through one of the outgoing pipes 36 (step 12). At the same time, the pressure change detection point of the water level sensor 44 is monitored (step 13).

If the pressure of the water level sensor 44 does not change even after supplying 150 liters from the start of filling (step 1
4), an error is displayed on the display 52 and the automatic operation is stopped (step 15).

Then, when the water level in the bathtub 1 rises to a position slightly higher than the center of the circulation fitting 38, water pressure is applied to the water level sensor 44 to cause a pressure change (water level S3 in FIG. 4). From this pressure change detection point About 20 liters of hot water is supplied (step 16) (water level S4 in FIG. 4). As a result, the circulation fitting 38 is submerged in the hot and cold water.

Then, the motor-operated valve 39 is opened and the circulation pump 40 is driven (step 17), and it is confirmed whether hot water circulates in the circulation path 35 to turn on the water flow switch 41 (step 18). This confirms that the water level in the bathtub 1 is surely higher than the circulating metal fitting 38, and surely bleeds air from the pipes 36 and 37.

When the circulation pump 40 does not circulate due to the air leakage phenomenon, the circulation pump 40 is temporarily stopped (step 19), the solenoid valve 24 and the motor-operated valve 34 are controlled to open and close,
After supplying about 20 liters of hot and cold water to the bathtub 1 through the forward pipe 36 and the return pipe 37 of the circulation path 35 (step
20), the circulation pump 40 is re-driven (step 21), and it is reconfirmed whether the water flow switch 41 is turned on (step 22). If it does not circulate even after reconfirmation, an error is displayed on the display 52 and the automatic operation is stopped (step 23).

When the circulation of hot water in the circulation path 35 is confirmed, the circulation pump 40 is stopped (step 24).

Next, initial water filling is performed to fill the set amount of hot water while measuring the peculiar water level-hot water amount relationship corresponding to the shape of the bathtub 1 and the like (step 25).

First, the water level detected by the water level sensor 44 is used as the reference water level x1, and the amount y1 of hot water supplied to the bathtub 1 by this time is obtained, and the reference water level x1 and the amount y1 of hot water are stored in the storage means 85. .

The solenoid valve 24 and the motor-operated valve 34 are controlled to be opened while the motor-operated valve 39 is closed, so that hot and cold water can flow through the circulation pipe 35 in the forward piping.
Hot water is supplied to the bathtub 1 through one pipe 36, and the water level y2 at the water level change detection point that can be detected next by the water level sensor 44 is used to obtain the hot water amount y2 up to that point, and the water level x2 and the hot water amount y2 are stored in the storage means 85.

Then, the water level xt and the amount of hot water yt are calculated by the following equation by the function of the calculating means 82 of the control circuit 62. With this equation, the water level xt at the water level change detection point that can be detected by the water level sensor 44 that is predicted to be closest to the set hot water amount and the hot water amount yt up to that point can be obtained.

[0056]

[Formula 1] That is, here, the set amount of hot water is 180 liters, and the water levels x1 and x2 and the amounts of hot water y1 and y2 are calculated.
The formula is as follows.

[0057]

[Formula 2] Then, until the next water level change detection point is detected and the data is updated, hot water filling is performed with the calculated hot water amount yt as a target. At the next water level change detection point by the water level sensor 44, the water level x3 and the hot water amount y3 are obtained in the same manner as described above, and the water level xt and the hot water amount yt are again obtained by the above equations based on these, and the newly obtained hot water amount yt is set as the target. Fill with water.

In this way, the water level change can be read at each water level change detection point by the water level sensor 44, that is, by the control circuit 62.
For each unit, the water level x3, x4 ... xn and the amount of hot water y2, y3 ...
The water level xt and the amount of hot water yt are obtained from yn, the data obtained from the water level xn and the amount of hot water yn immediately before the target value are used as the final target value, and hot water supply is stopped at the hot water amount yt.

Then, as shown in Table 1, the data of the water level xt and the water amount yt obtained from the water level xn and the water amount yn are determined as the data of the added hot water level xt3 and the hot water amount yt3 corresponding to 180 liters. For each set hot water amount (every 10 liters of 160 to 280 liters) that can be arbitrarily selected by the user, by replacing the set hot water amount of the above formula to obtain, the added hot water level xt corresponding to each set hot water amount
1, xt2 ... xtn and the amount of filling water yt1, yt2 ... ytn are determined, and each data is stored in the storage means 85.

[0060]

[Table 1] In this way, in the initial filling, the peculiar water level-hot water amount corresponding to the shape of the bathtub 1 is measured, and the hot water amount corresponding to the water level at the water level change detection point by the water level sensor 44 closest to the set hot water amount is supplied. To do.

After the filling of water, the hopper 27 is drained (step 26), and the series of initial filling operations is completed.

Next, in the next and subsequent filling of water, when the automatic filling switch 53 is turned on, first, as in the case of the first filling, it is judged whether the electric water heater 11 has a residual hot water amount of 120 liters or more. (Step 31) If the remaining hot water amount is 120 liters or more, the set temperature and the set hot water amount are set (step 32).

In the next filling operation, first, the electric valve 39 is opened and the solenoid valve 24 and the electric valve 34 are controlled to open and close.
Further, the flow rate is monitored by the flow rate sensor 25, and about 5 liters of hot water is supplied to the bathtub 1 through the forward pipe 36 and the return pipe 37 of the circulation path 35 (step 33). The supply of hot water also serves as priming water for the circulation pump 40.

The circulation pump 40 is driven (step 34), and it is confirmed whether hot water circulates in the circulation path 35 and the water flow switch 41 is turned on (step 35).

If the water flow switch 41 is not turned on, the circulation pump 40 is stopped (step 36), and the solenoid valve 24 and the motorized valve are stopped.
Opening / closing control of 34 and monitoring the flow rate by the flow rate sensor 25, hot water obtained by subtracting 5 liters from the hot water amount data corresponding to the set hot water amount stored in the storage means 85 Hot water is supplied to the bathtub 1 through the two return pipes 37 (step 37).

As described above, by supplying hot water through the two pipes, the filling of water can be completed in a short time. Also,
The water level filled in the bathtub 1 coincides with the water level change detection point by the water level sensor 44.

When the water flow switch 41 is turned on, it is determined that there is residual hot water in the bathtub 1, and the temperature of the residual hot water is detected by the thermistor 42 to determine whether the set hot water temperature is -3 ° C or lower. Judge (step 38).

When the hot water remaining in the bathtub 1 is within -3 ° C of the set hot water temperature, it is judged that the hot water can be used by keeping it warm, and after the warming heater 43 is turned on, the hot water is kept at the preset hot water temperature ( Step 39), stop the circulation pump (Step 40),
The water level is monitored (step 41). If the water level is below the set water level, the motor-operated valve 39 is closed, the solenoid valve 24 and the motor-operated valve 34 are controlled to be opened and closed, and the bathtub 1 is passed through one of the outgoing pipes 36.
The water level sensor 44 monitors the water level while hot water is supplied to the storage means 85.
The hot water is added to the water level of the water level data corresponding to the set hot water amount stored in (steps 42, 43, 44).

On the other hand, when the temperature is -3 ° C or lower, the heat insulation heater
Since it takes time to keep the residual hot water in 40, the heat is not kept, an error is displayed on the display 52, and the automatic operation is stopped.

After filling the water, the hopper 27 is drained (step 45), and the series of the next filling operation is completed.

Next, after the completion of the first filling and the next filling, the heat retaining circulation mode is entered.

First, the circulation pump 40 is driven to circulate the hot and cold water in the bathtub 1 into the circulation path 35 (step 51).
Start the minute circulation timer (step 52).
The temperature of the hot water circulated by the thermistor 42 is detected (step 53), and it is determined whether or not the detected temperature is below the set temperature until the circulation timer times out (steps 54, 5).
Five).

If the detected hot water temperature is equal to or lower than the set temperature, the heat retention heater 43 is turned on to keep the temperature until the set temperature is reached (steps 56, 57 and 58).

When the hot and cold water in the bathtub 1 is at the set temperature or the heat retention by the heat retention heater 40 is completed, the circulation pump 40 is stopped (step 59).

In the warm circulation mode immediately after filling with hot water,
Data collection is performed simultaneously for temperature correction. This is because even if hot water having a set temperature is set by the mixing valve 22, the hot water temperature is lowered due to heat radiation in the circulation path 35 and the bathtub 1, the hot water temperature drop due to heat radiation is measured, and the measured value is set. By obtaining the difference between the values and adding the difference to the set temperature at the time of the next filling of water, the hot water temperature of the hot water that has been actually filled can be brought close to the set hot water temperature.

Next, when the circulation timer expires or the heat retention by the heat retention heater 40 is completed, the water level monitoring mode is entered.

First, for example, an interval timer for 10 minutes is started (step 60), and it is judged by the water level sensor 44 whether or not the water level is lower than the set water level, that is, whether or not the water level for one unit at which the water level change can be read by the control circuit 62 has dropped. The decision
Repeat until the interval timer times out (steps 61 and 62).

If the water level is below the set water level, the motor-operated valve 39 is closed, the solenoid valve 24 and the motor-operated valve 34 are controlled to be opened and closed, and the water level sensor 44 controls the water level while supplying hot water to the bathtub 1 through one of the outgoing pipes 36. The water level of the water level data monitored or stored in the storage means 85 and corresponding to the set hot water amount, that is, the control circuit
Add hot water to the water level at which the water level change can be read by one unit at 62 (steps 63, 64, 65). The hot water temperature of the supplemental water is adjusted by the mixing valve 22 so as to be slightly higher than the set temperature.

In addition, since the water level at the time of filling the water is the detection point for the water level change, it is possible to add water to the same level as at the time of the water filling and reduce fluctuations in the water level. You can

Further, when the amount of the supplementary hot water becomes 100 liters or more (step 66), there is a possibility that the plug of the bathtub 1 is unplugged and the amount of remaining hot water of the electric water heater 11 becomes small. An error is displayed and automatic operation is stopped (step 67).

When the interval timer times out, the process returns to step 51, and the heat retention circulation mode and the water level monitoring mode are repeated.

By operating the addition water switch 57, about 20 liters of addition water can be manually supplied. By operating the high-temperature hot water switch 56, high-temperature hot water of about 20 liters can be manually supplied.

[0083]

According to the present invention, the relationship between the water level and the amount of hot water in the bathtub is converted into data at the time of first filling, and the amount of hot water data corresponding to the set amount of hot water at the time of filling next time is stored in the forward and return pipes of the circulation path. By supplying hot water to the bathtub through the two pipes, the filling time can be shortened and the water level filled in the bathtub can be made to coincide with the water level change detection point by the water level sensor. If the water temperature decreases, it is possible to add the hot water to the water level of the water level data corresponding to the set hot water amount, thereby adding the hot water to the same water level as the water level at the time of filling the water, and reducing the fluctuation of the water level.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an electric circuit diagram showing an embodiment of a hot water supply device for a bath according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a piping diagram of the above embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an operation unit of the above embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view for explaining the hot water supply operation to the bathtub at the time of initial filling of water in the same embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between the water level and the amount of hot water at the time of initial filling in the same as the above embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an automatic control operation of the above embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart diagram following FIG. 6 of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart diagram following FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 of the above embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Bathtub 25 Flow rate sensor 33 Piping that forms part of the hot water supply path 34 Hot water supply motorized valve 35 Circulation path 36 Outgoing piping 37 Return piping 39 Circulation electric valve 40 Circulation pump 43 Heat retention heater 44 Water level sensor 81 First time filling control means 82 Calculation means 83 Next-time filling control means 84 Addition bath control means 85 Storage means

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Outgoing pipes and return pipes have one end communicating with a bath and the other end communicating with a circulating motor-operated valve,
A circulation passage provided with a circulation pump and a heat-retaining heater in the middle of the pipe, a hot water supply passage communicating with the forward pipe of the circulation passage through an electric hot water supply valve, a flow rate sensor provided in the hot water supply passage, and a return passage of the circulation passage. A water level sensor provided in the pipe, an initial hot water filling control means for opening the hot water supply electric valve to supply hot water to the bathtub through the circulation pipe of the circulation path at the time of the first hot water filling, and the water level in the first hot water filling process. For each water level change detection point by the sensor, a calculating means for obtaining water level data and hot water amount data at the water level change detecting point corresponding to the set hot water amount from the water level and the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor, and the calculating means. Storage means for storing water level data and hot water amount data corresponding to the set hot water amount, and at the time of next hot water filling, the circulation electric valve and the hot water supply electric valve are controlled to be opened so that the circulation path The next hot water filling control means for supplying hot water amount data corresponding to the set hot water amount to the bathtub through the two pipes of the outgoing pipe and the return pipe, and when the water level decrease is detected by the water level sensor in the hot water condition, A hot water supply device for a bathtub, comprising: a hot water control means for controlling the opening of the valve to add hot water to the water level of the water level data corresponding to the set hot water amount.